Episode 377: A Maresca Medley

We jump right in to a wonderful interview with Vincent Maresca.  He has made great contributions to the world of Advanced Squad Leader.  As the Author of "Fifty Shades of Black" and "Me Ne Frego: the Italians in ASL, he has written two of the best and most thorough articles ever found in Banzai. One discusses various SS options and the other Italian ones. Along with Carl Nogueira, he has worked extensively on the upcoming Spanish Civil War Module.  We know you will enjoy this one.  As well as the opening medley by Dennis Donovan and the Two Half Squad Singers. 

This show is the only one for December so it is a bit long, but you  can listen in parts. 

SHOW LINKS

Banzai 19.1

Banzai 25. 2

SHOW TIMES

01: Christmas Medley Song

3:50 Interview with Vinny

Photo by Louis Padol

100:00 Total Running Time

Rally Phase Records Presents!

A Holiday Medley (a parody)

Concept and Lyrics by Dennis Donovan

Performed by The 2 Half Squad Singers

Lyrics are posted on the Youtube version

which has some fun photos.  Check it out. 

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

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.

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Episode 376: Where We Say the Quiet Part Out Loud About J15 and ATT

Banter includes a bit about Halloween and a Trip to the Kenosha Civil War Museum to hear author and
historian Lance Herdegen discuss his new book Opening Manassas. What we have played lately is Scenario FT206: FDL Chaung.  And a little D&D.  Some letters from listeners are read. In the Box is Journal 15. 

And we wrap things up with a little Box Art Review of the cover of Journal 15. 

Rally Phase Records Presents!

A.T.T. (a parody)

Concept and Lyrics by Dennis Donovan

Mixing Mark Shontz

Music by Blind Squirrel

(Drums - Mark, Bass Guitar - Ray,

Lead Guitar - Kevin, Vocals - Dennis)

Oi, Oi, Oi

See me calculate To Hit Rolls

on my QRDC Screen

Want the best shot I can get 

If you know what I mean

Target type is on the left you see

and the range is on the right.

Ain't got no Acq. No Bore sight 

Base is 7 right?

There is no TEM on To Hit right?

ATT is the target type.

ATT Firepower is halved you know

ATT on the I.F.T. roll. div>

Concealed, LV that adds a +3

on the To Hit man, place a large Acq. on the target hex, understand. 

So load up that ordnance, warm up those dice. 

Recheck those numbers, then roll those dice, HE is coming down. Let's not mess around.

I'll use ATT as target type, 

ATT Firepower is halved right?

ATT on the I.F.T. roll.

ATT - HE will explode

Oi, Oi, Oi 

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

SHOW LINKS

Author of Opening Manassas
LFT Deluxe Pack

SHOW TIMES

01: ATT Song

3:50 Banter

4:00 Whatcha Been Playing Lately?
20:00 Letters

35:00 Box Art Review

48:45 Total Running Time

The 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.

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Episode 375: What We Reveal Will Make You Question Everything!

What we reveal will make you question everything. Why are there so many ASL rules? Why is there
still banter on this show?  When will it all end? 

Be warned. The lack of surprising answers may shock you. But we do discuss our recent games of Stargrave, Frostgrave and a look at Dave and Dave's game of FT 205 SCRAGGY from Le Franc Tireur. We also take a look at The Song of Medusa Scenario by Scott Mullins. And we wrap things up with a little Box Art Review of the cover of Mannerheim Cross. This review was written by Dennis Donovan. 

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

SHOW LINKS
Dave's Frost Giants Daughters Frostgrave Scenario

SHOW TIMES

01: Chitty Chitty Chat Chat

4:00 Whatcha Been Playing Lately?
17:00 Grumble Jones Medusa Scenario

24:30 ASL eOpen Announcement

35:00 Box Art Review

52:45 Total Running Time

The 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.

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Episode 374: Hooked on Swedish Inherent Crews

We are stunned to welcome the Marvelous Mike Ryzy and Indomitable Dennis Donovan once again as we try to recall the Inherent Crew rules. We have a Quiz Show/Rules segment covering Rule D5 Inherent Crews! We won't abandon you, so don't self-destruct folks, just see your counselor. 

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

SHOW LINKS
None today

SHOW TIMES

01: Opening Song
2:47 Rules/Quiz Show

54:15 Total Running Time

The 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.

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Episode 373: Armor that Underbelly: Terrain Modifications to Anti-Vehicle Fire

Once again we welcome the Marvelous Mike Ryzy and Indomitable Dennis Donovan as we jump right in with a Quiz Show/Rules segment covering Rule D4 Terrain Modifications to Anti-Vehicle Fire. Terrain benefits, hull down, height advantage, underbelly hits; we cover them all! With all that we decided to move the Banter toward the end of the show. We ponder the actual flavor of Red Velvet Donuts. Lastly their is a deep dive into the scenarios of Lone Canuck's Quick 6 Scenario Pack 2018

Theme song by Derek K. Miller of Penmachine.

SHOW LINKS
Great Campaigns of the American Civil War

SHOW TIMES

01: Opening Song
1:31 Rules/Quiz Show

28:00 Chit Chat

34:10 What's in the Box?

46:30 Total Running Time

The 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.

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Episode 372: The ASL Authorities Need to Investigate This!

It's a rip roaring show that will give you cause to open up an investigation of this terribly illicit and nefarious episode. That is most likely because we are joined by Mike Ryzy and Dennis Donovan!

Our letters segment begins a bidding war between listener's who don't want Parody Songs, and those that do! Please send us your bid. We accept Cash, services, and Patreon Donations. 

We are highly recommending the two books, that we review. They are ANGEL DOWN and 60 DAYS IN COMBAT.  In the Box we find  Brick Works from Broken Ground and Drop Zone: Chef du Pont by MMP. 

SHOW LINKS
George Hoitis ASL Mnemonics on Youtube

Joys of ASL PBEM 

60 Days in Combat Book

Daniel Kraus - Angel Down

SHOW TIMES

01: Banter Chat
4:31 Letters

16:00 Book Reviews Angel Down and Sixty Days in Combat

28:10 What's in the Box? 

39:00 Tournament Scene Update

42:00 New Advanced Squad Leader Products That are Coming to a Store Near You

46:30 Total Running Time

The 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.

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Episode 371: Make Room for Alan Hume

 Hello Fans, Friends, and Family,

We hope you enjoy the wonderful opening song by Dennis and Stephen Stewart.  

The cool and collected Alan Hume appears on todays show and gives us a look at the Advanced Squad Leader scene in the UK.

Join us for this fascinating interview.  

SHOWLINKS

Second Chance Games

.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Counterstruck Song
3:50 Banter But Not Much of it!
4:43  Interview with Alan Hume
51:10 Total Running Time

Rally Phase Records ™ presents!

Counterstruck   

To AC-DC’s “ Thunderstruck”

Concept & Lyrics: Dennis Donovan

Vocals & Mixing:  Stephan Stewart

So I thought

In the middle of an ASL match (Counter!)

I looked ‘round

And I knew there was something I lacked (Counter!)

My mind raced,

And I thought what could I do? (Counter!)

And I knew

A named counter, I needed one too (Counter!)

One with MY name 

I figured out

Getting ones tough

That tore me apart

I’ve been

Counterstruck!

Well maybe someday?

Nah, forget it, but then this went down:

Went to the Texas, Team Tourney and I saw me some

They had counters 

Counter sheets with attendee’s names

They are so cool

They’re all 9-2s

Yeah, yeah they, they blew my mind

And I was shaking at the knees

I just could not believe

What an amazing find

I’ve been

Counterstruck

I was shaking at the knees

There was a counter of me!

Counter struck, Counterstruck, Counter struck, Counterstruck

It’s alright, I just got mine

It’s alright, I’m lookin’ fine, fine, fine……

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Episode 370: You'll be OVERRUN by James and Wethington

 We polish off the last of the interviews from March Madness in Kansas City with Jerry James and Phillip Wethington.  They discuss their gaming history, habits and favorite opponents among much more!

SHOW LINKS

Cardboard Commander

SHOW TIMES
0:01 Song An Overun
3:00 Opening Conversation
9:30 Jerry James Interview
25:50 Phil Wethington Interview
41:13 Total Running Time

LYRICS to "An Overrun"

A couple of SERIOUS ASL guys!

Lyrics by Dennis Donovan, Performed by Megan Kleinschmidt and The 2 Half Squad Singers

I saw him at the open and my heart stood still

I’ll do one one-one, an over run?

I needed some CVPs and it fit the bill

I’ll do one-one-one, an over run
Yeah, he’s on a hill
, Yeah, an easy kill

Went into hex G1
one-one-one, an over run
Knew not what I was doing, but I had to try

I’ll do one-one-one, an over run

The con-cept seemed easy, but my-oh-my .

I’ll do one-one-one, an over run
Yeah, I had to try ...
Yeah, it’s do-or-die
... Yeah, I love this rule.

To do one-one-one, an over run
I declared one-one, an over run

I’ll do one-one-one, an over run
I attacked with 7 FP and I rolled a 5
I did one-one-one, an over run

Rolls like that are gonna get his guys

I did one-one-one, an over run
Yeah, it went just fine
....Yeah, ‘till I hit that mine
.....If ya get immobilized

It’s half FP on, an over run
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
An over run run       
I did one-one-one, an over run.


<
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Episode 369: Richard Logan OWNS The 2 Half-Squads

We are so glad to have Richard Logan on the show today. He discusses being in the reserves, ASL as a military training device, his gaming history, what he has been playing lately as well as his plans for designing scenarios. It is wonderful to hear from an "average" Advanced Squad Leader fan, who is anything but "average". 

SHOW TIMES

00:01 Interview with Richard Logan

40:01 Total Running Time

SHOW LINKS

None Today

The 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.

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Episode 368: Shelling's Scandalous Sensational Shocker!

 Another scandalous episode of shocking Advanced Squad Leader information. You won't believe what the Powerful Pete Shelling reveals on this show. Pete discusses many things ASL bur most importantly he discusses the latest from MMP, Slaughter at Ponyri.  Want to see what Pete is planning on making and what he is currently reading, listen here. It is a shocker! We have yet to recover ourselves. 

SHOWTIMES

0:01 Right into the Interview

54:10  Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS

Stalingrad Redux on ASL Scenario Archive

Walking the Battlefields Ponyri

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Episode 367: We Played ASL for 30 Straight Days and You Won't Believe What Happened to Us!

Keven Adams

If you are quite certain that you want to miss the bantery discussion of Father's Day activities and Jeff's fishing trip, you can skip directly to minute 9 and get right into the interviews. Be sure not to miss the opening song though!

We are proud to present more or our March Madness 2025 interviews. Keven Adams discusses his scenario designs and ASL background, Sarah Sackett, and Aidan Hallman.  These are the interviews that you won't want to miss. 
Now that we think about it, why would you want to miss any of them?

SHOW TIMES 
0:01 Song SMC's a Goner (lyrics below)

Aiden and Sarah

3:03 Banter
9:20 Kevin Adams Interview
36:00 Interview with Sarah and Aiden
49:10 Total Running Time

LINKS
Kulning
The Brickworks on Illuminating Rounds

RALLY PHASE RECORDS PRESENTS!!!

 SMC's a Goner 

Sung to the tune of Girlfriend In a Coma by The Smiths

Lyrics: D. Wallick, D. Donovan
Vocals: Stephen Stewart
Mixer: Jim, the Mix-Master Bera


Leader blew morale check, oh no! I know it's serious
He was already broken, ya know, I know it's serious

And do I want him to roll a wound check? No! Cuz you know,
I would hate anything to happen to him
No I don't want to lose him

Do you really think he'll survive?
Do you think he'll roll less than 5?
Duuuuuuuuude

SMC's a goner, ya know, I know it's serious
Bye bye, bye my buddy, Goodbye

There were times when I could have rallied him
'Cuz you know, it's not like he's a 10-2 and he just got a field promotion

Now he's taking the check, time to fret, And he rolled a 5 and he died.
Dooooooooh!
Let me whisper a few bad words, I know it's serious


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Episode 366: Meier's Stunning Reveal

You won't believe the stunning facts that Advanced Squad Guru Tom Meier reveals on this show. We considered making a whole lot of edits, but decided to leave the scandalous parts in, just for your wanton and scurrilous satisfaction. 

What We Have Played Lately is Scenario FB17: Stalingrad Redux. 

In the Box is March Madness 2025 Scenario Pack: Schnake Eyes!  Check out the scenarios here.

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Small Talk
8:00  What's in the Box?

22:00 Contest Winner Announced

25:00 Interview with Tom Meier
47:00 What Have You Been Playing Lately?
57:42  Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS

Stalingrad Redux on ASL Scenario Archive

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Episode 365: Shocking News, Hot Snake Eyes

Summer is fast approaching and so is the next episode. We just can't believe how fast time flies. Or how SHOCKING this episode is. Scott Mullins discusses how to track your ASL games, using the ASL Archive and other methods. Matt Zajak discusses his background and his campaign games with his buddies, as well as his favorite miniature ancients rule set, favorite Advanced Squad Leader tournaments and scenarios, basically all things ASL. Most importantly Matt discusses his travels to Russia and help with the Ponyri game. We even dare to chat about our wives (and it's all good).

Dave forgets that he has played 1,402 games so far.

How about that opening song? The lyrics were provided by Rob Banozic and the song was performed by The 2 Half Squad Singers. It originally appeared on #205

SHOW LINKS

Box Cars Again Blog

WWII Wayfinder on Youtube

SHOWTIMES
00:01 Song: He's Got Really Hot Snake Eyes
04:00 Banter
08:10 Scott Mullins

26:45 Matt Zajac
1:00:05 Total Running Time

REALLY HOT SNAKE-EYES

(to the tune of "Bette Davis Eyes"

Lyrics by Rob Banozic)

His rolls are always low

I've never seen 'em high

His dice are never cold

He's got really hot snake-eyes

He'll turn the MGs on you

You won't pass a check twice

It's cold as East Front snow

He's got really hot snake-eyes

And they'll break you, they'll crit-hit you

They're the bones that will defeat you

They're atrocious, 'cause he always gets the

Rolls that make the stacks crush

God! why do I always roll so high, he's got really hot snake-eyes

You like your +3 stone

The place to stand and fight

But all you do is moan

He's got really hot snake-eyes

He'll take a '1' shot on you

And roll those wicked dice

Until you give up, too

He's got really hot snake-eyes

They'll DM you, when he plays you

Trash your plan with the dice he loans you

They're ferocious 'cause he always gets the

Rolls that make the stacks crush

All the boys think it's just fine, to get really hot snake-eyes

And they'll break you, they'll crit-hit you

They're the bones that will defeat you

They're atrocious, 'cause he always gets the

Rolls that make the stacks crush

All the boys think it's just fine, to get really hot snake-eyes

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Episode 364: The News MMP Doesn't Want You to Know

MMP does not want you to know about all the other games that exist in the world. We would never spend time on this show discussing games like Dungeons and Dragons, Settlers of Cataan, or Twilight Imperium, because we are such Advanced Squad Leader loyalists and Fan Boys.  Or would we now? 

In this very show, Jim Burris gives us an update on the St. Louis Tournament and what HE has been playing lately. James Treu gives us his gaming background and says hello. We also manage to read a few letters.  

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Small Talk
8:30  Jim Burris

23:30 Letters

41:00 Contest Winner Announced
42:00 James Treu
47:39 Total Running Time

SHOWLINKS
Matt Quinton's Youtube 

Matt Quinton's Discord 

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Episode 363: Unbelievable Bombshell

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!

SHOWTIMES
0:01 Small Talk
8:30  Rick Reinisch
40:00 Jeff DeYoung
55:30 Total Running Time

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Episode 362: Ponyri and Mareske

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!

SHOWTIMES
0:1 Song Minimum Move!
2:00 Interesting Chat
10:00 What's In the Box?
37:18 Interview with Dave Mareske
54:21 Total Running Time

Minimum Move
(based on Minimum Wage by They Might Be Giants)
Lyrics: Louis Padol
Vocals: The 2 Half Squad Singers


"Minimum Move"

SHOWTIMES
0:1 Song Minimum Move
2:00 Interesting Chat
18:00 After Action Report
45:00 What's in the Box?
1:03:40 Total Running Time

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361: DC Hero Works Best

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.

SHOWTIMES
0:1 Song DC HERO
4:00  Interesting Chat
18:00  Interview with Dan Best and Paul Works
54:21 Total Running Time

DC Hero

-- Concept: Dennis Donovan
-- Lyrics: Dennis Donovan, Rich Spilky, Stephen Stewart
-- Vocals: Stephen Stewart
-- Mixing/Technical: Jim Bera

Playin’ ASL, in the P.T.O.

The Marines vs. Jappos, Code of Bushido
Read all the SSRs, and I started to scheme
Coming up with a plan, when I noticed something:

There is one DEMO, to blow stuff away
And with a gleam in my eyes, I knew I’d found the way:
There’s a Japanese private, in the Second World War
Wasn’t sure how to use one, but he knew for sure

That one DEMO, felt good in his hands
Didn’t take long, to understand
Just one DEMO, will beat the foe
But a one-way ticket, for DC heroes

So he did a banzai           

No way he’d get dropped   
With his H.E. man purse           
Those Yankee Devils will be stopped!

By a DC Hero,
For Nippon he will die!
He’s a DC Hero
He’s got one  DEMO,

DC Hero Yankees will die!
DC Hero   
Yankees will die!
He won’t sur-vive this fight.

On a road without a name, out on Corregidor
There’s a Sherman Tank Dozer, stopped in hex G4
Yeah, this day is his last, filled with lots of pain
That one  DEMO, gonna win the game

So he started chargin’
8 MF enough?
But if he gets wounded 
Gettin to the target will be tough!

For a DC Hero
   for Nippon he will die!
He’s a DC Hero
   for Nippon he’ll die!
YEAH   DC HERO
   Nippon he’ll die!
That one DEMO,   
   Nippon he’ll die!
He’s gonna win
   Gonna win tonight


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