This army represents the transition in warfare from the Medieval into the Renaissance incorporating elements from both eras. In their time frame this army built by Charles the Bold, represents the most technologically advanced fighting force of its time. Unfortunately, it never won a battle suffering defeat at the hands of the Swiss and ultimately Charles death.

The Ordonnance incorporates longbows, handguns, artillery, crossbows, pike and finally mounted men-at-arms equipped with plate armor and lances. Any combination of these represents a formable force further enhanced by veteran trained heavy infantry status. This combination makes for a very expensive army to field, almost double of any other contemporary force.

I prefer to purchase the maximum number of longbow armed heavy infantry, organized in four stand units. Being loose order, they can maneuver quickly, especially in delaying terrain. I augment the longbows with mixed units of pike and crossbows with pavise. Giving the longbow and crossbow units defend orders makes them a potent force, especially against enemy cavalry.

Being an expensive army and usually outnumbered, it is important that your initial placement is correct. Usually I opt for hills where I can place my longbow/crossbow units supported by either organ guns or bombards. Behind the infantry I place units of wedging gendarmes to intimidate any advancing enemy infantry. My usual tactic is to wait for the enemy to advance towards me while I welcome them with long range artillery fire. As the advance closer my missile troops begin to pick on selected units to increase casualties. By the time my opponent reaches melee range his units are pretty well shot up and having to take morale checks.

This is not an army for an aggressive player, but better suited for a patient, defensive player. Going out to meet the enemy will usually result with your flanks being turned and surrounded. Therefore, I prefer to anchor my flanks on either the edge of the table or an impassible terrain feature. You can win or lose depending on your terrain picks and intial placement.

Usually you can overcome an initial faulty placement by maneuvering your army. Being trained allows you to readjust your line before the enemy closes with you. I like the Burgundians because of the firepower, morale and trained status. I prefer not to go heavy on the cavalry because of the expense. Most opponents think they will be facing hordes of gendarmes and are surprised to see large numbers of longbow men, usually behind stakes. Attempting to close on them can be a costly and nasty experience.

I enjoy playing with this army, especially when the dividing screen is raised and I see the expression on the other side. They are tough and can be beaten, but I'll let you figure that our for yourselves.