The late 17th century to the early 18th century saw the decline of the pike in most European armies. This started with the development of the plug bayonet, followed by the socket bayonet. This adds a long blade of up to 60 cm (24 inches) to the end of the musket, allowing the musket to act as a pike-like weapon when held out with both hands. Although they didn't have the full reach of pikes, bayonets were effective against cavalry charges, which used to be the main weakness of musketeer formations; pikemen were no longer needed to protect musketeers from cavalry. Furthermore, improvements in artillery caused most European armies to abandon large formations in favor of multiple staggered lines, both to minimize casualties and to present a larger frontage for volley fire. Thick hedges of bayonets proved to be an effective anti-cavalry solution, and improved musket firepower was now so deadly that combat was often decided by shooting alone.