Dave's nearly-finished Easterling army - all that is missing are a pair of Easterling Kataphrakts.

Dave Taylor (Games Workshop US): 'The Hammer and Anvil' is a common strategy for mixed forces (infantry and cavalry) where you engage the bulk of the enemy with your infantry (the anvil) and then beat them into submission with your cavalry (the hammer). It was with this strategy in mind that I assembled my mostly Easterling warhost.

Typically, the anvil consists of lowly masses of troops, but I was determined to include some of the most elite infantry available to the Dark Lord. Mordor Uruk-hai wielding two-handed weapons only need to roll 4+ to wound most opponents, or 5+ for Dwarves and Mordor Trolls! I'll be making sure these brutes are backed up in combat by the Easterling Phalanx combo package – an Easterling supported by one or two more with spears. Wherever possible, you should try to have any warriors wielding two-handed weapons fight alongside models that won't suffer the -1 penalty.

My Easterling hammer is VERY sturdy! Eight Kataphrakts on their armored horses racing around are supported by a banner and arguably the second-most powerful Ringwraith, Khamûl. These horsemen are more likely to reach their intended targets than their Rohan or Gondor counterparts, as their armoured horse is more protected against missile fire. Strength 2 bows require rolls of 6+ to wound either the rider or steed, and Strength 3 bows (like those of the Elves and Dwarves) still require a 5+ to wound the horses and 6+ to take out the riders. I like those odds!

Having recently played against forces that included an Orc Shaman and even Saruman, I've been impressed by the subtle (and sometimes not too subtle) use of magical powers. Khamûl therefore presents a real danger to my opponent. Not only can he throw around a whole host of nasty spells, but for each wound he causes, he recovers a point of Will to help gear him up to cause more magical mischief.

With careful and considered use of my Might Points (saved for those moments when I lose the priority), I'm sure I'll be able to keep my hammer swinging and ensure my anvil is right where I need it.

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