Note: Only attempt this technique if they are fluent in the Rank 2 skill "Counter" and they have enough synchronization bars (a.k.a., life bars). One and a half rows of bars will do. When in battle, equip your hidden blade. With this equipped, all of your counters will score an instant kill. You can even instantly kill tougher ranked guards (for example, the Teutonic guards in Acre when hunting Sebrand). Also, most of the time using the hidden blade in battle will scare the last one or two (even three if you are lucky) guards, causing them to run away. However because you do not have a weapon that is sufficient enough to block a full sized enemy blade, all incoming attacks will hurt you.
When in battle, if you see a guard you are fighting physically emote in any way (for example, taunting you or cowering in fear), press [Low Profile Assassinate] while facing them to score an instant kill without having to counter.

The best weapon for more than four guards or thugs is the Short Blade.

Sometimes the guards will beat up on you and it would seem as if your timing is off using the counter attack. To create a little breathing room, tap [Action/Use Your Weapon/Attack] twice, then "grab and push" the guard. Disregard the guard you grabbed and pushed, and attack the others using the same technique. There are two ways you can finish them. The first is, after you "grabbed and pushed" all of them, use a strong attack. They will fall quickly. The second method is to "grab and push" them again. They will not get up again.