Any Newbies going through the Programmed Instructions???

[peterk1]

Hi,

I just discovered VASL 4 the other day and think it's definitely the kick in behind I need to get back into ASL after several years away.

I'm working my way through the Programmed Instruction article and am wondering if anyone else is doing the same thing and would like to work through those scenarios in paralell with me via e-mail or live on VASL (mostly on the weekends) or a combination of both.

 

[peterk1]

Man, it's tough to find people to play ASL with.

I've moved on to playing a big Combat Mission campaign instead (had no trouble finding opponents for that) , so don't have time any more, but am nevertheless wondering:

Is it because
o no-one wants to use VASL4
o no-one new is trying to learn the game at this point in time
o no-one who knows how to play wants to be hobbled by not using certain rules because I mentioned I want to use the programmed instruction article.

 

[Brian W]

o no-one wants to use VASL4
o no-one new is trying to learn the game at this point in time
o no-one who knows how to play wants to be hobbled by not using certain rules because I mentioned I want to use the programmed instruction article.

I should be better than it, but I really do not want to play the programmed instruction again. I really don't think it helps either, unless you are two new guys playing together. If you still want to play a PBEM game, I will be glad to play a small scenario with you. I suggest something infantry only with limited SSR's. If you want I will find a couple at home and email you suggestions. Email me.

BTW, the absolute best way to learn ASL is to play face to face with someone who knows the rules. What area are you located in?

Brian Williams

 

[peterk1]

Hi Brain,

Thanks for the answer, I will definitely get in touch with you for a game in a little while. I'm from Montreal - yes, there is a group here which I've played with already - playing on-line is just much more convenient at this point in time for me.

 

[klsmith]

intro ASL

There's a playtest going on right now with the new introductory ASL product. IMHO it's a much more entertaining way to learn the game than the old programmed instruction format (it has training games/exercises and series of 10 scenarios that use new boards and limited rules).

I'd be glad to work through that with you, if you're interested (and I'd like to try out VASL4, too. I've been strictly v3, so far)

Ken

 

[peterk1]

Hi Ken,

Sounds interesting. Playtest? Does that mean its available already or it's being tested before release? If the latter, how do I get my hands on the stuff that I would need?

 

[klsmith]

Hey Peter,

I'll contact you off list with more info, and you can see if you're interested.

Ken

 

[Adrockski]

I'm kind of laboring through the Programmed Instruction myself, so I'd be very interested in the introductory product/exercises you mentioned, Ken. I've just hooked up VASL4, too, so even to just watch you fellas play would be a great help.

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

Adam

 

[klsmith]

intro asl

hey Adam,

I'm sure that would be fine. I'll contact you off list with more info

best wishes

Ken

 

[Anonymous]

Just a comment on the intro product. The training exercises at the beginning are marvellous. You make more rolls on the IFT during those drills than you do in a couple of regular scenarios combined...by the time it ends, you've pretty much seen all the weird stuff that can happen and you feel like you know the rules you're working on inside out.

It also encourages experimentation with the IFT to try out the various strategies (big fire groups with 1-2 shots/ small fire groups with 4-5 shots during a turn).

Working through the exercises one every night or two.

Quick VASL question though....is there a key combination/mouse trick (I've tried all the obvious ones) to quickly shove a stack over to check the terrain underneath? I keep on moving stacks counter by counter and it rapidly gets annoying.

 

[DB2000]

Hi Peterk,

You asked if there is a way to easily see terrain features without moving the counters?

Try pressing the F10 key....this will do it for you :wink:

Derek.

 

[Anonymous]

Ahhh...F10=check LOS. Never would have thought have that...I'm not really checking LOS as much as checking the DRM for terrain. Cool. Thank you.

 

[AdrianE]

PeterK

You are in Montreal, right?

You need to check out the Montreal ASL festival. It in May this year. 17 and 18 th (IIRC) at the downtown Days Inn.

If you can't make the whole tourney, drop by and introduce yourself. You'll meet some of the local players that way. Maybe you can even get a game or two in.

Adrian

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Adrian,

Actually, I used to be a member of the group that is organizing the tournament. I plan on popping by to say hi and play a game or two and thats kind of why I'm trying to get back into the game now.

To be honest I never had that much fun playing before, but I'm pretty sure that it's because I never played often enough and I was constantly struggling with the same basic rules instead of constantly practicing and internalizing them once and for all.

Now that I've got VASL going and set-up and tear-down every night is no longer an issue I can spend a pleasant hour or 2 every night playing (solo for now). It's getting there!

 

[Anonymous]

Re: iASL

I see by the newsletter that iASL is one of the "products slated for 2003-2004".. I'm learning the game myself, and about to try teaching it to a friend who doesn't have as much free time as someone who wants to learn ASL should have.. While Armies of Oblivion should teach me to not even ask, is this looking like a product more than a year away?

Want to learn ASL, but just want to see if an easier way to learn it will come along before I finish going through a combination of Chapter K and the Programmed instrcution set (^^). I figure with our once a week meetings and distractions of other games, I figure it'd be about a year before I get through them ^^;

 

[SamB]

The BEST way to learn ASL is to find someone who knows how to play and play, play, play, play....

That said, if you let us know where you live, we might be able to point you to a local contact.

Definitely read the rules, come to play - and if you're playing an experienced player, you'll learn alot more - faster...

Play as many different opponents as you can.... VASL is GREAT for this.

Get it... Play.

Have fun.
Sam

 

[Anonymous]

I live near Minneapolis, MN (Burnsville to be more precise). For those concerned with it, I'm 31 years old.

I have VASL, but it just doesn't appeal to me. There's too much information to be gone through for it to be practical for someone else to type everything out to me. I have started going through reading the programmed instructions and Chapter K, but I really don't know much of importance yet.

If iASL is actrually on the way and not delayed eternally, I may have the patience to wait for that, as that would probably be the best way to teach my busy friend I only meet once a week for a few hours (heck, still have the GCACW series and ton of other games to go through in the meantime ^^. But if it's a ways off, I have some Mondays and Tuesdays available for gaming I could use to learn ASL face to face ^^.

 

[SamB]

Another way to learn is to watch others play on VASL. I'll be starting Scenario J (The Bitche Salient) Wednesday, 25 March at about 4PM Pacific Time (USA) - this should be abouit midnight GMT.

I assume my opponent won't mind if others watch :?

Scenario J is downloadable from advancedsquadleader.com as one of the "Classic" scenarios. Both sides get OBA, AFVs and lots of infantry.

Should be gory, er... glorious.

Sam

 

[Matt Boehland]

Thanks for the offer, but I'll be at work then. At any rate, I still probably should get some of the basics down first anyway before I'd even get much out of watching something with vehicles. All I've done is play 2 turns of the original Squad Leader scenario 1 up to this point ^^.