Pushing Cardboard (Grant Linneberg)

This special episode is an interview with veteran wargame designer Carl Paradis. We mostly discuss his new game, Absolute War, but also touch on his No Retreat series, as well as his plans for future games.

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Let's talk about area impulse wargames, with a deep dive into

Stalingrad: Verdun on the Volga

by Mike Rinella

As well, the usual chatter about what's new, what's on the table, and what's happening. Pushing Cardboard is your wargaming HQ.

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Wargames, wargames, wargames!

This episode we feature two games:

  Swords Around the Throne

  The Last Hundred Yards

Mentioned in the episode:

Swords Around the Throne Unboxing - Pushing Cardboard

Podcasts – The History of England

Online Tournament for The Shores of Tripoli - Early Details | BoardGameGeek

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More wargaming goodness!

Today we look at two games on the war of 1812:

1812: The Invasion of Canada
Amateurs to Arms!

Plus what's new, what's on the table, and all the other cardboard pushing goodness you love.

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Another two wargames this episode:

Stonewall's Sword

and

Rommel in the Desert

Plus all the regular wargame chatter you're used to by now.

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More wargaming goodness:

Death of an Army: Ypres 1914
Storm over Stalingrad

Plus books, what's on the table, what's new, and bouquets and brickbats.

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Another whack of wargaming audio for your ears.

This episode we talk about Undaunted: Normandy and Hands in the Sea. Two very different card games, neither from the traditional card driven game roots.

As well, the regular what's on the table and wargame chatter.

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 ***Vuca are not based in Italy. Germany! Mea culpa.***

Episode 12 in which we discuss: 

Battle of Kursk: The Tigers are Burning 

Hammer of the Scots 

IKEA 

Good gaming partners 

Co-op vs Comptetive gaming. 

And all the wargaming yammer you crave.

http://pushingcardboard.com

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An interview with Kai Jensen, wife of much loved designer Chad Jensen, and new full-time GMT employee. We talk about what she's doing with the designs that remain after Chad's death.

A recap of all the wargames I played and people I met at GMT's fall Weekend at the Warehouse.

Also mentioned:

https://www.rally-the-troops.com 

https://www.youtube.com/user/ardwulfslair 

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Happy One Year Anniversay to us!

In this episode we look back at the past year, and then feature an interview with wargaming hobby jack-of-all-trades Steve Carey. Steve is the designer of the latest game in the Blind Swords series from Revolution Games, and is also at work on the next volume.

As well, the usual wargame chatter.

Also mentioned:

Armchair Dragoons podcast

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In this episode:

 Interview with Trevor Bender, designer of the upcoming Desert Victory

A dive into Saladin from Shakos

And links:

C3i magazine

Pushing Cardboard Discord server

wargamers.social on Mastodon

pushingcardboard.com polls

pushingcardboard.com top 5 of 2022

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Brant from the Armchair Dragoons asked me to host a two hours slot for their Online Wargame Convention. I asked Harold Buchanan to be my guest, and he brought a couple more surprise guests with him, Jason Matthews and Brian Train. It's a long rambling conversation, but it's all about wargames.

This was a bit of a bonus episode. We'll be back in a week or so with a regular show featuring a dive into a game.

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This episode we discuss A GREATER VICTORY from Revolution Games, and BORDER STATES from Shakos games.

As well, the usual news and chatter about what I've been playing, the deluge of new games that have arrived in the new year, favourites from last year, and the endless calls for entry level games.

Mentioned in the episode:

San Diego HistCon Spring online convention

Pushing Cardboard Discord server

Top 5 of 2022

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A one-two punch of WWII games that have been re-released in fancy new editions.

Task Force: Carrier Battles in the Pacific from Vuca Simulations

The Russian Campaign: Deluxe 5th Edition from GMT

Plus what's news, what's new, what's on the table, and more.

The Russian Campaign:
-For those wanting a closer look at the components, my unboxing

-For those looking for pdfs of the old AH General Magazines
or
-archive.org

-A list of which issues have articles

The Sentry Box

Brain Train Interview

Tadenac Games, a Canadian retailer:
Homepage - Tadenac Games Canada Inc

Discord Server

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Primarily an interview with Jerry West, designer of Atlantic Chase as well as the Skies Aboves series and the Enemy Coast Ahead series.

As well, news and notes from the world of wargaming.

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I recently had the chance to sit down with Roger Miller, one of the co-owners of Revolution Games, to discuss the world of wargame publishing and game design. Our conversation took us through his journey from playing his first wargame in 1975 to becoming a publisher, as well as the development of the innovative Blind Swords series and the upcoming game, Shiloh. We also touched on the challenges of producing and marketing games in today's market, and the importance of being kind when responding to game submissions.

Finally, we delve into Revolution Games' upcoming World War I game and the unique features that set it apart from past dogfight games. With its beautiful counters and two-leveled display, this game promises to be an immersive and exciting experience for players. So join us for this episode as we explore the captivating world of wargaming with Roger Miller and discuss the future of this engaging hobby.

In addition to my chat with Roger, hear the latest news from publishers, and then I unpack the origin of Storm Over Arnhem, the original area impulse game.

Plus random news and chatter as usual.

***Apparently I had the detail of the  pay-for-review scandal wrong. It wasn't a video game, but a boardgame kickstarter. Mea Culpa.***

*****And Roger's partner in Revolution Games is Richard Handewith. I mixed him up with another Richard H and I'm very embarrassed as I've met Richard a few times and he's a great guy. Mea maximum culpa.*****

Boardgame Dojo link:
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamepodcastepisode/485142/psychology-sponsored-content

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Another full episode! We have an interview with Sean Druelinger, designer of Point Blank: V is for Victory. And look at Commands and Colors: Napoleonics as it gets ready for its big repackaging. And I rant against anyone who slags Avalon Hill. 

And of course, news, chatter, what's on the table and all your favourite wargaming goodness.

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A format departure this episode as Grant looks at four of his favourite games set in the first air war.

Richthofen's War
Ace of Aces
Dawn Patrol
Eagles in the Sky

As well, his usual roundup of what's new, what he's been playing, and general wargame chatter.

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This episode features a comparison of two games set in North Africa in WWII:

Desert Victory by Trevor Bender and C3i magazine
Afrika Korps by Charles S Roberts and Avalon Hill

We'll take a look at both and see where we're at with gaming this theater.

As well, I'll have news, a look at what I've been playing, what new games came in and the usual chatter.

And finally, I have a few thoughts about some internet-only firestorms related to a terrific podcast.

We In Intend to Move on Your Works podcast episode

Stuart Ellis-Gorman's blog

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This episode features an interview with long distance gaming buddy Will Bauer. We talk all things Levy and Campaign.

As well, there are all the usual ramblings and mutterings, and a new segment for new players.

Links to a few things mentioned in the podcast:

• Compass Games catalogue
• Lock n Load post 
• Heroes of Normandie post
• Unboxing Clash of Carriers
• Unboxing Downfall
• Not mentioned: Check out my latest Shelfie video!

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Pushing Cardboard starts its third season with a look at Grant's recent trip to SD Histcon as well as an interview with designer Jason Matthews.

Plus: newbie tips, books, news and all the usual wargaming chatter.

*** In this episode I strayed from my usual infallibility and made at least two factual errors. Brian Train’s game on RTT is of course Algeria, not Angola. And the most recent Shakos Nappy game is 1815, not 1817. I inadvertently gave the piker two extra years. Mea culpa.***

Mentioned this episode:

Ardulf at Compass Expo

Pictures from SD Histcon

Book: The Liri Valley

Mark Johnson's Wargames to Go podcast (also found in Apple, Spotify, etc.)

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This episode features an interview with Kevin Bertram, head honcho at Fort Circle Games and designer of their initial release, The Shores of Tripoli. As well, we take a good look at Napoleon 1807 from Shakos Games.

On top of that, there is news of our new newsletter as well as a scattering of news from around the hobby, and the usual chatter about things that catch this magpie's eye.

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This episode features an interview with David Thompson, co-designer or designer of many series including Undaunted, Pavlov's House, War Chest, and General Orders: WWII.

As well, we take a look back at 2023 with a few best of lists and polls, and check in on what's up for 2024.

And of course, there's all the news, newbie tips, kudos and rants you'vew come to expect.

There's been lots happening in the hobby and at our website. Here's a roundup of many of the things mentioned in episode 27:

• GMT Talks is a new video podcast from the industry giant
• A text and photo version of my review of Task Force from VUCA
• New game from Operational Studies Group: Napoleon's End
• Votes for Women won a ton of awards and now is getting a reprint as the first run sold out. Maybe not your definition of a wargame, but a great game all the same.
• Stalingrad: Verdun on the Volga (one of my all-time favourite games) is getting a reprint in ATO magazine.
• I interviewed Volko Ruhnke for the ACDC event. Volko showed off his new game, Coastwatchers, about the intelligence units of the same name in the Pacific in WWII. Watch the video on youtube.
•  I converted my review of Vuca's Task Force podcast piece into a web review, so check it out if you'd like to see some photos.
• Revolution has two new Blind Swords games up for pre-order, as well as a new solitaire game from Mike Rinella and a second printing of Stalingrad: Verdun on the Volga.
• Here's a free scenario for Men of Iron from Petr Mojžiš.
• Join us via this inviteto our discord server. Newbies more than welcome! 
• There's a new pollup. Stop by and let us know all about your feelings on counter clipping! Or any of the previous polls. Log in to the website to see them all. 

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This episode features an interview with designer Sam London, who's new game Firefight Tactical is burning up the P500 list.

As well, I'll compare two games on the battle of Gazala in WWII. The Cauldron from Roger Miller and Revolution Games, and Operation Theseus from Vuca Simulations.

As well, there will be the usual news, tips for newbies, and general wargaming chatter.

Some links to things discussed this episode:

• Form Square Games, the new publisher from England and their gamefound campaign for their first game
• Youtube interview and demo with Volko Ruhnke about his new game, Coastwatchers
• Youtube interview with Mike Rinellaabout all his area impulse designs and his new push into solitaire games
•  Worthington Games kickstarter campaing for their new game Louisbourg 1758
• Compass Gams has Atlantic Sentinels on  Kickstarter
• Ace of Aces new kickstarer
•  Here's the link to the GMT page for Sam London's Firefight Tactical

 Note that my interview with Sam was recorded outside, and we got a bit of noise from the breeze. I cleaned it up as much as possible, but you'll still here a few flutters and pops. 

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Pushing Cardboard #29 

The two big features this episode were my interview with Vez Arponen, designer of All Bridges Burning and the upcoming Order and Oportunity, and a look at the latest game in the Panzer series, North Africa. 

I'm happy to say this episode of Pushing Cardboard is sponsored by Noble Knight Games. Click here to go to their storefront. This link will let them know I sent you! 

Some of the things we talked about this episode: 

• Compass Kickstarter for a new game in WWI Africa
• Shiloh: The First Day is the next game in the Blind Sword series from Revolution Games.
• GMT February 2024 Newsletter 
• GMT March 2024 Newsletter 
•  P500 for Volko Ruhnke's new game Coast Watchers
• A Most Fearful Sacrifice KS for a third printing
• Beware the Ides of March announced from Hollandspiele
• Vuca now shipping locally in North America?

Don't miss our live Teach and Play of Point Blank: V is for Victory with designer Sean Druelinger! Click on the image below to go to the youtube page.
 
Sponsorship

I'm happy to announce Pushing Cardboard is now sponsored by Noble Knight Games! I went from being a happy customer to a sponsored outlet very easily. I encourage you to use my links when purchasing from Noble Knight so they know who you're listening to. As you can't click on anything while listening to the podcast, here's a link for you. I'll find a place for it on the website as well, and have it in all future newsletters.



SURVEY

Don't forget to fill out the post episode survey!
 

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Ep. 30 General Orders and Rebel Fury

This episode there was no interview, but a dive into two very different games.

The podcast is available through Apple, Spotify, Google and all the usual places. It's also available directly on the website.

For those looking for the video version, it's available on youtube.

Here's links to other things mentioned this episode:

• San Diego Histcon is hosting another online convention in June
• Salt and Pepper games announces crowd-funding for Operation Barclay
• Not a wargame at all, but a new game from a favourite publisher, 10 Dollar Words is a new game from Hollandspiele
• Thin Red Lines have combined their three 1985 games into a big vassal module project called Mutual Assured Destruction
• Devir Games announces Sand, their game that is definitely not about Dune
• Armageddon War from Flying Pig Games is back in print
• Worthington has a book-game called B-17 Solitaire available through Amazon
• Cube 4 Me storage solutions

Survey

Click the Survey button above to go to the survey for this month. It's super short to do, usually 6 questions or less. You can log in to the website first or complete it anonymously.

Help Base
If you want to reach me directly, I'm available through the website. Drop me a line.

Sponsorship

I'm happy to announce Pushing Cardboard is now sponsored by Noble Knight Games! We went from being a happy customer to a sponsored outlet very easily. I encourage you to use my links when purchasing from Noble Knight so they know who you're listening to. As you can't click on anything while listening to the podcast, here's a link for you. I'll find a place for it on the website as well, and have it in all future newsletters.

My link to Noble Knight!

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The centerpiece of this episode was my interview with John Butterfield, but a few other things popped up.

• My trip to GMT West in April. Lots of pics!
• Another update and update kit for Hannibal and Hamilcar from Phalanx
• Franklin 1864 Kickstarter from Worthington
•  New game company, Neva Wargames
• I will be interviewing Volko Ruhnke again, this time about another new game and how he designs game series, not just games. At SD Histcon's online convention
• The episode can also be viewed on Youtube

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This episode features an interview with GMT's head of development, Jason Carr, as well as a look at the most recent addition to Mark Simonitch's zoc-bond games, his remake of France '40. 

Here's some links to things mentioned in the podcast:

• 2023 CSR Awards Winners announced
• Band of Brothers goes to the East Front
• GMT May Newsletter.
• GMT June Newsletter
• Two new games available from Vuca
• Hunt for Blackbeard now on Kickstarter

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This episode is mostly about Vuca, the up and coming publisher from Germany. It features an interview with Patrick Gebhardt, one of Vuca's founders, and a close look at a new game from them, 1812 Napoleon's Fateful March.

You can find the audio version of the podcast here.

Here's some link to things we discussed:

• Full video version of the 1812 game overview
• New game from Hollandspiele
• Worthington's July Newsletter
• Neva backstory on Columbus
• Form Square announces their next game, Maida.
• Stuart Ellis-Gorman updates everyone on his Lost Cause myth research 
• Check out Vuca's website

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This was a lengthy interview, so it's all alone. Look for a fairly quick follow-up episode with a look at the game mentioned in this interview as well as a dive into Rodger MacGowan's beautiful new art autobiography.

• Episode 35 Video version

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This episode there was no interview, but a dive into a game much discussed last episode and well as a good look at Rodger B MacGowan's lush new artbook cum autobiography.

• Here's the video version of the podcast
• Here's the audio version of the podcast
• Vento Nuovo releases Blocks in the East
• Devir Games updates the release schedule
• Thin Red Line Games announces new living rules for The Fate of All
• Belated Happy 7th birthday to Fort Circle Games
• Noble Knight is paying extra for your used RPG stuff
• New game from Neva: Rebellion and Punishment

Don't forget the PUSHING CARDBOARD SWAG!

Join us on our DISCORD CHANNEL

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This episode has two interviews, neither one of them designers talking about games. As well, I take a good look at Arabian Struggle, and interesting new 3-handed CDG from Catastrophe Games.

• SD Hist accepting nominations for Summit Award
• Highlights from the GMT August Newsletter
• Neva launches Steel and Sea: Columbus' Voyages
• Revolution releases Shiloh: The first Day
• I review The Soft Underbelly: 1943 1945 from di Simula
• Lock n Load Publishing Summer Sale

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This episode featured an interview with designer Paul Hederer, as well as looks at two games: Dance of War and Right Fierce and Terrible: Sluys 1340

As well, there was the usual news and chatterings about the history gaming hobby.

**Note that Paul and I did refer to maps of his game occasionally. These can be seen in the YouTube version of the podcast. The visuals aren’t critical to enjoying the interview, however. 

A bunch of stuff mentioned in this episode:.

• I did a quick and dirty playthrough of one turn of Dance of War
• Compass Games new kickstarter for Pontiac’s War- Frontier Rebellion 1763-66
• Shakos upcoming Gamefound campaign for Rex Britannorum
• Two new scenarios for 1943 1945 (The Soft Underbelly)
•  3 Crown Games may not be available at your local shop, so check out their website
• Volko Ruhnke's session report for Right Fierce and Terrible from The Boardgames Chronicle
• The 2024 Summit Award Nominees have been announced
• The Pushing Cardboard supporters link

Join us on our DISCORD CHANNEL

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#39 Return from San Diego

Interviews with Steve Carey and Mark Miklos

Links to things mentioned in the podcast:

• GMT drops No Retreat titles
• GMT newsletter
• Worthington Holiday Sale
• OSG free guide to its battles
• Noble Knight Fall Sale
• Pushing Carboard now a Cube4Me affiliate
• Kickstarter for Euro War Games
• Pushing Cardboard Press Releases
• Join us on our DISCORD CHANNEL

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#40 - Justin Fassino, Maurice Suckling, Espana 1936

The episode on the web is here.

But now we're back on track. A bunch of stuff mentioned in this episode:.

• My Cube4Me affiliate link
• Best new games poll
• Seljuk page on BGG
• Maurice Sucking page on BGG
• History of Byzantium podcast
• Paper Time Machines book

Join us on our DISCORD CHANNEL

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Two interviews and a game in this episode. Here's links to things mentioned this time around...

• Our first guest review, Blitz in the East, by Paul Chernoff
• GMT is changing their shipment schedule
• Mar Herman's Wargames According to Mark
• GMT December newsletter with pricing news
• Armchair Dragoons Digital Convention: ACDC
• Pushing Cardboard first live show, Live Cardboard

***A quick note about the live show. After recording was finished, I found out that the popular Chits show with Ardwulf and Dan was moving from Tuesday, to possibly Thursday. As many listeners may be interested in both shows, I may need to decide on a different time slot than Thursday. I'll let you know via the Event newsletter, the website, Bluesky, and Twitter when I have it settled.***

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This episode features an in-depth overview of Amabel Holland's new game on Frederick the Great, Oblique. And we have an interview with legendary designer Frank Davis. Plus news, views, and chatter about the hobby as usual.

 I've been busy since last episode, so there's quite a list of links:

• My review of Rodger MacGowan's autobiography
• GoFundMe page for Rodger MacGowan and C3i
• My favourite games played in 2024
• My gaming resolutions for 2025
• Pushing Cardboard first live show, Live Cardboard and second live show, Live Cardboard 2
• Paul Chernoff has another review on the Blitz in the East system, this time its expansion, Scorched Earth
•  The January GMT Update is out
•  Neva monthly update
• Boardgamearena.com added BAYONETS AND TOMAHAWKS to its stable. 
•  Frank Davis interview in video format

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Enjoy an in-depth interview with Grant Dalgliesh of Columbia Games. We talk about what it was like growing up in the business, and then take a real good dive into their catalogue.

Instead of a look at a single game this episode, I explain what I like about the French magazine, Vae Victis. And of course, plenty of news and general board wargaming chatter.

Links to some things in the episode:

• SD Hist East cancelled
• Worthington's new Hannibal Hold the Line KS
• GMT Mar 20 Newsletter and news about their Spring Sale
• Prelude to Leipzig from John Theissen and Hollandspiele announced, as well as a sale on all his titles.
• Live Cardboard has been going great guns. Every second Thursday. Recent topics have been Revolution Games, Shelves of Shame, and an overview of WWII tactical games. If you miss them live, you miss participating, but you can still watch them after the fact on my youtube channel
•  Check out my video overview of Oblique from Hollandspiele
• Sound of Drums has already announced a followup to their latest project: Battles of Napoleon Vol II Quatre Bras 1815

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No interview this time, but a look at three very different games. Something for everyone.

Links:

• Live Cardboard #6 Tariff Roundtable
• GMT April Newsletter with their detailed response to the tariff situation
•  Mike Nagel's new Relative Range imprint
• MMP pauses the move of their printing to China
• Pushing Cardboard website has revamped the Polls section
• This episode is available at pushingcard.com and youtube as well as Apple Music Spotify and all good podcast distributors.

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Introduction of the host and wargaming talk about a few subjects:

Commands & Colors: Ancients

Nemesis: Burma 1944

Vassal Modules

Youtuber Zilla Blitz

Hex and Counter games

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Our main topics this week are a couple of WWII east front games, but there's plenty of general wargame chatter as well. If you're interested in Absolute War, the new game from Carl Paradis and GMT, there's a fairly detailed description of how it works.

00:00 Feedback
02:58 San Diego HistCon Online
10:10 HoldFast: Russia
15:42 Absolute War
40:30 Battles Magazine
46:33 Final Words

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 NB- I called the B&T map area impulse. It is, of course, point to point. Mea Cupla.

A few end of year lists and a look at Bayonets and Tomahawks.

00:00 Opening chat
03:56 Year end lists
14:26 Bayonets and Tomahawks
25:28 Tip of the hat to #tuesdaynewsday
27:22 Rulebooks

www.pushingcardboard.com

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0:00 Intro
1:00 On the table and over the transom
6:35 Returning to ASL
22:48 Caesar: Rome vs Gaul
33:15 War Diary Magazine
35:15 Blocks

wardiarymagazine.com

pushingcardboard.com

@cardboardpusher

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