I did notice more than just the usual 2 that attack you at a time lately.
Taking on more than 2-3 well armored guards at a time is very challenging.
My technique is to stand right by a doorway, I always use the short sword, which is less likely to snag walls/door frames. The guards with their longer swords, or axes/maces that need swinging rooms more often than not hit the door frame. I try to stab strainght into the opponent or slash/swing downward with my short sword, it is less likely to hit the top of the doorway!
I lost every duel in the open, but give me a doorway and I can take 2-3 opponents at a time. If I'm in the middle of a hallway and the guards come at me, I always retreat to the closest doorway!