If you have seen the Advanced Squad Leader Rulebook, it looks pretty daunting. It is housed in a box file – yes, it is big and it is heavy (Shipping weight : 6 lb according to Amazon). However, a lot of wargamers also think it’s the best simulation/game of all time! Knowing, learning and seeing the rules manifesting themselves during gameplay is part of what the grognards enjoy as well.
Personally I don’t know of another game system whose rulebook is sold separately from the rest of the game. So if you are looking for some assurance before plunging in, I can understand. I had the same thoughts not too long ago.
Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kits offer a rulebook that is much more palatable and a self-contained game set that is much more economical so you can make an informed decision. Unlike the full Advanced Squad Leader modules, the Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kits (ASLSK) stand alone, even from each other.
- Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit (ASLSK) 1 – Infantry
- Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit (ASLSK) 2 – Guns
- Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit (ASLSK) 3 – Tanks
- Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit (ASLSK) 4 – Pacific Theater of Operations
You do not need to buy all four.
The rulebook for each builds on each other. For example: the rulebook for ASLSK#3 is the rulebook for ASLSK#2 with more rules for tanks and armoured cars, with the additions highlighted in a different color. So even though you probably won’t find ASLSK#1 and realise ASLSK#2 in short supply (although I just saw a copy selling at a bookstore in Kuala Lumpur last week), all you need is to get ASLSK#3.
Aids That Helped Me Get Started with ASLSK
There are of course a lot of tutorials on the internet as well, I rather enjoyed Eddy M. del Rio‘s (aka edelrio) ASLSK Tutorial Examples of Play which be found here. There’s also Daniel F. Savarese’s ASL Starter Kit Explained.
There are actually a lot more top quality resources on the internet prepared by top notched wargamers. I will tell you about more of them in my other posts. The one thing you will find out about ASL wargamers is that they are a very sociable and helpful lot!
If you are an experienced ASL wargamer, please comment and let us know: what helped YOU? Thanks!
Related articles
- Key to the Advanced Squad Leader Modules Before You Buy Any (hongkongwargamer.com)
- Why Do I Love Advanced Squad Leader? (hongkongwargamer.com)
Advanced Squad Leader AAR Blog / Advanced Squad Leader After Action Reports 