June 23, 2008
Episode 6
This episode addresses some requests to help new ASL players. We discuss ways to find other players, what you need to buy to get started playing and how to store all that stuff. Then we cover some differences between the Starter Kits and the “full” rules, and get into a beginner’s discussion of the Defensive Fire Phase.
Here are some links to web sites we discussed:
MMP’s list of differences between Starter Kits and full rules
(When we first published this episode there was a problem with the audio cutting off the last 2 minutes of the podcast. We fixed the issue and posted a new file which now plays correctly.)
Listen Now:
Standard Podcasts [ 73:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (1107)
Anonymous said,
June 23, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
Good job on the podcast, guys. Candice is a girl’s name, and I am a girl. Don’t sweat calling me “he.” No offense taken.
One technical problem was that the ‘cast seemed to cut off abruptly at 1:12. Is it a problem on my end?
Candice said,
June 23, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
Oops, last comment was from me. I lost a big comment I was going to leave so forgot to add my name to the form.
David Tye said,
June 24, 2008 @ 10:45 am
Hi from London.
I had the same prob with it ending suddenly without the usual wrap-up.
You’re doing a great job. You both have good, soothing ‘radio’ voices and your podcasts are entertaining, humorous and informative.
As to your query about lady ASLers, there is one female player I’m aware of in the British ASL community - if memory serves, she beat the TD in a Chinese/Japanese scenario at the London tourney last weekend.
Keep up the good work.
the2halfsquads said,
June 24, 2008 @ 10:58 am
Thanks for the heads-up about the truncated ending. Something must have happened to the file during the upload to Podbean. I will re-upload the episode this afternoon and hope that takes care of the issue.
Jeff
theSandmanCymru said,
June 24, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
Hi Jeff,
Great stuff - I look forward to hearing the end.
In the meantime I am clipping!!!!!! (At last another use for my nail clippers!)
David Tye - any idea if there are any ASL players in Wales in the UK???
Cheers guys - please keep up the excellent work - I really look forward to these episodes.
Take it easy
theSandmanCymru
the2halfsquads said,
June 24, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
Apparently just the last couple of minutes of this episode are cut off for some reason. I’ve just re-uploaded the file again and hopefully that will fix the issue.
Jeff
David Tye said,
June 24, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
theSandmanCymru,
I’ll send a private message on GameSquad forum.
Don Lazov said,
June 24, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Very interesting podcast. I loved the part on counter storage. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s all I used were the standard counter storage trays that you could purchase from AH. My buddy used zip-lock bags. Joe Pellum showed me his kit and I like that cause I can go to Home Depot and pick up those types of trays.
The only thing I differ with is in looking up rules. If you have a large gathering usually you can ask around the room, but in some case you do need to lookup rules and it does not really slow down the pace of the game if not used excessivly. Like before I play a scenairo if I have to lookup cavalry or if I forgot how to place a MG fire lane I may have to check the rule for that. Also what may help people switching from the SK to the ASLRB is to use the PI (Program Instruction), this concept was first introduced in the original SL, but was updated for AsL in one of the Annual’s you can still access this from MMP web site or I can scan it for anyone that would like it.
Oh, for some reason the play-back just cuts off during the discussion of Final Fire.
Great podcast again. It would be neat to do something on other than AH or MMP products such as CH and HOB. The HOB Firefights 1 and 2 are really neat because they come with a map for each scenario (for those that are lacking maps.
Matt said,
June 25, 2008 @ 4:19 am
Places to find players: Yahoo Groups, there’s quite a few Yahoo grops dedicated to ASL. Usually broken down by region. www.gamesquad.com A board gaming message board. Ask around there in the ASL section. www.miltimanpublishing.com There is a player directory. I don’t know how up to date it is. It also lists groups and locations. www.boardgamegeek.com Huge community of boardgamers.
There are other ASL websites and message boards I beleive. Doesn’t con-sim world have an ASL section. Maybe the desperate moral website?
the2halfsquads said,
June 25, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
Thanks for that, Matt. I was having so much fun during the show I didn’t stay very focused and forgot to mention much of what was on my notes. I’ll ask Dave to slap me around before the next show and maybe I’ll stay more on-task and be more coherent!
Nicolas said,
June 26, 2008 @ 2:44 am
thanks great episode
the end is cut, during the final fire chat
could you reup the episode ?
Bryans said,
June 26, 2008 @ 11:45 am
Hey the end is cut off
Just thought I would tell you if you did not read the past 11 comments ;P
Seriously, get podcast guys!!! Keep it up. I was driving to work when you shook the storage case and forgot to close it. I almost spit coffee all over my new car!!!!!
great links, now about some pics as well. Would love to see the storage pics and maybe some when you open a product!
PS Not only did we hear the dog. At one point I could hear his drinking from his bowl. Most excellent!
the2halfsquads said,
June 26, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
I’m glad your new car was spared the coffee shower. Sorry about that. I was going to buy a new car this year, but I’ve decided to save my money for a copy of “Code of Bushido” on Ebay.
We hope to make my wheaton terrier, Charlie, a regular on the show because he provides such interesting background noises. The other two pups, Winston and Rocky were strangely silent . . . perhaps due to Dave’s enrapturing voice.
Thanks for listening. Drive carefully.
Jeff (and Dave)
Chalkboy8 said,
June 28, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
HI Guys,
Great Podcast! I like the way you brokedown the Defensive Fire rules in an easy to digest and understand chunk. How about doing the same for Snipers, Close Combat and some of the AFV rules?
Please do another What’s in the Box segment too!
Joe
Luke Sineath said,
June 28, 2008 @ 10:03 pm
Great show! You guys are really funny! I laughed quite a bit, also nice discussion of tactics! I’m new to ASL, and have been dabbling with the tarter kits for now, but I have the RB and BV and Yanks, for that glorious day…
Kevin A said,
July 1, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
Hey guys, nice episode. If anyone here wants to play a game using VASSAL, or FTF if you are in the East Bay Area of San Francisco, just drop me a line at kankoviak@comcast.net.
I have played SL or ASL since it first came out in the mid 70s. I even remember SL-miniatures. There was a company that tried to sell foam hexes and miniatures especially for SL. Never flew.
Anyway, even though I have played off and on for 33 years now, ugh, I haven’t played enough to become a snob.
Also, Jeff and Dave, how about an online 2 Half Squads Tourney. Round robin, friendly play, and you’ll finally get VASSAL up and working.
Paul Franklin said,
July 2, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
Great episode! Good advice and very informative. Keep up the good work guys, you’re doing an awesome job so far.
Brian said,
July 4, 2008 @ 7:54 am
Another great episode! You guys are great to listen to and have a laid back, welcoming attitude about the game that make it less intimidating. I blew off ASL for years because it sounded very dry and tedious. I’ve started playing and I can’t believe how fun it is with all the crazy die roll results and the variety of different scenarios.
I’ve made an early transition from the SKs to the full rules so I can learn the game in it’s final form. For me it’s confusing to hop back and forth on rules, or to relearn added steps later. I’d rather just learn the complete game as I go and be done with it!
Please keep podcasting, you guy are really funny!
Packy said,
July 6, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
Jeff and Dave, Great work on the podcasts! You ASL podcasts are entertaining and insightful! I’m definitely a Newbie to wargaming, but I did play ASL about 15 years ago whilst in college because my roommate bribed me with lots of beer and promises that I wouldn’t have to read the enormous rulebook. Since you lads are in the Chicago area is there a way this newbie can join one of your club meetings (preferably Friday night, Saturday, Sunday)? I don’t have any ASL at the moment, but I want to see if it is still as fun as I remember from college. You can contact me at my email: packycmoore@hotmail.com
Cheers and keep up the excellent work! -Packy
Gary Krockover said,
July 6, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
Hey guys, *love* the podcasts - I was listening to this episode today while working out at the gym.
Re: Plano containers, I (and many others) have found the 3701’s to be a better model as they aren’t quite as tall (height), thus less wasted space since you won’t go that deep unless you are doing a lot of combining of counter types.
Keep up the great work! GJK
robin said,
July 15, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
Hello Guys, this is Robin, Jeff’s wife. I have to say, I am loving your show and since I DON’T play ASL, I just wanted you to know I find it very interesting and funny still. And, I find myself once in a while considering playing or learning, you guys make it sound so fun! Especially now that I hear Candice is a girl who actually plays… who knows… maybe I will give the game a try- do the counters come in any other colors?
Keep up the good work!
Robin