What is ASL

Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) is a World War II wargame played between two sides (usually one player per side though teams of players may be used) on boards with a 40 meters per hex scale using counters representing a a 5-10 man squad, or a single leader or vehicle. ASL is arguably the most realistic and accurate portrayal of small-medium scale tactical warfare ever produced and below are some of the reasons why:

• The boards on which the action takes place are 'geomorphic' and may thus be rearranged alongside each other in different ways to represent terrain appropriate to the battle being fought.
• The rules give game statistics and historical background notes on every piece of equipment (vehicles and guns) used by each country during the course of the war including when it was introduced and in what numbers.
• Special rules depending on the country being represented give each nation differing national characteristics as regards their fighting skills, equipment, morale level and tactics, such as the Chinese human wave attacks.

The resulting game, while necessarily complex, (and certainly the sight of the rulebook is not for the faint-hearted) is a realistic and playable simulation which is enjoyed by many players around the world who compete with each other in local groups, at national conventions and even Play By E-Mail (PBEM).

If you fancy a go try to contact local players from a gaming club or via the ASL mailing list. Don't be put off by the size of the rulebook or talk of rules discussions - listen to the stories told of battles past and victories won (and lost). It may not look like it but with knowledge of the basic rules (and help from other players) you can pick up the game enough to be fighting your own battles in no time at all. For proof just read the description of my first ever battle - and check out the result :-)

Your only worry then will be how much money it will take to buy all the rules - don't worry you only need the rules and one of the first modules to play.

Welcome to the world of ASL - you may never look back

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This page created by me