FIRST FIRE IN ASL PBS #1
An introduction to First Fire attacks (in ASL PBS Version 26)
A considerable amount of the ASL PBS rules is
about how the DEFENDER conducts First Fire
attacks. While the rules take inspiration from
SASL rules, at the same time they expand
considerably on the SASL concepts.
The attempt here is to model an AI that bases its
First Fire decisions on multiple aspects, where
range and DRM are only some of the factors taken
into account.
In this first installment I will focus on some basic
examples to show how the rules work. So, let’s
move on to some examples.
Here is the situation. Some Russian squads are
attempting to take control of the big building on
board 6. It is the MPh of the Russian Turn. So, the
Russian is the ATTACKER and will be controlled
by the player; the German is the DEFENDER and
will be controlled by PBS rules for his First Fire
attacks.
The Russian unit in R1 (circled in Red) declares
AM, expending 1MF to move behind the Hedge in
Q2. First of all, Fire
Discipline must be
determined (2.1).
This is done by
rolling a ten sided
die and the result is
found on the Fire
Discipline Table. The die roll is an 8, meaning that
against this unit (and for this MF expenditure)
Suppression Fire Discipline will be in effect.
1
Fire Discipline determines, in turn, the “activation
ranges” for the German DEFENDER. Looking at
the Activation Range Tables we see the various
activation ranges for different type of units when
Suppression Fire Discipline is in effect.
So for example, units with a 6-hex Normal Range
would be “activated” (i.e. triggered to fire) if the
moving unit is at a 4 hexes (when the final DRM
applying to the attack is +1, or at 6 hexes if final
DRM is zero, and so on). It is not necessary to
check all of the DEFENDER’s units. Even if
several DEFENDER’s units have LOS to the
moving ATTACKER, look at the Priorities in both
1.4 and 2.3 first. We will return to the Activation
Range after checking the Priorities.
Reading these Priorities, we see that when the
moving unit is non-vehicular, Mortars benefitting
from Air Bursts or from a final negative TH DRM
(case a) will attack first, followed by units
attacking on the IFT (case b). There are no Mortars
here, so the German 4-6-7 Squad in O3 is the only
one eligible unit (other German units have no LOS
to the moving Russian squad). Actually, there
would be no need to read 2.3 either (Priorities for
Multiple Firers), since there is only one German
Squad that can attack. In most cases you will find
that it is pretty fast to determine who must be
checked for First Fire.
Now that we have determined that the 4-6-7 in O3
is the first (and only one) eligible firer, we have to
check if this 4-6-7 meets the “activation” criteria.
It could attack the Russian squad with a 4FP +1
(Hedge TEM) attack. Looking at the Activation
Range for Suppression Fire Discipline we see that
with a +1 DRM, a unit with a 6-hex Normal Range
activates if the moving enemy unit is within 4
hexes. The Russian Squad is at 2 hexes range, so
the 4-6-7 is triggered to attack. Up to now the
procedure is very similar to SASL.
Next, we have to see if this 4-6-7 has enough
Firepower to attack the Russian unit. We have to
look at the Minimum FP Table (see also D in the
PBS Definitions). The minimum FP for a +1 attack
is 4FP. This means that if the activated unit has
less than 4FP, it will not attack after all. In this
case, the German squad has enough FP, and so it is
eligible to attack. If that squad were a 2-4-7 HS
instead, then it would not be eligible to attack
because a 2FP +1 attack is below the minimum
required. You will note that this is much more
restrictive than SASL. In ASL PBS the

DEFENDER will not waste Firepower in very
unlikely attacks (that could, by the way, trigger the
enemy Sniper!).
Now that we have determined that the 4-6-7 is
activated for a First Fire attack, and it has enough
FP to attack, we are not yet done. There is still one
step to perform!
On some occasions, even if a DEFENDER’s unit is
eligible to First Fire, it will not automatically
attack, but will need to perform a Conditional First
Fire Task Check (CFFTC) to see if it actually
attacks. All of this is detailed in 2.4 and in the
Conditional First Fire Table. Since the Russian
unit used Assault Movement, we see that AM is
one of the situations where a CFFTC is required.
To fire, the CFFTC must be failed. The rationale is
that holding fire is usually good, especially when
there is no evident advantage in firing early. The
CFFTC is subject to some DRMs (listed in the
Conditional First Fire Table). Here a –2 DRM
applies (due to the Russian unit using AM). The
German 4-6-7 Squad makes his CFFTC and rolls a
9. This is modified by the –2 DRM, resulting in a
7. The CCFTC is passed, so the German 4-6-7
Squad holds fire. Note that the CFFTC attack is a
PBS mechanic and has no effect on ASL rules (i.e.
it cannot trigger a Sniper, etc.).
Now, the next Russian unit prepares to move. The
Russian squad in R3 declares AM and moves into
the Woods in Q4.
First of all a new Fire Discipline die roll in made.
The die roll is a 2. This time Interdiction Fire
Discipline will be in effect, meaning that German
units could open fire at a greater distance.
There are two different Locations that contain
German units with LOS to the moving Russian
Squad: O3 and L7. These could also attack with
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An introduction to First Fire attacks (in ASL PBS Version 26)
different DRMs: +1 for O3 and 0 (flat) for L7 (due
to the Leader).
As per Priorities, the unit in O3 is checked first
(since it is the closest). With a +1 DRM and a
range of 3, the Squad is activated (it would be
activated up to 6-hex range this time, due to
Interdiction Range being in effect). The Minimum
FP requirement is satisfied too (with a +1 DRM,
4FP are required). Since the Russian unit used AM,
a CFFTC must be made. This is exactly as in the
previous move. The German 4-6-7 rolls a 5 (which
is then modified to a 3 due to the Russian unit
using AM), so the 4-6-7 holds fire again.
Now, we have to check the German stack in L7.
Since this stack attacks with a zero DRM, it can
activate up to 6 hex range. This is a 4-4-7 Squad,
so it usually activates at shorter ranges than a 4-6-7
but, thanks to Interdiction Fire Discipline being in
effect, this time it activates at a longer range. The
Minimum FP requirement is satisfied too (with a
zero DRM, even 2 FP would be enough to trigger
an attack). However, since the Russian unit used
AM, a CFFTC is required too. The DRM is –1 (–2
for Assault Movement and +1 for a final DRM of
zero); the German side makes a DR for the whole
stack and rolls a 10. This results in a final DR of 9.
Since 9 is greater than 7 (this 7 “Morale Level” is
used for all units in a CFFTC ), the stack will First
Fire.
The IFT DR is a 7, resulting in an NMC. The
Russian 4-4-7 rolls a 4 and passes the NMC. This
is the situation after the First Fire attack:
There can be no Subsequent First Fire attack,
because the Russian unit in O7 is closer and in
LOS.
Even though the Russian squad expended 2MF to
enter Q4, no attempt is made to attack it again.
Each unit/stack is only checked once, regardless of
the number of MF spent to enter a Location. The

only one exception is Mandatory Attacks by Same
Firer (4.2), which will be discussed later.
The next unit that moves is the Russian squad in
O7. This unit wants to attempt a Dash via N6 to
M6. The movement path of the Russian squad
(along with MF expenditure to enter each
Location) is detailed below:
As usual, a Fire Discipline dr is made first
(remember that it is made with a ten sided die).
This time there is a –3 drm because the previous dr
resulted in Interdiction Fire Discipline (see the IFT
First Fire Discipline Table for modifiers). The idea
is that once the enemy begins firing at longer
range, he will more likely stick to that attitude
(60% of the times, for those interested in numbers).
The dr is a 6, which is then modified to a 3.
Interdiction Fire Discipline is again in effect.
Only the German stack in L7 has LOS to the
Dashing Russian squad, and it will be checked for
activation as soon as the Russian squad enters N6
(i.e. the road hex).
The attack would be a 1FP at –3 attack: 4FP halved
twice (once for Subsequent First Fire and once for
fire against a Dashing unit) with DRMs of –1
FFNAM, –1 FFMO, –1 for Leader direction. The
Activation Range requirement is met, as well as
the Minimum FP requirement. This is not explicitly
stated in the Minimum FP Table. However,
applying the principles of DRM Equivalent (E.),
we see that a 2FP flat is equivalent to a 1FP -1. We
have here a 1FP –3, so the condition is satisfied.
In ASL PBS Subsequent First Fire attacks are
usually treated as regular First Fire attacks, but
with one important exception: when there are other
enemy units “around” that can move, there is an
additional step to do to see if the DEFENDER
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An introduction to First Fire attacks (in ASL PBS Version 26)
unit/stack will actually fire. All of this is detailed
in section 4; In this case, 4.4 to 4.6 contains all
rules that apply in such a situation.
Basically, when the DEFENDER’s unit has to
“decide” whether to use Subsequent First Fire or
not, it must look if there are other ATTACKER’s
unmoved units, and if these are:
a) at a range < that of the closest in-LOS
ATTACKER’s unit +2, or
b) at a range < the DEFENDER’s unit Normal
Range +2, whichever is less.
This may seems a bit complex but, actually, it is
not. In our case it means that if there is an
unmoved Russian unit within 4 hexes the German
stack, it will not automatically use Subsequent
First Fire, but will have to roll on the Subsequent
First Fire Table (4.4) first.
Why? Because case a) translates into a range of 4
(the closest in-LOS Russian unit is the Dashing
unit at 2-hex range; 2 range +2 becomes 4); case b)
translates into a range of 6 (Normal Range of 4
+2). Since we have to consider the lowest of these
two values, we only take into account the 4-hex
range.
Usually this calculation is pretty quick, since only
case a) applies in most situations. However, read
all of 4.4, since there are some little nuances that
might kick in occasionally.
So, to summarize, the German stack in L7 has to
perform a dr to actually use Subsequent First Fire
against the Dashing Russian squad. This dr is made
with a ten sided die. If you wonder why a ten sided
die is used, the reason is that with such a die it is
easier to control the probability for an event to
occur.
The Subsequent First Fire Table lists some drms
that are important here. In this case the total drm is
–2 (–1 for FFMO and –1 for FFNAM). Since a dr
of 6 is required, it means that Subsequent First Fire
will occur on an 8 or less (which is an 80%
probability, so very likely).
The German Stack rolls an 8, that is modified to 6.
Therefore the Subsequent First Fire attack is
carried out: the IFT DR is a 9, obtaining a final IFT

DR of 6: No Effect! The Russian unit reaches the
Building safely and the German Stack is marked
with Final Fire.
Now, it is the turn of the Russian Squad in P6. This
unit declares a Dash too, moving to N5 via O6.
Movement is detailed below:
As the Russian unit enters the road in O6, it comes
in LOS and range of the German squad with the
LMG in N4. This is the only one unit that can
attack, since the German stack in L7 is now
marked Final Fire.
The Fire Discipline dr is made (again with a –3,
since Interdiction Range is still in effect). The dr is
an 8, modified to 5. For this attack Suppression
Range is in effect.
The German squad can potentially attack with 2FP
(7FP halved to 3 for Dash Movement) if you use
the IFT, or 3½ FP on the IIFT, with a –2 DRM
(FFMO, FFNAM). Activation Range and Minimum
FP requirements are satisfied, so the attack is
carried out.
There is, however, one little step to do. Since the
German squad can use both its IFP and the LMG,
we must see if it will fire with everything or not.
This is found under 2.5, Hold Fire Doctrine.
Basically, when you have multiple units/weapons
in a Location that can attack, you have to check if
all of them will attack or not.
This is done with a die roll on the Hold Fire
Doctrine Table (2.5; a ten sided die is used). Some
drms may apply. In our example a –2 drm applies
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An introduction to First Fire attacks (in ASL PBS Version 26)
since there are enemy units within the firing unit’s
IFP/SW Range (to a maximum of 6 hexes) that
have yet to move. There is an unmoved Russian
squad in R2 (at 4-hex range). The dr results in a 5,
which is then modified to 3. Hold Fire Doctrine is
therefore in effect for this attack.
When Hold Fire Doctrine is in effect, the
DEFENDER will attack with the Minimum FP
necessary. With a –2 DRM, even 1FP would be
enough. So, the German squad can either attack
with its IFP or the LMG. Looking at the priorities
in 2.5, we see that the case that applies is
“unit/weapon with the lowest FP”. In our situation
it means that the LMG will be used, since the
LMG has 3FP while the squad has 4. Had the
squad been manning a 5FP MMG, the squad would
have attacked instead (because now the squad’s FP
is lower than the MMG’s FP).
So, the German unit attacks with the LMG for a
2FP (on the IFT) or 3FP (IIFT) –2 attack. It rolls
an 8 (5 on the colored die, so no ROF kept), which
is then modified to 6. On the IFT it is a PTC. The
Russian quad rolls a 3, passing his PTC, moving
into N5. Here is the situation after the LMG attack:
Now things get
interesting. The LMG
is marked First Fire,
but the Squad is not.
The German unit is
again triggered to Fire
(regardless of the Fire
Discipline in effect,
we can see at a glance that all requirements are
met. One important thing to note is that, when a
unit is unmarked but has a weapon already marked
with First Fire (and vice versa), it will first use its
“normal” First Fire possibilities before attempting
a Subsequent First Fire attack (see 4.2 and 4.4).
Here there are no other conditions to check: no
condition that requires a CFFTC applies, and this
is a regular First Fire (not Subsequent First Fire)
attack. The German Squad automatically attacks
with 8FP (its IFP) and a +2 DRM (+3 TEM, -1
FFNAM). The Minimum FP requirement is
satisfied too (6FP are needed for a +2 DRM).
 An introduction to First Fire attacks (in ASL PBS Version 26)

Unfortunately, the German Squad rolls an 8, the NMC, and both the
which, modified to 10, obtains nothing. The Squad German squad and its
is now marked too with First Fire. LMG are now marked
Final Fire. See the
Now, 4.2 kicks in. This is Mandatory Attack by situation after the Russian
Same Firer. Since the German squad failed to move here on the left.
achieve a Pin or better result, it must attack again
the Russian unit (and it can attack it since the Now, the last Russian squad prepares to move. It
Russian squad expended 2MF in the building). declares Double Time in an attempt to engage the
German squad in N4 in Close Combat. This is
This time it will attack with Subsequent First Fire, probably not the best move, but is useful here to
and now there are a couple of things to check first. look at some other peculiarities. The movement of
Particularly, two conditions must be checked. The the Russian squad is outlined below:
first one is whether the German squad will use
Sustained Fire for his LMG or not. This is made
with a dr on the Sustained & Intensive Fire Table
(4.6). Before checking other conditions, we see
that the LMG firepower is needed to satisfy the
Minimum FP requirements. With a +2 DRM, the
German must be able to attack with at least 6FP,
and this can be only done by using both the
squad’s and the LMG’s PF.

The dr (one six sided die this time) on 4.6 is

subject to a –1 drm (because the target is adjacent;
look at the Table for a full list of modifiers). The dr
is a 1, meaning that the Squad is willing to use
Sustained Fire. Note that if the Sustained Fire dr is
not passed, the Subsequent First Fire attack would
not be made (since Minimum FP would not be
reached).
This is also a Subsequent First Fire attack. The
presence of the unmoved Russian squad in R2
forces the German unit to make a check before
actually using Subsequent First Fire. This happens
because adjacent unit are disregarded when
checking the range requiring a roll on the
Subsequent First Fire Table. It may look weird in
this case. However, note that the still unmoved
Russian unit in R2 could declare CX and move
adjacent to this German squad, moving behind the
Hedges in R3 and Q5, and therefore forcing the
Squad to a FPF shot, threatening it for a CC attack.
There are both a +1 (Target ADJACENT) and a –1
(FFMO applies) on the Subsequent First Fire
Table dr. The dr is a 2, so the German Squad fires
as Subsequent First Fire. This is a 6FP +2 attack.
The DR is a 5, which modified to 7 obtains an
NMC. The Russian squad rolls a 5 too, so it passes
As soon as the
Russian squad
enters R4, it gets
into LOS and
range from O3.
The Fire Discipline dr is a 5, obtaining a
Suppression Fire Discipline result. The DRM (for
an attack from O3) is zero (+1 Hedge, –1
FFNAM). So, a 4-6-7, with a zero DRM, would
activate up to 6 hexes (see the 2.1 Activation
Range Table under Suppression Range). Minimum
FP requirements are satisfied too (with a zero
DRM, 2FP are enough to trigger an attack).
Note: With such a DRM, the 4-6-7 would activate
up to 8 hexes, and this is caused by the application
of DRM Equivalent (E.). This will be discussed in
a later installment.
This time there are no other checks to do. The 4-6-
7 opens fire and rolls a 8. No effect! It is marked

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 An introduction to First Fire attacks (in ASL PBS Version 26)

with First Fire. The Russian squad gets into LOS

again in Q5, but it is too far to allow a Subsequent
First Fire attack. So it moves safely up to O5, when
it becomes adjacent to the (already Final-Fired)
German squad with the LMG.

This is a situation where Final Protective Fire

might occur. Final Protective Fire is detailed in
section 4.5. PBS rules put a lot of restrictions on
FPF, otherwise it would be too easy to force such
attacks on the DEFENDER.
Before making the required TC (as mandated by
4.5 in BPS rules), we have to check that the
German 4-6-7 is allowed to perform a FPF attack.
The first list of requirements (4.5) are satisfied: if
breaking, the 4-6-7 would not be forced to
Surrender and the Building (assuming its control is
a requirement by VC) would still contain at least
one German GO unit. The same holds true for the
last requirement, since another GO German unit is
in the Building.
This ends the Russian MPh, as well as this first
article on First Fire in ASL PBS.
Here I have detailed some of the very basic
concepts about First Fire. In future articles I will
dive deeper into the rules to show some other
details like Fire Lanes, Scouting units, Ordnance
and Vehicular fire.
Please, note that these examples are based on
Version 26 of the rules. This is an ever-evolving
project, so it is very possible that a further version
might change things a bit.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

The Additional FPF Restrictions in 4.5 are very

important. In a few words, they attempt to simulate
the fact that the DEFENDER might prefer to risk
Melee rather than breaking outright with a poor
FPF shot, especially when CC odds are not bad.

The first additional requirement is not satisfied.

However, the second one is: the FPF attack affects
one unit, this unit is subject to a negative DRM
(FFMO and FFNAM) and the total FP of all
ADJACENT ATTACKER’s units is at least 2:1
than the DEFENDER’s FP.

The 4-6-7 takes his TC (with a –2 DRM; 4.5) and

rolls a 9. This is modified to 7, so the German
squad is going to use FPF. The LMG must be used
(as per ASL rules). It attacks with a 6FP (–2 DRM)
and rolls a 2! Sneak Eyes! The attack Cowers, but
it is still a good result: K/2. The Russian squad is
reduced and rolls a 7 on its 2MC, so it ends up
Broken. And, if I recall correctly, that 2DR is also
yields a HOB result for the German Squad (not
resolved here). Here is the situation at the end of
the Russian MPh: