2023 SQLA Block Busting In Bokruisk

TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Congratulations to Shaughn (Allied) and Bill T (Axis) for their employment of sound tactics, inspiring leadership and good luck!

PLAYER OPINIONS OF THE SCENARIO

"Loved the scenario, and if my opponent had not had those lucky shots it may have ended quite differently."  

"The scenario is heavily favored for the defending Axis player."  

"The Germans were able to hold off the Russian onslaught long enough to get a win this time."  

"I think it's challenging for either side to pull out a victory given average luck. A few tactical missteps by the Allies, as well as solid play by  the Axis  tipped the game in the Axis favor."  

"The AFV's include a number of interesting vehicles not commonly encountered on the Cross of Iron battlefield: JS1 tanks and SU 85 TD's, plus a hulking JSU 152 assault gun for the Russians - a ubiquitous STG and a rather curious open topped armored car which packs a legitimate tank-killing cannon for the Germans."  

"I would certainly play again."

Q&A SECOND EDITION

The updated Q&A document redline is here, with the following changes:

• Added new Q&A below.

• Separated SQL 63 ON BOARD ARTILLERY and COI 63 NEW ARTILLERY CHARACTERISTICS.

• Appended answers with errata and clarifications, marked with {SB}, so the responsible person is identified.

• Added the COD second edition changes from 17.2-29, since no second edition ever published.

• Add key SQLA conventions.

• Moved superseded Q&A to end of compilation.

• Comments have reason/rule/justification for changes.

The tournament will use the updated Q&A in draft.  Please feel free to provide any comments on the changes.

Single Round Split Competition

This is a dual competition for the best allied player and the best axis player.  This provides a level playing field between opponents and reduces the effect of an unbalanced scenario.  

Pace

The tournament is paced for PBEM of a seven turn scenario.  Players have fourteen weeks to complete the match or one player turn a week for a seven turn scenario.  Scenarios of greater length have the same fourteen weeks and pace must be managed by players.  Matches that fall behind should meet face-to-face on VSQL to ensure timely completion.

Rules and Conventions

Generally, all rules are in play unless mutually agreed upon in advance.  The Tactical Training Series explicitly state rules in effect.  The twelve original scenarios use the rules through those introduced.

The Squad Leader Academy Conventions are in effect, they answer rule questions from prior SQLA tournaments and provide guidance to the Administrators in rule disputes.  Players are advised to read them beforehand.

Significant conventions

• 31B requires passengers to 'bail-out' when an AFV fires or is hit to prevent the 'panzergrenadier' hack.  They may not move to an adjacent hex nor fire that player turn.

• 36B crews may not attempt AFV immobilization.

• 48B an ATG crew is only effected by a hit on the gun.  This is a departure from the example but agrees with the rule.

• 57A Units may not advance 'up-and-over'.  This prevents a unit entering close combat from outside the defender's LOS during the dfph.

The Supplemental Rules of Combat compile rules by firing unit type and target types.  Use this to find the related rules in one paragraph and to resolve uncommon situations

Rule disagreements should be resolved in the following steps:

• Players should discuss between themselves.

• Roll the dice by mutual agreement.

• Ask the Administrator, he resolves the dispute to continue play.  Please post questions to BGG - Squad Leader forums for quickest response.

Medium

The official medium is VASSAL's SQUAD LEADER module.   Players may use another medium upon mutual agreement.

• VASSAL version 3.2.17

• VSQL version 4.2.2

• Boards version 5 SK

ACTS is the official dice roller, it verifies rolls and it facilitates play-by-email.  You can create an account and log in here.  

• You should use the Squad Leader Series Module in ACTS, a template for our games.

• Quick and easy ACTS

  • Place fire and target counters on VSQL board and type Firepower, modifiers and terrain.

  • Copy and paste this into ACTS Dice Roll comments and roll dice.

  • Copy and paste dice roll results into VSQL and resolve shots.

• Players not desiring the additional record keeping may use VASSAL's internal dice roller, subject to agreement of both players.