Chamber blocking is a semi-hidden combat mechanic added in Mount&Blade: Warband. It is the act of blocking an incoming melee attack by meeting it with your own weapon or even your bare fists as you swing. While considerably more dangerous, couched lances can also be blocked by chambering in the same fashion as fending off a normal thrusting attack. This is the only way to block a couched lance without sacrificing the durability of a shield, or the life of a horse or ally.