ASL Starter Kit Learning Q&A With a Noob

DV8 · October 11, 2012, 10:48:52 AM

Quote from: GJK on October 10, 2012, 07:17:36 AM
Yes, those pdf's were muffed so I've removed that folder. However, open up the file "ASLSK3-EP1RB.chm". That is a compiled help manual that I put together that contains the latest SK rules with all the errata that I could find, plus plenty of extras. Hint: look under "Scenarios" in the TOC. The .chm opens up much more quickly than a pdf and the search feature is much more powerful than a pdf, which simply jumps from found word to found word. I will have this file open when I'm playing VASL on my PC or I'll have it with me on my tablet when I'm playing at the table. Also included are the CH. H (Historical notes), which should be consulted whenever you play a scenario that includes tanks or guns.

Nice work! Do they have a Nobel Piece Prize for war gaming? No, to bad.

GJK · October 11, 2012, 02:21:23 PM

Heh! Thanks.

It's ASL game day this Saturday for the Central-Texas ASL gang. I'll be there with my son and a buddy of mine is coming in from Midland to join us at around noon. Should be a fun day of ASL-gaming!

Staggerwing · October 11, 2012, 08:49:56 PM

Quote from: GJK on October 11, 2012, 02:21:23 PM
Heh! Thanks.

It's ASL game day this Saturday for the Central-Texas ASL gang. I'll be there with my son and a buddy of mine is coming in from Midland to join us at around noon. Should be a fun day of ASL-gaming!

You guys should consider a Live Webcast. :D

ArizonaTank · October 15, 2012, 07:34:51 AM

ASL newbie here as well. So really appreciate the information on VASSAL.

I have Starter Kit 3 and the Expansion Pack 1, and agree that overall the rules in the packs are the best place to get started. But frankly, they aren't as clear as I would have liked.

Bison · October 15, 2012, 10:53:45 AM

The biggest learning curve that I'm struggling through right now is that there are little rules nested in every paragraph that don't necessarily follow the current topic being covered. In each terraIn paragraph there is seemingly a new rule every sentence for example, but they are unit weather season dependent. Also the expansion pack will cite an example illustration that is not in the rule book.

ArizonaTank · October 15, 2012, 05:07:13 PM

Quote from: Bison on October 15, 2012, 10:53:45 AM
The biggest learning curve that I'm struggling through right now is that there are little rules nested in every paragraph that don't necessarily follow the current topic being covered. In each terraIn paragraph there is seemingly a new rule every sentence for example, but they are unit weather season dependent. Also the expansion pack will cite an example illustration that is not in the rule book.

Yes, I agree, reading the side-bars is not optional, nor supplemental. Also agree that they just don't flow well.

GJK · October 15, 2012, 05:19:56 PM

I'm happy to help clear up any confusion or to answer any questions about ASL(SK) if that would help. Ask away!

ArizonaTank · October 19, 2012, 06:01:11 PM

I am looking at taking a toe dip into ASL with Vassal. Any suggestions on an easy scenario, first board to use?

GroggyGrognard · October 19, 2012, 06:37:36 PM

Quote from: ArizonaTank on October 19, 2012, 06:01:11 PM
I am looking at taking a toe dip into ASL with Vassal. Any suggestions on an easy scenario, first board to use?

"Retaking Vierville" and "War of the Rats" are excellent ASL introductory scenarios. Both are from SK#1.

GJK · October 20, 2012, 09:13:01 AM

As the Grog said, "S1" (Retaking Vierville) is the best to start with. It's a handful of infantry only pieces on a simple mapsheet. There's no support weapons or elevation in terrain. Simple scenario that is fun to play.

Here's an article from Operations magazine that I reproduced (without permission - oops!). It's an article that was written way back when the SK's first came out so I'm sure MMP won't cry over this being online:

http://garykrockover.com/ASL/articles.html

Are you on our list for Dropbox ArizonaTank? Send me a note with your email address if you're not - you'll want some of those goodies.

ArizonaTank · October 22, 2012, 07:42:33 AM

Quote from: GJK on October 20, 2012, 09:13:01 AM
As the Grog said, "S1" (Retaking Vierville) is the best to start with. It's a handful of infantry only pieces on a simple mapsheet. There's no support weapons or elevation in terrain. Simple scenario that is fun to play.

Here's an article from Operations magazine that I reproduced (without permission - oops!). It's an article that was written way back when the SK's first came out so I'm sure MMP won't cry over this being online:

http://garykrockover.com/ASL/articles.html

Are you on our list for Dropbox ArizonaTank? Send me a note with your email address if you're not - you'll want some of those goodies.

Thanks for the help and the dropbox. Some great stuff in there!!!!

ArizonaTank · November 01, 2012, 09:35:37 PM

I have been looking for an example of off-board artillery fire. Maybe I have missed, but none of the tutorials seem to cover this.

Thanks
Larry

GJK · November 01, 2012, 11:35:12 PM

OBA isn't included with the Starter Kits. I have some tutorials and a flowchart that cover it for full ASL that I can upload in the morning.

ArizonaTank · November 02, 2012, 09:25:01 AM

Quote from: GJK on November 01, 2012, 11:35:12 PM
OBA isn't included with the Starter Kits. I have some tutorials and a flowchart that cover it for full ASL that I can upload in the morning.

Thank you sir! I have to admit that the 2nd Edition rules on OBA, just aren't clicking with me.

ArizonaTank · November 03, 2012, 12:12:45 AM

Thanks again. The OBA assistant really helps.