What's a Greenhorn General to do?

[Dog Soldier]

There are far too many variables to set up any hard and fast rules to live by. Things to consider are:
What are the forces I have and what ground is best for them?
Is the enemy upon us or do I have time to prepare?
What is the status of my reserves? Can they get to this ground in a reasonable time affect the defense / attack?

These are just a few things. It really depends on the situation and your knowledge of what your forces are capable of. Look first to your plan, then to what ground will facilitate that plan.

Do you have significantly smaller forces? Look for a choke point in the terrain with secure flanks. Agincourt and Omdurman come to mind to illustrate this principle. Rorke's Drift is an example of what not to do.

Just a few examples from history....

Dog Soldier