The Ultimate Guide to the ASL Rulebook PDF: Everything You Need to Know
Advanced squad leader rulebook PDF
If you are a fan of Advanced squad leader (ASL), you probably know that it is one of the most detailed and realistic wargaming systems that can simulate any company level ground action from any theater of World War II. You also probably know that it has a very complex and comprehensive rulebook that covers every aspect of the game. But did you know that you can get a PDF version of the rulebook that you can access from any device at any time? In this article, we will tell you what ASL and its rulebook are, why you would want a PDF version of it, how to get it, and how to use it.
Advanced squad leader rulebook PDF
The history of ASL and its rulebook
ASL is a descendant of Squad Leader, a game that was first published by Avalon Hill in 1977. Squad Leader was designed by John Hill as a tactical-level game that focused on infantry combat in World War II. It was followed by three expansions: Cross of Iron, Crescendo of Doom, and GI: Anvil of Victory. Together, they formed a series that covered various aspects of warfare, such as armor, artillery, air support, etc.
However, Squad Leader and its expansions had some limitations and inconsistencies in their rules. They also did not cover all the possible scenarios and situations that could arise in a wargame. Therefore, in 1985, Avalon Hill released Advanced Squad Leader, a revised and expanded version of Squad Leader that aimed to be more realistic, comprehensive, and consistent. ASL was designed by Don Greenwood and a team of developers and playtesters. It incorporated all the rules from Squad Leader and its expansions, as well as new rules for more nations, units, weapons, terrain, weather, etc.
The ASL rulebook was originally published as a three-ring binder with 522 pages of rules divided into chapters A to N. It also included charts and tables for reference. The rulebook was intended to be a living document that would be updated and expanded as new modules and supplements were released. However, the binder format proved to be impractical and cumbersome for many players. Therefore, in 1989, Avalon Hill released a second edition of the rulebook as a hardcover book with 560 pages of rules. The second edition also incorporated some errata and clarifications from the first edition.
In 1994, Avalon Hill sold the rights to ASL to Multi-Man Publishing (MMP), a company that was founded by former Avalon Hill employees and ASL enthusiasts. MMP continued to produce new modules and supplements for ASL, as well as reprinting some of the older ones. In 2001, MMP released a second printing of the second edition of the rulebook, with some minor corrections and changes. MMP also promised to release an electronic edition of the rulebook on CD-ROM, but this project was delayed for many years.
The contents of the ASL rulebook
The ASL rulebook is the core component of the ASL system. It contains all the rules that govern the game, from basic concepts to advanced procedures. The rulebook is organized into chapters and sections, each with a letter and a number code. For example, Chapter A is about Infantry and Basic Game Rules, Section A1 is about Game Components, Section A2 is about Definitions, etc. The rulebook also uses color codes to indicate the level of complexity of each rule: black for basic rules, red for advanced rules, and blue for optional rules.
The rulebook covers the following topics:
Chapter A: Infantry and Basic Game Rules
Chapter B: Terrain
Chapter C: Ordnance
Chapter D: Vehicles
Chapter E: Miscellaneous
Chapter F: Fire Attacks
Chapter G: Close Combat
Chapter H: Design Your Own (DYO) scenarios and campaigns
Chapter J: Deluxe ASL (DASL), a variant of ASL that uses larger hexes and counters
Chapter K: Historical ASL (HASL), a variant of ASL that uses historical maps and scenarios
Chapter W: Korean War, a supplement that adds rules and components for the Korean War
The rulebook also includes charts and tables that summarize the various modifiers, factors, results, etc. that are used in the game. For example, there are charts and tables for terrain effects, fire attacks, ordnance to hit, vehicle notes, etc.
The benefits of having a PDF version of the rulebook
As you can see, the ASL rulebook is a very large and dense document that contains a lot of information. While it is essential for playing and learning ASL, it is not very convenient to carry around or use in practice. That is why having a PDF version of the rulebook can be very beneficial for ASL players. Here are some of the advantages of having a digital copy of the rulebook:
Portability: You can access the PDF file from any device that can read PDFs, such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc. You don't have to lug around a heavy book or binder with you.
Accessibility: You can open the PDF file anytime and anywhere you want. You don't have to worry about losing or damaging your physical copy of the rulebook.
Searchability: You can use the search function of your PDF reader to find any word or phrase in the rulebook. You don't have to flip through hundreds of pages to locate the rule you need.
Updatability: You can download the latest version of the PDF file whenever MMP releases an update or errata for the rulebook. You don't have to wait for a new printing or buy a new edition of the rulebook.
Eco-friendliness: You can save paper and ink by using a digital copy of the rulebook instead of printing it out.
How to get the ASL rulebook PDF
```html L rulebook PDF is a good idea, you might be wondering how to get it. Well, the good news is that MMP has finally released an official electronic edition of the ASL rulebook in 2021, after 20 years of promising it. The bad news is that MMP is not selling it from its own website, but rather from a third-party website called Wargame Vault. In this section, we will explain what the electronic edition offers, how much it costs, and how to buy and download it.
The features of the electronic edition
The electronic edition of the ASL rulebook is a PDF file that contains 708 pages of official ASL rules (Chapters A-H, J-K, and W), as well as charts and tables. It also includes some appendices and a glossary. The electronic edition has the following features:
Bookmarks: The PDF file has a pane on the left-hand side that shows collapsible menus for chapters and cardinal numbered rules. You can use these bookmarks to navigate the rulebook easily.
Hyperlinks: The PDF file has links that connect rules references to their corresponding sections. You can use these links to go back and forth between rules quickly.
Errata: The PDF file incorporates all known errata as of August 2020, making it the most up-to-date version of the rulebook available.
Charts and tables: The PDF file includes a complete set of charts and tables for reference, including the Korean War tables.
The electronic edition also promises to be updated and expanded in the future, as MMP releases new modules and supplements for ASL. For example, MMP plans to update the desert rules when the new Hollow Legions module comes out.
The price and availability of the electronic edition
The electronic edition of the ASL rulebook is sold for $59.99 on the Wargame Vault website. This is a one-time purchase that gives you unlimited access to the PDF file. You can download it as many times as you want and use it on any device that can read PDFs. You can also print out any pages you need for personal use.
The price of the electronic edition is comparable to the price of the print edition, which is sold for $60 on the MMP website. However, the electronic edition has some advantages over the print edition in terms of convenience and currency. You don't have to pay for shipping or wait for delivery when you buy the electronic edition. You also don't have to worry about running out of stock or missing out on updates when you use the electronic edition.
The process of purchasing and downloading the electronic edition
To get the electronic edition of the ASL rulebook, you need to follow these steps:
Click on "Add to Cart" and then "Checkout".
Create an account or log in with your existing account on Wargame Vault.
Enter your payment information and confirm your order.
After your payment is processed, you will receive an email with a link to download your PDF file.
Click on the link and save the PDF file to your device.
Open the PDF file with your preferred PDF reader and enjoy!
How to use the ASL rulebook PDF
Now that you have obtained the electronic edition of the ASL rulebook, you might be wondering how to use it effectively for playing and learning ASL. In this section, we will give you some tips and tricks on how to view, navigate, search, and reference the PDF file. We will also provide you with some resources and references for further learning and support on ASL and its rulebook.
The recommended software and devices for viewing the PDF
The electronic edition of the ASL rulebook is a standard PDF file that can be opened by any software or device that can read PDFs. However, some software or devices may have better features or performance than others. Here are some of the recommended software and devices for viewing the PDF:
Adobe Acrobat Reader: This is the most popular and widely used PDF reader for Windows and Mac computers. It has all the features you need to view, navigate, search, and print the PDF file. You can download it for free from https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
PDF Expert: This is a powerful and user-friendly PDF reader for iOS and Mac devices. It has a smooth and intuitive interface that lets you scroll, zoom, annotate, and edit the PDF file. You can also use it to fill out forms, sign documents, and merge PDFs. You can download it for free from https://pdfexpert.com/.
PDF Viewer: This is a simple and fast PDF reader for Android devices. It has a minimalist design that lets you open, view, and search the PDF file. You can also use it to bookmark, highlight, and share the PDF file. You can download it for free from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pspdfkit.viewer&hl=en_US&gl=US.
Kindle Fire: This is a tablet device that can read PDFs as well as ebooks. It has a high-resolution display that shows the PDF file in full color and detail. You can also use it to access the internet, play games, watch videos, and more. You can buy it from https://www.amazon.com/All-New-Fire-HD-10-Tablet/dp/B08BX6B43K.
The tips and tricks for navigating and searching the PDF
The electronic edition of the ASL rulebook has some features that make it easy to navigate and search the PDF file. Here are some of the tips and tricks you can use to find and access the rules you need quickly and easily:
Use the bookmarks: The PDF file has bookmarks that show the chapters and cardinal numbered rules in a collapsible menu on the left-hand side of the window. You can use these bookmarks to jump to any section of the rulebook with a single click.
Use the hyperlinks: The PDF file has hyperlinks that connect rules references to their corresponding sections. You can use these links to go back and forth between rules with a single click. To go back to your previous location, you can use the "Previous View" button or keyboard shortcut of your PDF reader.
Use the search function: The PDF file has a search function that lets you find any word or phrase in the rulebook. You can use this function to locate any rule or term you need. To use the search function, you can use the "Find" button or keyboard shortcut of your PDF reader.
Use the zoom function: The PDF file has a zoom function that lets you adjust the size of the text and images in the rulebook. You can use this function to make the rulebook easier to read or fit on your screen. To use the zoom function, you can use the "Zoom" button or keyboard shortcut of your PDF reader.
The resources and references for further learning and support
The electronic edition of the ASL rulebook is a great tool for playing and learning ASL, but it is not the only one. There are many other resources and references that can help you improve your skills and knowledge of ASL and its rulebook. Here are some of them:
The ASL Starter Kits: These are simplified versions of ASL that introduce you to the basic concepts and mechanics of the game. They are ideal for beginners who want to learn ASL gradually and enjoyably. They include scenarios, counters, boards, and rules that are easy to understand and play. You can buy them from https://mmpgamers.com/asl-starter-kit/.
```html players who want to explore the full potential and variety of ASL. They include rules chapters, charts and tables, maps, counters, and scenarios that are challenging and realistic. You can buy them from https://mmpgamers.com/advanced-squad-leader/.
The ASL Journal: This is a magazine that publishes articles, reviews, tips, variants, scenarios, and more for ASL. It is a valuable source of information and inspiration for ASL players of all levels. It also includes errata and clarifications for the rulebook and the modules. You can buy it from https://mmpgamers.com/asl-journal/.
The ASL Rulebook FAQ: This is a document that answers frequently asked questions about the rulebook and its interpretation. It is a useful reference for resolving doubts and disputes that may arise during the game. It also includes examples and illustrations to clarify the rules. You can download it for free from https://www.desperationmorale.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ASLRB-FAQ-2019.pdf.
The ASL Online Resources: These are websites that offer various services and features for ASL players online. They include forums, blogs, podcasts, videos, databases, tools, etc. They are a great way to learn from other players, share your experiences, find opponents, play online, and more. Some of the most popular ones are:
http://www.gamesquad.com/forums/index.php?forums/asl-general-discussion.3/: A forum for general discussion about ASL.
https://vasl.info/: A website for playing ASL online using a virtual board and counters.
http://www.roar-website.net/: A website for rating and ranking ASL scenarios based on player feedback.
https://aslscenarioarchive.com/: A website for searching and downloading ASL scenarios from various sources.
http://www.advancedsquadleader.net/index.php?title=Main_Page: A wiki for ASL that contains rules summaries, examples, tactics, etc.
We hope that this article has helped you understand what the ASL rulebook PDF is, how to get it, and how to use it. We also hope that you have found some of the resources and references we have provided useful and interesting. If you are an ASL player or want to become one, we highly recommend that you get the electronic edition of the rulebook and enjoy its benefits. It will make your ASL experience easier, faster, and more fun!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ASL rulebook PDF is a digital version of the rulebook that contains all the rules for playing ASL in a convenient and accessible format. It has many features that make it easy to navigate and search the rulebook. It also incorporates all the errata and updates that have been issued by MMP. It costs $59.99 and can be bought and downloaded from the Wargame Vault website. It can be viewed on any device that can read PDFs, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. It can also be printed out for personal use. The ASL rulebook PDF is a great tool for playing and learning ASL, but it is not the only one. There are many other resources and references that can help you improve your skills and knowledge of ASL and its rulebook. These include the ASL starter kits, modules and supplements, journal, FAQ, and online resources.
FAQs
What is Advanced squad leader (ASL)?
ASL is a detailed and realistic wargaming system that can simulate any company level ground action from any theater of World War II. It uses playing pieces that represent squads, half-squads, leaders, crews, guns, and vehicles from every major and minor combatant of World War II. It also uses geomorphic mapboards that represent the battlefields.
What is the ASL rulebook?
The ASL rulebook is the core component of the ASL system. It contains all the rules that govern the game, from basic concepts to advanced procedures. It also includes charts and tables that summarize the various modifiers, factors, results, etc. that are used in the game.
What is the ASL rulebook PDF?
The ASL rulebook PDF is a digital version of the rulebook that contains all the rules for playing ASL in a convenient and accessible format. It has many features that make it easy to navigate and search the rulebook. It also incorporates all the errata and updates that have been issued by MMP.
How to get the ASL rulebook PDF?
The ASL rulebook PDF can be bought and downloaded from the Wargame Vault website for $59.99. You need to create an account or log in with your existing account on Wargame Vault, enter your payment information and confirm your order, and then download your PDF file from the link you receive by email.
How to use the ASL rulebook PDF?
The ASL rulebook PDF can be viewed on any device that can read PDFs, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. You can use the bookmarks, hyperlinks, search function, and zoom function to find and access the rules you need quickly and easily. You can also print out any pages you need for personal use.
71b2f0854b