Episode 189: Maliki Haaka Macaca

Happy Holidays All!  Jump into the Broadcast Foxhole with us and learn about Foxholes during our Terrain Time Training. We mean, after all, it is the Broadcast Foxhole.....get it?  Inside the box we find a pair of Airborne! dice from Battle School, and the fascinating From the Cellar Pack 8 by the boys at Le Franc Tireur. What better way to enjoy the holidays than having a listen and sipping some warm cider.  Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakkuh and Happy New Year!

The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Ritterkrieg, 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
12:30 Terrain Time
36:00 What's in the Box?
1:04:00 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 188: Dave and Jeff Save the World

Coolest pic ever.  Credit to the Box Cars Again Blog

After the fantastic interview last show, we couldn't really follow it up with anything as great as that, so we decided to clean out some letters,  bring you what's new in the Advanced Squad Leader world with In The News, and talk about scenarios we have played lately.  Simple, yet beautiful.   Enjoy.

SHOWTIMES
1:00  Driving Habits Banter
6:00 Letters
26:40 In the News
36:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
33:00 A Special Package in the Mail
58:00 Total Running Time

LINKS
Box Cars Again Blog
Friendly Fire 11
Le Franc Tireur From The Cellar-8
March Madness 2017 (we couldn't find 2018 on the web)
Objective Schmidt
Anzio-1944
Kustenjager - Heat of Battle


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Episode 187: Cool Katz in Korea

This is why we had to title the episode as we did. 

When you can snag interviews with people the likes of Ken Katz, you've got an excellent show with very little effort on the part of the interviewers.You also don't need to edit a whole lot. Ken brings us the inside scoop on the soon to be released (well, soon is a relative term) Multi-Man ASL product The Forgotten War, Korea 1950-1953.  Ken does an outstanding job giving us the run down on the development, history, boards, counters and rules of this fascinating new module. We are really looking forward to this one.


SHOW TIMES 
0:01 T2HS Singers perform Objective Schmidt with lyrics by Dennis Donovan
2:10 No Banter (we promise)
2:11 Ken Katz Interview
1:17:30 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
The War For Korea by Millett 1950-51
The War For Korea 1945-50 by Millet
US Army Center of Military History
US Marine Corps history of the Korean War

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.

Refrain

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Episode 186: Very Scary Show

A truly VERY scary picture

Happy Halloween, all. We bring you a very scary show for this very scary season. Hear lots of interesting ideas, thoughts and suggestions from our listeners as we share their letters. These letters also include some film suggestions and Advanced Squad Leader tournament announcements. Listen closely as we determine the winners of the contest and see if you are one of the lucky ones. Our contest participates answer the question "what would you like to see more of in ASL?". They have some great ideas. Scenario designers listen up.

SHOW TIMES
0:02 Another Prank Phone Call
3:00 Scary Spiel
11:08 Letters
35:55 Contest Scenario Ideas
1:07:10 Contest Winners Announced
1:12:10 Total Running Time

Bill Cauble's Puma Prowls in miniature.

LINKS

Ramblings of a Technoviking - Tussle on the Tundra
DC Conscripts Tourny Human Wave 2018
Burden of Command Game
Film - White Tigers
Our Other Podcast - Spine and Sprocket
Angkor Fest ASL Tourny Video




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Episode 185: Luck o' the Perry

Jeff Hallett (friend of Dave Kleinschmidt) making prank calls.

In this episode we interview the indomitable Rich Spilky about his adventures and mis-adventures at ASLOK. You may have heard of the luck o' the Irish, well listen to this show and you will learn of the luck o' the Perry and how that can effect a game's outcome. Rich wraps it up with an in-depth look at his rules table 28. It's great, it deals with backblast! Can't get enough backblast now can we?

By the way, is your refrigerator running?






SHOW TIMES
0:03 Prank Phone Calls
4:00 Boring Banter
20:00 Rich Spilky Speaks
1:02:40 Total Running Time



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Episode 184: Pad Thai Texas Style

The Map Pad Pack Pad in use. 

Oh boy, have we got a show for you! Not only do we bring back our special guests from the last show, Spilky and the Forgs (great name for a rock band eh?) and we give you a great opening song with lyrics by D. Donovan and beautiful vocals by Megan K.
Not only do we provide you with a report from the Texas ASL Tourney and we give you  a fantastic look at the new ASL Map Pad Packs from Broken Ground Design. Not only do we give you a rip roaring edition of Quiz Show and the usual and somewhat amazing BANTER.
But we also provide you with a....with a........well....maybe that is all we provide you with.

One kick-butt show, though, if we do say so ourselves.

SHOW TIMES
0:02 Song "All About That Rate"
3:40 Banter
11:30 What's in the Box
22:30 Texas ASL Tourney and Tourney Bling Baby
34:00 Interesting Rules Rich Learned
41:00 Quiz Show
1:07:20 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
I'm all about that rate
'Bout that rate, no treble
I'm all about that rate
'Bout that rate, no treble
I'm all about that rate
Yeah yeah... ohh... You know you like this rate... Hey...

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Episode 183: Last Bid Revisited and More

Forg, Kleinschmidt, and Spilky

Realizing that Dave and Jeff alone make for an awfully lonely (and sometimes just plain awful) show, they invited Rich Spilky, and Bill and Will Forg to discuss their playing of The Last Bid from Red Barricades. As you might expect, you will gain some great tactical advice from the discussion. After that "after action report" Rich and Bill both discuss their latest Advanced Squad Leader related products and ideas. These brilliant ideas include new charts, a better method of making tongs and counter containers, and much more. Oh, yeah, and don't you think for a moment that you can steal these great ideas. They are patented.

All made with a 3D printer

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Behind the Scenes Chatter

Forg's container for Japanese Vehicles

2:50 The Last Bid After Action Report
44:50 Spilky's Upcoming ASL Projects
57:30 Forg's ASL Projects
1:08:50 Total Running Time

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Episode 182: I Was Giddy Until Turn Three

WIN THESE GREAT PRIZES

There really isn't anything such thing as "motor goat bun" rules in Advanced Squad Leader, but there are rules about WIRE, and we give them a steely look in this episode. Banter includes discussion of the film Guadalcanal Diary, The Fighting Sullivans and War For the Planet of the Apes. We cover a few ASL scenarios that we played lately, including Into The Rubble 17 from Bounding Fire Productions. Listen to the letters from our wonderful listeners and get some ideas about how to store your ASL goodies in order to better travel with it, discover players who are looking for fellow gamers in their area. Learn how to get started in the game.

CONTEST! Here is the latest contest... send us a gmail the type of specialty scenarios that would you like to see more of? More partisans? More special forces? Commandos? MGB? Or what historical area should be explored in an ASL product?  Brest Litovsk? Corriegedor? Zombies?
Send us your opinion by October first and you will be entered into our drawing.  The prizes include The Scenario Designers Handbook (1st place), Critical Hit 10th Anniversary Magazine (2nd place), and the Sabaton CD (3rd place).

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Here We Go A Bantering?
13:20 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
30:40  Letters
36:20 Contest Kind of Announced
54:45 Terrain Time
1:13:35 Total Running Time


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Episode 181: Broken Ground Explored

Everybody loves counters.  Alan Findlay of Broken Ground Design makes some cool ones. Alan checks in with The 2 Half-Squads and discusses his gaming background and introduction to Squad Leader. Broken Ground Design makes an interesting mouse pad scenario pack as well as some beautiful color counters that are historically accurate.

LINKS
Broken Ground Design

Alan added the following clarifications:

Alan Findlay and his Brest Litovsk Map

For my counter sheets, the price goal is $11/sheet, not $10 as I said in answer to your question. My original goal had been $10, but prior to starting the pre-order process I realized I needed to bump it up, and that is reflected in the advertised pricing. 

Also for the counter sheets, something I said could probably be understood in two very different ways. The number of counters for the German AFV/ordnance is 1,056 but that isn't the number of unique vehicles. There are approx. 150+/- unique AFV/ordnance. When I mentioned "no duplicates", I meant that no *sheet* appears twice".



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Episode 180: Chinese Commissars and Other Pyromaniacs

Did you know that Chinese Commissars are notorious pyromaniacs? If you didn't then you obviously have not listened to this episode of The 2 Half Saquads, the only podcast on the net, dedicated nearly 100% to the greatest game in the world, Advanced Squad Leader.

Did you know our letters segments provide a place for listeners to make requests of other listeners much like some of the best ASL forums? A place for fans of the game to connect and make connections. If you think that is a great thing, then you need to support us on Patreon. Even if you don't think that is a great thing you still need to support us on Patreon.

Did you know that HIP units can be left off the board and their location can be written down on a sheet of paper? If you didn't then you don't play a lot of ASL AND haven't listened to this episode.
So,,,,,,why don't you give it a listen now?

The 2 Half Squads are sponsored by
Ritterkrieg and Bounding Fire Productions

SHOW TIMES
0:02  Song Sleeze Freezer
3:10 Banter
13:20 Letters
29:30 Free Hat Contest Winner Announced
31:30  What in Da Box?
1:08:50 Total Running Time

LINKS
Support us on Patreon
Berlin Mega AA Gun Bunkers


"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...

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Episode 179: Home Invader Clarence Rules

Hello,

Real Rubble

We have big news, really BIG news! We know you have been stressing over the fact that you have been listening to this fine podcast free of charge. Well, we are now on Patreon! so you can assuage your guilty feelings by subscribing for a measly $1 per show. You can't beat that with a brick. $1 per episode. Simply head over to Patreon and subscribe.

In today's show we discuss a ton of scenarios from a variety of Advanced Squad Leader products including ones from St. Louis Burma Pack, Into the Rubble 2, Le Franc Tireur and Multi-Man Publishing. Speaking of rubble we dig in to the rubble rules and since you might need to remove the stuff, we cover the Clarence, sorry, we meant clearance, rules. That'll show how to clear rubble, wire and all kinds of ASL stuff.

Barney Rubble

Remember to go to https://www.patreon.com/the2halfsquads and sponsor us today and say goodbye to your sleepless, guilt-ridden life.

SHOW TIMES
0:02  ASL Edelweiss (Lyrics by Rich Spilky and performed by The 2 Half-Squad Singers)
1:40 Welcome and home invasion stories.
4:30 Patreon Announcement
20:00 What Have You Been Playin' Lately
36:45 Terrain Time
1:19:20  Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS
Sponsor Us on Patreon
JagerSoft Games
Bounding Fire
Ritterkrieg

Lyrics by Rich Spilky

A-S-L, A-S-L

Every die roll enchants me

Rule book thick, games not quick

Line of Sight is no prob-lem

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!

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Episode 178: A1.5 Eh?

The world may be spinning out of control . . . or not, but we wouldn't know, as we have been down in the broadcast foxhole slaving over our computers and microphones in order to create this show for your entertainment. Our entertainment was provided by you, the listeners of this show, since you wrote the material we cover as we dive into your informative and amusing letters.  Thanks so much for writing!

We also cover ASL Journal #6 is reviewed and, oh yeah, it has a great cover by Ken Smith.

CONTEST FOR FREE HAT ANNOUNCED - gmail us within three weeks of the posting of this show (specifying if you want the hat signed by us or not signed by us), and you will be entered into the drawing for the free hat provided by listener Joe.



SHOWTIMES
0:03  Song: ASL Journal Number 9 (lyrics by Donovan and music by  D.D.)
3:00 Letters
33:00 Free Hat Contest Announced
39:45 What's in the Box?

LINKS
Massive German Flak Towers
Canadian Fans Finish US National Anthem


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Episode 177: Dashing Dorosh

Michael Dorosh at the West Coast Rumble
and a lovely scene of Canada (below).

What a joy it is to travel to the refreshing Great White North, where they still have snow and great Advanced Squad Leader players like the indomitable and dashing, Michael Dorosh of The Scenario Designers Handbook fame. Michael's credentials are impeccable regarding his service to the gaming community, and to the Canadian Armed Forces.

 You don't believe us? Then you'd better have a listen.


SHOWTIMES
1:16 ORT

LINKS
Service Publications
Tactical Wargamer
Canadian Soldiers
Bolt Action Miniatures
Scenario Designers Handbook on Gamesquad


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ASL Extra Episode #24: WO18 A Quick Strike

Opening set-up.

In this ASL Extra we are proud to present Mike Stubits and Rich Spilky as our special guests.  Join Dave Kleinschmidt as he provides a play by play of the Advanced Squad Leader scenario WO18: A Quick Strike. Mikes Americans move against a crafty Japanese defense around the Munda Airfield in New Georgia.  Break out your PTO rules, boards 74 and 75 and follow along. 

 Photos can be found here at our Flikr site

This episode is sponsored by
Ritterkrieg and Bounding Fire Productions


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Episode 176: Our Mark on History

We haven't taken the time to check in with listener mail lately. That drought ends with this very episode.No longer must you thirst for nuggets and gems from your fellow Advanced Squad Leader players from around the world. For you sophisticated listeners, we feature both Journal 11 and Journal 12 in Box Art Review. If you'd like a look at Winter Offensive Bonus Pack 8 you have come to the right place. We break that box open right before your very ears.


Show Times
1:00 Banter
8:30 Letters
37:00 Box Art Review
47:00 What's in the Box?
1:07:00 Total Running Time

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Episode 175: O CASLO, Our Home and Native Land

 Join us as we grab a two-four and head to the great white north and check in on the Canadian ASL scene. We we hate to sound like a pair of keeners but we are very privileged to have the honor of interviewing Steve Slunt of Canadian ASL Open,. We get an opportunity to discuss the Canadian ASL Association and other things.  It won't cost you any Loonies to have a listen, eh?

Show Links
canadianasl.org

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Episode 174: ASL Hazing

Hello again ASLer's!

Would you be so kind to join us for an inside look at ASL Journal Twelve?

By inside look we mean we look inside and talk about the contents. We don't have any special connection to Mult-Man Publishing. Although we have interviewed Perry several times. This one has many great articles that range from advice for the rookie to advice for the grognard.  There is a nice piece on the Korean Marines to get us all excited about the upcoming Korean Module.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Banter
13:30 ASL Journal 12
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Episode 173: Into the Rubble 2

Join Jeff and Dave as they banter about classic films like Robin Hood and Stalag 17 and other things before they get to the meat of this episode. To feast on that meat you need to clear the boulders and debris to get Into The Rubble 2. It is an amazing product that you will want to add to your ASL collection for sure.

SHOWTIMES
1:00 Banter
10:30 Bounding Fire Productions Ads
11:30 What's in the Box?
55:45 Total Running Time


LINKS 
Bounding Fire Productions
Super Chicken Theme Song




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Episode 172: When Are The Penguins Going to Talk?

T2HS inspired binders by Richard Youndahl

What's with the purple wings?

Did you know that Marcel Marceu performed his act in total silence? No background music, no sound effects, no nothing...except fine pantomime.  That is an amazing thing, but not nearly as amazing as this episode because it covers a whole lot of Advanced Squad Leader topics while reading letters from fans and ASL players around the world. Do take time to listen to them, as they include many interesting and controversial new house rules being discussed for the ASL Open, like no kindling, OBA red card draw fix, no smoke mods for flamethrowers, unlimited smoke placement for mortars, no more upper level VBM sleaze. Wow, hard to argue with the logic of those fixes. If you were a penguin you couldn't argue with those fixes 'cause penguins don't talk. 
We finish our look at ASL Journal Five.

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Intro Talk
8:10 Letters (don't skip them, they include some very interesting fixes to the whole ASL system)
40:55 Bounding Fire Ad
42:00 What's in the Box Boys? Journal Five
58:00 Ritterkrieg New Ad
1:00:15 Blitzkrieg in the West

LINKS 
ASL Open
Nor'Easter (Yankee ASL Site)
Lebanon Trailer
Blitzkrieg in the West


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