General Guidelines for Ogre Army Deployment (2009)
by Bob the Butcher

Ogre deployment depends on the Ogre troops used, but there may be some general rules for deployment of specific units we can use to our advantage.

Obviously our first decision is choosing table sides. I tend to look for terrain that may give some cover but at the same time prevents/reduces the opponent using hills etc to their advantage.

After choosing sides I look for potential places to put my Trappers. A good opponent will shut these spots down, but its always good to know where you would put the Trappers if you could. I also try to get the Trappers placed ready to march block or near war machines or non skirmish T3 targets. Keep them away from Terror causers or they will be running and rallying on their own low Leadership.

As for Gnoblar Fighters, generally I take at least a unit of 20 with 4 ranks 5 strong. These can be tricky if you deploy them too early as they can block the places where you wanted your Ogre units placed, so think carefully before placing the Gnobbies. I will often place them opposite a hill these days, and march straight at the hill. If they draw some fire, great! If they don't then they may eventually get to shoot a target from the hill. Another deployment possibility is opposite enemy Giants and the like, if the Gnobbies manage to cause a wound or 2 then they have done their job. Also, if taking the Rune Maw Banner it's nice to have these guys close to it, and deploying a Tyrant within 12" of Gnobbies is a good way to help ensure they don't flee too early in the game.

As Ironguts have a higher base Leadership compared to Ogre Bulls I tend to let these guys deploy away from the Tyrant, allowing the Bulls to benefit from the Tyrant's Leadership. I sometimes also like to stagger Ironguts then Bull then Ironguts in my line to ensure there is a combination of high Strength and lower Str hitters as needed. The IGs will tend to deploy opposite enemy troops with higher AS saves or Toughness.

Bulls similar deployment to IGs, sometimes I will send sacrificial units of Bulls at enemy War machines to draw fire from the more expensive troops. I don't deploy Bulls towards the flanks unless they have a higher leadership character with them.

Leadbelchers I have recently been using units of 2 which make this unit versatile. I either deploy them behind the front line troops to deal with flyers or towards the flanks to deal with low armour fast flankers. Deploying slightly over 2"s in a forest keeps them alive longer on the first few turns. They can move and shoot so move to forest edge and blast away when enemies get within range.

Key Units

Man Eaters, Rhinox Cavalry etc. I tend to put these down last but have a place in mind as to where I would like them deployed. Tyrant within 12" of key troops in most cases.

I am running 2 man Eaters with BOH and find that in a forest on a flank is a good spot for them. This way they reduce the damage they receive & they are ItP therefore won't panic on me.

The 2nd option is my 2 Bruisers & Tyrant in front of the 2 Man eaters (small Death Star) this can be deployed in the center behind the Ogre front line. The front line can act as a screen and the ItP means the Death star wont Panic, if centrally placed the Tyrants Leadership will help the whole army almost.

Butchers

I like to deploy these in units at the start of a Battle to ensure they don't get sniped. Placing them in a unit of IGs (or Maneaters ItP if in Army list) gives them Leadership 8  which lessens the chance of them panicking off the table.

Another trick is placing a Butcher in with units of 2 Leadbelchers, the Butcher can then act as a unit champion when distributing wounds.

Tyrant/BSB

I tend to deploy these guys together these days either with a Man Eater unit or in a centrally placed IG unit. By having them in the center of my Battle line with lower Leadership troops around them to gain the benefits of the Generals Leadership and re rolls from lost combats from the BSB.

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