ASL Starter Kit #1

Put away the 20-lb ASL tome and grab your beer & pretzels. ASLSK's (ASL starter kits) are a fun introduction to the ASL system. Bring in new players to the system. These are one of the best things (starter kits #1, #2, and #3) to come out of Multiman Publishers (MMP), helping to keep ASL out of the retirement homes (not that there is anything wrong with retirement!) and into the hands of a fresh new group of players.
The rule book is done in a more conversational tone with less legalese (not that there is anything wrong with lawyers!) than the full ASL rules. As the series progresses, the additional rules (guns in #2, tanks in #3) are clearly highlighted. Well done MMP.
If you still not convinced, the counters give you additional pieces for use in full ASL.
The SK's are also self-contained travel packs; everything you need to start up a game on the road, in the RV, at the in-laws...

The absolute best way to get introduced into the hobby of Advanced Squad Leader. The first Starter Kit includes six scenarios with infantry and their support weapons from the United States, Germany and Russia of WWII. The scenarios themselves include a couple of soon-to-be classics like Retaking Vierville. The counters are all fully compatible with full ASL if you choose to upgrade one day.

If you have any interest in ASL or want a way to help others get into the game or are too intimidated by the ASL Rulebook and Beyond Valor, pick up ASKSK1. There's a reason why this Starter Kit has been reprinted multiple times.

This gets five stars because it is definitely the best value I've ever gotten out of a wargame.

I've had to teach myself ASL, and I couldn't have done it without this package. A lot of times when I haven't been able to play ASL for a month or two, I'll do a quick read through of this rulebook to brush up...try doing that with the full rules!

Anyway, this is full of infantry only scenarios and is perfect to snaring new players to ASL. I have gone on to play full ASL, but continue to buy the Starter Kits for this reason (in addition to them being great games with plenty of good scenarios in their own rights).

The only possible downside is that the rules will inevitably be unable to handle some situations that will crop up (and are definitely not as easy to find things in as in the full rulebook).

Bottom line: The Starter Kit series does a great job is distilling the core ASL rules into an easy package that I've even been able to get non wargamers to grasp!

Most importantly, the transition to full ASL is virtually seamless, you won't have to unlearn anything!

An excellent and affordable way for people to learn the basic tenents of ASL without having to take out a second mortage on your house. The components are excellent, and the rule book is clearly written, although it is sometime difficult to find a particular rule that you know is in there. I'm a longtime ASLer and I've enjoyed using the SK as a way to introduce people to the fun of ASL. Some people will use it as a stepping stone to the full system, and others will probably stick only to the ASLSKs themselves...either way this is a good investment.