I noticed on NWS that you can preorder the ASLSK 1-3 now through them with expected shipping dates next year. However there is no mention of this on the MMP webpage that I saw. Anyone know if this reprinting is the case?
I realize that the ASLSK expansion pack is a stand alone game, but I'm still finding it fairly tricky to learn. So I was thinking that the best method for me would be to start with the ASLSK in order and learn the rules as presented in order. It just, in my mind, makes it easy to process the rules without having to ignore the additional rules for armor or artillery as you learn how to play infantry rules.
*EDIT* I've changed the title, because I need some place to think my way through the ASLSK rules and gameplay.
The rulebooks for the EP and SK1-3 are all essentially the same except that each adds new things to what was presented in the previous kit. So SK2 adds ordnance on top of infantry and SK3 adds tanks on top of ordnance and infantry. The EP1 just adds more scenarios, nationalities and clarifies/corrects any issues that were in the SK3 rulebook. If you have EP1, just pluck out the infantry only stuff and then play the one (or two) infantry only scenarios and then build upon that by reading the rules for the ordnance weapons. However, I do have electronic versions of the SK1, 2 and 3 rulebooks if you want to view those. Just remember that the EP1 rulebook has all the errata that is needed for each of those rulesbooks.
I'd love to look at the SK rulebooks. I think it's just the idea that I seperating them out means you have to sort of know what the heck is going on in the first place. So I guess that the gradual build up makes more sense in my mind. Is it crazy on my part? Most likely. :D
Well I set up a map. Punched out some counters and sat down to "play" a turn. My brain began to hurt trying to figure out WTF the manual was telling me about prep fire phase and the chart counting DRMs and FPs to cross reference MNC to roll some sort of saving throw. All and all it went fairly well. Next time I might actually figure out how to do a prep fire phase and maybe move a chit or two.
I'll set up a dropbox folder for you-if you like- and share out the scans that I made of the SK1 and SK2 rulebooks. I'll also share some VASL pbem logs that might help you out. There's some great (if not a bit dry, but very informative) YouTube vid's out there. Search for entries by "idjester" and the primers by Joe Steadman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFk01JboIhk). 'idjester' has a video on how to set up VASL (I haven't watched it, I'm sure that it's current and accurate); if you don't have VASL/VASSAL set up, I'd set it up and then hang around the lobby and ask around for Patrick Ireland. He's on a one man crusade to teach new players. He'll share a dropbox folder full of goodies that he's assembled and he has the patience of a Saint. I'd love to connect online via VASL with you, but I'm stuck with very limited internet at the moment. I should have it set up this month however and if you're still wanting to learn, I'll connect with you.
Some others willing to help:
http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/407352/asl-sk-player-offering-to-help-new-players-over-v
I'll need to setup a dropbox account. I've been watching a lot of youtube videos, which helps to keep my interest going. The problem is that there is so much minutia in the rulebook. Terrian hex X does -/+ bonus unless unit Y is located in a,b,c position then calculate e+f-q/2. I think I just need to pull out 2 or 3 infantry units for each side and forget the scenarios. That way I can isolate a very small fire fight to work my way through the turns. I do have vassel on my laptop, but need to set it up on my desktop in the man corner (I don't rate a cave).
OK. I have setup dropbox. Not sure how it works, but there I go with another project to learn.
Scenario S1 "Retaking Vierville" is a small, infantry only scenario included with the first SK. I'll include that with what I put together for you but you're right - you just need to set up some infantry squads and practice moving them around the map and then try some small prep firing. The most intricate part of the turn is the movement phase/defensive first fire sequence. Once you grasp how that all interacts, you'll be over one of the largest hurdles to learning basic ASL.
Quote from: GJK on October 08, 2012, 11:49:58 AM
Scenario S1 "Retaking Vierville" is a small, infantry only scenario included with the first SK. I'll include that with what I put together for you but you're right - you just need to set up some infantry squads and practice moving them around the map and then try some small prep firing. The most intricate part of the turn is the movement phase/defensive first fire sequence. Once you grasp how that all interacts, you'll be over one of the largest hurdles to learning basic ASL.
+1. Great ASL learning scenario. A friend of mine, an avid ASL player on and off for the past twenty years, walked me through the first two ASL Starter Kits last year. We had a blast playing through all of the scenarios. As I recall, I took the Germans in the "Retaking Vierville" scenario and had my arse handed to me by those pesky American paratroopers. We plan on cracking open ASL Starter Kit #3 pretty soon. Then, it will be on to learning the next largest hurdle in ASL: armor rules.
I'll need to wait and see if i have the counters for the scenario. I've only got the expansion pack, so not sure how the counters will line up.
Lot's of goodies going up to that folder. If it's ok with Bison, I'd suggest that we share it with any other ASL/SK players here in the hopes that we can perhaps get an ASL/SK group going that can play online (VASL). I know DV8 would be up for it.
If anybody wants access, PM me or cleverly post your email address here (camouflaged to be hidden from spambots) and I will open up the folder to you. It contains a number of play-aids, articles, tactics, cheatsheets and other goodies.
Some cool pics from this years ASLOK (Octoberfest). Note the 3D mapboard on page 7. I *will* make me some of those maps one of these days!
http://desperationmorale.blogspot.com/2012/10/aslok-2012-photos-part-1.html
GJK I got the files so I'll start looking through them over the next few days and weeks. I'm back to rereading the manual again after watching most of the primer videos on youtube. Pretty good stuff that helped to explain some of what is happening.
Yup no problem with anyone posting here lessons learned or tips or what not. I plan on using this thread as a mental dump as I learn the game. So hopefully I can post some pics to go along with my learning process to scale the straight vertcal learning curve cliff.
Wow. I just did a quick look at the files. Holy Shnikey, there is a lot of materials there to read and learn from about gameplay.
I got an email and a PM (both from Mike's) requesting access to the folder. I thought that I could share it out but since I didn't create it, only Bison can. So, either I can create my own folder and put the same stuff in it, or if he doesn't object, Bison will need to be the one that share's out the folder. Whichever is easiest for everyone is ok with me.
I can open he folder. The only issue I have is my current computer will be getting mothballed in the next few days. So let me know and I can open it for a few days for those who want.
Quote from: Bison on October 09, 2012, 12:20:39 AM
Wow. I just did a quick look at the files. Holy Shnikey, there is a lot of materials there to read and learn from about gameplay.
+1 Thanks for adding me GJK :)
...now i hope it will be a very hard winter here in Germany ;) perfect for all my uncountable wargaming interests :)
The articles by Jay Richardson, aka "richFam" (BGG name) covering each of the SK's in great detail are a huge learning resource. The tutorial that he wrote for SK3 is what I used to finally get over the hump and learn AFV's. I'd suggest setting up the units and following along with his examples (or just use VASL).
Quote from: GJK on October 08, 2012, 09:41:36 PM
Lot's of goodies going up to that folder. If it's ok with Bison, I'd suggest that we share it with any other ASL/SK players here in the hopes that we can perhaps get an ASL/SK group going that can play online (VASL). I know DV8 would be up for it.
If anybody wants access, PM me or cleverly post your email address here (camouflaged to be hidden from spambots) and I will open up the folder to you. It contains a number of play-aids, articles, tactics, cheatsheets and other goodies.
+1
I'm in. PM coming.
Did we figure out the folder issue?
Quote from: Bison on October 09, 2012, 04:29:49 PM
Did we figure out the folder issue?
It worked for me. What issue are you having?
Me want too! I'll fire off a PM lickity-split.
Quote from: Bison on October 09, 2012, 04:29:49 PM
Did we figure out the folder issue?
I have access. Thanks muchly!
Quote from: DV8 on October 09, 2012, 05:51:49 PM
Quote from: Bison on October 09, 2012, 04:29:49 PM
Did we figure out the folder issue?
It worked for me. What issue are you having?
No issue if everyone who wanted the materials got them. Just wasn't sure if GJK need me to open up my dropbox or not.
I've been sharing the link as opposed to granting access (which I can't) I assume that those with the link can only view and copy what's in there but not actually add to or modify the contents- which is fine.
Everything seems fine except the SK1 scenarios. They are showing as icons but have no file size to them. Is it me or are the host files corrupt or something?
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.
That explains what I saw when I logged on to my computer this evening about some files being deleted from the dropbox folder. Was one of the deleted folders the ALSSK #1 rulebook? Also I've not tried yet, but I wonder if the file format for the rulebooks will work on an ipad. Mostly I figured I could load them up and read them during downtime at work.
I started to reread the rulebook from the expansion pack today. Honestly I really need to start with the first rulebook I think, because mentally I know I can ignore the vehicle/gun rule mentions but I find that I cannot do so. Anyway I "think" I have about a 40% understanding of terrain effects.
I use a program called "ichm" to import and then read my rulebooks that are in .chm format on my iphone.
I see the SK#2 rulebook, I'll find and upload the SK#1 rulebook when I can. In the meantime, the SK#2 rulebook only added the section for Ordnance plus errata for SK#1 so it may be ok to start with that one. Even before that though, I'd highly suggest the file "An _ASLSK_Tutorial.pdf". Read through that until you have an understanding of what it's saying there and then take that knowledge and compare it to the rulebook until it all matches up for you.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
I'm happy to help clear up any confusion or to answer any questions about ASL(SK) if that would help. Ask away!
I am looking at taking a toe dip into ASL with Vassal. Any suggestions on an easy scenario, first board to use?
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.
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 (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.
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 (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!!!!
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
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.
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.
Thanks again. The OBA assistant really helps.
Do you have the OBA flowchart from AP1 (I think it was)? I thought that I had the pdf of it but I don't. I do have the actual printed chart however and can pdf it if you don't have it.
Quote from: GJK on November 03, 2012, 01:35:18 AM
Do you have the OBA flowchart from AP1 (I think it was)? I thought that I had the pdf of it but I don't. I do have the actual printed chart however and can pdf it if you don't have it.
LOL, I feel like such an idiot. I have the 2nd edition rules, and the chart is included. That chart has been there all along, and I have just overlooked it.
After looking at the complexity of the chart, it's no wonder they did not put OBA in the starter packs. Anyway, thanks to your help, I'm going to try some OBA today with a buddy of mine. We are playing one of those Critical Hit scenarios out of their Stonne 40 pack. The scenario gives both the French and Germans OBA.
At some point, I'll probably write a OBA play example, just as a learning exercise and for my own sanity.
So thanks to GJK and Tallin, I guess I just went from "Newbie" to "Newbie+" by playing some games on VASL with them.
VASL is a great way to get started.
Also, some of us grogheads interested in ASL are gathering under the Grogs ASL League.
Link http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=3532.0
Well I finally got my copy of ASLSK 1. Now the problem is the 6 other games I got too..../sigh/....life's hard some days. :D
I'd be up for some VASL next Saturday or Sunday - if we want to get some guys together for it.
Let me see what I can do for next weekend, but right now the wife has dibs on weekend time since I was gone at prezcon this weekend.
Quote from: Bison on October 09, 2012, 12:20:39 AM
Wow. I just did a quick look at the files. Holy Shnikey, there is a lot of materials there to read and learn from about gameplay.
Well worth the effort!!!! The game is very rewarding.
Well I've thumbed through the rules again, but this time I was able to do it with a paper version of ASLSK1. And I've got VASL setup and ready to go as far as I can tell well except the scenarios. The download link is broken. So not sure what I'm missing here, but I assume you can pull the required counters based on the paper scenario for the OOB thingy.
Quote from: Bison on March 01, 2013, 09:01:06 PM
Well I've thumbed through the rules again, but this time I was able to do it with a paper version of ASLSK1. And I've got VASL setup and ready to go as far as I can tell well except the scenarios. The download link is broken. So not sure what I'm missing here, but I assume you can pull the required counters based on the paper scenario for the OOB thingy.
Yes, scenario links are broken. I have had to hunt and peck on google to find scenarios.
But yes, you should have all of the counters you need in the OOB tray (and then some) to start any scenario. Many scenarios are relatively light in terms of counters and set up, so it only takes a few min to use the paper scenario to set it up. There are also plenty of places to find scans of paper scenarios as well...again google is the place to go.
When you go online with VASL, your opponent will more than likely be able to give you a copy of a start file.
BTW, one nice thing you can do with VASL is observe games. If you hang out in the forum you can ask players to view their game. Good way to learn. Just be warned, that they will likely be playing full ASL, so there are many features / rules not present in the starter kits. Also if they are on Skype, as opposed to chat, you won't be able to hear their commentary.
The community sort of abandoned the scenario files mainly because people were finding too many mistakes in the set ups. I have a boat load of the old set ups however, including most if not all of the SK scenarios. I could zip those up and add it to the Dropbox folder if you all were interested. Still, I'd double check them if you go to play a game using them.
I kind of figured something like that happened to the scenarios. One thing I've learned from visiting the ASL boards over at the gamesquad forums is that ASL gamers take the game very, very seriously.