ASL 101: LEARNING ADVANCED SQUAD LEADER Session 6: Fire Combat, Part 2 with Russ Gifford

ASL 101: Fire Combat We’ll retest our knowledge of: Goals for this Session We’ll retest our knowledge of: Defensive Fire (First, Subsequent First Fire and Final Fire) We’ll learn about: Advance Fire Assault Fire Spraying Fire and Area Fire

ASL 101: Fire Combat You will also learn Goals for This Session You will also learn Which types of attacks can be made in which fire Phase? What differences apply to attacks in various Fire Phases?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Fire Phases Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase The Attacker (the person whose player turn it is) can fire in the Prep Fire Phase, and the Advance Fire Phase.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Fire Phases Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase The Attacker (the person whose player turn it is) can fire in the Prep Fire Phase, and the Advance Fire Phase. But in general, each unit is limited to one fire attack per player turn!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Prep Fire? Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase Prep Fire? Fire that occurs in the Prep Fire Phase If I fire Prep Fire, I cannot move I can’t fire in the Advance Fire Phase.

ASL 101: Fire Combat If I fire in the Prep Fire: I cannot move in the Movement Phase I can’t fire in the Advance Fire Phase. We use ‘Prep Fire’ markers to remind us who fired so we don’t move or re-fire with them. We remove these after the Advancing Fire phase is over.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Player turn: Advance Fire Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase First limit: The ATTACKER can fire in: Prep Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase But the same unit CANNOT fire in both!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire Phase limits: MMC/SMC Firepower is halved ( ½ FP) in the Advance Fire Phase. Most Guns and many Squad Weapons cannot move and fire in the same Player Turn. Exceptions: LMG’s (at ½ FP); BAZ (+2 To Hit)

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire NOTE: It is easy to think of Advance Fire as fire for the units that moved – but:

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire NOTE: It is easy to think of Advance Fire as fire for the units that moved – but: units that did not fire in the Prep Fire Phase AND did not move may fire in the Advance Fire Phase

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire NOTE: It is easy to think of Advance Fire as fire for the units that moved – but: units that did not fire in the Prep Fire Phase AND did not move may fire in the Advance Fire Phase but they still pay the Adv. Fire Penalties ( ½ FP or +2 To Hit)

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire Phase Units/ Guns CAN be marked with an ‘Opportunity Fire’ marker in the Prep Fire Phase. This means they will fire at FULL FP / normal To Hit numbers in the Adv. Fire Phase BUT they can’t fire in Prep Fire, and can’t move in the Movement Phase

ASL 101: Fire Combat Movement Phase: The German 467 moved from L6 German Movement Phase Movement Phase: The German 467 moved from L6

The German 467 moved from L6 to L5 ASL 101: Fire Combat German Movement Phase Movement Phase: The German 467 moved from L6 to L5

The German 467 moved from L6 to L5 to L4 ASL 101: Fire Combat German Movement Phase Movement Phase: The German 467 moved from L6 to L5 to L4

ASL 101: Fire Combat Player turn: Defensive First Fire Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase During the Movement phase, the American can interrupt with Defensive First Fire!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Defensive First Fire The American 7-4-7 DFF at the moving unit: +2 TEM (bldg), -1 FFNAM , = +1 DRM

ASL 101: Fire Combat We will see FFNAM and FFMO a lot. What are they? Defensive First Fire We will see FFNAM and FFMO a lot. What are they?

ASL 101: Fire Combat We will see FFNAM and FFMO a lot: What are they? Defensive First Fire Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase We will see FFNAM and FFMO a lot: What are they? These are modifiers that apply ONLY in the Defensive First Fire Phase against moving units.

ASL 101: Fire Combat FFNAM: -1 DRM First Fire Non-Assault Movement Defensive First Fire Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase FFNAM: -1 DRM First Fire Non-Assault Movement FFMO: -1 DRM First Fire Moving in Open ground ONLY in First Fire Phase, which is in the MOVEMENT Phase!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Back to the action: Defensive First Fire Back to the action: Defensive First Fire at the moving unit: +2 TEM (bldg), -1 FFNAM , = +1 DRM

ASL 101: Fire Combat Defensive First Fire Defensive First Fire: TEM: +2 (wooden bldg) FFNAM : -1 (Non Assault) = +1 DRM There is no 7FP on the IFT, so use the next lowest column with is 6 FP

ASL 101: Fire Combat DR: = 1,6 = (7) +1 DRM = 8 8 on the 6 FP is a PTC Defensive First Fire DR: = 1,6 = (7) +1 DRM = 8 8 on the 6 FP is a PTC (Pin Task Check!)

ASL 101: Fire Combat German PTC DR: So the 4-6-7 German also passes. Notes and Thoughts German PTC DR: So the 4-6-7 German also passes. Place FF and Residual makers. Can the American do anything else?

What Firepower, and what DRMs will apply? ASL 101: Fire Combat Subsequent First Fire The 4-6-7 spent 2 MF entering L4, so the 7-4-7 can Subsequent First Fire at him. What Firepower, and what DRMs will apply?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Subsequent First Fire The 4-6-7 spent 2 MF entering L4, so the 7-4-7 can Subsequent First Fire at him. 2 FP +1 DRM

Subsequent Def. First Fire ASL 101: Fire Combat Subsequent Def. First Fire Units marked with First Fire can fire again at a moving unit if: It is the closest known unit range It is within their normal range If they already fired at the unit, they can only fire again if the unit spent more than 1 MF getting into the location, or the target spends more MFs.

Subsequent Def. First Fire ASL 101: Fire Combat Subsequent Def. First Fire Subsequent First Fire has limits: Target must be in normal range and nearest unit Only small arms fire, MGs and IFE may fire Sub. First Fire (EXC: MOLs!) Sub. First Fire is halved as Area Fire. MGs / SW are penalized if they fire (Break # decreases by 2)

ASL 101: Fire Combat Subsequent Defensive First Fire: FP Halved (7 *1/2 = 3.5) TEM: +2 (wooden bldg) FFNAM : -1 (Non Assault) = +1 DRM Since there is no 3.5 column, drops to 2 FP +1

Resolve using next FP column to the left ASL 101: Fire Combat Subsequent First Fire 2 FP +1 DR = 2,2 Unit COWERS, so: Resolve using next FP column to the left

ASL 101: Fire Combat 2 FP + 1 DRM DR: 2,2 = Cowers! Cowers causes FP to drop 1 column to the left, so 1 FP +1 DRM Another PTC!

ASL 101: Fire Combat German PTC DR: So the 4-6-7 German again passes. Results: German PTC DR: So the 4-6-7 German again passes. Flip the American First Fire counter to Final Fire but the Residual maker stays at 2, since the new residual was not higher than the 2.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Defensive Fire When Movement Phase ends, now the Defensive Fire begins. Units NOT marked with Defensive First or Final Fire may now fire at anyone, but there is no FFNAM or FFMO – Why? Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase

ASL 101: Fire Combat Defensive First Fire Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase FFNAM and FFMO apply ONLY in the Defensive First Fire Phase – against moving units. Defensive Fire is AFTER the Movement Phase ENDS!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Defensive Fire Units marked with Defensive First Fire (not FINAL) could fire again in this phase – only if the enemy unit is ADJACENT to them. Firepower would be halved for Area Fire, but doubled for Point Blank Fire. FFNAM and FFMO would not apply. All TEM would apply.

Remove the First/Final Fire markers. ASL 101: Fire Combat Defensive Fire As we can see, no American units are left to fire, and the 7-4-7 could only fire IF an enemy unit was ADJACENT. Remove the First/Final Fire markers.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire Player turn: Rally Phase Prep Fire Phase Movement Phase Defensive First Fire Defensive Fire Phase Advance Fire Phase Rout Phase Advance Phase Close Combat Phase Advance Fire Fire that occurs in the Advance Fire Phase What are the limits on Advance Fire?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire Can the unit with a Prep Fire Marker fire in the Advance Fire Phase? No. If it were marked with a Opp. Fire, it could (at full FP.)

ASL 101: Fire Combat Can the unit that moved fire? Advance Fire Can the unit that moved fire? Units without Prep Fire markers may fire – but only with halved FP. All TEM and Range modifiers apply!

What FP column do we use? Should the MG fire? ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire The 4-6-7 w/LMG fires at the 7-4-7: 4 + 3 FP = 7 FP * ½ Adv. Fire: 3.5 FP +2 TEM What FP column do we use? Should the MG fire?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire: 4 FP (squad) + 3 FP LMG = 7 FP * ½ = 3.5 FP There is no 3.5 FP on the IFT, so use the next lowest column with is 2 FP. So, should we fire the LMG?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Advance Fire: Should we fire the LMG? No – The squad alone is 4 FP * ½ = 2 FP. There is no reason. (Since the MG could break on a 6,6 DR)

ASL 101: Fire Combat DR: = 1,6 (7) +2 DRM = 9 Missed! Defensive First Fire DR: = 1,6 (7) +2 DRM = 9 Missed!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Could Advance Fire units Fire Group? Yes, if they are ADJACENT and will all be able to fire on the same target. Can units that moved Fire Group with units that did not move? Yes – if those units can fire. (Do NOT have a Prep Fire Marker.)

ASL 101: Fire Combat What is Assault Fire? Assault Fire is a bonus for units using Advance Fire – But only SOME units get the Assault Fire Bonus!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire: is a bonus supplied to some units trained and equipped for movement and fire.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Infantry Squad Assault Fire Bonus Infantry Squad Underlined Firepower MMC’s with a line under their firepower means they have Assault Fire capability.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire: Assault Fire Bonus Assault Fire: Only happens in the Advance Fire Phase Can only be used at Normal Range Fire is STILL cut by half for Advance Fire, BUT:

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire: Assault Fire Bonus Assault Fire: Firepower is STILL cut by half for Advance Fire, BUT – The unit adds 1 to their new FP And then ‘rounds up’ to the next full number

It is the American Movement Phase: ASL 101: Fire Combat Example It is the American Movement Phase: Unit in P3

It is the American Movement Phase: ASL 101: Fire Combat Example It is the American Movement Phase: Unit in P3 Assault Moves to P4 (2MF)

ASL 101: Fire Combat It is the American Movement Phase: Unit in P3 Example It is the American Movement Phase: Unit in P3 Assault Moves to P4 (2MF) If the German fires, will he get FFNAM or FFMO?

And, the hex is not open ground. ASL 101: Fire Combat First Fire Example No! The American declared an Assault MOVE, meaning he would only change 1 location, and not use all his MF’s doing so. And, the hex is not open ground.

4FP x 2 (Point blank range) = 8 FP ASL 101: Fire Combat Example 4-6-7 Defensive First Fire: 4FP x 2 (Point blank range) = 8 FP +2 TEM (wooden bldg) DR = 9 +2 = NE Place FF, residual

4FP x 2 (Point blank range) = 8 FP ASL 101: Fire Combat Example 4-6-7 Defensive First Fire: 4FP x 2 (Point blank range) = 8 FP +2 TEM (wooden bldg) DR = 9 +2 = NE Place FF, residual

4FP x 2 (Point blank range) = 8 FP ASL 101: Fire Combat Example 4-6-7 Defensive First Fire: 4FP x 2 (Point blank range) = 8 FP +2 TEM (wooden bldg) DR = 9 +2 = NE Place FF, residual

ASL 101: Fire Combat Example Because there are more Americans to move, the German does not fire Def. Subsequent Fire at the Assault moving unit.

The American 7-4-7 in M5 moves ASL 101: Fire Combat Example The American 7-4-7 in M5 moves

The American 7-4-7 in M5 moves ASL 101: Fire Combat Example The American 7-4-7 in M5 moves To N5 (1 MF)

ASL 101: Fire Combat Example The American is taunting the German! Subsequent First Fire cannot shoot at anyone further than the nearest enemy unit! So the American is safe in N5.

The American 7-4-7 in M5 continues his move ASL 101: Fire Combat Example The American 7-4-7 in M5 continues his move To N5 (1 MF) To O5 (2 MF)

The German now declares Subsequent First Fire: ASL 101: Fire Combat Example The German now declares Subsequent First Fire: 4 FP * ½ (Sub FF) = 2 FP * 2 (PB Range) = 4 FP + 3 TEM -1 FFNAM = +2 TEM

ASL 101: Fire Combat 4 FP + 2 DRM: DR: = 1,6 (7) +2 DRM = 9 Missed! Defensive First Fire 4 FP + 2 DRM: DR: = 1,6 (7) +2 DRM = 9 Missed! End of Movement, so remove Residual markers.

(The Phase after Movement is OVER.) ASL 101: Fire Combat Defensive Fire Quiz Can the 4-6-7 in F5 fire at either or both of the 7-4-7’s in the Defensive Fire Phase? (The Phase after Movement is OVER.)

ASL 101: Fire Combat Defensive Fire Quiz Can the 4-6-7 in F5 fire at either or both of the 7-4-7’s in the Defensive Fire Phase? (The Phase after Movement is OVER.) No – he is already marked with FINAL Fire.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Example Now – to Advance Fire Phase! (Remove First/Final markers) Each 747 has Assault Fire Bonus. Each could fire: 7 * ½ (Adv.) * 2 (PB) + 1FP (Assault) = 8 +1 TEM.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Could they Fire Group instead? Assault Fire Example Could they Fire Group instead? Yes! 7 * ½ (Adv.) * 2 (PB) + 1FP (Assault) = 8 Same for second unit: 8 FP +8 FP = 16 FP +1 TEM !

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz Does Assault Fire have anything to do with Assault Movement?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz Does Assault Fire have anything to do with Assault Movement? No.

ASL 101: Fire Combat What unit below has Assault Fire abilities? Assault Fire Quiz What unit below has Assault Fire abilities?

ASL 101: Fire Combat What unit below has Assault Fire abilities? Assault Fire Quiz What unit below has Assault Fire abilities? Ones with an underline below their FP rating has the Assault Fire bonus – so only the American unit.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz Can I use the Assault Fire bonus in the Prep Fire Phase, or Defensive Fire?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz Can I use the Assault Fire bonus in the Prep Fire Phase, or Defensive Fire? No, it only applies to the Advance Fire Phase.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz If this is the American Advance Fire Phase, could the 747 use Assault Fire?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz If this is the American Advance Fire Phase, could the 747 use Assault Fire? Notice – 4-6-7 is on Level 1 hill. Allows LOS over the hedge and the rubble

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz If this is the American Advance Fire Phase, could the 747 use Assault Fire? No – normal range only. Notice – 4-6-7 is on Level 1 hill. Allows LOS over the hedge and the rubble

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz Ok, if it was the German Advance Fire phase, could the German use Assault Fire? No – German 4-6-7 doesn’t have Assault Fire Notice – 4-6-7 is on Level 1 hill. Allows LOS over the hedge and the rubble

ASL 101: Fire Combat Assault Fire Quiz Ok, if it was the German Advance Fire phase, could the German use Assault Fire? No – German 4-6-7 doesn’t have Assault Fire Notice – 4-6-7 is on Level 1 hill. Allows LOS over the hedge and the rubble

ASL 101: Fire Combat What is Spraying Fire? represents when a squad is equipped with and trained to use automatic weapons It allows units to pour fire onto multiple nearby targets

ASL 101: Fire Combat Spraying Fire Attacks two hexes with a single fire attack! but there are BIG limitations on Spraying Fire

ASL 101: Fire Combat Spraying Fire: can attack two locations that are ADJACENT to each other both locations must be within THREE hexes of the firing unit can be used in any of the Fire Phases only certain units / weapons have Spraying Fire

ASL 101: Fire Combat Infantry Squad Spraying Fire Infantry Squad Underlined Range MMC’s with a line under their range on their counter means they have Spray Fire capability.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Infantry Squad Spraying Fire Infantry Squad Underlined Range MMC’s with a line under their range on their counter means they have Spray Fire capability.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Infantry Squad Spraying Fire Infantry Squad Firepower Has Spray Fire MMC’s with Spraying fire can attack any two ADJACENT locations within two hexes range. But their normal Firepower is halved as area fire.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Spraying Fire So the unit’s firepower is halved, but all the usual Fire Attack rules apply: Terrain DRMs Movement DRMs Range modifications Fire Phase modifications

ASL 101: Weapons Squad Weapons SW’s work the same way: If the Range is underlined, this weapon has spraying fire. Squad Weapons Underlined Range

ASL 101: Fire Combat Spraying Fire Spraying Fire Example Spraying Fire Attacks two hexes with a single fire attack! = 7 FP * ½ (Spray Fire) = 3.5 FP & +2 DRM

ASL 101: Fire Combat The IFT There is no 3.5 FP column – it drops to the 2 FP column!

ASL 101: Fire Combat DR = 1,3 = 4 which applies to BOTH units. Spraying Fire Example DR = 1,3 = 4 which applies to BOTH units. Since in this case, both are in a +2 bldg… Each will suffer whatever a 6 final DR is on the 2 FP column.

ASL 101: Fire Combat DR = 4 + 2 DRM Is a 6 Final DR = PTC. The IFT IMPORTANT NOTE: Each unit would make their OWN PTC check as a separate DR!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Spraying Fire Quiz Different Spraying Fire Example: (SSR: T1 woods hex.) American Prep Fire: Can the 7-4-7 Spray Fire? If so, what (are) the attack FPs & DRMs?

ASL 101: Fire Combat The ranges & DRMs will give different results. Spraying Fire Quiz The ranges & DRMs will give different results. T1 is 7FP * ½ (spray fire) + 1 DRM. S1 is 7FP * ½ (spray) * 2 (point blank) + 2 DRM.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Spraying Fire Quiz We still only get 1 DR for the attack, but we apply the FP/DRM correct for each attack. If we roll 5, what is the result for each 447?

ASL 101: Fire Combat DR = 2,3 T1: 2FP + 1 DRM = a 6 Final DR = PTC The IFT DR = 2,3 T1: 2FP + 1 DRM = a 6 Final DR = PTC S1: 6FP + 2 DRM = 7

ASL 101: Fire Combat Spraying Fire Quiz Now think about this – what if we’d had a 9-1 leader with this attack? Though the attack is still a single DR, both get the leadership benefit. (-1 DRM)

ASL 101: Fire Combat Spraying Fire Is a nice tool to have – and great to spring on an unsuspecting opponent who thinks you can’t hit BOTH his targets! But it is really is almost a ‘trick play’ = something good to have in your bag, but it in most cases it requires a lucky roll – or a great leader – to make it work well!

ASL 101: Fire Combat Personnel Units and Combat Fire: Fire Combat Rules Quiz Personnel Units and Combat Fire: FP strength depends on range: FP at normal range? FP beyond normal range? How far may a unit fire? FP at adjacent targets? FP at in-hex targets (rare occurrence)?

ASL 101: Fire Combat Personnel Units and Combat Fire: Fire Combat Rules Quiz Personnel Units and Combat Fire: FP strength depends on range: FP at normal range? FP as listed (x 1) FP beyond normal range? Halved (x ½) How far may a unit fire? (up to twice normal range) FP at adjacent targets? FP doubled (x 2) FP at in-hex targets (rare occurrence)? (FP x 3)

Other Fire Combat Multipliers ASL 101: Fire Combat Other Fire Combat Multipliers Personnel Units and Combat Fire: FP strength depends on other factors, too: halved if firing unit moved this turn halved if firing Area Fire (target concealed or hidden) halved if firing unit is pinned halved if firing unit already marked with First Fire counter halved if firing unit is using Spraying Fire.

For Further Information ASL 101: Fire Combat For Further Information For further information: Read Section A3.0 (All), A4.2, A4.41, A4.6 – .7, A7.0 (All), A9.5-.52, And review A8.0 (all) in the rule book for ADVANCED SQUAD LEADER.

ASL 101: Fire Combat Coming Next Session Well, that was a start on fire combat. We have more to learn. Next session, we’ll learn about ROF and Fire Lanes!

ASL 101 was created by: Russell Gifford Learning the Great Battles of the American Civil War (CD Rom learning series, 2005) The Cold War, 1959-1963 (Lecture series, 2009) A History of the 1960s (Lecture series, 2007) Spectacular Voyage: Lewis and Clark in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota (Book, 2002)

Additional Information Advanced Squad Leader, ASL, and all artwork © MMP, 2010 This Presentation is © 2010 by Russell Gifford May be used with permission Write to rgifford@russgifford.net