ASL 101: LEARNING ADVANCED SQUAD LEADER Session 8: More Fire Lanes! with Russ Gifford

ASL 101: Fire Combat More Fire Lane examples: Goals for this Session More Fire Lane examples: Alternate Hex Grain Fire Lanes The impact of smoke Dash Casualty Reduction Building Control

Americans must control Bldg X3! There are 2 467w/LMGin Bldg X3. ASL 101: Fire Combat Example of Fire Lane American Last Turn: Americans must control Bldg X3! There are 2 467w/LMGin 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: 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.

The Americans pass on Prep Fire, and head straight to movement! ASL 101: Fire Combat Example of Fire Lane The Americans pass on Prep Fire, and head straight to movement!

The Squad in AA5 is attempting to DASH across the street to Y4! 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!

Fire Lane Initial Attack 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.

Fire Lane Initial Attack The attack 4 FP+ 3FP = 7 * ½ (dash) 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 But the -2 DRM is literally a ‘killer!’ 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 DR = 1,3 -2 DRM = 2 Result: K/1! Attack Result

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!

So the 747 is replaced with a 337 ASL 101: Fire Combat Attack Result So the 747 is replaced with a 337 (A HS of the same quality.)

And now the remaining HS takes a 1MC. ASL 101: Fire Combat Attack Result And now the remaining HS takes a 1MC. DR = 3,2 + 1 = 6 PASS!!!

The HS completes the Dash! ASL 101: Fire Combat Attack Result The HS completes the Dash! He’s in the building!

But the Fire Lane, and the original attack residual, are placed. ASL 101: Fire Combat Attack Result But the Fire Lane, and the original attack residual, are placed.

Alternate Hex Row Fire Lane 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.

The Fire Lane follows the hex spine, 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 The pattern has to stay the same. Example of Fire Lane The pattern has to stay the same. Left Side Alternate Hex Row Fire Lane.

ASL 101: Fire Combat The pattern has to stay the same. Or Example of Fire Lane The pattern has to stay the same. Or Right side alternate Hex Row Fire Lane.

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!)

There is a 1 FL residual in 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.

So if the unit in AA4 steps into: Z3, it will be attacked with ? 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 What DRMs will the residual attacks have? 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)

So, we see this is a tough cookie – those -1 FFMO can kill you! ASL 101: Fire Combat Next move? So, we see this is a tough cookie – those -1 FFMO can kill you!

And we also can guess the MG in X5 is planning a Fire Lane, too! ASL 101: Fire Combat Quiz And we also can guess the MG in X5 is planning a Fire Lane, too!

Is there anything we can do to get rid of the -1 FFMO? ASL 101: Fire Combat Quiz Is there anything we can do to get rid of the -1 FFMO?

Have we mentioned Smoke? 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 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.)

If we Assault move into the street, we do not get the -1 FFNAM 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!

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)

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!

And then moves into Y6! (2MF) ASL 101: Fire Combat Let’s Move Out! And then moves into Y6! (2MF) [In smoke costs +1 MF] 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! Why not Assault move? Can’t - spent 4 MF (2 for the smoke, 2 to move into it.)

The 467 w/ LMG in X5 declares a shot and a Fire Lane! 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!

Place the Fire Lane marker, and the First Fire marker. ASL 101: Fire Combat Let’s Move Out! Place the Fire Lane marker, and the First Fire marker.

ASL 101: Fire Combat 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!

The fire lane passes through Y6 – Z5 – AA6 – BB5 – CC6 – DD5 - EE6 ASL 101: Fire Combat Second Fire Lane hexes The fire lane passes through Y6 – Z5 – AA6 – BB5 – CC6 – DD5 - EE6

The 8-0 and squad move together to Z5 (1MF) 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 1 FP – 1 DRM! DR = 7, Final is 6. Miss! Let’s Move Out! 1 FP – 1 DRM! DR = 7, Final is 6. Miss!

Now into the building – Y5, for 2 MF. Should the German Final Fire? 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!

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?

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 Lots of action left: 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!

For Further Information 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