Introduction

Learning to play Advanced Squad Leader may seem to be a monumental task. True it is a complex system that requires time, dedication, study and even a chunk of your hard-earned money. At least it is cheaper than golf! But the satisfaction gained from playing the game is worth all of the effort. And trust me you will have fun right from the start. Here are some tips to help make the experience of learning the game easier and more productive.

Tips for Learning the Game

1. Don't worry about the size of the rulebook. 80% of it are exceptions to basic things like moving and shooting.

2. Play often and play fast. Notice that these two are synergistic - the faster you play the more time you'll have to play. Don't worry about making mistakes and try not to agonize over each and every move. I learned this from the Musings of Mark Nixon. I believe it is one of the best tips out there for learning and playing the game.

3. Play lots of different people. You'll learn different styles of play and make friends along the way. 99% of ASL players are fun guys to play.

4. Play people who are much better than you. You won't win at first, but you'll learn the game very quickly this way. It is a humbling way to learn, but it is worth it. Try and have fun.

5. Play people who are not as good as you. No one likes to lose all the time! (See #4.)

6. Have fun. Try not to take it too seriously, it's only a game.

7. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or dumb moves. Learn from your mistakes and don't ask to take a move back.

8. Study the game, read pertinent articles, surf the web, check out the resources available to you.

9. Never ever be afraid to ask questions (EXCEPTION: don't bug people if they're consumed by the game that they're currently playing.) Ask your opponent why he did certain things and made particular moves during your game.

10. Have fun and play fast.

11. Go to tournaments. Not only will you have fun but you'll also learn gobs and gobs about how to play the game.

12. Read the rulebook, but not all at once! Don't focus on sections that you won't use the first time. Unless there's cavalry in your scenario you don't have to read about it! Focus on chapters A and B your first time out. Once you're comfortable with the game, make the effort to read chapters A - D carefully at least once per year, you'll learn something new every time.

13. Have fun and play fast.

14. During a game, don't worry if you and your opponent get stuck. If you can't find an answer to your question within 5 minutes, write it down and look it up later. Reach some agreement on how to proceed (maybe even roll a die) and keep playing.

15. Have fun and play fast.

Resources to Help You Learn the Game

There are some great resources to help you learn the game. Some of these are on the web. In order to get the most out of them you should setup the requisite pieces and follow along, especially with the Chapter K examples and Tom Repetti's examples of play (XoP.)

• Chapter K. It reads a little hokey, but it is a great way to learn. It helped me out a lot. Make sure you follow along with your own pieces and boards.

• Stahler's "Eight Steps to ASL: A Programmed Instruction Approach" for learning ASL is another good way to take bite-sized pieces out of the rulebook. You can find it on-line at the MMP web-site, under "player support", at: http://www.advancedsquadleader.com/.

• Tom Repetti has some great newbie examples of play on his home page. Download them, print them out, and play along. You can find these at: http://www.mindspring.com/~tqr/

Contact .

Conscript Squad and Commissar counter images used with kind permission of Multi-Man Publishing, LLC. All image and other copyrights remain the property of their respective copyright holders. The Conscripts ASL Club is not affiliated with Multi-Man Publishing, though we think they're pretty cool.