The 2 Half-Squads: Advanced Squad Leader Podcast

Bill "Fish" Conner and Daryl "Action Burke" Burke The oral history of The Game continues in a very special interview with Bill "Fish" Conner and Daryl "Action Burke" Burke. We caught up with these ASL legends at ASLOK 2010 and had a most fascinating conversation. Even Perry Cocke couldn't resist joining in with this historical duo. No doubt The Smithsonian Institute will be calling us for a copy of this show. No thanks -- we're going to auction it at Sotheby's. Also in this show, our new roving reporter Whit Richardson contributes a report from the Albany Tournament that includes interviews with Trezza and Bendis. The sound is a little strange due to a technical difficulty, but it is still thoroughly enjoyable. If you're kicking yourself for not entering our 2010 Ken Smith Art Print Contest you have a chance to redeem yourself with our new contest. It's our Funny ASL Lyrics Contest. Take any song and re-write the lyrics with an ASL theme á la Favorite ASL Things from Episode 45. Then send us your lyrics or call in and sing it to us for your chance to win a nice prize (yet to be determined) as well as global fame. THIS is ASL Idol! SHOW GUIDE 2:45 - Scenarios We've Played Lately 12:00 - Letters 22:00 - Funny Lyrics Contest announcement 29:30 - Albany Report with Whit Richardson 43:00 - Bill "Fish" Conner and Daryl "Action" Burke 1:23:18 Total Running Time SHOW LINKS Reefs World C4 Corner Cutter Listen Now: Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Our friend Rich Spilky is back to answer some of your burning tank tactics questions (pun intended). Rich was going back through his dusty  old newsletters (yes, the kind that were printed on paper and delivered to your house by the postman) and he thought perhaps listeners would benefit from a review of some of the articles he found. And he was right. We did. Also We look into "the box" and find the newest Winter Offensive 2011 Bonus Pack and the ASL Starter Kit Bonus Pack, Beyond the Beaches, which introduces new players to . . . shrubbery! Or more precisely, hedges. Don't just sit there, LISTEN! SHOW GUIDE 2:30 - Letters 20:00 - Scenarios We've Played Lately 28:50 - What's in the Box? 41:00 - Tactic Time with Rich (Shermans v. Panthers and gun duels) 1:23:00 Total Running Time SHOW LINKS View From the Turret Listen Now: Or download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file. TUTORIAL PHOTOS

Zombies rock! And so does anyone who can come up with an ASL Zombie scenario. The very idea is so cool it would be killing us if we weren't already undead. Glenn Houseman of the East Side Gamers is that very guy and we had the pleasure of interviewing him at ASLOK 2010. You can find a whole lot of "normal" ASL scenarios at their website also, but we think we need Zombie counters. Have you ever heard of a female ASLer? Well one exists and we have the interview to prove it, thanks to a contribution from listener Mark Zielinski. Mark is also a contributor to The Dice Tower netcast. Box Art Review makes an appearance in this episode with a look at the Bonus Packs from MMP. "In the box" are some Americans from the 45th Infantry Division.  Those GI's can be found in the Rally Point Volume 5: Thunderbird Pack. They run rampant in some great scenarios from the famous Bill Sisler. What are you waiting for? Hit the listen now button! SHOW GUIDE2:30 - Letters24:00 - Scenarios We've Played Lately 28:00 - What's in the Box? 33:00 - Box Art Review45:00 - Glenn Houseman Interview1:08:00 - Liz Interview1:32:45 - Total Running Time SHOW LINKSEast Side Gamers The Dice TowerSchwerpunkt Listen Now: Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

Welcome ASL fans, for another rollicking T2HS Extra. In this installment, our own Dave Kleinschmidt commands the Germans against challenger Rick Hollander's Polish defenders in "Maczek Fire Brigade". This is a popular tournament scenario for good reason -- it's well balanced and is a scant six turns long. Break out scenario J113 and follow along as our stalwart opponents engage in devastating and delirious mortal combat. Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions as regards our poor play. That way others may benefit from your wisdom. Zeb Doyle has a nice write up of his play of said scenario the Banzaii Blog. Sound the alarm. This one's H-O-T. Listen Now: Download this episode (right click and save)

Don't button up or you might miss something. This episode is all about half-tracks. Those weakly armored, open topped, speedy little vehicles that we use to transport our troops and do sleazy vehicle bypass freeze moves in the last turn, to confound and frustrate our enemies. Before we get to the main topic, though, we'll discuss a Top Ten War Books list as compiled by Military History magazine, and listen to another song entry from our "Write funny ALS Lyrics" contest. (Don't forget the contest ends July 30th). Also we find out What's in the Box, indulge in some Box Art Review, and in general hack together another fine show. We were doing a video simulcast while recording this episode. Be on the lookout as we'll be doing more of these in the future. SHOW GUIDE Top Ten war books Box Art Review Contest Entry: Run Through the ASL Jungle by Dennis Donavan What's in the Box Half-Tracks! Lyrics Whoa, heard it was a nightmare, LOL!, It’s all so true They told me, “Fear the PTO!”, ‘cause the Japs are on the loose. CHORUS: Better not CX in the jungle, Better not advance into jungle Better not stray in the jungle, Why? You’ll get ambushed, ya see Thought I heard grumblin’, Playin’ a night rules game 200Yankee guns are loaded, The sgt. cries: “Take aim!” Over in hex G10, Sgt. Schmutz he spoke: “Let the privates know my wisdom, Fill the hex with smoke.” Listen Now: Download this episode (right click and save)

It's time to advance into close combat! Join us as we take a gander at the intricacies of engaging the enemy up close and personal. Both infantry and vehicle close combat are covered in this slightly larger than normal episode that is packed with ASL goodness. If you think there were too many letters last time then you will enjoy the lack of letters in this one. Scott Holst is our guest on an interview from ASLOK. The 2 Half-Squads are not responsible for anything said by Scott. The opinions expressed by Scott are not necessarily those of The 2 Half-Squads. Don't get ambushed as you advance into this episode! SHOW GUIDE 4:15 - What We've Been Playing Lately 21:45 - Infantry CC 46:00 - Vehicle CC Quiz Show 1:14:30 - Scott Holst Interview 1:38:15 - Total Running Time LINKS Mattias' Module Dependency Chart Listen Now: Download this episode (right click and save)

ANZAC ASL sets the world right G'day Mates! This edition comes to you from Down Under, sorta'. We hope it's a corker and not a yabber. Some of the last of the ASLOK 2010 interviews are here; Steve Linton and David Longworth make their appearances in this episode, including some "history of the game" discussion about that revered wargaming group, The Paddington Bears. Down under? They're top 'o the world in our book. In honor of these guys and all the great ANZAC players we're displaying McArthur's Corrected Map. Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder? The 2 Half-Squads Singers wow us yet again with more song entries presented for your entertainment. By the way, the song contest ends on July 31st and prizes will be awarded, so don't miss this great opportunity. "What's in the Box?" uncovers the wonderful nuggets in MMP's very recent release of ASL Journal #9. The indefatigable Dave has already read it and gives his overview. And there's lots more, so be a good bloke and pull up a chair, keep the bities away from you with an Aussie Salute, pour up some amber fluid, and we will put some shrimp on the barbie for yeh' -- and we will eat them for yeh, too. You're welcome. Lyrics to Breakin' in the Grain We're pinning in the grain, Just breaking in the grain What a glorious feeling, we rally again We're laughing at guns, so big on the hill The sarge's in our hex, and we're ready to charge Let the green half-squad chase, the H-I-P from the place Come on with the wave, we have smoke on the way We run down the plain, in the enemy firelane Just pinnin' and breakin' in the grain. Lyrics to Happy Birthday Happy Birthday to you, I just rolled a 2. Your Tiger's now burning, so have another brew (up). SHOW GUIDE11:00 - Letters26:30 - Songs30:00 - Scenarios We've Played Lately 43:00 - Interview with Steve Linton1:09:00 What's in the Box? Journal 91:22:30 Interview with David Longworth (Paddington Bears)1:38:50 Total Running Time SHOW LINKS ASLSK2 Tutorial Combined Arms Digital Library Survival Books Army Field Manuals Battlespace strategy gaming magazine The Paddington Bears Listen Now: Download this episode (right click and save)

This episode is loaded with ASL goodness! This time when we look in that oh-so-famous "box", we find MMP's Out of the Bunker. It's a great collection of scenario gems that were previously released in the "Dispatches from the Bunker" newsletter from way back when. Yet another song entry is performed for your enjoyment -- and we use that term loosely. You just can't beat that for your entertainment dollar. A new segment called "Terrain Time" makes it's debut. Let us know what you think of it. We conclude this episode with an interview with Chris Doary of Battleschool. It may be time to remove that dunce cap and get a proper ASL eddication. Knowledge is good! SHOW GUIDE6:00 - Letters20:00 - What We've Been Playing Lately37:00 - What's in the Box? and SK Board Review56:45 - Terrain Time1:04:00 - Song1:06:35 - Chris Doary Interview1:43:20 - Total Running Time SONG LYRICS (sung to "The Lumberjack Song") I play ASL and that's OK. I play all night and I play all day I move my troops, I rally well, I fire my panzerfausts When opponents get too cocky, I bombard them to heck! I rally well, I shoot big guns, I blitz my tanks alot and if there's too much open, I lay the smoke I've got I shoot big guns, MG's get rate, And often just for fun I'll play in Frenchmen's clothing, and surrender on turn one! Listen Now: Download this episode (right click and save)

It's hard to believe, but we have actually made it to the big episode 5-0! Quite an accomplishment, wouldn't you agree? We had so many requests from listeners, celebrities, friends, and family who wanted to join us on this momentous night that we just couldn't decide who was most deserving. So we decided to keep it just the two of us and present our favorite kind of show -- lots of talk about our favorite game in the whole, wide world. And banter, boy do we banter! Letters, letters, letters! Boy, do we have letters. Thank you to everyone who writes. The feedback and contributions are much appreciated. Your many links are below. Also we look into "the box" and find some very cool Countersmith Turret Counters and the new ASL SK Expansion Pack #1, wherein we finally find out if the much ballyhooed "Kleinschmidt" counter appears. The answer will surprise you. We'll save the celebrities for another time. This one is banter-licious! SHOW GUIDE 2:00 - Letters 39:00 - ASL Lyrics Contest 40:00 - The Half-Squad Singer performing BUNGLE IN THE JUNGLE 50:00 - What's in the Box? 1:18:30 Total Running Time LINKS From Starter Kit to Full ASL by Mikka Sohlman Bill Kohler's excellent player aids page Games Club of Maryland ASL Logbook Yockbo's Boardgame Blog ASL Training by Russ Gifford Adelaide Gamer blog Mattias' Module Dependency Chart Listen now with streaming audio Download this episode: Right-click here and select to save the file.

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

This time we are happy to have Lars Thuring join us via Skype from his home in Germany. Lars is a long time ASLer and one of the master-minds behind the upcoming (and FINAL) ASL module, Hakkaa Paalle!. Join us as we mercilessly throw him the really tough questions such as, “how do you pronounce ‘hakka palle’”, “do you make big money designing scenarios”, and “can you get MMP to put Dave’s name on a counter”? And lots more. Of course, it wouldn’t be T2HS without an engrossing reading of Listener Mail. We also feature a heart-warming reunion with the contents of “What’s In the Box”. Plus there’s “Scenario Report” and a special 45 minute segment of “Box Art” Just kidding. Actually there’s NO Box Art this time. Do we hear a collective sigh of relief? Or are those whispers of despair? Dig in and enjoy. Show Links C4 Corner Cutter St. Louis ASL Tournament Winter War books and video Schwerpunkt #3 Listen now with streaming audio To download this episode, right click here and select to save the file.

Dim the lights and get comfortable as we raise the curtain on another brilliant ASL drama. After some fascinating listener mail, Jeff discusses the benefit of Preparation H, after which Dave dazzles with yet another engrossing Box Art Review Oh, the humanity! We then get into the meat of the show, a dramatic dialog on the ASOP (Advanced Sequence of Play) section on the Rally Phase. Finally, Dave presents a history report on a very personal WW II hero, Cpl. Edward F. Kleinschmidt of the 12th Armored Division’s, 43rd Tank Battalion. During intermission and after the show, join the campaign to get Dave’s name on a counter! Let’s demonstrate the power of the T2HS listening audience by emailing MMP and requesting — nay, DEMANDING! — they create a German SMC counter (no less than a 9-1) with the name “Kleinschmidt” for inclusion in the upcoming Hakka Palle module. Send an email to info@multimanpublishing.com. Don’t delay. And email often! Show Links: The C4 Corner Cutter Battles Magazine The Game Vault Croix de Guerre Doomed Battalions How do you pronounce “cupola”? Leave us a comment. Listen now with streaming audio To download this episode, right click here and select to save the file.

Welcome to Tanks University. Here’s our university level course on tanks. We’re happy to welcome visiting Professor of Tankology (PhT) Bob Holmstrom for a lesson on Vehicle Overrun. Strap on your thinking helmets and be prepared to take copious notes as Dr. Bob leads us through this oft-avoided — but oh, so fascinating — territory. We also discuss Platoon Movement of tanks, discuss the ASL Open, and lots more. Show Links C4 Corner Cutter by Counter Culture Contact Alex Key: hobbies747@gmail.com Le Franc-Tireur: http://www.lefranctireur.org Schwerpunkt: http://mysite.verizon.net/resvy9ue The Texas ASL club celebrates publication of their 50th issue of Banzai! http://texas-asl.com/ Listen now with streaming audio To download this episode, right click here and select to save the file.

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

It’s business as usual in the broadcast foxhole, which means our carefully laid plans to talk in-depth about Phases in ASL quickly fall apart amidst a lot of other monkey business. Still, we do finally get down to a good discussion of the pre-game sequence. We’ll be covering the rest of the phases (hopefully) next time. We hope you enjoy this one. Thanks for listening! Show Guide: Listener feedback — We get a LOT of email. Sorry if you don’t get to yours on this show. We’re doing our best. Please keep writing! What’s in the Box — Another splendid offering from Schwerpunkt Scenario Report — What we’ve played recently Box Art — Egad! What can one say about it? ASOP: Pre-game Sequence — an in-depth look at what needs to happen before the first dice roll. Show Links: Counter Culture — C4 Corner Cutter Schwerpunkt — Tampa Bay ASL Group ASL Scenario Archive — Monkey’s with Typewriters. Free Scenarios! Texas ASL Group — Great ASL newsletter Cheeta the Chimp Listen now with streaming audio To download this episode, right click here and select to save the file.