How finely detailed do you/your DMs go into when you run the typical combat? Do you mention what sort of armor the combatants wear? Do your NPCs shout tactics at each other? Do they always fight to the bitter end or do they eventually drop weapons and flee when their commander is felled? Tell me how you guys run your fights, god knows I could use all the help I can get.
How finely detailed do you/your DMs go into when you run the typical combat?
It depends on the players. I have had the pleasure of real tacticians at my table, and those who were just in it for the 'story'. If at all possible, I like to play with line-of-sight and ambushes at the very least!
Do you mention what sort of armor the combatants wear?
Not unless it is important or unusual. I once had an male Orc dressed up in gold bikini armor, taken from a warrior the PCs were supposed to rescue. So describing that was important! But, usually, I only describe what is needed. No use in explaining an ettin's loincloth for the upteenth time! ;D
Do your NPCs shout tactics at each other?
Only if they are intelligent and organized. Even then, once a skirmish starts, tactics are usually man-for-man, not overly organized. Unless someone is escaping, hiding and been seen, or sniping. Again though, it depends more on what the players want out of combat.
Do they always fight to the bitter end or do they eventually drop weapons and flee when their commander is felled?
OSR-type rolls. Always. Morale checks are always used! (Exception: Beholders though will go the distance! I warn the party, they never listen!)
Tell me how you guys run your fights, god knows I could use all the help I can get.
It really depends on the group and what they expect. With a real 'fighting' group, I attempt to run it as it is in reality: Movement is everything - position, line-of-sight, falling back, rushing forward, outflanking, positioning. A house rule I've used since the late 80s: "Once a backstab (or equivalent) attack is successful and the unit survives, the unit so attacked is disrupted as long as the weapon is still embedded within them. (Disrupted means they cannot move more than 1 square and cannot attack or defend!) If the unit removes the weapon, or if it is removed from them, then that unit is no longer disrupted, attacks first, and gains a +1 rage modifier for any melee attacks made against their attacker for the next 5 rounds." Spicy to say the least! Makes a player think about WHEN a backstab (or equivalent) should take place!
This would probably do better in the gaming forum.