ASLSK#1, San Juan
Ben and I played ASLSK #1. We started to play scenario 1, but I messed up the scenario rules, so we restarted with scenario 2. I played the Russians and set up on the edge of the buildings. This was a mistake, as Ben lit me up and chased my broken troops through the buildings. I never got the reinforcements, so I eventually just conceded.
Ben's summary:
Jon and I had a good time playing ASLSK this weekend. We started playing the first game and after a round or two, we discovered we had completely screwed something up. So, we moved on to the 2nd level that included support weapons of machine guns and flame throwers and satchel charges. Had a good time and we learned a valuable lesson: When you are the defensive group, be as defensive as possible by staying further away from the invading army and react to their movement. In our game, Jon started his guys too close to mine and I was able to do an initial fire that really weakened him and allowed me to move up and get into position without taking casualties. We also made it most of the way through the scenario without him getting his reinforcements. The come in on a random turn, but, the later the turn, the greater the chance they will arrive. We actually quit before they arrived - I was dug in too good of a position before they could get there and not much chance they would dislodge me.
Then we played San Juan. The final score was 42-42; I won on a tie breaker.
Ben's summary:
Closest game I have ever played of San Juan, but, I felt like I was writing a book out of that email. Basically, Jon and I had a close game - I thought I was winning, but never can tell - and, on 2nd to last turn, I had the choice of Prospecting (getting me 1 card and giving Jon none) or Counselling (I select 5 cards and keep my favorite 2 (I had a card in play that allowed me to keep 2) and Jon selects 2 cards and keeps 1). I already had a card to build so, if Jon selected builder his next turn (which he did) I could play it, but it was only a 1 VP card. So, I Counselled to get more cards and better selection to play on the last turn. Jon ended up getting a 6 point card in the two he selected for Counselling that won the game for him. We looked over the points and, literally, it was the only card in the game (and I think there are 2 in the deck) that could have won it for him. And, we ended up tying in points, but he had cards left in his hand and that is the final tie-breaker. Crazy, but very good game.
