Learn and Play Advanced Squad Leader with the Electronic Rules PDF
Advanced Squad Leader Rules PDF Download
If you are a fan of historical wargames, you have probably heard of Advanced Squad Leader, one of the most detailed and realistic wargaming systems that can simulate any company level ground action from any theater of World War II. Playing pieces represent squads, half-squads, leaders, crews, guns, and vehicles from every major and minor combatant of World War II. The battlefields are represented by geomorphic mapboards upon which the counters are maneuvered. The rules are comprehensive and complex, covering every aspect of tactical warfare in World War II.
advanced squad leader rules pdf download
But how do you get access to these rules? And how do you use them effectively? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will show you how to get the electronic edition of the Advanced Squad Leader Rulebook (or eASLRB) in PDF format, how to use it on your computer or device, how to update it with errata and new chapters, and what other resources are available for learning and playing Advanced Squad Leader. By the end of this article, you will be ready to dive into this amazing wargaming system and enjoy its rich historical simulation.
What is Advanced Squad Leader?
Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) is a detailed wargaming system that was first published in 1985 by Avalon Hill as a successor to their popular Squad Leader series. ASL was designed by Don Greenwood and a team of playtesters and developers, who aimed to create a realistic and comprehensive simulation of tactical combat in World War II. ASL is widely regarded as one of the best and most complex wargaming systems ever created, with a loyal fan base and a vibrant community of players and content creators.
ASL consists of several components: the rules, the counters, the mapboards, and the scenarios. The rules are divided into chapters that cover different aspects of the game, such as infantry, terrain, ordnance, vehicles, etc. The rules are also modular, meaning that players can choose which rules to use depending on the scenario and their preference. The counters represent the units and weapons involved in the combat, such as squads, leaders, machine guns, tanks, etc. The counters have various symbols and numbers that indicate their characteristics and abilities. The mapboards are large cardboard sheets that depict different types of terrain, such as hills, woods, buildings, roads, etc. The mapboards are geomorphic, meaning that they can be arranged in different ways to create different battlefields. The scenarios are pre-designed situations that set up the historical or hypothetical conflict to be played. The scenarios specify the mapboards, counters, rules, victory conditions, and special rules to be used for each game.
Why do you need the rules PDF?
The rules are the heart of ASL, but they are also the most challenging part of the game. The rules are extensive and detailed, covering every possible situation and event that can occur in a World War II tactical combat. The rules are also constantly updated and revised with errata and new chapters to reflect new research and feedback from the players. The printed version of the rules is expensive and bulky, and it can be hard to keep track of the changes and additions.
That's why many ASL players prefer to use the electronic edition of the rules in PDF format. The electronic edition (or eASLRB) was created by Multi-Man Publishing (MMP), the current publisher of ASL, from brand-new layouts of rules Chapters A-G incorporating all known errata (as of August 2020). It also includes the complete Chapter H; and Chapters J, K, W and associated charts; as well as a few useful appendices and a comprehensive index. In other words, all the core rules. MMP plans to update older chapters and add additional chapters to the eASLRB in the future.
The eASLRB has several benefits over the printed version of the rules. First of all, it is cheaper and more accessible. You can purchase and download it from Wargame Vault, a website that sells digital products for wargames. You can also print out any pages or sections that you need for reference during your games. Second, it is more convenient and user-friendly. You can use it on your computer or device, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You can also use various features of the PDF format to enhance your experience, such as hyperlinks, bookmarks, table of contents, index, zooming, searching, annotating, etc. Third, it is more up-to-date and accurate. You can easily get updates and errata for the eASLRB from Wargame Vault whenever they are available. You can also compare different versions of the eASLRB using online tools to see what has changed.
How to get the rules PDF?
Getting the eASLRB is easy and fast. All you need is an internet connection and a Wargame Vault account. Here are the steps to follow:
Go to https://www.wargamevault.com/product/344879/Electronic-Advanced-Squad-Leader-Rulebook. This is the product page for the eASLRB on Wargame Vault.
If you don't have a Wargame Vault account yet, click on "Create Account" at the top right corner of the page and follow the instructions to register.
If you already have a Wargame Vault account, click on "Log In" at the top right corner of the page and enter your email address and password.
Once you are logged in, click on "Add to Cart" at the top right corner of the page. This will add the eASLRB to your shopping cart.
Click on "Checkout" at the top right corner of the page. This will take you to the checkout page where you can review your order and enter your payment information.
Select your preferred payment method (credit card or PayPal) and enter your details.
of the page. This will confirm your order and process your payment.
Once your order is completed, you will see a confirmation page with a link to download the eASLRB. You will also receive an email with the same link.
Click on the link to download the eASLRB to your computer or device. The file size is about 150 MB, so it may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Save the eASLRB file to a location where you can easily access it, such as your desktop or documents folder.
Congratulations! You have successfully purchased and downloaded the eASLRB. You are now ready to use it for your ASL games.
How to use the rules PDF?
The eASLRB 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. The eASLRB is designed to be used on your computer or device, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You can also print out any pages or sections that you need for reference during your games.
The eASLRB has several features that make it easy and convenient to use. Here are some of them:
Navigating the rules PDF
The eASLRB has several ways to help you navigate through the rules and find the information you need. Here are some of them:
Hyperlinks: The eASLRB has many hyperlinks that allow you to jump from one section to another with a click or a tap. For example, if you see a rule reference in parentheses, such as (A4.1), you can click or tap on it to go directly to that rule section. You can also click or tap on any page number in the table of contents or index to go to that page. To go back to where you were before clicking or tapping on a hyperlink, you can use the back button or gesture on your browser or PDF reader.
Bookmarks: The eASLRB has bookmarks that allow you to access different chapters and sections of the rules with a click or a tap. You can view the bookmarks by opening the bookmarks panel on your browser or PDF reader. You can also add your own bookmarks to mark any pages or sections that you want to remember or revisit later.
Table of Contents: The eASLRB has a table of contents that lists all the chapters and sections of the rules with their page numbers. You can view the table of contents by clicking or tapping on the "Table of Contents" link at the top left corner of any page. You can also click or tap on any chapter or section title in the table of contents to go to that page.
Index: The eASLRB has an index that lists all the keywords and topics related to the rules with their page numbers and rule references. You can view the index by clicking or tapping on the "Index" link at the top right corner of any page. You can also click or tap on any keyword or topic in the index to go to that page or rule section.
Tips and tricks for using the rules PDF
Here are some tips and tricks for using the rules PDF effectively:
Zooming: You can zoom in and out of the rules PDF by using the zoom buttons or gestures on your browser or PDF reader. This can help you read the text more clearly or fit more content on your screen.
Searching: You can search for any word or phrase in the rules PDF by using the search function on your browser or PDF reader. This can help you find specific information quickly and easily.
Annotating: You can annotate the rules PDF by using the annotation tools on your browser or PDF reader. This can help you highlight, underline, comment, bookmark, etc. any parts of the rules that you want to emphasize or remember.
Printing: You can print any pages or sections of the rules PDF by using the print function on your browser or PDF reader. This can help you have a hard copy of the rules for reference during your games.
Updating the rules PDF
The eASLRB is not a static product. MMP plans to update older chapters and add additional chapters to the eASLRB in the future. Once added, these updates will be available to all customers who have purchased the eASLRB. You can also get errata and corrections for the eASLRB from Wargame Vault whenever they are available.
Here are the steps to follow to get updates and errata for the eASLRB:
How to check for updates and errata?
Go to https://www.wargamevault.com/product/344879/Electronic-Advanced-Squad-Leader-Rulebook. This is the product page for the eASLRB on Wargame Vault.
Log in to your Wargame Vault account if you are not already logged in.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for the "Product Information" section. Here you will see the current version number and release date of the eASLRB, as well as any notes or comments from MMP about the updates and errata.
Compare the current version number and release date of the eASLRB with the version number and release date of the eASLRB that you have on your computer or device. If they are different, it means that there is a new update or errata available for the eASLRB.
How to download and install updates and errata?
If there is a new update or errata available for the eASLRB, click on "My Library" at the top right corner of the page. This will take you to your library page where you can see all the products that you have purchased from Wargame Vault.
Find the eASLRB in your library and click on it. This will take you to the product page for the eASLRB on Wargame Vault.
Click on "Download" at the top right corner of the page. This will download the latest version of the eASLRB to your computer or device. The file size is about 150 MB, so it may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Save the latest version of the eASLRB file to a location where you can easily access it, such as your desktop or documents folder. You can also delete or rename the old version of the eASLRB file if you want to avoid confusion.
Open the latest version of the eASLRB file on your computer or device and enjoy the updated and corrected rules.
What are some other resources for Advanced Squad Leader?
The eASLRB is a great resource for learning and playing Advanced Squad Leader, but it is not the only one. There are many other resources available for ASL players, both official and unofficial, that can enhance your wargaming experience. Here are some of them:
Official modules and scenarios
the historical or hypothetical conflict to be played. There are many official modules and scenarios available for ASL, published by MMP and other companies. Here are some of them:
Starter Kits
If you are new to ASL, you may want to start with the Starter Kits series. These are simplified versions of ASL that provide an easy way to learn the basics of the system. The Starter Kits include counters, mapboards, rules, and scenarios that cover different aspects of ASL, such as infantry, vehicles, guns, etc. There are currently four Starter Kits available: ASL Starter Kit #1 (infantry), ASL Starter Kit #2 (vehicles), ASL Starter Kit #3 (guns), and ASL Starter Kit #4 (Pacific theater). You can purchase them from MMP or Wargame Vault.
Core Modules
If you are ready for the full ASL experience, you may want to get the Core Modules series. These are the main modules that cover different theaters and periods of World War II. The Core Modules include counters, mapboards, rules chapters, and scenarios that cover a specific theme or region. You need the eASLRB or the printed rulebook to play these modules. There are currently 15 Core Modules available: Beyond Valor (Eastern Front 1941-45), Paratrooper (Airborne Operations 1939-45), Yanks (American Forces 1942-45), Partisan! (Resistance Warfare 1939-45), West of Alamein (British and Commonwealth Forces in North Africa 1940-43), Hollow Legions (Italian Forces 1936-43), Red Barricades (Stalingrad 1942-43), Code of Bushido (Japanese and Chinese Forces 1937-45), Gung Ho! (US Marine Corps and Chinese Nationalist Forces 1937-45), Croix de Guerre (French Forces 1939-45), Armies of Oblivion (Axis Minors 1939-45), Doomed Battalions (Allied Minors 1939-40), Rising Sun (Pacific Theater 1941-45), For King and Country (British and Commonwealth Forces in Western Europe 1939-45), and Hakkaa Päälle! (Finnish Forces 1939-44). You can purchase them from MMP or Wargame Vault.
Unofficial fan-made content
In addition to the official modules and scenarios, there are also many unofficial fan-made content available for ASL. These are created by ASL players and enthusiasts who want to share their passion and creativity with the community. These include websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, articles, reviews, scenarios, campaigns, variants, etc. Here are some of them:
Websites and blogs
There are many websites and blogs that offer news, reviews, articles, scenarios, etc. for ASL. Some of them are:
Desperation Morale: A website that provides comprehensive information and reviews of ASL products.
Texas ASL: A website that hosts a large collection of fan-made scenarios and campaigns for ASL.
ASL Scenario Archive: A website that allows you to search and download thousands of official and unofficial scenarios for ASL.
VASL: A website that provides a virtual platform for playing ASL online with other players.
Advanced Squad Leader Wiki: A wiki that provides a collaborative resource for ASL players.
GameSquad Forums: A forum that provides a place for ASL players to discuss and exchange ideas about the game.
Bounding Fire Productions: A blog that produces high-quality fan-made modules and scenarios for ASL.
Ritterkrieg: A blog that offers news, reviews, tips, and tutorials for ASL.
Podcasts and videos
There are many podcasts and videos that offer interviews, discussions, tutorials, playthroughs, etc. for ASL. Some of them are:
The Advanced Squad Leader Podcast: A podcast that covers various topics and aspects of ASL.
Stew's Advanced Squad Leader Channel: A YouTube channel that provides tutorials and playthroughs of ASL scenarios.
ASL Scenario Archive: A YouTube channel that showcases and reviews ASL scenarios.
ASL with Dave: A YouTube channel that offers tips and tricks for ASL players.
ASL Broadcast: A YouTube channel that broadcasts live ASL games and events.
ASL Scenario Designer's Workshop: A YouTube channel that teaches how to design and playtest ASL scenarios.
Conclusion
Advanced Squad Leader is a fascinating and rewarding wargaming system that can provide you with hours of fun and challenge. However, it can also be daunting and overwhelming for new and experienced players alike. That's why having the electronic edition of the rules in PDF format can be a great asset for your ASL games. The eASLRB is a convenient and user-friendly resource that can help you learn, play, and enjoy ASL more easily and effectively. You can get the eASLRB from Wargame Vault, use it on your computer or device, update it with errata and new chapters, and complement it with other resources for ASL.
If you are interested in Advanced Squad Leader, we encourage you to get the eASLRB and try it out for yourself. You will not regret it. Advanced Squad Leader is a game that can offer you endless possibilities and scenarios to explore and experience. It is a game that can challenge your mind and skills, as well as immerse you in the history and drama of World War II. It is a game that can connect you with other players and enthusiasts who share your passion and hobby. It is a game that can enrich your life and make you happy.
So what are you waiting for? Get the eASLRB today and join the ASL community. You will be glad you did.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the eASLRB:
Do I need the printed rulebook to play ASL?No, you don't. The eASLRB contains all the core rules that you need to play ASL. However, some players may prefer to have the printed rulebook as well for reference or collection purposes.
How often is the eASLRB updated?The eASLRB is updated whenever MMP releases new errata or new chapters for the rules. You can check the product page on Wargame Vault to see the current version number and release date of the eASLRB.
How do I know if there is a new update or errata for the eASLRB?You can check the product page on Wargame Vault to see if there is a new update or errata for the eASLRB. You can also subscribe to MMP's newsletter or follow their social media accounts to get notified of any news or annou