In every battle one party must be the assailant and the other assailed. Every battle is hence offensive for one party and defensive for the other.

An attack upon the two extremities might succeed also in some cases, either when the force was strong enough to try it, or the enemy was unable to weaken his center to support the wings. As a rule, a false attack to engage the center, and a strong attack against one extremity, would be the best method to use against such a line.