These tactics are useful for the more cautious general who is more comfortable fighting a defensive battle, waiting for the enemy to make a crucial mistake before moving over to the offense. Some wargamers are simply more at ease with an army that uses massed archer fire to destroy an opponent rather that a crazed knightly charge. For this type of player, we have the following defensive tactics.

Refused Flank

This is a desperate maneuver for a badly outnumbered army. You are trying to get the enemy to commit to an attack where he will be vulnerable to a counterstroke.

Pro: By keeping a flank back, it could force the enemy to go after it, and then you should have an advantage at one or more other points on the battlefield. If he commits to attacking the refused flank, you can then concentrate on his other flank or center.

Con: The enemy can completely ignore refused flank and overwhelm your other flank or your center.

Refused Center

When facing an all foot enemy army, or an enemy that you feel may fall for it, a refused center could allow you to win the battle very quickly. This tactic is best used with a combined arms army such as the 100 Year's War English where massed archer fire can do plenty of damage.

Pro: The enemy will be tempted to ignore the refused center and to concentrate on the flank, allowing you to then smash his own weakened center with a vicious center attack of your own. This is best used when you have some good quality mounted units in your center to quickly close with your surprised opponent's center.

Con: If the enemy can overwhelm one or both of your own flanks, it won't Matter what your won center does!

Static Defense

A balanced defense able to fight effectively all along the line. Any type of army can use this tactic.

Pro: With this tactical formation, you are able to take advantage of a weak enemy wing, quickly switching over to the offense if the advantage looks tempting.

Con: The enemy can pretty much concentrate where he wishes and you will be unable to effectively respond.

More Tactics in Medieval Warfare

Introduction
Offensive Tactics
Defensive Tactics
Units: Using Them Effectively
Frenzy and Conclusion