IMHO, the "infantry pinning" rule, whereby one moves an infantry unit within 1" of an enemy infantry brigade and then smash into it with a cavalry brigade, is indeed a "cheese" tactic, but the converse, charging the enemy infantry with cavalry to force them into square, then assaulting with infantry, isn't cheese at all but a fair representation of historic combined arms practice.
Let us put ourselves in the place of the defending infantry. Attacking infantry are only a threat to us as long as they are moving threateningly forward. Once halted, although their fire can be galling, they don't exert anywhere near the moral pressure. Once attacking infantry halted for whatever reason, it was very difficult to get them moving forward again. This is one reason many attacks were launched with unloaded or unprimed muskets.
Cavalry, on the other hand, pose a far more dire threat. They can cover the fire zone of infantry so quickly that one volley is all we'll get. In the immediate presence of enemy cavalry, an infantry unit will probably stay in mass or square formation (at least the battalions most immediately threatened), regardless of the proximity of (halted) enemy infantry. After all, if the enemy has moved up in column, our squares generate the same firepower, and if he's not moving, he can't overrun us (not that squares were that easy to overrun, even by infantry).
In short, my gaming group simply ignores the "pinning rule". Infantry contacted by charging cavalry always attempts to form emergency square. Combined arms attacks, therefore, always follow the "cavalry first, infantry second" sequence.
Rick Wynn FBWJ@aol.com
We used the SHAKO command system of orders, messages and Command Arrows. Orders were only issued to Corps (on the French Side). This was very simple and effective. Also, in SHAKO units under ATTACK orders must advance at least half speed to the enemy - that was in effect also.
Clay Smith csmith@onramp.net
I have 1 wagon/supply unit per Corps (2 for Corps of 35,000+). Infantry and Artillery units must be within 20" on their Corps' supply unit or they are out of supply. Artillery ignores the penalty when combat contacted (like the Aspern-Essling special rule). Usually I have calculated the suppyline much like command, but with groups of experienced players have forced them to take terrain effects into account.
When playing with this supply rule, I have noted that it tends to make players deploy 'in depth' and it suddenly make Cossacks a VERY useful addition to your army.
Brian robinette.brian@e...