I don’t believe that there is a convention on which way to play across the hexes. I prefer a flat hex straight ahead as it works better with Overwatch.
I see you are getting revised and unrevised cards mixed-up. Here is a write-up I posted eleswhere that should answer a lot of your questions. Have a look and get back if you still have questions.
Yes, This is an awesome game and if you can introduce it to someone it basicly sells itself with its smooth play. How did you discover AAM?
Introduction
Released in 2005, Axis and Allies Mini’s is a hex based WWII miniatures combat game. Played on hex based maps, Infantry, Artillery, Planes and vehicles battle for control of objectives and territory. The game is turn based and uses dice to decide the outcome of battles.
Scale
The game started out with vehicle scale is in the 10-12mm range and was changed to a more standard 15 mm scale about halfway through. Sets that contain 10-12mm vehicles are, Base Set, Set II, Contested Skies, D-Day, Reserves. Sets that contain 15mm vehicles are, 39-49, North Africa, Eastern Front, early War and Counter Offensive. Making a total of ten expansion boosters issued. Tentatively Set 11, Late War is scheduled for release in May of 2012 (now officially on hold). Note - Only the Vehicle scales were changed and all Soldier, Artillery and Planes remain unchanged for all ten sets. Both scales are legal and acceptable to be played in tournaments and matches.
Card Revisions
The cards that are associated with the Mini’s were also changed to reflect the expansion of the game, unbalanced stats and costs. The following sets were revised and are clickable to acquire the revised cards. I would highly recommend downloading these cards and using them as they serve to balance the game and make it more playable. There as of yet no revised cards since Eastern Front.
Base Set Revisions - http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules … evised.zip
Set II Revisions - http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules … evised.zip
Contested Skies - http://www.wizards.com/AvalonHill/rules … evised.zip
DDay - http://www.wizards.com/AvalonHill/rules … evised.zip
Reserves - http://www.wizards.com/AvalonHill/rules … evised.zip
1939-1945 - http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules … evised.zip
North Africa - http://www.wizards.com/AvalonHill/rules … evised.zip
Eastern Front - http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules … evised.pdf
All cards are consolidated and available here in our card database: http://www.tintirinti.com/search_AAM.aspx
Simply click on the searched units text to see the printable card.
Maps
Maps produced up until the scale change to 15mm were 2 inch hexes. After the revision and large vehicles the maps were rescaled to 3 inch hexes. Either map scale is OK to use. Larger battles play out better on the 2 inch hex maps as the smaller scale make battlefield larger. Inversely the 3 inch hex maps allow more room for mini’s and less crowding within the hexes.
Base Starter Set - 2 inch
DDay - 2 inch
Expanded Rules - 3 inch
1939�1945 Starter - 3 inch
North Africa 1940�1943 - 3 inch
Eastern Front Maps - 3 inch
Stacking limits Change
Originally the unit stacking per hex was 2 units and only one could be a vehicle. With the addition of Trucks in North Africa these limits were changed to 3 units per hex and only one may be a vehicle.
Available Rule Sets
Quickstart - http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules … kstart.pdf
Advanced - http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules … lebook.pdf
Revised - In map pack
Inserts - http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules … nserts.pdf
Platoon Cards
At a certain point WotC issued two sets of Platoon Cards. Platoon cards organized units into specialized groups for a discount in points. When the cards were finally revised the platoon cards became defunct and lost their official status. Some players still use them. Its a matter of personal choice.
Link to Set 1: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/aam/ah20070920c
Link to Set 2: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/aam/ah20070814c
AAM updates page for more downloads: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=ah/aam/updates