The T-formation

[kyron]

I cant remember if I have writen about this before on this message board, but I found this text I had writen on an old board I used to visit alot.

The T-formation is a formation I have developted against Tyranids, but it works against other enemies too.

In order to make it work you have to have 3 squads and a commands squad with a standardbearer. Your squads should have the Die-Hardsskill and it's to your advantage if the officer has Iron Discipline.

The first squad, the bait, should have a flamer if you are up against nids or something similar like orks or eldar. The other squads can have any weapons that you see fit the enemy.

Position 8 models of the "bait" on a line. The nineth you place in the middle and 1,5 inch behind the others and the last one 1,5 inch behind the nineth. With that formation, the T, you ensure that your enemy can only kill 9 out of 10 models. Also make sure that there is less than 1 inch between your models so the enemy can't get between. This is where Die-Hards come in. Even if there is 20 gaunts surrounding your last model he won't be outnumbered. About 7 inches behind him you position your officer and standardbearer. They will make sure that he doesn't flee.

Your two supporting squads who stands next to your CS can walk up and counter charge the enemy. This is the right time for RR to strike against SM or Necrons for example.

Your opponent will most obviously see this when you place your units and advance slower to bring more of his numbers to bear. But it gives you a round, tops two, to poor led on him.

Offcourse, if he decides not to charge the "bait". Feel free to advance into range with your flamer.

So, this tactis forces your opponent to advance slower with his gaunts
OR
charge and get countercharged
OR
don't charge and get flamed and then be charged instead.

[rarves]

That sounds like a good idea, I might use it this Saturday.

[The Refined Gentleman (M.I.A)]

how does it work against marines? might use it. might not use the die hards though, i like my docs the way they are, my platoons are always 25 men, but i have a stormtrooper squad that could fill in for the third squad.

[Mabus]

Your plan would be far less effective when the enemy D. strikes behind your lines.

[kyron]

Pvtpuffy,
The reason it works are because with Die-hards you don't get outnumbered. It can still work though, if your unit isn't that much outnumbered.

Mabus,
True, it isn't as effective against deep striking units. But if you read the tactic once more, you will notice in the end that there are 3 alternatives. And your deep striking unit can be found in one of those. Namely alternative number 3: "don't charge and get flamed and then be charged instead." Or you could use plasma in the case of terminators or assault marines that are deep striking.

The thing is, at least One of your units will suffer attacks from the enemy. But the formation are developed against fast horde enemies that don't often deep strike. For instance my "Tyranid-friend".

[twerd]

sweet kyron i'll try this some time

[kyron]

Do that Twerd. You won't be disappointed

[silversurfer]

Well not so bad, but I have still have some doubts ...

Wouldn't it be more efficient to use close ranged fire (two shots of lasguns per guy) rather than countercharging ?

Well in other words ... let your "bait" flee or be completly whipped out (that wouldn't be so difficult trust me hehehehe) then use all of your weapons, heavy weapons, special weapons to destroy the ennemy.

That would be cheaper :
_ in doctrine (no need to the die-hard skill)
_ in point cost : no need to a standard bearer and point costs of those doctrines

[kyron]

Yes it probably would. But it's easier to make your enemy fall back in CC since you can outnumber him. And if you don't kill him. He will shoot back with all of his "weapons, heavy weapons, special weapons".

If you face for example an Dire Avenger squad. All of them have very good weapons, plus they can choose to fire another shoot per model. All of those shoot will hit, wound and kill on 3+ 3+. In CC however, they hit on 3+ wound on 4+ and you get an armoursave. Sure One of his models MAY have a power-weapon. But thats only one model who's attacks go through your armour. Not an entire squads weapon.

But as always... It's the conditions of the battlefield and your enemies expertise that dictates what kind of counter measures you will have to take. I only say that it is a good way for your soldiers to be positioned to counter charge.

[Deleted]

I like the thinking here Kyron. By positioning your squad just so, you are bracing the "bait" squad to best weather the eventual beating they will take and make best advantage of your counterstrike. While I understand Silver Surfers desire to stand and shoot - this isn't always the best option. I face off with Eldar frequently and their FoF makes CC charges a habit. The added structure of the T bracing should be effective. I'll think I combine it with hardened fighters rather than Die hards as Eldar squads rarely outnumber mine and that extra WS is great.

Good work Kyron, let you know how I get on.

[Deleted]

Having Iron Discipline is a must for command squards and same for having a standard bearer. But this T formation isnt that great, this is because from my experience agains tyranids they will do the same thing that your doing that is send one squad to get in to combat while having 1 or 2 in reserve for the next assault phase. Best thing to do is focus fire their synapes. Try to use the maximum fire range of your weapons to take out the front ranks to prevent them from firing on you. This strategy also works for most armies.