Ok folks- here's a thread for our ASL(SK) Groghead Challenge. I suppose we should get a list of participants and try to evenly match according to abilities and capabilities. I think it would be great to encourage new players to join in- I have no problem teaching some basics. I also suppose we should decide the format and style of play (live, pbem or both). I'm up for just about anything- maybe we should try and schedule a Skype/VASL session? Oh, and if someone is interested but is intimidated by the VASL set up, I can help with that.
I am a VASSAL and ASL newbie, but am interested in learning: maybe start with a small scenario first. Skype would work.
Yeah, S1 to S2 to S3 sequence would be perfect.
I haven't seen DV8 online for a little while. We played S2 together, which I believe was his first 2-player game, and it went off just fine.
I am also game for some VASL matches.
I've been playing for close to 3 years, so still a relative noob, but have a good grasp of the basics. I am mostly familiar with ASL rulebook v2, but have played several scenarios from Starter Kits 1 & 2, so have a reasonable idea of the difference in rules. I'm happy to play with experienced or new players, full ASL or ASLSK.
At this point I'm most interested in playing live...may be open to PBeM down the road. I have some experience with Vassal and am setup for Skype.
GJK mentioned some good starter scenarios from the ASLSK #1. MMP has an excellent package of basic ASL scenarios available for free download from their website, which are an excellent place to start playing full-on ASL:
http://www.multimanpublishing.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=5s%2b5Phs29kk%3d&tabid=64 (http://www.multimanpublishing.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=5s%2b5Phs29kk%3d&tabid=64)
Count me in for some VASL.
Quote from: GJK on November 10, 2012, 11:33:33 PM
I haven't seen DV8 online for a little while.
DV8 is fine. He has a new job and I think that's taking up a lot of time right now.
... and he just posted right before you did. ;D
Quote from: LongBlade on November 11, 2012, 10:45:43 AM
Quote from: GJK on November 10, 2012, 11:33:33 PM
I haven't seen DV8 online for a little while.
DV8 is fine. He has a new job and I think that's taking up a lot of time right now.
It's bitter sweat, new job less free time. Anyways, I can VASL while I'm traveling.
I have heard a lot about ASL, but never played it.
Are there online resources where you can learn to play? Or perhaps the rules are available in PDF format?
Quote from: Yskonyn on November 11, 2012, 12:23:33 PM
I have heard a lot about ASL, but never played it.
Are there online resources where you can learn to play? Or perhaps the rules are available in PDF format?
Send me a PM with your email address and I'll add you to the access list for the Dropbox folder that we have set up which includes a copy of the starter kit rulebook that I've put together.
Does anybody need help getting VASSSAL/VASL installed and working? I typed out some detailed instructions for a buddy of mine that was having problems and it got him going with it. I can post those instructions here or throw a copy of the text file into the Dropbox folder - or both.
What are the thoughts on getting a ladder or some type of tournament going? Or should we just try and get some games set up and try to get everybody to a comfortable level of play first?
Quote from: GJK on November 11, 2012, 03:11:28 PM
What are the thoughts on getting a ladder or some type of tournament going? Or should we just try and get some games set up and try to get everybody to a comfortable level of play first?
Getting a formal ladder and/or some tourneys going sounds awesome, but think our immediate focus should be on building a local community. Currently we have a hand full of players with a range of experience whom are interested in playing some VASL. I believe our first priority should be to get some VASL action going asap, with an emphasis on learning the basics of both ASL and Vassal. If are are successful at this, hopefully we can generate enough interest in the greater community to recruit more players and build from there.
Quote from: Rekim on November 12, 2012, 09:12:04 AM
Quote from: GJK on November 11, 2012, 03:11:28 PM
What are the thoughts on getting a ladder or some type of tournament going? Or should we just try and get some games set up and try to get everybody to a comfortable level of play first?
Getting a formal ladder and/or some tourneys going sounds awesome, but think our immediate focus should be on building a local community. Currently we have a hand full of players with a range of experience whom are interested in playing some VASL. I believe our first priority should be to get some VASL action going asap, with an emphasis on learning the basics of both ASL and Vassal. If are are successful at this, hopefully we can generate enough interest in the greater community to recruit more players and build from there.
Agree, I think we should just get some games going but a ladder will be great once we have more of a community.
Maybe we should put together AARs for some of the games, so new folks can see what the game is about. I am happy to do that.
GJK - I can certainly use any info you have on setting up Vassal.
I'd like to sit in and watch some of the live games on VASSAL if that's alright?
Are questions from the peanut gallery going to be welcome? I ask this because questions can sometime indavertently reveal stuff missed by one of the players..... ;)
Quote from: Barthheart on November 12, 2012, 09:39:51 AM
I'd like to sit in and watch some of the live games on VASSAL if that's alright?
Are questions from the peanut gallery going to be welcome? I ask this because questions can sometime indavertently reveal stuff missed by one of the players..... ;)
better watch out Barthheart. You're high on the list for assimilation (what, no borg smilie yet)
Quote from: Rekim on November 12, 2012, 09:58:36 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on November 12, 2012, 09:39:51 AM
I'd like to sit in and watch some of the live games on VASSAL if that's alright?
Are questions from the peanut gallery going to be welcome? I ask this because questions can sometime indavertently reveal stuff missed by one of the players..... ;)
better watch out Barthheart. You're high on the list for assimilation (what, no borg smilie yet)
Nooooooooo..... Just sold all my ASL! :P
I'll post the instructions for VASSAL/VASL that I typed out tonight when I get home. Those should help anybody that hasn't got it set up as of yet.
Maybe we should try and coordinate an online (VASL/SKYPE) meet up and just push some counters around? I can do evenings for a bit or devote more time over a weekend. I'm in the Central Standard Time Zone (-0600).
Quote from: GJK on November 12, 2012, 12:00:42 PM
I'll post the instructions for VASSAL/VASL that I typed out tonight when I get home. Those should help anybody that hasn't got it set up as of yet.
Maybe we should try and coordinate an online (VASL/SKYPE) meet up and just push some counters around? I can do evenings for a bit or devote more time over a weekend. I'm in the Central Standard Time Zone (-0600).
Evenings usually OK, but weekends would be best. I am in US East Standard Time (Virginia)
Ok - inside the ASLSK Stuff Dropbox folder is a "VASL Stuff" folder. Inside of there is a pdf titled "How_To_VASL.pdf". That has my step by step instructions for getting VASSAL/VASL up and running. I'll see if I can attach it here as well.
I'm still learning to play ASLSK. I'd be interested in sitting in on a game or two but cannot commit to anything atm. Too many moving piece here that need to be balanced first. One for example is trying to figure out a location where I can leave ASL setup without the cat or kids attacking it. Lot's of deep thought in my neck of the woods.
Quote from: GJK on November 12, 2012, 05:45:39 PM
Ok - inside the ASLSK Stuff Dropbox folder is a "VASL Stuff" folder. Inside of there is a pdf titled "How_To_VASL.pdf". That has my step by step instructions for getting VASSAL/VASL up and running. I'll see if I can attach it here as well.
Great stuff GJK. Spent some quality time setting it up this evening. I'll try some off-line games now to get used to the interface.
Bison, VASL may be your ticket to solving the problem of how to keep your cat from killing your counters. GJK's instructions are pretty easy to follow.
Yes, VASL is absolutely the ticket if you don't have the space or place to leave a game set up undisturbed.
Jay Richardson's ASLSK Tutorials are SUPER learning tools as well. Open up VASSAL and set up his examples and then follow along.
I also have some saved log files of pbem games that I played that I can upload to the Dropbox folder. Those might help some folks and if some questions arise from them, I can gladly answer those.
I've got VASL setup on the laptop so I'm good to go on that front. I really need to sit down and read the rules for the third time just to figure out some of the basic mechanics.
Load some of my pbem VASL saves that I uploaded last night to the Dropbox folder and see if you can follow along. If you have a question about how or why something was done, jot it down and then post your list here and I'll answer as best I can.
I need to re-setup dropbox. I've retired the older computer I had it setup on so I might need to have you send me the link. I'll let you know when I've got it set up again.
Sure - and if you can't get it working, I can zip up these save games and send them (they're tiny text files).
OK. Will do.
New on Grog. I have a fair bit of VASL and ASL experience.
Live play preferred and patient with noobs :-)
Leave a PM.
I am GMT -8 (Los Angeles)
Welcome to Grogheads Chris!
Welcome Chris! If you're read this thread, we're working to get some people up to speed on ASL(SK) and VASL in the hopes of getting a league or ladder going. You're help would be appreciated!
Bison: PM your email address if you like and I'll try and connect you to the Dropbox folder and/or send some stuff your way.
Wow, thanks for letting me take a peek in the docs. This is seriously 'Advanced' stuff indeed ;)
I don't think I will have the time available to properly learn this right now, though...
OK, I am learning the VASL ropes, playing a solitaire game. I'll be ready for some infantry on infantry action after the T-Day holiday.
As far as VASL is concerned, all I can say is it is amazing!!!! Maybe the best things in life are "free".
VASL got me back into playing ASL back before I had a place to actually set up and play a game on the table. Let me know when you're ready and we'll set up a scenario and play (this goes for anybody else as well).
Was checking out this site and saw this thread. I play ASL on VASL and am willing to help you guys learn how to play. I play live Skype voice and am in the Eastern time zone. Best time for me is weekday mornings from @9am until @2pm. Feel free to drop me a line and I will try to set something up. I know other players that would probably be willing to help mentor you as well. Best way to learn is just jump in:)
VASL Download at:
http://www.advancedsquadleader.net/index.php?title=VASL_mods
Get the latest maps at:
https://sites.google.com/site/vaslmapbazaar/
Extensions at:
http://www.advancedsquadleader.net/index.php?title=VASL_Extensions
Kevin
Hi Kevin, and welcome.
I live in the eastern time zone as well. I am also a shiftworker, so there times when your suggested 9am to 2pm playing time will be convenient for me, just not at the moment. I have three more weeks of graveyard shift to go before I switch back over to days. At the moment 9pm to 4am would be my preferred time for playing ::)
In the mean time I am available in the evenings/wee hours for some VASL (<--- open invite)
Played some ASL(SK) via VASL the other night with ArizonaTank (scenario S1). Despite me being a little bit rusty (hadn't played ASL in about 3 months) and AT being somewhat new to the game, it flowed smoothly and we have a good battle for the victory locations going on (we're right at the half-way point of the scenario after an hour of play). I'd like to invite any other new players to ASL to message and join in - just watch or let's set up and play!
Quote from: GJK on December 01, 2012, 07:58:44 AM
Played some ASL(SK) via VASL the other night with ArizonaTank (scenario S1). Despite me being a little bit rusty (hadn't played ASL in about 3 months) and AT being somewhat new to the game, it flowed smoothly and we have a good battle for the victory locations going on (we're right at the half-way point of the scenario after an hour of play). I'd like to invite any other new players to ASL to message and join in - just watch or let's set up and play!
Thanks GJK, it was alot of fun. And went pretty easy. And I am definitely hooked. Your instructions on setting up VASL were right on, and you were very patient as I fumbled through the interface a bit.
I also took Tallin up on his offer, and just came away from a couple of games of Udarnik Bridgehead (Schwerpunkt Scenario SP6). A short but bloody scenario where some German elites have a very short timeframe to clear an area of some dug in Russian conscripts. We actually got through two games in about three-and-half hours. We used the full ASL rules, so there were some new elements for me....LMGs, MMGs, mines, foxholes, snipers, concealment.....
Anyway, if you are reading the thread and thinking about dipping your toe in the water, I can say that the learning curve is actually not that bad....
Thanks again GJK and Tallin
If you end up doing any ASL training sessions on Skype/Google Hangout/etc I'd like to watch. I haven't even tackled my copy of Tide of Iron yet, but I'd like to learn.
Quote from: republic on December 02, 2012, 10:46:38 AM
If you end up doing any ASL training sessions on Skype/Google Hangout/etc I'd like to watch. I haven't even tackled my copy of Tide of Iron yet, but I'd like to learn.
You will need to install the Vassal Engine and the latest VASL module so you can watch the games. It is all free software, and GJK can set you up with some pretty good instructions on how to do this. Also I found instructions at the following website:
http://wargamecenter.wordpress.com/2010/05/10/vasl/
You mention Tide of Iron, so not certain if you have the ASL rules or not. If not, the cheapest, best way to get into the game that I have found is the ASL Starter Kite Expansion No. 1 (don't let the name fool you, it is a complete stand-alone game). You can get it at NWS for about $25.
http://yhst-12000246778232.stores.yahoo.net/aslstkitexpa.html
I've got some time tomorrow (the 24th before 6PM US EST), if someone is interested in game.
I might be up for some gaming - I came down with this strep throat/congestion/body ache mess that is going around and have been fighting it for a week now so it depends on my energy levels later. I'll touch base here or on Skype if I'm up for it.
Lol. I am in the same situation. I am off today, but so sick that I have no voice. :'(
^ That sucks. Get well soon.
Hope everyone gets better.
Looks like this never really kicked off - but maybe we can rekindle the fire here.
For those new to ASL(SK), I found a great online resource with training videos. This covers FULL ASL, which will be fine for SK's as well as it really covers the basics:
http://www.russgifford.net/asl_training.htm
I'm up for a VASSAL/Skype game on any weekend if somebody else is ready to take the plunge.
Quote from: GJK on February 09, 2013, 11:44:17 PM
For those new to ASL(SK), I found a great online resource with training videos. This covers FULL ASL, which will be fine for SK's as well as it really covers the basics:
http://www.russgifford.net/asl_training.htm
These are great slideshows!!!
Quote from: GJK on February 09, 2013, 11:44:17 PM
I'm up for a VASSAL/Skype game on any weekend if somebody else is ready to take the plunge.
I'm up for a game this coming Saturday, Late morning / early afternoon is best.
Ok with my newly scored copy of ASL SK1, I'm closer to committing to some VASL. Well if I can ever figure out to make it work on a Macbook.