Squad Leader Ladder

The Ladder Quick List

About the Ladder

  1. The Squad Leader Series Ladder is a continual ranking system based on the Elo rating system.

  2. Players start with 1,500 points and with every game the winning player takes points from the losing player.

  3. Points are calculated considering player rank, defeating more difficult opponents earns more points.

  4. Two point per game are awarded for the first twenty-five games completed.

  5. The system is self-correcting the longer one plays.

  6. Any medium of play is accepted - face-to-face, virtual-face-to-face, play-by-email, play-by-mail.

  7. Training Matches are available for new or returning players. Mark so on 'Find a Ladder match'.

  8. Rule interpretations may be posted to the Forum and resolved by Ladder Administrators.

    1. The Squad Leader Tournament Conventions provide guidance.

    2. The Squad Leader Q&A Compilation is from the rule books, Avalon Hill General, MMP and other sources

    3. The Supplemental Rules of Combat compile rules by weapon type vs target type (draft).

      1. For example, how is firing a MG at a hex containing infantry and gun resolved, including how to KO the gun and what modifiers apply?

  9. Players may play more than one game at a time.

  10. Any game may be reported to the Ladder subject to mutual player agreement prior to commencement of game.

  11. Matches with no communication in more than two weeks may be adjudicated by the Administrator.

  12. ACTS is mandatory if either player has more than five games and a win/draw:loss ratio of 2:1 or greater.

        1. You can create an account here.

        2. Create a game in the 'SQLA Squad Leader Series' Module. a brief tutorial is here.

        3. In VSQL place the prep fire, target counter, call the shot and cut and paste into ACTS. Roll dice, including potential MC, unused dice are ignored.

Point Determination

  1. The difference between the player's rank determines the number of points gained or lost.

  2. After every game the winning player takes points from the losing player.

  3. Bonus Points

    1. Variable points added to the winner and subtracted from the loser. (1,000 - (winner's rating - loser's rating)) * 1%

  4. Draws may or may not cause a change in ranking. The game is worth the smaller of one quarter (rounded down) of the point differential between the two players and 10 points. The higher ranked players lose the points and lower ranked gain the points. Equally ranked players do not change their ranking.

  5. A player receives an additional two points per game for the first twenty-five.

Example

    1. Bob plays Bill. Bob is a 1,400 and Bill is a 1,200. Bill wins the scenario, so he gains 47 points (35 base + 12 bonus) while Bob loses 47 points.

    2. Bob plays Bill. Bob is a 1,400, Bill is a 200. Bob wins the scenario so he gains 3 points ( 5 base + -2 bonus) while Bill loses 3 points.

Training Matches

    1. Training Matches may be submitted to the Ladder if played competitively.

    2. The Trainer should provide guidance on tactics, rules and game-play. He may provide mulligans and free LOS checks.

    3. For example,

      1. The Trainee has never played the scenario. The Trainer suggests several possible opening moves or setup.

      2. The Trainee has several prep fire options. The Trainer points out several inconspicuous LOSs and options for Fire Groups and how to effect penetration prior to beginning the prep-fire phase.

      3. The Trainee moves his best leader and 3 three squad in the LOS and open ground of the Trainer's 10-2/HMG/3x squads. The Trainer points out the LOS and allows him an alternate path.

      4. The Trainee and Trainer each try to achieve their respective victory conditions. The Trainee loses because of his inexperience. This can be submitted as a Ladder game.