Episode 82: Happy Landings

If you're prone to motion sickness, you may want to sit out this episode. Today we go back to the Advanced Squad Leader rule book for a look at stuff that falls out of the sky, specifically Gliders and Paratroops. If you've never played a scenario with either of these, we hope this episode will entice and persuade you to give them a try.

Of course, never ones to get right to the point, we first strain to entertain you with a reading of Letters, followed by a look at What's in the Box. This time, and in keeping with the theme of the show, we open a fresh copy of Pegasus Bridge. Ahh. Satisfying.

We had a hard time explaining what happens if a Glider or Paratroop gets moved offboard, so we've included some pics here to aid in comprehension -- we hope.

The example from Chapter E 8.221. Blue markers represent Avenue of Approach

Further, if the Glider were forced to take Evasive Action two hexes further offboard.

If you'd rather save yourself ninety-five minutes of precious time rather than listen to our rambling and babbling, we highly recommend you simply check out these excellent resources:
Greg Dahl's Paratrooper and Glider Summary Sheet
David Galan's Glider Landing Chart
David Galan's Paratroop Landing Chart

Look, up in the sky!

SHOW GUIDE
0:00 - Silly Banter
7:00 - Letters
21:00 - Call-ins
25:00 - What's In The Box?
43:00 - Glider Rules
1:1:06 - Paratroop Rules
1:1:35 - Total length

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Episode 81: Muddy Holiday AAR

Dave and Dave's playing of ASL
Scenario J136 Muddy Mayhem from
Journal #9's series at Suicide Creek.

Back again so soon?  Yes, we are. And so are you. This tidy little episode brings you two -- count 'em, Two! -- AARs (After Action Report). The first features tournament winner, Bob Holmstrom as he and Dave discuss their playing of Advanced Squad Leader scenario WO7 - Hell for the Holidays. It's full of tactical tips that go beyond the scenario at hand. Feel free to take notes.

During the second AAR, Dave Timonen and Dave Kleinschmidt discuss their playing of ASL scenario J136 - Muddy Mayhem. Beginning with a review of Mud rules, and the Muddy Mayhem SSR (Special Scenario Rules), they then dive into their encounter, each describing his plans, execution and results. The report is a look at how the Suicide Creek scenarios play out, things to think about while playing them.

Hey, do you see that "Record Message" tab? We're serious, hit it and leave us a message.

SHOW GUIDE

3:00 Letters

9:00 After Action With Bob 

35:00 Terrain Time: Mud

37:00 After Action With Dave 

59:05 Total Running Time

LINKS

Journal 9 with Suicide Creek Games

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Episode 80: Doomed Battalions in a Box

Here is a brief (relatively speaking) episode that is suitable for listeners of all ages. We start off with some letters and then we open "The Box", and guess what it contains . . . yes, it's Doomed Battalions. We're sorry the Battalions were Doomed, but we were soooo happy to open this box. Who wouldn't love that?

Did you know that we also have a new, easier, better way for you to leave us a comment? Well, we do.You can find it if you glance to the right of the screen you are currently looking at. See that "Record Message" tab? Go ahead, hit it, and leave us a message.

SHOW GUIDE

4:00 Letters

19:15 Favorite Nationality

20:25 What's in the Box?

40:00 New Voicemail Announced
42:00 Terrain Time
50:25 Total Running Time

LINKS
Armchair General - Tactics 101
Strategy and Tactic - Infantry Warfare

Bartertown UK

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Episode 79: Good Morin'

The whole Bunker crew.
Tom is front and center

During our interview last episode with Vic Provost, you heard him spend some time extolling the value and virtues of his pal and long-time collaborator, Tom Morin. So much so, that we just had to see for ourselves. Despite a raging hurricane pummeling the Eastern seaboard where he resides, and a humorous phone call snafu, we managed to get Mr. Morin all to ourselves for nearly an hour. And guess what? Vic was right. Fortunately, we had the recording equipment running, and with very little prodding, Tom shared with us bits of us his life and his evolution as a gamer, obsessive ASL player, and master designer. Oh, did we forget to mention his little ol' contribution to Advanced Squad Leader? Does Valor of the Guards ring a bell?

We were amazed and delighted. And so will you be. And a good morin' to you, too!

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Episode 78: Vic's Visit

Dispatches from the Bunker is one of the longest running Advanced Squad Leader fanzines -- and it's still dispatching ASL goodness even as we speak. It's revered by players everywhere. Even the guys at MMP like it! But have you ever wondered just who is actually creating and dispatching those dispatches? Well, climb with us into the bunker as we interview the prolific ASL sage and master dispatcher, Mr. Vic Provost.

Vic Provost (on right, with the natty hat)
presenting Mark Evans with his plaque for
winning a mini-tourney at the Nor'Easter Tourney.

SHOW GUIDE
6:51 Letters
26:00 What Dave's Been Playing Lately
38:45 The Most Interesting ASLer in the World
41:45 Vic Provost Interview
1:22:15 Total Running Time

LINKS
Dispatches From the Bunker Info


Listen Now:

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Episode 77: Show and Tell 1-3

And now, for your listening pleasure, we present the audio band extracted from the first three Advanced Squad Leader Hang-outs, now known as Show-and-Tells. These marvelous productions can be found on our YouTube channel.

You can -- and should -- join us on the next hang-out if you like. Just join our Google Plus circle of friends and watch for an invitation in the future. If you've already watched the Show-and-Tell episodes, there is not much new for you here. But there are listeners who will want to add 'em to their podcast collection in this handy MP3 format.

SHOW GUIDE
1:00 Dave's Principal Questions His Historical Accuracy
2:30 Show and Tell #1
33:00 Show and Tell #2
1:04:20 Show and Tell #3

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Listen Now:

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Episode 76: Line of Sight Insight

A picture of LOS in a hockey game.

This episode is full of insight, foresight and hindsight. There are some letters and links, as well as the Scenarios We've Played Lately. Dave presents a Battleground movie review. We hope that nothing will block your gaming vision after you gain a clear Line of Sight to rule section A6, otherwise known as LOS.

SHOW GUIDE

5:30 Letters

20:00 Whatcha Been Playing Lately?

31:27 Battleground Movie Review
41:30 Line of Sight

1:15:35 Total Running Time

LINKS

Moral Conflict 1939

The Video Games Previously Known As Talonsoft's World at War

A Site With The Great Bill Mauldin's Willie and Joe Cartoons
Russ Gifford's LOS Training Session Power Point
Tom Repetti's LOS Aid

Listen Now:

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Episode 75: PJ Norton's Take

PJ Norton Rocks On ASL

We are pleased to present an interview with Michigan local and ASL mover and shaker PJ Norton. PJ is a very enthusiastic ASLer with lots of experience as a play tester for Critical Hit.  He has put a lot of years into the hobby, and has a good grasp of its history.  Join us for a fascinating conversation about how we play, and why we play, Advanced Squad Leader.

Don't forget our T2HS Auction includes On All Fronts #60 - 63. You can actually see them and hear a detailed description on our Show and Tell Hangout. Gmail us your bid. Items will go to the highest bidder on August 18th, 2012.

SHOW GUIDE

4:00 Hangout News

7:20 Auction News

9:10 Contest Update
19:00 Electronic Communication (Letters)
38:30 PJ Norton Interview

1:35:15 Total Running Time

LINKS

Sitrep ASL Battleschool
H.P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast
Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society

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Episode 74: You've Been Set-up

Since Jeff has been so busy getting the T2HS Hangouts off the ground, Dave felt he needed to make some kind of a contribution. Believe it or not, this is all he could come up with. Listener Dustin had expressed some interest in how to store his counters and, to help him out, Dave discusses his storage system. He then presents his thinking process (yes, he actually has one, in spite of what your past listening experience may have led you to believe), as he sets up a defense for a popular tournament scenario, J129 Mountain Hunters. So, this episode may not offer much to an experienced Advanced Squad Leader player, but may be very helpful to newbies.

Don't forget our T2HS Auction includes On All Fronts #28, #29 and an issue called Otryad; Special Edition #1. Gmail us your bid. Items will go to the highest bidder on August 8th, 2012.

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

1:15 Counter Storage Method

16:00 Mountain Hunters Set-up

1:07:00 Total Running Time

LINKS

Counter Storage Photos

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Episode 73: Now in STEREO!

We know what you're thinking. The show was perfect as it was, and why tinker with perfection? Well, never ones to leave well enough alone, we started experimenting with with the capabilities of our recording equipment and lo and behold, we invented The 2 Stereophonic Half-Squads. That's Jeff in you left ear, and Dave in the right. You'll think you're right here in the Broadcast Foxhole with us in an experience so immersive you'll want to reach right out and slap us.

Does this amazing leap forward in sound quality do anything for the CONTENT? Sadly, NO! We still bumble and stumble and ramble for an hour or more. But heck, it's all about Advanced Squad Leader, so how bad could it be? . . . Wait! Don't answer that! 

SHOW INDEX
03:30 - What's in the Box
08:00 - St. Louis Tournament
11:30 - Auction items
13:00 - What Chew Been Playing Lately?
17:00 - What's in the Box (Part 2)
22:00 - Contest Winners
31:00 - Rules Segment: Special Ammo
52:30 - Box Art Review
1:05:00 - Total Running Time

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ASL Extra #15: Kamikaze Gorge

Near Baguio, Luzon Island, The Philippines, April 17, 1945:  It has been a little while, but we have finally posted another ASL Extra episode, for your enjoyment and edification. This one plays out  SP193  KAMIKAZE GORGE from our friends at Schwerepunkt.  You may learn a trick or two from our distinguished players: tournament champion Bob Holmstrom, and tournament contender Rich Domovic. Bob's attacking Americans must clear two of three hilltop areas.  Rich's Japanese will utilize all of their special abilities on the defense. This episode will not teach you the rules, but should help you see a larger, tactical view of the scenario played.  It will also help you understand the greatest game in the world, Advanced Squad Leader.

LINKS

Photos of scenario SP193 KAMIKAZE GORGE on our Flikr site

Listen now with streaming audio

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

Episode 72: DC and Darn Cranky

Fireworks are an essential ingredient in any celebration of Independence Day in the US. But you don't have to be from the USA to enjoy the art of pyrotechnics. In fact, in Advanced Squad Leader, use of the Demolition Charge -- or DC -- is employed and enjoyed by all nationalities. What's that? You're a little arsonphobic? Listen in and we'll tell you how to get comfortable handling these powerful, useful tools.

First, though, we'll read some listener mail. Then Jeff has a little fireworks display of his own in a cranky tirade about . . . well, we won't say right here. Fortunately, Dave brings some peace and love back to the show by playing the final entries in our "You know you play too much Advanced Squad Leader When . . ." contest, followed with an announcement of a new contest.

You'd better listen to this show. BOOM BABY!

LINKS
Texas-ASL Group's XX (Dos Equis) Scenario Pack

SHOW GUIDE
11:00 - Letters
19:00 - Cranky Jeff
24:00 - Contest
30:00 - Spilky Tips
34:00 - Auction Update
41:00 - DC Rules
1:27:00 - Total Running Time

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Episode 71: Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along

Come join Jeff, Dave, and guest Bob Holmstrom, as they go bobbin' along while dishing out a hefty helping of Advanced Squad Leader. This show is full of great ASL conversation. We take a look at MMP's Action Pack #8 - Roads Through Rome. Jeff offers up a book review of Combat Jump by Ed Ruggero. We discuss what we've been playing lately, read some rather humorous letters, listen to the latest contest entries and more.

The 3rd round of our Auction offers up issues #40 - 49 of On All Fronts, the classic original SL/ASL fanzines. That auction will end on July 25th. Email or tweet us with your bid(s), then watch our Twitter feed for updates so you'll have a chance to bid again if you like.
And don't forget that the 2nd round of our T2HS Auctions was for a used copy of Paratrooper. This game will go to the highest bidder on July 6th, 2012. Get your bid in soon.

We need you to call in and complete the sentence "You know you play too much ASL when......" Dial (+1) 641-715-3900 x218209, leave us your completed sentence, and you will be entered into our drawing and you could win some cool stuff. Free stuff......did we say it's free?

SHOW GUIDE

3:30 Letters

29:00 On All Fronts Added to Auction

36:15 What We've Been Playing Lately

53:00 Book Review

1:00:00 Latest Contest Entries

1:03:00 What's in the Box?  AP #8

1:17:40 Total Running Time

LINKS

Bob Holmstrom's Blog

ASL Australia

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Episode 70: To Kill a Panzerbird

Join Dave and his daughter Megan as they read some fascinating letters, including one that announces the establishment of a new ASL site for you ANZAC players. Dave gets to quiz his friend and special guest, the Piano Man, on a Quiz Show that is all about the To Kill Table, and it's corresponding rules section.  So break out your To Kill Table and follow along as we cover some good old ASL rules crunchiness! You can hear the first of our new contest entries in this very episode. These loyal listeners will show you how easy it is to enter our contest. Simply call us and complete the following sentence "You know you play too much ASL when....", then shoot us an email telling us that you called. Follow those simple steps, and you will be entered into our contest, and can win fantabulous prizes. And don't worry.  Jeff will return next episode.

The second of our T2HS Auctions includes a used copy of Paratrooper. Email or tweet us with your bid(s), then watch our Twitter feed for updates so you'll have a chance to bid again if you like. Items will go to the highest bidders on July 6th, 2012. This is a great opportunity to get Paratrooper and help out The 2 Half-Squads at the same time.


SHOW GUIDE
2:00 Letters
11:00 ASL ANZAC Site Announcement
14:30 New Contest Entries
19:15 Quiz Show
59:17 Total Running Time

LINKS
Vote for ASL on Board Game Geek
ASL Australia

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Episode 69: The Show With No Name

We managed to fill a whole episode with some odds and ends and we had a lot of fun doing it! Give us a call and let us know how you can tell when you've played too much ASL. Do that, and you will be entered into our contest to win some fantastical Advanced Squad Leader products. Start you're sentence with "You know you've played too much ASL when.....".  Example: "You know you've played too much ASL when you view the landscape out the window as hexes of terrain."

Box Art Review makes an appearance in this episode with a look at Operation Veritable and Operation Watchtower from MMP.

We received a package in the mail the other day. "In the box" was a Raaco storage tray system that we dug into, and examined, just to bring you a review. Thanks to Andreas at Trojan Games.

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

SHOW GUIDE

8:10 Letters 

23:30 Auction Winner / New Contest Announced

28:20 Top 10 Things an ASLer will never say

32:00 What's in the Box?

42:00 Box Art Review

54:40 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

Trojan Games/Raaco Storage

The New ASL Ladder

Check Here to Vote for ASL on Game Squad
Hitler's Bunker Photo's at Time Life
David Pentland at Cranston Arts

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Episode 68: Stahlwart Stahler

Photo courtesy of Jim Stahler
All rights reserved

Not content with the ton of interviews we snagged at the ASL Open, we pursued another ASL legend, Jim Stahler.  After a near miss we made a connection with the man responsible for the Chapter K Training Manual for the Advanced Squad Leader Rule Book. Jim has also authored several articles for the Journal/Annual, and he has a big -- nay, GIGANTIC -- ASL project in the works that you can hear about here. Wow! This is one interview you won't want to miss.

And here's just a reminder that your chances to bid in the first T2HS Auction will soon be over. Email or tweet us with your bid(s), then watch our Twitter
feed for updates so you'll have a chance to bid again if you like. Items will go to the highest bidders on May 15th 2012. This is a great opportunity to get some great stuff and help out The 2 Half-Squads at the same time.

Here are the auction items:
Squad Leader - the Avalon Hill original. Used, good condition, might be missing some counters. 
Cross of Iron - the Avalon Hill expansion for above. Used, good condition, missing a counter.
For King and Country - the ASL module. New, un-punched.


SHOW GUIDE
6:10 Letters
19:30 Jim Stahler Interview
1:16:30 Total Running Time

LINKS
Brits hope to dig up Spitfires

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Episode 67: ASL Open 2012

Welcome to the ASL Open 2012 as reported through the mics of Dave and Jeff. We managed to snag several interesting interviews and, in the midst of the madness, we were able to take a look at this year's Winter Offensive Bonus Pack #3. Here is a sparsely edited, sometimes raw, look at the Advanced Squad Leader tournament for the Chicagoland area. Listen to Rich Domovich discuss the difference between a U.S. tournament and a European one. Tourney newbie Patrick Martin tells a familiar tale that ends well. Bob Bendis offers some great advice on how to win a tournament. And much more . . .

Photos courtesy of David Goldman

Don't forget about the first T2HS Auction. Email or tweet us with your bid(s), then watch our Twitter

feed for updates so you'll have a chance to bid again if you like. We have three items up for auction. Items will go to the highest bidders on May 15th 2012. Make that donation and win a game.

Bob Holmstrom: Winner
of the ASL Open

Here are the auction items:
Squad Leader - the Avalon Hill original. Used, good condition, missing some counters, Dave's not sure which ones but has them most likely.
Cross of Iron - the Avalon Hill expansion for above. Used, good condition, missing a counter.
For King and Country - the ASL module. New, un-punched.


SHOW GUIDE
2:10 Mark DeVries Interview

16:10 What's in the Box?

29:15 David Goldman Interview

43:45 Rich Domovich Interview

52:00 Bob Holmstrom Interview

57:30 Patrick Martin Interview

1:03:30 Doug Gries Inteview

1:06:50  What Dave and Jeff Played at the Open

1:09:30 Bob Bendis Interview

1:20:38 Total Running Time

LINKS

The Wargame Room
MI-6 Secure Online Backup (the site is still under construction, but will be done shortly)

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Episode 66: Festung Fest

Dave and Jeff are at it again with a whole lot of laughs, a variety of segments, and a bunch of Nazi's. There seems to be a little bit of everything in this episode and it's dedicated [almost] 100% to Advanced Squad Leader.


Join us as we open with the song, Hello Rally! -- an incomparable masterpiece of genius and art -- featuring crazy lyrics contributed by a listener. That's followed with some fine humor from the Texas ASL Group's satirical issue of Banzai!!, called Bunion!!. It's ASL gone MAD. Then we always like to share some letters and tourney announcements before diving into the meat of the episode, which today is the long awaited Festung Budapest. There is a whole lot of quality stuff in this marvelous monster of a module from Multi-Man Publishing. Wait till you see the maps. Would you believe they even includes Tennis Courts? Gotta love it. Haven't ordered your FB yet? What are you waiting for?!


Finally, and thanks to listener Bill C's kind donations, we have placed the following items up for our first T2HS Auction. Email us with your bid, then watch our Twitter feed for updates. We'll tweet the bids as they come in so you'll have a chance to bid again if you like. Items will go to the highest bidders on May 15th 2012. Remember to be good sports, and please, no spitting, and we are not taking low-ball bids. 


Here are the auction items:
Squad Leader - the Avalon Hill original. Used, good condition, missing some counters, Dave's not sure which ones but has them most likely.
Cross of Iron - the Avalon Hill expansion for above. Used, good condition, missing a counter.
For King and Country - the ASL module. New, un-punched.

SHOW GUIDE
00:01 - Song "Hello Rally"
05:15 - Humor stolen from "Bunion!!"
11:15 - T2HS Auction Items
20:00 - Box Art Review
20:00 - Letters and Tourney's
39:00  - Box Art Review
39:00 - What You Been Playing Lately?
49:00 - Box Art Review
49:00 - What's in the Box? (with Box Art Review slipped in there)
1:16:10 - Terrain Time: Roads and Alpine Hills
1:31:16 - Total Running Time

LINKS
Ray Harris Jr.s' WWII Podcast
Canadian ASL Open
Hollywood Bunker Built for Hitler Lawyer Nazi's
Bunion/Banzai April Fool's Issue
MI-6 Secure Online Backup (the site is still under construction, but will be done shortly)

Listen Now:

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Episode 65: Daveford and Sons

Just as you were starting to get bored with Dave and Jeff, we shake it up a bit and present Dave and his sons, Adam and Aaron.  Before you panic, have a listen and give these co-hosts a try.  

After Aaron and Dave share some fascinating letters, we have a little ditty for you from Sgt. Schmutz and the Half-Squad singer.  It's a great rendition of Ring of Fire. Then Dave and his son Adam bring you their review of Patton. Buildings crumble around us as we make our way Into the Rubble with the Advanced Squad Leader module from  Bounding Fire Productions. There are some fantastic maps in this pack. Terrain Time covers Open Ground (hey, we want to be sure we cover everything), so go ahead and cross it if you dare!

SHOW GUIDE

2:00 - Letters

17:45 - Movie Review "Patton"

14:00 - Song "Ring of Fire"
29:00 - What's in the Box?

47:00 - Terrain Time: Open Ground

53:16 - Total Running Time

LINKS

An article on Kiribati (Tarawa)
ASL Training Video CC vs. AFV by Jester

Don Greenwood interviewed on Point 2 Point Podcast

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ASL Extra #14: Early Battles

North of Kaunas, Lithuania, June 26th 1941:  We are back once again with yet another ASL Extra! This one is for you Starter Kit listeners.  Yes, a special treat just for you!  We bring you scenario S25 EARLY BATTLES.  Before we begin, please allow us to explain that an ASL Extra episode is designed to show you how a scenario was played by two ASLer's and for you to see how the scenario played out.  It will not teach you the rules, but should help you to see a larger, tactical view of the scenario played.  In this one, Barkalow's Russians attempt to prevent Kleinschmidt's Germans from taking a small village in Lithuania. 

LINKS

Photos of scenario S25 Early Battles on our Flikr site

Listen now with streaming audio

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

Episode 64: Nights in White Phosphorous

Sadly, we say farewell to an Advanced Squad Leader legend, Bill "Fish" Conner, who, along with Daryl Burke, was responsible for starting the ASLOK tournament. We hardly knew him, yet still feel the loss.  

As for the rest of the episode, shoot a Starshell into the air so you can see clearly. Gunflashes be darned! We are going to fire from the hip and bring you the long awaited final installment of the Night Rules. First, Jeff brings his review of Von Ryan's Express, followed by a look at Gun Flash, Starshell and Illuminating Rounds. Terrain Time covers Shellholes, so you can become a little more adept at getting in and out of them. Go ahead and jump out of that shellhole -- we promise to not shoot!

SHOW GUIDE

2:00 - Farewell to Bill "Fish" Conner

8:00 - Jeff discusses "Von Ryan's Express"

14:50 - Night Rules pt. 3

47:30 - Terrain Time: Shellholes

58:00 - Total Running Time

LINKS

Tom Repetti's Night Example of Play

Night Rules Cheat Sheet by the-Guy-Who-Refuses-to-Acknowledge-That-T2HS-Exists
Bring on the Night by JR VanMechelen

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