Hex War Games - Strategy Part VII - Bends In The Line

Bends in the line become inevitable as the battles develop.  Understanding how the bends affect combat can impact the defensive configuration chosen.  There are three basic configurations that permit bends in the line

• V-Bend
• A-Bend
• Wave-Bend

V-Bend

A V-Bend consists of a single bend with the attacking force entering the inside "V" of the formation.  A benefit of this formation is it reduces the attacking force to a 1:1 ratio.  The weak point of this formation is the flanks.  It is usually necessary to place two strong defensive units as the anchor units.

V-Bend Formation

A-Bend
The A-Bend is the reverse of the A-Bend.  At first glance it appears to provide the same type of benefit as the V-Bend.

A-Bend Formation

In reality, the A-Bend formation suffers from a distinct disadvantage.  The lead unit can come under attack from three different directions.  This can eventually lead to a break in the unit which destroys the formation.

A-Bend Formation-Concentrated Fire

Since the first unit becomes the weak point in the formation, the lead unit usually requires the strongest unit lead the attack.  Another option for the attack is to have the middle units be the strongest available and the front unit being a sacrificial unit.  If the front unit is not sufficiently threatening, however, the defender can revert to the unit-to-unit attack.  It is critical to realize, if in a head-to-head fight, assaulting a V-Bend formation requires an A-Bend formation.

Wave-Bend
The Wave-Bend consists of an alternating V and A bends so the units form a "wave".  The major disadvantage to this arrangement is it provides no great benefit in either attack or defense.  Similarly, the formation needs to be attacked in a wave formation.  Usually this formation requires units alternate in strength, with the weaker units behind the stronger units.

Wave Formation