Update and a Clarification

Hello again! I want to take a moment to provide an update on where we stand. As of today, playtesting is coming to a close. We have finalized a few of the tournament scenarios and are close to completing the rest. For the remainder of the pack scenarios, we have expanded the playtesting pool to some other people who are not likely to attend the tournament. Given Jim’s health issues, we deemed this necessary to get the pack completed.

If the pack is completed timely fashion, which we believe we will do, MMP believes they will be able to print the pack in time to have finished packs available at the tournament. We will keep you updated on this as we get closer to the tournament. Right now it looks like this will be 10 – 12 scenarios and 3 “Fort-style” boards.

We are also working with Broken Ground Design to see if we can get some counter made for tournament attendees. We don’t want to disclose the actual contents but there are so few counters needed that it probably isn’t worth adding official sheets to the system. The counters we have in mind are mostly counters existing in the game already but the colors are confusing in the games we are designing. We will keep you updated on this. We aren’t sure if there is enough time to get this sorted out but we’ll let you know if we can.

Finally, we realize there is some confusion about what exactly is on offer, with some possible attendees suggesting people not playing in the main tournament are not welcome. This could not be further from the truth. If you want to come play an open game, you’re welcome to come. We have some smaller 2-round (one day) and 3-round (one or two day) tournaments in mind. Of course, we would love to have you participate in the main tournament, but not everyone can commit to that timeline. Also, keep in mind the main tournament is designed to place 32 players into four brackets by win/loss records at the end of round 2. Beginning in round three, each player will be paired with another player of similar record (2 -0 v. 2 – 0, 1 – 1 v. 1 – 1, 0 – 2 v. 0 – 2). The top five positions in the tournament will be determined by these brackets.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Gary or Jim if you have ANY questions. We will do our level best to get back to you with an answer.

It’s Been a While

Hey everyone! Playtesting continues. We believe we are VERY close on the first six scenarios. This gives us the chance to have six rounds if this first iterations succeeds beyond our initial expectations. There are also four more scenarios to round out the pack.

Guy Chaney has stepped into the breach to help playtest the four scenarios not in the tournament. Given Jim’s health issues, we don’t know how available Jim will be for the next couple of months. We have to finish all playtesting before the end of April to have any chance of a published pack at the tournament. We are working hard to make that happen. Stay tuned for additional details.

Thanks for all the support to this point. Look for a release of the boards sometime in the next couple of weeks. We want to give people a chance to look them over and get a feel for them before the tournament.

Look for more updates now as the tournament comes closer. We hope to see you all there.

First Round Of Scenario Feedback

We have received the first round of play test feedback from our external group. This after playing the first scenario:

  • I also really like the scenario a lot; quality vs quantity, a complex VC, an interesting board.
  • Interesting choices for the Germans too, How much to allocate to the flanking force…if any, and where to attack.
  • Looking forward to playing this one again, and the rest that follow.
  • First thoughts are that this is a VERY interesting scenario.
  • There are some tough decisions to make. The choice for the Brits is very damn tough…
  • We were really excited to play the scenario. It is a very interesting map and forces combination.
  • We would both definitely play it again – we have already agreed to a replay next week switching sides.
  • As the defender I found it very challenging to defend broadly with so few leaders.
  • Our impression so far is that the quality of the scenarios surpasses the ones we playtested for the WBC 

The play testers have also received the first three scenarios for review and are providing great feedback on clarifying the scenario cards and making sure the new boards are good.

We have seven more scenarios in various states of internal play testing. Two of those are nearly ready for movement to external play testing. The remaining scenarios are close to ready but need to have the latest round changes verified before sending them off. We are on track to have all ten scenarios off to Europe for final play testing.

Things are shaping up. If you aren’t registered, there is still time.

Scenario Status and Round Presentations

We have finished the first round of playtesting on two scenarios and have sent them off for external playtesting. Fortunately, the first round of back and forth has identified a few typos and mistakes which have been corrected. It is always interesting when a fresh pair of eyes examines the card for the first time. I also allows us to take notes for later for round presentations.

Speaking of round presentations, at the tournament, we intend to do a quick presentation at the beginning of each scenario to quickly go over terrain questions, card details, or specific rules that may effect the upcoming scenario. We promise to be short on the rules, but there are some mistakes that completely change the scenario that we don’t want to see happen. Us covering these in advance, as well as covering the VC and other map questions, will help us ensure everyone is playing the same game.

Human Wave Hotel Registration

We have heard from people trying to register that we did not have a registration link. We spoke with the hotel and have a registration link now. You can register for the hotel here. For the moment, this link will register for a single occupancy, king-sized bed. We are working with the hotel to see if we can get a double occupancy, two queen-sized bed room. Look for updates if we can. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Registration For Human Wave 2026 Is Open

We are pleased to announce registration for the 2026 edition of the Human Wave ASL tournament is open. If you have any questions about the tournament, the links above should answer all of your questions. You will find topics covering the the venue, rules, and details.

To register, please use this link. If you are paying via PayPal please pay via the Friends and Family method.

HUMAN WAVE 2026

Dear Conscripts and Fellow Travelers,

We are excited to announce a new concept for the 2026 tournament — blind scenarios not yet published by the highly esteemed Gary Fortenberry and Jim Bishop!

The main tournament will be five rounds, starting Thursday evening and completing Sunday morning (14 – 17 May 2026). The tournament entry fee is $60 in advance ($65 at the door) and will be a self balancing tournament with brackets formed by the winners and losers of the previous rounds. We will post more details in the near future.

The tournament will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites Washington Dulles Airport, 22700 Holiday Park Dr, Sterling VA 20166 (7035377800). Mention Human Wave when reserving a room to get the reduced rate of $155/night. Lodging includes complimentary breakfast. There is an airport shuttle available from Dulles Airport directly to the hotel.

Another Great Tournament!

This year we had 25 people attend and play Friday through Sunday.

This year our winner was Phil Palmer with Rich Summers earning a hard fought second. Congratulations!

The Committee has already updated the ASL ratings site, where you can see the tournament results

Tournament Underway!

Games have been progressing Friday and Saturday with 25 gamers attending. As of this writing, our players who are 3-0 are fighting out in what is looking to be the championship match. Also exciting is we’ve had several new players arrive for their first tournament, which is key to growing the hobby. Last day of play is Sunday morning, with several important games planned.

Today we wrapped up two additional fun events: the Grog Bowl (thanks Varick!) and the very popular raffle.

Scenes from the event below. Check our Facebook page for updates.

Prize and raffle table
Prize and Raffle table
First Round of Games on Friday