Just thinking about game theory.
The moment when you have undermined one of your opponents tactics and caused a retreat, is often the right time to press your attack, before they have had a chance to reestablish their defensive position.
That said, it is also a time to be wary of overextending your position. Push forward and reinforce is solid strategic thinking.
@mastodonmigration not so much game theory as game strategy, perhaps?
Go (board game) has axioms delineating its principles, and all sounds very metaphoric, until it clicks, as a play evolves into the situation the metaphor describes. It's hard to find them collected in one place, but "The Way To Go" by Karl Baker is a good starter.
@mastodonmigration dont chase the mounted archers when they break and retreat!
