ASL 101: L EARNING A DVANCED S QUAD L EADER Session 8: More Fire Lanes! with Russ Gifford

ASL 101: LASL 101: LEARNINGEARNING AADVANCED DVANCED SSQUADQUAD LLEADEREADER

Session 8: More Fire Lanes!Session 8: More Fire Lanes!

with Russ Giffordwith Russ Gifford

ASL 101: Fire CombatASL 101: Fire Combat

More Fire Lane examples:More Fire Lane examples:

• Alternate Hex Grain Fire LanesAlternate Hex Grain Fire Lanes

• The impact of smokeThe impact of smoke

• DashDash

• Casualty ReductionCasualty Reduction

• Building ControlBuilding Control

Goals for this SessionGoals for this Session


Example of Fire LaneExample of Fire Lane

American American Last Turn:Last Turn:

Americans Americans must must

control control Bldg X3! Bldg X3!

There are 2 There are 2 467w/LMG467w/LMGin Bldg X3.in Bldg X3.


The American’s have a chance, but not a great one:The American’s have a chance, but not a great one:

• The only way they can win is to be the ONLY The only way they can win is to be the ONLY units in the building – they can’t possibly be the units in the building – they can’t possibly be the last to occupy EVERY location. last to occupy EVERY location.

• So shooting won’t do it – If the Germans break, So shooting won’t do it – If the Germans break, they’ll run away but still be in the building - and they’ll run away but still be in the building - and we can’t claim ‘last to solely occupy’!we can’t claim ‘last to solely occupy’!

• We will need to MOVE into the building, and We will need to MOVE into the building, and attempt to CC the defenders!attempt to CC the defenders!

AnalysisAnalysis


Building Control: Building Control:

If the Americans are the ONLY armed, Good Order If the Americans are the ONLY armed, Good Order Infantry/ MMC in the building at game end, AND Infantry/ MMC in the building at game end, AND there are no longer ANY armed enemy ground there are no longer ANY armed enemy ground units in the building, American’s can win. units in the building, American’s can win.

So technically, the Americans have a slim chance.So technically, the Americans have a slim chance.

Building ControlBuilding Control



The The Americans Americans

pass on pass on Prep Fire, Prep Fire, and head and head straight to straight to movement!movement!


Example of DashExample of Dash

The Squad The Squad in AA5 is in AA5 is

attempting attempting to DASH to DASH across the across the street to street to

Y4! Y4!


Dash: Dash:

A Dash is very risky – the Dash will decrease any A Dash is very risky – the Dash will decrease any fire at the unit by half, but it will subject them to all fire at the unit by half, but it will subject them to all DRMs at the time of attack.DRMs at the time of attack.

If the unit survives, it will make it to Y4. If it is If the unit survives, it will make it to Y4. If it is pinned or broken, it will remain at Z4 (in the pinned or broken, it will remain at Z4 (in the street.)street.)

Dash!Dash!



467 467 w/LMG w/LMG

inY3 fires inY3 fires as 747 as 747

crosses the crosses the street in street in Z4 – and Z4 – and declares a declares a fire lane! fire lane!


Remember, the Initial attack that creates the Fire Remember, the Initial attack that creates the Fire Line can include the other combat units stacked Line can include the other combat units stacked with the MG – any squads, leader, etc. with the MG – any squads, leader, etc.

This allows the fire to have a higher attack, but:This allows the fire to have a higher attack, but:

•The additional squad’s FP leaves separate residual.The additional squad’s FP leaves separate residual.

•The later Fire Lane residual attacks do NOT The later Fire Lane residual attacks do NOT include the squad’s FP.include the squad’s FP.

Fire Lane Initial AttackFire Lane Initial Attack


Fire Lane Initial AttackFire Lane Initial Attack

The attack The attack 4 FP+ 3FP 4 FP+ 3FP

= 7 = 7 * ½ (dash) * ½ (dash)

= 3.5 FP = 3.5 FP

- 1 FFNAM- 1 FFNAM

- 1 FFMO - 1 FFMO


There is no There is no 3.5 FP 3.5 FP column – it column – it drops to the drops to the 2 FP 2 FP column! column!

The IFTThe IFT


But the -2 DRM is literally a ‘killer!’But the -2 DRM is literally a ‘killer!’

The German rolls an original 1,3 = 4!The German rolls an original 1,3 = 4!

With the – 2 DRM, it becomes a 2, which is a K/1! With the – 2 DRM, it becomes a 2, which is a K/1!

DRMsDRMs


Attack ResultAttack Result

DR = 1,3DR = 1,3

-2 DRM-2 DRM

= 2= 2

Result: Result: K/1!K/1!

DR = DR = 1,3 = 4 -2 = 2!1,3 = 4 -2 = 2!

K/1K/1


What doesWhat doesa K/1a K/1mean?mean?

The IFTThe IFT


Any K/# result means the target Any K/# result means the target has been has been Casualty Reduced Casualty Reduced ! (uh oh!)! (uh oh!)

If it is a squad, replace it with a half squad If it is a squad, replace it with a half squad (HS) of (HS) of the same quality. the same quality.

(If it was already a HS, the HS is eliminated.)(If it was already a HS, the HS is eliminated.)

The ‘K/#’ means the remaining HS takes a #MC:The ‘K/#’ means the remaining HS takes a #MC:

So, in this case, a +1 Morale Check!So, in this case, a +1 Morale Check!

K/#K/#



So the 747 So the 747 is replaced is replaced with a 337 with a 337

(A HS of (A HS of the same the same quality.)quality.)



And now And now the the

remaining remaining HS takes a HS takes a

1MC.1MC.

DR = 3,2 + 1 DR = 3,2 + 1 = 6 = 6

PASS!!!PASS!!!



The HS The HS completes completes the Dash!the Dash!

He’s in He’s in the the

building!building!



But the But the Fire Lane, Fire Lane,

and the and the original original attack attack

residual, residual, are are

placed.placed.


As long as the attack does not break the MG or the As long as the attack does not break the MG or the squad does not cower, the attack will place a Fire squad does not cower, the attack will place a Fire Lane from Y3 to AA6. (The path of the attack.)Lane from Y3 to AA6. (The path of the attack.)

Alternate Hex Row Fire LaneAlternate Hex Row Fire Lane


As we discussed in the previous session, the Fire As we discussed in the previous session, the Fire Lane residual is calculated as the first column on Lane residual is calculated as the first column on the IFT to the LEFT of whatever column the MG the IFT to the LEFT of whatever column the MG normally fires on.normally fires on.

In the case of a 3-8 LMG, which 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.the 2FP column, that would be a 1 FP Fire Lane.

Fire Lane ResidualFire Lane Residual



The Fire The Fire Lane Lane

follows the follows the hex spine,hex spine,

But the But the firer has to firer has to

decide decide which side!which side!



The pattern The pattern has to stay has to stay the same. the same.

Left Side Left Side Alternate Alternate Hex Row Hex Row

Fire Lane. Fire Lane.



The pattern The pattern has to stay has to stay the same. the same.

Or Or

Right side Right side alternate alternate Hex Row Hex Row

Fire Lane.Fire Lane.


Because this is an alternate Hex Row, the attacker Because this is an alternate Hex Row, the attacker has to declare if they will hit the hexes to the left or has to declare if they will hit the hexes to the left or the right of the fire line. the right of the fire line.

The German chooses Z3 – Z4 – AA5 – AA6 The German chooses Z3 – Z4 – AA5 – AA6 instead of Y4 – Z4 – Z5 – AA6. instead of Y4 – Z4 – Z5 – AA6.

(mainly because the building in Y4 would BLOCK (mainly because the building in Y4 would BLOCK Z5 anyway!)Z5 anyway!)

Alternate Hex Row Fire LaneAlternate Hex Row Fire Lane



There is a There is a 1 FL 1 FL

residual in residual in

Z3, Z4 - Z3, Z4 - AA5 and AA5 and

AA6. AA6.

BUT we BUT we only place only place

AA6. AA6.



But the But the residual residual from the from the squad’s squad’s original original attack is attack is

also also placed in placed in

Z4.Z4.


If a unit entered Z3, what FP would the Fire Lane If a unit entered Z3, what FP would the Fire Lane Residual attack with? Residual attack with?

It is ADJACENT to the firer’s location, so it is It is ADJACENT to the firer’s location, so it is Point Blank Fire, which is doubled. So the 1 FP Point Blank Fire, which is doubled. So the 1 FP would attack at 2 FP (and any DRMs would apply.)would attack at 2 FP (and any DRMs would apply.)

QuizQuiz


Why is the there an additional Residual of 2 FP in Why is the there an additional Residual of 2 FP in Z4?Z4?

That’s the residual left by the 4 FP from the Squad That’s the residual left by the 4 FP from the Squad firing the MG.firing the MG.

QuizQuiz


QuizQuiz

So if the So if the unit in unit in

AA4 steps AA4 steps into: Z3, it into: Z3, it

will be will be attacked attacked

with ?with ?

In Z4?In Z4?


QuizQuiz

So if the So if the unit in unit in

AA4 steps AA4 steps into: Z3, it into: Z3, it

will be will be attacked attacked

with ?with ? 4 FP (PB) 4 FP (PB) residual residual


If a unit moves into Z4, it will be attacked by how If a unit moves into Z4, it will be attacked by how much residual FP?much residual FP?

First it will check for the 1 FP Fire Lane residual, First it will check for the 1 FP Fire Lane residual, THEN it will be attacked by the 2 FP residual from THEN it will be attacked by the 2 FP residual from the squad!the squad!

QuizQuiz


What DRMs will the residual attacks have?What DRMs will the residual attacks have?

Depends on how the target moves into the location:Depends on how the target moves into the location:

•If they non-assault move, -2 (-1 FFMO, If they non-assault move, -2 (-1 FFMO, -1FFNAM)-1FFNAM)

•If they assault move -1 (-1FFMO)If they assault move -1 (-1FFMO)

•If they moved into AA5, +2 (+3 TEM, -1FFNAM)If they moved into AA5, +2 (+3 TEM, -1FFNAM)

QuizQuiz


Next move?Next move?

So, we see So, we see this is a this is a tough tough

cookie – cookie – those -1 those -1 FFMO FFMO can kill can kill

you!you!


QuizQuiz

And we And we also can also can guess the guess the MG in X5 MG in X5

is is planning a planning a Fire Lane, Fire Lane,

too!too!


QuizQuiz

Is there Is there anything anything we can do we can do to get rid to get rid of the -1 of the -1 FFMO?FFMO?


Squads can place smoke in their own hex, or in an Squads can place smoke in their own hex, or in an adjacent location adjacent location if they are equipped with smoke if they are equipped with smoke grenades. grenades.

Smoke ExponentSmoke Exponent

Have we mentioned Smoke?Have we mentioned Smoke?


Smoke placement is a Movement, and costs Smoke placement is a Movement, and costs Movement Points (MF). 1MF in location, 2 MF Movement Points (MF). 1MF in location, 2 MF ADJACENT location.ADJACENT location.

The squad designates the hex, pays the MFs, and The squad designates the hex, pays the MFs, and rolls 1 die.rolls 1 die.

•If the dr <= its Smoke Exponent, the smoke is If the dr <= its Smoke Exponent, the smoke is placed. placed. If the dr = 6, the unit must end its move! If the dr = 6, the unit must end its move!

Smoke PlacementSmoke Placement


So for Americans, it is a 50-50 chance to place So for Americans, it is a 50-50 chance to place smoke! smoke! Good odds! Good odds!

Smoke Exponent Smoke Exponent = = 33

Now let’s see how we use it!Now let’s see how we use it!

Smoke PlacementSmoke Placement


Assault movement Assault movement – –

The unit is moving carefully, avoiding drawing The unit is moving carefully, avoiding drawing fire - perhaps even crawling. fire - perhaps even crawling.

In game terms, it means: In game terms, it means:

•The unit can only change ONE locationThe unit can only change ONE location

•The unit cannot use ALL of its non-CX MF. The unit cannot use ALL of its non-CX MF.

(normally 4 MP, but less if carrying something.)(normally 4 MP, but less if carrying something.)

Assault MoveAssault Move


Next American MoveNext American Move

If we If we AssaultAssault

move into move into the street, the street, we do not we do not get the -1 get the -1 FFNAMFFNAM

But smoke But smoke can help!can help!


While the unit doesn’t get far, there are rewards:While the unit doesn’t get far, there are rewards:

•If fired on, they do not pay the -1 FFNAM If fired on, they do not pay the -1 FFNAM DRM!DRM!

•If not in open ground, they will not pay the -1 If not in open ground, they will not pay the -1 FFMO.FFMO.

•If concealed and not in open ground, they If concealed and not in open ground, they remain concealed!remain concealed!

Assault MovementAssault Movement


Let’s Move Out!Let’s Move Out!

The 747 The 747 squad in squad in Z6 tries Z6 tries

for smoke for smoke in Y6. in Y6. (2MF)(2MF)



The 747 The 747 squad in squad in Z6 tries Z6 tries

for smoke for smoke in Y6. in Y6. (2MF)(2MF)

dr = 2!dr = 2!



And then And then moves into moves into Y6! (2MF) Y6! (2MF)

[In smoke [In smoke costs +1 costs +1

MF]MF]

Why not Why not Assault Assault move?move?



Why not Why not Assault Assault move?move?

Can’t - Can’t - spent 4 spent 4

MF (2 for MF (2 for the smoke, the smoke, 2 to move 2 to move into it.)into it.)



The 467 The 467 w/ LMG w/ LMG

in X5 in X5 declares a declares a shot and a shot and a Fire Lane!Fire Lane!

4 + 3 = 7FP 4 + 3 = 7FP *2 = 14 FP*2 = 14 FP +2 TEM – +2 TEM – 1 FFNAM.1 FFNAM.


By declaring the alternate hex fire lane, the unit By declaring the alternate hex fire lane, the unit covers the hole in Z5.covers the hole in Z5.

It isn’t much, but it is all he’s got.It isn’t much, but it is all he’s got.

Fire LaneFire Lane



The The result:result:

14 FP14 FP + 1 DRM + 1 DRM

DR = DR =


There is no There is no 14 FP 14 FP column – it column – it drops to the drops to the 12 FP 12 FP column.column.

The IFTThe IFT


There is no There is no 14 FP 14 FP column – it column – it drops to the drops to the 12 FP 12 FP column.column.

DR = 7 + 1 DR = 7 + 1 = 8 = 1 MC= 8 = 1 MC

The IFTThe IFT



1 MC 1 MC

DR = 5 + 1DR = 5 + 1

Pass! Pass!



Place the Place the Fire Lane Fire Lane marker, marker, and the and the

First Fire First Fire marker.marker.


The Smoke now makes another difference! The Smoke now makes another difference!

Smoke is inherent, meaning even though the LOS Smoke is inherent, meaning even though the LOS only goes along the hexside, the +2 TEM negates only goes along the hexside, the +2 TEM negates the -1 FFMO (Moving in the Open) when the next the -1 FFMO (Moving in the Open) when the next squad moves! squad moves!

SmokeSmoke


Second Fire Lane hexesSecond Fire Lane hexes

The fire The fire lane lane

passes passes through through

Y6 – Z5 – Y6 – Z5 – AA6 – AA6 – BB5 – BB5 – CC6 – CC6 –

DD5 - EE6DD5 - EE6



The 8-0 The 8-0 and squad and squad

move move together together

to Z5 to Z5 (1MF) (1MF)

What’s What’s the the

attack?attack?


1 Fire Lane residual attacks, but the DRM is different:1 Fire Lane residual attacks, but the DRM is different:

The smoke TEM took away the – 1 FFMO, since the The smoke TEM took away the – 1 FFMO, since the hindrance of smoke means the road is no longer open hindrance of smoke means the road is no longer open ground! The smoke TEM does NOT count, however.ground! The smoke TEM does NOT count, however.

1 FP – 1 FFNAM1 FP – 1 FFNAM

Had the unit Assault moved, he would have had a +0 DRM 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 – 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!end of the game! He has to be in position to CC to win!

SmokeSmoke



1 FP – 1 1 FP – 1 DRM! DRM!

DR = 7, DR = 7, Final is 6.Final is 6.

Miss!Miss!



Now into Now into the the

building – building – Y5, for 2 Y5, for 2

MF. MF.

Should the Should the German German

Final Final Fire? Fire?


The German can Final Fire – but it will be at a +2 The German can Final Fire – but it will be at a +2 DRM (+3 TEM, - 1 FFNAM.)DRM (+3 TEM, - 1 FFNAM.)

6 FP + 2 DRM is not great odds. 6 FP + 2 DRM is not great odds.

If he waits, after Movement phase the smoke goes If he waits, after Movement phase the smoke goes away, and he could Defensive Final Fire at the away, and he could Defensive Final Fire at the adjacent Squad in the street at + 0 DRM. adjacent Squad in the street at + 0 DRM.

Better chances there – and he needs the luck!Better chances there – and he needs the luck!

Final Fire?Final Fire?



And last, And last, the AA4 the AA4

unit unit Assault Assault

moves into moves into Z3 - Z3 -

What is What is the the

attack? attack?



And last, And last, the AA4 the AA4

unit unit Assault Assault

moves into moves into Z3 - Z3 -

What is What is the the

attack? attack?


The AA4 squad doesn’t dare try for Smoke – if he The AA4 squad doesn’t dare try for Smoke – if he gets a 6 the move is over. gets a 6 the move is over.

The 1 FP residual is x 2 for Point Blank Fire, - 1 The 1 FP residual is x 2 for Point Blank Fire, - 1 FFMO. FFMO.

So, 2 FP – 1 DRM. So, 2 FP – 1 DRM.

DR: 7 -1 on the 2 FP is a PTC!DR: 7 -1 on the 2 FP is a PTC!

A DR of 7 is a pass! A DR of 7 is a pass!

The move?The move?


Lots of action left: Lots of action left:

With movement over, the Smoke and residual goes With movement over, the Smoke and residual goes away. away.

The German uses Final Fire on the Adjacent units The German uses Final Fire on the Adjacent units in the street, and gets a final chance to break them in the street, and gets a final chance to break them with 6 FP straight attacks. (* ½ for First Fire, *2 with 6 FP straight attacks. (* ½ for First Fire, *2 for Point Blank Range = 6 FP. for Point Blank Range = 6 FP.

AnalysisAnalysis


The 6 FP The 6 FP column hits column hits out to an 8! out to an 8! That’s a 26 That’s a 26 out of 36 out of 36 chance to chance to hit! hit!

The IFTThe IFT


Not a lot of chances for the American if the Not a lot of chances for the American if the German is a seasoned player:German is a seasoned player:

The American has to survive these shotsThe American has to survive these shots

Then climb into Close CombatThen climb into Close Combat

Where he’ll need at least one 6 or less, AND Where he’ll need at least one 6 or less, AND another 7 or less. Losing either means he lost the another 7 or less. Losing either means he lost the scenario. scenario.

Final Victory?Final Victory?


But the real point is, we saw that we at least have a But the real point is, we saw that we at least have a chance to win, because we didn’t get gunned down chance to win, because we didn’t get gunned down in the street the way we did last module!in the street the way we did last module!

Final Victory?Final Victory?


For further information: For further information:

Read Read Section A7.0 to A9.0 Section A7.0 to A9.0 (all) , (all) ,

in the rule book for in the rule book for

AADVANCED DVANCED SSQUAD QUAD LLEADEREADER..

For Further InformationFor Further Information


Well, that was two sessions on fire lanes. Did Well, that was two sessions on fire lanes. Did you learn anything?you learn anything?

Coming Next SessionComing Next Session


In the next module, we’ll get you fired up as we In the next module, we’ll get you fired up as we take target practice with MMCs and SW!take target practice with MMCs and SW!

Coming Next SessionComing Next Session

ASL 101ASL 101 was created by: 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 InformationAdditional Information

Advanced Squad Leader, ASL, and all artwork

© MMP, 2011

This Presentation is

© 2011 by Russell Gifford

May be used with permission

Write to [email protected]

Documents

ASL 101: L EARNING A DVANCED S QUAD L EADER Session 8: More Fire Lanes! with Russ Gifford