Confused on how to start playing ASL

lvet

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Greetings from Spain,
:D


I used to play the original Squad Leader during the 80s when I was a teenager.

I would like to get back to this wonderful game but I am facing few challenges. I have several question
  1. The standard Advanced Squad Leader box set is really difficult to find. It looks like it has been discontinued. Is it still the default way to get into the game?
  2. Similar thing for the ASL Starter Kits. I found the starter kit set #2 on Amazon but apparently you need #1 to "start". The starter kit set #1 is nowhere to be found.
  3. Is there a way to play solo or to play remotely with another player.
Cheers
Luca
 

Robin Reeve

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VASSAL and the VASL module allow to play online - using a voice communication device (Skype, Zoom, Dicsord, etc.).
https://vassalengine.org/
http://vasl.info/download.htm
I see that you are from Spain : there are many Spanish players and European players who will readily lend you a hand to learn the system.
 

lvet

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Hi Robin,
Thanks for your answer and the links.
Do you mean that with the VASSAL and the VASL module you don't need the board game anymore?
 

Robin Reeve

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You would need the rules.
They are available as a lifetime updated electronic pdf here (it includes all the core module rules and the reference tables) : https://www.wargamevault.com/product/344879/Electronic-Advanced-Squad-Leader-Rulebook?src=hottest

But you won't have the scenarios, so you still need to purchase the physical game.
VASL is tolerated by MMP, but not as a way to avoid buying the game.
And if you have the opportunity to play face-to-face, you will like to have the physical components.
Not speaking of supporting the producer.
 

Grumblejones

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Greetings from Spain,
:D


I used to play the original Squad Leader during the 80s when I was a teenager.

I would like to get back to this wonderful game but I am facing few challenges. I have several question
  1. The standard Advanced Squad Leader box set is really difficult to find. It looks like it has been discontinued. Is it still the default way to get into the game?
  2. Similar thing for the ASL Starter Kits. I found the starter kit set #2 on Amazon but apparently you need #1 to "start". The starter kit set #1 is nowhere to be found.
  3. Is there a way to play solo or to play remotely with another player.
Cheers
Luca
Grab the Starter Kit 2. You do not have to start with one. Starter Kit 2 will get you rolling. Good luck.
 

lvet

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Thanks for your answers.
Robin, I understand now, the rules are a separate product (I thought naively that it was included in the box).

Ok, the things that I will order:
  1. pdf rules
  2. Beyond Valor 3rd edition
  3. Starter kit #2
Next steps:
a) assimilate the new rules (I still have the old Squad Leader rules etched in brain)
b) Find opponents
c) have fun :)
 

brunger

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Thanks for your answers.
Robin, I understand now, the rules are a separate product (I thought naively that it was included in the box).

Ok, the things that I will order:
  1. pdf rules
  2. Beyond Valor 3rd edition
  3. Starter kit #2
Next steps:
a) assimilate the new rules (I still have the old Squad Leader rules etched in brain)
b) Find opponents
c) have fun :)
Good luck have fun
 

Kijug

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Thanks for your answers.
Robin, I understand now, the rules are a separate product (I thought naively that it was included in the box).

Ok, the things that I will order:
  1. pdf rules
  2. Beyond Valor 3rd edition
  3. Starter kit #2
Next steps:
a) assimilate the new rules (I still have the old Squad Leader rules etched in brain)
b) Find opponents
c) have fun :)
Welcome aboard! Come here for Q and A for whatever confuses you!
 

Carln0130

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Luca, where in Spain are you located? I have a friend who lives in Madrid and works in Malaga.
 

lvet

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Hi Carln0130,
I am based in Almuñecar, at about one hour drive from Malaga.
Does your friend have a profile on this forum?
 

Carln0130

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I'm pretty sure Eddy is on here. I'll check with him.
 

Robin Reeve

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Robin, I understand now, the rules are a separate product (I thought naively that it was included in the box).
The Starter kits are self contained (maps, counters, scenarios and rules).
They are independent one from another.
If you want to try ASL, the SKs allow you not to spend too much money.
Then, if you want to move further down the path of complexity and richness of the ASL experience, Beyond Valor and the rules would be the next step.
 

lvet

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I purchased the rules, and the starter kit #2 (I guess few boards more won't hurt). The starter kit will arrive in a couple of days.
For Beyond Valor, I am still waiting for the outcome of an auction on eBay.

My first impression is that after all the rules didn't change too much from the original Squad Leader. So the learning curve won't be too steep.
I am surprised of remembering so much after 35 years. 😂
 

Stewart

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I purchased the rules, and the starter kit #2 (I guess few boards more won't hurt). The starter kit will arrive in a couple of days.
For Beyond Valor, I am still waiting for the outcome of an auction on eBay.

My first impression is that after all the rules didn't change too much from the original Squad Leader. So the learning curve won't be too steep.
I am surprised of remembering so much after 35 years. 😂
Purchase nothing but the SK game.
AFTER you have played through the scenarios, and some of the free downloads...THEN you may want to make the ASL jump.
No need to buy the ASLRB nor any modules prior to that point.
 

Robin Reeve

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My first impression is that after all the rules didn't change too much from the original Squad Leader. So the learning curve won't be too steep.
I am surprised of remembering so much after 35 years. 😂
There are significant differences, which will require some unlearning.
Read chapter K which guides you through the basics.
 

bendizoid

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I purchased the rules, and the starter kit #2 (I guess few boards more won't hurt). The starter kit will arrive in a couple of days.
For Beyond Valor, I am still waiting for the outcome of an auction on eBay.

My first impression is that after all the rules didn't change too much from the original Squad Leader. So the learning curve won't be too steep.
I am surprised of remembering so much after 35 years. 😂
Good attitude, it’s 55% SL but that other 45% can confound.
 

Actionjick

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I purchased the rules, and the starter kit #2 (I guess few boards more won't hurt). The starter kit will arrive in a couple of days.
For Beyond Valor, I am still waiting for the outcome of an auction on eBay.

My first impression is that after all the rules didn't change too much from the original Squad Leader. So the learning curve won't be too steep.
I am surprised of remembering so much after 35 years. 😂
I believe that if you played Squad Leader that you should go straight into ASL. There are some major differences in ASL but it is basically the same game. You dont have to concentrate on many of those differences to play and have fun. Get started and good gunnin ' to ya!
 
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