Eternal Durdles

Zac Clark and Robert Wilson discuss the relaunch of the classic card game Overpower, exploring its mechanics, character abilities, and the unique use of public domain literary characters. They delve into the game's strategic depth, balancing gameplay, and the visual appeal of the cards. The discussion also covers the various formats available for play, resources for new players, and the future of Overpower within the collectible card game community.

Zac Clark and Robert Wilson discuss the relaunch of the classic card game Overpower, exploring its mechanics, character abilities, and the unique use of public domain literary characters. They delve into the game's strategic depth, balancing gameplay, and the visual appeal of the cards. The discussion also covers the various formats available for play, resources for new players, and the future of Overpower within the collectible card game community.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the current state of Pre-Modern Magic, focusing on the importance of sideboard cards, particularly red blasts, and their impact on gameplay. They explore the significance of graveyard hate, artifact and enchantment removal, and creature wipes in the format. The discussion also touches on the community aspect of Pre-Modern and the potential for a new format that could engage players disenchanted with Legacy.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the current state of Pre-Modern Magic, focusing on the importance of sideboard cards, particularly red blasts, and their impact on gameplay. They explore the significance of graveyard hate, artifact and enchantment removal, and creature wipes in the format. The discussion also touches on the community aspect of Pre-Modern and the potential for a new format that could engage players disenchanted with Legacy.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the current state of the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering, emphasizing the importance of Eternal Weekend as a driving force for player engagement. They explore the nostalgia and community aspects of formats like Premodern, the impact of power creep on gameplay, and the potential for a new format called 'Premiere' that could revitalize interest in Legacy. The discussion highlights the need for a governing body, the significance of community-driven formats, and the challenges of engaging players in a changing landscape of collectible card games.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the current state of the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering, emphasizing the importance of Eternal Weekend as a driving force for player engagement. They explore the nostalgia and community aspects of formats like Premodern, the impact of power creep on gameplay, and the potential for a new format called 'Premiere' that could revitalize interest in Legacy. The discussion highlights the need for a governing body, the significance of community-driven formats, and the challenges of engaging players in a changing landscape of collectible card games.

Zac Clark, Phil Blechman, and Matt Chow delve into the recent changes in the Banned and Restricted (BNR) list for Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the implications for the Legacy format. They discuss the challenges of obtaining reliable tournament data, the performance of various deck archetypes, and the contrasting experiences of playing in paper versus online. The discussion highlights the importance of community insights and the need for greater transparency from Wizards of the Coast regarding format health and data sharing.

Zac Clark, Phil Blechman, and Matt Chow delve into the recent changes in the Banned and Restricted (BNR) list for Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the implications for the Legacy format. They discuss the challenges of obtaining reliable tournament data, the performance of various deck archetypes, and the contrasting experiences of playing in paper versus online. The discussion highlights the importance of community insights and the need for greater transparency from Wizards of the Coast regarding format health and data sharing.

Zac Clark and Max Gilmore discuss the recent ban and restricted list announcement for the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering. They explore the emotional reactions from the community, the balance between player sentiment and data-driven decisions, and the impact of popular decks on player experience. The discussion delves into the psychological effects of losing to certain decks, the current metagame, and the future of Legacy as a format. Both speakers emphasize the importance of community engagement and innovation in deck building.

Zac Clark and Max Gilmore discuss the recent ban and restricted list announcement for the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering. They explore the emotional reactions from the community, the balance between player sentiment and data-driven decisions, and the impact of popular decks on player experience. The discussion delves into the psychological effects of losing to certain decks, the current metagame, and the future of Legacy as a format. Both speakers emphasize the importance of community engagement and innovation in deck building.

Zac and Phil Invite Michael Reed of the Legacy Small Talk Podcast to discuss a Recent Article on EtenralDurdles.com. They go into the complexities of the Banning and Restricting (BNR) philosophy in Magic: The Gathering's Legacy format. The speakers discuss the nuances of categorizing cards as unfun, offenders, and oppressors, and how community sentiment influences decisions on card bans. They explore the impact of power levels, the shifting meta dynamics, and the future of control decks in the format. Speculations on upcoming bans and the implications of new cards are also discussed, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the Legacy format.

Zac discusses the recent ban and restricted announcement in Magic: The Gathering, focusing primarily on the implications for the Legacy format while expressing disappointment over the lack of changes the format. He delves into the ongoing issues with the Oops All Spells deck and the community's reaction to the current state of the game, emphasizing the need for player feedback and engagement with Wizards of the Coast.

Zac and Phil Invite Michael Reed of the Legacy Small Talk Podcast to discuss a Recent Article on EtenralDurdles.com. They go into the complexities of the Banning and Restricting (BNR) philosophy in Magic: The Gathering's Legacy format. The speakers discuss the nuances of categorizing cards as unfun, offenders, and oppressors, and how community sentiment influences decisions on card bans. They explore the impact of power levels, the shifting meta dynamics, and the future of control decks in the format. Speculations on upcoming bans and the implications of new cards are also discussed, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the Legacy format.

Zac and Phil delve into the top threats in the pre-modern Magic: The Gathering format, discussing various cards, their mechanics, and personal experiences. They explore the nuances of cards like Exalted Angel, Celestial Dawn, and Elkin Bottle, while also sharing humorous anecdotes and insights into the game's history and strategy. In this episode, the hosts delve into various strategies and classic cards in Pre-Modern Magic: The Gathering, discussing the significance of cards like Celestial Dawn and TerraVore. They explore existential themes in gaming, the impact of deck donations, and highlight top threats in the format. The conversation also touches on honorable mentions and the evolving landscape of deck strategies, providing insights into the game's depth and community engagement.

TakeawaysExalted Angel can be a powerful card but has specific mechanics that can lead to unexpected outcomes.Celestial Dawn is a complex card that can change the nature of mana and card types in play.Elkin Bottle's functionality is straightforward, but its artwork can lead to confusion.False Prophet can be a game-changer when used strategically with cards like Tempting Worm.Opalescence serves as a key win condition in enchantment-based decks.Mystic Enforcer is a strong threat with protection from black, making it difficult for opponents to deal with.Combining Celestial Dawn with other cards can create convoluted but powerful combos.Growlub offers unique synergies with cards like Pestilence, allowing for interesting gameplay strategies.The conversation highlights the importance of card interactions and understanding mechanics in Magic: The Gathering.Humor and personal anecdotes enrich the discussion, making it engaging for listeners. Deck strategies often revolve around classic cards that have stood the test of time.Celestial Dawn can significantly alter the dynamics of a game.Existential themes can emerge even in casual gaming discussions.Deck donations allow for community engagement and creativity.Understanding the top threats in a format is crucial for competitive play.Honorable mentions can often reveal hidden gems in deck building.The interaction between cards can create unique strategies and synergies.Players often have strong opinions about the best cards and strategies.The evolution of the game reflects broader trends in gaming culture.Community discussions can lead to deeper insights into gameplay and strategy.

Zac and Phil discuss the upcoming Ban and Restricted announcement for Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the purpose of such announcements, the current meta, and the community's sentiments regarding card bans. They analyze the implications of specific cards on the format, particularly those that are deemed oppressive, and explore the ongoing narrative surrounding control strategies in Legacy. The discussion highlights the need for a collective assessment of the format and the rationale behind banning certain cards. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of control strategies within the Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the importance of a collective understanding of control, the role of various strategies in the metagame, and the necessity of card selection tools for control players.

Zac and Phil discuss the upcoming Ban and Restricted announcement for Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the purpose of such announcements, the current meta, and the community's sentiments regarding card bans. They analyze the implications of specific cards on the format, particularly those that are deemed oppressive, and explore the ongoing narrative surrounding control strategies in Legacy. The discussion highlights the need for a collective assessment of the format and the rationale behind banning certain cards. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of control strategies within the Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the importance of a collective understanding of control, the role of various strategies in the metagame, and the necessity of card selection tools for control players.

We're excited to share a state of the channel announcement with you all! We're planning a special video related to the ban and restricted list for MTG, and will be sharing our thoughts. Stay tuned for more MTG content!

Phil and Zac are back to dissect the real issue plaguing Legacy: it's not just what gets banned, it's how Wizards thinks about the format. From Beanstalk and Tamiyo to The One Ring and Bowmasters, we explore the “game changers” that dominate every match and flatten decision trees. What does a healthy Legacy actually look like in a post-MH era? Why do the same play patterns keep showing up? And is there any hope that bans can fix it?

Phil and Zac are back to dissect the real issue plaguing Legacy: it's not just what gets banned, it's how Wizards thinks about the format. From Beanstalk and Tamiyo to The One Ring and Bowmasters, we explore the “game changers” that dominate every match and flatten decision trees. What does a healthy Legacy actually look like in a post-MH era? Why do the same play patterns keep showing up? And is there any hope that bans can fix it?

In this conversation, various participants discuss the current state of the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on potential bans and unbans in the upcoming Banned and Restricted announcement. Key topics include the impact of graveyard decks, particularly Reanimator and Oops All Spells, and the community's sentiments regarding the health of the format. Participants express their hopes for unbanning certain cards while also advocating for the banning of others, particularly Entomb and Tamiyo. The discussion highlights the diverse opinions within the community and the desire for a more balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience.

In this conversation, various participants discuss the current state of the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on potential bans and unbans in the upcoming Banned and Restricted announcement. Key topics include the impact of graveyard decks, particularly Reanimator and Oops All Spells, and the community's sentiments regarding the health of the format. Participants express their hopes for unbanning certain cards while also advocating for the banning of others, particularly Entomb and Tamiyo. The discussion highlights the diverse opinions within the community and the desire for a more balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Zac invites Douges to discuss the challenges of playing Maverick decks in the MTG Legacy format. They touch on the disadvantage that these decks face without certain control elements. Listen in for some Magic Community Insights on Legacy Deck building!TakeawaysNon-blue decks like Maverick face inherent disadvantages in Legacy.Players must innovate and adapt their decks to stay competitive.Skythcat Cub offers new disruption options for Maverick.Meta dynamics are shifting, requiring Maverick players to rethink strategies.Understanding matchups is crucial for success with Maverick.Maverick is not the best entry point for new players.Community support is vital for Maverick players.Experiences in international tournaments highlight the universal nature of Magic.Maverick players need to be versatile in their strategies.Enjoyment of the game is key, regardless of deck choice.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Disadvantage of Non-Blue Decks02:30 Innovations in Maverick and New Card Insights04:43 Meta Dynamics and Threat Upgrades in Maverick07:10 Navigating the Challenges of Playing Maverick09:38 Experiences in Legacy and the Universal Language of Magic

Zac invites Douges to discuss the challenges of playing Maverick decks in the MTG Legacy format. They touch on the disadvantage that these decks face without certain control elements. Listen in for some Magic Community Insights on Legacy Deck building!

Zac and Phil discuss their list of the best lands in the Premodern format of Magic: The Gathering. They review their top picks for Premodern MTG, highlighting what makes each land special in the format and explaining they placement in the list. Check it out to hear their thoughts on the Premodern Lands that make the grade!

Zac and Phil discuss their list of the best lands in the Premodern format of Magic: The Gathering. They review their top picks for Premodern MTG, highlighting what makes each land special in the format and explaining they placement in the list. Check it out to hear their thoughts on the Premodern Lands that make the grade!

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the new Final Fantasy standard set, discussing various cards, their mechanics, and their potential impact on gameplay. They express disappointment in the lack of certain lore elements and analyze specific cards like Absolute Virtue, Cecil Dark Knight, and others, weighing their strengths and weaknesses in the current meta. The discussion highlights the blend of lore and gameplay in the Final Fantasy universe, as well as the implications of new cards on competitive play. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on new cards and their implications in gameplay. They explore the mechanics of specific artifacts, evaluate their potential in different formats, and discuss the impact of new lands. The conversation also touches on the evolving design philosophy of Magic, particularly the tension between standard and commander formats.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the new Final Fantasy standard set, discussing various cards, their mechanics, and their potential impact on gameplay. They express disappointment in the lack of certain lore elements and analyze specific cards like Absolute Virtue, Cecil Dark Knight, and others, weighing their strengths and weaknesses in the current meta. The discussion highlights the blend of lore and gameplay in the Final Fantasy universe, as well as the implications of new cards on competitive play. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on new cards and their implications in gameplay. They explore the mechanics of specific artifacts, evaluate their potential in different formats, and discuss the impact of new lands. The conversation also touches on the evolving design philosophy of Magic, particularly the tension between standard and commander formats.

Zac Clark discusses the top 10 power outliers in the pre-modern format of Magic the Gathering. They explore various cards that have significant impacts on gameplay, including their versatility, strategic advantages, and the unique roles they play in different deck archetypes. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these cards for both brewing new decks and piloting existing ones, while also engaging the community for their thoughts and favorite cards.

Zac Clark discusses the top 10 power outliers in the pre-modern format of Magic the Gathering. They explore various cards that have significant impacts on gameplay, including their versatility, strategic advantages, and the unique roles they play in different deck archetypes. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these cards for both brewing new decks and piloting existing ones, while also engaging the community for their thoughts and favorite cards.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the upcoming Eternal Weekend events, the excitement surrounding early announcements, and the unique experience of celebrating Thanksgiving in Italy. They delve into the significance of community art in Magic: The Gathering, share their expectations for vendors at the events, and highlight the growing pre-modern community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of planning and the anticipation of new set releases that could impact gameplay.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the upcoming Eternal Weekend events, the excitement surrounding early announcements, and the unique experience of celebrating Thanksgiving in Italy. They delve into the significance of community art in Magic: The Gathering, share their expectations for vendors at the events, and highlight the growing pre-modern community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of planning and the anticipation of new set releases that could impact gameplay.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil reflect on their experiences in the Magic: The Gathering community, particularly focusing on the Legacy format. They discuss the importance of investing in dual lands, building a supportive community, prioritizing attendance at major events like Eternal Weekend, and making informed financial decisions regarding card collecting. The dialogue emphasizes the lessons learned over the years and the value of experiences in the gaming world.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil reflect on their experiences in the Magic: The Gathering community, particularly focusing on the Legacy format. They discuss the importance of investing in dual lands, building a supportive community, prioritizing attendance at major events like Eternal Weekend, and making informed financial decisions regarding card collecting. The dialogue emphasizes the lessons learned over the years and the value of experiences in the gaming world.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the dynamics of the Pillars of the pre-modern Magic: The Gathering format. They discuss its power, flexibility, and the strategies surrounding its use in various decks. The conversation also touches on historical context, alternative powerful cards, and innovative deck strategies involving Energy Field.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the dynamics of the Pillars of the pre-modern Magic: The Gathering format. They discuss its power, flexibility, and the strategies surrounding its use in various decks. The conversation also touches on historical context, alternative powerful cards, and innovative deck strategies involving Energy Field.

Zac and Phil discuss the ineffectiveness of countermagic in the current Legacy meta, exploring how recent game design has shifted the balance away from traditional countermagic strategies. They delve into the evolution of game mechanics, the necessity of pressure valves in gameplay, and the implications for future deck building and strategy. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of counter magic in the context of Magic: The Gathering, discussing its limitations, the evolving strategies in deck building, and the overall impact on gameplay. They explore the challenges faced by counter magic in the current meta, the value it brings to different deck archetypes, and the future of counter magic in competitive play.takeaways

Zac and Phil discuss the ineffectiveness of countermagic in the current Legacy meta, exploring how recent game design has shifted the balance away from traditional countermagic strategies. They delve into the evolution of game mechanics, the necessity of pressure valves in gameplay, and the implications for future deck building and strategy. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of counter magic in the context of Magic: The Gathering, discussing its limitations, the evolving strategies in deck building, and the overall impact on gameplay. They explore the challenges faced by counter magic in the current meta, the value it brings to different deck archetypes, and the future of counter magic in competitive play.takeaways

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the importance of adapting to changes in the Legacy format of Magic the Gathering. They explore the concept of complaints in the gaming community, emphasizing that adaptation is key to addressing issues. The discussion introduces the 'butter and guns' analogy, which highlights the balance between resource accumulation and offensive strategies in gameplay. They also delve into the role of ban lists in maintaining game balance and the impact of power creep on player experiences.

Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the importance of adapting to changes in the Legacy format of Magic the Gathering. They explore the concept of complaints in the gaming community, emphasizing that adaptation is key to addressing issues. The discussion introduces the 'butter and guns' analogy, which highlights the balance between resource accumulation and offensive strategies in gameplay. They also delve into the role of ban lists in maintaining game balance and the impact of power creep on player experiences.

Zac and Phil explore the concepts of brewing and innovating within the context of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the differences between creating entirely new strategies (brewing) and making incremental updates to existing decks (innovating). Through personal anecdotes and historical examples, they illustrate how players can find niches in the metagame and adapt their strategies accordingly. The conversation also touches on the evolution of deck strategies in Standard formats and the impact of card game design on gameplay. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the evolution of game mechanics in card games, particularly focusing on Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the impact of power creep on gameplay, the fluctuating value of cards over time, and the nuances of deck building and brewing strategies. The dialogue highlights the importance of innovation in competitive play and the challenges of identifying and exploiting weaknesses in the metagame.

Zac and Phil explore the concepts of brewing and innovating within the context of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the differences between creating entirely new strategies (brewing) and making incremental updates to existing decks (innovating). Through personal anecdotes and historical examples, they illustrate how players can find niches in the metagame and adapt their strategies accordingly. The conversation also touches on the evolution of deck strategies in Standard formats and the impact of card game design on gameplay. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the evolution of game mechanics in card games, particularly focusing on Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the impact of power creep on gameplay, the fluctuating value of cards over time, and the nuances of deck building and brewing strategies. The dialogue highlights the importance of innovation in competitive play and the challenges of identifying and exploiting weaknesses in the metagame.

Zac and Phil invite EcoBaronen to engage in a detailed debate about the card Ponder and its viability in the current Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss various perspectives on Ponder's effectiveness, particularly in relation to the speed of the format, deck strategies, and the importance of land to spell ratios. The conversation highlights the nuances of playing proactive versus reactive decks and the evolving nature of competitive play. In this conversation, the participants delve into the complexities of deck building in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the card Ponder and its role in various deck archetypes. They discuss the importance of land-to-spell ratios, the nuances of using Ponder in tempo and control decks, and how the metagame influences card choices. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of strategies and the balance between flexibility and specificity in deck construction.

Zac and Phil invite EcoBaronen to engage in a detailed debate about the card Ponder and its viability in the current Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss various perspectives on Ponder's effectiveness, particularly in relation to the speed of the format, deck strategies, and the importance of land to spell ratios. The conversation highlights the nuances of playing proactive versus reactive decks and the evolving nature of competitive play. In this conversation, the participants delve into the complexities of deck building in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the card Ponder and its role in various deck archetypes. They discuss the importance of land-to-spell ratios, the nuances of using Ponder in tempo and control decks, and how the metagame influences card choices. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of strategies and the balance between flexibility and specificity in deck construction.

Zac and Phil discuss the declining effectiveness of the card Ponder in the current Magic: The Gathering meta. They explore how Ponder is too slow for many decks, particularly in a fast-paced environment filled with powerful threats. The discussion highlights the importance of card density and the need for more effective answers in control decks. The impact of the London Mulligan on deck-building strategies is also examined, emphasizing the shift in how players approach their card choices in response to evolving gameplay dynamics. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the evolving role of the card Ponder in competitive Magic: The Gathering gameplay. They discuss how the current game dynamics have shifted, making Ponder less effective and emphasizing the need for more impactful threats in decks. The discussion also covers the importance of decision-making in gameplay, particularly in recognizing when an opponent is making suboptimal plays. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of cantrips in competitive play, suggesting a shift away from traditional strategies.

Zac and Phil discuss the declining effectiveness of the card Ponder in the current Magic: The Gathering meta. They explore how Ponder is too slow for many decks, particularly in a fast-paced environment filled with powerful threats. The discussion highlights the importance of card density and the need for more effective answers in control decks. The impact of the London Mulligan on deck-building strategies is also examined, emphasizing the shift in how players approach their card choices in response to evolving gameplay dynamics. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the evolving role of the card Ponder in competitive Magic: The Gathering gameplay. They discuss how the current game dynamics have shifted, making Ponder less effective and emphasizing the need for more impactful threats in decks. The discussion also covers the importance of decision-making in gameplay, particularly in recognizing when an opponent is making suboptimal plays. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of cantrips in competitive play, suggesting a shift away from traditional strategies.

Phil discusses the evolution of the Grow-A-Tog deck with guest Austen Fiora. They explore Austen's journey with the deck, innovations he has made, and insights gained from participating in LobsterCon. The conversation delves into deck construction, the importance of card choices like Gaea's Blessing, and the ongoing experimentation within the pre-modern format. Austen shares his experiences, challenges, and thoughts on future directions for Grow-A-Tog, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and exploration in deck building.

Phil discusses the evolution of the Grow-A-Tog deck with guest Austen Fiora. They explore Austen's journey with the deck, innovations he has made, and insights gained from participating in LobsterCon. The conversation delves into deck construction, the importance of card choices like Gaea's Blessing, and the ongoing experimentation within the pre-modern format. Austen shares his experiences, challenges, and thoughts on future directions for Grow-A-Tog, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and exploration in deck building.

Zac and Phil discuss the current challenges Magic: The Gathering faces in onboarding new players, particularly through the lens of its evolving game design and community engagement. They explore historical methods of teaching the game, the impact of Commander on gameplay, and the necessity of effective onboarding strategies to attract and retain new players. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and personal interaction in the learning process, as well as the need for Wizards of the Coast to adapt their approach to better serve new players.

Zac and Phil discuss the current challenges Magic: The Gathering faces in onboarding new players, particularly through the lens of its evolving game design and community engagement. They explore historical methods of teaching the game, the impact of Commander on gameplay, and the necessity of effective onboarding strategies to attract and retain new players. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and personal interaction in the learning process, as well as the need for Wizards of the Coast to adapt their approach to better serve new players.

In this episode, Zac Clark shares his experiences from a recent Magic: The Gathering tournament, detailing his participation in both a side event and the main event. He discusses his deck choices, strategies, and matchups, providing insights into the gameplay and sideboarding decisions he made throughout the tournament. The conversation covers various matchups against different archetypes, including Goblins, Survival, and Burn decks, and highlights the importance of adapting strategies based on opponents' decks. Zach also reflects on the overall tournament experience and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats.