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The first tactical decision made using Shards is often deciding where to deploy them. As Shardblades are as rare as they are effective, generals and tacticians must decide where they are most useful. Shardbearers typically only fight in the most important battles.{{book ref|sa1|16}} For instance, no Shardbearers were necessary when the Alethi fought the Reshi in the [[wastescum skirmishes]],{{book ref|sa1|16}} but every single Shardbearer has been deployed to the Shattered Plains for the War of Reckoning.{{book ref|sa1|52}} While sending as many Shardblades to a conflict as possible may seem a simple solution, it may leave an army exposed elsewhere or leave its homeland defenseless.{{book ref|sa1|18}} Another consideration is the fact that sending Shardbearers to a battle may serve as a deterrent to one's enemies, but it may also escalate the conflict and provoke one's enemies to send their own Shardbearers into battle.{{book ref|sa1|52}}
Shardbearers often lead formations themselves, cutting a hole in enemy ranks with their overwhelming force.{{book ref|sa1|68}} This creates a gap that well-trained men can exploit, which can allow for an army to overcome superior numbers. The usefulness of this tactic is twofold. Few regular men can put up an effective resistance against a Shardbearer, allowing them to lead a spectacularly effective charge, and
{{image|Arena_adolin.jpg|width=300px|side=left|Adolin prepares for a fight in the dueling pit}}
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