“We’re just regular players
bringing casual ASL to the masses.”
Our mission is to make Advanced Squad Leader (that includes ASL Starter Kit!) easier to learn, rewarding to master, and a joy to play … every single time. We attempt to cut through the thicket of rules with clear explanations, examples, and straight talk that respects the official system while refusing to mystify it … or accept its shortcomings. But we’re also not above poking fun at the game we play. ASL is complicated and brilliant, but it shouldn’t be a secret society. Tips, tricks, and experience should not be clutched like precious pearls; they should be shared! And if your fun depends on someone else feeling small, this is not your site.
That being said, the Academy is respectfully opinionated: teaching beats flexing and sportsmanship always beats score-keeping. We’re not about elitism, judgment, gatekeeping, name-dropping, or chasing AREA ratings; “win first, explain later” mindsets serve no purpose. And let’s be honest with ourselves, 95% of ASL players (the silent majority, not the elite or the “best in the world” … but the ASL “masses”) aren’t interested in any of those things … and devoted Starter Kit players probably care even less. We don’t care either!
A fixed mindset stunts learning. We believe in a growth mindset. Mistakes are the best way to learn and improve any endeavor!
Your W-L record doesn’t define you; your curiosity, preparation, generosity, and mentoring do. The ASL Academy exists for the everyday ASLer who struggles with the rules (one of us!), who might be intimidated by the game, who needs a little help getting going, and/or is just looking to have fun.
Join us!
What the Academy Strives For
We believe in creating content and teaching. We’d rather play than argue about rules on social media. We’d rather push counters instead of clipping them. We believe in teaching someone how to fish, rather than just handing them a fish. We’re here to grow the hobby, demystify, and help ALL players improve their ASL game with better people. ASL is about camaraderie!
But we’re not infallible! In everything we do, we try to model the following behavior …
 Accuracy: cite the rule, show the example. If we mess up, we’ll tell you so and try to fix it
Acceptance: assume good intent, coach new players, and model rational rule resolution. Openness: VASL or kitchen table, Starter Kit or monster CG … everyone’s welcome. Respect: honor and teach WW2 history without caricature; celebrate opponents, not just outcomes. Fun: fair, fast (or slow!) play that leaves both sides wanting a rematch. |
Academy Out!
GET TO THE CHOPPA…!!! 
