direct lite cav. charge?

**Ric_English** · February 10, 2009, 07:48 PM

I've been playing england for about the last two days. I've crushed france and now I'm dealing with milan.

i use an army with demi-lancers attached in place of knights since they are faster. during a few battles with milan I've noticed that my dl's have lost a bit of there survivability. it seems like battle for battle i come out with more intact when i fight against the french. generally i use the lite cavalry flank technique in all battles but it doesn't work against all these pavise crossbows. so i figure a head on charge might be better for taking them on, one of the things i've tried is bringing four out-of-date but fully upgraded hob units out of retirement to clear out the archers first. it seemed to work well at first the enemy got off one shot and didn't have time to run for safty but just half a second before i hit them they turn around and run and my hobs switch to swords losing all they're umph.

is there any way to make sure this doesn't happen?

**Conquistatore** · February 10, 2009, 11:38 PM

You need to carefully manage your cavalry charges. It can sometimes be difficult to charge ranged units as they tend to skirmish and run away when your forces come close. A trick is to wait until you are very close, stop, then begin another charge. This usually ensures your cavalry will keep their lances out and deliver a proper charge to the enemy.

**Viking Prince** · February 11, 2009, 02:15 AM

You might also approach with two units from a bit seperate angles to somewhat break up the enemy formation as they react in skirmish mode. They cannot withdraw directly away from both units.

**Ric_English** · February 11, 2009, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Viking Prince

You might also approach with two units from a bit seperate angles to somewhat break up the enemy formation as they react in skirmish mode. They cannot withdraw directly away from both units.

thanks i tried that and it worked but im hoping a little practice allows me to do it faster i don't like exposing my lights to crossbow fire for the time it takes to line up the 2 sided charge. but for now it seems to be a good idea.

i have been winning in every fight its just frustrating to watch your best units come out of a battle at half strength knowing you have two more full stacks to beat.

**Conquistatore** · February 11, 2009, 06:35 AM

A good point VP. If you have the units to spare that would be the best way to do it. Either way the enemy will have to come into contact with one of your units.

**Conquistatore** · February 11, 2009, 05:29 PM

You can try and use a unit of knights and a unit of light cav. Use the light cav to circle around and flank while the knights go in for the main charge.

**Ric_English** · February 11, 2009, 05:57 PM

Thats a good idea. i have both hobs and demi-lancers which are a good intermediate between knights and LC. one of the things I've noticed is demi-lancers can do similar damage on impact as knights even against heavy infantry and are fast enough to get the crossbowmen. ofcourse english knights aren't worth the expense, so i figure they included demi-lancers to keep the game balanced.

Somtimes hitting the center archers directly in front of the infantry works becouse they are less likely to run but this is risky.