February 12^th, 2004 (12:00am) - Are you a Combat Command 2 fanatic? Have you played through every scenario in Danger Forward and Desert Rats until you can create battleplans in your sleep? Or perhaps you’re just someone who enjoys a good ol’ fashioned classic wargame but can’t get the buddies around the kitchen table to push some panzers? Tired of beating the AI? Sick of playing your buddy? Looking for a new challenge?

If you responded to any of the above questions with a yes then get ready to experience the ultimate in Combat Command 2 play as The Blitz (http://www.theblitz.org) cranks up its very own Combat Command 2 online ladder. Created by the noted grognard Jim Cobb, the ladder will be the place to play against other live opponents.

Here’s how it works. First, interested parties should go to The Blitz (http://www.theblitz.org) and join it, which is free. The Blitz is quickly becoming known as the premiere place on the ’net for online and PBEM wargaming. Once joined to the organization players can then choose what ladder they wish to participate in (in this case Combat Command 2). After this is done drop Jim a note at bismarck71"@"charter.net (naturally remove the quotes when emailing) that you’re interested. Once at least a core group of four players have joined Jim will begin the ladder.

The ladder itself works just like it sounds, with the general idea being for players to climb to the top. At first everyone starts in "boot camp" until at least one game is finished. Challenges are issued via a forum and the game results are reported to the ladder’s custodian, in this case Jim Cobb. Advancement is then determined by a point system developed by the custodian, and points may be earned for something as easy as completing a game. Needless to say, victory point advancement is much, much quicker and definitely the route to go if you’re intending to be triumphant in the end. Speaking of triumphing alas, gamers will have to be satisfied with simply knowing that they’re the best Combat Command 2 player if they win, as there are no spoils of victory.

Ladder scenarios will spring forth from both games in the series, Danger Forward and Desert Rats (for more information on the dynamic duo please check out http://www.shrapnelgames.com). It will be a lot of fun and a great way to meet more of your fellow Combat Command 2 enthusiasts, learn some new strategies, and see exactly how your leadership skills stack up against the world. Email Jim and join up today!