The 2 Half-Squads: Advanced Squad Leader Podcast

Episode 63: ASL Night Fever

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:22:11 PST

Don't stray too far from this podcast, because it is time for Night Part 2, and we couldn't get all of the night rules into this episode, as much as we tried, which means that you can expect Night Part 3, sometime soon.

AFV Logic Card w/Overlay

You may be all jittery and wondering what other ASL info consumed the time allotted to this podcast, besides discovering who is lax at night. Well, this episode brings you a look at What's in the Box with the marvelous AFV Logic Basic Plus cards from Countersmith Workshop. (Thank you Countersmith for sending this amazing set for review.) This episode's song offering is OBA From the Sky written by Troy Nordine.

Dave's American Bison

SHOW LINKS

Clash at Borisov (Board Game Geek) by Eddy del Rio
TheJamesDun ASL Tank Video Tutorial on Youtube
Mattias Elfstrom's ASL Module Dependency Chart

SHOW GUIDE

8:23 Letters

27:30 What's in the Box?

40:25 "OBA From the Sky" Song

46:00 Night Part 2

1:22:30 Total Running Time

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Episode 62: Starry, Starry Starshell

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:12:38 PST

It is not Night Part 2. It is a sad, sad, day. Jeff has been called into work on the night we are scheduled to record Episode 62, and Dave is faced with a difficult decision. Should he wait to record with Jeff, or carry on, at the risk of producing a rather boring show? Dave has chosen (maybe unwisely) to forge ahead on his own. This very episode is the result of that decision. On the plus side, this episode does bring you a look at the Allied Minor AFV cards from Fanatic Enterprises (out of print but available from Alex Key), and a one sided Movie Review of Von Ryan's Express. Many listener's will enjoy the song Houlie Dice. There is a nice Starshell Tutorial that can teach you about those bright things in the night sky. Though you haven't heard the starshell rules explained in Night Part 2 yet, you will still find the tutorial informative. Dave also discusses the PAASL Club and hopes you will be encouraged to start your own.

LINKS

Photos of the Starshell Tutorial on our Flikr site

SHOW GUIDE
2:00 Letters
12:00 What's in the Box
19:00 Movie Review
27:00 Houlie Dice Song
29:00 PAASL - Start Your Own ASL Club
41:00 Starshell Tutorial
57:00 Total Running Time

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ASL Extra #13: The Penetration of Rostov

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:13:21 PST

Rostov, Russia, July 24th 1942: Well boys and girls, it has been a long time since we have published an ASL Extra. We present, for your listening pleasure, scenario ASL 131 (previously known as A17, from an Annual). Selected because it is a scenario from Beyond Valor and owned by many listener's, this one provides chills and thrills, INF Guns, Molotov's and the NKVD. Join us as Mark's Germans attack Dave T's Russians while Dave K provides some neutral commentary. Will the defense of Rostov hold in the face of the German onslaught? Listen to find out.

LINKS

Photos of the game on our Flikr site

Listen now with streaming audio

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Episode 61: Night Vision

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:47:45 PST

After listening to this episode you will no longer have to be afraid of the dark. We venture into the night to light the way for our listeners. This is the first of a two part series on the Night rules, found in chapter E, that made their first appearance way back with the original release of Yanks. We infiltrate the first half of the rules and then present a History Report on the various WWII combatants doctrine on night operations. We realize the format for the history report is a bit dull with just Dave reading it and we promise to do it differently next time.

SHOW GUIDE
5:00 Letters
19:00 Scenarios We've Played Lately
12:15 Marc Blume's Night Scenario List
31:00 Night Rules
1:07:15 History Report
1:26:40 Total Running Time

LINKS

Eclectic Zeal

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Episode 60: Dalton 2 -- MMP Update

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:10:55 PST

Here is a chance to get an update in detail on the marvelous upcoming MMP ASL productions. We always enjoy having a chat with Keith Dalton and we know you will find this chat to be of great interest. It is a look at the promotion and retail side of the gaming world, from the controversy behind King Philip's War, to the success of The Mighty Endeavor. ASL topics include the famous Klein and Schmidt leader counters, Haakaa Paalle, Festung Budapest, and the overlay bundle. Keith gives us an update on the reprint schedule including, Rising Sun, Yanks and more. Did someone hear rumors of a Starter Kit Historical Module? We did. Keith even gives us a novel storage idea for the new Starter Kit Style Board Pack. Enjoy!

SHOW GUIDE
50:40 Total Running Time

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Episode 59: Tracy Time

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:43:30 PST

We feel pretty lucky to be have so many interesting ASL dignitaries who are willing to spend some time talking to us. And just when we start to think we've hit them all, another great one comes to mind. Today we have an interview with one of the ASL communities most prominent members, J.R. Tracy. Topics include gaming near New York, the state of ASL today, ASLOK 2011, night rules and more

First, though, Jeff offers a history lesson about The Bellamy Salute which, prior to World War II, was a popular accompaniment to the Pledge of Allegiance. He then shares his recent discovery of a fascinating -- and toe tapping -- Nazi propaganda swing band called Charlie and His Orchestra. And Dave presents a book review of Unbroken: A WWII Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand.

Thanks to Albert Hernandez for the comedy bit idea.

Oh, and Jeff made Dave promise -- no looney sound bites!

SHOW GUIDE
4:30 History Report
16:30 Book Review
25:00 J.R. Tracy Interview
1:07:25 Total Running Time

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Episode 58: Looney Times

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:22:14 PST

Sufferin' succotash! Sometimes we sit down at the microphones without really knowing how the session will unfold. Oh. . . you've noticed that? This one gets a little looney.

Jeff starts with a report on his visit to The National Churchill Museum in Fulton, MO. Great horny toads, what a surprising and delightful find there in America's heartland. It was at Westminster College in Fulton that Winston Churchill gave his famous Iron Curtain speech in 1946. The museum constructed some years later in honor of the great British statesman is worth a drive, for sure. As a bonus, the museum was also host to a traveling exhibit of The Naval Art of Thomas Hart Benton.

Next we get on with Letters, of course. Did we read YOUR letter? If you haven't written, then of course not. So write us and we'll get you on the air. Anything you have to say has GOT to be more interesting than our inane banter.

Later, just as were about to settle in to serious business, Dave pops in a Box Art Review -- a double header, no less, starting with commentary on the cover of "Blood Reef: Tarawa", and then proceeding to a new, unopened copy of "For King and Country". But that fresh FKaC packaging doesn't last long as we tear into it for a look at "What's in the Box".

Finally, we get into some ASL Action as we present our first, of what we hope will be many, Set Up Comparisons. Dave and Dave each set up a defense for scenario J112 Prelude to Dying and comment on their rationale and strategy. It's interesting and instructive to see how other players approach a set up situation. How do they compare to your ideas?

On with the show, this is it!

SHOW GUIDE
6:20 National Churchill Museum
10:45 Letters
24:00 Box Art Review
36:45 What's in the Box
51:00 Set Up Comparison 'Prelude to Dying' J112
1:24:15 Total Running Time

That's all, folks!

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Episode 57: Ian Daglish Tribute

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:12:29 PDT

We were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Daglish. While we had never had the honor to meet him face to face, we consider ourselves lucky to have conducted an interview with him a few days before the tragic accident that took his life. Ian was a World War II historian who specialized in the Normandy Campaign and authored several books on the topic in the Over The Battlefield series. He was also an avid wargamer and made many contributions to the ASL hobby, especially as a scenario designer. He will be missed.

SHOW GUIDE

41:09 - Total Running Time

LINKS

Pen and Sword Books

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Episode 56: Stack Attack

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:25:46 PDT

Just another day in ASL paradise. Join us as we take care of some interesting mail. Then Le Franc Tireur's Kampfgruppe Scherer: the Shield of Cholm, and Bounding Fire Production's Crucible of Steel: Battle of Kursk are In the News. The winners of the T2HS Song Lyric Contest are announced. Then we have a little quiz show on Set Up and Stacking Limits to test and augment your ASL knowledge.
We'll be announcing the next contest soon, so you'll have another chance to gain fame and win valuable stuff. So stay tuned!

SHOW GUIDE

5:00 - Letters
27:30 - In the News
38:30 - Song
40:00 - Song Contest Winners
43:00 - Quiz Show
1:14:00 - Total Running Time

LINKS

1 Player Podcast

UK Gamer's Podcast

SONG LYRICS (sung to "A Few of My Favorite Things")

GS on Shermans and Shurtzen on Panthers
Flame-throwing Cromwells and AA on Panzers
Living the chaos that Sniper checks bring
These are a few of those ASL things

Chapters and chapters of tables and rules
The ultimate wargame goes way beyond kewl
Just like those fighters with bombs under wing
And reading to see what those SSRs bring
Rural or Urban, cross streets in quick dashes
When playing night rules remember gun flashes
Winter offensives that last throughout spring
These are a few of those ASL things

When my squad break
When my luck stinks
When I’m rolling bad
I simply remember those ASL things
And then I don’t feel so bad

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Episode 55: Round Table II

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 05:01:44 PDT

Had a hard day at work? Difficulties with that job search? Neighbor's dog left a doo-doo on your lawn? Well times are tough, so give yourself a little break, pull up a seat at the table and enjoy the conversation, as we discuss all things ASL.

Today's knights of the round table are:
Jack Murphy
Rich Spilky
Dave Kleinschmidt
Jeff Hallett

George Clooney wanted to be here but had to cancel at the last moment. No matter. We do the subject justice without him.

SHOW GUIDE

2:40 - How to store your rules and how they should be made available
13:02 - Why We Hate ASL
21:00 - Cave Rules and Their Complexity
29:00 - ROAR
41:00 - Should Publishers Fix and Re-Release Bad Scenarios?
46:00 - Winter Boards
53:00 - Speed of Play
1:03:00 - Gaming Etiquette
1:16:00 - Passing on the tradition of ASL
1:25:00 - Total Running Time

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Episode 54: Back to [Battle] School

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 09:11:44 PDT

This episode is loaded with ASL goodness! This time when we look in that oh-so-famous "box", we find MMP's Out of the Bunker. It's a great collection of scenario gems that were previously released in the "Dispatches from the Bunker" newsletter from way back when. Yet another song entry is performed for your enjoyment -- and we use that term loosely. You just can't beat that for your entertainment dollar. A new segment called "Terrain Time" makes it's debut. Let us know what you think of it. We conclude this episode with an interview with Chris Doary of Battleschool. It may be time to remove that dunce cap and get a proper ASL eddication. Knowledge is good!

SHOW GUIDE

6:00 - Letters

20:00 - What We've Been Playing Lately

37:00 - What's in the Box? and SK Board Review

56:45 - Terrain Time

1:04:00 - Song

1:06:35 - Chris Doary Interview

1:43:20 - Total Running Time

SONG LYRICS (sung to "The Lumberjack Song")
I play ASL and that's OK.
I play all night and I play all day

I move my troops, I rally well, I fire my panzerfausts
When opponents get too cocky, I bombard them to heck!

I rally well, I shoot big guns, I blitz my tanks alot
and if there's too much open, I lay the smoke I've got

I shoot big guns, MG's get rate, And often just for fun
I'll play in Frenchmen's clothing, and surrender on turn one!

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Episode 53: My Better Half-Track

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 09:18:20 PDT

Don't button up or you might miss something. This episode is all about half-tracks. Those weakly armored, open topped, speedy little vehicles that we use to transport our troops and do sleazy vehicle bypass freeze moves in the last turn, to confound and frustrate our enemies.

Before we get to the main topic, though, we'll discuss a Top Ten War Books list as compiled by Military History magazine, and listen to another song entry from our "Write funny ALS Lyrics" contest. (Don't forget the contest ends July 30th).
Also we find out What's in the Box, indulge in some Box Art Review, and in general hack together another fine show.

We were doing a video simulcast while recording this episode. Be on the lookout as we'll be doing more of these in the future.

SHOW GUIDE
Top Ten war books
Box Art Review
Contest Entry: Run Through the ASL Jungle by Dennis Donavan
What's in the Box
Half-Tracks!

Lyrics
Whoa, heard it was a nightmare, LOL!, It’s all so true
They told me, “Fear the PTO!”, ‘cause the Japs are on the loose.

CHORUS:
Better not CX in the jungle, Better not advance into jungle
Better not stray in the jungle, Why? You’ll get ambushed, ya see

Thought I heard grumblin’, Playin’ a night rules game
200Yankee guns are loaded, The sgt. cries: “Take aim!”

Over in hex G10, Sgt. Schmutz he spoke:
“Let the privates know my wisdom, Fill the hex with smoke.”

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Episode 52: From the Land Down Under

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 09:15:01 PDT

ANZAC ASL sets the world right

G'day Mates! This edition comes to you from Down Under, sorta'. We hope it's a corker and not a yabber. Some of the last of the ASLOK 2010 interviews are here; Steve Linton and David Longworth make their appearances in this episode, including some "history of the game" discussion about that revered wargaming group, The Paddington Bears. Down under? They're top 'o the world in our book. In honor of these guys and all the great ANZAC players we're displaying McArthur's Corrected Map. Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?

The 2 Half-Squads Singers wow us yet again with more song entries presented for your entertainment. By the way, the song contest ends on July 31st and prizes will be awarded, so don't miss this great opportunity.

"What's in the Box?" uncovers the wonderful nuggets in MMP's very recent release of ASL Journal #9. The indefatigable Dave has already read it and gives his overview.

And there's lots more, so be a good bloke and pull up a chair, keep the bities away from you with an Aussie Salute, pour up some amber fluid, and we will put some shrimp on the barbie for yeh' -- and we will eat them for yeh, too. You're welcome.

Lyrics to Breakin' in the Grain
We're pinning in the grain, Just breaking in the grain
What a glorious feeling, we rally again
We're laughing at guns, so big on the hill
The sarge's in our hex, and we're ready to charge
Let the green half-squad chase, the H-I-P from the place
Come on with the wave, we have smoke on the way
We run down the plain, in the enemy firelane
Just pinnin' and breakin' in the grain.

Lyrics to Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to you, I just rolled a 2.
Your Tiger's now burning, so have another brew (up).

SHOW GUIDE

11:00 - Letters

26:30 - Songs

30:00 - Scenarios We've Played Lately
43:00 - Interview with Steve Linton

1:09:00 What's in the Box? Journal 9

1:22:30 Interview with David Longworth (Paddington Bears)

1:38:50 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
ASLSK2 Tutorial
Combined Arms Digital Library
Survival Books
Army Field Manuals
Battlespace strategy gaming magazine
The Paddington Bears

Listen Now:

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Episode 51: Hold on to Your Holst, it's Time for Close Combat!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 09:16:21 PDT

It's time to advance into close combat! Join us as we take a gander at the intricacies of engaging the enemy up close and personal. Both infantry and vehicle close combat are covered in this slightly larger than normal episode that is packed with ASL goodness. If you think there were too many letters last time then you will enjoy the lack of letters in this one.

Scott Holst is our guest on an interview from ASLOK. The 2 Half-Squads are not responsible for anything said by Scott. The opinions expressed by Scott are not necessarily those of The 2 Half-Squads.

Don't get ambushed as you advance into this episode!

SHOW GUIDE
4:15 - What We've Been Playing Lately
21:45 - Infantry CC
46:00 - Vehicle CC Quiz Show
1:14:30 - Scott Holst Interview
1:38:15 - Total Running Time

LINKS
Mattias' Module Dependency Chart

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Episode 50: Fabulous Fifty!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:51:03 PDT

It's hard to believe, but we have actually made it to the big episode 5-0! Quite an accomplishment, wouldn't you agree? We had so many requests from listeners, celebrities, friends, and family who wanted to join us on this momentous night that we just couldn't decide who was most deserving. So we decided to keep it just the two of us and present our favorite kind of show -- lots of talk about our favorite game in the whole, wide world. And banter, boy do we banter!

Letters, letters, letters! Boy, do we have letters. Thank you to everyone who writes. The feedback and contributions are much appreciated. Your many links are below.

Also we look into "the box" and find some very cool Countersmith Turret Counters and the new ASL SK Expansion Pack #1, wherein we finally find out if the much ballyhooed "Kleinschmidt" counter appears. The answer will surprise you.

We'll save the celebrities for another time. This one is banter-licious!

SHOW GUIDE
2:00 - Letters
39:00 - ASL Lyrics Contest
40:00 - The Half-Squad Singer performing BUNGLE IN THE JUNGLE
50:00 - What's in the Box?
1:18:30 Total Running Time

LINKS
From Starter Kit to Full ASL by Mikka Sohlman
Bill Kohler's excellent player aids page
Games Club of Maryland
ASL Logbook
Yockbo's Boardgame Blog
ASL Training by Russ Gifford
Adelaide Gamer blog
Mattias' Module Dependency Chart

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ASL Extra #12: Maczek Fire Brigade

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:27:36 PDT

Welcome ASL fans, for another rollicking T2HS Extra. In this installment, our own Dave Kleinschmidt commands the Germans against challenger Rick Hollander's Polish defenders in "Maczek Fire Brigade". This is a popular tournament scenario for good reason -- it's well balanced and is a scant six turns long. Break out scenario J113 and follow along as our stalwart opponents engage in devastating and delirious mortal combat. Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions as regards our poor play. That way others may benefit from your wisdom. Zeb Doyle has a nice write up of his play of said scenario the Banzaii Blog.

Sound the alarm. This one's H-O-T.

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Episode 49: Houseman of Dark Shadows Style Zombies

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:28:57 PDT

Zombies rock! And so does anyone who can come up with an ASL Zombie scenario. The very idea is so cool it would be killing us if we weren't already undead. Glenn Houseman of the East Side Gamers is that very guy and we had the pleasure of interviewing him at ASLOK 2010. You can find a whole lot of "normal" ASL scenarios at their website also, but we think we need Zombie counters.

Have you ever heard of a female ASLer? Well one exists and we have the interview to prove it, thanks to a contribution from listener Mark Zielinski. Mark is also a contributor to The Dice Tower netcast.

Box Art Review makes an appearance in this episode with a look at the Bonus Packs from MMP.

"In the box" are some Americans from the 45th Infantry Division. Those GI's can be found in the Rally Point Volume 5: Thunderbird Pack. They run rampant in some great scenarios from the famous Bill Sisler.

What are you waiting for? Hit the listen now button!

SHOW GUIDE

2:30 - Letters

24:00 - Scenarios We've Played Lately
28:00 - What's in the Box?
33:00 - Box Art Review

45:00 - Glenn Houseman Interview

1:08:00 - Liz Interview

1:32:45 - Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

East Side Gamers

The Dice Tower

Schwerpunkt

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Episode 48: The Rich is Back

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:30:21 PDT

Our friend Rich Spilky is back to answer some of your burning tank tactics questions (pun intended). Rich was going back through his dusty old newsletters (yes, the kind that were printed on paper and delivered to your house by the postman) and he thought perhaps listeners would benefit from a review of some of the articles he found. And he was right. We did.

Also We look into "the box" and find the newest Winter Offensive 2011 Bonus Pack and the ASL Starter Kit Bonus Pack, Beyond the Beaches, which introduces new players to . . . shrubbery! Or more precisely, hedges.

Don't just sit there, LISTEN!

SHOW GUIDE
2:30 - Letters
20:00 - Scenarios We've Played Lately
28:50 - What's in the Box?
41:00 - Tactic Time with Rich (Shermans v. Panthers and gun duels)
1:23:00 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
View From the Turret

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TUTORIAL PHOTOS

Episode 47: Fish 'n' Action

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:32:30 PDT

Bill "Fish" Conner and Daryl "Action Burke" Burke

The oral history of The Game continues in a very special interview with Bill "Fish" Conner and Daryl "Action Burke" Burke. We caught up with these ASL legends at ASLOK 2010 and had a most fascinating conversation. Even Perry Cocke couldn't resist joining in with this historical duo. No doubt The Smithsonian Institute will be calling us for a copy of this show. No thanks -- we're going to auction it at Sotheby's.

Also in this show, our new roving reporter Whit Richardson contributes a report from the Albany Tournament that includes interviews with Trezza and Bendis. The sound is a little strange due to a technical difficulty, but it is still thoroughly enjoyable.

If you're kicking yourself for not entering our 2010 Ken Smith Art Print Contest you have a chance to redeem yourself with our new contest. It's our Funny ASL Lyrics Contest. Take any song and re-write the lyrics with an ASL theme á la Favorite ASL Things from Episode 45. Then send us your lyrics or call in and sing it to us for your chance to win a nice prize (yet to be determined) as well as global fame.

THIS is ASL Idol!

SHOW GUIDE
2:45 - Scenarios We've Played Lately
12:00 - Letters
22:00 - Funny Lyrics Contest announcement
29:30 - Albany Report with Whit Richardson
43:00 - Bill "Fish" Conner and Daryl "Action" Burke
1:23:18 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Reefs World
C4 Corner Cutter

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Episode 46: Sherry Anyone?

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:09:08 PST

In this lean, (and banter-free) offering, we get right down to business with an interview with the very distinguished Evan Sherry. Evan talks about the Florida Advanced Squad Leader Tournament, the Tampa Bay ASL Group, and those excellent ASL product offerings. Their latest product, Schwerpunkt volume 16, is revealed in "What's in the Box?". The second installment of the popular "PAASL: Sounds of the Game" is here for your amusement. And the Cavalry tutorial promised in T2HS #45 rounds out the episode with something for you students of the game.

Yeah Baby!

SHOW GUIDE
2:30 - Evan Sherry Interview
21:00 - What's in the Box? - Schwerpunkt v. 16
38:00 - PAASL Revisited; The Sounds of the Game
57:00 - Cavalry Tutorial
1:23:10 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Cavalry Tutorial Photos
Sherry Enterprises

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CAVALRY TUTORIAL PHOTOS

Episode 45: Horse Sense

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 19:01:34 PST

And.... we're off! The long awaited and promised (ok, maybe just promised) Cavalry episode has crossed the finish line. This Clydesdale-sized beast is worthy of pulling that Bud wagon! It ain't just a dog and pony show, but an in depth look at the mechanics and tactics of making that charge of the ASL Light Brigade. Not only that... but it includes the debut of The 2 Half-Squad Singers.
Look for a cavalry charge tutorial coming in episode 46.

Dig it!

SHOW GUIDE
8:00 - Listener mail
25:10 - Voice mail and Favorite Things song
31:00 - Cavalry Quiz Show
1:19:30 - Cavalry Tactics
1:31:15 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Fair Game

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Episode 44: And the Winner Is...

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 13:00:35 PST

This week saw the end of T2HS's Contest 2010 wherein we offered a chance to win a lovely print by well-known ASL artist Ken Smith. And the winner is . . . Whit Richardson!. The drawing was random, but Whit was heavily favored to win thanks to his nine -- NINE! -- submissions on our T2HS voice mail. You'll hear one of his entries here and we'll be playing other contestant's offerings over the next few shows. Congratulations, Whit! The first runner-up, Michael Decker, get's our second place prize, but since we already ate the last can of Who-hash, we'll have to come up with something else.

Also today we answer the question posed by Germans the world over, "Vas is in das box?" by happily revealing a new(er) offering from Bounding Fire Productions, "High Ground 2". It's big. It's beautiful. It's got MAPS. Its hills are alive with the sound of gun fire. Thank you, Sam Tyson of BFP for sending us this lovely pack for evaluation. Dave is holding on to it, but Jeff has visitation rights.

And since we are always so well organized over here at T2HS Studios, we also have a nice interview with the aforementioned Bounding Fire Productions, Mr. Sam Tyson. We caught up with Sam at ASLOK. Always a pleasure.

We also cover some listener mail (keep those letters coming!) and Dave goes all Grinchy in a Box Art Review that will shock you. Here's a little hint -- stink, Stank, STUNK!

This episode aches to be taken home by someone who will love it. For sure this delightful dalliance shouldn't end up on the Island of Misfit T2HS Episodes.

Dig it!

SHOW GUIDE
4:14 - Listener mail
14:30 - Contest 2010 results
22:30 - Box Art Review
28:45 - What's in the Box
41:30 - Interview with Sam Tyson

SHOW LINKS
ASL Open 2011 in Chicago
Bounding Fire Productions
Ian Daglish
Infinity Journal
Udo Grebe Gamedesign
The C4 Corner Cutter

Listen Now:

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Episode 43: Perry Tales

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:54:45 PST

OPENING: We open this show with a comedy bit, as usual, but this one was submitted to us by listener, John Haughey. We perform it (badly!) here for your pleasure. Thank you, John, for the script. (Booking agents need not call.)

GAME RULES: Time for a little quiz show on the Advance Phase and stacking. Back to some basics found at the beginning of that giant tome known as the ASL Rulebook. Great listening for beginners and even those who think they know it all. Like, just how many SMC's are allowed in that hex with those three squads?

ASLOK 2010: One of the interview gems we snatched at ASLOK was with, the one and only, Perry Cocke. Listen in as Perry sez a few things about ASL, it's past, it's present, and it's future.

CONTEST 2010: We have a few submissions, but can sure use some more. Don't miss out on an opportunity to own an original Ken Smith print or the 2nd and 3rd place prizes.

SHOW GUIDE
16:00 - Letters
13:00 - Contest information
16:00 - Quiz Show
53:00 - Interview with Perry Cocke
1:39:15 Total Running Time

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 42: ASLOK 2010 After Action Report

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 10:07:21 PST

ASLOK 2010: What a wild and entertaining trip to ASL Oktoberfest! Listen in with Dave, Jeff and Bob Holmstrom as they debrief after an exciting weekend of marvels and mayhem. There were thrills (ASL), chills (Zombie Games), and interviews galore. Sit back and enjoy the discussion followed by an interview with ASLOK's commander-in-chief, Bret Hildebran.

CONTEST 2010: What could be better than all that ASL goodness? Well, how about a contest to win a signed, limited edition print by historical artist Ken Smith. That's right, Ken Smith who has, among other things, created the cover art for a number of ASL Journals, has donated one of his art prints ("Kollaa Holds" shown at right) to us and we're going to give it away to some lucky T2HS listener! Here's how to enter:

Call our T2HS voice mail at 641-715-3900, extension 218209
State your name clearly at the start of your message.
Leave us a voice message telling us why you love Advanced Squad Leader OR how you describe ASL to people who have never heard of it. OR any other ASL topic is OK, too! Please limit messages to under a minute.
Then, send an email to the2halfsquads@gmail.com with "CONTEST 2010" in the Subject line. In the email, include your name as you stated it on your voice message.
You may enter more than once. Each voice message (with followup email) you enter will earn you one entry in the drawing. No spamming, please.
Messages will NOT be judged for content so don't be shy. But you must leave a message to be entered in the drawing.
On December 15th 2010 we will randomly draw names from entrants to decide the winners. This drawing will appear on a later episode of The 2 Half-Squads.
The winners will be notified immediately by email.
All prizes will be shipped within a day or two, hopefully to arrive before December 25, 2010.

First prize is the signed, limited edition print "Kollaa Holds" by Ken Smith. Second and third prizes are yet to be determined by The 2 Half-Squads.

Voice messages become the property of The 2 Half-Squads and may be played on or incorporated into the show.

We look forward to hearing from you. Good luck!

SHOW GUIDE
01:00 - ASLOK After Action Report
49:00 - Brett Hildebran Interview
1:07:30 - CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 41: The Art of War

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:46:05 PDT

One of the joys of the ASL hobby is collecting and owning the stuff -- the boxes, the scenarios, the journals -- and part of the joy of the stuff is the art that covers it. Would it be safe to say we all get some deep-seated joy when looking at a shelf full of beautifully illustrated gaming boxes? Don't we all like to occasionally lay out our bounty on a table or the floor so we can gaze at all that beautiful war art? You don't do that? Really? We do.

Our guest today is artist, historian, teacher, Ken Smith. Ken created the art gracing the covers of a number of ASL Journals and the soon-to-be-published (we hope) Hakkaa Päälle! Don't miss this fascinating glimpse into a very interesting and often over-looked aspect of the gaming hobby in general and ASL in particular. Then be sure to check out Ken's web site and blog to see his other excellent work, learn more about his craft and perhaps purchase one of his beautiful limited edition prints.

SHOW GUIDE
05:00 - Letters
28:20 - Great Plexiglass idea for starter boards and overlays.
31:40 - recently played scenarios
35:00 - Book Review -- The Ghost Mountain Boys
41:00 - interview with Ken Smith

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

SHOW LINKS

Episode 40: Effective Shelling

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:21:00 PDT

Well, we've reached fabulous 40 with this episode, and we've never felt better. In fact, we're more invigorated than ever about a certain combat simulation game called Advance Squad Leader and have lots of plans for future shows. Thanks for being with us!

In this episode, we air an interview we did some months ago with Pete Shelling. We managed to grab Pete between games at the ASL Open in Chicago. We know you'll enjoy hearing from this very familiar name in ASL-dom.

We also open "the box" and discuss MMP's Blood Reef: Tarawa -- Gamers Guide. Dave enlightens us all with a stunning Box Art Review. And of course, we sit and banter in a most relaxed, enjoyable and engrossing way about Advanced Squad Leader. Gosh, it's good to hear our voices. We hope you'll agree!

SHOW GUIDE
14:00 - Scenario Report
29:30 - What's In The Box
41:30 - Box Art Review
52:00 - Interveiw with Pete Shelling

SHOW LINKS
ASL OKtoberfest 2010
GLB
Banzai!! Magazine from the Texas ASL Group
Desperation Morale web site
ROAR web site
MMP's Blood Reef: Tarawa -- Players Guide
Games Plus

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 39: Go With the Flow

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 08:34:00 PDT


OBA example setup

In Episode 37 we presented an introduction to Off Board Artillery (OBA) use in ASL. For years the only way to learn OBA was to slog through several pages of complex rules. But then along came the OBA Player Aid, an ingenious and easy to use flow chart that makes OBA as easy as rowing your boat gently down the stream. Well, almost. If you've never used OBA for fear it was too complicated, join us as we Go With the Flow and judge for yourself.

With ASL Oktoberfest looming on the horizon, we thought this would be a good time to air our interview with ASLOK's commander-in-chief, Bret Hildebran. Be nice to Bret or he'll see you get room 1408.

We also read some listener mail, have an impromptu book report, and in general babble endlessly about -- what else -- our favorite game in the world.

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

SHOW LINKS

ASL Module Dependency Chart
Texas ASL group's fabulous Sticky errata (look for "sticky errata" files.)
From Italy, one man's Tarawa AAR Be sure to check out the whole site. Bello!

Newbie-Do #2: Over Open Sights

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:55:45 PDT

If you've never played Advanced Squad Leader before, or if you are just getting started, you're going to like this episode. Today we do a thorough play-by-play of a starter kit scenario, taking you through each move and its applicable rule so you can setup and follow along. We discuss the strategy (or lack thereof!) and outcome of each move in each phase.

For this installment of Newbie-do, we turn to Starter Kit 2's scenario, "Over Open Sights" (S12), the first scenario in the set to use GUNS. Jeff takes the American side against the Germans played by our guest, Mike Lembke, and Dave acts as neutral commentator and referee. Our complete setup is listed in the table below. You'll want to have board X, American and German orders of battle and the Starter Kit 2 rules handy.

ASL Starter Kit 2 is available (as of this writing) at the Multiman Publishing web site or through Amazon (see below). Alternatively, you could setup with VASL.

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

OVER OPEN SIGHTS setup. Board X

AMERICAN		SETUP HEX	GERMAN		ENTRY HEX
2-3-6 C	MMG	G3	8-0		A6
8-1		G3	4-4-7 D	LMG	A6
2-3-6 B		G4	4-4-7 G		A6
ART 155 A	CA J3/K4	K3	4-4-7 H		A6
2-2-7 C		K3	4-6-7 A		F10
ART 105 B	CA N3/O4	O3	4-6-7 B		F10
2-2-7 B		O3	4-4-7 E	LMG	F10
2-3-6 D	MTR 60	R3	2-3-7 A		G10
ART 105 A	CA T5/U5	T4	2-3-7 B		G10
2-2-7 A		T4	4-4-7 F	MMG	G10
7-0		W6	8-1		G10
2-3-6 A		X5	4-6-7 C		I10
5-4-6 B		X6	4-6-7 D		I10
5-4-6 A		X7	4-6-7 E	LMG	I10
			2-3-7 D	MTR 50	GG9
			2-3-7 C		GG8
			4-4-7 A		GG7
			4-4-7 B		GG7
			4-4-7 C		GG7
			7-0		GG7

Episode 38: Odds and Ends and a PAASL of Trouble

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:53:42 PDT

This episode includes our regular features plus some special odds and ends. There is also some discussion of the scenarios played. We review the Armored Force Field Manual from 1942 as well as Hampton Sides' Ghost Soldiers, a history report about Maurice Britt, and a mention of The Pritzker Military Library and it's podcasts.

We finish with an insider's listen to one meeting of our local game club, the PAASL (Palatine Area Advanced Squad Leaders). You might be inspired to start your own club and get some rookies playing ASL. CHECK IT OUT!

SHOW GUIDE
4:00 Listener Mail
28:00 Book Review
39:00 A discussion of telling ASL stories
52:00 History Report
59:00 PAASL "The Sounds of the Game"
Total 1:25

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

LINKS
Scenarios based on movies

Episode 37: The ABC's of OBA

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 04:56:43 PDT

Summer's almost here and that means rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air. It's the perfect time to start our summer study of Offboard Artillery, aka OBA. Fasten your seat belts for a heck of a ride as we blast off for the FFE blast area. Normally hats are not allowed in class, but for this you might want to wear your helmet!

We also take a look at Le Franc Tireur's From the Cellar 3, and MMP's A Decade of War. Then proceed to a review of Over the Battlefield: Operation Bluecoat followed by more high culture with a Box Art Review of Kampfguppe Peiper I & II. INCOMING!!!

SHOW GUIDE
3:30 Favorite Scenarios
11:00 What's in the Box?
31:00 Book Review: "Ghost Soldiers" & "Operation Bluecoat"
40:00 Box Art Review
47:00 OBA Rules part one
Total 1:27

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 36: Bungle in the Blood and Jungle!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:21:40 PDT

Honestly, there is nothing bungling about this amazing Bounding Fire Productions product, we just liked the Jethro Tull reference. Join us as we ravenously tear into this massive king of the jungle.

Follow that with an interview with BFP's very own Sam Tyson for some talk about blood, jungle, and lots of other topics.

Then, in keeping with the Pacific theme we offer a review of HBO's "The Pacific", a book review and more.

SHOW GUIDE
3:30 Website changes
5:00 What's in the Box
30:00 Charles S. Roberts Awards
31:30 Book Review
37:00 Movie Review
51:00 Interview with Sam Tyson

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 35: ASL Open 2010

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:17:57 PDT

In a classic scenario of suburban warfare, grognards from around the globe engage in a brutal hand-to-dice struggle for supremacy. It's the ASL Open 2010. We were there live covering all the exciting action.

SHOW GUIDE
04:00 Interview with Jeff DeYoung
14:00 Interview with David Goldman
30:00 Interview with Jim Burris
50:00 What's In The Box? -- ASL Journal 8
Total running time: 1:25:00

Listen Now:

Or download this episode. Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 34: Wholly Smoke

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:29:53 PDT

The topic was too big to fit into one episode -- especially with all our rambling and chit-chat -- so this episode is, again, wholly devoted to the subject of smoke. In particular, Dave covers "big" smoke.

SHOW GUIDE
2:00 - Listener Mail
12:00 - What's in the Box
38:00 - Smoke Rules
56:20 - Smoke Tutorial part 2

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

TUTORIAL PHOTOS

Episode 33: Smoke 'em If You Got 'em

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:06:48 PDT

Somebody’s blowing smoke and we think it’s us! In this episode we take a look at infantry smoke usage and tactics, then follow up with a short tutorial segment on the same. They say smoking is bad for your health, but this kind might just save the lives of your cardboard troopers.

We also present a product review of Le Franc Tireur #12 (revisited) and a first look at LFT issue #10, which is all about the Spanish Blue Division. Fantastic stuff!

If you don't know much about smoke rules, you'll want to immerse yourself in this one. Just don't inhale.

SHOW GUIDE
(2:30) - Letters
(16:30) - What’s In The Box?
(29:00) - Smoke Part 1
(1:07:00) - First-hand Smoke (a tutorial)
Total running time 1:31:00

SHOW LINKS
St. Louis ASL Tournament 2010
Naval Wargaming near Milwaukee, WI

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Tutorial Photos

ASL Extra # 11: Hart Attack

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:08:56 PDT

Dinner and a movie with your significant other is nice, but what would you say to a game of ASL and a movie? Awesome, huh? If you have a hard time selling the idea to your life mate, don't despair. You can live vicariously through us. Today we present, for your enjoyment, the classic World War II film, Sahara, starring Humphrey Bogart, followed by an after action report of an analogous desert scenario from the ASLUG, "Hart Attack".

It's date night for grognards.

Thanks. We had fun, too. No need to send flowers, though.

Amazon.com
Widgets

Listen Now:

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Episode 32: View from The Hill

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:09:45 PDT

This was a big night for us in the broadcast foxhole. We've had some wonderful interviews in the past, but tonight was something special. This time we had the very great pleasure of speaking with Mr. John Hill. Yes, THE John Hill, from who's fertile imagination sprang Squad Leader. It was an honor to have this war gaming icon donate an hour of time to sit and talk with us about our favorite one of his many splendid contributions to the hobby.

Just think of how different our lives might be if not for this giant of the gaming community. Why, if it weren't for John Hill we might all be playing Candyland.

SHOW GUIDE
(0:00) - Intro
(11:00) - Listener Mail
(16:30) - Interview with John Hill
Total running time: 1:17

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

ASL Extra #10: Red Don

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:23:13 PST

It has been a while since our last Extra and it feels good to offer this one up for your approval. This scenario is from Few Returned: ASL Action Pack 3's "Red Don". It looked like it would be fun to play -- and it was! Mimicking the Chicago weather, it was a cold and windy dawning as Jeff's Russians attacked across a frozen river with Dave's Italians set to stop the onslaught and defend the heights.

So come on in and learn a few tips about how to play ASL.....or is that how NOT to play ASL?

Listen now with streaming audio

Or download this episode. Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 31: Tables for 2

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:41:56 PDT

It's been just over a year since Rich Spilky joined us in Episode 14: The Spilky Way, and released to the world seven excellent ASL player aid tables which he had been working on for some time. Well, the Rich is back, and this time he's unleashing nine more fabulous player aids that are sure to help speed up your play, bring light to dim recesses of The Rules, and in general improve the quality of your life. Is that promising too much? Well, take a look at Rich's work and let us know what you think. It's "Tables for 2" . . . no reservations required.

You can download all 16 of Rich's tables below

to download in Adobe pdf format, click here.
to download as a Microsoft Windows compiled help file, click here. (Thanks to T2HS listener, Paul Suderman, for his very nice work on this.)

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

SHOW GUIDE

(2:00) Listener mail
(17:00) Report from Rich on the New York State ASL Championship
(26:00) What's in the Box? A nice surprise from Le Franc Tireur
(51:00) Tables for 2 -- Tables of riches from Rich Spilky
Total running time: 1:41

LINKS
Pictures from the Albany tourny
Winter War tournament in Champaign, IL
PointCon

This episode of The 2 Half-Squads was made possible by:
The C4 Corner Cutter
Le Franc Tireur
and by listener donations. Thanks for your support!

Episode 30: All That Chas

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:44:10 PDT

What better way to start the new year then by getting acquainted with a new friend? Today we welcome Multiman Publishing's Chas Argent to the show. Though Chas joined MMP as a full time employee just recently, he is a well known spirit in the ASL realm. His love of the game along with his organizational skills, commitment, and attention to detail can only bode well for Advanced Squad Leader. Is this the re-dawning of the Age of ASL?

We're happy to have an hour of Chas time today to pick his brain about our favorite topic. This interview was recorded using Skype, which has great audio quality, but we didn't have the video running so there's no peek into his office, unfortunately. Dang! It would be like looking into Santa's workshop -- only BETTER.

Dig it!

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 29: Office Party

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:12:48 PDT

In this last episode of 2009 we decide to have a little T2HS year-end office party. Join us for some casual ASL talk with an old friend, a new friend, and a special guest. Here's an outline of our topics:

Listener Mail
Box Art Review
What's In the Box
ASL New Year Resolutions
Quiz Show: Guns Part 2
Movie Review: The Longest Day rebuttal & World War II in HD.

This is our longest episode to date, running about 1 hour and 48 minutes and we're trying out a more compact audio format to reduce the file size. Please let us know if you have any comments about the audio quality.

Dig it!

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Our New Podcast Home

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:39:04 PST

Well, we're settling in nicely to our new web home. We still have a few "Extra" episodes to post and hope to get those up by this weekend.

There are some further technical issues we have to consider regarding this site and the related hosting services for the audio. Our goal is to be able to adjust these details with little -- or NO -- noticeable impact to our listeners.

Whatever goes on behind the scenes here, you can be sure

we will always be "The 2 Half-Squads"
our web address will always be http://www.the2halfsquads.com
our email address will always be the2halfsquads@gmail.com
we will continue to try to provide fun, interesting and informative content about the greatest game in the world, "Advanced Squad Leader".

Thanks for listening.

Roll low, and Rally well!

Dave and Jeff

The 2 Half-Squads

Episode 28: Get Thee to a Gunnery

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:13:35 PDT

Admit it — you LIKE playing with GUNS. The more, the better. You don’t want just one or two to choose from. You want LOTS of guns. Well, we guarantee you there is no better selection among ANY game on the planet than those available in ASL. Even the best video games pale in comparison to the bevy of beautiful, blazing artillery pieces provided in even the most basic of ASL modules. With that in mind, we present this first in a planned four-part series. Hardly comprehensive coverage, this is just a primer to the wonderful world of ASL guns. So gather your gumption and “Get thee to a Gunnery!”.

And you won’t want to miss the News Report. We have lots of goodies to talk about. We also have a double-feature of “What’s In The Box?” and Jeff reviews “The Longest Day”.

Show Links:

West Coast Melee
East Side Gamers
Gamers Armory
World War II - in HD
Sacred Jewelery by Robin Hallett Mention “The 2 Half-Squads” in the seller notes and you’ll get your purchase beautifully gift wrapped AND Robbie will include a free gift. Each piece is hand made to order, so don’t delay.
C4 Corner Cutter Mention “The 2 Half-Squads” when you order and receive a dollar back. It’s the “Buck-in-the-Box” promotion.

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 27: Don’t Pass Me By

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:14:10 PDT

It’s great to have guests and do interviews, but sometimes it’s nice to get back to basics. This time it’s just the two of us and The Rule Book, hunkered down and in it deep. The main topic of this episode is Bypass Movement. It must have pained the Starter Kit designers to make the decision to leave out the bypass rules, and the introduction of bypass must be one of the top most compelling and enticing reasons to step up to Full ASL. If you don’t know anything about bypass, you’re going to learn a lot. If you already know bypass, you’re probably going to learn something new. In any case, don’t let this episode pass you by.

Of course, we also read some Listener Mail and find out “What’s In the Box”. Dave does a movie review of “Hart’s War” and Jeff imparts some of his vast knowledge of grenades. It’s Halloween, everyone, and this is one sweet treat.

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 26: Round Table #1

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:14:55 PDT

Today we fill the broadcast foxhole to capacity and hold our first “round table” discussion. Can you guess the topic? Well, if you answered “Advanced Squad Leader”, you are absolutely correct. Joining us today are three Chicago-area ASL veterans, Louie Tokarz, Rich Spilky and Bob Holmstrom. Add to that mix ASL vet and T2HS co-host, Dave Kleinschmidt, and we have an ASL virtuoso quartet gathered for your listening pleasure. The forum is open and relaxed, and if you like sitting around talking about your favorite hobby with others of like ilk, then you’re going to like this episode a lot.

The running time for this show is nearly 90 minutes, but we only got to a small handful of the the topics we wanted to discuss. You know what that means . . . there will be more round table discussions in the future, with lots of different guests. Egad, so much to do, so little time!

If you’re looking for Listener Mail, Box Art Review, Quiz Show, History Report and other T2HS regular segments, sorry, but there was no time this time, but join us next time — which will be coming along in a short time.

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 25: Mark(ing) Time

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:15:29 PDT

One of the benefits of producing a netcast like this one is the opportunity it gives us to interview various ASL “celebrities”. So far none of them have shown any self-awareness of that “celebrity” status, though they all most assuredly deserve the title, given the time and effort they dedicate to the hobby and — more importantly — donate to the community.

Our guest today is no exception, though his contributions to The Game are exceptional indeed. Mark Pitcavage (Dr. Mark Pitcavage, if one were to honor his PhD in history) is a name well known in ASL circles, and we were very pleased to “meet” him today for the first time to chat about our favorite topic. We think you’ll find the discussion entertaining and informative. If you’ve never visited Mark’s web site, dedicated to Advanced Squad Leader, then you’re missing out. Check it out as soon as you can at http://www.desperationmorale.com/

Yes, we are very lucky to get to talk to so many NICE gamers, any one of whom you should have no fear taking home and introducing to your mother. Oh wait. That would be a wee bit creepy.

Before we start Mark(ing) Time, though, we still make room to sift through some listener mail (of course!) and indulge in our other usual antics. Stick around. This is a good one.

Listen Now:

Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 24: Get Movin’!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:46:58 PDT

August was a busy month for us, especially with a fun-packed, four-day excursion to Indianapolis for GenCon. But we were still able to record a couple of fantastic T2HS (The 2 Half-Squads) episodes — the first of which we offer here for your approval.

In “Get Movin’!” we continue our series covering, in detail, the phases of the game. And if you can’t guess which phase is covered this time you should go back to playing “Chutes ‘n Ladders”.

There’s a lot to cover, but we still carve out some time for listener mail, a quick movie review, and some other goodies.

You’re going to like this episode. How can we be so sure? . . . because it’s ASL. What's not to like?

Listen Now:

To download this episode, right click here and select to save the file.

Episode 23: Prep School

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:16:12 PST

Ah yes, we hate to say it but the end of summer break is drawing nigh (here in the Northern latitudes, anyway) and soon the kids will be back in school. With all the homework, projects, sports, and other scholastic activities monopolizing the lives of our youngsters, how are we adults to fill the empty hours? Hmmm. How about some ASL?

In this episode, we go to prep school — Prep Fire Phase school, that is. With the ASL’ers favorite cheat sheet (the trusty ASOP) in hand, we take a detailed view of every event in this first action phase of the game turn. Why do we love Prep Fire so much? Because we finally get to FIRE!

We are happy to break from our studies to talk with Matt Shostak of the Texas ASL club. You know Matt and friends of course if you’ve ever laid eyes on the excellent Banzai!! [sic] publication, a newsletter — and so much more — put together and offered for free by that honored group from the greatest state in the lower forty-eight. Did we mention they offer Banzai!! for FREE? How’s that for a sample of Texas hospitality?

Put on your thinking caps and join us!

Web Links for this show:
Texas ASL Club
The Banzai newsletter (all 50 issues in one zip file)

To download this episode, right click here and select to save the file.

Listen now with streaming audio

Episode 22: Light ‘em Up! (LIVE)

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:15:23 PST

This episode’s main topic is Fire weapons: Flame Throwers and Molotov Cocktails.

This episode was our first LIVE audience show. Thanks to technology provided by TalkShoe we were able to broadcast our audio live on the internet and were joined live by listeners. It was pretty cool. We had about twenty-five people joining us via chat and call-in. We need to work out a few kinks in the technology, but all in all it was a great experience. The Quiz Show segment with instant answers from the audience was pretty cool for those able to participate.

Note: If you were not listening “Live”, this episode may seem a bit confusing and disjointed; for that we apologize. We have a number of ideas about how to improve on this format and fully expect future Live casts to be much better. Also, it’s possible we will re-record the main segment on Flame thrower weapons and MOL’s; there was a lot of good content there that deserves proper presentation.

This episode of The 2 Half-Squads featured the music of American composer Leroy Anderson.

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Episode 21: Lighten Up!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:14:29 PST

Now that we’ve spent a couple of episodes talking about tanks, we thought it time to take a look at a lighter topic — what the lonely soldier could do to combat those nasty AFV’s. With that in mind, this installment examines the ins and outs of Light Anti Tank Weapons (aka LATW’s). Join us for an in-depth quiz show that is sure to inform and delight. So sit down, keep your hand near the buzzer . . . and Lighten Up!

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ASL Extra #9 88’s At Zon + More

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:50:54 PST

Hello! This episode should have photos if you use itunes! We will also put them on the flickr side bar. This episode features Tim Klepaczyk’s Germans defending against Ron Schatz’s Americans in a Starter Kit #2 scenario called 88’s at Zon. Neutral commentary is provided by Dave and special guest Larry Schroeder provides a lively end game analysis. Don’t miss the exiting finish to this game!

Then join us for a round table discussion of ASL in general at the end of this episode. Wow! We’ll be doing a lot more of these in upcoming episodes.

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ASL Extra #8: Monty’s Gamble

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:36:18 PDT

Finally, another ASL Extra! The scenario featured this time is S23 MONTY’S GAMBLE from Starter Kit #3. As you have requested we are taking care of our Starter Kit listeners. Of course we hope ALL our listeners will enjoy listening to Ron Schatz and Dave analyze this one. Also included is an interview with Ron at the end. Break out board U, or pull it up from VASL and have a grand old time mocking our strategies. Oooooh-Laaaah!

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Episode 20: The Thuring Point

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:35:15 PDT

This time we are happy to have Lars Thuring join us via Skype from his home in Germany. Lars is a long time ASLer and one of the master-minds behind the upcoming (and FINAL) ASL module, Hakkaa Paalle!. Join us as we mercilessly throw him the really tough questions such as, “how do you pronounce ‘hakka palle’”, “do you make big money designing scenarios”, and “can you get MMP to put Dave’s name on a counter”? And lots more.

Of course, it wouldn’t be T2HS without an engrossing reading of Listener Mail. We also feature a heart-warming reunion with the contents of “What’s In the Box”. Plus there’s “Scenario Report” and a special 45 minute segment of “Box Art” Just kidding. Actually there’s NO Box Art this time. Do we hear a collective sigh of relief? Or are those whispers of despair?

Dig in and enjoy.

Show Links
C4 Corner Cutter
St. Louis ASL Tournament
Winter War books and video
Schwerpunkt #3

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Episode 19: Rally [Phase] Ho!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:23:48 PDT

Dim the lights and get comfortable as we raise the curtain on another brilliant ASL drama. After some fascinating listener mail, Jeff discusses the benefit of Preparation H, after which Dave dazzles with yet another engrossing Box Art Review Oh, the humanity! We then get into the meat of the show, a dramatic dialog on the ASOP (Advanced Sequence of Play) section on the Rally Phase. Finally, Dave presents a history report on a very personal WW II hero, Cpl. Edward F. Kleinschmidt of the 12th Armored Division’s, 43rd Tank Battalion.

During intermission and after the show, join the campaign to get Dave’s name on a counter! Let’s demonstrate the power of the T2HS listening audience by emailing MMP and requesting — nay, DEMANDING! — they create a German SMC counter (no less than a 9-1) with the name “Kleinschmidt” for inclusion in the upcoming Hakka Palle module. Send an email to info@multimanpublishing.com. Don’t delay. And email often!

Show Links:
The C4 Corner Cutter
Battles Magazine
The Game Vault
Croix de Guerre
Doomed Battalions

How do you pronounce “cupola”? Leave us a comment.

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Episode 18: Tanks 2 U.

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:22:22 PDT

Welcome to Tanks University. Here’s our university level course on tanks. We’re happy to welcome visiting Professor of Tankology (PhT) Bob Holmstrom for a lesson on Vehicle Overrun. Strap on your thinking helmets and be prepared to take copious notes as Dr. Bob leads us through this oft-avoided — but oh, so fascinating — territory. We also discuss Platoon Movement of tanks, discuss the ASL Open, and lots more.

Show Links

C4 Corner Cutter by Counter Culture
Contact Alex Key: hobbies747@gmail.com
Le Franc-Tireur: http://www.lefranctireur.org
Schwerpunkt: http://mysite.verizon.net/resvy9ue
The Texas ASL club celebrates publication of their 50th issue of Banzai! http://texas-asl.com/

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Newbie-Do Part 1

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:20:59 PDT

Newbie-Do is a mini-series designed specifically for the new ASL player. In this first installment, Jeff and Joe play through two turns of Starter Kit 1’s first scenario, “Retaking Verville”. We cover victory conditions and setup, and then walk step-by-step through each phase — explaining in each event in detail as we progress. If you never played ASL before or are confused by the phases and such, grab out your Starter Kit and follow along.

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Episode 17: Monkey Business

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:19:25 PDT

It’s business as usual in the broadcast foxhole, which means our carefully laid plans to talk in-depth about Phases in ASL quickly fall apart amidst a lot of other monkey business. Still, we do finally get down to a good discussion of the pre-game sequence. We’ll be covering the rest of the phases (hopefully) next time. We hope you enjoy this one. Thanks for listening!

Show Guide:

Listener feedback — We get a LOT of email. Sorry if you don’t get to yours on this show. We’re doing our best. Please keep writing!
What’s in the Box — Another splendid offering from Schwerpunkt
Scenario Report — What we’ve played recently
Box Art — Egad! What can one say about it?
ASOP: Pre-game Sequence — an in-depth look at what needs to happen before the first dice roll.

Show Links:

Counter Culture — C4 Corner Cutter
Schwerpunkt — Tampa Bay ASL Group
ASL Scenario Archive — Monkey’s with Typewriters. Free Scenarios!
Texas ASL Group — Great ASL newsletter
Cheeta the Chimp

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ASL Extra #7: The Burial Mound

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:18:13 PDT

In this Extra Episode Mike Stubits plays Dave K. in AP 44 The Burial Mound. Set up your boards and follow along if you dare. Rich Spilky provides the neutral commentary in this after action report of a scenario that is on the ASL Open list. Hope you can learn something from this scenario analysis. You need boards 56, 57, and 58. Don't have all the boards? You can look them up as VASL or click here.

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Episode 16: Happy Mortars Day

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:14:18 PDT

It’s Spring! A time when a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of . . . mortars? Well, that’s where our thoughts have turned. It’s too early (at least here in mid-western North America) to bring out the gardening tools, so instead we celebrate the season by hauling out another handy tool — the mortar. Test your knowledge (and endurance) with our mortar quiz show.

Also in this episode:

What’s in the Box? — it’s something from the Tampa Bay ASL group. Can you say “Schwerpunkt“?
History — about the . . . hmm, we can’t pronounce it, so how can we type it?
Listener Feedback
And lots more

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Episode 15: Dalton, Part 2

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:13:08 PDT

After too long a break, we are back with the next exciting installment. And here we are very happy to announce The 2 Half-Squads t-shirts!

We can’t remember what made us think anyone would want to admit — let alone advertise — they listen to this podcast, but here they are, and to tell the truth, they’re pretty darn nice shirts. If you want one, here’s how to order.

Send us an email stating how many and what size(s) you want and your shipping address.
We’ll email you back to let you know if your shirt(s) is available.
Make a donation on this site ($20 for each shirt in the continental USA, $30 everywhere else).
We’ll email you when your shirt(s) ship.
Go to your front door and start watching for the mail man.

We also have a little conversation with Keith Dalton from MultiMan Publishing to see what’s up in 2009 for ASL.

There’s also a “What’s in the Box” segment, covering Action Pack 5: Eastern Front.

Dig it!

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ASL Extra #6: Mayhem In Manila

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:11:53 PDT

Join us for a great game of scenario A103 MAYHEM IN MANILA. Two excellent and well respected players give us a glimpse of their thought and strategies as Bob Holmstrom’s Japanese try to defend a stone building or two from Bob Miller’s attacking Americans. You need deluxe boards a-d to follow along (or just a good imagination, or go on VASL and look at the boards there). Addendum: Click on the link on Will’s name in the comments section. It is a link to the board set up.

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Episode 14: The Spilky Way

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 08:10:18 PDT

Happy New Year to all from The 2 Half-Squads! It’s going to be a great year for ASL, thanks in part to the efforts of our guest today, Rich Spilky. Rich is a long-time ASLer with a passion for finding better ways to play the game. And to him that means simplifying the decoding of complicated rules and complex circumstances. Available for download at the link below, Rich has created a variety of tables and charts that clearly present results for common situations that might otherwise cause lengthy and abstruse delving into The Rule Book.

So download Rich’s Player Aid Pack and read along as Rich discusses the utility of these great player aids. It’s ASL smarter, faster, better. It’s ASL The Spilky Way. (Rich Spilky’s email address is richspilky@comcast.net)

We also have a great book report from Dave, who just finished reading not one, but TWO ASL scenario builders handbooks (generously donated to us by a listener from Anchorage, Alaska). There’s also listener feedback AND we announce the soon-to-be-available T2HS t-shirts.

Oh yeah. It’s going to be a GREAT year for ASL!

Links for this episode

Rich Spilky’s Player Aid pack
The Official War Journal of the Philippines Historical Boardgamers Club
Scenario Designer’s Handbook by Michael Dorosh
Scenario Designer’s Guide by Mark Pitcavage
Mark Pitcavage’s Desperation Morale web site
Dave King’s C4 Corner Cutter

Jay Richardson’s excellent ASL Starter Kit tutorials, parts 1 through 5 on BoardGameGeek.com

Triple Point Blank Fire

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Episode 13: TANKS! (part 1)

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:02:33 PDT

Just in time for the holidays, our gift to you is our biggest episode yet. It has to be BIG because the topic is . . . TANKS! Tis the season to give TANKS and we’re right on track. We take ‘em apart and put ‘em back together to bring you better understanding of these oh-so-amazing armored fighting vehicles. There’s a lot to cover so we call in a guest armor leader, Joe, who scopes out vehicle counter symbols. Jeff then deftly breaks down tank movement rules, and Dave dispenses a wealth of knowledge about vehicle smoke dischargers.

Oh, and there’s so much more. You won’t want to bypass this one, so pour yourself a cup of cheer, gather your family and friends close and tune in to this roaring, fully-tracked adventure. You’ll go to bed with visions of turrets dancing in your head.

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ASL Extra #5: Raff's Dilemma

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:01:17 PDT

Once again this episode is not for everyone. It is a scenario analysis and after action report. ASL Scenario AP 29 "RAFF’S DILEMMA" (from Action Pack #4) is the chosen one for this extra episode and Rich Spilky plays a tenacious German defense against Dave’s attacking Americans. Break out boards 11 and 54, set up the pieces with us, and follow along if you wish. Or perhaps you just want to have a listen.

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Episode 12: Dalton, Part 1

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:59:29 PDT

We are especially excited about this episode because we hold our first phone [actually, Skype] interview. And it’s with none other than Keith Dalton from Multiman Publishing. It was really great that Keith could take time out from his busy day to talk with us. While we had to deal with some frustrating technical issues this first time out – including an abrupt end to the conversation — we are very pleased with the result and optimistic about working out the kinks in the near future. No doubt this type of thing will become a pretty regular part of the show. We’ll chat more with Keith, as well as other ASL celebrities, players of note and other interesting guests.

Our tasty talk with Keith starts about 2.5 minutes into the show and runs for about 32 minutes. We then go back to the appetizer course for some listener mail, followed by a surprise entre from some friends in Sweden. There are the usual helpings of chatter and banter, and Dave serves up a fine dessert of History a la Sniper. It’s an ASL smorgasbord. Feast on it!

Show Links:

C4 Corner Cutter from Counter Culture
Friendly Fire scenario packs
Triple Point Blank Fire blog
Pavilchenko song

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ASL Extra #4: Flanking Flamethrowers

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:57:17 PDT

In this ASL extra Dave K plays Mike S in scenario J104 “Flanking Flamethrowers” from one of the Journals. Following the usual “Extra” format, it is a scenario analysis and after action report. Also has a mini interview with Mike at the end.

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ASL Extra #3: Prelude to Festung Brest

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:56:01 PDT

This episode features an analysis and after action report of Starter Kit scenario S7 “Prelude to Festung Brest”. We chose this one because it is available for FREE on the MMP website. Go and get the free scenario, set up your boards all you rookies, and follow as we try to give you some helpful playing advice. Dave T and Jeff battle each other in this one, and Dave K gets a chance to offer neutral commentary (it’s fun because you get to criticize the others).

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Episode 11: Interview with Dave Goldman

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:49:46 PDT

We’re very happy to be joined this time by ASL veteran David Goldman. Dave talks about his history with gaming, playing ASL, and the trials and tribulations of running the annual “ASL Open” tournament in Chicago.
We also look to see “What’s in the Box” — and it’s something you might find indispensable to your ASL collection.

And this week we sprung open the coffers and blew a wad on new equipment for the studio. We hope you enjoy the improved sound quality.

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Episode 10

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:11:53 PDT

We’re back to the standard format show with Episode 10. Today we cover some listener mail — which always leads to interesting discussions. Then we take a look at “What’s in the [some-kind-of-container-but-not-necessarily-a] Box.” We closely examine some oft forgotten details about Snipers. And lots more. Dave finishes up the episode with an art major’s view of some ASL box art.

Lots of fun for everyone! Dig it!

Show Links:

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ASL Extra #2: Frontal Assault

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:10:16 PDT

Here is the episode that was intended to be the first ASL Extra. Some lost tracks were reclaimed, thanks to the miracle of putting the tracks on CD as a back up. Once again, this episode is NOT FOR EVERYONE as it is a scenario analysis and after action report. Scenario J86 “Frontal Assault” from Journal 5 is the chosen one. Dave and his friend Rick give you a pre-game and a post-game discussion straight from the heart. Please have mercy on them as they reveal their ASL shortcomings. This is not as technically clean as we’d like, but, it’s only an “extra” episode after all.

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ASL Extra #1: Village of the Damned

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:08:41 PDT

And now for something completely different! A scenario analysis of AP18 “Village of the Damned” from Action Pack Three. This very unique podcast is not for everyone as Dave and Jeff talk aloud as the game is set up, revealing why you should never fear them if you meet them at a tournament. They also give an after action report. This one is a little rough as it is Dave’s first effort at producing a show on his own (Jeff is the true techie). It is recommended that you get out the scenario, set up your boards and follow along. Designed as the 2nd in a series, it becomes the 1st, due to technical problems with the other bonus episode. Fate has seemed to smile upon this scenario analysis.

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Episode 9

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:06:32 PDT

And we’re back with an action-packed episode featuring — you guessed it — MMP’s ASL “Action Pack 4“, also known as “Normandy 1944″. Our pal Joe joins us in the broadcast foxhole as we unwrap and reveal the contents of this highly-anticipated (at least to us ASL addicts) addition to the ASL arsenal. Watch out for those “bocage” rules!

We also cover some listener comments, talk more (yes, MORE) about counter storage, ASL boxes, snipers, and lots more. It’s 81 minutes and it’s all ASL. Dig it!

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Episode 8

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:59:16 PDT

In this episode we interview Steve and Dan, two new ASL players (and we mean REAL NEW) to see what they think of the greatest game in the world, and get a few newbie’s questions answered. We compare ASL with Hollywood’s vision of WWII. Dave played his 1,000th game! There is some listener mail, and more discussion about counter storage. We hope you enjoy our efforts to bring you the finest in ASL entertainment!

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Episode 7

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:56:28 PDT

We recorded this one back in June, but didn’t want to release it too close on the heels of Episode 6.

In this Episode, we check out “What’s in the Box?” (it’s Starter Kit 3!), Dave whips out a list — which he compiled during his most recent re-reading of The Rules — of rules he forgot he knew. Jeff gives a little history lesson at the end of the show. And there’s plenty of the usual madness.

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Episode 6

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:20:24 PDT

This episode addresses some requests to help new ASL players. We discuss ways to find other players, what you need to buy to get started playing and how to store all that stuff. Then we cover some differences between the Starter Kits and the “full” rules, and get into a beginner’s discussion of the Defensive Fire Phase.

Here are some links to web sites we discussed:

Board Game Geek
VASL
MMP’s list of differences between Starter Kits and full rules
Plano storage solution

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Episode 5: Interview with Bob Holmstrom

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:19:10 PDT

In Episode 5 we interview Robert (Bob) Holmstrom, one of our favorite local ASL masters. Bob chats about his ASL history, discusses tournaments, helps us with the “What’s in the Box” segment (it’s Valor of the Guards!) and more. We hope you like it.

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Episode 4

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:33:20 PST

It’s our first show since going public. We’ve had nearly a thousand listeners and have received some very positive and encouraging responses. A special “thank you” to all of you who took the time to write a comment or send us an email. Your input and support is very important to us. We love hearing from you!

In this episode, we read some of the listener feedback. Then, in our Favorite Scenarios segment, Dave picks a battle with an extra dimension of excitement from the “Partisan” module, while Jeff continues with updates from the “Blood Reef: Tarawa” campaign (we’ll be posting pictures on this soon). Dave tells us “What’s in the Box?”, we play the ASL Quiz Show, and Dave gives an interesting history lesson. And, of course, we have lots of fun.

We hope you enjoy this episode.

As always, thanks to Penmachine.com for providing our theme music.

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Episode 3

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:17:14 PDT

Hurrah! We fixed the audio issues we had with episodes 1 & 2. The embedded player is now working!

Tonight we’re joined in the broadcast foxhole by our pal, Joe Pellam, who talks about his gaming history, his fascinating visits to Iwo Jima while in the Navy, and his love of ASL. A great guy, and a good friend, we’re pleased to have him as our guest.

Do you have a topic you would like to hear discussed on “The 2 Half-Squads”? Do you have an idea for a show segment? Do you know someone that would be a good guest? We’d like to hear from you! Leave us a comment here, or send an email to the2halfsquads@gmail.com

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Episode 2

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:29:55 PST

Undaunted by the mistakes and problems in Episode 1, we plunge ahead for 78 thrill-packed minutes.. This time we talk about the release of the long-awaited “Valor of the Guards”. We wonder about how many ASL players there are in the world. Jeff whips out the “Top Ten” list: “Why You Should Play ASL”. Of course we play “What’s in the Box?” and discuss a favorite scenario. Then Dave reveals a short list of rules that he used to forget and gives a little WW II history lesson.

This episode includes some intro music courtesy of Penmachine.com

We had some technical problems with the audio on this episode. It will not play with an embedded player. You will have to download it. Right-click here and select to save the file.

Episode 1

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:01:29 PST

Here we go with our first episode. This is our first experience with podcasting, too. We’ve scraped together some equipment, loaded up some software and popped open a couple of cool beers. We learned a lot and discovered some better ways of doing things, but rather than re-record the show, we’re publishing it as is and you can expect much better production values in future episodes.

We had some technical difficulties with the audio on this web site. The embedded player does not work for this episode. You will have to download this episode. Right-click here and select to save the file.