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Depends on the unit. Cavalry go 5 wide. So do bunkers. Combat infantry blocks go horded(10 wide.) Some units, like warriors, go 6 wide. Monstrous cav go 3-4 models in a single rank, generally. Some people go 5 models.

I'll run a higher number in the front rank if the models have more attacks base. My Saurus and Temple Guard I normally run 6-7 wide so I get a few more attacks in. However this works with any unit really. If you don't have the numbers to horde them and you want more attacks in combat, make the unit wider. Expensive units in terms of points can benefit from this, however you take a bit of a risk because the opponent also gets more attacks. If you think you having more attacks is better than him having more attack then go for it

I've enjoyed playing Bloodletters at 7x3 with a Herald of Khorne giving them frenzy. They either rip face or die horribly, there is no middle ground. But the extra attacks I get help the unit out a lot, and they're too expensive to really horde effectively.

I've run my executioners 7 wide. I only have 30 so I don't get much benefit from horde formation if they get shot up a bit.

I run them 7x4. Gives me 3 ranks & extra attacks in vs 5 wide opponents.

I often run a similar 7x4 formation with my hammerers. Generally, though, I find it wise to be prepared to shift formations as the situation dictates.

My gor are always 10 wide unless they are a wizard bunker. My bestigor however need to be 6-7 wide. It maximizes their offensive output and I can normally maintain steadfast at that wide.

If I'm killy, I run my units wider than my opponent.
It's not a specific formation, I literally look at what my opponent is running, and deploy wider.
If they are in a horde of 25mm bases, I'll set up my 20mm bases 14 wide (giving my 42 models fighting vs their 30).
If I'm running a bunker, it's 5 wide typically, though sometimes less if they are stubborn/undead/daemon.

Basically, their isn't a single right answer, because the best formation for you is going to be based on what your opponent is running, and how large your units are.

I think that HawaiiMatt has given the best answer, but for me, my rule of thumb depends on the base size. For 25mm bases, I will usually run 6 wide, because that means that I will get more attacks against anything running 5 wide (even if they are only 20mm). My 20mm units I'll run 7 wide for the same reason. This is if I'm trying to maximize both attacks and ranks. If it's some sort of bunker or anvil I go 5 wide to maximize ranks. If it's a unit of more than 30 models I'll typically go ahead and horde them. I can't think of a good reason to ever go 8 or 9. Mind, there could be one, but I can't think of it.

But feel free to change it up depending on how your opponent is running theirs.

I run my grave guard and blender lord 5 wide, most of the wounds are coming from the vampire lord anyways so why give the defending unit any more combat res points?

There's lots of really great advice here, thanks.

To people who adapt their formation when deploying, do you bring a selection of different movement trays or forgo them?

My mate told me about a dream he had the other day.
He was struggling to design a convertible movement tray, apparently the thing was magnetized, spring loaded or geared so that he could easily change it mid game. I imagine something similar to a rubics cube or rubics square.
It will always be the dream.

My 30 strong warriors are on 3 5x2 trays. On the display board, they go 5 wide by 6 deep, but it's pretty quick to rearrange them to 10 wide or 7 wide with a few floating off the tray. The latter is done by pulling the back tray off and laying it sideways beside the front. I'll usually turn the front two models on this one to maintain aesthetics and avoid confusion.

 Shas'O Dorian wrote:
I've run my executioners 7 wide. I only have 30 so I don't get much benefit from horde formation if they get shot up a bit.

I run them 7x4. Gives me 3 ranks & extra attacks in vs 5 wide opponents.

I tend to agree with the above ; i run my sword masters 6 x 4 or 7 x 4 depending on the game size for starting deployment.


Also, disregard any "you run this as this, you run that in that", as the formation you run units in is going to be impacted by the the circumstances on the table. Anyone who deals in absolutes can be safely ignored. You should be using reform to attempt to maximize a balance between attacks and combat res depending on the exact situation (models your facing, what formation they are in ), so absolutes are rarely useful.


In terms of those of us that modify our formations to circumstance, yes, i have a variety of movement trays that i carry with me that will fit just about every combination of formation and body count i can think of. And yet, despite that, every game, i seem to find a new combination i never thought of, and then have to jury rig something on the fly. haha !

 Haight wrote:
Anyone who deals in absolutes can be safely ignored.

Because only a Sith deals in absolutes...

mokoshkana wrote:

 Haight wrote:
Anyone who deals in absolutes can be safely ignored.

Because only a Sith deals in absolutes...

... a'ight, i walked into that.