Van for vanguard...usually the advance force of a medieval army. Usually the first into combat, followed by the centre (usually protected by flanks of cavalry) then the rearguard (the reserve).
I used to split my army up and have some infantry trying to flank, but lately I've realised that unless those troops are elite or have spears to protect them a cavalry charge tends to rout them, so I've started to group them all together (it helps not that I've learned that selecting multiple units and Alt-leftclick moves your entire formation together
). If I split a force from my main body it will usually be cavalry, so it can move quickly and flank.
I ALWAYS keep a reserve if I can - usually one unit of cavalry and/or at least two units of polearms or axes, that I can use to plug holes if I need to.
In my van, I normally have my foot archers/crossbowmen at the front (ever since I realised that crossbows can't arc their fire I put them in front), followed by a spear wall, with some swords in a long double line behind them. My van's almost always made up of foot. Once my spears engage the enemy and my swords wrap, I bring up my centre and my flanks. I found that having a van really helps in pinning my enemy and makes it easier to get my support units to engage.
I do spend a bit of time grouping my units and making sure they're in the right formation before I click on Begin Battle. I hate that mad clicking of trying to sort out your troops when the enemy's moving towards you - makes me nervous.
So basically I'm like:
code:
crossbows
spear wall (at least 4 deep)
s w o r d l i n e
Cavalry General Cavalry
Reserve (swords/axes)
[/QUOTE]I found this formation in that guide that StigTC posted and found it very useful.