ASL 101: LEARNING
ADVANCED SQUAD LEADER
Session 8: More Fire Lanes!
with Russ Gifford
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Goals for this Session
More Fire Lane examples:
• Alternate Hex Grain Fire Lanes
• The impact of smoke
• Dash
• Casualty Reduction
• Building Control
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Example of Fire Lane
American
Last Turn:
Americans
must
control
Bldg X3!
There are 2
467w/LMG
in Bldg X3.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Analysis
The American’s have a chance, but not a great one:
• The only way they can win is to be the ONLY
units in the building – they can’t possibly be the
last to occupy EVERY location.
• So shooting won’t do it – If the Germans break,
they’ll run away but still be in the building - and
we can’t claim ‘last to solely occupy’!
• We will need to MOVE into the building, and
attempt to CC the defenders!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Building Control
Building Control:
If the Americans are the ONLY armed, Good Order
Infantry/ MMC in the building at game end, AND
there are no longer ANY armed enemy ground units
in the building, American’s can win.
So technically, the Americans have a slim chance.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Example of Fire Lane
The
Americans
pass on
Prep Fire,
and head
straight to
movement!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Example of Dash
The Squad
in AA5 is
attempting
to DASH
across the
street to
Y4!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Dash!
Dash:
A Dash is very risky – the Dash will decrease any
fire at the unit by half, but it will subject them to all
DRMs at the time of attack.
If the unit survives, it will make it to Y4. If it is
pinned or broken, it will remain at Z4 (in the street.)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Example of Fire Lane
467
w/LMG
inY3 fires
as 747
crosses the
street in
Z4 – and
declares a
fire lane!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Fire Lane Initial Attack
Remember, the Initial attack that creates the Fire
Line can include the other combat units stacked
with the MG – any squads, leader, etc.
This allows the fire to have a higher attack, but:
• The additional squad’s FP leaves separate
residual.
• The later Fire Lane residual attacks do NOT
include the squad’s FP.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Fire Lane Initial Attack
The attack
4 FP+ 3FP
=7
* ½ (dash)
= 3.5 FP
- 1 FFNAM
- 1 FFMO
ASL 101: Fire Combat
The IFT
There is no
3.5 FP
column – it
drops to the
2 FP
column!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
DRMs
But the -2 DRM is literally a ‘killer!’
The German rolls an original 1,3 = 4!
With the – 2 DRM, it becomes a 2, which is a K/1!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Attack Result
DR = 1,3
-2 DRM
=2
Result:
K/1!
DR =
1,3 = 4 -2 = 2!
K/1
ASL 101: Fire Combat
The IFT
What does
a K/1
mean?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
K/#
Any K/# result means the target
has been Casualty Reduced ! (uh oh!)
If it is a squad, replace it with a half squad (HS) of
the same quality.
(If it was already a HS, the HS is eliminated.)
The ‘K/#’ means the remaining HS takes a #MC:
So, in this case, a +1 Morale Check!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Attack Result
So the 747
is replaced
with a 337
(A HS of
the same
quality.)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Attack Result
And now
the
remaining
HS takes a
1MC.
DR = 3,2 + 1
=6
PASS!!!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Attack Result
The HS
completes
the Dash!
He’s in the
building!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Attack Result
But the
Fire Lane,
and the
original
attack
residual,
are
placed.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Alternate Hex Row Fire Lane
As long as the attack does not break the MG or the
squad does not cower, the attack will place a Fire
Lane from Y3 to AA6. (The path of the attack.)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Fire Lane Residual
As we discussed in the previous session, the Fire
Lane residual is calculated as the first column on
the IFT to the LEFT of whatever column the MG
normally fires on.
In the case of a 3-8 LMG, which normally fires on
the 2FP column, that would be a 1 FP Fire Lane.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Example of Fire Lane
The Fire
Lane
follows the
hex spine,
But the
firer has to
decide
which side!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Example of Fire Lane
The pattern
has to stay
the same.
Left Side
Alternate
Hex Row
Fire Lane.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Example of Fire Lane
The pattern
has to stay
the same.
Or
Right side
alternate
Hex Row
Fire Lane.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Alternate Hex Row Fire Lane
Because this is an alternate Hex Row, the attacker
has to declare if they will hit the hexes to the left or
the right of the fire line.
The German chooses Z3 – Z4 – AA5 – AA6 instead
of Y4 – Z4 – Z5 – AA6.
(mainly because the building in Y4 would BLOCK
Z5 anyway!)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Attack Result
There is a
1 FL
residual in
Z3, Z4 AA5 and
AA6.
BUT we
only place
AA6.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Attack Result
But the
residual
from the
squad’s
original
attack is
also
placed in
Z4.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Quiz
If a unit entered Z3, what FP would the Fire Lane
Residual attack with?
It is ADJACENT to the firer’s location, so it is Point
Blank Fire, which is doubled. So the 1 FP would
attack at 2 FP (and any DRMs would apply.)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Quiz
Why is the there an additional Residual of 2 FP in
Z4?
That’s the residual left by the 4 FP from the Squad
firing the MG.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Quiz
So if the
unit in
AA4 steps
into: Z3, it
will be
attacked
with ?
In Z4?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Quiz
So if the
unit in
AA4 steps
into: Z3, it
will be
attacked
with ?
4 FP (PB)
residual
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Quiz
If a unit moves into Z4, it will be attacked by how
much residual FP?
First it will check for the 1 FP Fire Lane residual,
THEN it will be attacked by the 2 FP residual from
the squad!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Quiz
What DRMs will the residual attacks have?
Depends on how the target moves into the location:
• If they non-assault move, -2 (-1 FFMO,
-1FFNAM)
• If they assault move -1 (-1FFMO)
• If they moved into AA5, +2 (+3 TEM, 1FFNAM)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Next move?
So, we see
this is a
tough
cookie –
those -1
FFMO
can kill
you!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Quiz
And we
also can
guess the
MG in X5
is
planning a
Fire Lane,
too!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Quiz
Is there
anything
we can do
to get rid
of the -1
FFMO?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Have we mentioned Smoke?
Squads can place smoke in their own hex, or in an
adjacent location if they are equipped with smoke
grenades.
Smoke Exponent
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Smoke Placement
Smoke placement is a Movement, and costs
Movement Points (MF). 1MF in location, 2 MF
ADJACENT location.
The squad designates the hex, pays the MFs, and
rolls 1 die.
• If the dr <= its Smoke Exponent, the smoke is
placed.
If the dr = 6, the unit must end its move!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Smoke Placement
So for Americans, it is a 50-50 chance to place
smoke! Good odds!
Smoke Exponent = 3
Now let’s see how we use it!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Assault Move
Assault movement –
The unit is moving carefully, avoiding drawing
fire - perhaps even crawling.
In game terms, it means:
• The unit can only change ONE location
• The unit cannot use ALL of its non-CX MF.
(normally 4 MP, but less if carrying something.)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Next American Move
If we
Assault
move into
the street,
we do not
get the -1
FFNAM
But smoke
can help!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Assault Movement
While the unit doesn’t get far, there are rewards:
• If fired on, they do not pay the -1 FFNAM
DRM!
• If not in open ground, they will not pay the -1
FFMO.
• If concealed and not in open ground, they
remain concealed!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
The 747
squad in
Z6 tries
for smoke
in Y6.
(2MF)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
The 747
squad in
Z6 tries
for smoke
in Y6.
(2MF)
dr = 2!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
And then
moves into
Y6! (2MF)
[In smoke
costs +1
MF]
Why not
Assault
move?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
Why not
Assault
move?
Can’t spent 4
MF (2 for
the smoke,
2 to move
into it.)
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
The 467
w/ LMG
in X5
declares a
shot and a
Fire Lane!
4 + 3 = 7FP
*2 = 14 FP
+2 TEM –
1 FFNAM.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Fire Lane
By declaring the alternate hex fire lane, the unit
covers the hole in Z5.
It isn’t much, but it is all he’s got.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
The
result:
14 FP
+ 1 DRM
DR =
ASL 101: Fire Combat
The IFT
There is no
14 FP
column – it
drops to the
12 FP
column.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
The IFT
There is no
14 FP
column – it
drops to the
12 FP
column.
DR = 7 + 1
= 8 = 1 MC
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
1 MC
DR = 5 + 1
Pass!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
Place the
Fire Lane
marker,
and the
First Fire
marker.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Smoke
The Smoke now makes another difference!
Smoke is inherent, meaning even though the LOS
only goes along the hexside, the +2 TEM negates
the -1 FFMO (Moving in the Open) when the next
squad moves!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Second Fire Lane hexes
The fire
lane
passes
through
Y6 – Z5 –
AA6 –
BB5 –
CC6 –
DD5 EE6
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
The 8-0
and squad
move
together
to Z5
(1MF)
What’s
the
attack?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Smoke
1 Fire Lane residual attacks, but the DRM is different:
The smoke TEM took away the – 1 FFMO, since the
hindrance of smoke means the road is no longer open
ground! The smoke TEM does NOT count, however.
1 FP – 1 FFNAM
Had the unit Assault moved, he would have had a +0 DRM
– but he would be too far away to make a difference in the
end of the game! He has to be in position to CC to win!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
1 FP – 1
DRM!
DR = 7,
Final is 6.
Miss!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
Now into
the
building –
Y5, for 2
MF.
Should the
German
Final
Fire?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Final Fire?
The German can Final Fire – but it will be at a +2
DRM (+3 TEM, - 1 FFNAM.)
6 FP + 2 DRM is not great odds.
If he waits, after Movement phase the smoke goes
away, and he could Defensive Final Fire at the
adjacent Squad in the street at + 0 DRM.
Better chances there – and he needs the luck!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
And last,
the AA4
unit
Assault
moves into
Z3 What is
the
attack?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Let’s Move Out!
And last,
the AA4
unit
Assault
moves into
Z3 What is
the
attack?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
The move?
The AA4 squad doesn’t dare try for Smoke – if he
gets a 6 the move is over.
The 1 FP residual is x 2 for Point Blank Fire, - 1
FFMO.
So, 2 FP – 1 DRM.
DR: 7 -1 on the 2 FP is a PTC!
A DR of 7 is a pass!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Analysis
Lots of action left:
With movement over, the Smoke and residual goes
away.
The German uses Final Fire on the Adjacent units
in the street, and gets a final chance to break them
with 6 FP straight attacks. (* ½ for First Fire, *2
for Point Blank Range = 6 FP.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
The IFT
The 6 FP
column hits
out to an 8!
That’s a 26
out of 36
chance to
hit!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Final Victory?
Not a lot of chances for the American if the German
is a seasoned player:
The American has to survive these shots
Then climb into Close Combat
Where he’ll need at least one 6 or less, AND
another 7 or less. Losing either means he lost the
scenario.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Final Victory?
But the real point is, we saw that we at least have a
chance to win, because we didn’t get gunned down
in the street the way we did last module!
ASL 101: Fire Combat
For Further Information
For further information:
Read Section A7.0 to A9.0 (all) ,
in the rule book for
ADVANCED SQUAD LEADER.
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Coming Next Session
Well, that was two sessions on fire lanes. Did
you learn anything?
ASL 101: Fire Combat
Coming Next Session
In the next module, we’ll get you fired up as we
take target practice with MMCs and SW!
ASL 101 was created by:
• Russell Gifford
Learning the Great Battles
of the American Civil War
(CD Rom learning series,
2005)
Mass Media and Big
Government (Multi-media
lecture series, 2006)
Spectacular Voyage:
Lewis and Clark in Iowa,
Nebraska and South Dakota
(2002)
Additional Information
Advanced Squad Leader, ASL, and all artwork
© MMP, 2011
This Presentation is
© 2011 by Russell Gifford
May be used with permission
Write to rgifford@russgifford.net