Tactics Questions - Line and Column, Stacked or Not Stacked

[pokeytrev]

I have found that keeping your units in column while attacking is pretty much the standard. I, too, assumed I would need to change my units to line formation and fire away before trying any sort of charge, but then I faced an opponent who stacked units and column formation and broke right through my lines like a hot knife through butter. I am not very familiar with the period, so I can't say whether or not that was an accurate way of attacking, but it seems to be the way to go.

Please note I have seen opponents use lines while attacking, but they seemed to be the exception. My opponents seemed to know the appropriate time to switch to line as well, but I am still learning.