"Napoleonic cavalry formations -- would you give a bonus?" Topic

I've been reading the Ospreys on Napoleonic cavalry tactics and the difference between attacking in line, column or en echiquier. The en echiquier seemed to be preferred against infantry as the lead squadron could draw the fire while the others approached, though a column could apparently do the same thing. Is there an advantage to one formation vs. the other depending on circumstance -- I would imagine each would have some preferred use, otherwise, why have it in the drill book?
For rules purposes, would you give a bonus for any of the three formations when attacking infantry -- and then the same question -- what bonuses against cavalry (obviously it may depend on enemy formation, so that needs to be part of the answer, ie, cavalry column vs cavalry line).
Curious to hear your thoughts.

The rules set "Valmy to Waterloo" released in the mid 90's if I recall correctly does the best cavalry modelling of any of dozens of rules sets I've played over the last 30 – 40 years. They certainly represent the pros & cons of cavalry in differing formations vs different targets – infantry in different formations, artillery, cavalry in differing formations and different terrain. Worked pretty well and wasn't a huge burden on time but certainly taught the player about cavalry. Really introduced the tactical nuances of cavalry.

Yes we gave a bonus for a compact charging column.

Depends on the level of granularity your ruleset operates at. Black powder doesn't specify, assuming the CO can safely be left to decide squadron formations, while the player gets on with winning the battle two stages up the food chain…