Best way to win in a duel is to actually run at them and button mash. You will block if they attack you, and sometimes they don't block. I've never lose a duel like this =D strategy only comes up in army fights. Just wait for your guys to attack, then slash your enemies in the back.
yes... the best strategy in the battles is to have your men hold off and wait until the whole enemy group comes to you and then attack, catching them in the flank and killing a few at the beginning (you should go as far down as possible for this).
