December 10, 2008
Episode 13: TANKS! (part 1)
Just in time for the holidays, our gift to you is our biggest episode yet. It has to be BIG because the topic is . . . TANKS! Tis the season to give TANKS and we’re right on track. We take ‘em apart and put ‘em back together to bring you better understanding of these oh-so-amazing armored fighting vehicles. There’s a lot to cover so we call in a guest armor leader, Joe, who scopes out vehicle counter symbols. Jeff then deftly breaks down tank movement rules, and Dave dispenses a wealth of knowledge about vehicle smoke dischargers.
Oh, and there’s so much more! You won’t want to bypass this one, so pour yourself a cup of cheer, gather your family and friends close and tune in to this roaring, fully-tracked adventure. You’ll go to bed with visions of turrets dancing in your head.
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scrub said,
December 11, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
You guys have too much fun! Lots of LOL moments. Great episode guys!
scrub said,
December 11, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
Oops, meant to ask, was there really a fall down the stairs or was I laughing at others’ misfortunes again?
theSandmanCymru said,
December 12, 2008 @ 5:00 am
Hey Guys - thanks for the Birthday pressie - I’m downloading it now.
How did you know it was my Birthday?
:)
Ps had Beyond Valor as one of my presents - my partner, Lisa, Rocks!!!!
Peter said,
December 12, 2008 @ 7:45 am
Hey guys great podcast! I’m just listening to episode #13, tanks! The 2 Half-Squads is the best wargaming podcast on the net for 2 reasons:
1) You guys are funny, I like your humor (the gift exchange segment in #13 is very funny)
2) ASL…all the way!
Regarding thanks I wanted to point out an amazing tanks tutorial that Jay Richardson has created for all the ASLSK fans (its good even for people going straight to ASL and want to learn about tanks), check it out here…IT’s AMAZING!!!:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/361467
(PS there are other tutorials, starting from simple infantry movement and fire stuff, you guys should check it out and perhaps mentioned for other new ASL players)
Keep up the good work!
Peter
Jeff Curtis said,
December 12, 2008 @ 9:25 am
Loved the latest show. I’m new to ASL and have been playing some SK scenarios. S16 is one I just played and wanted to let you know that the Free French do indeed start with a captured German 5-12 machine gun. See special rule #2 for the scenario.
It sounded like you guys were close to a casualty reduction a couple of times in the last episode.
Cpl. Uhl said,
December 12, 2008 @ 9:30 am
You’ve alluded to ASL in Miniature a few times. More details says I! What rules are used, do you use hexes, etc?
Tanks for a great episode.
the2halfsquads said,
December 12, 2008 @ 9:37 am
Scrub. What the… Here we’re trying to put on a serious show and you’re laughing at us?
As for Dave’s fall, we’ll talk more about that in a future episode when we discuss Height Disadvantage.
the2halfsquads said,
December 12, 2008 @ 9:39 am
Happy Birthday, theSandmanCymru. And you’re right, Lisa sounds very cool. Maybe for her birthday you can get her one of those mahogany dice towers with the alabaster inlay. Dave can tell you where to buy them. Jeff (& Dave)
the2halfsquads said,
December 12, 2008 @ 9:42 am
Thanks, Peter. Yes, I just stumbled upon the Jay Richardson tutorials yesterday. They look fantastic. I plan to print them out for future study. Thanks for the link. Jeff & Dave
the2halfsquads said,
December 12, 2008 @ 9:46 am
Jeff Curtis, thanks for pointing out the fact that I MISSED that SSR. I’d like to think it’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on the show — but that is obviously NOT the case. There’s a lot more humiliation in store for future episodes, so keep listening!
Jeff (& Dave)
Jason said,
December 12, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
Hi Guys,
Great job on Episode 13!!! Looks like ‘13′ is more of a lucky number for you guys than unlucky.
Now that Joe’s making more and more appearances on the show, you guys should keep him on as a regular. Maybe rename the show to “The 2 Half-Squads & a Hero” ??
Lastly, reader’s mail should be a part of every show you guys do. At least, that’s my opinion.
In any case, great job all around. Looking forward to listening to the three of you in episode 14.
Mike Herrmann said,
December 12, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
Hey Guys did you hear the map bundle is being postponed indefinately??? I heard you talking about it in the beginning of the episode. MMP claims they do not have enough space to store the 6 pallets required. See gamesquad forums for more info. Its a bummer…
Mike Herrmann said,
December 12, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
oh and keep that toilet seat down gentlemen???
the2halfsquads said,
December 14, 2008 @ 10:14 pm
Hey, Jason. Yes, Joe has his own little fan club developing. And it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
As for the listener mail segments, you’re right. We get some great mail and feedback and it deserves a spot in every show. We plan to keep it in for the foreseeable future.
Thanks for listening. We’re already planning beverages for Episode 14 (that’s the hardest part!).
the2halfsquads said,
December 14, 2008 @ 10:19 pm
Hello, Mike. If true, the map bundle issue is a real shame. It seems too crazy to be true. You KNOW there are about 500 ASL players out there willing to donate space in their garages. We’ll keep an ear to this and report on it next show if it’s still news.
Have to run now, I’m digging an outhouse in the back yard and need to have it done before we record Episode 14!
Jeff (and Dave)
skippen said,
December 17, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
What’s the link for the unique tank storage?
the2halfsquads said,
December 17, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
http://www.tabletoptitans.com/tutorials/0004.php There you go. Sorry we didn’t get a link up. Dave (and Jeff)
the2halfsquads said,
December 18, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Cpl Uhl, I do the miniatures and uses full ASL rules with 15mm (currently switching to 20mm and selling the 15’s to Flames of War fans) mini’s with HO scale buildings and trees and played on 4″ (I think) hexes and covered with flocking. The river hexes and gullies are dug into the styrofoam hexes! Dave (and Jeff)
Buzz said,
December 19, 2008 @ 11:12 pm
I just discovered your podcast last week, and I was really impressed. It’s great hearing the two of you have so much fun. Hope nobody sustained any serious damage during that last ‘cast!
Anonymous said,
December 20, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Welcome buzz, Glad to have a new listener! Nobody was hurt too badly. Dave (and Jeff)
Ian said,
December 23, 2008 @ 1:07 am
Great episode chaps. You know, I used to understand the Smoke rules before I listened to this. Now it’s as clear as mud
Oh, and when are you going to post some pictures of Charlie? I’m getting quite attached to him now!
Tanks again!
Joe Pellam said,
December 23, 2008 @ 7:32 am
Charlie is a nice dog and all but, I am attached to Jeff’s #2 dog, Winston. Oh what a character he is.
Frighteningfred said,
December 26, 2008 @ 11:51 am
More live electrocutions!!!
Fred, Jeff fixed the problem. He said it was too painful. Dave (and Jeff)
Michael Decker said,
December 26, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
Great podcast. I heard you mention you had a friend that worked at Argonnne. My brother also works there, some nuclear physicist thing it’s not worth bothering trying to understand, and NOT an ASL fanatic, but I’ll send him an email about your podcast and maybe get him into the fold!
A couple things - Jay Richardson would be a great interview on your show, the man is absolutely brilliant.
Also, are either of you headed out to Winter Offensive this year? I think I’m flying out from Colorado to attend.
Hi Michael.
If he gets more interested in ASL your brother may have to give up his position at Argonne National Laboratory. I hear it’s not possible to be proficient in both particle physics AND Advanced Squad Leader. Not enough room in the brain, you see.
We have no plans to attend Winter Offensive, but who knows?
Thanks for listening!
Jeff (& Dave)
Daniel Brown said,
December 29, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
It happenned again. I wrote a very clever post about this podcast and now it is gone. I take too long to write it and the system times out and just throws away my post. Oh well, here is the Highlights of a much better post:
1. Great podcast . Thanks Thanks Thanks. 2. I am dumb … I did not catch on to the “13th - misshaps” thing until a few minutes left in the podcast 3. Because of #2 I am too dumb to play ASL. 4. I am going to pretend to be smart like everyone else here and hope no one notices 5. I seem to have a harder and harder time remembering rules so my expected future game will go like this:
Opponent: Dan, you cannot move there. Me: I knew that. I was moving here ??? Opponent: You cannot move there either. Me: I knew that. I was just testing your knowledge of the rules. You did well. A+. My plan was to stay here. Opponent: You have to rout away. Me: Oh… [Pause] … Ok why don’t you move my piece and I will let you know if I like it ?
… This all made more sense and was funnier last time but you get the point.
Thanks again for a great podcast. I cannot stress how much I appreciate what you do.
Hi Dan. Yeah, sorry about the time-out issue when posting comments. It’s caught me a few times as well.
Thanks for taking the time to post (twice!). Very funny — and poignant. You’ve truly captured the heart of ASL for many of us. So why do we keep coming back to it? For the fame and glamor, of course!
Thanks for listening!
Jeff (& Dave)
Todd said,
December 30, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
I don’t even play ASL and I enjoy your show. I imagine it’s a lot of work. I agree with some of your “mailers”: you could some more time discussing newbie stuff. Perhaps a Newb segment?
Btw, I think it is very cool how you answer your blog commenters. MMP has a great ally in you 2 (or should I say 3?) Btw pt.2, I wish there was this kind of following for Combat Commander (my game of choice).
Hi Todd.
Thanks for writing. We try to create shows that will appeal to all level of players, but we get a lot of requests for more newbie content. We are currently working on 2 Half-Squads mini-series for newbies titled “Newbie-Do”. We recorded the first installment last night, featuring a step-by-step, blow-by-blow walk through of a game of “Retaking Vierville”, the first scenario in Starter Kit 1. I haven’t started editing it yet, so I’m not sure how it will go, but we’re hopeful it will be useful for the new players. Stay tuned.
As for Combat Commander . . . now’s YOUR chance. Why not start your own podcast? Do you dare to be famous and powerful??
Thanks for listening.
Jeff (& Dave)
Cam said,
December 31, 2008 @ 7:47 am
Another excellent show, guys. I do think the 13th episode had the most action and adventure of any episode so far - Joe’s cascading Schlitz, Dave’s Cirque du Soleil impression, and Jeff’s near electrocution. I look forward to the next Tanks show.
I would really like to hear an episode walking through the Sequence of Play. Keep them coming, guys!
Cam, I am thrilled to be compared with Cirque de Soliel. It was quite a graceful fall. Dave (and Jeff)
Kevin A said,
December 31, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
“I hear it’s not possible to be proficient in both particle physics AND Advanced Squad Leader. Not enough room in the brain, you see.”
Huh?? What. I guess us members of the Particle Physics ASL Players of the World Association, PPAPotWA for short don’t count. I have membership card number 6, so clearly there are 5 others as well.
BTW, it is pressure that damages things not weight. That is why you can sleep on a bed of dull nails but a small needle will puncture the skin. Having your foot run over by a low pressure tank would hurt less than having it be run over by a VW bus tire.
Matt Noah said,
January 1, 2009 @ 1:16 am
Guys,
Am listening to #13 as I type. Really enjoyed your intro and gift-giving segment. Suggest you play Totsugeki or Cibik’s Ridge for the PTO scenario your going to feature. Speaking of Totsu, here’s a haiku that I put on the old mailing list:
Play Totsugeki Chinese versus Japanese PTO is best
You guys are funny - never thought guys talking about ASL would be entertaining. Normally it only happens at tourneys as we’re putting away counters. Will recommend y’all to Coyle, Chaney, and the Stanhagai.
Have you done a segment from ASLOK or WO?
Just heard you haven’t done a desert scenario yet. Do Khamsin or Half a Chance.
Sorry for my previous abbreviated cooments - the text box does NOT like the TAB keys.
Just heard one of you liked berets … probably best not to mention that …
robin said,
January 3, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
Hello Guys, this is Robin, Jeff’s wife. Keep up the good work. I love listening to you guys. There is another podcast planned for Sunday here, so let’s see how well you do on the toilet seat!! Cheers, Robin
Cpl. Uhl said,
January 4, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
You guys are lucky, my mother wouldn’t allow my gaming friends to even use the bathroom….
jrregan said,
January 6, 2009 @ 7:43 am
Robin, Thanks for the update! More Tanks! hopefully.
Anonymous said,
January 10, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
Get well soon Dave! Roll snakeyes on your morale roll so you can rally and we can hear from you!
Coolio said,
January 13, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
Thanks for the book recommendations in this episode. I picked them up at my library this weekend and I’m really enjoying them! Keep those references coming!
the2halfsquads said,
January 13, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
Dave has survived and a new episode should be up very soon. Thanks for your concern. We will keep some book recommendations coming as we are always reading something about WWII! Dave (and Jeff)
Tim Klepaczyk said,
May 1, 2009 @ 3:21 pm
Hi, guys,
Props to Robin for setting you guys straight. When I heard Dave butcher Nahverteidigungswaffe I was yelling at my computer. Ich habe drei Jahre Deutsch im Gymnasium gelernt; i.e., I studied three years of German in high school. While I can’t guarantee my grammer I still remember pronunciation. Phonetically,
Nahverteidigungswaffe = nah-fair-TIE-di-gungs-VOF-uh
Props to Robin as well for the translation. I knew waffe was weapon (Luftwaffe = air weapon; Waffen Schutzstaffel or Waffen SS = armed protective squad) but not the rest of the word. incidentally,
Panzerkampfwagen = pahnt-ser-KAMPF-vog-in
So if you ever need any other German pronunciations (and to a lesser extend Spanish and French) you can check with me, too.
Tim K.
Mark Humphries said,
October 1, 2009 @ 5:53 pm
Hi guys,
Great show!
Some of your answers don’t seem to match my ASLRB:
2.5 Excessive Speed Breakdown, maximum MP gain is one-fourth (FRD) not one-half.
2.52 Axis vehicles are assumed to have a red MP allotment prior to Oct ‘41 in North African scenarios only