All posts by Derek Ritter

Post #125 – Doomed Battalions. Action Pack 19. Arnhem Scenario Pack. Hazmo 5 and Quick 6 VII pre-orders. Puzzle #126. Solution to Puzzle #125. Trip to Europe.

Doomed Battalions 4th Edition

Hot off the presses with the center dot issue fixed. Please contact MMP for replacement overlays if you received the overlays without a center dot.

Action Pack 19: Roads to Rangoon

Preorder for Hazmo 5:

Hazardous Movement 1-5 Package Deal Discount

Pre-Order for Quick 6 VII

Quick 6 Package Deal 15% Off

Puzzle #126

Here is an ASL Classic for you: The poor Italians, finding themselves in yet another jar of pickles deep inside the Soviet Union, are facing down a terrifying Human wave of “Oorah” yelling Mongol hordes sporting PPSH’s. Unfortunately after the first MF impulse of the wave, the HMG fires and Cowers, yet as a saving grace they manage to break one entire stack. Although the right move would be to hold fire until Adjacent or in hex, the leaders panic and give the command to fire now. They did however use a classic trick that increased the odds of survival substantially (hints: there are two subtle clues, one in the previous sentence and one you have to be an ASL fanatic to spot).

Solution to Puzzle #125

So the Germans need 2 more VP for the win. They can secure this by taking the Russian in I5 prisoner but in order to accomplish this they will need to expose themselves to that nasty MG nest. So instead what if they… Move to H6-G6-F5 and E5(CX due to Conscript). They will admittedly face a 2+2 attack from G1 but as long as the Squad doesn’t Disrupt or the Leader doesn’t pin or Break (less than 6% chance) they will be able to Rout the Squad (voluntary Break) with the Unbroken Leader in tow to A7 (Free from Interdiction as both the Russian Squad and LMG are outside of normal range) and then Advance the Leader off the Board for the needed 2VP and the win.

Trip to Europe with Ulrich

I had always promised both of my boys a Father/Son Trip. I have take Lazi on two now, one to Canada to play pond hockey and one to drive from LA toward NC on old Route 66.

Driving back from LA on old Route 66 with Lazarus after Hockey Nationals

When Ulrich was ten years old he decided that his trip would be to Normandy. Twelve years have since passed since then and finally we were able to hop the pond and embark on our voyage.

We arrived in Paris where Xavier and two of his daughters, Tamara and Laura picked us up at the airport and we drove straight to Ste. Mere Eglise and then off to Pointe du Hoc.

Left to right: Derek, Laura, Tamara, Xavier, Ulrich.
The Dirk Diggler of Anti-Tank Guns
Church at Ste Mere Eglise.

We stayed at a beautiful BnB in Bocage country and the next day we visited Gold Beach and the Batterie de Mereville. We then headed back to our gracious hosts house in Compiegne where we spent the next couple of days with Xavier’s lovely family playing ASL and Secret Hitler in three languages (English/French/Cambodian).

9 for homemade Secret Hitler. My absolute favorite party game.

Wednesday we hopped a high speed train to Marseille for my big brother’s wedding to my new sister Morgane. We stayed in Marseille and the resort they rented until Sunday which involved so many new friends, a whole lot of music with my whole family, Dylan (older brother) on Pedal Steel, Morgane (brand new sister) on fiddle, Omar (younger brother) on Piano, Ulrich and my mom singing, and me on guitar) and a few games of Secret Marine Le Pen with all of their friends over much wine and beer.

Dylan and my brand new sister Morgane
Castle Hill
One of the many dugouts on the winding road to the Abbey.

Ulrich, mom, Omar, me. Pax…Oh that’s ironic
The Abbey in the background. Anyone for a quick climb under mg, mortar and OBA fire? Oh and the trees were not there so nowhere to hide. Yeah, no.

Sunday we began our drive to Italy along the coast road. We picked up my brother Omar and my mom in Rome who flew in from Marseille and were off to Monte Cassino. This was my mom’s absolute favorite part of the trip as you can get lost in the museum of the Abbey for days, while the three boys talked endlessly about the battle, where we would set up our MG and mortar nests, and even climbed into some caves that were blown into the granite by the Germans only to be chased away by the local polizia. Ulrich and I then dropped them back off in Rome and stayed the night in Milan (yuck!).

Staring at Hexes VV44 and WW45 from our flat in RR47 on the Dinant map. More like “Any DR other than a 2 and you Fall”.

Anyone got a match?

Wednesday Morning we traversed 6 countries (Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany,, Luxemburg, & Belgium) on our way to Dinant with notable stops in Hatten and Rittershoffen, and Merzig in the Saarland (home of my family). Dinant was incredible and well worth the visit. All those that worked on the HASL did a marvelous job but I have to say, there is no way anyone could climb those cliffs. I feel like I cheated now when I think how I got all those squads up there.

Next we were off to the Stoumont region, visiting the three sites of the KGP historical CG’s. We were blessed that there were no tourists there this day so we had Stoumont, La Gleize, PZKW VIB 213, the museum, and the bridge at Cheneux all to ourselves. The KonigsTiger was bigger than I could have imagined (it is bigger in every dimension and heavier even than the Elephant!!!). You really can’t appreciate the size until you are standing next to this monster. It is in fantastic shape (the exterior at least) and battle damage is evident on the front armor plate of the hull. The museum has much more than I expected and unlike a teaching museum, it is more a collection of weapons and uniforms exclusively from this battle. The Bridge is much as I would have expected it, beautiful stone construction over a small river, Peaceful and flanked by forest line and pastures. You can picture the squads emerging from the tree line while tanks rolled through the fields. I could have stayed at that little bridge daydreaming until the sun set.

We then drove back to our hosts in Compiegne, finished the scenario we had started the week before and got ready to return home. What a fantastic trip with great friends and family. A huge thank you to Xavier, his lovely wife Serrin, his sister in law, and his children for hosting and entertaining us.

Regrets… Xavier lives but a few KMs from the location of the railcar where the German and French surrendered in 1918 and 1940. We had agreed that we would pose in front of the railcar with the loser of our scenario signing the other’s surrender paper. As we ran out of time, we were unable to get the photo. The outcome of the game will remain a mystery to all until I visit again and we can get that photo. to be continued…

Post #124 – BFP Final Days of Big Sale! Bitterest Day Shipped. Orange Blossom Scenario Pack from LCP. Action Pack 19 shipping soon. Fight For Seoul Back in Stock. LFT Sale Coming Soon!!! Puzzle #124

Last Week of Bounding Fire Big Sale: Ending July 31st.

Orange Blossom – New Scenario Pack from LCP

Bitterest Day:

The contents of the Cave Complex are not shown as they are on the Cloaking Sheet to the right.

Hot off the presses into your mailboxes and onto my table. My first impressions of this all cave scenario pack and campaign. Well I guess you can call it an ambush. Not of Tim’s Marines but Tim himself. He showed up innocent and unaware for our Tuesday night game only to be lunged into the barren wasteland of Okinawa’s nastiest battle. Tim had never read the Cave or BD rules let alone had he ever played this ASL delicacy. To be fair, I believe I have only played caves once myself over a decade ago against Anthony Flanagan at the Bitter Ender on a 3D map, so I may not have been the teacher that Tim deserved. So we struggled a little with the concepts but by turn 3 I think we had most of the rules down although we surely missed many of the nuances that only come with experience.

I set up most of my defenders in the Caves of Sugarloaf East while my 81mm Mortar, AT Gun, and HMG were HIP on Half Moon hill across the valley.

Tim rightly guessed the danger from Half Moon hill and blinded me with Smoke before I could even get a shot off. To make matters worse I rolled snakes on the WC DR of turn 1`which resulted in his Smoke and WP drifting North to South 2 and 3 hexes. With the cover his leathernecks managed to get to the top of SL by Turn 3 only to be beaten back by a 448 on the reverse slope just as he was lowering a DC into my Cave and some timely hits including a CH by the Mortar. It was 10:30 by this point and we decided to call it a draw.

I was pleasantly surprised at how quick the scenario played and how much easier it flowed than my past experience. I think that Chad managed to simplify the Cave rules and make it more playable without taking away any of the atmosphere. Two examples are Broken Hill Crests which afford both concealment and TEM, and pre-printed Cave Complexes. The former makes the Crest lines very defendable, encouraging the Japanese to come out and play and the latter saves a lot of time and bookkeeping while setting up and playing the scenario. The complexes are printed right there on the map so there is no need to continually consult a separate cave set-up sheet.

After about three hours we called it a draw on Turn 4 with both sides sustaining bloody noses. We are now ready to spelunk again with a little more confidence. I really suggest giving this a try.

Bitterest Day, Slight Damage – Discounted

We received a few copies of BD that were damaged in transit and Sam has authorized us to sell them at half price. The module is complete and completely usable without any tears, just some scuffing/bending at the corners. I will be sending them best to worst dependent on who’s order comes in first, with the best hardly any noticeable damage and the worst still completely functional.

Best
Worst

Bitterest Day: 3D map Preview

It has been years since I have made a 3D map and although I already made a How-To video, it was for a non-ASL map (GMT’s Operation Dauntless), so I thought I would give it another go, this time with Bounding Fire’s new module ‘Bitterest Day’. The reason I was so keen to do this in three dimensions is that it fits the criteria of what makes a good 3D map. Lots of topography with very few buildings and woods. Also, I feel like the Caves give a lot of weight to the hills and the visualization using 3D will bring out the feel of the battle. This one has 9 levels so there is a lot of cutting and sanding to do. Here are some photos but when complete I will post the video to Youtube (don’t forget to subscribe to my channel) and to my next post. I plan to bring the finished map(s) to ASLOK, so if anyone wants to borrow it to play a scenario, just come find me.

The scroll saw cuts a 1/16″ contour around the artwork as the base will have a bigger footprint than the top. This is long and tedious and some turns are impossible because of the arm getting in the way thereby requiring the use of the more crude jig saw or band saw. I much prefer the look and feel of MDF over foam although it is exponentially more work.
Using a pole sander at a 22 degree slant to create a slope to somewhat alleviate the plateau look.
Not quite the final product but getting there. Note that these are only 3 of the 9 levels that we will have once completed. Also note the dusty finish. This is just saw dust and will have a satin Mod-Podge finish once complete.

Fight For Seoul – Back in Stock. Very limited quantities. These will be out of print very soon.

FFS Alone or in a discounted package deal with Forgotten War: Korea – Core Module

Puzzle #124

As usual, the last German turn of the game (Starting with the PFPh). To win, the German player is two VP short which can be exit VP or Casualty VP. What should the German player do to have the greatest chance of success? Note that the 2 squads, leader, and AFV have all already exited the map.

Note: Puzzle #123 Deleted because it was dumb.

Sale on Bounding Fire Productions

Hi everyone, because BFP has finally announced a price increase, I have with permission from BFP decided to do a sale as a last chance to get some goodies at a discounted rate. Everything is $10 + 10% off retail pricing with free shipping. I will run this sale for about two weeks (or until current stock runs out) and then I will raise the prices to full retail per the wholesale agreement with BFP. Click on the photo for all 12 BFP products. Also note that we have some copies of Bitterest Day with bent ears at half price.

Post #123 – Action Pack 19 – Precision Dice back in stock. RK Storage Inserts. LFT 16. Le Franc Tireur 16 Unboxing by Neal Ulen. Contest #123.

Action Pack #19 Pre-Order

ASL Action Pack #19 – Roads to Rangoon

ROADS TO RANGOON, the 19th “action pack” for Advanced Squad Leader, follows up ACTION PACK #9 TO THE BRIDGE! with more action in Burma between Japanese (and allied Burmese Independence Army troops) and British Commonwealth forces in March and April 1942. ROADS TO RANGOON presents several “tournament-sized” offerings featuring Japanese infantry forces, occasionally supplemented with light armor and guns, against Commonwealth infantry (including units of the Gurkha Rifles) supported by Stuart tanks of 7th Armoured Brigade the famed “Desert Rats,” fresh from the North African theater. The Chinese even make an appearance in one scenario, all of which were designed by Gary Fortenberry.
Three double-sided 11˝ × 16˝ maps, painted by Charlie Kibler, round out the package. Each board is completely geomorphic and compatible with previous ASL mapboards. 

Action Pack #19: ROADS TO RANGOON contains:

  • Three 11˝ × 16˝ double-sided geomorphic mapboards (20a/b, 21a/b, 22a/b)
  • 10 ASL scenarios featuring the new mapboards.

Precision Dice (Plain) in Stock

For the past three years there has been a drought on precision backgammon dice but I have finally found a supplier that has some in stock. I will try to carry these as long as his supplies last. They are available in 12.5mm, 14mm, and 16mm, all with rounded edges. They are significantly lower in price than found at backgammon retailers as I am passing some of my wholesale discount along to you. Colors available are white, black, blue, green, red, yellow, pink and orange. I am selling them 20% off as a promo. The pips are filled in with the exact same material as the dice for perfect weight and randomness.

Storage Solutions RK Inserts

I have always tried to improve on my systems for storing the several hundred thousand counters that I have been collecting since I was a child. Going from baggies to tackle boxes to Planos to RAACO handyboxes. With the advent of the 3D printer it has become possible to custom print ever improving designs to meet those needs. The simple dividers I designed were revolutionary and I still use them for many of my games. My latest try was about two years ago and many who saw my kit at ASLOK and Winter Offensive asked if I would be selling them. Unfortunately the answer was always ‘no’ as it was so time consuming to print just one of the 96 trays that went into one Handybox. But last month my second 3D printer kicked the bucket and Tim convinced me to try a new model that was twice as expensive but promised printing that was twice as good and twice as fast. So now I am able to offer the same kit I use as it will no longer take me two months to produce one set. With this system, I am able to fit my entire set of WW2 ASL core module counters in one Handybox. The trays are color coded by nationality with the informational counters using white. Each AFV and Gun type has it’s own slot so no more looking through 72 PzIV’s to find the ‘J’. Because one kit can take about two weeks to make, there may be some delay in getting out your order but I promise barring breakdowns in the machine or in my nerves, it will be running day and night. Each insert holds between 160 (5/8″) and 280 (1/2″) counters in 20 or 35 compartments 8 counters high. There are 24 inserts per tray and 4 tray per Handybox for a possible total storage of up to 26,880 counters although for your ASL kit it would be closer to 18,000 counters because of the mix of sizes and partially filled slots. I will make the kit available with or without the Handybox in case you already own one and just need the inserts. Please click on the photo for the link to the order page where the specs can be found.

ASL Scouting Report – By ASL Academy

The Bitter Ender 2024, Raleigh NC. April 18-21.

This year the venue was changed to a slightly nicer but much more cramped Hotel. The room started to overflow into the hallway butin the end everyone had enough space to have a great time. Gary Fortenberry prevailed against Al Saltzman in the final of the main. As my son and his friend were in attendance, I only got in four games as I was really focusing on helping them out with the rules. It was great to see old friends and the reunion of Ray and Chuck as TD’s again.

Fort (left) and Big Al (Right) in seperate photos taken the day day before the finals,

Aiden Smith tries to hold the line against Ulrich Ritter’s less than cautious advance. The boys, both students at ECU, chose to spend the weekend playing ASL over drinking with their girlfriends and buddies. a testament to the effect of exposing our youth to this wonderful hobby. Doug Sheppard (left) and Gary Bartlett (right) in the background.

Puzzle #123

It is the final player turn (German) and in order to win, the German must have more unbroken Infantry in building X5 than the Russians. What should the German player do starting with the PFPh to have the best chance at a win.

Solution to Puzzle #122

The poor panther is outnumbered, outgunned and out-armored. What ever is she to do. Well let’s remember that this is Night and although NVR is 5 hexes, a vehicle blaze will create an illuminated circle with a 2 hex radius. Solution… Although the HS with the PSK has a very tempting side-shot on a IS-2m, it has just over a 50% chance of creating a Burning Wreck (26-11=15 Final TK, 7 to Burn). It can however fire on the wrecked ht in it’s own hex (with a better TH# (11-1(Size)-1(Night LV)=9) than against the Tank (9-1(Night LV)=8), and barring a Dud will create a Burning Wreck, Illuminating all three Russian tanks. This will blind them to non-illuminated hexes making it impossible to shoot at the Panther.

Post #122 – Very Sad News of the Passing of Dean Essig. Doomed Battalions Preorder. LFT 16 Arriving. Starter Kit Sale. Rat Pocket Charts Restock.

It is with a very heavy heart that I am telling of the passing of Dean Essig. His contributions to the hobby of wargaming are unparalleled. He was a gentleman and a giver to the hobby in the most altruistic manner. The impact is evident by the flourishing of his systems by other designers and I know that this will continue even now. Perhaps the only game that could draw me away from ASL (for a while anyway) is his DAK OCS monster, one in an ocean of unforgettable titles that bear his mark. Thank you for everything Dean. You will be missed tremendously but never forgotten.

Doomed Battalions -Preorder

MMP has announced the pre-order of the fourth edition of Doomed Battalions. No word yet on when it will be released but the good news is that you can pre-order it and lock in a $44.00 discount with free shipping without any payment or commitment now. When MMP is close to shipping to us, we will send you an invoice to complete check-out if you are still wanting the product.

DOOMED BATTALIONS is the Allied Minors Extension to the ADVANCED SQUAD LEADER Game System. This new Fourth Edition (DB4) expands on the Third (which itself included THE LAST HURRAH and eight other scenarios when it was released in 2009) with the addition of eight more out-of-print Allied Minor scenarios previously published elsewhere by Avalon Hill and MMP. Existing errata for all 32 scenarios have been incorporated, and some of the scenarios have been updated to correct issues of balance. This edition also showcases a complete revamp of the artwork for all Allied Minor units, vehicles, and weapons on four countersheets, including the addition of new MMC types for the Poles. DB4 also comes with the new rules for late-war SS, Polish MMC, Rail Cars, and Debris (originally issued in TWILIGHT OF THE REICH), an updated National Capabilities Chart (complete with all those MMC types), and an updated Chapter B Terrain Chart, including new entries for the new terrain. Five geomorphic mapboards (9, 11, 33, 44, & 45) and three sheets of terrain overlays carry over from Third Edition.

Doomed Battalions 4th Edition contents:

  • one box and lid
  • five 8” x 22” geomorphic mapboards (9, 11, 33, 44, & 45)
  • three sheets of overlays
  • four countersheets
  • updated Allied Minor Chapter H notes
  • 20 replacement rules pages for Chapter A & B
  • updated National Capabilities Chart
  • updated Chapter B Terrain Chart
  • 32 ASL scenarios:
• 43 Into the Fray• 137 Italian Brothers
• 44 The Gauntlet• 138 Rattle of Sabers
• 45 Revenge at Kastelli• 139 The Weigh In
• 46 Birds of Prey• 140 Round Two
• 47 Rude Awakening• 141 Action at Balberkamp
• 48 Toujours L’Audace• 142 On the Road to Andalsnes
• 49 Piercing the Peel• 143 Grebbe End
• 50 Age-old Foes• 144 The Professionals
• 83 An Uncommon Occurrence• 307 Maczek Fire Brigade
• 84 Round One• 308 Riding the Coattails
• 85 No Way Out• 309 Will to Fight…Eradicated
• 86 Fighting Back• 310 A Polish Requiem
• 87 Good Night, Sweet Prince• 311 Vogt’s Ritterkreuz
• 88 Art Nouveau• 312 Sting ‘em at Zingem
• 89 Rescue Attempt• 313 Airborne Samurai
• 90 Pride and Joy• 314 Defeat in Java 

Le Franc Tireur 16 – Update and last call on pre-order pricing

We are one day away from LFT 16 hitting the beaches and shipping out to you. DHL has delivery scheduled for this Thursday the 28th of March. Thanks to everyone for their patience. This is going to be a fantastic addition to your PTO kit.

In honor of the 7 year Anniversary of the Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit Facebook Page and breaking the 3,500 member barrier, I will be running a sale on all Starter Kit merchandise. The discount will be 10% and is in addition to the already discounted prices. Use Coupon Code ‘FB 7 Years’ for your instant savings. I would be grateful if you would invite your wargaming buddies to join this FB group in an effort to hit 5,000 members. This helps demonstrate that there is a vibrant and growing Starter Kit community worthy of investing R&D to create new products for this incredible stand-alone game system.

N.B. The coupon code will last for 30 days unless we hit 5,000 FB members in which case it will last 60 days from the publishing date of Ritterkrieg Post #122 and will apply to all in-print ASLSK products that we either currently have in stock or can be re-ordered from MMP. Pre-orders Not Applicable.

Rat Pocket Charts – Back in Stock this month!

We have received in very limited quantity what is probably the last restock ever for Rat Charts. This is the Version 3 with the laminated cover.

Puzzle #122.1

It is the final Player Turn (German) of the game. The Germans have managed to secure the final VC by capturing Building O6 but are within 3 CVP of the cap and defeat so must not lose a Panther to the three IS-2M’s in the DFPh. What should the German player do to have the best chance at Victory?

EC are Normal with no Wind. Night Rules are in effect with a base NVR of 5 (no clouds).

Solution to Puzzle #121

So to recap, the Russian must get 5 CVP in his final turn for the win…and does with DR streak of 12, 12, 11. This is how he did it:

RPh: Self rally R7 (DR 12) causing CR and failure to rally).

PFPh: No shots. At the end of the phase AT Gun pivots CCW one hexspine to face the Panther without taking a shot (C3.22).

AFPh: AT Gun fired (no longer paying the Case A +6 DRM C3.22), broke the Gun but not before the shell managed to secure a rear Hull hit (C2.28 & A9.7) with the exact number needed (Base 10 — DRM are -1 Case L (Point Blank), -2 Case N (Acquired Target), -1 Case P (Target Size Modifier), +2 Case B (Fire in AFPh) = Net -2. TK is 27 (100L), -6 (Rear Armor), +1 Rear Penetration) yield a Base TK # of 22. The 11 on the TK Roll is enough to destroy the Panther (creating a burning wreck in the process) and win the Game.

Lesson Learned: In the rare case where you are not vulnerable to Defensive Fire, it may be advantageous to wait until the AFPh to shoot. In this case it increased the Russian odds for a win to over a 97.2% chance (a hit was guaranteed and so long as it wasn’t a dud, the Panther was going down).

Post #121 – BFP’s Bitterest Day. LFT 16 Arriving Momentarily. Major Restock. MMP Production forecast 2024. Contest #121.

Video version of Post #121

Please Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 🙂

BFP has announced that their new module Bitterest day is about 4-6 weeks out. We are taking orders now at a very special pre-order price of $71.

Bitterest Day sends players into the Okinawa, fighting through the mountainous terrain.

Bitterest Day includes the following:

  • 9 Action-Packed Scenarios.
  • 1 full sheet of counters, depicting more units, weapons, vehicles, and planes that are depicted in the scenarios.
  • One HASL map sheet which represents the historical situation in Okinawa.

Ownership of the following Advanced Squad Leader© components are required to play all 9 of the included scenarios: Nationalities – Americans & Japanese.

We are expecting LFT 16 in limited quantities with their 80 page magazine and 15 new scenarios within the next cople of weeks. The price has been reduced to $60 shipping included. Note that the maps and the overlays are only available through Le Franc Tireur.

Huge Ritterkrieg Restock

We are pleased to announce that have had restock on almost all of our OOS items that have been a wee bit hard to aquire lately including tall stack tweezers, Lone Canuck Publishing, March Madness (new one available this summer), China Burma India pack, LFT 15, Stack Guards, and RAACO. Unfortunately there is no news on Dice but we will keep trying.

MMP has announced their ASL production forecast for 2024 and it is jam-packed with goodies.

Marco Polo Bridge HASL

Slaughter at Ponyri HASL

Doomed Battalions Core Module Reprint

Spanish Civil War (Scenario Pack ?)

Burma Action Pack

Drop Zone: Chef du Pont HASL

Solitaire ASL Core module Reprint

Contest #121

In a super exciting ‘Action Packed’ scenario, the final German Turn found a roller coaster of emotion as the 100L AT Gun missed both it’s First Fire shot and an Intensive Fire shot against the Panther as it drove past at Point Blank Range. Incredibly, the ATR scored a CH causing the Panther to Shock, before the manning Infantry was itself broken by the German MMG.

Now it is the Russian Final turn and he needs 5 VP for the win. The Russian player rolls three times (after the WC DR) during his turn with a streak only Tim Brieaddy could be capable of, with a 12, 12 and a 11 in that order. The Russian wins. How? Hex U6 is OG and hex U8 is Woods.

Solution to Contest #120

This is the simplest of all contests if you know rule C5.11 (Last sentence). If the uppermost Sherman moves into U5, the 75L ATG will have to pivot to take the shot and lock it’s CA in direction S6-T6 for the remainder of the MPh allowing the other Sherman to waltz off the map for the ‘W’. Remember this counter?

It is similar to and on the reverse side of the MMG/HMG CA restriction counter. I was at the Atlanta tournament one year and every single player we asked was unaware of this rule except Brian Abela who set us straight.

Very short video on my method of attacking in ASL…Always (I really am a one trick pony).

Update: Le Franc Tireur 16

Hi everyone, I am sad to say Le Franc Tireur 16 will not be available through our site with maps or overlays. LFT 16 will still include 15 scenarios and 80 pages of articles on the PTO and we will be offering it at a 50% discount.

I am grateful for your support and understanding in this matter and hope you still purchase this wonderful and unique product so…

If you have yet to order LFT 16, you can order it here or by clicking on the Image above

If you have already ordered LFT16, I will be contacting you this week and can proceed in 4 ways to rectify this developement:

-We can issue you a $50 refund and I will ship you the 80 page magazine and 15 scenarios.

-We can issue you a $55 store credit and I will ship you the 80 page magazine and 15 scenarios.

-We can issue you a $80 store credit to be used on LFT 14, From the Cellar 8, From the Cellar 9, From the Cellar 10, From the Cellar 11, and/or From the Cellar 12, and I will send you the 80 page magazine and 15 scenarios.

-I can issue you a full refund.

Once again, I am so sorry for the disappointment and confusion in this matter.

Delivery has not been delayed and is expected in late February – early March

Please visit Le Franc Tireur for further information on their products and policies.

Post #120 – LFT16 (no maps or overlays). Death To Fascism. Contest #120.

Le Franc Tireur 16

N.B. We will not be carrying the maps or the overlays in this product hence the 50% discount. Please note that all 15 scenarios are playable with your Avalon Hill/MMP boards and overlays.

If you have already pre-ordered this product at $110, we will be (at your choice):

-Offering you LFT 16 without the maps or overlays and a $50 refund .

-Offering you LFT 16 without the maps or overlays and a $55 Ritterkrieg store credit.

-Offering you LFT 16 without the maps or overlays and a $80 credit toward LFT 14 and/or FTC 8 – 12.

-Offering you a full refund.

No sooner have we arrived in the arid desert of LFT 15 than we are cast into the jungles of LFT 16.

15 brand new jungle scenarios to try the lessons learned from the great articles in the magazine.

80 pages of articles and commentary to help make you a better PTO player or to help the new player take the dive into the Jungle.

Death to Fascism

I have been trying to get my hands on these since they first came out and finally through a trade with Xavier, I have both editions in limited quantities of 12 pieces each. I know they are very hard to find Stateside so get ’em before they disappear.

Contest #120

This is a redo of Contest #118 that I messed up pretty bad. Thanks for not calling me out on it.

Alright, here we go again… This is a simple one and just for fun let’s assume the German rolls a 1 on the colored die of his first two TH shots, and all German TK shots will result in a Burning Wreck. What is the best move for the British player to ensure a win?

Final player turn (British) of the game. The British player must exit at least one AFV off the South (bottom) edge for the win.

Special Rules: None

Solution to Contest #119.1

Before reading further, please revisit this contest before reading the solution as it has been updated and a lot of fun when you figure it out.

I really like this contest as it probably caused a rules dive even for those versed in the night rules and remember it is not ‘what can the Russian do to win the game’, it is a ‘how did this game play out’ if the Russian won the game?

The Russian cannot prep fire as there is nothing with FP that has a LOS and they cannot get adjacent to the Victory hex with anything but an 8-1 SMC (which cannot gain building control by himself) so this seems quite impossible. Except if it plays out just right…

Remember that the SSR stated that there were scattered clouds with a half moon which means that a WC DR may result in a NVR change dr divided by 3 (FRU) (E1.12). In addition, E1.13 states that when a unit’s NVR is 0, it is not bounced out of a enemy concealed unit’s location but is marked with a CC instead. Therefore, the Russian’s player turn must have gone something like this…

WC DR: 6,5 or 6. Subsequent dr: 5 or 6, reducing NVR to 0

RPh, PFPh… None.

MPh: All units drop support weapons and move into Q2. German unit Fires with no effect.

DFPh…German in Q2 fires with No Effect

AFPh: Russian attacks with a 24-1 (9+10+6), at least breaking the German in Q2.

APh: Russian Advances into R1 for the win.

Bonus Points: The German could have denied the Russian win by simply dropping concealment on the crew, denying the opportunity for the Russians to enter it’s hex.

Post 119 – Twilight Of the Reich. Winter Offensive Pack 15. Conversation With Chuck Hammond. Contest #119.

Twilight of the Reich

Shipping February

Winter Offensive #15 (2024)

Shipping February

Conversation with Chuck Hammond of Hazardous Movement

Purchase Hazmo here…

https://ritterkrieg.com/product-category/hazardous-movement/

Chatting about Orsogna and my new hat

This was filmed between Christmas and the new year.

Purchase Orsogna here

Contest #119.1 (Modified 2/3/2024)

It is going into the final (Russian) Player Turn of the Tournament Championship. In a cunning move, the German player just used his Advance Phase to block all paths to the victory hex from all directions. In his moment of genius inspired triumph, he expects the Russian player to concede from an obviously impossible situation. Just before their hands meet at center table, the Russian player recoils his arm as he realizes he still has a chance, albeit a small one. Sure enough, the Russian player goes on to win the game, the title, and the respect from his awe stuck opponent. What has transpired to give the Russian the win?

Bonus question: Assuming you figured out how the Russian won, what simple move could the German have done during the Russian turn to deny the win?

Victory Conditions: The Russians win if they control of building 5R1 at Game End (which begins the turn German controlled).

SSR:

1. Kindling in NA.

2. Russians have PF capability as if 1944 Germans.

3. Night Rules are in Effect with scattered clouds and a half moon.

4. Both players must ask Perry to include a German 8-1 Leader counter with the name Ritter in the next product.

Solution to Contest #118

I kind of botched this contest and dropped the ball on what I was trying to convey so I am currently remaking this contest. Stay tuned.

Post #118 – Quick 6 VI. Wacht Am Rhein Vol. 3. Interview with Sebi from Advancing Fire. Contest # 118.

Lone Canuck Publishing has two new releases for November. Both are sequels so I am offering package deals for the series.

Quick 6 VI

Six brand new short scenarios for when there isn’t quite enough time to play ‘The Last Bid’.

Quick 6 Package Deal

includes all 36 small scenarios in the series

Wacht Am Rhein Vol. 3

Eight new Battle of the Bulge scenarios

Wacht Am Rhein – Vol 1 – 3 Package Deal

24 Battle of the Bulge Scenarios

Interview With Sebi Caltabiano of Advancing Fire

In this interview I am privileged to spend 80 minutes with Sebi discussing Advancing Fire, Orsogna, the Italian Campaign and past and future products.

Orsogna Update:

Now only weeks away. Thank you so much for the overwhelming support in your pre-orders. We expect to sell out the North American supply earlier than expected as orders are much higher than we anticipated. Please order now to lock in a copy. Remember that you are under no obligation to complete the order when it becomes available at the end of November but at least you have the option to get it before it’s gone.

Extra Dice Towers ordered

Because we sold out of the Orsogna themed Dice Towers so quickly, we have ordered an additional six units.

Hazardous Movement 4

We are still expecting the Newest Hazmo product to arrive at the end of November. Thanks for your patience.

Contest #118

It is the Final British MPh and in order to win he must exit at least one AFV off the East (Right) Edge. What should he do to have the most chance of success? Note that the BB1/Bb2 hexside is not wide enough to Bypass.

Solution to Contest #117

Definitely one of the easier contests. I was hoping to stump the listeners on the Wall Advantage Bocage Rules but not a lot of luck as everyone got the right answer.

So because this is Bocage, the Tiger cannot see non- adjacent targets because it is not marked with a Wall Advantage counter as there is other positive TEM in it’s hex (Mandatory WA N/A).

So the best chance for victory for the US player is Start (1MP), change CA to X2-Y2 (2MP), Move to Y2 (3MP), this will be the Tiger’s only opportunity to stop the Sherman and win the game. It will need a 5 with a Turret Hit (11%) and then anything but a 12 for the win. If the Tiger misses, then the Sherman declares bypass of X1/Y1 (5), pivot (6), Bypass X0/Y1 (8), Exit off board for the win (9MP).