The 2 Half-squads: Advanced Squad Leader Podcast

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!SHOWTIMES0:01 Small Talk8:30  Rick Reinisch40:00 Jeff DeYoung55:30 Total Running Time Download this episode (right click and save)

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!SHOWTIMES0:1 Song Minimum Move!2:00  Interesting Chat10:00  What's In the Box?37:18 Interview with Dave Mareske54:21 Total Running TimeMinimum Move(based on Minimum Wage by They Might Be Giants)Lyrics: Louis PadolVocals: The 2 Half Squad Singers"Minimum Move"SHOWTIMES0:1 Song Minimum Move2:00  Interesting Chat18:00  After Action Report45:00 What's in the Box?1:03:40 Total Running Time Download this episode (right click and save)

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.SHOWTIMES0:1 Song DC HERO4:00  Interesting Chat18:00  Interview with Dan Best and Paul Works54:21 Total Running TimeDC Hero-- Concept: Dennis Donovan-- Lyrics: Dennis Donovan, Rich Spilky, Stephen Stewart-- Vocals: Stephen Stewart-- Mixing/Technical: Jim BeraPlayin’ ASL, in the P.T.O.The Marines vs. Jappos, Code of BushidoRead all the SSRs, and I started to schemeComing up with a plan, when I noticed something:There is one DEMO, to blow stuff awayAnd with a gleam in my eyes, I kne

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 LINKSBest of Friends on the ArchiveSHOW TIMES01: Bantero12:01 Contest BoF2 Winner Draw13:20 What's in the Box? 47:03 Total Running TimeThe 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.Download this episode (right-click and Save)

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 LINKSBest of Friends on the ArchiveMario's Dice TowersSHOW TIMES01: Song Fields of Fire (Lyrics by Dennis Donovan)2:31 Bantero39:00 Letters40:10 What's in the Box?  Best of Friends 254:06 Total Running TimeFields of Fire  LyricsSo said the father to his son“Cover the city on board one,Same for the big hill to westWhether in tournies or playtest.”“Av’nues of approach you must scryHow else to make the en’my die?Make sure to watch for fire lanesAnd to play the bore sight game!”“Cover the flanksAgainst cavalry and tanksCover your frontWith Fields of Fire!”“Remember to pre-reg and deployRemember rout paths to destroyRemember always play your bestRemember, ah, I forget the rest.”The 2 Half-Squ

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 LINKSASLOPEN.ORGSHOW TIMES01: Song PTO (Lyrics by Dennis Donovan)2:31 Interview with Dave Goldman39:00 Another contest winner40:10 What's in the Box?  AP1459:35 Total Running TimeStartin’ PTO, with a good friend of mineIt’s the Allies vs. Nippon,  1939Been wantin’ to get play it now, yeah it’s finally timeWe’re gonna bust it out, set it up, check it out, PTOWah-waaaah (Yeah, yeah, startin’ PTO) wa wahWah-waaaah (Yeah, yeah, learnin’ PTO) wa wahWah-waaaah (Yeah, yeah, playin’ PTO) wa wahWah-waaaah (Yeah, yeah, lovin’ PTO) wa wahWah-waaaah (We’re, doin’  PTO) wa wahWe’ll play it on the main lands, and the Pacific islesLearning the

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 LINKSASLOK.ORGSHOW TIMES00:31 Interview with Bret Hildebran55:00 Bret draws the contest winner57:31 Total Running TimeThe 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.Download this episode (right-click and Save)

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 LINKSNone TodaySHOW TIMES00:31 Interview with Kyle Beach51:11 Total Running TimeThe 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.Download this episode (right-click and Save)

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 TIMES0:02  Sugar Tanks Song3:00 Banter10:00 Letters22:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?39:00 What's in the Box?46:00 Total Running TimeSHOW LINKSSugar 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, TankyIt's breakfast cereal, and you'll soon

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.  SHOWTIMES0:02 OBJECTIVE SCHMIDT Parody Song (lyrics by D. Donovan, Performed by the T2HS Singers)3:34 Greetings and Chat about Earthquake Rules10:20 Gun Rules30:20 Dave Talks of Red One and Frostgrave Christmas Game42:00 New Contest Announced (Entrants due by January 13)31:50 Box Art Review49:00 Total Running Time                                                    SHOW LINKSGI Joe Recoiless ToyFrostgrave Christmas ScenarioMannerheim CrossOBJECTIVE SCHMIDT SONGTo the tune of “I Saw Three Ships”Lyrics by Dennis Donovan, performed by

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. SHOWTIMES0:02 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 Drawing29:00 New Contest Announced (Entrants due by December 13)31:50 Box Art Review40:45 Bendis and Summers Play at ASLOK45:05 Total Running Time                                                    M*A*S*H  KOREA SONGLyrics by Dennis

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 TIMES0:32 Banter3:40 Letters16:10 Latest ASL Gaming Aids42:00 Interview with Jonathan Kay and Wai Wong49:44 Total Running TimeLINKSVictory Games on Youtube Download this episode (right click and save)

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 TIMES0:02 Song "Wrong Way to Cincinnati"3:40 Banter16:10 Interview with Ed Beekman25:10 What Have You Been Playing Lately?31:00 Interview with Dave Weisenhahn51:51 Total Running TimeLINKSDC CosncriptsASL North Texas ShootoutLYRICS by Dennis DonovanThe Wrong Way, to CincinnatiOff to CincinnatiWent some ALSOK noobs one dayThey were chomping at the bit  and couldn’t wait to play.Bringing ‘long ASL goodiesfood and lots of beerTill a wife she got frustratedAnd said  “Listen to

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 RangoonSHOW TIMES0:02 Song "All About That Rate"3:40 Rules40:10 Banter47:30 What's in the Box?1:02:20 Total Running TimeLINKSThey are in the write-up above. Look for the blue letters.LYRICSBecause you know I'm all about that rate'Bout that rate, no re-zidI'm all about that rate'Bout that rate, no cowersI'm all about that rate'Bout that rate, no malfingI'm all about that rate'Bout that rate... Yeah, Rate of Fire’s, in A9.2And I can make it, make it, it’s not that hard to do      &nb

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 LINKSSpecial Ops #12SHOW TIMES00:01 "ASL Edelweiss" Song2:00 Much Chit Chat12:00 Contest Winner Announced13:00 What's in the Box?29:00 Rules49:43 Total Running Time"ASL Edelweiss" Lyrics by Rich Spilky Performed by The 2 Half Squads SingersA-S-L, A-S-L, Every die roll enchants meRule book thick, games not quick, Line of Sight is no problemEight 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 meA two is good and a twelve is bad, Yet target types perplex meA-S-L, A-S-L, Skulking safely forever!The 2 Half-Squads is brought

 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 one of said interview. Enjoy!SHOW LINKSNone todaySHOW TIMES00:01 "Sleeze Freezer" Song4:00 Steven Pleva Part Two59:07 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 meLuck was out to get me. That's the way it seemed.When I play Squad Leader I get creamedThen I saw that page About our pet peeverIt's D2.3, and it's quite the findVBMmmmmmm, it's called sleeze-freezing But its not cheating, lighten up guysI 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-freezerNot a trace of shame in my mindVBMm

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 TIMES00:01 Right into the interview.8:00 Pleva Bidding System21:00 ASL Memories of Opponents25:00 What Makes a Great Player pt. 131:00 Heretical Rules45:14 Total Running TimeThe 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.Download this episode (right-click and Save)

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 TowerSHOW LINKSNone todaySHOW TIMES00:01 "ASL After Midnight" Song7:00 Rules VC 30:00 Dave's Digression34:00 Rules VC Part 246:28 Total Running TimeASL After MidnightLyrics by Dennis DonovanPerformed by The 2 Half Squad SingersASL after midnight, rolling dice till the dawnAFVs all burning wreckage, they're gone, they're goneI took the building 'bout 1 A.M. Rolling, rolling.Close Combat phase skills showing again, rolling, rolling.My squads lit up in his IR lightIts time to assault move to the right.ASL after midnight, rolling d

It's those scary rout rules! Yes, we finallytackle 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 LINKSNone todaySHOW TIMES00:01 "Can't Explain (the Rout Rules)" Song3:00 Bantero16:00 Letters25:00 Rules58:28 Total Running TimeCan't ExplainLyrics by Dennis DonovanPerformed by The 2 Half Squad SingersThese rules here guys A10 point five (can't explain) Smartest guys in the world Yeah, any Rout Rules, yeahGrofaz (can’t explain)Almost grokked them once but they (hurt my brain)Dizzy in the head when reading Rout rulesThey’re really complex, you know that it’s trueThey give me headaches again and again A Gordian Knot, dudeCan’t explainJust what they meanTried to decipher them dudeBut haven't a clueAnd 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 gladFrom the Rosetta Stone? That wouldn’t be badI get little glimpses every

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 LINKSNone todaySHOW TIMES00:01 "In a Stack" Song6:00 What's in the Box?44:30 Contest Draw and New Announced50:28 Total Running TimeIn a StackLyrics by Dennis Donovan Performed by The 2 Half Squad SingersI have three elite squads, I'll move them in a stack. With the 10-3 leader, now no turning backI 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 stackMy guys w