Defender of the Crown was amazing. I can still remember how to cheese through some of the bits:
For swordplay (so, raids etc): hold up constantly to parry, and occasionally press fire straight after your opponent attacks. You'll win every fight taking no damage.
For jousting: Move your lance left so that it will be in line with the enemy shield at the point of contact, then just before contact, bring it down slightly and press fire. It's tricky until you learn it properly, but when you do, you'll unhorse every opponent.