Face to face with full ASL for the first time
I’ve played solo many times during this past month or so plus a few ASLSK scenarios, as noted on this site, and also via PbEm (Play by email) with another learner like myself. As such, I feel like I was versed enough with the basics to step into the full game. To be sure, rules were forgotten (Sniper activation rolls, some unaccounted for long range shots at full fire power, etc) and the tactics used by both players were probably not ideal – more on that later – but overall I think everything went well and this classic scenario was a good introduction into the game.
The task at hand was to take and hold two of five currently German controlled buildings, while essentially not losing control of my own buildings. I forgot to take a snap of the setup but as it’s pretty much spelled out on the SSR card so it probably isn’t really necessary. Also, having seen various videos of this scenario I wanted to try something a bit different (and I didn’t want to use a human wave as I still want to grasp basic concepts and tactics).
My plan was well thought out ;-p Try to run a large group of troops into the left building (G6) and see what happens down the middle and right side. With the German MG’s in the building at L7 I didn’t really see a way to take that position or to effectively move into the central (J4) building without taking heavy losses, which would prevent me from taking control of it even if a unit did manage to slip in.
The first turn or so proved slow progress and for some reason I was a bit reluctant to simply go for it (as was the plan). I did manage to create a fanatic during the subsequent rally phase although I didn’t actually put him to much use until much later in the game (a similar story for a 10-2 leader who really should have been leading from the front but I chose to shepherd him for most of the game).
About turn 3: After a fairly successful assault on the main target building, a lucky sniper roll broke the units in building I7, thus solving my problem of choosing a second target to complete my objectives (The German leader in the building had been wounded from a pot-shot during a previous turn). All I had to do was mop up the remaining units in the primary objective while moving to take control of the new target – and do this while preventing an assault into my building on the right*
*For reasons known only to my guide and mentor this was never attempted, even though I had unintentionally left it fairly open on numerous occasions (as seen in the pics above and below with unconcealed units ready to take the full force of several MMGs and squads).
The pic above is about the 5th turn. The primary building is basically taken with one German unit on low odds passing every close combat roll thrown against it! Thankfully it’s own rolls were also poor and I was fairly confident I’d have full control as another unit was on route to assist. The DM’ed stack that the German was originally positioned with were all eliminated for failure to rout. Being upstairs with no stairwell or clear exit path is a real killer… Note: My mentor decided to forgo the use of prisoners to keep the game simpler… Initially I’d have preferred it if we had used the rules as it would have enabled me to prisoner shuffle and deploy my squads into half squad bullet-sponges. Later, it probably worked in my favour as I’d have ended up with rather a lot to deal with.
Being upstairs with no stairwell or clear exit path is a real killer…
The past couple of turns also showed a weakness in the defence of the central building (J4). In part to maintain the illusion that I had a more coherent plan and to take some focus from the left side of the board I’d been taking pot shots at it (plus with no other “real” plan what else were the troops supposed to do?). The semi-constant fire did the trick and with the defenders positioned upstairs dashing across the road was fairly simple. A number of units were lost during this endeavour… but… it was to be expected. Once in the building advancing on a nearly entirely broken stack of units yet again eliminated them for failure to rout. Leaving only two units to worry about, which were dealt with on what was to be my final turn by the 10-2 leader and a fanatic finally getting to see some action.
In the right building I’d been skulking (frowned upon by some) units back and forth to maintain concealment and strongly discourage a last ditch attempt at dashing in by the Germans. These units could have possibly been put to more use but the occasional shots to the center and lower buildings did enough in the end.
Turn 7 saw my mentor capitulate. In all honesty I’m not sure why. His unit in close combat was still surviving with only one roll left. Provided he stayed lucky all that was required was a single unit in one of my buildings. Sure, he’d have to run a gauntlet of fire to get there but it was possible, just not likely.
On where I could have done better: I definitely needed to commit to taking the building on the left sooner. Stalling meant I nearly didn’t have enough time to fulfil the objectives. I’d use the human wave next time as well…
On what I’d do if I were the Germans: The units with their MGs in the lower buildings are very strong. But left in place they can do only half a job. I think it would be much better to move some as required to places in need. In this way I felt that my mentor was perhaps too static during this scenario.
Tactical Notes
- Upper Floors – Use at your peril! They are complete death traps with no place to rout to and do not provide the opportunity for an MG fire lane. As such I feel they should only be used if LOS is not available from the ground level. I’m sure more uses for upper levels will become apparent as I play more.
- The old adage “a single unit should be able to hold 3 times its own number” seems to remain true in ASL terms. Especially when attacking units holed up in a stone building. I’m fairly sure I wouldn’t have taken the first building as quickly had units been ground level (and perhaps reinforced by the squad/s from I7).
Addendum
After this step into the full game I’ve decided to promote myself to a 7-0 leader! Not because of the win (well, perhaps a little), but mainly for moving into this stage of my ASL career. Getting this far has been a bit of a challenge, extremely rewarding, and most importantly fun. I’m looking forward to the next match – pencilled in for next week.