Counters and Disarms
Wait for the enemy to make a move before you do anything. Your absolute best weapons are counter-attacks and disarms. For most of the game, against most of the enemies, counter attacks all you'll need to take out enemies. To perform a counter, tap the attack button while blocking with a weapon, just before an enemy hits you with an attack. Pay attention to the red health icons above enemiesthey blink just before an enemy attacks you. If timed correctly (the timing isn't difficult), Ezio will parry the incoming attack and turn it into an instant execution.

However, once you start getting into fights with guards armed with spears and heavy swords, you'll need to learn disarms. Disarms are performed the same way counter attacks are executed, except that you need to start by blocking with no weapon equipped. Ezio will catch the incoming enemy attack, rip the weapon away and use it to kill the same enemy that tried to kill you.

---

When Counters and Disarms Fail
Sadly, counters and disarms don't work 100% of the time. As you face harder and harder enemies, you'll run into baddies that resist counter and disarm executions.
When fighting enemies that resist counters and disarms, you'll need to get aggressive. Attack them wildly (while watching your back for cheap shots from other enemies). If the enemy keeps dodging or blocking your shots, work in occasional groin kicks to break his guard. A combo of kick-slash-slash-kick-slash-slash combo will keep any enemy on the defensive.

If you're surrounded by enemies, another good option is the smoke bomb. You can only use smoke bombs after you've purchased the smoke bomb belt from a tailor. When you drop a smoke bomb, surrounding enemies become temporarily disabled, allowing you to walk up and simply assassinate them with the hidden blade. If you've got the double hidden blade, you can even kill two enemies at once. They are defenseless.

---

Mounted Guards and Archers/Gunners
Some alternative enemy types aren't vulnerable to the same combat tactics. When fighting horse-mounted guards, equip your sword and hold your guard. The mounted guards will charge toward you and, as long as you're holding the block button, Ezio will automatically chop the horse's legs. Before the rider can pick himself up off the ground, run up and attack him for an instant execution.
Long-range attackers can be a nuisance if you're too busy to run them down. We suggest taking them out quickly with your own long-range attacks. If you've got the sword equipped, press and hold the attack button to pull out Ezio's gun. A gunshot means instant death for all but the hardest of enemies.

---

Executions
Execution streaks make Ezio a super hero. Learn to use and perfect them. Once you've mastered the execution streak, all fights become incredibly easy. An execution is a specially-animated kill move that Ezio performs in one of many situations:

A successful counter attack results in an execution kill.
If you disarm an opponent and then immediately attack him with his own weapon, you will get an execution kill.
After landing a series of attacks with a weapon, Ezio finish the opponent with an execution.

Executions typically are more elaborate than simple slash attack kills. Frequently the camera changes angles, or Ezio grabs the opponent and kills him in one motion. A normal slash attack, even if it kills the opponent, is not an execution.

During an execution animation, point the Left Analog Stick to select a nearby enemy. The selected enemy should glow white, letting you know which one is selected. With the new target highlighted, tap the attack button to queue up the next execution. When Ezio is done with the original execution, he will automatically move to the next enemy and instantly execute him. You can repeat this streak indefinitely, provided you don't mess up.