Flankings

Flankings, in a general sense, refers to the act of moving around the side or rear of an opponent. This tactic is employed in various contexts, including warfare, sports, and strategy games. The primary objective of flanking is to achieve a tactical advantage by attacking an enemy from an unexpected direction, thus avoiding their direct defenses and potentially overwhelming them.

In military strategy, flanking maneuvers have been crucial throughout history. By committing forces to move around the enemy's exposed sides, an attacking force can disrupt their formations, cut off their lines of retreat, or isolate units. Famous examples include Hannibal's envelopment of the Roman army at the Battle of Cannae. Modern warfare continues to utilize flanking tactics, albeit with increased reliance on speed and maneuverability enabled by technology.

In sports, flanking can be observed in team-based games like American football, soccer, and basketball. For instance, a wide receiver in football running a deep route outside the defensive coverage can be considered a flanking maneuver. In soccer, wingers often attempt to flank the opposing defense by attacking from the sides of the field. The aim is to create scoring opportunities by drawing defenders out of position or finding open space.

In strategy board games and video games, flanking is a common mechanic. Units positioned to the side or rear of an enemy often receive combat bonuses, representing the tactical advantage gained by a successful flanking maneuver. This encourages players to think spatially and consider enemy positioning when planning their attacks. The effectiveness of a flanking attack is often dependent on the terrain, the number of units involved, and the enemy's ability to react and reposition their defenses.