Side and Flank Charges against a Pike Unit

This question was addressed by Lorenzo in the Impetus Global group on WhatsApp. I thought it might be useful for others on this site.

Diagram 1 represents a Side Charge. That type of attack is considered a frontal attack for purposes of melee.

Diagram 2 and 3 are Flank Charges. With this form of attack, only the front rank of the pike fights--the two rear ranks of the pike unit do not count toward the depth bonus. In addition, the front rank fights disordered. Normally, a unit would also suffer a -2 modifier on the Cohesion Test as a result of a flank charge. However, pike units are an exception. The -2 CT modifier only applies to rear charges, not to flank charges.

Finally, if the pike unit in diagrams 2 and 3 loses the melee, it cannot retreat, and is automatically destroyed.