In Axis & Allies, with the exception of submarines, defenders cannot retreat. This creates a certain degree of tension, as you must be careful not to expose forces to counterattacks. However, it is not realistic, as retreats were often executed during WW2. Some possible retreat rules are:
- Defender can retreat at the end of any combat round.
- Defender can retreat at the start of any combat round. The attacker attacks for the round.