Advanced Squad Leader Tutorial #1 - The ASL System

Want to learn how to play Advanced Squad Leader? Or just want to familiarize yourself with the system? Let's get started!
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Advanced Squad Leader Tutorial #1 - The ASL System
0:00 - Intro/Background
5:09 - What is ASL?/Boards/Scale
9:44 - Turn/Phase System
16:06 - Basic Components
21:14 - The Scenario Card
27:24 - My traditional end of video die roll. What will it be...?
This is the first Exercise (yet not really an exercise) simply presenting the game at a high level for new (and future!) players, Starter Kit players, and veteran players. I start at the beginning talking about the three things needed to play a game of ASL, and how they're represented in the ASL system:
1) A location (board configuration)
2) Combatants (units/counters from each side)
3) A situation (the scenario card)
The goal of ASL Boot Camp is to present rule and tactical discussions for new and veteran players. New Boot Camp Exercises posted ... well, when I make them (hint: there's no schedule!). Also, if I screw up a rules interpretation (we all do) in any of my videos, PLEASE post in the comments so we can correct it!!!
Visit the website at: asl-players.net/
#advancedsquadleader #asl​ #gaming #tacticalgames #tacticalgaming​ #wargaming #hexandcounter #boardgames #worldwar2 #ww2 #ww2games

[@MrRugbylane]

Hi guys. I started playing ASL in 1987 (or thereabouts). My mate Laurence and I spent many weekends playing until we went onto other things by early 90s. Laurence went on to be my Best Man and the Godfather to my son. Laurence passed on Thursday and we will lay him to rest on Monday in County Kerry. Rest in Peace old friend.

[@mjdf42]

RIP

[@danacoleman4007]

Sorry for your loss.

[@richardboulanger3393]

I'm sorry for your loss. Gaming makes for good friendships that have spanned the years for me as well.

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

Can never have enough ASL tutorials.

[@MaxHussein]

Because the designers never think they have enough rules! 😉

[@jpmangen]

I remember my brother and his friend when high school taking their Panzer Leader games and xeroxing boards and counters and making huge battles. They both owned the game and they never sold the copies they made. Watching them got me playing Squad Leader and then The Cross of Iron module.

[@kaiyuan4481]

Hi, I found a PC game also like ASL，it's Sudden Strike which allow you to control every infantry or vehicle，equality very detailed and realistic，need you to spend many of time in achieving military goal and protecting soldier's lives as much as possible. First time i play the SS(sudden strike) when i was five years old,it's my father favourite game.But now i think ASL will be my favourite only one.Cuz i like everything my fingers can touch,like books rather than E-book.

[@ThisEpicLife]

10/10. Excellent. I loved playing Avalon Hill games back in the early 80's with my friend, however despite being smart, we were both just a little too young and impatient to fully and consistently follow the rules. We got close-enough to have fun though! Now, decades later, I have a dedicated game-room, and I've just ordered the ASL Starter Kit. It'll arrive in a few days, and I'm getting a head-start on learning. I'm listening to your videos and taking meticulous notes. I definitely appreciate your teaching style and thoroughness. Excellent production-quality! These are great. I'm looking forward to it's arrival!

[@hiroyasuohata3981]

Hi I am a classic Squard leader player in Japan. I have ASL starter kit too but I didn't open it yet, because my friends who play SL with me feel ASL might be too difficult. So it is very nice for me to see the difference between classic SL and ASL. Look forward to seeing all of your in comming boot camp videos.

[@vinniethefinger7781]

I bought SL when I was 12. Then I remembered kickball. It wasn't until ASL came out that I dove in. I remember that I used the examples to get me through some rough patches and found that the examples were right on the money for what I needed to know. Been a long time since I played, and I miss ASL. Great game.

[@SeanOnTilt]

This series has come at the perfect time as I’m trying to learn ASL after owning the game for about 3 years! I’m currently using Jeff Stahlers tutorials and have been using your vassel tutorials and long plays for reference. Much appreciated!

[@BxN88]

Amazing quality! Keep doing it!

[@ZeroNyde]

starting to learn ASL now with 34 years old and trying to learn more for my game developer career (for tabletop/card/PnP-games). Thank you so much for this series mate! O7

[@standandelivery]

Bless you for posting this awesome tutorial. Much appreciated!!

[@simondavidson6005]

Great, and the quality is amazing

[@joevano]

Thanks Neal! These videos will be a great asset to the community. PS those are beautifully clipped counters

[@lacrauzorro]

Thank you for your time doing these tutorials.

[@ASLAcademy]

My pleasure!

[@VonChoker]

thanks for doing these, I've been watching your vassal tutorials to try to learn how to use it properly as I'm trying to get back into advanced squad leader sk. They've been very helpful

[@jimdasselvasbrasil5488]

Great work, outstanding material!

[@russsandbags1967]

Thank you for making these! I’m currently going through ASL starter kits.

[@aurthurdent99]

Ok, you got me hooked on this game. I have seen it around for years but never took the time to learn about it. Thank you for taking the time to make a series of videos teaching the game system.

[@kdziarmaga]

Finally real maps and counters 😜 Great stuff, can't wait for another video 👍🏻👏🏻

[@mrtactica]

We have been playing 3d ASL. We are recommending your vids to the newbies and the oldies. Well done.

[@daveyearp1499]

Awesome, many thanks ! 👍

[@billbroadhurst649]

Fantastic. Thanks for doing this. Looking forward to more. I've been learning ASL with the Starter Kits. Finished SK1 and 2. Starting 3 now.

[@jonnytenebrous1113]

Thanks for posting this - I've been looking forward to this series since you first teased in months ago. I'm relatively new to ASL, but quite serious about getting to grips with it - I've read the ASLSK1 rules a dozen or more times now, have played a few online SK games, and some solitaire matches as well. I'm wanting to introduce some friends to ASL, though, and I'm not a great teacher and I don't expect them to have the same level of patience to go digging online like I have. In that regard, I'm very excited to both be able to learn from your boot camp series, and to have a go-to learning resource to direct recruits towards. Looking forward to your next video(s)!

[@Phillybrarian]

Thanks for this easy-to-follow, step-by-step, teaching approach. I played SL when it first came out all those years ago and loved the game, but never moved on to ASL as I had moved away from the hobby when that system was introduced. Now, like you, with more time on my hands, this may be the time to pick this game up again. Thank you for starting with the fundamental information. Eagerly looking forward to future boot camp clips!

[@amorphousblob6105]

Good stuff! Looking forward to this series! :-)

[@jiml7279]

Yay! Glad this happened.

[@jhnsbrgr3100]

I got my start playing Microgames (Ogre, GEV, etc) too. I was in 5th grade at the time. I recently dove into ASL and been learning every since. Loving this series. Thanks.

[@b.o.353]

Absolutely love this video. Haven’t played in 26 years and not all that much prior to that. Have still been buying in anticipation. With inflation pressures and the cost of everything else it’s time to relearn and enjoy it. Again. Thank you.

[@gianlucagatti4576]

Nice video! Thanks a lot for your time to do it!

[@markc8401]

Likewise, I started with SL and "graduated" to ASL in the late 80's. And likewise, I had many years where I wasn't playing at all. But a few years ago I jumped back in and love it. You are correct - you always know your subject material better when you have to teach it. I am looking forward to watching your more in-depth videos to see if I can pick up some hints. Cheers

[@joseignacio838]

Great video, fine explanations and a very clear diction (as I'm not a native english speaking person). Please, keep doing more of those marvellous videos.

[@nicholascarey9705]

Very grateful for the tremendous effort you've put into this. I've been wanting to get into the game for a long time - I'm fairly good with rulebooks but ASL is so vast that having someone outline the basics of the game - and also the essential nature and qualities of the game - is an absolute god-send. It makes learning the core rules far less intimidating. Thanks!

[@CubbieBlues]

Outstanding. Thank you for the investment of your personal time for our benefit, Neal.

[@Indigorun]

Good video. I've read the starter game rule books and for new person they are hard to read and understand. You're video gives the context those seem to lack. Thanks a LOT!!! :). I'll keep watching.

[@mattiaseklund610]

Great! Keep it up.

[@riccardorinaldi3369]

Thanks! I now have two of your videos over my belt... and yes I did watch both from start to finish!

[@ASLAcademy]

Fantastic!

[@rubopinal]

Thanks for your video!

[@nurd6]

Appreciate these

[@artvandelay2274]

Perfect tutorial videos! Thanks a lot for doing these

[@ASLAcademy]

Glad you like them!

[@patrickboyer6431]

Your tutorials are just great and informative. Please take all the time you need to explain things in detail, this is a very detailed game and you explain it so well! Thank you Neal! Patrick

[@ASLAcademy]

Thanks, will do!

[@reubenjames7779]

Perfect timing to kick this series off, for me anyways. I have been playing some SK with my eye on the big orange bible. I look forward to more of these. You have already answered my first question about the numbers in the parenthesis next to each side on the scenario card.

[@reubenjames7779]

@@ASLAcademy I was referring to the battlefield integrity numbers. I think that is what you called them. Thanks. I will keep watching and keep the questions coming.

[@tpdorsey]

Thanks!

[@ASLAcademy]

Thank you sir!

[@Zajuts149]

I think it was J.R. Tracy that came up with the idea that even though each game turn is 2 minutes of real time, there is no way of telling how long a time there is between game turns. It could be 2 minutes, 10 minutes or 1/2 hour.

[@JOHNYLAW100]

Spiral binding the pocket edition was a great idea! I paid $11 at the Fed Ex store.

[@SJ-yp7sy]

How many of you tried to Play By Mail (PBM) with people in other areas of the country? (This was WAY before the internet.) Used the stock market tables (back when they were fractions) for die rolls. One turn would take a month or more.

[@mikeyoung9810]

I have no plans to play since I live alone but, I love learning how games are designed and how they work.

[@ASLAcademy]

FYI ... Search google for "vassal engine". It's allowed thousands of gamers to play their favorite boardgames remotely, including ASL.

[@siyuanxu3537]

Thanks for the video, enjoyed watching it. Actually I watched it until the last second :-) although with a break in between. I find it informative and somehow entertaining just by watching tutorials like this, I use it like a quiz for me, i.e. if the small things matche my memories, by doing so I refresh my memoriy. Please keep doing them.

[@marioaceto120]

great job! well done ;)

[@madDdog67]

and in 4K...yes please! :)

[@kamillewan4636]

[@ASLAcademy]

0:00 - Intro/Background 5:09 - What is ASL?/Boards/Scale 9:44 - Turn/Phase System 16:06 - Basic Components 21:14 - The Scenario Card 27:24 - My traditional end of video die roll. What will it be...?

[@pm71241]

Well ... I certainly do believe you're right that it's only as complex as you make it. But I play OCS and WiF and ASL is still pretty intimidating :)

[@pm71241]

@@ASLAcademy That's often the case with any game (also OCS and WiF) ... but ASL is special since the rule book is explicitly written as a reference and not as walkthrough of the rules. (unlike most other games) I have to thank you for these videos. I've had ASL on my shelf for 30 years without getting around to learning it. Found a few different tutorials, but none of them as clear and to-the-point as your videos. Before one starts to read the rule book cover-2-cover you need at least a basic overview and some intuitive idea about the acronyms. This really helps.

[@charlesharris9965]

Panzerblitz originated the geomorphic board style. It predated Squad Leader by 4 years.

[@javiertorres1031]

Thanks a lot for your work and this videos, love all of this, i was thinking if you can work for a video about rally phase, i have little difficulties for understand all of the items. Sincerely thanks

[@A._J_.]

I need this tutorial.

[@billyriley492]

Excellent video - thank you. I have picked up the ASL Starter Kit #1 and looking to play it - so I think these will help greatly. I wonder - what makes you play ASL when there are so many more modern games out there that incorporate many (if not all) of the mechanics and perhaps enhance them?

[@ASLAcademy]

We talked about it some in our last live stream (FNT #5) and will probably talk about it more in tonight's live stream. Basically, it's still the most popular and played WW2 tactical hex and counter wargame, most systems borrow heavily from it (I've played some of them), but the depth of the system is so vast that it always offers something new. You can play everything from a simple company trying to take a village, to massive beach landings on jungle islands, paradrops, desert armor battles, etc.

[@maxclickenhof1049]

Was just wondering where you got those tweezers from ?? Been looking for a set that size but no luck so far.

[@chrisgallagher7]

Great video. How do I start? I am a life long miniature wargamer and have become more interested in historicals however what to I buy to start? Is there a recommended start set including rulebook to purchase? What is a good website to purchase from?

[@commandosolo193]

two things that have nothing to do with the video for now but great job. everyone has those tweezers and takes the lights off and COWERS!

[@shanew700]

good video, but in some parts of the video you're pointing out items that are out of frame, i.e. scenario card bottom info. please keep up the good work and video.

[@markvanderhoek1750]

Solo possibilities???

[@davidwilliams7935]

With all the standard ways to list bullet points, I don't understand the use of the L shape.

[@ManFromTheFizz]

Could you possibley explain the motivation for hardcore and casual board gamers why they would want to become invested in ASL in the first place?

[@ASLAcademy]

Yes, I plan on starting a video series soon called "Demystifying ASL" which might answer some of those questions. I'll compare and contrast Squad Leader (the original), ASL, and ASL Starter Kit, and advise new/potential players how to approach the system...and why it's a system worth approaching, even 40 years after initial release.

[@ManFromTheFizz]

​​ @Advanced Squad Leader Academy Oh sweet thanks man! Apologies if my comment came across as being abit negative -_- Lots of amazing oldschool boardgames out there that can be very hard to approach. Just recently bought Wooden Ships and Iron Men and had Swashbucklers for awhile. And this game has hundreds of expansions XD. And is highly rated on BGG, just want to understand what makes it different, and which expansions to buy.

[@woosdom]

Are you using an overlay to write on? Plexi or something like that?

[@woosdom]

@@ASLAcademy Thanks! Looks great

[@hoohah42]

@@ASLAcademy I just broke the shrink wrap on my ASL SK #1 and am wondering if you use the plexiglass while gaming on the table top? I could see how it might help the “newer style” boards lay more flat.

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

I learned all the BattleTech Total War rules in a week. How hard could ASL be? *reads first page* *brain melts*

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

@@ASLAcademy Haha, I'm one of those crazies that just has to learn "everything." Anyways, thanks for making these tutorials. They are really well done and are incredibly helpful for those who are trying to learn but don't have an ASL mentor available.

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

@@ASLAcademy You're right. Its not so bad. Only took a month of casual study to become proficient with the infantry rules. I think I will stick with infantry-only games for the next few months. Not looking forward to learning all the AFV rules...

[@malcolmsleight9334]

@@ASLAcademy Like you, I started with the original Squad Leader back in the 70's, but stopped playing in the early 90's. I have a lot of the newer ASL stuff, but haven't been able to get back into it since then. As a side note, I don't know where you are located, but Nashcon, in Nashville, has a small ASL tournament every year in honor of John Hill.

[@billharpster7968]

Yep. Roll low. 😂

[@danielbeach4855]

Can someone please catch me up with regard to SL vs. ASL? Last time I played SL was circa 1984.

[@ASLAcademy]

SL had 3 expansions and the designers kept adding and/or changing a lot of the rules to expand the systems. Instead of continuing to release SL expansions and make the rules even more confusing and contradictory (is that a word?), the started over with a fresh re-write from the ground up. This is Advanced Squad Leader which has been around for, oh, 40ish years now. Recently Multi-Man Publishing created a streamlined version of the game called ASL Starter Kit which strips away some of the detailed rules and boils the system down to the fundamentals. Hope that helps.

[@danielbeach4855]

@@ASLAcademy Is it worth buying the ASL system over the SL system? Can my old SL counters and boards be used for ASL?

[@ASLAcademy]

@@danielbeach4855 Well, far more people play ASL than SL these days. ASL is still the most popular hex and counter game played (from my estimation). ASL can be expensive though. The SL counters can't be used. The old maps can be, but they've all be updated graphically. Just to start full ASL would probably cost ~$200 (Beyond Valor module w/German and Russian OBs, rulebook/charts). You could get started with ASL Starter Kit for about $30 (infantry rules). So is it worth it? That's probably your call. But if you want to play ASL there are many people to play, especially online using VASL. You'd be hard pressed to find many active SL players.

[@andypanda4927]

Kept looking, back in the day, for Pacific theatre ASL modules. Don't believe anything put out before Enclosed doors. Your mileage may vary.

[@nikkibaugher2427]

Heads-up...I was un-subscribed to this channel against my will by KZbin

[@jeffwise8194]

ASL was AH's Waterloo. AH dumped every resource they had into a game that was no better than SL and it's modules. Decades of fine AH production and games flushed down the toilet for the sake of one stupid boner.

[@marcocuenca1]

I HAVE ALWAYSED Found the time to Learn this game, it is a masterpiece of strategy.