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    French Charge Phase (Figures 1 & 2) 
    This is Borodino. Figure 1 shows the situation at the start of the French Charge Phase.  Figure 2 shows after the charge phase.  The Russian line presents a solid wall and seems safe behind a natural set of barriers. Yet, the Divisional General in the rear of the formation is a valid target and can easily be reached.  How?  Let's look a little closer. 

    French Melee Phase (Figures 2 & 3) 
    Figure 2 shows the direction of the charges.  During each melee step, the melees against skirmishers are over an obstacle. The French gain no 3X multiplier for the charge, however since the melees are against skirmishers, no disorder results from a successful melee. 

    End French Melee Phase (Figure 3) 
    As you can see in Figure 3, the charge reaches the officer, takes out 36 Russian guns and consisted of only one division of cavalry. Even this number may be overkill as the odds for most melees was 6:1- the max odds possible. Conceivably, just over 1 brigade could accomplish the same thing. 
     
 
Figure 1
 
     
    Figure 2
 
Figure 3
 
 
 
    Lessons Learned 

    (1) Be careful with skirmishers on opposite sides of a stream with enemy cavalry.  The skirmishers and units behind them may 
    not be as safe as a first glance suggests.

 
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