  We discuss the possible connection between supernova explosions (SN) and
gamma-ray bursters (GRB) from the perspective of our current understanding of
SN physics. Recent evidence strongly suggests that the explosion mechanism of
core collapse SN is intrinsically aspherical. Typically, a neutron star is
formed. However, the observed properties of the expanding SN envelopes remnants
make these objects very unlikely candidates for GRBs. Most candidates for a
GRB/SN connection seem to require the prompt or delayed formation of a black
hole. These include the collapse of very massive stars (e.g. hypernovae) and
'classical' SNe with a significant fallback of material over time scales of
hours to days, resulting in the collapse of the neutron star to a black hole.
We suggest the merger of a neutron star with a white dwarf as a subclass of
thermonuclear SNe and a potential candidate for a SN/GRB connection.
