The Kill Pocket is a defensive tactic that is designed to maintain a defensive position behind a Choke Point. A Choke Point is any terrain that limits the amount of soldiers able to move through at one time. A bridge, doorway, or gate are all Choke Points. 

The Kill Pocket is a formation where everyone on the team can strike at anyone passing through the Choke Point. As long as you remain in formation and play defensively, you will always have the advantage in the Kill Pocket.

Performing a Kill Pocket

Setting up a Kill Pocket is as simple as setting up a half circle around the Choke Point and ensuring that everyone can reach the Point of No Return. Long Swords should be on the edges of the Kill Pocket with shorter swords near the middle.

As the fight goes on, always address the line. Make sure that no part of the Kill Pocket is creeping too close to the Choke Point. Reckless Cowboys are the weakest points of any Kill Pocket.

In the event of a rush or push attack, try to kill opponents as quickly as possible and move on to the next target soon after. Do not engage in swordplay, if you can. Also, do not retreat unless commanded to.

Breaking a Kill Pocket

It takes speed and commitment to break a kill pocket. 

The goal is to break through a single point of the enemy line by methodically picking off opponents who stray too close, or by pushing through a single point. When performing a rush or push attack, concentrate your effort to the weaker side of the kill pocket. 

Fencers who die in the rush should keep moving forward or else they risk clogging up the Choke Point.

Journal Prompt

How do you feel you participating in a Kill Pocket What are your thoughts when facing a Kill Pocket?