The 2 Half-Squads: Advanced Squad Leader Podcast

Episode 383: We'll Be Dead . . . All Good!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 18:28:00 -0500

In the box is From the Cellar Pack #10 from LFT, and we take a double take at Advanced Squad Leader Journal 16 from MMP. We banter a bit about fretting over things and living a life well played, as Mike Ryzy joins us once again.

SHOW LINKS

From The Cellar #10 at Ritterkrieg

SHOW TIMES

01: Chit Chat

8:35 What's in the Box? Cellar #10

17:50 What's in the Box? Journal #16

46:00 Total Running Time

This show is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and our Patreons!

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 382: It's Time for Rules...Changes

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:04:00 -0500

Join us for a detailed look at Journal 16 from MMP, a Journal about the greatest game in the world; Advanced Squad Leader. Most of our time spent here today will be used to discover the new rule changes to the game. This is BIG STUFF folks! Dennis Donovan provides the artistic flourish that we need to end the show, by graciously providing us with a Box Art Review.

SHOW LINKS

None Today

SHOW TIMES

01: Chit Chat

8:35 What's in the Box? Journal 16

38:00 Box Art Review

45:36 Total Running Time

This show is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and our Patreons!

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 381: You Gotta Have Faith

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 5 Mar 2026 13:29:00 -0600

A detailed look at the in and outs and frozen chaos of Le Franc Tireur's Task Force Faith, is the main topic of this show. We give you a detailed look at the rules, terrain and designer notes of said game. We cover the notes, so you don't have to.

Dave gives us a look at Scenario BFP-159: Machine Gun Alley from Mannerheim Cross

SHOW LINKS

Buy TFF at BFP

SHOW TIMES

01: Chit Chat

8:35 What's in the Box? Terrain Time

38:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?

49:36 Total Running Time

BFP - 159 End of Game

This show is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and our Patreons!

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 380: We Schwear We Love Schuerzen

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:52:00 -0600

From the frozen depths of the Midwest, we present our chilly show (but hopefully not to a chilly reception). In this episode we cover Rules D10 Wrecks and D11 Gyro Stabilizers and Schuerzen. We schwear
we do! Honest! Put on your beanies, grab a warm cup of cocoa and join us.

SHOW LINKS

None today maybe none ever again? Do any of you click them?

SHOW TIMES

01: Chit Chat

6:35 Rules D10 and D11

38:30 Total Running Time (still trying to stay under 45:00 minutes, and still slightly overachieving)

This show is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and our Patreons!

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 379: The Grain Looks More Grainy

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 9 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0600

Mike Ryzy joins us once again! What we have been playin' lately includes Mike playing ASL again with his friend online. Dave K recounts his playing of Scenario BFP 155- Stalingrad Reds from Mannerheim Cross. In the box is Action Pack 20 which has a large variety of scenarios and one map #98. Action Pack 21: Blitzkreig to Paris with many maps. Mike also provides a look at the rules changes from Journal 16.

SHOW LINKS

None Today

SHOW TIMES

01: Chit Chat

7:20 What Have You Been Playing Lately?

17:35 What's in the Box?

32:00 Total Running Time

End Game the road hexes on left held

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 378: Vehicles as Cover for Our Not Wearing Pants

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 8 Jan 2026 16:33:00 -0600

Welcome to the 2026 version of The 2 Half-Squads. The 2026 version is pretty much the same as the 2025 version only with new Rules and Box Art and such. This episode includes some very nice and thoughtful letters to welcome in your new year. What we have been playin' lately is a Frostgrave Game, and Scenario BFP 154- Little Tin Can Opener from Mannerheim Cross. Brush up on your Rules as we cover Rule D9 Vehicles as Cover.

SHOW LINKS

None Today

SHOW TIMES

01: Chit Chat

7:20 Letters

18:15 What Have You Been Playing Lately?

23:00 Rules

Photo by Louis Padol

44:00 Total Running Time

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 377: A Maresca Medley

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:11:00 -0600

We jump right in to a wonderful interview with Vincent Maresca. He has made great contributions to the world of Advanced Squad Leader. As the Author of "Fifty Shades of Black" and "Me Ne Frego: the Italians in ASL, he has written two of the best and most thorough articles ever found in Banzai. One discusses various SS options and the other Italian ones. Along with Carl Nogueira, he has worked extensively on the upcoming Spanish Civil War Module. We know you will enjoy this one. As well as the opening medley by Dennis Donovan and the Two Half Squad Singers.

This show is the only one for December so it is a bit long, but you can listen in parts.

SHOW LINKS

Banzai 19.1

Banzai 25. 2

SHOW TIMES

01: Christmas Medley Song

3:50 Interview with Vinny

Photo by Louis Padol

100:00 Total Running Time

Rally Phase Records Presents!

A Holiday Medley (a parody)

Concept and Lyrics by Dennis Donovan

Performed by The 2 Half Squad Singers

Lyrics are posted on the Youtube version

which has some fun photos. Check it out.

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 376: Where We Say the Quiet Part Out Loud About J15 and ATT

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:20:00 -0600

Banter includes a bit about Halloween and a Trip to the Kenosha Civil War Museum to hear author and
historian Lance Herdegen discuss his new book Opening Manassas. What we have played lately is Scenario FT206: FDL Chaung. And a little D&D. Some letters from listeners are read. In the Box is Journal 15.

And we wrap things up with a little Box Art Review of the cover of Journal 15.

Rally Phase Records Presents!

A.T.T. (a parody)

Concept and Lyrics by Dennis Donovan

Mixing Mark Shontz

Music by Blind Squirrel

(Drums - Mark, Bass Guitar - Ray,

Lead Guitar - Kevin, Vocals - Dennis)

Oi, Oi, Oi

See me calculate To Hit Rolls

on my QRDC Screen

Want the best shot I can get

If you know what I mean

Target type is on the left you see

and the range is on the right.

Ain't got no Acq. No Bore sight

Base is 7 right?

There is no TEM on To Hit right?

ATT is the target type.

ATT Firepower is halved you know

ATT on the I.F.T. roll. div>

Concealed, LV that adds a +3

on the To Hit man, place a large Acq. on the target hex, understand.

So load up that ordnance, warm up those dice.

Recheck those numbers, then roll those dice, HE is coming down. Let's not mess around.

I'll use ATT as target type,

ATT Firepower is halved right?

ATT on the I.F.T. roll.

ATT - HE will explode

Oi, Oi, Oi

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

SHOW LINKS

Author of Opening Manassas
LFT Deluxe Pack

SHOW TIMES

01: ATT Song

3:50 Banter

4:00 Whatcha Been Playing Lately?
20:00 Letters

35:00 Box Art Review

48:45 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 375: What We Reveal Will Make You Question Everything!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 2 Nov 2025 15:11:00 -0600

What we reveal will make you question everything. Why are there so many ASL rules? Why is there
still banter on this show? When will it all end?

Be warned. The lack of surprising answers may shock you. But we do discuss our recent games of Stargrave, Frostgrave and a look at Dave and Dave's game of FT 205 SCRAGGY from Le Franc Tireur. We also take a look at The Song of Medusa Scenario by Scott Mullins. And we wrap things up with a little Box Art Review of the cover of Mannerheim Cross. This review was written by Dennis Donovan.

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

SHOW LINKS
Dave's Frost Giants Daughters Frostgrave Scenario

SHOW TIMES

01: Chitty Chitty Chat Chat

4:00 Whatcha Been Playing Lately?
17:00 Grumble Jones Medusa Scenario

24:30 ASL eOpen Announcement

35:00 Box Art Review

52:45 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 374: Hooked on Swedish Inherent Crews

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:09:00 -0500

We are stunned to welcome the Marvelous Mike Ryzy and Indomitable Dennis Donovan once again as we try to recall the Inherent Crew rules. We have a Quiz Show/Rules segment covering Rule D5 Inherent Crews! We won't abandon you, so don't self-destruct folks, just see your counselor.

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

SHOW LINKS
None today

SHOW TIMES

01: Opening Song
2:47 Rules/Quiz Show

54:15 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 373: Armor that Underbelly: Terrain Modifications to Anti-Vehicle Fire

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 16:22:00 -0500

Once again we welcome the Marvelous Mike Ryzy and Indomitable Dennis Donovan as we jump right in with a Quiz Show/Rules segment covering Rule D4 Terrain Modifications to Anti-Vehicle Fire. Terrain benefits, hull down, height advantage, underbelly hits; we cover them all! With all that we decided to move the Banter toward the end of the show. We ponder the actual flavor of Red Velvet Donuts. Lastly their is a deep dive into the scenarios of Lone Canuck's Quick 6 Scenario Pack 2018

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

SHOW LINKS
Great Campaigns of the American Civil War

SHOW TIMES

01: Opening Song
1:31 Rules/Quiz Show

28:00 Chit Chat

34:10 What's in the Box?

46:30 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 372: The ASL Authorities Need to Investigate This!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:51:00 -0500

It's a rip roaring show that will give you cause to open up an investigation of this terribly illicit and nefarious episode. That is most likely because we are joined by Mike Ryzy and Dennis Donovan!

Our letters segment begins a bidding war between listener's who don't want Parody Songs, and those that do! Please send us your bid. We accept Cash, services, and Patreon Donations.

We are highly recommending the two books, that we review. They are ANGEL DOWN and 60 DAYS IN COMBAT. In the Box we find Brick Works from Broken Ground and Drop Zone: Chef du Pont by MMP.

SHOW LINKS
George Hoitis ASL Mnemonics on Youtube

Joys of ASL PBEM

60 Days in Combat Book

Daniel Kraus - Angel Down

SHOW TIMES

01: Banter Chat
4:31 Letters

16:00 Book Reviews Angel Down and Sixty Days in Combat

28:10 What's in the Box?

39:00 Tournament Scene Update

42:00 New Advanced Squad Leader Products That are Coming to a Store Near You

46:30 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 371: Make Room for Alan Hume

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 1 Sep 2025 17:36:00 -0500

Hello Fans, Friends, and Family,

We hope you enjoy the wonderful opening song by Dennis and Stephen Stewart.

The cool and collected Alan Hume appears on todays show and gives us a look at the Advanced Squad Leader scene in the UK.

Join us for this fascinating interview.

SHOWLINKS

Second Chance Games

.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Counterstruck Song
3:50 Banter But Not Much of it!
4:43 Interview with Alan Hume
51:10 Total Running Time

Rally Phase Records ™ presents!

Counterstruck

To AC-DC’s “ Thunderstruck”

Concept & Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

Vocals & Mixing: Stephan Stewart

So I thought

In the middle of an ASL match (Counter!)

I looked ‘round

And I knew there was something I lacked (Counter!)

My mind raced,

And I thought what could I do? (Counter!)

And I knew

A named counter, I needed one too (Counter!)

One with MY name

I figured out

Getting ones tough

That tore me apart

I’ve been

Counterstruck!

Well maybe someday?

Nah, forget it, but then this went down:

Went to the Texas, Team Tourney and I saw me some

They had counters

Counter sheets with attendee’s names

They are so cool

They’re all 9-2s

Yeah, yeah they, they blew my mind

And I was shaking at the knees

I just could not believe

What an amazing find

I’ve been

Counterstruck

I was shaking at the knees

There was a counter of me!

Counter struck, Counterstruck, Counter struck, Counterstruck

It’s alright, I just got mine

It’s alright, I’m lookin’ fine, fine, fine……

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Episode 370: You'll be OVERRUN by James and Wethington

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:21:00 -0500

We polish off the last of the interviews from March Madness in Kansas City with Jerry James and Phillip Wethington. They discuss their gaming history, habits and favorite opponents among much more!

SHOW LINKS

Cardboard Commander

SHOW TIMES
0:01 Song An Overun
3:00 Opening Conversation
9:30 Jerry James Interview
25:50 Phil Wethington Interview
41:13 Total Running Time

LYRICS to "An Overrun"

A couple of SERIOUS ASL guys!

Lyrics by Dennis Donovan, Performed by Megan Kleinschmidt and The 2 Half Squad Singers

I saw him at the open and my heart stood still 
I’ll do one one-one, an over run? 
I needed some CVPs and it fit the bill 
I’ll do one-one-one, an over run
Yeah, he’s on a hill , Yeah, an easy kill 
Went into hex G1 one-one-one, an over run
Knew not what I was doing, but I had to try 
I’ll do one-one-one, an over run 
The con-cept seemed easy, but my-oh-my . 
I’ll do one-one-one, an over run
Yeah, I had to try ... Yeah, it’s do-or-die ... Yeah, I love this rule. 
To do one-one-one, an over run
I declared one-one, an over run
 I’ll do one-one-one, an over run
I attacked with 7 FP and I rolled a 5
I did one-one-one, an over run 
Rolls like that are gonna get his guys
 I did one-one-one, an over run
Yeah, it went just fine ....Yeah, ‘till I hit that mine .....If ya get immobilized 
It’s half FP on, an over run
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
An over run run
I did one-one-one, an over run.

<
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Episode 369: Richard Logan OWNS The 2 Half-Squads

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 4 Aug 2025 23:42:00 -0500

We are so glad to have Richard Logan on the show today. He discusses being in the reserves, ASL as a military training device, his gaming history, what he has been playing lately as well as his plans for designing scenarios. It is wonderful to hear from an "average" Advanced Squad Leader fan, who is anything but "average".

SHOW TIMES

00:01 Interview with Richard Logan

40:01 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

None Today

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 368: Shelling's Scandalous Sensational Shocker!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:59:00 -0500

Another scandalous episode of shocking Advanced Squad Leader information. You won't believe what the Powerful Pete Shelling reveals on this show. Pete discusses many things ASL bur most importantly he discusses the latest from MMP, Slaughter at Ponyri. Want to see what Pete is planning on making and what he is currently reading, listen here. It is a shocker! We have yet to recover ourselves.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Right into the Interview

54:10 Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS

Stalingrad Redux on ASL Scenario Archive

Walking the Battlefields Ponyri

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Episode 367: We Played ASL for 30 Straight Days and You Won't Believe What Happened to Us!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 1 Jul 2025 17:30:00 -0500

Keven Adams

If you are quite certain that you want to miss the bantery discussion of Father's Day activities and Jeff's fishing trip, you can skip directly to minute 9 and get right into the interviews. Be sure not to miss the opening song though!

We are proud to present more or our March Madness 2025 interviews. Keven Adams discusses his scenario designs and ASL background, Sarah Sackett, and Aidan Hallman. These are the interviews that you won't want to miss.
Now that we think about it, why would you want to miss any of them?

SHOW TIMES
0:01 Song SMC's a Goner (lyrics below)

Aiden and Sarah

3:03 Banter
9:20 Kevin Adams Interview
36:00 Interview with Sarah and Aiden
49:10 Total Running Time

LINKS
Kulning
The Brickworks on Illuminating Rounds

RALLY PHASE RECORDS PRESENTS!!!

SMC's a Goner

Sung to the tune of Girlfriend In a Coma by The Smiths

Lyrics: D. Wallick, D. Donovan
Vocals: Stephen Stewart
Mixer: Jim, the Mix-Master Bera

Leader blew morale check, oh no! I know it's serious
He was already broken, ya know, I know it's serious

And do I want him to roll a wound check? No! Cuz you know,
I would hate anything to happen to him
No I don't want to lose him

Do you really think he'll survive?
Do you think he'll roll less than 5?
Duuuuuuuuude

SMC's a goner, ya know, I know it's serious
Bye bye, bye my buddy, Goodbye

There were times when I could have rallied him
'Cuz you know, it's not like he's a 10-2 and he just got a field promotion

Now he's taking the check, time to fret, And he rolled a 5 and he died.
Dooooooooh!
Let me whisper a few bad words, I know it's serious

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Episode 366: Meier's Stunning Reveal

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 20:06:00 -0500

You won't believe the stunning facts that Advanced Squad Guru Tom Meier reveals on this show. We considered making a whole lot of edits, but decided to leave the scandalous parts in, just for your wanton and scurrilous satisfaction.

What We Have Played Lately is Scenario FB17: Stalingrad Redux.

In the Box is March Madness 2025 Scenario Pack: Schnake Eyes! Check out the scenarios here.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Small Talk
8:00 What's in the Box?

22:00 Contest Winner Announced

25:00 Interview with Tom Meier
47:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
57:42 Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS

Stalingrad Redux on ASL Scenario Archive

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Episode 365: Shocking News, Hot Snake Eyes

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 2 Jun 2025 15:52:00 -0500

Summer is fast approaching and so is the next episode. We just can't believe how fast time flies. Or how SHOCKING this episode is. Scott Mullins discusses how to track your ASL games, using the ASL Archive and other methods. Matt Zajak discusses his background and his campaign games with his buddies, as well as his favorite miniature ancients rule set, favorite Advanced Squad Leader tournaments and scenarios, basically all things ASL. Most importantly Matt discusses his travels to Russia and help with the Ponyri game. We even dare to chat about our wives (and it's all good).

Dave forgets that he has played 1,402 games so far.

How about that opening song? The lyrics were provided by Rob Banozic and the song was performed by The 2 Half Squad Singers. It originally appeared on #205

SHOW LINKS

Box Cars Again Blog

WWII Wayfinder on Youtube

SHOWTIMES
00:01 Song: He's Got Really Hot Snake Eyes
04:00 Banter
08:10 Scott Mullins

26:45 Matt Zajac
1:00:05 Total Running Time

REALLY HOT SNAKE-EYES

(to the tune of "Bette Davis Eyes"

Lyrics by Rob Banozic)

His rolls are always low

I've never seen 'em high

His dice are never cold

He's got really hot snake-eyes

He'll turn the MGs on you

You won't pass a check twice

It's cold as East Front snow

He's got really hot snake-eyes

And they'll break you, they'll crit-hit you

They're the bones that will defeat you

They're atrocious, 'cause he always gets the

Rolls that make the stacks crush

God! why do I always roll so high, he's got really hot snake-eyes

You like your +3 stone

The place to stand and fight

But all you do is moan

He's got really hot snake-eyes

He'll take a '1' shot on you

And roll those wicked dice

Until you give up, too

He's got really hot snake-eyes

They'll DM you, when he plays you

Trash your plan with the dice he loans you

They're ferocious 'cause he always gets the

Rolls that make the stacks crush

All the boys think it's just fine, to get really hot snake-eyes

And they'll break you, they'll crit-hit you

They're the bones that will defeat you

They're atrocious, 'cause he always gets the

Rolls that make the stacks crush

All the boys think it's just fine, to get really hot snake-eyes

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Episode 364: The News MMP Doesn't Want You to Know

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:41:00 -0500

MMP does not want you to know about all the other games that exist in the world. We would never spend time on this show discussing games like Dungeons and Dragons, Settlers of Cataan, or Twilight Imperium, because we are such Advanced Squad Leader loyalists and Fan Boys. Or would we now?

In this very show, Jim Burris gives us an update on the St. Louis Tournament and what HE has been playing lately. James Treu gives us his gaming background and says hello. We also manage to read a few letters.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Small Talk
8:30 Jim Burris

23:30 Letters

41:00 Contest Winner Announced
42:00 James Treu
47:39 Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS
Matt Quinton's Youtube

Matt Quinton's Discord

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Episode 363: Unbelievable Bombshell

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 1 May 2025 13:48:00 -0500

It's an unbelievable show with stunning bombshells dropping all over the show. We continue our interviews from March Madness with Rick Reinesch, who gives us a great insiders take on the new Mannerheim Cross as well as many other interesting tidbits.

Jeff DeYoung also graces us with an interview and we have a thoroughly enjoyable time hearing the bombshell that Jeff drops on us.

AMAZING!

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Small Talk
8:30 Rick Reinisch
40:00 Jeff DeYoung
55:30 Total Running Time

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Episode 362: Ponyri and Mareske

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:32:00 -0500

In the Box we find Slaughter at Ponyri. In this episode we take the time to have a first look at the components and the terrain rules included with this powerful looking game.

We continue our interviews from March Madness with Dave Mareske, who give us a great preview of the new March Madness 2025 Scenario Pack Snake Eyes, as well as many other interesting tidbits. On with the show!

Opening song is a new one, Minimum Move!

SHOWTIMES
0:1 Song Minimum Move!
2:00 Interesting Chat
10:00 What's In the Box?
37:18 Interview with Dave Mareske
54:21 Total Running Time

Minimum Move
(based on Minimum Wage by They Might Be Giants)
Lyrics: Louis Padol
Vocals: The 2 Half Squad Singers

"Minimum Move"

SHOWTIMES
0:1 Song Minimum Move
2:00 Interesting Chat
18:00 After Action Report
45:00 What's in the Box?
1:03:40 Total Running Time

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361: DC Hero Works Best

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 4 Apr 2025 20:50:00 -0500

Dave made it to March Madness and all Jeff got was a lousy T-Shirt. Actually it is a cool T-Shirt of the Korean design. Dave got the 2025 T from Kansas City ASL guys that has all participants on the back as various leader or Hero counters.

There will be a lot of interviews in the show this year and we will start with Paul Works and Dan Best, who give us a great preview of the WWI game as well as many other interesting tidbits. On with the show!

Opening song was a repeat from episode 204, DC Hero.

SHOWTIMES
0:1 Song DC HERO
4:00 Interesting Chat
18:00 Interview with Dan Best and Paul Works
54:21 Total Running Time

DC Hero

-- Concept: Dennis Donovan
-- Lyrics: Dennis Donovan, Rich Spilky, Stephen Stewart
-- Vocals: Stephen Stewart
-- Mixing/Technical: Jim Bera

Playin’ ASL, in the P.T.O.

The Marines vs. Jappos, Code of Bushido
Read all the SSRs, and I started to scheme
Coming up with a plan, when I noticed something:

There is one DEMO, to blow stuff away
And with a gleam in my eyes, I knew I’d found the way:
There’s a Japanese private, in the Second World War
Wasn’t sure how to use one, but he knew for sure

That one DEMO, felt good in his hands
Didn’t take long, to understand
Just one DEMO, will beat the foe
But a one-way ticket, for DC heroes

So he did a banzai

No way he’d get dropped
With his H.E. man purse
Those Yankee Devils will be stopped!

By a DC Hero,
For Nippon he will die!
He’s a DC Hero
He’s got one DEMO,

DC Hero Yankees will die!
DC Hero
Yankees will die!
He won’t sur-vive this fight.

On a road without a name, out on Corregidor
There’s a Sherman Tank Dozer, stopped in hex G4
Yeah, this day is his last, filled with lots of pain
That one DEMO, gonna win the game

So he started chargin’
8 MF enough?
But if he gets wounded
Gettin to the target will be tough!

For a DC Hero
for Nippon he will die!
He’s a DC Hero
for Nippon he’ll die!
YEAH DC HERO
Nippon he’ll die!
That one DEMO,
Nippon he’ll die!
He’s gonna win
Gonna win tonight

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Episode 360: Mannerheim Steamrollin'

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:48:00 -0500

This is the moment that Mannerheim Cross is presented to the world! Bounding Fire Productions is bringing down the hammer with this one. In this episode we cover the contents of said game. The components and maps and such. The winner of Best of Friends 2 is announced also.

SHOW LINKS
Best of Friends on the Archive

SHOW TIMES

01: Bantero
12:01 Contest BoF2 Winner Draw

13:20 What's in the Box?

47:03 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 359: Best of Friendly Fields of Fire 2

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:35:00 -0600

Thanks to Dennis for another roaring song parody to get this show off on the right foot. Reminding usto establish those fields of fire. Lastly we take a deep dive into Best of Friends 2 Advanced Squad Leader Scenario pack that brings us some of the fantastic work from our friends in Sweden.

SHOW LINKS
Best of Friends on the Archive

Mario's Dice Towers

SHOW TIMES

01: Song Fields of Fire (Lyrics by Dennis Donovan)
2:31 Bantero

39:00 Letters

40:10 What's in the Box? Best of Friends 2

54:06 Total Running Time

Fields of Fire Lyrics

So said the father to his son

“Cover the city on board one,

Same for the big hill to west

Whether in tournies or playtest.”

“Av’nues of approach you must scry

How else to make the en’my die?

Make sure to watch for fire lanes

And to play the bore sight game!”

“Cover the flanks

Against cavalry and tanks

Cover your front

With Fields of Fire!”

“Remember to pre-reg and deploy

Remember rout paths to destroy

Remember always play your best

Remember, ah, I forget the rest.”

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 358: eOpen Little PTO

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 3 Feb 2025 18:54:00 -0600

Get ready to play a lot of VAASAL during this years ASL eOpen 2025. We talk with Dave Goldman who explains how to sign up, how the tournament works and other details. It is one of the largest online tournaments. You can actually win some cash prizes! Register today. And Dave does a deep dive into Action Pack 14.

SHOW LINKS
ASLOPEN.ORG

SHOW TIMES

01: Song PTO (Lyrics by Dennis Donovan)
2:31 Interview with Dave Goldman

39:00 Another contest winner

40:10 What's in the Box? AP14

59:35 Total Running Time

Startin’ PTO, with a good friend of mine

It’s the Allies vs. Nippon, 1939

Been wantin’ to get play it now, yeah it’s finally time
We’re gonna bust it out, set it up, check it out, PTO

Wah-waaaah (Yeah, yeah, startin’ PTO) wa wah
Wah-waaaah (Yeah, yeah, learnin’ PTO) wa wah
Wah-waaaah (Yeah, yeah, playin’ PTO) wa wah
Wah-waaaah (Yeah, yeah, lovin’ PTO) wa wah
Wah-waaaah (We’re, doin’ PTO) wa wah

We’ll play it on the main lands, and the Pacific isles
Learning the Chapter G rules, it’ll take quite a while
All the HASLs and campaign games, really drive us wild
C’mon and bring it on, set it up, check it out, PTO

Yeah, I spent all my money, and bought the PTO

(buyin’ it up, sortin’ it out)
Got a Gung Ho and BRT, and then Code of Bushido

(openin' it up, checkin' it out)
Took it out to our club meet, for tell-and-show, yeah, yeah

(settin’ it up, layin’ it out)
Yeah, it’ the coolest thing around, tell your buddies it won’t let you down
We’re gonna bust it out, set it up, try it out, PTO

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 357: A Minuet With Bret

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:51:00 -0600

You can't have a better person than Bret Hildebran to come on the show. We are lucky enough to have
him grace the Broadcast Foxhole with his wisdom and insight as the Director of Advanced Squad Leader Oktoberfest Tournament in Ohio. It is the largest tournament in terms of ASL players in attendance.

SHOW LINKS
ASLOK.ORG

SHOW TIMES
00:31 Interview with Bret Hildebran

55:00 Bret draws the contest winner

57:31 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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356: Hit the Starter Kit Beach

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 7 Jan 2025 18:28:00 -0600

Once upon a time, Kyle sent us a letter about playing Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit Solitaire (or solo). Kyle plays both sides and he does not have a split personality. Although, in the picture to the right it does look like his defense has been frustrated by his own attack. Join us as Kyle reminds us why we like full ASL, other games, and most importantly why Starter Kit is so good, and why playing against yourself has it's virtues.

SHOW LINKS
None Today

SHOW TIMES
00:31 Interview with Kyle Beach

51:11 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 355: Action Packed Sugar Tanks!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:01:00 -0600

Happy Holidays All! Jump into the Broadcast Foxhole with us and hear a What Have You Been Playing Lately segment that covers Dave and Dave's game of Scenario FB 13: Don't Economize. What better way to enjoy the holidays than having a listen and sipping some warm cider along with that nice big bowl of Sugar Tanks. After that we open our present and find Action Pack 13 in the box. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year!

SHOW TIMES
0:02 Sugar Tanks Song
3:00 Banter
10:00 Letters
22:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?

39:00 What's in the Box?

46:00 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Sugar Tanks Video Game (they stole our idea)

Women's Sugar Tank Top (they also stole our idea)

The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful Patreon and Paypal sponsors.

Lyrics to Sugar Tanks (lyrics by D. Donovan, performed by Aaron Kleinschmidt)

I Sugar, oh Tanky, Tanky

It's breakfast cereal, and you'll soon be wanting some.

Tankies, have lot's of sugar,

they taste like candy corn, and they look like Panzer II's.

You just can't believe the tastiness when when eating them.

You just can't believe the crunchiness when when eating them.

They are so crunchy oh, it's true.

Ah, Tankies, they're honey roasted, they are pure sugar dude and they've got some caffeine too.

Yummy Tankies, with extra sugar, they taste like victory. And they might have some nutrients too.

When you have a bite, you'll know how good these tanks can be.

Dump some in a bowl then pour some cold milk over them.

Pour a big bowl for me.

Pour a little cold milk on them buddy! Oh, Tanky, Tankies. Give them a whirl.

The views and opinions expressed on this show are not necessarily those of The 2 Half Squads.

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Episode 354: Guns Galore

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 5 Dec 2024 13:34:00 -0600

Getting this one done a bit late, but is it really better late than never? Mike Ryzy joins us in the podcast foxhole as we take a look at the Gun rules and Action Pack #13. The sound is a bit staticky at points so bear with us. Dave talks about the movie Red One and his upcoming Frostgrave game. He just never shuts up and he is a showoff.

SHOWTIMES
0:02 OBJECTIVE SCHMIDT Parody Song (lyrics by D. Donovan, Performed by the T2HS Singers)
3:34 Greetings and Chat about Earthquake Rules
10:20 Gun Rules
30:20 Dave Talks of Red One and Frostgrave Christmas Game
42:00 New Contest Announced (Entrants due by January 13)
31:50 Box Art Review
49:00 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

GI Joe Recoiless Toy

Frostgrave Christmas Scenario

Mannerheim Cross

OBJECTIVE SCHMIDT SONG

To the tune of “I Saw Three Ships”
Lyrics by Dennis Donovan, performed by The 2 Half-Squad Singers

Objective Schmidt is coming soon, by BFP for ASL
Objective Schmidt is coming soon, this news you can't be ignoring
It comes with 2 new HASL maps, of Vossenack and Kommerschmidt
And 18 new scenarios, one of which is a campaign.

There won't be a big magazine, just a booklet with some pages.
Of HSR's and CG stuff, and the historical background.
And what price tag will OS bring, one hundred clams? I'd gladly pay.
Which release date are you thinking? BFP we are imploring.

And all the souls on earth shall sing, on release day, on release day.
I hope it's what Santa will bring on Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again when comes the day, when comes the day?
More new stuff from the three wise men, who sleigh us with all their new products.

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Episode 353: BGD, ASLOK and More

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:43:00 -0600

The ASLOK interviews continue with an interview with Alan Findlay of Broken Ground Design. Alan walks us through all of the amazing new products that are available. He gives us a super close up look. Thank you Alan. Remember to volunteer to playtest the Chaco Wars scenarios for Steve Swann and Alan. Box Art Review makes it's return featuring the art from Journal #14. We end with a brief look at a game that Bendis and Summers (they're famous) played at ASLOK.

SHOWTIMES
0:02 MASH Parody Song (lyrics by D. Donovan, Performed by The 2 Half-Squads Singers)
3:34 Greetings
12:00 Interview with Alan Findlay
27:00 Contest Drawing
29:00 New Contest Announced (Entrants due by December 13)
31:50 Box Art Review
40:45 Bendis and Summers Play at ASLOK
45:05 Total Running Time

M*A*S*H KOREA SONG
Lyrics by Dennis Donovan, performed by The 2 Half-Squad Singers

The Forgotten War is here you see
A new venture for MMP
It’s Post World War 2, you see
The Korean War in the ‘50s

[REFRAIN]:

In Forgotten War the scene is
The UN, ROKs and Marines

Versus the KPA and the Chinese

The Chosin Few designers know

They put into it heart and Seoul

If they screwed up module 15

That they’d be in some deep kimchi

There are new rules pages
Updated Chapter H is
Included with 16 scenarios

The 4 new maps have rough terrain

Which Chapter W explains
There’s 7 brand-new counter sheets

The jet aircraft are pretty neat

Forgotten War will cost us
About one hundred dollahs
And I will take three copies if you please

I brave man once asked Perry

To tell us “When will it ship, please?”
Is it to be or not to be
Why oh why ask me?

Did you see the new box?
Papyrus font really ROKs
and you can figure the rules out with some ease.

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Episode 352: ASLOK Take Two

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 7 Nov 2024 23:44:00 -0600

Hey, look what's in the mailbag! We got some letters, and we open the show with that. After a look at some cool technological advances in playing aids, Wai Wong and Jonathan Kay from Canada give us a look at ASLOK and their thoughts on all things Advanced Squad Leader.

SHOW TIMES
0:32 Banter
3:40 Letters
16:10 Latest ASL Gaming Aids
42:00 Interview with Jonathan Kay and Wai Wong
49:44 Total Running Time

LINKS

Victory Games on Youtube

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Episode 351: Wrong Way to Cincinnati

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:44:00 -0500

Don't take the wrong way to Cinicnnati. ASLOK's not there! ASLOK was near Cleveland, in Aurora,Ohio as a matter of fact. this show features two of our interviews from the tourney. The first is with Ed Beekman of the North Texas Shootout Tournament. Ed discusses his gaming background and the Northern branch of the ASL gaming groups. And he offers a copy of "A Fistful of Scenarios Pack" as a prize. Offer ends 11/15/2024. Dave Wiesanhahn joins us and gives us the scoop on the DC Conscripts.

SHOW TIMES
0:02 Song "Wrong Way to Cincinnati"
3:40 Banter
16:10 Interview with Ed Beekman

25:10 What Have You Been Playing Lately?

DC Conscripts Game Day

31:00 Interview with Dave Weisenhahn

51:51 Total Running Time

LINKS
DC Cosncripts

ASL North Texas Shootout

LYRICS by Dennis Donovan

The Wrong Way, to Cincinnati

Off to Cincinnati

Went some ALSOK noobs one day

They were chomping at the bit

and couldn’t wait to play.

Bringing ‘long ASL goodies

food and lots of beer

Till a wife she got frustrated

And said “Listen to me Dear!”

Chorus

Go to Cleveland, not Cincinnati

That’s the wrong way to go

Go to Cleveland, not Cincinnati

Re-read the directions, Joe!

Good luck, darling husband

Hope you make it there.

Don’t take the wrong, wrong way to Cincinnati

Because ASLOK’s not there.

Joe he sent a rebuff

To his wifey MaryJo

Saying, “Should we not quite make it,

I will let you know!”

“If I make mistakes in driving,

Mary, dear,” said he,

“Remember, it’s the map that’s bad,

Don’t lay the blame on me

Chorus

Go to Cleveland, not Cincinnati...

“We can’t seem to find ASLOK,

we must be close, you know?

Would you check on Google Maps

And tell us where to go?”

“Head northwest from Cincinnati

look for the hall of fame.

If you can get there in a hurry

You might have time to game!”

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Episode 350: Bout That Rate of Moving Guns

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 1 Oct 2024 14:19:00 -0500

Oh boy, have we got a show for you!

Not only do we bring back our special guest from last show, Mike Ryzy, but we also give you a great opening SONG with lyrics by D. Donovan and beautiful vocals by Megan K.

But that's not all! We also present a rip roaring edition of Quiz Show/ Rules that finishes rule C10. Would you believe that we have the usual and somewhat interesting BANTER?

Not only that, but we also provide you with a look at ASL Action Pack #18: Roads to Rangoon

SHOW TIMES
0:02 Song "All About That Rate"
3:40 Rules
40:10 Banter
47:30 What's in the Box?
1:02:20 Total Running Time

LINKS
They are in the write-up above. Look for the blue letters.

LYRICS
Because you know I'm all about that rate
'Bout that rate, no re-zid
I'm all about that rate
'Bout that rate, no cowers
I'm all about that rate
'Bout that rate, no malfing
I'm all about that rate
'Bout that rate...

Yeah, Rate of Fire’s, in A9.2
And I can make it, make it, it’s not that hard to do
'Cause I got that good luck, that all the guys crave
And all the right rolls in all the right phases

You’ll see my machine guns, workin' that R.O.F
You know my luck’s unreal, I just can’t make it stop
When I get lucky rate runs, I use ‘em up
By shooting up all your kill stacks from the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mentor he told me "Don't worry about the SAN"
He says, "Boys like a little more shooty in a fire fight"
You know with ordnance, guns and MGs I get rate with them all
So defeating you in two turns – won’t take very long

(Chorus)

I'm bringing shooty back

So many shots you’ll have a heart attack.
So, when we’re playing, I know I’ll squish you flat
But I'm here to tell you...
Gonna shoot up all your kill stacks from the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mentor he told me "Don't worry about the "SAN"
He says, "Boys like a little more shooty in a fire fight"
You know I will get a one on the colored die when I roll
Yo, just letting you know my rate runs can last all year long

(Chorus x2)

Because you know I'm all about that rate
'Bout that rate, no treble
Yeah yeah... ohh... You know you like this rate... Hey...

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Episode 349: It Came in the Mail

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 13:40:00 -0500

Mike Ryzy brings the box for this show and he gives us a look inside Special Ops #12. Why Special Ops #12? Because it came in the mail. It has a new map and 4 scenarios (2 for Starter Kit), and a look at Jim Bishops article on the third die for R.O.F.

Rule C10 finishes off the show for today.

SHOW LINKS
Special Ops #12

SHOW TIMES
00:01 "ASL Edelweiss" Song
2:00 Much Chit Chat

12:00 Contest Winner Announced

13:00 What's in the Box?

29:00 Rules

49:43 Total Running Time

"ASL Edelweiss" Lyrics by Rich Spilky

Performed by The 2 Half Squads Singers

A-S-L, A-S-L, Every die roll enchants me

Rule book thick, games not quick, Line of Sight is no problem

Eight on the eight is an N-M-C, Will my morale sustain me?

A-S-L, A-S-L, Special ammo forever!

A-S-L, A-S-L, Please save me from slow players!

Wind and rain, brush and grain, Each board looks lovely to me

A two is good and a twelve is bad, Yet target types perplex me

A-S-L, A-S-L, Skulking safely forever!

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 348: Pleva Part Two

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 1 Sep 2024 15:14:00 -0500

Sleeze Freezer! An Advanced Squad Leader parody song replay from episode 180. It relates well to the Heretical rules Sleeze Freeze rule rewrite from last episode. From part one of the Pleva interview. This show presents part two of said interview. Enjoy!

SHOW LINKS
None today

SHOW TIMES
00:01 "Sleeze Freezer" Song
4:00 Steven Pleva Part Two

59:07 Total Running Time

"I'm a Sleeze-Freezer" by Jim Bera and Dennis Donovan (not The 2 Half Squads Singers).

Victory is only true in fairy tales,
Earned by other guys, but not by me
Luck was out to get me. That's the way it seemed.
When I play Squad Leader I get creamed

Then I saw that page About our pet peever
It's D2.3, and it's quite the find
VBMmmmmmm, it's called sleeze-freezing But its not cheating, lighten up guys

I thought "maybe I should try a different game."
Seems the more I played, the more I lost.
What's the use in tryin'? I'll get crushed a-game.
When I need a victory, I get slain.

Then I read that page, now I'm a sleeze-freezer
Not a trace of shame in my mind
VBMmmmmmmm, I'm a sleeze-freezer I'm not a cheater, lighten up guys

Aaaarg. Luck was out to get me.
Well that's the way it seemed.
Disappointment haunted all my games
But then I used that rule, now I'm a sleeze-freezer
Not a trace of shame in my mind.
Bet your boots, I'm a sleeze-freezer . . . But not a cheater, lighten up guys...

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 347: Positively Pleva

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:42:00 -0500

The marvelous Steven Pleva is our guest today. Steve is one of the better players of the game and has won many tournaments during his storied career. In part one of this interview Steven discusses the Pleva Heretical Rules and several other topics.

We are unworthy!

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Right into the interview.
8:00 Pleva Bidding System

21:00 ASL Memories of Opponents

25:00 What Makes a Great Player pt. 1

31:00 Heretical Rules
45:14 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 346: ASL After Midnight

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 1 Aug 2024 19:38:00 -0500

ASL After Midnight! Finally an Advanced Squad Leader parody song that is about the victorious side of the game, rather than all of our wargaming foibles and faults. Donovan's game must have improved over the years. We finish off our coverage of the rules in section A with rule 26: Victory Conditions. Now you will be able to go back to all those games you have on hold and tally up the winner of each one. That only took us 16 years.

Picture of Vincent Maresca's Dice Tower

SHOW LINKS
None today

SHOW TIMES
00:01 "ASL After Midnight" Song
7:00 Rules VC

30:00 Dave's Digression

34:00 Rules VC Part 2
46:28 Total Running Time

ASL After Midnight
Lyrics by Dennis Donovan
Performed by The 2 Half Squad Singers

ASL after midnight, rolling dice till the dawn
AFVs all burning wreckage, they're gone, they're gone

I took the building 'bout 1 A.M. Rolling, rolling.
Close Combat phase skills showing again, rolling, rolling.

My squads lit up in his IR light
Its time to assault move to the right.

ASL after midnight, rolling dice till the dawn
AFVs all burning wreckage, they're gone, they're gone

Got T-34's, 1.8 inch thick steel, rolling, rolling
Ready to target a German Stug, rolling, rolling
The dice are heavy, the games at stake
Can't roll boxcars and see the MA break

ASL after midnight, rolling dice till the dawn
AFV's all burning wreckage, they're gone, they're gone

The air's electric, with Armored power, rolling, rolling
My dice are hotter, by the hour, rolling, rolling

The VC Buildings, are mine for the win
The buildings rockin' as my squads advance in

ASL after midnight, rolling dice till the dawn
AFV's all burning wreckage, they're gone, they're gone

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 345: Can't Explain (the Rout Rules)

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:13:00 -0500

It's those scary rout rules! Yes, we finally

tackle them in the rules section. They read fairly easy but require that 2 page example in the rule book. Must be a bit challenging.

SHOW LINKS
None today

SHOW TIMES
00:01 "Can't Explain (the Rout Rules)" Song
3:00 Bantero

16:00 Letters
25:00 Rules
58:28 Total Running Time

Can't Explain
Lyrics by Dennis Donovan
Performed by The 2 Half Squad Singers

These rules here guys

A10 point five (can't explain)

Smartest guys in the world

Yeah, any Rout Rules, yeah

Grofaz (can’t explain)

Almost grokked them once

but they (hurt my brain)

Dizzy in the head when

reading Rout rules

They’re really complex,

you know that it’s true

They give me headaches

again and again

A Gordian Knot, dude

Can’t explain

Just what they mean

Tried to decipher them dude

But haven't a clue

And they hurt my brain

(can’t explain)

Yeah, they're giving me a headache, man

(can’t retain)

A bit of help would

make me real glad

From the Rosetta Stone?

That wouldn’t be bad

I get little glimpses every

now and again

About what they mean, but

Can't explain

A single word

I’ve studied those rules

Since ‘eighty two

And still can’t explain

(wracked my brain)

Even Oppenheimer,

(can’t explain)

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 344: In a Bitterest Stack

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 9 Jul 2024 11:19:00 -0500

Jump with us into the box and land on a brand new Bounding Fire Production called Bitterest Day. It includes a wonderful map of the Sugar Loaf Hill area on Okinawa, a sheet of counters, scenarios and more.

SHOW LINKS
None today

SHOW TIMES
00:01 "In a Stack" Song
6:00 What's in the Box?
44:30 Contest Draw and New Announced
50:28 Total Running Time

In a Stack
Lyrics by Dennis Donovan
Performed by The 2 Half Squad Singers

I have three elite squads, I'll move them in a stack.
With the 10-3 leader, now no turning back

I need two more MF's to get across the road.
I'll chance the minus two and hope I don't get hosed.

I'm moving all my guys I'll move them in a stack.
If my mentor saw this, he'd have a heart attack!

My opponent shakes his head and chokes on his coffee.
No I'm not a newbie but it sure seems like it, eh?

I'm sure I'll kick myself and catch a lot of flack.
I'll probably cry poor if my guys all get kacked.

We might get blown away by ignoring all the facts.
It's not easy moving out, when facing a kill stack

My guys will hopefully survive 20 down 2.
I need to get into the woods in hex G2.

If I look hard enough into the rule book.
Maybe I will find an out before my goose gets cooked!

Maybe the Dice Gods will cut me a little slack.
No cover anymore it's too late to turn back!

I see the turns go by the end is getting close.
Desperate times they call for desperate measures dude.
----

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 343: ASL Journal 9 in the News

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:28:00 -0500

We hope that you enjoy the reprise of Dennis Donovan's ASL Journal Number 9 parody song that we open with. We take a look at the Mobelwagon and Ostwind in our Armored Fighting Vehicles segment and then touch on What's in the News. What we are playing lately is scenario FB8: For Want of Crust or Crumb. If you watch on Youtube you can be among the first to see the newly framed art from Hedgerow Hell. Or just look to the right.

SHOW LINKS

Richard Bog's Plane Found

D-Day Commemorative Coin

D-Day Changed the Sand

Clarence Bud Anderson Passes

D-Day Map Makers

SHOW TIMES
00:01 ASL Journal Number 9 Song

3:00 Chitty Chitty Chat Chat
10:30 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
17:00 Armoured Fighting Vehicles
30:40 What's in the News
44:24 Total Running Time

ASL JOURNAL 9

Dennis Donovan - lyrics and 'singing'

Jim "MixMasterJames" Bera - audio

I took my troubles down to Gaming Fools
You know that game store that grog nard dude
I went in Sunday when he opened up at nine
‘Cuz he plays A.S.L. and, he plays it all the time.

At ASL I am a flop with it
I haven’t won a game since 2006
He did a face palm and he sighed a mighty sigh
Said what you need my boy is, ASL Journal 9

He grabbed one and rang me up and gave me a wink
He said it will improve my game in under a week
It’s got a cool CG that’s called Suicide Creek
Scenarios, and articles, still in the shrink

I stayed up reading until dawn that night
I started playing every weekday night
And when I beat my friend for the thirty-second time,
I hugged my copy of, ASL Journal 9

It’s play-tested well, they’ve worked out all of the kinks
The 2 Half Squads they did a box art RE-view I think
You'll soon be a 10-3 just like ol’ Colonel Klink
Paid one-oh-five, it’s so worth it! That's what I think!

I go to every tournament in sightI became GROFAZ almost over night
And when I cornered Chas at ASLOK twenty nine
He signed my copy of A-SL Journal 9

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 342: Cirillo and Deller Return!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 2 Jun 2024 17:52:00 -0500

It is part two of our interview with Bill Cirillo and Sean Deller. The conversation about Twilight of the Reich. and a little Festung Budapest continues. Stick around after the interview to hear about the new contest we are currently running. But first enjoy, one more time, Denns Donovan's classic song about the anticipated reissue of YANKS! from episode 166.

SHOW LINKS

Twilight of the Reich at MMP

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Yanks! (Song)
4:00 Interview
49:20 Contest
54:42 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 341: Cirillo and Deller: They're Stellar

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 14 May 2024 12:00:00 -0500

We are honored to have Bill Cirillo and Sean Deller join us in discussing all things Twilight of the Reich. As well as a little Festung Budapest in this two part interview. The sun is setting so you better get listening!

SHOW LINKS
Twilight of the Reich at MMP

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Right into the Interview
4:45 Creation of Twilight of the Reich

LOS Examples

41:05 Possible New Project
50:01 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

******

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Episode 340: Rushing Berserkers with Dennis

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 2 May 2024 15:59:00 -0500

The dashing Dennis Donovan appears once again in the Broadcast Foxhole with us and we have a roarin' berserk time. We revisit Dennis's Russian Berserkers song that originally appeared in Episode 154. In the Box is Winter Offensive Pack #15 and our rules segment finishes the basic nationalities in such as the Axis Minors, Ethiopians, and Swedes.

SHOW LINKS

Bitterest Day at Bounding Fire

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Russian Berserkers Song
1:45 Chitty Chitty Chat Chat
13:05 What's in the Box?
36:00 Upcoming Products
39:00 Rules
1:06:55 Total Running Time

Russian Berserkers
sung to "There's a Hole in the Bucket"
lyrics by Dennis Donovan
performance by The 2 Half-Squads Singers

There’s some Russian berserkers! Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
There’s some Russian berserkers! Herr Colonel! Berserk!

Well shoot them, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm!
Well shoot them, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm shoot them!

With what shall we shoot them? Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
With what shall we shoot them? Herr Colonel! With what?

Mit der Flakvierling, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm!
Mit der Flakvierling, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm Flakvierling!

Der Flakvierling’s kaputt, Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
Der Flakvierling’s kaputt, Herr Colonel! Kaputt!

Well fix it dear Volksturm, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm!
Well fix it dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm fix it!

With what shall we fix it? Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
With what shall we fix it? Herr Colonel! With what?

With a crew, dear Volksturm, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm!
With a crew, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm, a crew!

The crew it is broken, Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
The crew it is broken! Herr Colonel, broken!

Well rally them, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm!
Well rally them, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm, rally them!

With what shall we rally them? Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
With what shall we rally them? Herr Colonel! With what?

With a Feldwebel, dear Volksturm, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm!
With a Feldwebel, dear Volksturm! Dear Volksturm, Feldwebel!

Der Feldwebel is busy, Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
Der Feldwebel is busy, Herr Colonel, busy!

Doing what, dear Volksturm, dear Volksturm?!?! Dear Volksturm!
Doing what, dear Volksturm? Dear Volksturm, doing what?!?!

On the radio, Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
On the radio with HQ, Herr Colonel, HQ!

And what is he saying, dear Volksturm, dear Volksturm?
And what is he saying, dear Volksturm, saying?

There’s some Russian berserkers! Oh Scheisse! Oh Scheisse!
There’s some Russian berserkers! O! HQ, Berserk!

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 339: Hakkaa Hokey Paalle Eclipsed

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:49:00 -0500

We sure enjoyed Dennis Donovan's rendition of his humorous song that opened the show. We are dancing to the Hakkaa Paalle Hokey Pokey, as we speak. The lyrics are below. Mike Ryzy joins us in the Broadcast Foxhole while we read some letters, announce a new contest and discuss the various qualities of two nationalities in the Advanced Squad Leader system; The Italians and the Finnish. Dave and Mike have started a game from the Grumble Jones Pack Scenario MM75: Woodland Pursuit and Mike and Jeff have played some starter kit.

SHOWTIMES

0:01 Song

2:17 Chit Chat

9:15 Festung Budapest Pictures (Dave's Europe Trip)

16:00 Remembering Dean Essig

20:00 Letters

29:55 What Have You Been Playing Lately

34:00 Contest Winner and new Contest Announced

38:00 Rules

58:10 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Fundraiser for Dean Essig's Grandchildren

Hex J32

Bitterest Day

Rally Phase Records Presents!
Hakkaa Päälle (To the air of "The Hokey Pokey")
Concept and Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

You heard the gossipin’
You checked the rumors out
You started wonderin’
What the heck it’s all about
This thing called Hakkaa Päälle
How on earth is that pronounced?
Finns are, what it’s all about
----

Beyond Valor had some Finns
When BV first came out
In “Fighting Withdrawal”

Hex G37

They chased the Ruskis out
Are they over-powered?
We will never quite find out
'Till Hakkaa Päälle’s out
---

Hakkaa Päälle’s job’s
To flesh the Finnish out
And, the 3 Winter Wars
And what Sissis are all about
HASL Hakkaa Päälle
Is the fourteenth module
A.S.L.’s what it’s all about - Hey!

Hex G38

---

Said, “Finns or I-tal-ee-ans?”
When I pulled the counters out
It’s a gray area
So I checked the forums out
It seems in Hakkaa Päälle
A new color can’t be found
Do you toss the old blue Finns out?
---

Cogwheel Rail Station

When AFVs Russian (rush in)
Throw kloriharstis out
Pulkas are for sleddin’
Not dancin’ - I found out
These toys in Hakkaa Päälle like
Fan sleds to get around
Are what it is all about
---

You turned your playtests in
You filled the forms all out
That was decades ago
Getting printed is in doubt
You want the Hakkaa Päälle
MMP, please put it out
And end the HASL drought
---

You put your order in
You take your wallet out
You put your card number in
And ya print the receipt out
You’ve pre-ordered Hakkaa Päälle
And in a day or there about
“Levels reached!” MMP did tout
---

At Winter Offensive
Some great news did get out
Chas did some Facebookin’
And got the updates out
He did some Hocus-Pocus
And he got the module out
It’s Finnished, and finally out!

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

The thoughts and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 338: We Ran

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:33:00 -0500

Break out your Box art of Twilight of the Reich and Festung Budapest and put on your art appreciation eyeglasses for the return of Box Art Review. In the Box is the Grumble Jones Pack Vol 1 from the Kansas City March Madness folks. Scenario FB2: The Devils Free to Have a Try is analyzed in this show.

The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful contributors on Patreon and Paypal.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 I Ran Parody Song

4:00 Banter

19:00 Box Art Review

23:15 Contest Winner and New Contest Announced

38:00 What's in the Box?

49:09 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
1:00:47 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Bitterest Day

Grumble Jones Pack at Encircled Productions

I RAN

Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

Vocals: The 2 Half Squad Singers

Assaulting down the avenue
I never thought I’d see a stack like you

Thirty-six down two
With 8-3-8s and HMGs
That kind of at-tack broke me right into
A 6 + 1 it’s, true.

And I ran, I routed far away
I just ran, I ran towards hex row A
Low crawl? No way!

A DM appears above my head
A badge of shame for the next turn or two
The troops hate me it’s true
The coward’s running faster still

Until some woods or buildings come in view

‘Til cover comes in view

And I ran, I ran far from the fray;
I just ran, ‘cuz no quarter’s in play
In cover I will stay

Reached out a hand to roll the dice
I can’t believe I need to roll a two
To rally?  Need a two!
Got shot at and rout-ed again
I’m running like that Forrest Gump it’s true
Soon I’ll be off board two

And I ran, don’t want to pass away
I just ran, stay and fight? No way?
We will lose any way

And I ran, to live another day
I just ran, what can a coward say?

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Episode 337: Twilight Partisan Twits

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:14:00 -0600

Join us twits as we look in the box to find Avalon Hill's Partisans!, and Twilight of the Reich from MMP. Letters and a new parody song from Donovan and Rider!

SHOW TIMES

0:01 Song Partisans, Partisans!
3:00 Chit Chat About Stuff
14:50 Letters
28:00 LFT #16 Board Controversy
33:40 What's in the Box?
55:18 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

ASL EU ROMA '24 Tournament

Partisans, Partisan a parody song to Naked Eyes’ “Promises, Promises”

Concept: Russ Rider Lyrics: D. Donovan, R. Rider 8/2021

When it first came out

In the late ‘80s
Never had a doubt
That it’d be cool
I remember buying
Module 4, dude.
To complete my ASL kit
At first I didn’t care for it
Then played the Partisans!, Partisans!
Knowing they’re stealthy
Partisans!, Partisans!
E.L.R. of 5 is neat

They don’t surrender
During the route phase
And don’t disrupt
No multi-hex fire groups
Elite they are never
Nor inexperienced

Broken morale is a six
Irregulars are in the mix
I played the Partisans! Partisans!
You know I’ll always keep [the]
Partisans!, Partisans!
On the to-play’ list

They’re in the BV counter set
Are Partisans all Russian? Nyet
There’s lots of other instances
Of other National Resistances [by]
You can play the Partisans, Partisans!

I thought I’d never play
Irregular troops
Partisans!, Partisans!
Thought I’d never keep
Module 4, Partisans!
But now I believe!

The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful contributors on Patreon and Paypal.

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Episode 336: Sebi & Ulric: Advancing Fire Maestros

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 8 Feb 2024 16:53:00 -0600

Buon giorno! More Advanced Squad Leader Maestros appear right here. We finally secure an interview with Sebastiano Caltabiano and Ulric Schwela of Advancing Fire fame. The in and outs of scenario design, historical research, game production, and much more are discussed! Prego.

SHOW TIMES
0:30 Right into the Interview
57:50 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

ASL EU ROMA '24 Tournament

International Wargame Competition on Youtube

The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful contributors on Patreon and Paypal.

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Episode 335: Vassaling Gems

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:49:00 -0600

Welcome to part two of our time with Doug Rimmer looking at how you can create your own counters and maps in VASL! Make your own 9-1-9 Engineer! Just like last show, you might want to watch on YouTube, but if you are a good listener the podcast may work fine. After that we have an after action report on Scenario FB1: Uncles and Pups from Multi-Man Productions game Festung Budapest.

SHOW TIMES
0:02 Banter and Contest Draw
8:40 After Action Report
17:45 Doug Rimmer and VASL Tips
48:09 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

VASL Templates
VASL Table Templates

Scenario Set-up Files

Map Making

National Geographic Krampus on YouTube

The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful contributors on Patreon and Paypal.

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Episode 334: Here We Go a Vasling (Hello Vasl)

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 1 Jan 2024 12:57:00 -0600

Happy Holidays All! Jump into the Broadcast for a look with Doug Rimmer at the newest and coolest things that can be found in VASL! Watching on Youtube may be your best way of ingesting this content but if you are a good listener the podcast may work fine. We are wishing you all a Happy 2024!

SHOW TIMES
0:02 Hello Rally
4:00 Doug Rimmer and VASL Tips

47:00 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
VASL Templates
VASL Table Templates

Scenario Set-up Files

Map Making

Lyrics to Hello Rally (lyrics by Donovan, performed by the 2THS Singers)

Hello?? RALLY!!! Would you schmoes, rally?!?!
Just get back up on the line where you belong!
You don’t look swell, golly. I can tell, by golly.
You’ve been bawlin’ and low crawlin’ for now, way too long.
DM’d you ain’t, staying The attack, you’re delaying.
Try to whistle a different tune every now then.
Won’t, take no crap fellas. Get back up on your feet, fellas.
Rally! Don’t you Rout away again!

I said, “Hello?!?!? Rally!!!” Don’t you dilly-dally!
It’d be nice to have you back where you belong.
You’ve been through hell, golly. That charge was indeed folly.
You’ve been chokin’ and you’re broken, you won’t be for long.
I feel my hair, grayin’, cause DM’d you’re stayin’
Try to get, good order status every now and then,
So, woe is me fellas, hope that you can roll a three, fellas
Rally! Don’t you rout away again!

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Episode 333: Tarawa for Christmas!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 10:52:00 -0600

Happy Holidays All! Jump into the Broadcast Foxhole with us and learn about Gun Duels during our Rules segment. Box Art Review makes it's return with a look at Ken Smith's fantastic art for the Sainte-Mere-Eglise game from Multi-Man Publishing. What better way to enjoy the holidays than having a listen and sipping some warm cider. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakkuh, Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year!

The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful Patreon and Paypal sponsors.

SHOW TIMES
0:02 I Want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas Song
4:00 Banter
13:00 Box Art Review
21:00 Contest Winner

25:00 Samsung Portable VASL Drive

27:45 Rules
41:00 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Here Comes Santa Claus

Lyrics to I Want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas (lyrics by Donovan, performed by Megan Kleinschmidt)

I want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas, Only Blood Reef Tarawa will do
Don't want Gung Ho! or Code of Bushido, I want a Blood Reef Tarawa to with and enjoy
I want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas, I don't think Darling wife will mind do you?
It doesn't have to be unpunched or even new, Just get one off ebay, That's exactly what I'd do
I can see it now on Christmas morning, with my gift so rare. Oh what joy, you might surmise
When I open up the box and see some DC Hero standing there.

I want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas, an Armies of Oblivian won't do.
No Haakke Paalles, no Pegasus Bridgeses.

I want a Blood Reef Tarawa-whatsits.That Blood Reef Tarawa is really cool.
Friends say a HASL would east up all my time, owning and not playing is a very heinous crime.
There's lot's of room to play in our two car garage. I'll keep it there and play all year.'
Safe from feline barrage.

Refrain

I want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas, an Operation Watchtower won't do.
No Bridge Too Fart or Forgotten Warses, I only want Blood Reef Tarawa-whatis
That PTO module's really cool!

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Episode 332: Orsogna Knights

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 3 Dec 2023 17:21:00 -0600

Join us as we take a shot at the firing modifiers from Chapter C Rule 6; Target-Based to Hit Determination DRM. Hard to believe that we haven't covered those in the previous 331 shows. The Box contains the new Orsogna from Advancing Fire. The Knights of the Podcast Table song was written by Dennis Donovan of course. He is indefatigable. If you want to get an early Christmas gift copy of Dzerhezinsky Tractor Works from Critical Hit, find the contest announcement in this show.

Knights of the ASL Table lyrics

We’re the Knights of the ASL table. We play when ere we’re able.
We do our thing on the podcast scene, and our work is im-pec-cable.
In Chicago land we play a lot. You'll hear “PaK” and “stack” and “FAQ” a lot!
We’re Knights of the ASL table. Our shows, in-val-ue-able.
And many times, our banter shines in ways un-for-get-able.
We like to say “Sha-ZAM!” a lot. We shoot from the tree tops a looooooot.
Our French accents are fable. They’re quite in-de-scribe-able.
Between our casts we have a blast, saying “in-defa-ti-gable!”
It’s busy when you play a lot. We two say "multi-man" a looooooooot.

SHOW GUIDE
:03 Song
1:10 Chitty-Chitty Chat Chat
15:00 What's in the Box?
31:30 Rules
1:05:55 Total Running Time

LINKS

Legacy Map Set at Critical Hit

Bounding Fire Maps

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and kind donations from listeners like you. The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 331: Ring of Tinnitus

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:52:00 -0600

We are so glad that all of the Halloween "Spooktackular" advertisements stuff is over! Please enjoy the opening song repeated from episode 65. There are some interesting and entertaining letters. Our AFV segment takes a look at the M3 and M3A1. Lastly, Jeff and Dave take a look at a playing of Operation Neptune's ON-6.

The Board

End of Game

Just before last Close Combat

SHOW TIMES

00:01 The Ring of Fire with Lyrics by Dennis Donovan; Performed by J. Cash (originally appeared in Episode 65)

3:10 Small Talk

14:10 Contest Winner Announced

15:45 Letters

18:30 Armored Fighting Vehicles

41:10 After Action Report on ON-6 Sweeping West

57:05 Total Running Time

SONG LYRICS (lyrics by Dennis Donovan)

My friend, make sure to bring

Scenarios, that have some bling

FTs and barb-ed wire
Just like the one called Ring of Fire

I want to play K.E.’s Ring of Fire!
I said, ‘wow!’, ‘Wow!’, ‘WOW!’, and my voice got higher
It’s 6 turns, turns, turns, down to the wire
The Ring of Fire

I talked him into playing Ring of Fire
I’ll throw down, down, down, when the stakes get higher

And he’ll learn, learn, learn, baptism of fire
Trial by fire.

T. O. T. 4-0 is sweet
S.S. and Brits do meet
Old French tanks with F.Ts? Wild!
Oh, and ECs are mild

I thought I could fight fire with fire
In the town, town, town and break the quagmire

And got burned, burned, burned, but his first fire

& Subsequent Fire

I attacked as the Brits into the ring of fire
Morale went down, down, down when things got dire
And I yearned, yearned, yearned, artillery fire

In this funeral pyre

And got burned, burned, burned in Ring of Fire
In Ring of Fire
In Ring of Fire

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 330: Spooktacular Spectacle

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 2 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0500

It's a Halloween Special that includes very few chills and thrills, but banter, AFV segment and an after action report on ON-6 Sweeping West from Bounding Fire Productions.

SHOW LINKS

Bounding Fire Productions

SHOW TIMES

00:01 OBA From the Sky with Lyrics by Troy Nordine; Sung by A 2 Half-Squad Singer (originally appeared in Episode 63)

2:10 Small Talk

12:30 Contest Winner and New Contest

18:30 Armored Fighting Vehicles

41:10 Dave and Dave's After Action Report on ON-6 Sweeping West

55:17 Total Running Time

SONG LYRICS (lyrics by Troy Nordine)

Picture your squad in a raft, crossing a river,
Attacking German SS with powder blue eyes,
Somebody calls you, your Sargent is screaming,
“It's our movement phase, so get going guys”

The Germans in bunkers are firing at you,
Bullets go flying right over you're head,
Look for the chance to fire your rifle,
And they're gone...

OBA from the sky obliterates them....

Your movement phase begins, you run to the buildings,
While German Defensive First Fire flies over your head.
Your opponent smiles, as his mortar shot hits you
But your morale is so incredibly high.....

More of your squads, appear on the shoreline,
Assault moving toward the VP.
The Germans are climbing to the top of a nearby building,
Then they're gone.......

OBA from the sky obliterates them.......

Picture a wall with an AFV hull down,
It's gun barrel pointed directly at you,
Suddenly your saved as your opponent rolls boxcars,
He's Malf'ed is MA and recalled his tank...then.

OBA from the sky obliterates them.....

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 329: La Brea and Le Franc

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 13:38:00 -0500

We know you want to get a look at Dave's Tar Pit Diorama (sculpted by the great Sean Cooper and molded at The Alchemy Works), so here it is! Since we didn't have time last show to dig into the insides of Le Franc Tireur #15, we now take the time to get into the articles therein. Oui, Oui, we, promised that we would not speak in French accents for the show but Jeff manages to make a French gutteral noise in the first moments of the segment. After that, we follow through on our promise. However, our pronunciations of our many fellow ASL players names clearly needs some work. Our apologies. If you haven't found them yet we have a look and a link to Scott's Eagle Has Landed Scenarios. We highly recommend you read the post. It is entertaining and certainly quality stuff.

SHOW LINKS

The Alchemy Works

Scott's Eagle Has Landed Scenario's

SHOW TIMES

00:01 Houlie Dice with Lyrics by Stephen Hicks; Sung by A 2 Half-Squad Singer (originally appeared in Episode 62)

2:10 Chitty Chitty Chat Chat

10:30 Rules

22:00 What's in the Box?

51:00 Grumble Jones Halloween Eagle Has Landed Scenarios

57:41 Total Running Time

SONG LYRICS (sung to the tune of "Safety Dance" by Stephen Hicks)

I can't roll low if I want to

But Craig Houlistan can

Watch as he kills my Panther

With a lowly tin can.

I can't roll low if I want to

Though I try and try.

When my 10-3 rolls an NMC

Then My 10-3 dies.

Houlie Dice, Houlie dice

They're outta control.

Houlie dice, Houlie dice

Oh look, another low roll.

I can't roll low if I want to

My dice come up high,

But I see Craig's it's

Another "snake's" and I cry.

Houlie Dice, Houlie dice

They're outta control.

Houlie dice, Houlie dice

Oh look, another low roll.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 328: Lumberjacks and Le Franc Fifteens

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 2 Oct 2023 13:15:00 -0500

Le Franc Tireur has put out another gem. Le Franc Tireur #15 featuring some fantastic maps from
Steve Swan and Tom Repetti. We take a look at these fun boards as well as the new Arid/Desert rules. Minarets on Mosques, can you believe it? Before we get to that information we read some letters from our beloved listeners, we cover the British rules in the nationality section of the Advanced Squad Leader rulebook, and banter about Dave's favorite toy soldiers, Britain's Swoppet Knights.

SHOW LINKS

Swords and Roses - Britain's Swoppet Knights

Heroes on Deck DVD

Great Lakes Aircraft Carriers at Military History

Chicago Marine Heritage Society

SHOW TIMES
00:01 ASL Lumberjack Song with Lyrics by Randolph King; Sung by The 2 Half-Squad Singers (originally appeared in Episode 54)

1:45 Chitty Chitty Chat Chat

13:25 Letters

19:00 Contest Announced (enter by October 15, 2023)

21:00 Rules

32:00 Whatsa is ina the Boxa?

43:00 Terrain Time

59:55 Total Running Time

SONG LYRICS (sung to "The Lumberjack Song" by Randolph King)
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!

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 327: Sunny Adam Lunney

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:46:00 -0500

It is an honor to have the illustrious, bright and optimistic Adam Lunney appear on the show all the way from Canberra, Australia. Yes, this is THE Adam Lunney who authored the books We Together and Ready to Strike. Once again you can see from his credentials that we are unworthy to have Adam on this lowly podcast. In spite of that he agreed to discuss his books, his gaming background, and most importantly, his love for the greatest game in the world; Advanced Squad Leader.

SHOW LINK

Adam's Website

SHOW TIMES
00:01 ASL Favorite Things with Lyrics by Dennis Donovan; Sung by The 2 Half-Squad Singers (originally appeared in Episode 56)

2:30 Interview with Adam

53:46 Total Running Time

Adam's Picture of Normandy

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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The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 326: Run Through the Jungle with Jim

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 11:02:00 -0500

Jim Aikens returns and shares his thoughts on printing scenario packs and playtesting in general. We open with a blast from the past. The Run Through the Jungle song from good ol' Episode 53.

In the rules segment we cover the Yanks, Americans, U.S.A., troops and their corresponding nationality traits from Rule 25.3.

SHOW LINKS

USS Iowa Museum

SoCal ASL

SHOW TIMES
00:01 (Don't) Run Through the Jungle Song with Lyrics by Dennis Donovan; Sung by The 2 Half-Squad Singers

12:40 Rules: Nationalities of ASL; Americans

23:50 Jim Aikens Part 2

51:28 Total Running Time

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.”

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 325: Breaking in the Grain with Jim Aikens

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 1 Aug 2023 13:54:00 -0500

It is a pleasure to present a look at the SoCal gamers lives, through an interview with the charismatic and wise Jim Aikens. This discussion is so thorough, that we will present it in two parts. In part one we learn about Jim's gaming background and how very well organized this club is, with players who are "pretty far out there" in the wide open spaces of the large state of California, having a set of regional directors. Kleinschmidt can relate to this club because it has Field Trips. They travelled to the Jaques Littlefield AFV Collection, and the USS Iowa. Wow. There are no surfing safaris with these Californians.

SHOW LINKS

USS Iowa Museum

SoCal ASL

Jaques Littlefield Tank Collector

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Breaking in the Grain Song with Lyrics by Martin Marquis; Sung by The 2 Half-Squad Singers

1:20 Interview

9:00 Human Wave Rules

37:10 Partisan Rules

43:50 What's in the Box?

1:03:27 Total Running Time

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.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 324: Humans Wave at J14

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 21:35:00 -0500

We like to wave at Humans. We were so busy waving hello, and singing along to the wintry song Human Wave (sung to the tune of The Carol of the Bells), that we forgot to banter for a really long time. Just an average time. Aren't you the lucky ones?

The Rules covered in this show continue rule 25:Nationality Distinctions. Focusing on Human Waves and Partisans. Remember partisans don't do a human wave.

SHOW LINKS

Human Wave at DC Conscripts

Human Wave at Wiki

Human Wave Tutorial at ASL Players.net

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Human Wave Song with Lyrics by Dennis Donovan; Sung by The 2 Half-Squad Singers

1:20 Bantero

9:00 Human Wave Rules

37:10 Partisan Rules

43:50 What's in the Box?

1:03:27 Total Running Time

LYRICS to the Human Wave Song
Two squads per hex, Con-tiguous, A chain of three, With SMC, Not adjacent, To a unit, In Line Of Sight, Even at night, A, twenty, five, point two three. Jive, No HOB, Nor a patsy [PAATC],
Just IPC, No LTC, No pin result, Move by impulse, Cover lots of ground, Enemy’s found, Into their hex, It gets complex, FPF checks, CC effects, “Hürrah!” We cheer, Human Wave’s here,
Very, Very, Very Scary..Humans rush, Very, Very, Very Scary..Humans rush
Russians can send, Men without end, Into the fray, Most everyday.......... Rushing head-long...

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 323: Bungly in the Jungly

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 2 Jul 2023 19:46:00 -0500

Scenario ON-3 from Operation Neptune

This show's opening number originally appeared in the middle of Episode 50. It is called Bungle in the Jungle with lyrics by Dennis Donovan and performed by one of the worst of The 2 Half-Squad Singers. Letters includes a Robert Barratt's report on the CA guys game day on the USS Iowa. 18 gents gaming away. Amazing! Also David Wiley shares how he got into this hobby, and more.

Today's Rules segment gets us started on the long awaited rule 25:Nationality Distinctions. Lately Dave and Dave finished Scenario ON-3 Stuck Ducks and we take a look at how that went.

SHOW LINKS

M60 Patton Tank Info

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Bungle in the Jungle Song Lyrics by Dennis Donovan; Sung by The 2 Half-Squad Singers

3:30 Banter

14:44 Letters

25:15 Rules

48:30 What Have You Been Playin Lately?

58:10 Winner Announced

58:45 Total Running Time

Richard's Picture of USS Iowa

Thinking ‘bout forests of palm trees and collapsed huts
Picked up Code of Bushido (forget ‘bout the rent!)
Down at the game store – got it last Friday
Driving me nuts –waiting for ASL Sundays
Japs and Marines, H-T-H in the jungle
It’s wild and crazy, as are we: “Gung Ho!”
Let’s play Bungle in the Jungle, well, that sounds good to me!
Its ASL scenario
Number sixty-two or sixty-three
It takes place in Burma, 1942
PTO rules in effect, including light jungle
Brits are attacking and the Japs are defending
HA-GOs vs. Stuarts couldn’t be cooler
Our usual wager? “I’ll bet you a dinner.”
This game that we zealots play is a winner
Let’s play Bungle in the Jungle, well, I want the Japanese!
A 2 6 point 5 for balance
With a dr when we disagree
OOB’s full of Desert Rat nasties
I’ll have to ambush him in the kunai grass
He’s a master of ARTY and loves overruns
My emplaced AT Gun rookies lie waiting for him
to light up his Stuarts
spell out his doom
But my plan turned to crap now I sing a new tune!

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 322: Rally Phase A la Gaga

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:59:00 -0500

We rally hope you rally liked the Rally Phase song by Dennis Donovan that opened this episode. If you ever find yourself wondering what actions you can take in the Rally Phase just pull this episode up on your phone and have a listen. It will remind you of all the wonderous possibilities. And your opponents will not think less of you, will they?

If you would like a review of the rules that might apply when you capture your opponents cool stuff, then check out the "Rules" segment on captured and unqualified possession. No, the word possession does not refer to the demonic kind.

We hope the cool opening song, a new segment and a longer show time make up for the rather long banter at the beginning. The new segment is Armored Fighting Vehicles, in which we take a look at the statistics and history of our various Advanced Squad Leader 5/8 inch counters!

SHOW LINKS

Tank Encyclopedia

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Rally Phase Song

4:30 Banter

18:00 Contest Announced

22:20 Rules

48:30 AFV (Panzer I B)

1:00:06 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 321: Favorite ASL Things

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 2 Jun 2023 13:13:00 -0500

We open this show with a blast from the past. We have decided to repeat some of the classic AdvancedSquad Leader parody songs, starting with "My Favorite ASL Things" with lyrics by Whit Richardson. This allows us to post them with lyrics on our Youtube Channel also.

There are a few letters to share to get us caught up. In the Box is the newest item from Broken Ground Design, the Sticky Overlays. They are on clear plastic so they can be placed over any colored "open ground" and still match the particular shade of green that they happened to use on any board that you choose. Cool! Then Dave and Dave discuss how their playing of ON-2 Wet Feet went. The feet sure did get wet!

SHOW LINKS

Advanced Squad Leader Tutorial

SHOW TIMES
00:01 Favorite ASL Things Song

2:00 Banter

10:20 Contest Winner Announced

14:00 Letters

24:20 What's in the Box?

34:12 What Have You Been Playin' Lately?

49:33 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, Kansas City ASL, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 320: 10th Mountain Men

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 16 May 2023 12:10:00 -0500

It is a pleasure to have Paul Works return to the show especially when he is accompanied by his friend and compatriot Dave Mareske. Dave gives us a wonderful review of his fathers life, including his time in the service and his time spent thereafter. We think you will agree that Cpl Ernie Mareske led a fascinating life and served in a challenging arena during WWII.

Paul provides some insights into the research and development of this interesting scenario pack, including the "scrolling maps" included therein. This pack includes a "mini campaign game of four connected scenarios" and some unique, but not overwhelming SSR's. If you would like a look into the WWI game that these gentlemen are working on, you will not be disappointed by this episode. As opposed to the rest of our episodes.

Cpl Ernie Mareske

SHOW LINKS
Get 10th Mountain Pack Here
Official Army 10th Mountain Division Page

SHOW TIMES
00:01 We Jump Right into the Interview
51:17 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, Kansas City ASL, and kind donations from listeners like you.
The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 319: That's Some More Eh?

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 2 May 2023 17:19:00 -0500

We announce the winner of the last contest and give details about our newest one. If you want to win these Schwerepunkt scenario packs you might have to break out of your comfort zone. But you can do so anonymously. Dave recounts his second spill -- an NDE -- while Kayaking. He definitely did not want more of that, eh? We finish covering Rule 19: Unit Substitution. Then take an in depth look at the scenarios from March Madness 2019 Close Combat Pack. We received copies of the latest from The Kansas City gents and will cover those on a future show.

SHOW LINKS
Close Combat Pack
Nippersink Creek

SHOW TIMES
00:01 That's Amore (Hollow Legions) Song
4:00 Banter
16:00 Contest Winner and New Contest Announced
24:40 Rules
45:22 Scenario Deep Dive
1:05:05 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, Kansas City ASL, and kind donations from listeners like you.
The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

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Episode 318: What's Your Experience Level Rating?

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 11:58:00 -0500

Dave and Jeff banter a bit about Jason and the Argonauts and the new Dungeons and Dragons films before jumping into Rule 19: Unit Substitution. In our What Have You Been Playing Lately? segment Dave T and Dave K discuss two playing's of Scenario ON-1 Freedom!, from Operation Neptune by Bounding Fire Productions for the Advanced Squad Leader game system.

SHOW TIMES
00:30 Banter
11:53 Rules
36:51 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
56:58 Total Running Time

Support for The 2 Half-Squads is provided by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you. The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 317: The Dukes Ride Again

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 4 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0500

Once again we are honored to be joined by the designers of Dinant. Dan Dolan, Nadir Elfarra, and Carl Nogueira, who provide more advice and insight on said game. Before that we take some time to read fascinating letters all about the greatest game in the world Advanced Squad Leader.

SHOW TIMES

00:30 Banter
10:30 Letters

25:00 Contest Announced

26:00 Dukes of Dinant Interview Part 2

43:49 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Periscope Film

Yankee ASL

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 316: The Dukes of Dinant

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:26:00 -0500

Check out that amazing hand drawn map by Dan Dolan. Do you like it? We are honored to be joined by the designers of Dinant, Dan Dolan, Nadir Elfarra, and Carl Nogueira. It is a fascinating tale of how the whole project came about. Starting with the map and covering all aspects of game design. Dinant is a great addition to the world of Advanced Squad Leader.

We present the first half of the interview in this episode and will continue it in #317.

SHOW TIMES
00:30 We jump right in!
54:35 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Croix de Guerre on Game on BGG

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The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 315: Cows Possessed

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 3 Mar 2023 16:46:00 -0600

Wow, yet another product to review. In the Box is Drop Zone Sainte-Mere-Eglise
Check out that whopping, over seven foot long, full color, kind of kinky, map board. Do you like hedgerows? We like hedgerows. The cows in France are not holy, they may even be....unholy! At least when they die they do take on a Salvador Dali look.

We introduce a new segment where we search Advanced Squad Leader topics on ChaGPT and see what we get. Let us know what you think. Some letters topics include the ASL Periodic Table by Dennis Donovan. Take a look, it's a whole lot of fun.

SHOWTIMES

00:30 Mostly Non-ASL Chat

11:00 Letters

23:10 ChatGPT Live

24:50 Contest Winner Announced!

27:30 What's in the Box?

55:02 Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS

VASL Info Updates

Sainte-Mere-Eglise at MMP

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Episode 314: Journal 13 Deuxium Partie

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:34:00 -0600

We titled this one "deuxiem partie" to make us seem smart. Did it work?
:30 ASL and Non ASL Chat

No matter your answer, we present the rest of the Advanced Squad Leader Journal #13. You probably have noticed that the cover of said journal is unique among ASL Art. You are, most likely, therefore hoping for a BAR - Box Art Review. It is your lucky day. Box Art Review returns.

Some banter topics include ChatGPT, the Second Front Computer game, and the wonderful ASL Players.Net. Cool stuff.

SHOWTIMES

11:45 What's in the Box?

23:10 Box Art Review - BAR

32:00 Scenarios

1:01:09 Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS

ASL Journal 13 on Board Game Geek

ASL Net Videos and Such

Second Front Games

Changes added to VASL

Episode 313: Lucky J 13

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 2 Feb 2023 12:26:00 -0600

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, and peoples of all ages, get ready for a look at the newest ASL arrival; Journal 13!

There are three winners of our contests announced in this show, so listen closely. Maybe it will be you! We take a wee bit of time to read the latest letters, and then we are off to the races with a look in the box to see Journal #13. Can you believe it? A journal again? It's been so long, so very long. Now we can all relax on the couch and read ASL stuff and not the stupid newspapers and art mags that we are used to reading to fill the void in our vacant, dull, lives. Is that last sentence a bit over the top?

SHOWTIMES

:30 Some talk of Dave's CA Vacation

11:55 Contest Winners Announced and

Dave on the beach!

17:30 Yet Another Give-away. Entries Due by February 18

18:20 Letters

22:45 What's in the Box?

52:43 Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS

ASL Journal 13 on Board Game Geek

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 312: VASL Shimmers with Doug Rimmer

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:08:00 -0600

We are very fortunate to have Doug Rimmer join us this evening. Doug is one of the many unsung heroic developers of the Virtual Advanced Squad Leader site. Doug discusses the wonders of VASL, revealing some of the more recent developments in the upcoming version of the program. We chat a bit about the future plans for VASL and even let you know how you can send in some suggestions and ask about problems you are having with the system. If you listen closely, you will hear some trouble shooting advice!

Long Live the Selfless Developers of VASSAL and VASL!

SHOWTIMES

:03 Let's Get Right to the Interview

1:13:54 Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS

The VASSAL Engine

Episode 311: Surrender Your Integrity

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 1 Jan 2023 22:43:00 -0600

Clink and Drink Boys and Girls!
(as long as you are of age)

Clink and drink in the New Year kids! Best wishes for 2023 to all of us! We welcome Mike Ryzy back to the broadcast foxhole for an interesting discussion of Battlefield Integrity and the Field Promotion rules. We hope you will indulge us as we banter a bit longer today, and also cover some of the most amazing WWII/War related items that appeared In The News in 2022. And we think you might enjoy the tour of Jeff's game/music room.

But first, let's listen to Surrender!

Surrender!

Concept and Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

Performed by: The 2 Half-Squad Singers

Took an MC, a 3MC, and I rolled a ‘2’
A Russian half-squad, also broken

and they’re inexperienced.

Plus 4 DRMs on to their Heat of Battle roll:

I rolled box cars, now a white flag’s being flown

Chorus

It’s 16 alright?, okay, alright

That just seems a little weird
Surrender, surrender, they

Throw in the towel today, ay, ay, ay

F.5 says in the Desert, refusal it is NA
Unlike the late war, Allies vs. the Japs in the Philippines
No, fanatics, Gurkhas, commissars, or Partisans,
Will surrender via the Rout Phase Method A20.21

Chorus

Surrender at night? In CC? That’s right

It just seems a little weird
Surrender, surrender

You’re disrupted anyway, ay, ay, ay

Whatever happened to all my broken half-squads over there?
Thought they rallied in the building, but they all disappeared
Oh yeah, that’s right, they got captured ‘cuz they couldn’t rout
Got surrounded, they all gave up, put that ol’ white flag out

Chorus

They were next to, your K.E.U.s,

It was, just as I feared
Surrendered, surrendered

Because they couldn’t rout away, ay, ay, ay

SHOWTIMES

:03 Song "Surrender!"

2:40 ASL Talk

15:00 Tour of Jeff's Game/Music Room

18:55 In the News

29:30 Rules

1:02:54 Total Running Time

Episode 310: Cruising Through Crucible of Steel

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:23:00 -0600

Holiday greetings to you all! This is the season for joy and gladness, before

the great grey days of the New Year that will inevitably arrive for many of us.

Mike Ryzy and John Harmeyer drop by the broadcast foxhole and present their view of Bounding Fire Productions fantastic Crucible of Steel. Mike and John played all 32 scenarios in chronological order and using a campaign system that Mike modified from The Long March by Heat of Battle. Yes, you heard that right, ALL 32.

But first, how about some letters? It's been awhile since we shared some.

SHOWTIMES

0:40 Bantero

8:00 Letters

23:30 Crucible of Steel Talk

1:00:11 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Covered Scenario Pack

John Tewell's Flikr Philippines Photos

Armored Train Smialy

ASL eopen Info

Grumble Jones Excellent Flying Turrets Game

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreon supporters, Bounding Fire Productions, and Broken Ground Design.

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Episode 309: We Got You Covered

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 3 Dec 2022 11:54:00 -0600

Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving! There are a whole lot of new products in the Advanced Squad Leader World of Gaming Goodness to be thankful for. One of these gems is the new scenario pack Covered from Broken Ground Design . It includes a new board and 13 scenarios. We also take a look at Dispatches From the Bunker #53, which includes the usual fantastic game tips from Carl Nogueria.

There are no turkeys in this flock of ASL goodies. Gobble, gobble.

SHOWTIMES

0:40 Banter

8:18 From the Bunker #53

23:30 Covered

1:02:38 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Dispatches From the Bunker

Great Mink Escape

Covered Scenario Pack

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreon supporters, Bounding Fire Productions, and Broken Ground Design.

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Episode 308: Ken and Perry

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:49:00 -0600

Ken Dunn makes an appearance at long last on our program, along with Multi Man Publishing's very own Perry Cocke. Ken has designed a boatload of ASL goodness in the form of many scenarios. He is also the man that brought us Operation Veritable, and the ASL Starter Kits (but that is a story for another show). Ken offers many fascinating insights into the behind the scenes efforts at Multi Man Publishing.

Perry gives us an update on what we can expect from MMP in the near and far future, things like Journal #13, AND Journal #14 soon after that. Yes, let's get excited! Also a coming HASL on Timor, Battle of Mokra (tracks the Polish Army all through the war) and a Marco Polo Bridge pack. There is also a little chat about some non-ASL games that are in the pipe at MMP. Card Games too. There is some discussion about Kawaguchi's Gamble: Edson's Ridge and the rules issues that were dealt with in the production process. Enjoy!

SHOW TIMES

1:00 Interview

54:18 Total running time

SHOW LINKS

Drop Zone: Sainte-Mere-Eglise

A conversation with Ken Dunn on Reddit

Get your electronic rulebook here

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and generous donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 307: Chili Party Games

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 5 Nov 2022 15:01:00 -0500

Hope you enjoy the brief banter about Chili Parties, before we get in to what Dave has played lately which is ASL Scenario 206: A Line Too Thinly Held. Dave is defending with the Americans against Dave T's North Koreans who are attacking at night.

We then finish the prisoner rules/quiz section (finally). This portion covers how we move our prisoners around the Advanced Squad Leader Board, the way that they can escape, and the methods that said prisoners can use to rearm them selves once they are free.

In the Box Jeff discovers the newest issue of Dispatches from the Bunker #54, and it is a good one.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Brief Banter
7:00 What We've Been Playing Lately

14:00 The Rules

43:00 What's in the Box?
58:12 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Spreading Blaze ASL Tourny

Dispatches From the Bunker

Don't forget that you can watch this episode on our Youtube channel.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you!

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Episode 306: Hayes' Craze

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:49:00 -0500

It's time to do something really spooky. Play Advanced Squad Leader in miniature! That's a really scary and FUN idea, boys and girls! We are thrilled to have Hayes Wauford join us for this episode and have him compare notes with Dave about how each of them approached the task at hand. Hayes has made some fantastic WWII terrain for his games and you can hear about it here. And see more of it's glory, on our Youtube page.

We'd like to credit Bob Brown who painted some of the mini's and terrain. Bob also inspired Dave to start his own ASL in miniature.

SHOWTIMES

0:01 Some Halloween Chit Chat

9:26 Interview

52:30 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Pinterest ASL Miniatures

Camel City Wargamers (Hayes Photos)

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 305: Tangled up in Rules

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 7 Oct 2022 23:06:00 -0500

Let's attempt to untangle the prisoner rules shall we? We saw Rich help us out with that tangled web in Episode 302 and we learned a lot. So, it's time for a little quiz show style rule review.

The banter is a bit long on this one but Dave takes the time to discuss his little vacation. The one that made this episode a tad late. There are pictures included on the Youtube version of this episode.

Before we have all that fun we present a masterpiece of a song; Tangled up in Rules. Thanks again to Dennis Donovan.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Song: Tangled up in Rules
5:26 Banter
17:34 Rules
50:11 Contest winners announced
56:30 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Grand Ole Opry

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

Tangled Up In Rules

Concept: Jeff Hallett

Written by Jeff Hallett and Dennis Donovan

Vocals, music, and mixing: Firefly

Early one morning, the sun was shining

I was playin’ ‘gainst Fred

Startin’ up a new campaign game

One from the Barricades, Red
We both played ASL together

Just couldn’t play it enough

We never did like that Squad Leader mess

The rulebook wasn’t big enough

Now it’s time to get the show on the road

Wondering what units to choose

Setting up will take weeks at most
Lord knows there’s SSRs, to go through

Tangled up in rules

He was married when we first met

Soon to be divorced

Helped him through a rough time, oh yes

With Advanced Squad Leader of course

We played that game as much as we could

Never gave it a rest

Stayed up late most every night

Arguing, but only in jest

He poked around in Chapter B

As I was yakkin’ away

Heard him mumble something ‘bout “ rubble

Collapsing on a wide city avenue?”

Tangled up in rules

I had a half-track set up in some woods

Lurking on the flank for a spell

But it wasn’t really doing all that much

Then one turn some mortar shells fell

So I read all about area fire

Chapter C, 1 point 5-5

Knowin’ he’d smile and probably gloat

If my half-track got destroyed

But the HT’s partially armored

So I asked around online

I’ve seen a lot of answers

But none made sense in my mind

What else is new??

Tangled up in rules

He was lookin’ in the Perry Sez

When I popped opened a beer

I just kept reading the Chapter C pages

The examples aren’t so clear

And later on when we figured it out

Finally gettin’ back to our game

He was saying, “I’m still not quite clear

‘bout that whole open-topped thang.”

I muttered somethin’ underneath my breath

And studied the links on the page

I must admit I felt a little uneasy

When he pointed out some errata from Journal 2

Tangled up in rules

I'd setup for a perfect shot

‘Twas no way I could lose

He walked into my clever trap

Put his men's heads in the noose.

I rolled a six & yelled, “I got ya good!”

He said. “I hate to disappoint you,

Your squad's of the inexperienced kind

And that machine gun's captured, too

And did you forget that the SSR

Said the ammunition was short?

And I must point out your sustained fire

Will only add to the growing list of your blues…”

Tangled up in rules

He took a burger off the stove,

And offered me a bite

“I see you read Chapter O,” he said

“Your eyes hurt from the tiny type?”

Then he opened his book of rules

And showed me something he’d

Written down in the margins were notes

From 1993

And every one of those notes was true

There were all from an ol’

Q & A on the last page of

Avalon Hill’s ASL Annual ‘92

Tangled up in rules

I fought against him in Stalingrad’s streets

In the cellars under the stairs

There were Ruskis on the attack at night

And starshells in the air

Russians are stealthy for ambush but

Conscripts aren’t, I realized

He won most all ambush rolls

And lots of my guys died

When the star shells finally burned out

His squads had all withdrawn

The only thing I knew how to do

Was to keep on playing on, like in A point 2**

Tangled up in rules

So now I’m really confused again

I got to figure it out somehow

All the rules that I thought I knew

Are eluding me right now

Some CG SSRs

Some in Chapter H

Don’t know where errata’s listed

I don’t know why we chose this campaign

And me, I’m still scratchin’ my head

Wondering what’s the point

12 years now we’ve been playing our game

And haven’t even started German, Turn 2

Tangled up in rules

**A.2 ERRORS: All errors stand once play has progressed past the point of commission.

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Episode 304: Green Squirrels of Inor vs. Black Riders of the Night of Death

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 16:31:00 -0500

304 packs a punch. The saga of the invasive animal species continues as Dave recounts the adventure of the attacking squirrel, and Jeff relates his big fish stories. Dave's been playing Scenario WO42 Spartan Style with Dave Timonen and in the box is Green Hell of Inor! We round this episode off with an entertaining round of Quiz Show with Team Spilky against Team Black Riders of the Night of Death. What a blast!

SHOWTIMES

1:00 Banter
10:00 What You Been Playing Lately?

13:15 What's in the Box?

29:00 Quiz Show

1:03:20 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Green Hell of Inor at LFT

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Episode 303: A Hazardous Movement Begins

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 1 Sep 2022 11:50:00 -0500

Chad Cummins and Chuck Hammond (or do you say Chuck Hammond and Chad Cummins?)lend some serious heft to this show. They share the delightful story of how Hazardous Movement began, from it's humble beginnings to the massive global domination that they now enjoy. The scenarios in their packs promise to bring the fun back to your ASL game, and they promise to be well play-tested and therefore, well balanced. Many of the Advanced Squad Leader tournaments include these gems in their playlists. Order a pack, play a few of them, and you will understand why they are so well respected.

The 2 Half Squads are brought to you by the most Amazing Bounding Fire Productions and our Wonderful Patreons.

SHOWTIMES
0:21 Straight into the Interview
1:03:49 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Hazardous Movement

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Episode 302: Take No Prisoners?

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 23:44:00 -0500

Prisoner counters make great zombie counters.

Joined once again by Rich Spilky we are able to provide some real quality content. Rich guides us through three of his famous charts. The first is the IFT and CC Effects on Guarding Units and Firepower, the second is chart 26a Effects of No Quarter, and the third is a complex looking but actually very elegant and simple chart, entitled 26b Effects of No Quarter. After all that ASL goodness Rich points out the best parts of Jim Bishop's article Prisoners: Take 'em or Leave 'em. There are also some tactical tips and tricks revealed herein. Enjoy!

We are now posting our episodes (with more visuals) on our YouTube channel. Easter Egg.

SHOW TIMES
0:01 Talk, Chat
15:00 Spilky Charts

35:00 Bishop's Prisoner Article

57:54 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by kind donations from listeners like you, and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 301: Things That Come in Threes

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 4 Aug 2022 13:38:00 -0500

Three is a nice number. There are three products featured in the photo. Three deluxe boards in WO #13. Three sides to the triangle on the three player pack. In spite of that, we have two boxes to open on this show. So many ASL treasures. So little time. The first is the the Three-Player Pack from the gents who produce the March Madness stuff. Dave presents a close look at those scenarios and, all of 'em are designed for three players, not two, but three players. Yes, count 'em, three! If you like the Deluxe Advanced Squad Leader products or the Korean War module, you will absolutely love the Winter Offensive Pack #13 because it features three new boards for Deluxe ASL games, and it includes two Korean War scenarios, and two more for WWII in the Pacific featuring the U.S. Marines. Semper Fi!

There is another contest in here. You might like the product that is to be given away. Listen for it.

We are now posting our episodes (with more visuals) on Our YouTube Channel.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Talk, Chat
12:00 Contest Winners Announced

21:00 New Contest Announced

24:00 Three-Player Pack

44:00 Winter Offensive Pack #13

57:54 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by kind donations from listeners like you, and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 300: What? Already?

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 00:45:00 -0500

Rich, Mike and Jared return to the Remote Broadcast Foxhole and join us in a serious Roundtable conversation about our love of the game. We can tell you why Advanced Squad Leader is the greatest game in the world. We also tackle that age old question that we find on so many forums, "Does ASL teach history?". Then we compare and contrast wargames with fantasy games. But, before that, we hear a questionable rendition of the song Olive Groves written by the one and only, Dennis Donovan, and let our listeners speak as they congratulate us on the big 300.

What's in a number?

We would like to thank our mysterious benefactors for the wonderful gifts that we have received in the mail. Wow. You really do like us! And, in order to pay back the community we'd like to offer...wait for it, it's a really big prize...are you ready? It's a brand new copy of... SWORD AND FIRE: MANILA. To hear how to enter the drawing have a listen.

The love and care that you, our listeners, have shown to us over the years has been greatly appreciated. It has been a wonderful ride. Let's ride some more!

We are now posting our episodes (with more visuals) on Our YouTube Channel.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Song Olive Groves
3:00 Listener Voicemails

9:30 Roundtable Discussion

1:?? Contest Announced
1:26:38 Total Running Time

Olive Groves

Concept & Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

Performed by: The Worst of The 2 Half-Squad Singers

The scenario starts in a sleepy little town
Down around Anzio
And the guys are preppin’ for another game
Reading the SSRs

The orchards in this one are strange
Always in season it seems
Well, we’re talking’ ‘bout Olive Groves
Oh, Olive Groves

Well, the MF and the MP
They both are doubled
Groves have a hindrance of one
‘though it’s not quite apparent,
They are inherent
And the T.E.M.’s one

Some say that this rule’s inane
But it’s part of the ASL game
Oh, we’re talkin’ ‘bout Olive Groves
Oh, Olive Groves

‘though they grow in the Mediterranean
You find them in North Afrika too
Rule A9 3 2
Says AFVs in Groves
Can claim wall advantage, that’s right

And though it’s part of the ASL game
The groves don’t see much play
So just keep re-checking rule F13

Readin’ ‘bout the Olive Groves
Oh, Olive Groves

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Episode 299: Toothless Gorilla in Manila

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 1 Jul 2022 17:22:00 -0500

Sword and Flame: Manila is here as you most likely already know. We take a look in that big ole box and are wowed by the size of the map in there. Well it's folded up and in many sections, but when it is assembled it is BIG! You're going to need to play on the floor of your garage we thinks. Once again our fans send us some entertaining and informative letters. We announce a new contest as we draw the winners of the old contests. We've got good ASL stuff to give away. Listen to find out how to get that East Side Gamers Dezign Pak 2.

Don't forget you can watch us on our YouTube channel.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 - Some of the Last Banter?
11:01 - Letters

28:40 Contest Winners Announced

33:05 What's in the Box?
1:00:40 - Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Possum vs. Opossum

Military Miniature Magazine

This episode brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and our Patreon supporters

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Episode 298: It's The Bishop

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 19:46:00 -0500

This episode is a must listen. Well, we think all of our episodes are must listens but what do we know?

The most excellent ASLer Jim Bishop honors us with his presence and knowledge, and he provides us with a fascinating hour of Advanced Squad Leader talk.

Don't forget you can watch us on our Youtube channel.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 - NO Banter
1:01 - Jim Bishop
1:00:40 - Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Jim's Amazing Blog

This episode brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and our Patreon Supporters

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Episode 297: Caraway Seeds, Yum

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 2 Jun 2022 23:15:00 -0500

It's the return of Box Art Review. We take a look at the artistic qualities of the new Hollow Legions cover art. Ken Smith still has what it takes! In fact, he has gotten better.

The concealment rules are wrapped up here in part three, starting at rule 12.152 Searching and ending at 12.42 bypassing concealed units.

In the Box is The Very Best of March Madness scenario pack from the gents at Kansas City ASL. Get a copy by joining our contest by sending a gmail to us with the subject line "They've Gone Mad!" by June 20th, 2022.

Don't forget you can watch us on our Youtube channel. That is if you can stand a gander at our ugly mugs.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 - Banter
5:00 - Box Art Review
19:25 - Rules
41:10 - What's in the Box?
53:00 - Another Contest Announced
58:40 - Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Ken Smith Art

This episode brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and our Patreons

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Episode 296: A Maus in the House

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 19 May 2022 15:59:00 -0500

Gather round if you dare while we croak up some horrifying, shocking, furry, and paralyzing banter about household pests and possums. These stories will have you running for the cover of a pest free home. Speaking of mice, if you would like a free Mythical Mighty Mouse Bundle then send us an email with Micky Plays ASL in the subject line by June 10, 2022 and we will enter you in the contest.

But if you can survive that fright-fest, there's some very good Advanced Squad Leader talk to be had as well. We continue part II of the Concealment rules.

Then we get into a box of arid desert land and Italians, Eritreans, and Ethiopians. Hollow Legions is unwrapped and compared to the original versions of the game components. Grab a beverage to slake your parched thirst and listen. Or watch us on our YouTube channel.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
11:00 - Contest Announced
14:25 Rules
37:40 Hollow Legions
1:00:40 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Hollow Legions at Ritter Krieg
The ASL Article Index

This episode brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and our Patreons.

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Episode 295: Can You See Me Now?

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 4 May 2022 14:05:00 -0500

Join us in the Broadcast Foxhole for a discussion of Dave's new art acquisition. We want to stress that the work by George Parrish now belongs to all of us in the ASL community. It has been secured for the ages. We discuss a recent game of ASL Scenario 206 Hey That Ain't a ROK! and show the progress on this wonderful scenario. Then we cover (as best we can) the Concealment Rules. Can you see us now?

SHOWTIMES

0:21 Chit Chat

9:04 Art News

12:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?

18:00 Rules

48:43 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Scenario 206 on ASL Archive

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 294: Tyrannosaurus Rex Martin

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 10:16:00 -0500

It's the magnificent Dr. Martin! Rex was the editor for The General magazine that provided so many of us with so much gaming knowledge and entertainment. He takes us back to the Avalon Hill days and on a walk through his history in video games as well. You will most likely want to read his thesis paper titled Cardboard warriors: the Rise and Fall of an American wargaming subculture, 1958-1998. He analyzes the reasons we game. And shows us the original art for Hedgerow Hell by G. Parrish.

SHOWTIMES

0:21 Interview

59:04 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Rex Martin's Thesis Intro

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 293: A Stick up Your Nose

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 1 Apr 2022 20:30:00 -0500

We have all kinds of letters today. Happy letters, sad letters, angry letters and glad letters. All of them entertaining and informative letters. The sad part of the show arrives when we have to cover rule 17. WOUNDS. It's a terrible thing when your cardboard SMC is wounded and there are a few rules you need to know when that unfortunate thing happens to your cardboard leader on the cardboard battlefield. To finish up we look in the box and find Winter Offensive Pack #12.

SHOWTIMES

0:21 Banter

11:40 Letters

33:00 Rules

53:00 What's in the Box?

1:01:17 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Nor'easter Tourney

ASL Open

Great Clown Panic of 2016

VotG Solitaire

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 292: Retro Commissar Madness

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:48:00 -0500

Al Mortemore 1934-2022 We will miss you.

We'd like to thank two listeners today for the kind donations of fantastic ASL product. John Bullough
sent us a copy of Retro ASL rules variant in a 55 page rulebook that can be considered ASL lite. We are thrilled to get a good look at March Madness Commissar pack from Dave Mareske at Kansas City ASL. We take a deep dive into those scenarios and they cover a broad range of situations featuring COMMISSARS. The audio on Dave's recording is a bit staticky. Our apologies.

Take a break from basketball and have a listen!

SHOWTIMES

0:21 Banter

9:45 Retro in the Box

28:45 Commissar Pack Scenarios in the Box

55:50 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Nor'easter Tourney

Commissar Pack at Ritter Krieg while they last.

March Madness Commissar Pack at BGG

Retro 5th Edition at Wargames Vault

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 291: Prokhorovka Power!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 2 Mar 2022 11:22:00 -0600

While we chit chat we give you look at Dave's new gaming table from Wyrmwood, and a few of the ASL scenarios being played upon said table. Then comes the moment you all have been waiting for. In the Box we find Advancing Fire's Prokhorovka! This one packs a whopping five maps, a ton of scenarios and not too many odd new rules. If you love tank battles you are going to love this one.

Thanks to Stephen Banks we have Beyond Valor and YANKS for sale on ebay. Click on the link to go there and bid. You can support the show AND get a great value in return. Ends 3/6/22.

SHOWTIMES

0:21 Chit Chat

28:45 What's in the Box?

48:55 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Nor'easter Tourney

Prokhovoroka Map on World of Tanks on YouTube

Prokhovoroka at Ritter Krieg

The Battle on Wikipedia

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 290: Nifty Neptune

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 14:49:00 -0600

We are thrilled to get a good look at Operation Neptune from Bounding Fire Productions. It looks fantastic with a wonderful map and a variety of scenarios that cover a broad range of situations during that operation. And as if that wasn't enough, it is a campaign game too! But before we get to all that ASL goodness, we read a few letters from listeners.

SHOWTIMES

0:21 Chit Chat

6:30 Letters

28:45 What's in the Box?

59:55 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Saving Private Ryan Scenario by Mark Drake

Nor'easter Tourney

Get Operation Neptune here at Bounding Fire Productions

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 289: Kibler Kills it!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 2 Feb 2022 10:41:00 -0600

Charlie Kibler has been involved in Advanced Squad Leader since it's inception and is most famous for his artwork on the boards of said products. We particularly love the Red Barricades work. He has worked for a variety of companies in the industry and has a fascinating story of the development of the Solitaire system that you can hear right here on this podcast. Pull up a chair and relax while you are snowed in and enjoy!

SHOWTIMES

0:30 Interview with Charles Kibler

1:02:14 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Kibler on Gamesquad

Get Operation Neptune here at Bounding Fire Productions

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 288: Joe Leoce of Albany

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:31:00 -0600

Joe Leoce is not really "of Albany" as in "he lives in Albany". But he is the guy that started the New York State Advanced Squad Leader Championship. Otherwise known as the Albany Tournament. Joe worked with Trezza for many years on it, then Pleva came to help make it one of the best Tournaments in the U.S. He also designs and builds some dioramas/models that are used as the prizes!

Joe had an ASL game story published in the old Fire for Effect Fanzine in 1993 and another in Critical Hit. There is some great history in this interview. Joe's love for the greatest game in the world is infectious indeed.

SHOWTIMES

0:30 Interview with Joseph Leoce

1:02:14 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Jack Kwan's 2014 Photos from Albany

New York State ASL Championship on Gamesquad

Get Operation Neptune here at Bounding Fire Productions

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 287: ASLOK is Over

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 4 Jan 2022 23:00:00 -0600

We sure enjoyed Dennis Donovan's rendition of his humorous song that opened the show. ASLOK is over, but it will return next fall. The lyrics are below.

The Rule covered is A15. Heat of Battle. There are a lot of good things in that rule like, Hero Creation, Berserk, and the deadly Surrender.

SHOWTIMES

0:01 Song ASLOK is Over 'til Next October

2:35 Chit Chat

13:00 Rules!

1:07:40 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Berserkers and defensive fire on Gamesquad

Get Operation Neptune here at Bounding Fire Productions

Rally Phase Records Presents!

ASLOK is Over, 'til Next October

Sung to the tune of I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover by Art Mooney

Concept and Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

ASLOK is over, 'til next October

The fun is done for sure.

One day next Autumn we'll do it again

Playing ASL with all of our friends

No use complaining, no times remaining

for something we all adore.

ASLOK is over, 'til next October

so come back next year for more.

Things to think over for next October:

Maybe play Corregidor.

Enter a mini, or start a campaign!

Become the GROFAZ, for fortune and fame.

Even if it's raining, we'll be there playing

up on the hotels top floor.

Start looking over, your Red October

Look at the balance in ROAR.

ASLOK is over, 'til next October

Bendis is the new Grofaz.

Second is Cummins, he played a great game.

They'll be back next year to throw down again.

No need explaining, no one's remaining

to play the game that we adore.

When ASLOK is over, you'll see slumped shoulders

Everybody's all gone home.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 286: The ASLer Deluxe

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 13:26:00 -0600

Scenario MD1 The Bridge at Ramelle and Scenario BFP-35 Mai Phu are discussed during our What Have You Been Playing Lately segment. The Ramelle scenario by Mike Drake was based on the film Saving Private Ryan. It is compared to another version in the Scenario Designer's Handbook by Michael Dorosch. Jeff discusses his Space Empires game.

In the Box is MMP's Deluxe Redux and a brief look at the previous deluxe products. What a blast from the past. And we top all this ASL goodness off with a light dose of letters.

SHOWTIMES

0:01 Song The ASLer

2:01 Chit Chat and Sad News.

10:50 What We Have Been Playing Lately

24:45 What's in the Box?

39:45 Letters

57:20 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Order Deluxe Redux at a great price here at Ritter Krieg

Get Operation Neptune here a Bounding Fire Productions

Saving Private Ryan Scenario by Mark Drake

The ASLer (sung to the tune of The Moonshiner)

Lyrics by Christopher Dawson 2011

I've been an ASLer since all the way back.

I've spent all me money on modules and packs.

I'll go to the game den and set up the boards.

And will play then until our dear wives do complain.

I'll win some, I'll lose some, I've spent my cash wad.

And if you don't like me flame me on Game Squad.

I'll play when I'm hungry but I'll drink when I play.

If the snake eyes don't kill me, I'll play 'til I'm grey.

I'll go to some club meet in this here country.

Ten Plano's of counters, I'll go on a spree.

No women to follow, no children to whine.

Here's hoping my dear squads don't walk on a mine.

Oh ASL, Oh ASL, Oh how I love thee.

Even though you killed my 10-3.

Bless all ASLer's, help us avoid booby traps.

New counters smell sweet as the ink on the maps.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 285: Sure and Steady Steven Swann

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 2 Dec 2021 20:18:00 -0600

Steven C. Swann

There are a few ASLer's who consistently produce magnificent things for the Advanced Squad Leader community. One of the most prolific is the indomitable Steven C. Swann, who has written all of the "Reference Notes for ASL" articles about the Marines, Fiji troops, Japanese Airborne, commando units etc., that you may have read in the General, and the Annual, and the Journal. If you haven't read them, well then, perhaps you should check them out. Steve has also designed 500 scenarios, the majority of which have been published by revered ASL producers as Critical Hit, Heat of Battle, Avalon Hill, Le Franc Tireur, and of course, the superior, Bounding Fire Productions; and that is just to name a few.

After all of his years in the hobby he has taught us that sure and steady wins the race!

SHOWTIMES

0:01 No Chit Chat today. We get right to the good stuff.

0:02 Interview

1:10:40 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Debate on Best Swann Scenario

Steve Worked on Deluxe Pack from LFT

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreons and Bounding Fire Productions.

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Episode 284: Hit Me With Your Best Mod

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 18:10:00 -0600

Electronic rule book is in the box this time. Jeff gives an honest and interesting review of said product from MMP. Use the link below to order your copy now. The To Hit Modifiers are covered in detail as we continue our coverage of the rules.

Great stuff. So why don't you pull up a chair, put on your headphones, and have a listen?

SHOWTIMES

0:40 Banter

9:40 What's in the Box?

19:45 Rules

59:16 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Birthday Cards to Vet

The Story of the US Canadian Border Mix Up

ASL Electronic Rulebook

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreon supporters.

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Episode 283: Carl Captured: An Interview With Mr. Nogueira

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 6 Nov 2021 18:04:00 -0500

He's a man who needs no introduction. Carl Nogueira

of many different fames. Most notably, Carl is known for the wonderful tactical advice given in the Dispatches From the Bunker fanzine, and his work with the Nor'easter tournaments. Get the scoop here on the new third party company he will be starting soon. An amazing interview; if we do say so ourselves.

SHOWTIMES

0:40 Interview

56:28 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Dispatches From the Bunker

Carl's Hall of Fame Entry

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreon supporters.

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Episode 282: Jeeper's Creepers

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:09:00 -0500

It's a very scary show boys and girls.

Letters...What's in the Box?...Rules...what more could a person ask for? A better podcast? Yeah, we guess that's a legitimate request. But besides that, you can't ask for more than this episode brings you. It has everything AND it is also the Halloween Special (even though there isn't really anything special about it).

In the box we find Winter Offensive Bonus Pack #11, and it includes board 13a and 3 sceanrios. Our rule segment covers part 3 of the To Hit process; the to hit modifiers.

SHOWTIMES

0:30 Banter

10:00 Letters

18:40 What's in the Box

32:00 Rules

1:00:29 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

AC/DC Bagpipes

Jim Bishops Advice Blog

Ron Wilson's Future of Warfare and Game Theory Link

Face-To-Face Again sung to Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again”

Face-to-face again

I just can’t wait to play A.S.L. again

Have to shelter in place until who knows when

Yeah, I can’t wait to play face-to-face again

A.S.L. again

Goin’ to our club meets once again

Playin’ guys I thought I’d never see again

Yeah, I can’t wait to play face-to-face again

Face-to-face again

I’ll get back to playin’ every other Sunday

We’ll play Best of Friends**

I’m hoping that the world gets back to normal

But that day is

No one knows just when

I just can't wait to play A.S.L. again

But not until this COVID thing comes to an end

Then I’ll be playing face-to-face again

Face-to-face, again

Going with my buddies to all of the tourneys

As soon as COVID ends

Insisting that world keeps playin’ our way

And that way is

Face-to-face, with friends

I just can't wait to play A.S.L. again

But that won’t be ‘til quarantine comes to an end

Yeah I can’t wait to play face-to-face again.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreon supporters.

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Episode 281: Action Jackson Kwan

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:01:00 -0500

One of the better blogs out there is created by Jackson Kwan. You have heard his voice here when he has called into the show to advertise various Advanced Squad Leader tournaments in Asia. He is very active on Twitter and is a great source to find out what the latest plans are in ASL game production. We are sure you will enjoy this look at the ASL scene in the Pacific. We had a very good time conversing with Jack.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Interview
1:00:29 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Hong Kong Wargamer Blog

Jim Bishops Advice Blog

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by our Patreon supporters.

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Episode 280: Bad Moon Rising

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:04:00 -0500

Are you as excited as we are to see the return of In The News in this very episode? Most likely you're
not, however there is a whole batch of new ASL product coming out, and tournaments being planned, and THAT IS some exciting stuff.

There are two new products here in the "digital box". Issue #113 of View From the Trenches, thanks to the indomitable and highly productive Pete Phillipps. And issue #1 Break Contact! Both of these marvelous Advanced Squad Leader fanzines are free. That's right...FREE.

Dave and Jeff also take some time to discuss their VASL game of AP87 Empire's Fall, and Dave K and Dave T's game of VotG7 Storming the Station. These photos will help our podcast listeners (as opposed to Youtube viewers) to follow along.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Bad Moon Rising
3:08 Banter

11:10 In the News
22:30 Contest Winner Announced

24:00 What's in the Box?
44:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?

58:18 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

ASL October Fest

FrF48 Bad Moon Rising on Archive

View from the Trenches #113

Break Contact Issue #1

Hatten Rubble from Ritter Krieg

Bounding First Fire 2021

Bad Moon Rising

Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

Performed by: The 2 Half-Squad Singers

I'm playing Bad Moon Rising

Friendly Fire 48

There are Russkies and Germans fighting

Throwing down in the Ukraine

Don't expect daylight, it takes place at night.

Turns in Bad Moon: 6.5

I see toe-may-toes a growing.

I know Russkies are coming soon.

Guarding the Kolkhoz is tough going.

They will attack the village soon.

Scattered clouds at night,

NVR is 3 - that's right.

There's a full moon on the rise.

Russkies snuck across the Dnieper

Yup, they are quite prepared to die.

The Russkies are all hell bent for leather.

Germans are in for a hard time.

ASL that's right, it's a huge part of our lives.

We're playing Bad Moon on the Rise

Can't go out tonight, sorry darling wife.

We're playing Bad Moon on the Rise

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritter Krieg and our Patreon supporters.

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Episode 279: VASL is Broken

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 1 Sep 2021 18:18:00 -0500

Another great opening song on this episode; VASL is Broken. The lyrics can be found at the bottom of this post. In this show we discuss Dave's recent tour of Gettysburg and Antietam with guide Mike Ryzy. The photo on the right is of Dave presenting Memorial Art Review to the tour members. The photo below is of the Spilky Men, Dave's wife Laura, Mike Lembke, and our intrepid and knowledgeable guide Mike Ryzy.

Rich Spilky has donated a copy of Rally Point ASL Starter Kit scenario pack for you to win as a prize! Simply listen to the show, follow the instructions by September 15th, 2021 to be entered in the contest to win said prize.

In the box is the wonderful Full Rulebook ASL 2020 Scenario Pack It's a beauty of a pack! Do you maggots understand that? It's the Jungian thing, Sir!

There are always rules to learn, so we are going to tackle part two of the "To Hit" Rules.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 VASL is Broken
3:08 Banter
16:00 Contest Announced
27:50 What's in the Box?
30:00 Rules
102:43 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

None today.

VASL ls Broken

Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

Performed by: Corporal Punishment

My dice roll average is 10.7

900 times those dice did I those cast.

Got 90 boxcars and zero snake eyes.

Random.org is random, my %$#!

What are the real odds of someone rolling,

five 12's in a row? Here are the stats.

1 in 6 million if I rolled like that.

In a casino they'd beat me with bats!

VASL is broken, like an old Yugo

Dice Bot is kaput, what do we do?

It's like a Sasquatch only I've seen it.

But we all deep down know that it's true.

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Episode 278: Good Evening Starshells

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 23:47:00 -0500

We hope you enjoyed the lovely opening song on this episode; Good Evening Starshells. The lyrics can be found at the bottom of this post. Are there letters? yes, there are.

There is a song by Men at Work called Down Under and it left quite an impression on us North Americans. Perhaps that song's influence led to the title of the newest offering from MMP. It is Action Pack #16 From the Land Down Under.

There are always rules to learn, so we are going to tackle part one of the "To Hit" Rules.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Song Good Evening Starshells
3:45 Banter
11:40 Letters
27:50 What's in the Box?
35:00 Rules
104:35 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Action Pack #16: From the Land Down Under

Alpenfestung

Good Evening Starshells

Concept: Chris Gammon

Lyrics: Chris Gammon and Dennis Donovan

Performed by: The 2 Half-Squads Singers

Good evening starshells

Stalingrad says hello, You twinkle above us, We need light below.

Good evening starshells

This night will be long, You are so illuminating, What could possilbly go wrong?

SMC or an, Armor Leader need to roll, a 4 or less you know.

CE AFV Crew, or an MMC, need a 2 or less, yo.

Think those IR mortars, they'll do a good jobba

Slinging starshells all night long.

Good evening starshells

There's no moon in the skies. The NVR's one tonight, where's all those bad guys?

SMC or an, Armor Leader need to roll, a 4 or less you know.

The SMC's told us, fire some and make sure you roll really low, low.

Think those IR mortars, they'll do a good jobba

Slinging starshells all night long.

Can you hear me praying for a, a star shell, What could go wrong?

All night long, shell thing, shell, shell, shell, slinging, sling, fling, shoot a shell.

Yeah we can sling fling, sling, some sling a shell. Fling, sling, some, fire off, something.

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Episode 277: Pentland's Palette

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 1 Aug 2021 22:19:00 -0500

Box Art Review Extravaganza. Yes, it is an interview with THE David Pentland of Advanced Squad Leader (and many other companies) box art fame. Get the inside scoop on the techniques and tactics of a premier Military Artist, right here on this podcast!

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter? No there is not!
1:01 Interviews! Yes, there is much.
58:05 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Pentland's Facebook Fine Art Site
Pentland's Facebook Military Site

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Episode 276: Steelworks and Wrecks

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 15:08:00 -0500

Thanks to listener Nelson Isada we received The Steelworks for review, and for keeps. Yipee Yahoo! Listen to our rules section to see what you know, don't know (or perhaps have forgotten), about vehicle wrecks in the greatest game in the world; Advanced Squad Leader.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banterino
11:06 Contest Winners (Pod and Twit)

21:00 What's in the Box?

41:00 Rules (Wrecks)

?00:42 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Steelworks at Ritter Krieg
Steelworks at a Foreign Game Site

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritter Krieg and our Patreons. Theme song by Derek Miller

Nate is the big winner! Special thanks to
Bill Cauble for donating the prizes.

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Episode 275: DC Dynamos

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 2 Jul 2021 00:02:00 -0500

Episode 275? Wow! Where did the time go? We couldn't think of any better guests to bring on to such a momentous show than these two distinguished gents from the DC Conscripts; Andy Goldin and John Gorkowski. It's a rollicking and rolling interview about all things ASL but especially about the East Coast gaming scene. Enjoy.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter? No there is not!
1:01 Interviews!
1:00:42 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
DC Conscripts Website
Red Banner and Script's Newsletters
Human Wave Tournaments

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Episode 274: Brevity Biazza Booyah!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:38:00 -0500

Early version of Map

We'd like to make a confession.... we incorrectly named the Bravo Biazza show.
We meant to call it the Bravo Brevity show. So, while both shows are about two of the great new games from Advancing Fire, this show covers Brevity Assault. This system uses some colored lines to delineate the levels on the map. Fantastic touch! Dave gives a run down of the scenarios contained therein. Join us!

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
6:30 Letters

10:48 Contest Announced
32:11 What's in the Box? Biazza Ridge
1:05:52 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Historic KC Fest

Articles on ASL on Webdex

Zombie Pak 1

Broken Ground Design ZOMBIE COUNTERS

New Romero Zombie Book

Tales of the Zombie

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 273: You Bet Paul Works!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 1 Jun 2021 12:46:00 -0500

Paul Works

Paul Works is a contributor to the Advanced Squad Leader Hobby who has been doing so for a long time. He helped get the Kansas City March Madness Tournament going when Mike Reed (Episode 267) had to stop. Paul has a long and storied involvement with wargames and ASL in particular. He also works with the Navy and gets to play wargames there too. What a job! What an ASL contributor!

It's another great interview that you will not want to miss.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter (Hamburger Hill Film and Atlantic Crossing)
11:20 Contest Winner Announced

17:15 Interview with Paul

1:05:28 Total Running Time

Paul and friends at March Madness

SHOW LINKS

The Three Player Pack from ASL Kansas

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 272: Bravo Biazza!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 12 May 2021 23:19:00 -0500

This show opens with some lovely letters and then an in depth look at Biazza Ridge from Advancing Fire. Our very special guest Mike Ryzy helps us to give a run down of how this new mini campaign works. It is more of a group of connected and related scenarios that can be traced on a large operational map. This fantastic new offering is sadly, sold out, at this point in time. You can still get the 2nd game from Advancing Fire; Brevity Assault, from their website and other retail outlets. We will provide a look at that game a few shows from now. Look for it soon.

Don't forget you can contact...
Mr. Carl Nogueira
7 Green Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
for the NorEaster Packs (PDF only) under the Yankee ASL Label.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
8:30 Letters

27:15 What's in the Box?

58:37 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Advancing Fire (a new ASL producer from Italy)

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 271: Editor Extraordinaire: Klas Malmstrom

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 2 May 2021 21:43:00 -0500

Klas Malmstrom: ASL Editer, Friendly Fire Playtester

Two back to back amazing interviews. Wow! (If we do say so ourselves).

Have you ever wondered how SSR's are written so that they have some consistancy? Have you ever wondered if Advanced Squad Leader games could have been even more complex than they already are? Well, the answers to these fascinating questions can be found right here in our interview with the amazing Klas Malmstrom.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Too Much Banter?
14:14 Interview with Klas

1:03:16 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Klas' Victory

Klas' ASL Website

Episode 270: Marvelous Mike Puccio

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0500

You may recognize the name of Michael J. Puccio from an article on Paratroopers or one called "A Cavalry Primer for Neighsayers" published in ASL Annual 97. Or you may recognize it from one of the dozen or so scenarios he has designed for Critical Hit, Dispatches From the Bunker, Yankee ASL, or ASL Scenario 203: Hard Rok from Forgotten War; Korea. Even if you have not heard of Mike, perhaps because you are a Starter Kit player, or you are a random hit on this site, you still will very well enjoy having a listen. Check out the "Pooch" right here and right now.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 No Banter
1:30 Interview with Mike Puccio

1:06:40 Total Running Time

Episode 269: Personal Morale Check

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 1 Apr 2021 16:14:00 -0500

Advanced Squad Leader. What a game. What a bunch of rules. We help you keep it all straight with a look at rule 10, Morale and a brief admiration of Carl Nogueira's look at Heroes from a past issue of The Bunker. In the box this week is Nor'Easter Pack II from Yankee ASL and printed by Le Franc Tireur. Dave presents a breakdown of the first half of the scenarios. He has some fluidity issues with his new HP computer running video programs and the sound is a bit staticky/garbled at times. Apologies.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
5:30 Rules

30:15 What's in the Box?

1:06:30 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Nor'Easter Pack II at Ritter Krieg

Dispatches From the Bunker

Episode 268: It's All About the Hats

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:01:00 -0500

There's a lot in this grab bag of a show that celebrates the coming of spring and the wide variety of
Advanced Squad Leader products out there to enjoy. We also cover a great variety of topics that you sent in to our mailbox here in the Broadcast Foxhole. In the box is Roma 2020 from Multiman Publishing. designer of many scenarios in the early March Madness packs. Enjoy this blast from the past! What we have been playing lately is BFP27 Chopei Chopblock from Blood and Jungle and HS13 The Ravine from Operation Watchtower.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
10:00 Letters

22:15 What's in the Box?

39:30 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
1:08:03 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Rangers of Shadow Deep

Order ROMA 2020 Here

ASL Italia

ASL Italy on Facebook

La Federazione Italiana Wargame
Get Your Electronic Rulebook Here

Episode 267: Indeed, It's Mike Reed of KE

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 2 Mar 2021 15:23:00 -0600

What a blast from the past, and a glimpse at the future. An interview with the marvelous Mike Reed of Kinetic Energy fame. Have a listen as Mike provides us with a look at the history of the Advanced Squad Leader world of Kinetic Energy Productions run by Mark Neukom and John Knowles. He also discusses the early version of the Korean War module that he worked extensively on but it never saw the light of day due do the copyright crackdown of 1996. Mr. Reed explains some of the early logic behind the design decisions about the rules governing the Chinese in Korea, etc. Mike was one of the original managers of the March Madness Tournament and designer of many scenarios in the early March Madness packs. Enjoy this blast from the past!

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
13:00 Interview with Mike
1:08:03 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Mike Reed/KE Farewell Letter

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you.

The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts.

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Episode 266: Humble Grumble Jones

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 22:14:00 -0600

We love doing interview shows. Especially when you have a guest like Scott Mullins who has a
long and rich history with the gaming industry and

Advanced Squad Leader in particular. He has several blogs and insights on many things ASL. It is a fascinating interview and we are sure you will enjoy it.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
13:00 Interview with Scott Mullins

1:08:03 Total Running Time

Dave's PTO inspired pillbox.

SHOW LINKS

Grumble Jones ASL Blog
Grumble's Outdoor Adventures

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Episode 265: Daisies and Chains

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 2 Feb 2021 23:53:00 -0600

We open the show with some in depth letters that cover a variety of ASL and WWII related topics, and therefore there are a lot of fascinating links included below. Pim's Photos of battlegrounds in Holland, articles on Market Garden, Dien Bien Phu game review and our first look at Retro. Thanks to the listeners for the content in the letters department.

SHOWTIMES
0:02 Song Daisy Chains

2:45 Chit Chat
13:00 Daisy Chain rules.
17:40 What's in the Box?
38:00 Shout Out Winner Announced
41:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
1:13:55 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Scenarios with Daisy Chain

Pim's Photos

All of our photo albums - Pims too

Hells Highway Article– 101st Market Garden Battles S of Veghel

Retro Tactical WWII Variant Rules

Retro Review on Desperation Morale

Dien Bien Phu Review by D. Windham

Rally Phase Records Presents!

Daisy Chains

Concept: The Two Half-Squads

Lyrics and Vocals: Dennis Donovan

Mixing: K.O. Studios

Daisy Chains - just read the rules about Daisy Chains

B 28.531 explains about Daisy Chains

AT Mines are watcha need to make up a buncha

Daisy Chains, can only use them when an SSR's in place

Save for the Japanese, (they can do what they please), when it comes to Daisy Chains.

Daisy Chains, you place them in the pre-game set up phase

And you can set them during, a friendly fire phase

or you can do it in the enemy's movement, yes the movement phase!

Can place them when an AFV enters your hex

They are support weapons, they have PP of one, for every AT Mine factor

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 264: Crocs and Cows

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:45:00 -0600

We got a lot of great stuff for Christmas including the fascinating New England Volunteers Post Card
#1. Now that's a great way to send holiday greetings. In the box is the ASL March Madness Players Pack from our firends at Kansas City ASL. We take a look at some of the great sceanrios included therein. We have been playing the scenarios from Operation Watchtower and have a discussion of the first three turns of HS11 The Sand Spit here on the show. It's a night game. Neat-o. We are still learning how to do a video show and edit it into a quality audio podcast, so please be patient with us. Feel free to send us some constructive advice and kindly give some ideas for improvement. The show links include some pictures from Listener Pim, and an article on the 101st on Hells Highway. There was not enough time to cover them in this episode, so we will cover them in the next show and leave the links in here so you can have a preview now.

SHOWTIMES
0:02 Song OBA

2:45 Banter
13:00 New England Volunteers Post Card #1
17:40 What's in the Box?
38:00 Shout Out Winner Announced
41:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
1:13:55 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Pim's Photos

Hells Highway Article– 101st Market Garden Battles S of Veghel

March Madness: The Players Pack

Croc Rams Kayak

OBA

Lyrics by Dennis Donovan

Performed by The 2 Half-Squads Singers

Yesterday, read all about OBA, Gonna use it in my game today, can't wait to use some OBA

Artillery, it's way harder than it needs to be, there's confusion reigning over me, yeah OBA is not easy

Use the radio to contact the battery. If things don't go wrong, place AR, roll accuracy.

OBA: Replace the AR with a spotting round, roll for drift to see where it hits the ground, I believe the round will stray.

Where'd the SR go? Off the board by hexrow J. I think now it's gone. How I long for OBA.

ASL, it's such an easy game to play, until you try to use the OBA. Oh, I'm so done with OBA!

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 263: OBA Analysis With Rich

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 6 Jan 2021 20:38:00 -0600

Rich Spilky joins us in the Broadcast Foxhole. He presents his analysis in the fine tradition of Bob Medrow's mathematical analysis of various aspects of the game we love, Advanced Squad Leader, that appeared in the old General Magazine from Avalon Hill. Special shout out to Chris Edwards for his work on the OBA analysis charts.

We have a contest ending January 15th. You need to call in using the button on the right side of the web page and give a "Shout Out" to a cool alser that you know and would like to recognize in public. Then you will be entered into the contest and we will draw the winner on January 16th. You can win a copy of A Decade of War, donated to us from fellow gamer Mark Woods.

Updates on our VASL and other gaming experiences are also shared for your listening enjoyment, as well as a look at Broken Ground Design's Mythical Mighty Maus Mouse Bundle.

SHOW TIMES

1:00 Banter
6:15 Contest Winner Announced and Some Call Ins
12:30 What Have You Been Playin' Lately?
24:20 What's in the Box? And What We Got For Christmas.
31:00 OBA Analysis
1:04:03 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Maus Mouse From Broken Ground

Roman Street Vendor

Don't forget that you can watch this episode on our Youtube channel.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design , and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Episode 262: LC Not Elsie

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:37:00 -0600

Hope you enjoy the wonderful opening song by with lyrics by Chris Gammon and sung by The 2 Half Squads Singers. The lyrics are printed below. Some great ASLer's chime in like Alan Hume and Scott Mullins through the magic of voicemail. And that gave us the idea for our next contest.

We finish out the show with part one of an in depth look at the Landing Craft Rules from chapter G.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
2:00 Greetings and Chit Chat
19:00 Contest Announced
24:00 The Rules
1:13:58 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Spilky Tarawa Charts

Where Half Squads Dare Trailer

Where Half Squads Dare Play Through

O' Gammon Bomb

Concept and Lyrics by Chris Gammon

Performed by The 2 Half Squad Singers

Oh Gammon Bomb, Oh Gammon Bomb,

An SSR doth grant me.

Your like an ATMM thing

Just tossing one, pulls the ring.

Oh Gammon Bomb, Oh Gammon Bomb,

Your minus three enthralls me,

A low die roll is what it takes

Please no misses or PIN mistakes.

Oh Gammon Bomb, Oh Gammon Bomb,

Make toasty flame come easy.

Oh Gammon Bomb, Oh Gammon Bomb,

I need five more CVP

My opponnent did it again

He overan my best men.

Oh Gammon Bomb, Oh Gammon Bomb,

Let my revenge come swiftly.

Don't forget that you can watch this episode on our Youtube channel.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design , Kansas City ASL and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 261: NOVA? No. NOBA!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 1 Dec 2020 12:42:00 -0600

Welcome to a very fun show. Well, at least we had fun recording it. The letters we recieve provide us with some entertainnig ASL topics for discussion. It's always good to hear from you all. What we've been playin' lately is a lot of ASL. Check out our Twitter feed for the full updates. In this episode we discuss HS31 Protesting the Speculative from Multi-man Publishing's Operation Veritable. Have you mastered Naval Off-Board Artillery (hereafter referred to as NOBA)? If not then listen to "The Rules" segment right here.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
10:25 Long Awaited Letters
36:00 What Have You Been Playin' Lately?
49:59 The Rules
1:10:02 Contest Announced
1:13:58 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

All The Boards

Don't forget that you can watch this episode on our Youtube channel.

Episode 260: Heard of Elk

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:42:00 -0600

Dave recounts his vacation to The Great Smoky Mountains, The Shawnee National Forest and Belmont University during the intro talk, while Jeff recounts his recent Sword of Rome game. In the Box is the Starter Kit Expansion Pack #2. This expansion includes the new Chinese, some new Japanese, and the first overlays for SK Advanced Squad Leader players. Two boards, eight scenarios, and some new weapons make it an interesting addition indeed. What we have been playin' lately is HS10 Chesty's Turn from MMP's Operation Watchtower (we apologize for forgetting we are recording for an audio podcast and not referring to hex numbers enough). We finish up with another look in the box at Swedish Volunteers original and Mult-man Publishing versions.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
12:12 What's in the Box?
29:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
45:00 Contest Announced - Entries Due Dec 1st.
46:00 What's More in the Box?
1:10:02 Total Running Time

Don't forget that you can actually watch the show, and not just hear it, on our Youtube channel.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 259: Stupendous Stew

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 1 Nov 2020 21:32:00 -0600

We welcome Stephen Stewart of VASLING with Stew fame. Stephen provides a fascinating listen as he discusses the variety of videos that he produces. They are legion, they are good, and you should check them out on his Youtube channel.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
3:45 Interview
49:21 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Stew's Replay

VASLing With Stew #1

Don't forget that you can watch this episode on our Youtube channel.

Episode 258: French Art and Partisans

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 15:19:00 -0500

Here is a fun little show. In the box is the March Madness Hollis Pack, - Partisans from the gents in Kansas City. It's a great scenario pack with a historical board included. Wow! We did not know what we were missing when we missed out on all the March Madness Packs. We always heard great things about them. There is a lot of Advanced Squad Leader product here and we hold a drawing from our Patreon supporters to see who will be the lucky winner of said products.

We have had many requests for a return to Box Art Review....and so we do. Break out your Croix de Guerre cover art by Ken Smith, relax and enjoy!

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
12:00 What's in the Box?
33:00 Contest
36:00 Box Art Review
46:02 Total Running Time

Dave's 20mm Parrtisans.

Dave's 15mm Parrtisans for ASL.

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 257: My Deer Friend

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 6 Oct 2020 13:31:00 -0500

If you haven't gotten the new Rat Pack Charts from Le Franc Tireur, have a listen to our detailed look at them and see if you don't think you need them after all. We have a good time discussing the scenarios we have played lately, HS4 High Water Mark from Operation Watchtower. Dave and Jeff played that one. We also cover scenario HS27 Lawless Ways from Operation Veritable. Dave got a game in with his som Adam, scenario OB3 Brasche Encounter. By playing these games we realized that you get a whole lot of bang for your buck with Advanced Squad Leader games (especially the Bounding Fire Productions products). We bought them a while ago and are only now finishing them off. If you play them twice you can have twice as much fun. Why not three times?

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
12:00 Rat Pack Charts Version 3
33:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?

1:00:00 Give Away Items Announced
1:03:10 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
HS4 High Water Mark
HS27 Lawless Ways
OB3 Brasche Enounter

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 256: Goldman's Gold

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 22:55:00 -0500

Todays show covers the terrain gems from Onslaught to Orsha II. That includes slopes, culverts, cupolas and a little bit more. We do apologize for the poor audio quality. Covid is taking it's tech toll.

We follow that up with an in depth report from David Goldman about the ASL Open's first fully remote tournament played on VASL.There is a lot of valuable information in this interview. It's golden. You can learn about the in's and out's of such an endevour. Did you know that players still have conflicts regarding available time when they play digitally, even though the schedule is expanded? Did you know that some players don't play on VASL? What Rubes! We've been playin' on VASL since way back in....since....well...oh wait, yeah...nevermind. We wouldn't want to call any newcomers names. How rude would that be?

SHOW TIMES

:30 Chit Chat

9:00 Terrain Time

31:35 Goldman ASL Open Interview

1:12:21 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 255: Dinant in the Box

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 6 Sep 2020 19:31:00 -0500

Finally, we break open that box containing Croix de Guerre and Dinant and revel in the wonderful Advanced Squad Leader counters, maps and more. Dan Dolan must be proud. This game even has some NEW French counters, The Vichy French and Free French. We finish with a discussion of virtual gaming and the St. Louis Tournament with Jim Burris.

SHOW LINKS
Ritterkrieg's Croix de Guerre at the Right Price!
Early Discussion of Dinant on Game Squad

SHOW TIMES
00:02 Banter
8:00 What's in the Box?
34:00 Jim Burris Interview
1:02:53 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design, and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Episode 254: Beanies Galore!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 17:55:00 -0500

Storms in Chicago, disaster strikes, cars stuck on lifts in garages without power, gaming table order attempt disasters on Kickstarter; these are just a few of the topics in Chit Chat. In the Box are both, the new Ritterkrieg Counter Stackers, and the rest of Onslaught to Orsha II (the parts that we didn't get to in our previous episodes). Add in a look at Scenario HS2: War Without Quarter from Operation Watchtower, and you have yourself a nice little show mostly about Advanced Squad Leader!

DON'T FORGET TO WATCH THE EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

HS2: War Without Quarter from Operation Watchtower

SHOW LINKS
Ritterkrieg's Stack Guards
Slopes Play Aid
Onslaught to Orsha II

SHOW TIMES
00:02 Can I Go Back?
2:00 Chit Chat
16:00 Mysterious Benefactor and Call In.
23:00 What's in the Box?
48:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
1:06:04 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design, and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Episode 253: Chas' Job

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:31:00 -0500

This episode is a whole lotta letters covering a ton of ASL, VASL and T2HS topics. Our listeners bring their ideas, opinions, curses, praises, corrections, tech issues, playing suggestions, and much more to our doorstep this show.

DON'T FORGET TO WATCH THE EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

SHOW LINKS
ASL Players Map
Adam Lunney on WW2TV

SHOW TIMES
00:02 Chas's Job (song)
4:00 Lot's O' Letters
31:00 Free Sniper Counter Offer from Broken Ground Design
1:00:50 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design, and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Chas’ Job (Sung to the Tune of Jessie' Girl)

Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

Performed by: The 2 Half-Squad Singers.

Chas he is this guy,
Yeah, I knows he plays a favorite game of mine
And he works for a company that’s always on my mind
Chas has got himself a job and I want to make it mine

'Cuz he gets free stuff all the time
And he gets paid to go to ASLOCK, I just know it
Yeah ‘n’ he’s designing stuff with the guys,
Late, late at night

You know, I wish that I had Chas’ job!
I wish that I had Chas’ job!
Where can I find employment like that?

Yes, ya know he has it made
He makes 600K a year, plus some change
You know, I feel so jealous ‘cuz his job’s A-S-L, dude
And he gets to go on Gamesquad forums and answer questions, too

‘Cause he’s playtesting with the guys
And he’s workin’ in the game industry, don’t ya know it
And he’s taking it by storm
You got that right

You know, I wish that I had Chas’ job
I wish that I had Chas’ job
Where can I find employment like that?
Like Chas’ job

I wish that I had Chas’ job
Where can I find employment
Where can I find employment like that?

And I’m lookin’ on his website all the time
Wondering why he won’t hire me
Ask my buddies, I’ve tried since ‘09
Guess I should re-submit my resume

Tell me, where can I find employment like that?
You know, I wish that I had Chas’ job
I wish that I had Chas’ job
I want Chas’ job

Where can I find employment like that
Like Chas’ job
I wish that I had Chas’ job
I want, I want Chas’ job

Hääkaa Päälle!

Episode 252: Too Much Good Stuff, You Hexy Thing!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 1 Aug 2020 10:12:00 -0500

It was such a pleasure to talk with Michael Koch in our second episode on the ASL scene in Germany. The discussion covers WWII sites to see in Germany when you attend the Grenadier Tournament, the history of ASL, and the wonderful fact that there is just too much good Advanced Squad Leader stuff being published today. What a problem to have! Michael also gives us a detailed look at what it takes to run a tournament and chats about his love for the Hatten in Flames campaign game. And so much more.

DON'T FORGET TO WATCH THE EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

SHOW LINKS

The Grenadier Tournament

SHOW TIMES

00:02 You Hexy Thing (Armoured Fighting Vehicles)

4:00 Interview with Michael Koch

Total Running Time

'You Hex-y Thing' (Armoured Fighting Vehicles)

Lyrics by Clinton Paine, Performed by The 2 Half-Squad Singers

Armoured fighting vehicles

Wend along this hex-y thing

My armoured fighting vehicles

Could be moving wrong on this hex-y thing

With my first armoured OB

Move crew exposed down the open road

Roll for ESB, I need this speed so badly

My MMCs approach defending infantry

In PFPh I was shooting at some people

Now they're firing back at me on the IFT

But my armoured fighting vehicles

Overrun the hex they're in

And my armoured fighting vehicles

Keep rolling on, on this hex-y thing

Where did you come from AT shell?

How did you know where to conceal those guns?

Did you know this game is everything I play for?

Learn the rules, every night and day for?

Then today I play my first combined-arms action

Now you're firing next to me, giving it to me

My armoured fighting vehicles

Have nowhere to run on this hex-y thing

My armoured fighting vehicles’

PRCs long for their next of kin

Oh! Curse you, you hex-y thing

Point blank fire from the hex you're in

There's no way you can miss my side armour, these flanks are thin

Oh! It's snake eyes, this hexing thing

Yesterday I mortar bombed those lonely people

Now your rate of fire sprees serve it back to me

My armoured fighting vehicles

Are all STUNNED or wrecks burning

My armoured fighting vehicles

Face side down or exiting

Oh, pinch me

Stop retreating!

Forget about those VCs, greenhorn

Oh, I concede!

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Episode 251: OTO Charts Away!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 19:16:00 -0500

Rich returns to the Remote Broadcast Foxhole and has a serious conversation with Jeff about the state of some young Americans' lack of historical knowledge. They also discuss Churchill's books on WW II. The meat of the show is a look at Rich's involvement with the development of Onslaught to Orsha II by Bounding Fire Productions. You get a chance to hear the designer of the new charts included therein discuss said charts. And we take a look in the box at a few more of the game's components.

We are now posting our episodes (with more visuals) on Our YouTube Channel. The video version of this episode can be found here.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
13:00 What's in the Box?
1:08:46 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Episode 250: Last Bid vs. Men of Steel

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sat, 4 Jul 2020 23:20:00 -0500

What better way to start episode #150 than with the witty lyrics of a new song by Dennis Donovan. Then the studious Rich Spilky joins us and presents his amazing analysis of both, RB5: The Last Bid, and RO5: Men of Steel from Red October. Advanced Squad Leader at its finest.

Does your love of our soothing voices leave you longing for a look at our handsome faces? Well... have we got the show for you! We are now going to attempt to post the episodes (with more visuals) on Our YouTube Channel. The video version of this episode can be found here.

In the What We've Played Lately segment Dave gives an after action report. He and Dave T have been playing scenario HS32: A Few Rounds More, from Multi-Man Publishing's Operation Veritable. They played it on VASL.
Go Them!\

SHOWTIMES
0:02 Song "Under a Stun"
4:00 Banter
13:00 Analysis of The Last Bid and Men of Steel
45:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
55::09 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Wu Wei's write up of his game of HS32 on Boardgame Geek
Rich's Article is in this issue of Banzai 24.1

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you.

Under A Stun
Concept & Lyrics: Dennis Donovan
Editing: Chris Gammon and Dave Wallick
Vocals: The 2 Half-Squads Singers

Under a stun
The crew, whose hatch wasn’t down
Under a stun
The crew who was hit by a sniper’s round
Read Chapter D!
For differences ‘tween Shock and Stun
Woe is me, the crew got stung
They’re under a stun

Under a stun
The half-track crew, who had a bad day
Under a stun
The crew who can’t just drive away
Blew their MC
Sad it is
They’re buttoned up ‘till next Movement Phase
Seems to me
For now they’re done
They’re under a stun

Under a stun
It’s a tank.. hit .by falling rubble
Under a stun
MG TK, number, equals TK Roll
So please tell me,
I know they’re stunned, are they broken too?
Buttoned up, having no fun
They’re under a stun
It seems to me, ….oh yeah
They’ll be back up in a turn or two
Stun is flipped, when CC’s done
they’re under +1 (plus one)

Under a STUN
Those guys suffered a ‘K’ result
Under a STUN, well
This turn, they can do nothin’ else
Sniper got me, d’oh! Commander’s dead!
They’re buttoned up
and they’re recalled too
They exit,
change has come

They’re under a STUN

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Episode 249: All ASL, Except For the Parts That Aren't

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:51:00 -0500

Mike Ryzy joins us once again in the broadcast remote foxhole. The NEW Rules segment theme song makes its debut, thanks to Aaron Kleinschmidt and The Two-Half Squad Singers.
Can a machine gun kill a lightly armored vehicle? Find out right here and right now. Then break out your cover of Onslaught to Orsha 2 for the return of Box Art Review.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
14:00 Rules!
51:00 Box Art Review

1:01:55 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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ASL Extra 26: Broich Bash

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 8 Jun 2020 22:46:00 -0500

Wow, it's been a long time since we put up an ASL Extra for your enjoyment. This one was recorded last year. Dave Timonen faces off against Chris Walters, who is playing his first game in many years. It's amazing how the rules and tactics come back to him so quickly. Advanced Squad Leader is like learning to ride a bicycle, once you learn you never forget how to do it. Dave and Chris are playing Broich Bash, which was originally published in the old In Contact Newsletter. Then released in an ASL Annual as, A69 (ROAR US 102/German 114). It was then re-republished as Scenario 200 in YANKS! 2nd Edition (ROAR US 9/German 14). Set up your boards and play along with us. Or use VASL.

SHOW LINKS
Broich Bash on ASL Archive

The German set up is in the upper left hand corner and the turn numbers for the rest of the photos are uncertain for labeling purposes, but you will easily be able to follow along as you listen. Hear a few tips, and grab some tactical advice as you join us for Broich Bash.

Music provided by agreement with Erdenstern

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you.

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Episode 248: Patio or Porch?

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 2 Jun 2020 13:32:00 -0500

Mike Ryzy joins us once again as we banter about the film Gettysburg and more. We are always thrilled with the quality of the letters that our listeners send, and the ones we read on this episode, are no exception. VASL tips abound within them. We have quite a few scenarios that we have played lately. All of them on VASL of course. Take a listen as Mike explains the "connected scenario" scoring system that we are using in the Objective Schmidt series of games.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
11:00 Letters
41:00 Give Away Items Announced
44:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
1:13:55 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
ASL E-Open
VASL 101 Tutorials on Youtube
All Quiet on the Martian Front

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 247: Curse Skype, Love VASL

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Thu, 14 May 2020 18:16:00 -0500

Well, Skype seems to make Dave's voice sound like he is on a telephone. Which, we guess, he
technically is. In the box is Adam Lunney's wonderful book "We Together". Adam tells the untold story of the 451 and 453 Australian Squadrons in WWII. Give it a read.
We recount our playing of AP 118 Wise's War on VASL of course. And then we thought it would be fun to explore the controls on Virtual Advanced Squad Leader live on the air. We thought it would be fun but you may think otherwise after you have a listen.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
12:45 What's in the Box?
21:00 What We've Been Playing Lately!
30:00 VASL Explored
1:00:43 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 246: Back to the Family

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 8 May 2020 14:30:00 -0500

Here is a show produced entirely in the Kleinschmidt household. We cover a bunch of back logged letters, dating back to February. Shame on us for being so delinquent. But at least here they are now and they are read by our guests Aaron and Laura Kleinschmidt. Did we ever mention that "Operation Schmidt" should have been called "Operation Kleinschmidt"?

In the digital box is the newest issue of Banzai from the Texas ASL gang and it is full of the usual tactics, reviews, and great opinions that we have come to expect from them. Please pardon Dave's sniffles. We couldn't edit them all out.

SHOW TIMES
3:00 Letters
32:00 What's in the Box?
100:02 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 245: The German Scene with Kris

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Fri, 1 May 2020 00:07:00 -0500

The promised show about ASL in Germany is here. We have a few letters then we jump right in with the delightful and knowledgeable Kris Koch, joining us in the broadcast (remote) foxhole for a great interview. Special guest Mike Ryzy returns to help us along. Enjoy!

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Brief Chat
3:00 Letters
25:30 Interview with Kris
1:02:38 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Conscripts Tourney in Germany
Grenadier Tourney in Germany

The Amazing Elevated Game Board

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 244: Here we go a Vasling!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:20:00 -0500

Hey, really short write up for this show. It truly is, almost, well practically, 100% or so, dedicated to the Greatest Game in the World, Advanced Squad Leader. We have our knowledgeable, loyal and true friend, Mike Ryzy on hand to help us explain our rookie foray into Virtual Advanced Squad Leader, otherwise known as VASL. Did you win the British counters from Broken Ground Design? Listen and see.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter Then on With the Show
50:00 The Brentrance Drawing
1:00:45 Total Running Time

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 243: Chia Head

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 1 Apr 2020 12:59:00 -0500

Lock down continues. The Skype recording is a little sketchy on Dave's end but acceptable. In the time since we recorded this show the ASL Open has been canceled as have most of our tournaments. The Texas ASL tourney is still on as of now. It is not scheduled to happen for several months yet, so we can hope this scourge on humanity will pass by then. Take a look with us at the most excellent New England Volunteers Pack as well as an interesting gift from Dennis. Subsequent First Fire is the topic of our rules section today, and we are thrilled to be joined by a special quest for said segment.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
12:15 New England Volunteers Scenario Pack
33:00 Quiz Show: The Rules
56:14 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
New England Volunteers Play Pack 1
Get Your Bob Ross Chia Pet Here

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 242: RitterKrieg Live!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:57:00 -0500

The enthusiasm of Derek Ritter is contagious, and it makes for a wonderful interview, even though Jeff and Dave were not in the broadcast foxhole together, but rather worked remotley from home. That was a first. Skype seems to suffice as Derek calls in to tell us all about the gaming stuff happening in North Carolina area, the tournament there, and all the new products that have hit the ASL market lately. There is a lot to hear here so have a listen. Let Derek's fire get you fired up for some Advanced Squad Leader play during your Coronavirus lock down!

SHOW TIMES
1:01:16 Total Running Time

SHOW LINK
Derek's Youtube Channel

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 241: Konigsberg and Korea

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 1 Mar 2020 22:31:00 -0600

Learning often happens best by repetition, so why not give our past shows a listen while you wait for the latest one to drop?
Tolkien's Letters, 1917, and The Witcher are the core of the discussion in the 0% ASL part of the show.
Take a look, along with us, at the new game by Lone Canuck. It is The Battle of Konigsberg: The Bear's Revenge. Wow! The maps in this game are surely a step up from most of the maps you see produced for Advanced Squad Leader. We end the show with a discussion/after action report of our playing of Scenario 203: Hard ROK from MMP's Forgotten War.
Mike Ryzy, Dave Timonen, Dave K and Chris Walters discuss.

Don't forget to head on over to the ASL Open right here in Chicagoland. March 26-29, 2020.

Roll low and rally well, but not when you're playing us!

End of turn 3 maybe

End Game. Taking and crossing the bridge.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Chit Chat
16:00 What's in the Box?
38:00 Forgotten War After Action Report
1:05:43 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
The Battle of Konigsberg: The Bears Revenge
Nor' Easter Tourny 2020
Alpenfestung ASL in the Alps
ASL Open 2020

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you

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Episode 240: Game of the Rising Sun

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 00:36:00 -0600

Our banter this time includes a little bit about long range guns and such in WWI and buzz bombs in WWII. Some random thoughts on systems of government abound herein. If you are hoping to win the Broken Ground Design British counters, please note that your entry is due by March 15th. Listen closely to this episode for the specific instructions needed to get into the drawing. Jeff takes us on a walk through Spilky chart #11. We round out the hour with Dave K, Mike R, Dave T, and Chris W discussing their first impressions of their first Korean scenario in a round table type format. Roll low and rally well, but not when you're playing us!

SHOW TIMES
0:015 Game of the Rising Sun (lyrics and credits below)
14:00 Nor'Easter Announcement
16:00 New Communist Chinese Counters Reviewed
23:00 British Counter Giveaway Announcement
28:00 Machine Gun Rules
57:30 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
ASL Open Tournament
Nor' Easter Tourny 2020

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you!

Rally Phase Records is an independent subsidiary of The 2 Half-Squads. All opinions offered by them are purely their own.

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Rally Phase Records presents!!

"Game Of The Rising Sun"

To the tune of the Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun”

Concept: Dennis Donovan

Vocals: Stephen Stewart

Mixing: Stephen Stewart

There is an ASL module
It’s called the Rising Sun
And it’ll be out-of-print, for many long years
‘Least ‘til twenty thirty one

There was Code of Bushido
It covered the PTO thing
Then there was, for the Gung Ho! man
The Chinese and the Marines

Once the only thing ASLers need
To get PTO in one chunk
Is to go on ebay or check world-wide
And pay thousands of bucks

[Kazoo solo]

Oh mother of my children
For my birthday I want one
Spend your pay should you find one some day

Buy MMPs Rising Sun

Support MMP it’s just good form
I’ll give you a little hint
Purchase at the least seventeen copies
If it’s ever back in print

There is an ASL module
They call the Rising Sun
It's on the list of many ASL boys

And God I know I'm one

Episode 239: SFF, DFF, and TMI

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Sun, 2 Feb 2020 16:09:00 -0600

You may want to listen to our Banter in this show, we discuss our various medical problems so.....yeah....on second thought......maybe you won't want to....too much information.
If you came here for ASL all the time, you came to the mostly right place. The good news is that you can learn a lot about defensive fire in our rules segment. Listen along and see what you know about the rules, and what you can learn about the rules of the greatest game in the world, Advanced Squad Leader. Woof, Woof.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Our health stories and adventures.
17:00 Rules
57:30 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
ASL Open Tournament

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you!

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Episode 238: That's Amore!

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:52:00 -0600

Buon Giormo, O e la sera dove sei?

We are happy to bring you the tale of Jeff's Italian Trip. Sadly he could not meet up with the wonderful gentlemen from the new Italian game company Advancing Fire while he was there. We suggest you go to their site and pre-order Brevity Assault and Biazza Ridge. Our "Letters" segment provides a delizioso distraction from ordinary life by providing some Advanced Squad Leader talk.
Did you know that there are a ton of ezines published by the Texas ASL guys? The mag is called Banzai!!; and we review volume 24 issue 2 in this show. It has a great article that explains how to execute a Banzai charge using the Starter Kit rules. Enjoy and Caio!

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Jeff's Italian Adventures
18:15 Letters
39:0 What Have You Been Playing Lately
49:00 What's in the Box?
1:02:45 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
ASL Open Tournament
Banzai!! Volume 24 issue 2

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you!

Some real art for Box Art Review

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Episode 237: The Fight for Seoul on New Years Day

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Wed, 1 Jan 2020 10:18:00 -0600

Greetings Listeners,
Best wishes for the New Year from our broadcast to yours!
We want to thank you for all of your amazing support over the years. We owe so much to you all.
Listen and see if you have won the French Counters.The drawing happens now.

Dave Kand Dave T played Trap by Mishap SV12 from the Swedish Volunteers. There is an after action report in this show. Photos can be found on our Twitter feed. We also recount a Desperado miniatures game that we played as well as a game of Space Empires that Jeff played. We also tear into the latest box of ASL goodness called The Fight for Seoul.

Desperado Zombie Game

Get over to the new Italian ASL company and pre-order Brevity Assault and Biazza Ridge.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Auld Lang Syne and Chat
12:35 Drawing for French Counters
16:30 What Have You Been Playing Lately
28:00 What's in the Box?
52:10 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Advancing Fire Game Company
Le Franc Tireur Korea Game

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you!

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Episode 236: How to Defensive Fire During the Holidays Like a Pro

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 16:44:00 -0600

Dave editing at his local Photos dining place.

Greetings Cheery Holiday Listeners,
We believe you will forgive our slightly longer than usual banter, when you hear the heartfelt sharing that is included therein. Please remember to see your doctor. In our Rules segment we cover First Fire rules and marvel that it took us nearly eleven years to get to them. Learn all about First Fire in our usual kind of quiz show format. You get to see what you know as you try to guess the answers along with us. Review those FFMO and FFNAM modifiers while you listen.
Get over to the new Italian ASL company and pre-order Brevity Assault and Biazza Ridge.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
15:00 The Rules Rule
47:00 Letters
1:13:40 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Advancing Fire Game Company

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you!

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Episode 235: Dashing Dave Ramsey and the ASL Archive

the2halfsquads@gmail.com (The 2 Half-Squads) — Mon, 2 Dec 2019 10:20:00 -0600

Dave Ramsey ASLer and ASL Archive Manager

Dave Ramsey operates the fantastic Advanced Squad Leader website The ASL Archive. You kind find a trove of interesting ASL material here, publications, scenarios reviews, opponents wanted and even a source that tells you the average length of a scenario. The audio quality is a bit uneven and we apologize but you will learn of all the angles that you can get on a scenario in this interview with Dave.

SHOW TIMES
55:10 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Illuminating Rounds on Youtube
Barkmann's Corner Early Animation

The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Broken Ground Design and kind donations from listeners like you!

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