Now what I cannot stand is confusion and so I always explain those anomalies that I also create. You can see that I have depicted here Li or open order (2 figures per stand). Notice that I have cut the stand in half (above). This is for removal of casualties and for greater latitude in moving the formations.

Here is something I always have to mention 4 figures per stand. On one side you see the traditional method of mounting close order or 4 figures per stand. Opposite is another way to get the most out of your units. Here I have cut the stand in half making it look like 2 figures per stand. But it is not; it is just half a stand of 4 figures. Still it is close order with all the power that type has. Why do this? Simple, I can have greater control over frontages. When I want my unit to fight in 2 ranks I can get in those extra 3 figures. So a unit of 12 figures in close order (on half stands of 2 figures) can deploy 6 figures front and 6 figures back rank. This is helpful when you do not have the room to expand your units frontage on 4 figure per stand bases. You can also put the units into nice realistic columns when marching. I think this is part of the realism of the system.

Let's deal with loose order or 3 figures per stand. Here I have thirded a stand. I do this for easy removal of casualties for one thing. Something I need more than most other players I face. Cutting the stand by a third or single figure additionally permits you to even up a unit in loose order for a number of things like column marching or getting through a gate or over a bridge.

Here I have a stand of equites or cavalry in loose order as shown with the right hand photo.This is the wing or ala. A single mounted command stand is shown on the left. This is the army commander directing his guard unit. Again I have taken one figure and placed it on a stand that is one third of regular loose order stand. Hc cavalry shown here are loose order and have 3 figures per stand.