When a formation (Horse and Musket period) has been distracted and disordered by shell fire or musketry or has been harassed by skirmishers, it only requires an almost nominal forward movement by attackers to disturb the unit so that it moves back. In this period it was extremely rare for bayonet attacks to be driven home against a steady enemy and one side usually gave way before bayonets crossed. Melees should be so controlled that they do not last longer than one game-move. Back to Table of Contents -- Wargamer's Newsletter # 173 To Wargamer's Newsletter List of Issues To MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1976 by Donald Featherstone. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com