Eternal Durdles is a weekly Magic: the Gathering podcast, focusing on the Legacy format, hosted by long-time MTG veterans Zac Clark, Nathan Golia, and Phil Blechman.
The Hobbits are coming to Magic, but how much are they actually going to change Legacy?Zac and Phil go through the new Hobbits from Vetter Breath cards and find something surprisingly refreshing: there aren't that many cards worth talking about for Legacy.We break down the eight cards that caught our attention, including Bilbo, Thief in the Night, The Great Goblin, Giant's Boulder, Thirandil, the Elven King, Inside Information, Bilbo's Gambit, Plunder the Trollshaws, and Riddles in the Dark.Bilbo is the clear standout, looking like a powered-up version of a card that's already on Legacy's banned list. But does that actually make him a problem?We also discuss:Why Universes Beyond sets keep feeling like Commander productsThe new Storied mechanicBilbo vs. Dreadhorde ArcanistWhether The Great Goblin can enable a comboWhy Giant's Boulder isn't the next AstrolabeCan Thirandil actually save Elves from Orcish Bowmasters?Why Inside Information probably isn't a Storm payoffBilbo's Gambit and the Legacy "Silence" problemWhy Riddles in the Dark isn't Fact or FictionAnd why we're actually happy that the set has a lower Legacy power levelIf we missed a card, let us know in the comments.And if you're done with Universes Beyond and want to play Classic, Peak, Pre-War, or Premodern, check out Returnal Durdles. 00:00 — The Hobbit Set Isn't Breaking Legacy00:57 — Flavor vs. Power Level02:37 — The Storied Mechanic Is Metalcraft+04:40 — Urza's Saga Is Already Storied?!05:56 — Why We're Building Locked Formats Instead06:48 — Peak Legacy Event Announcement07:17 — Bilbo, Thief in the Night10:02 — The Great Goblin12:55 — Giant's Boulder vs. Astrolabe16:27 — Does Giant's Boulder Work With Scry Payoffs?17:40 — Thirandil, the Elven King19:40 — Inside Information21:36 — Bilbo's Gambit24:30 — Bilbo Is an EDH All-Star26:29 — Plunder the Trollshaws27:39 — Riddles in the Dark28:48 — Riddles vs. Fact or Fiction30:14 — Just Play Three Wishes31:27 — The Eight Cards That Matter32:00 — Why We're Happy the Power Level Is Lower32:40 — Returnal Durdles & Locked Formats33:00 — Submit Your Own Legacy TakesTimestamps
The Hobbits are coming to Magic, but how much are they actually going to change Legacy?Zac and Phil go through the new Hobbits from Vetter Breath cards and find something surprisingly refreshing: there aren't that many cards worth talking about for Legacy.We break down the eight cards that caught our attention, including Bilbo, Thief in the Night, The Great Goblin, Giant's Boulder, Thirandil, the Elven King, Inside Information, Bilbo's Gambit, Plunder the Trollshaws, and Riddles in the Dark.Bilbo is the clear standout, looking like a powered-up version of a card that's already on Legacy's banned list. But does that actually make him a problem?We also discuss:Why Universes Beyond sets keep feeling like Commander productsThe new Storied mechanicBilbo vs. Dreadhorde ArcanistWhether The Great Goblin can enable a comboWhy Giant's Boulder isn't the next AstrolabeCan Thirandil actually save Elves from Orcish Bowmasters?Why Inside Information probably isn't a Storm payoffBilbo's Gambit and the Legacy "Silence" problemWhy Riddles in the Dark isn't Fact or FictionAnd why we're actually happy that the set has a lower Legacy power levelIf we missed a card, let us know in the comments.And if you're done with Universes Beyond and want to play Classic, Peak, Pre-War, or Premodern, check out Returnal Durdles. 00:00 — The Hobbit Set Isn't Breaking Legacy00:57 — Flavor vs. Power Level02:37 — The Storied Mechanic Is Metalcraft+04:40 — Urza's Saga Is Already Storied?!05:56 — Why We're Building Locked Formats Instead06:48 — Peak Legacy Event Announcement07:17 — Bilbo, Thief in the Night10:02 — The Great Goblin12:55 — Giant's Boulder vs. Astrolabe16:27 — Does Giant's Boulder Work With Scry Payoffs?17:40 — Thirandil, the Elven King19:40 — Inside Information21:36 — Bilbo's Gambit24:30 — Bilbo Is an EDH All-Star26:29 — Plunder the Trollshaws27:39 — Riddles in the Dark28:48 — Riddles vs. Fact or Fiction30:14 — Just Play Three Wishes31:27 — The Eight Cards That Matter32:00 — Why We're Happy the Power Level Is Lower32:40 — Returnal Durdles & Locked Formats33:00 — Submit Your Own Legacy TakesTimestamps
What happens when you take a Magic format from 10 years ago and attack it with everything we've learned since?That's the experiment behind Peak, Classic, and the other locked formats we're exploring on Eternal Durdles.Instead of simply copying old tournament lists, Zac and Phil discuss how modern deckbuilding theory can reveal cards, strategies, and entire archetypes that may have been overlooked when these formats were originally played.Phil has been digging through old Miracles lists and finding cards like Unexpectedly Absent and Sylvan Library that seem dramatically underexplored. Zac is doing the same thing with Classic and Peak decks, looking for forgotten strategies that might be ready for a second life.We also talk about:Why you shouldn't blindly copy old decklistsHow locked formats create new brewing opportunitiesThe danger of "getting lost in the sauce" of metagame tuningUnexpectedly Absent in PeakFour-of Sylvan LibraryRebuilding forgotten Classic decksNahiri + Emrakul MiraclesWhat modern Magic players know that players didn't know thenThe upcoming Peak event in New YorkAnd yes, Zac has acquired Un-Glued Islands.00:00 — Why Locked Formats Are So Exciting01:25 — The First Big Peak Event02:45 — Don't Just Copy Old Decklists03:45 — We Know More About Magic Now04:15 — Phil's Miracles Rabbit Hole07:50 — The Unexpectedly Absent Breakthrough10:40 — Why Nobody Played Sylvan Library13:30 — The Untapped Territory of Locked Formats15:20 — Optimizing Forgotten Classic Decks17:45 — Getting Lost in the Sauce19:45 — Zac's TradeMagic Pickup22:00 — Esperzoa: The Forgotten Brew24:45 — What If We Rebuilt These Decks Today?27:00 — The Nahiri Miracles Experiment30:20 — Why Old Decks Were Never Fully Explored31:55 — Come Play Peak!33:20 — Locked Formats Beyond Nostalgia34:00 — Welcome to a New Magic
What happens when you take a Magic format from 10 years ago and attack it with everything we've learned since?That's the experiment behind Peak, Classic, and the other locked formats we're exploring on Eternal Durdles.Instead of simply copying old tournament lists, Zac and Phil discuss how modern deckbuilding theory can reveal cards, strategies, and entire archetypes that may have been overlooked when these formats were originally played.Phil has been digging through old Miracles lists and finding cards like Unexpectedly Absent and Sylvan Library that seem dramatically underexplored. Zac is doing the same thing with Classic and Peak decks, looking for forgotten strategies that might be ready for a second life.We also talk about:Why you shouldn't blindly copy old decklistsHow locked formats create new brewing opportunitiesThe danger of "getting lost in the sauce" of metagame tuningUnexpectedly Absent in PeakFour-of Sylvan LibraryRebuilding forgotten Classic decksNahiri + Emrakul MiraclesWhat modern Magic players know that players didn't know thenThe upcoming Peak event in New YorkAnd yes, Zac has acquired Un-Glued Islands.00:00 — Why Locked Formats Are So Exciting01:25 — The First Big Peak Event02:45 — Don't Just Copy Old Decklists03:45 — We Know More About Magic Now04:15 — Phil's Miracles Rabbit Hole07:50 — The Unexpectedly Absent Breakthrough10:40 — Why Nobody Played Sylvan Library13:30 — The Untapped Territory of Locked Formats15:20 — Optimizing Forgotten Classic Decks17:45 — Getting Lost in the Sauce19:45 — Zac's TradeMagic Pickup22:00 — Esperzoa: The Forgotten Brew24:45 — What If We Rebuilt These Decks Today?27:00 — The Nahiri Miracles Experiment30:20 — Why Old Decks Were Never Fully Explored31:55 — Come Play Peak!33:20 — Locked Formats Beyond Nostalgia34:00 — Welcome to a New Magic
With the next Legacy Banned & Restricted announcement just days away, Zac and Phil dive into the latest Threat Level Report to see which cards are dominating the format—and which ones deserve a closer look. Using Blackmans, our custom metric that combines play rate and copies per deck, we analyze the current Legacy metagame and discuss how cards like Tamiyo, Force of Will, Orcish Bowmasters, Urza's Saga, Flow State, Doomsday, Kozilek's Command, and Fantasticar have shifted over the past month. Topics include:The rise and fall of Legacy's biggest threatsWhy combo continues to dominate the formatFantasticar's impact on gameplayWhat the data says Wizards should banOur predictions for the August B&R announcementWill Wizards act decisively—or will Legacy stay the same?Let us know your predictions in the comments!00:00 Legacy Ban Announcement Preview02:00 What Is Threat Level?04:10 Wasteland & Force of Will Trends05:45 Tamiyo, Murktide & Bowmasters10:00 New Cards to Watch (Felia, Fleshraker, Kaaito)13:30 Urza's Saga & Combo Trends20:40 Flow State, Thoughtseize & Doomsday25:00 Kozilek's Command & Eldrazi26:00 Fantasticar's Threat Level28:40 The Candelabra Debate33:30 Ban Predictions & Final Thoughts Timestamps
With the next Legacy Banned & Restricted announcement just days away, Zac and Phil dive into the latest Threat Level Report to see which cards are dominating the format—and which ones deserve a closer look. Using Blackmans, our custom metric that combines play rate and copies per deck, we analyze the current Legacy metagame and discuss how cards like Tamiyo, Force of Will, Orcish Bowmasters, Urza's Saga, Flow State, Doomsday, Kozilek's Command, and Fantasticar have shifted over the past month. Topics include:The rise and fall of Legacy's biggest threatsWhy combo continues to dominate the formatFantasticar's impact on gameplayWhat the data says Wizards should banOur predictions for the August B&R announcementWill Wizards act decisively—or will Legacy stay the same?Let us know your predictions in the comments!00:00 Legacy Ban Announcement Preview02:00 What Is Threat Level?04:10 Wasteland & Force of Will Trends05:45 Tamiyo, Murktide & Bowmasters10:00 New Cards to Watch (Felia, Fleshraker, Kaaito)13:30 Urza's Saga & Combo Trends20:40 Flow State, Thoughtseize & Doomsday25:00 Kozilek's Command & Eldrazi26:00 Fantasticar's Threat Level28:40 The Candelabra Debate33:30 Ban Predictions & Final Thoughts Timestamps
Could today's Legacy players build better decks than the pros of 2010?This week Drake returns to Eternal Durdles to explore one of the most fascinating Magic experiments we've ever discussed: Classic Legacy.We revisit the Legacy format as it existed before Delver of Secrets, before Modern Horizons, and before years of deck optimization changed how players approached Brainstorm, Counterbalance, Tarmogoyf, and Jace, the Mind Sculptor.Along the way we discuss:• How modern heuristics reshape old decklists• The forgotten rules that changed Legacy forever• CounterTop brewing• Death's Shadow in Classic Legacy• Why Tarmogoyf still dominates• Landstill vs Counterbalance• Dutch Stax• Reanimator packages• The future of Classic LegacyIf you've ever wondered what Legacy looked like before the power creep—or what would happen if today's players went back in time with sixteen years of experience—this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Intro & Why Classic Legacy Is Exploding01:30 Drake's Latest Brews05:45 Why Old Decklists Look So Strange11:20 The Rules That Changed Legacy Forever15:30 Modern Players Build Better Decks20:10 Brewing with Today's Knowledge24:30 Is Blue Actually the Best Color?30:20 Death's Shadow Comes to Classic Legacy35:00 Building CounterTop Today41:00 Trinket Mage Technology45:30 Land Tax, AK & Hidden Gems50:00 Counterbalance vs Landstill55:00 Where Classic Legacy Goes Next
Could today's Legacy players build better decks than the pros of 2010?This week Drake returns to Eternal Durdles to explore one of the most fascinating Magic experiments we've ever discussed: Classic Legacy.We revisit the Legacy format as it existed before Delver of Secrets, before Modern Horizons, and before years of deck optimization changed how players approached Brainstorm, Counterbalance, Tarmogoyf, and Jace, the Mind Sculptor.Along the way we discuss:• How modern heuristics reshape old decklists• The forgotten rules that changed Legacy forever• CounterTop brewing• Death's Shadow in Classic Legacy• Why Tarmogoyf still dominates• Landstill vs Counterbalance• Dutch Stax• Reanimator packages• The future of Classic LegacyIf you've ever wondered what Legacy looked like before the power creep—or what would happen if today's players went back in time with sixteen years of experience—this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Intro & Why Classic Legacy Is Exploding01:30 Drake's Latest Brews05:45 Why Old Decklists Look So Strange11:20 The Rules That Changed Legacy Forever15:30 Modern Players Build Better Decks20:10 Brewing with Today's Knowledge24:30 Is Blue Actually the Best Color?30:20 Death's Shadow Comes to Classic Legacy35:00 Building CounterTop Today41:00 Trinket Mage Technology45:30 Land Tax, AK & Hidden Gems50:00 Counterbalance vs Landstill55:00 Where Classic Legacy Goes Next
CLASSIC LEGACY DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/Yg7UMC86m Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Et ernalDurdlesUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesBuilding decks for a new format doesn't have to mean spending hundreds of dollars.In this episode, Zac and Phil walk through how they're using TradeMagic.gg to turn unused cards into staples for Classic Legacy, Peak Legacy, and Premodern. From organizing collections and managing wants lists to trading for original printings and supporting emerging formats, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how they're building new decks without constantly buying singles.We also discuss:Why Classic Legacy is growingSupporting Moxfield and Scryfall integrationHow the TradeMagic credit system worksTrading into expensive staplesOriginal printings vs. reprintsBuilding collections for new Eternal formatsWhether you're a long-time collector or just getting into Classic Legacy, this episode will help you get more value out of the cards you already own.#MagicTheGathering #ClassicLegacy #TradeMagic #Premodern #MTGTimestamps00:00 Why New Formats Are Fun to Collect02:30 Supporting Classic Legacy05:55 TradeMagic Overview07:20 Building a Want List11:55 How the Trading System Works16:00 Trading With New Members18:20 Why TradeMagic Builds Community20:50 Why Eternal Staples Are Affordable Again23:20 Get Started With TradeMagicTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/
CLASSIC LEGACY DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/Yg7UMC86mSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Et ernalDurdlesUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesBuilding decks for a new format doesn't have to mean spending hundreds of dollars.In this episode, Zac and Phil walk through how they're using TradeMagic.gg to turn unused cards into staples for Classic Legacy, Peak Legacy, and Premodern. From organizing collections and managing wants lists to trading for original printings and supporting emerging formats, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how they're building new decks without constantly buying singles.We also discuss:Why Classic Legacy is growingSupporting Moxfield and Scryfall integrationHow the TradeMagic credit system worksTrading into expensive staplesOriginal printings vs. reprintsBuilding collections for new Eternal formatsWhether you're a long-time collector or just getting into Classic Legacy, this episode will help you get more value out of the cards you already own.#MagicTheGathering #ClassicLegacy #TradeMagic #Premodern #MTGTimestamps00:00 Why New Formats Are Fun to Collect02:30 Supporting Classic Legacy05:55 TradeMagic Overview07:20 Building a Want List11:55 How the Trading System Works16:00 Trading With New Members18:20 Why TradeMagic Builds Community20:50 Why Eternal Staples Are Affordable Again23:20 Get Started With TradeMagicTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesWe're diving into Classic Legacy—a snapshot of Legacy before Delver of Secrets, Griselbrand, and many of the cards that define the modern format.Instead of focusing on one deck, we're exploring the format itself: browsing old decklists, discussing what stands out, and asking one question over and over:"What could we build today?"We take a look at:Mono-Blue ControlAffinityCounterTop ThopterCanadian ThresholdBant MidrangeNew brewing ideas inspired by Death's Shadow and other archetypesAlong the way we discuss why Classic Legacy's flatter power level creates room for innovation and why it might be one of the most exciting Eternal formats to brew in today.If you enjoy brewing, forgotten archetypes, and old-school Legacy, this episode is for you.#MTGLegacy #ClassicLegacy #MagicTheGathering #EternalFormats #BrewingTimestamps00:00 Returnal Durdles Begins03:12 Exploring Classic Legacy03:22 Mono-Blue Control10:11 Affinity12:17 CounterTop Thopter16:43 Canadian Threshold21:28 Bant Midrange23:32 Brewing Death's Shadow29:19 What's Next for Classic Legacy?Use our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesWe're diving into Classic Legacy—a snapshot of Legacy before Delver of Secrets, Griselbrand, and many of the cards that define the modern format.Instead of focusing on one deck, we're exploring the format itself: browsing old decklists, discussing what stands out, and asking one question over and over:"What could we build today?"We take a look at:Mono-Blue ControlAffinityCounterTop ThopterCanadian ThresholdBant MidrangeNew brewing ideas inspired by Death's Shadow and other archetypesAlong the way we discuss why Classic Legacy's flatter power level creates room for innovation and why it might be one of the most exciting Eternal formats to brew in today.If you enjoy brewing, forgotten archetypes, and old-school Legacy, this episode is for you.#MTGLegacy #ClassicLegacy #MagicTheGathering #EternalFormats #BrewingTimestamps00:00 Returnal Durdles Begins03:12 Exploring Classic Legacy03:22 Mono-Blue Control10:11 Affinity12:17 CounterTop Thopter16:43 Canadian Threshold21:28 Bant Midrange23:32 Brewing Death's Shadow29:19 What's Next for Classic Legacy?Use our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesMarc joins Eternal Durdles for a deep dive into one of Premodern's most powerful—and complicated—strategies: Enchantress.But this isn't stock Enchantress.Marc's build cuts the traditional Opalescence / Parallax Wave / Replenish package and instead uses Oath of Druids as additional copies of Argothian Enchantress, alongside cards like Words of War, Abeyance, Wasteland, Gaea's Blessing, Decree of Justice, and more.We break down how the deck operates from its opening turns through the combo turn, why Marc wants zero four-mana cards in his maindeck, how to sequence Exploration correctly, and how to know when it's time to go off.Then we go deep on sideboarding and matchup strategy against some of Premodern's biggest decks.If Enchantress has always looked too complicated—or you're already playing it and want to take your game to another level—this is your Masterclass.#Premodern #MagicTheGathering #Enchantress #MTG #EternalDurdlesTimestamps00:00 Why Play Enchantress?00:58 Meet Marc & Mastering the Deck03:05 Enchantress vs. Replenish04:22 Marc's Oath of Druids Enchantress06:37 How the Engine Works07:52 Why Marc Cut the 4-Drops08:50 Turning Oath Into More Enchantresses09:09 Words of War Explained12:22 Why Gaea's Blessing Matters13:50 The Infinite Game14:28 Decree of Justice15:43 How to Sequence Exploration17:22 The Ideal Early Game18:52 Mirri's Guile vs. Sylvan Library19:57 Finding Your Enchantress Engine22:59 Solitary Confinement24:42 Marc's Build vs. Stock Enchantress28:38 Attacking What Opponents ExpectSideboard Guide29:06 Sideboard Overview29:15 Decree of Justice30:46 Akroma, Angel of Wrath31:33 Aura of Silence32:24 Karmic Justice33:21 Naturalize & Ray of Revelation34:32 Replenish35:35 Swords to Plowshares36:04 Tormod's Crypt36:42 Tsabo's Web37:08 Wrath of GodMatchup Guide37:49 Replenish42:21 Enchantress Mirror49:33 Hermit FEB56:11 Mono-Blue Dreadnought01:02:56 Goblins 01:23:10 Psychatog01:25:42 BurnUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesMarc joins Eternal Durdles for a deep dive into one of Premodern's most powerful—and complicated—strategies: Enchantress.But this isn't stock Enchantress.Marc's build cuts the traditional Opalescence / Parallax Wave / Replenish package and instead uses Oath of Druids as additional copies of Argothian Enchantress, alongside cards like Words of War, Abeyance, Wasteland, Gaea's Blessing, Decree of Justice, and more.We break down how the deck operates from its opening turns through the combo turn, why Marc wants zero four-mana cards in his maindeck, how to sequence Exploration correctly, and how to know when it's time to go off.Then we go deep on sideboarding and matchup strategy against some of Premodern's biggest decks.If Enchantress has always looked too complicated—or you're already playing it and want to take your game to another level—this is your Masterclass.#Premodern #MagicTheGathering #Enchantress #MTG #EternalDurdlesTimestamps00:00 Why Play Enchantress?00:58 Meet Marc & Mastering the Deck03:05 Enchantress vs. Replenish04:22 Marc's Oath of Druids Enchantress06:37 How the Engine Works07:52 Why Marc Cut the 4-Drops08:50 Turning Oath Into More Enchantresses09:09 Words of War Explained12:22 Why Gaea's Blessing Matters13:50 The Infinite Game14:28 Decree of Justice15:43 How to Sequence Exploration17:22 The Ideal Early Game18:52 Mirri's Guile vs. Sylvan Library19:57 Finding Your Enchantress Engine22:59 Solitary Confinement24:42 Marc's Build vs. Stock Enchantress28:38 Attacking What Opponents ExpectSideboard Guide29:06 Sideboard Overview29:15 Decree of Justice30:46 Akroma, Angel of Wrath31:33 Aura of Silence32:24 Karmic Justice33:21 Naturalize & Ray of Revelation34:32 Replenish35:35 Swords to Plowshares36:04 Tormod's Crypt36:42 Tsabo's Web37:08 Wrath of GodMatchup Guide37:49 Replenish42:21 Enchantress Mirror49:33 Hermit FEB56:11 Mono-Blue Dreadnought01:02:56 Goblins 01:23:10 Psychatog01:25:42 BurnUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/
What makes Legacy Miracles different from every other control deck?This week we're joined by Force of Phil to dive into the history, philosophy, and evolution of one of Legacy's most iconic archetypes.Phil explains how Miracles evolved from the Counterbalance/Top era into today's post-ban world, why Miracles is fundamentally about controlling libraries instead of just controlling the battlefield, and how elite control players think several turns ahead. Along the way we discuss:The origins of Legacy MiraclesWhy Sensei's Divining Top changed everythingThe ban that reshaped the archetypeModern control versus classic controlBeanstalk, The One Ring, and today's Legacy metagameThe mental game of sequencing, timing, and predicting opponentsIf you're interested in becoming a stronger Legacy player—or simply understanding how great control pilots approach the game—this episode is packed with insights.#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #Miracles #ForceOfPhil00:00 Introducing Force of Phil01:15 The Filthy Casual Questions07:34 Wrestling, Creativity & Competition16:43 Becoming a Legacy Miracles Player24:07 The History of Miracles28:43 Why Miracles Is Different32:54 Controlling the Library37:45 Life After Sensei's Divining Top42:58 Why Control Struggles Today49:13 Beanstalk vs The One Ring56:00 Modern Legacy Control01:03:20 Building Better Miracles01:11:00 Playing Around Your Opponent01:18:45 Improving as a Control Player Timestamps
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesDuressFest is coming—and it could become the biggest Premodern event ever.Www.duressfest.comZac and Phil break down the upcoming DuressFest Kickstarter, the plan for a massive Premodern National Championship, side events, and why supporting ambitious community-run tournaments like this matters for the future of the format.Could this be the closest we've come to bringing back the feeling of an old-school Magic Grand Prix? We think so.We also get into what we're considering playing at DuressFest, including Zac's Uzi / Zombie Infestation build, Squee, Intuition, Cabal Therapy, Deep Analysis, Psychatog, and plenty of brewing.Plus, we discuss the upcoming launch of Returnal Durdles, our new home for locked Eternal formats including Premodern, Classic, Pre-War Legacy, and Peak Legacy.If you've ever complained that you couldn't get into LobsterCon—this is your chance.Support DuressFest and help show what's possible when the Premodern community goes BIG.#Premodern #MagicTheGathering #DuressFest #MTG #EternalMagicTimestamps00:00 DuressFest Is Coming!00:37 The Premodern National Championship01:36 DuressFest Kickstarter02:34 Venue & Side Events03:27 The Premodern Grand Prix04:27 Supporting the Duress Crew05:36 Order of the Sacred Torch Tease05:56 Classic Legacy at DuressFest07:03 What We're Playing at DuressFest07:47 We're Playing Uzi?!08:44 Zac's Uzi Control Deck10:44 Cabal Therapy & Deck Updates11:55 Sickening Dreams13:08 Should Uzi Splash Red?14:53 Psychatog in Uzi15:54 How Many Intuitions?17:30 Gush, Foil & Mana18:16 The Problem With Wonder19:27 Improving Uzi's Consistency20:47 Portent vs. Impulse22:04 Is Uzi the DuressFest Deck?23:04 Returnal Durdles Announcement23:40 Peak Legacy NYC Event24:02 What Is Returnal Durdles?25:07 Why We're Splitting the Channels27:15 Breaking Squee in Other Formats28:09 Merfolk Traders & Uzi Tech28:38 Why You Should Support DuressFest30:00 Bringing Back Grand Prix MagicUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/
What makes Legacy Miracles different from every other control deck?This week we're joined by Force of Phil to dive into the history, philosophy, and evolution of one of Legacy's most iconic archetypes.Phil explains how Miracles evolved from the Counterbalance/Top era into today's post-ban world, why Miracles is fundamentally about controlling libraries instead of just controlling the battlefield, and how elite control players think several turns ahead. Along the way we discuss:The origins of Legacy MiraclesWhy Sensei's Divining Top changed everythingThe ban that reshaped the archetypeModern control versus classic controlBeanstalk, The One Ring, and today's Legacy metagameThe mental game of sequencing, timing, and predicting opponentsIf you're interested in becoming a stronger Legacy player—or simply understanding how great control pilots approach the game—this episode is packed with insights.#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #Miracles #ForceOfPhil00:00 Introducing Force of Phil01:15 The Filthy Casual Questions07:34 Wrestling, Creativity & Competition16:43 Becoming a Legacy Miracles Player24:07 The History of Miracles28:43 Why Miracles Is Different32:54 Controlling the Library37:45 Life After Sensei's Divining Top42:58 Why Control Struggles Today49:13 Beanstalk vs The One Ring56:00 Modern Legacy Control01:03:20 Building Better Miracles01:11:00 Playing Around Your Opponent01:18:45 Improving as a Control Player Timestamps
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesDuressFest is coming—and it could become the biggest Premodern event ever.Www.duressfest.comZac and Phil break down the upcoming DuressFest Kickstarter, the plan for a massive Premodern National Championship, side events, and why supporting ambitious community-run tournaments like this matters for the future of the format.Could this be the closest we've come to bringing back the feeling of an old-school Magic Grand Prix? We think so.We also get into what we're considering playing at DuressFest, including Zac's Uzi / Zombie Infestation build, Squee, Intuition, Cabal Therapy, Deep Analysis, Psychatog, and plenty of brewing.Plus, we discuss the upcoming launch of Returnal Durdles, our new home for locked Eternal formats including Premodern, Classic, Pre-War Legacy, and Peak Legacy.If you've ever complained that you couldn't get into LobsterCon—this is your chance.Support DuressFest and help show what's possible when the Premodern community goes BIG.#Premodern #MagicTheGathering #DuressFest #MTG #EternalMagicTimestamps00:00 DuressFest Is Coming!00:37 The Premodern National Championship01:36 DuressFest Kickstarter02:34 Venue & Side Events03:27 The Premodern Grand Prix04:27 Supporting the Duress Crew05:36 Order of the Sacred Torch Tease05:56 Classic Legacy at DuressFest07:03 What We're Playing at DuressFest07:47 We're Playing Uzi?!08:44 Zac's Uzi Control Deck10:44 Cabal Therapy & Deck Updates11:55 Sickening Dreams13:08 Should Uzi Splash Red?14:53 Psychatog in Uzi15:54 How Many Intuitions?17:30 Gush, Foil & Mana18:16 The Problem With Wonder19:27 Improving Uzi's Consistency20:47 Portent vs. Impulse22:04 Is Uzi the DuressFest Deck?23:04 Returnal Durdles Announcement23:40 Peak Legacy NYC Event24:02 What Is Returnal Durdles?25:07 Why We're Splitting the Channels27:15 Breaking Squee in Other Formats28:09 Merfolk Traders & Uzi Tech28:38 Why You Should Support DuressFest30:00 Bringing Back Grand Prix MagicUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/
With Order of the Sacred Torch just around the corner, Zac and Phil sit down to talk brewing, bizarre deck ideas, and one question that refuses to go away:Can Phyrexian Portal actually win a tournament?From there, the conversation evolves into a broader discussion about the future of Magic's alternative Eternal formats—including Heritage, Classic, Peak, Pre-War, and what the vision for Returnal Durdles could become. Along the way, they react to recent polls, discuss channel direction, and share their excitement for Magic's upcoming in-universe sets. In this episode:Defending the Brewer's AwardBrewing with Phyrexian PortalPreparing for Order of the Sacred TorchHeritage vs Classic vs Peak vs Pre-WarThe future of Returnal DurdlesLiving vs locked Eternal formatsViewer poll resultsThoughts on Magic's upcoming setsWhy in-universe crossovers have us excited again Question of the Week: If you could only play one alternative Eternal format besides Legacy and Premodern, which would it be?#MagicTheGathering #Premodern #Legacy #PhyrexianPortal #OrderOfTheSacredTorch00:00 Nobody Likes Us… We Don't Care00:25 Defending the Brewer's Award02:30 Brewing for Order of the Sacred Torch03:00 Can Phyrexian Portal Work?05:52 Will Zac Actually Play It?06:40 The State of Alternative Eternal Formats07:45 Community Poll Results09:30 Heritage vs Peak vs Classic vs Pre-War12:15 What Should Returnal Durdles Cover?15:58 Living vs Locked Formats20:10 How Should We Organize the Channel?28:30 Viewer Feedback & Future Plans30:25 Thoughts on Zhalfir and Titan Breach31:55 Why In-Universe Sets Feel Different35:08 Dream Plane Crossovers36:20 Wrapping Up & Community Questions Timestamps
With Order of the Sacred Torch just around the corner, Zac and Phil sit down to talk brewing, bizarre deck ideas, and one question that refuses to go away:Can Phyrexian Portal actually win a tournament?From there, the conversation evolves into a broader discussion about the future of Magic's alternative Eternal formats—including Heritage, Classic, Peak, Pre-War, and what the vision for Returnal Durdles could become. Along the way, they react to recent polls, discuss channel direction, and share their excitement for Magic's upcoming in-universe sets. In this episode:Defending the Brewer's AwardBrewing with Phyrexian PortalPreparing for Order of the Sacred TorchHeritage vs Classic vs Peak vs Pre-WarThe future of Returnal DurdlesLiving vs locked Eternal formatsViewer poll resultsThoughts on Magic's upcoming setsWhy in-universe crossovers have us excited again Question of the Week: If you could only play one alternative Eternal format besides Legacy and Premodern, which would it be?#MagicTheGathering #Premodern #Legacy #PhyrexianPortal #OrderOfTheSacredTorch00:00 Nobody Likes Us… We Don't Care00:25 Defending the Brewer's Award02:30 Brewing for Order of the Sacred Torch03:00 Can Phyrexian Portal Work?05:52 Will Zac Actually Play It?06:40 The State of Alternative Eternal Formats07:45 Community Poll Results09:30 Heritage vs Peak vs Classic vs Pre-War12:15 What Should Returnal Durdles Cover?15:58 Living vs Locked Formats20:10 How Should We Organize the Channel?28:30 Viewer Feedback & Future Plans30:25 Thoughts on Zhalfir and Titan Breach31:55 Why In-Universe Sets Feel Different35:08 Dream Plane Crossovers36:20 Wrapping Up & Community Questions Timestamps
This week, Zac sits down with legendary Magic illustrator Donato Giancola to discuss his remarkable career, from illustrating Thran Tome, Steel Golem, Chrome Mox, Mirari, and Shivan Dragon, to painting book covers for Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Lord of the Rings, and much more. Along the way, Donato shares stories about breaking into the industry, his creative process, the influence of comics and fantasy art, and why Magic has always been just one part of a much larger artistic journey. We discuss:Breaking into Magic during MirageThe story behind Thran TomeSteel Golem and Chrome MoxPainting Magic packaging artWorking on Lord of the Rings and classic novelsComic book inspirations including Walt Simonson and Bill SienkiewiczWhy Donato stepped away from MagicThe changing relationship between artists and Wizards of the CoastAdvice for aspiring illustratorsWhat makes great fantasy art timeless If you grew up with Magic during the Mirage through Mirrodin era, this conversation is packed with nostalgia, incredible stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the game's most beloved artwork.#MagicTheGathering #MTG #FantasyArt #DonatoGiancola #MagicArtist00:00 Introducing Donato Giancola00:48 The Story Behind Thran Tome02:30 Hidden Details in the Box Set Artwork03:25 Discovering Fantasy Art05:20 First Professional Illustration Jobs09:58 Breaking Into Magic: The Gathering12:31 Working with Wizards of the Coast14:07 Artist Rights & Leaving Magic15:15 Life Beyond Magic Illustration16:50 Painting Tolkien's Middle-earth20:47 Getting Started with Magic Art22:05 Construct of Time & Chrome Inspirations25:45 Steel Golem Memories29:29 Comic Book Influences32:31 Painting Mordenkainen & Modern Magic34:16 Favorite Magic Illustrations36:46 Advice for Aspiring Artists38:51 The Importance of Finishing Your Work40:00 Closing Thoughts Timestamps
This week, Zac sits down with legendary Magic illustrator Donato Giancola to discuss his remarkable career, from illustrating Thran Tome, Steel Golem, Chrome Mox, Mirari, and Shivan Dragon, to painting book covers for Mark Twain, Jules Verne, Lord of the Rings, and much more. Along the way, Donato shares stories about breaking into the industry, his creative process, the influence of comics and fantasy art, and why Magic has always been just one part of a much larger artistic journey. We discuss:Breaking into Magic during MirageThe story behind Thran TomeSteel Golem and Chrome MoxPainting Magic packaging artWorking on Lord of the Rings and classic novelsComic book inspirations including Walt Simonson and Bill SienkiewiczWhy Donato stepped away from MagicThe changing relationship between artists and Wizards of the CoastAdvice for aspiring illustratorsWhat makes great fantasy art timeless If you grew up with Magic during the Mirage through Mirrodin era, this conversation is packed with nostalgia, incredible stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the game's most beloved artwork.#MagicTheGathering #MTG #FantasyArt #DonatoGiancola #MagicArtist00:00 Introducing Donato Giancola00:48 The Story Behind Thran Tome02:30 Hidden Details in the Box Set Artwork03:25 Discovering Fantasy Art05:20 First Professional Illustration Jobs09:58 Breaking Into Magic: The Gathering12:31 Working with Wizards of the Coast14:07 Artist Rights & Leaving Magic15:15 Life Beyond Magic Illustration16:50 Painting Tolkien's Middle-earth20:47 Getting Started with Magic Art22:05 Construct of Time & Chrome Inspirations25:45 Steel Golem Memories29:29 Comic Book Influences32:31 Painting Mordenkainen & Modern Magic34:16 Favorite Magic Illustrations36:46 Advice for Aspiring Artists38:51 The Importance of Finishing Your Work40:00 Closing Thoughts Timestamps
How did Moneyball Black go from an experimental mono-black brew to one of Premodern's defining archetypes?In this Masterclass, David Gleicher, the creator of Moneyball Black, sits down with Zac to explain the philosophy behind the deck, its evolution over time, why every card earned its place, and how to approach both deckbuilding and sideboarding. Whether you're sleeving up the deck for your next tournament or simply want to understand why it's become a format staple, this is the definitive guide. We cover:The origin of Moneyball BlackWhy mono-black works in PremodernThe "Moneyball" philosophyRavenous Rats vs. Black KnightUrza's Bauble technologyWhy Dark Ritual is still essentialCursed Scroll's role in the deckGraveborn Muse vs. Phyrexian ArenaMishra's Factory and Spawning PoolPlague Bearer and other key card choicesSideboarding philosophyMatchup guides against the format's top decks Whether you're new to the archetype or have been playing it for years, there's something here for every Moneyball Black pilot.#Premodern #MagicTheGathering #MoneyballBlack #MTG #Masterclass00:00 Introducing Moneyball Black00:22 Why David Built the Deck01:58 Early Suicide Black Lists04:40 The Birth of Moneyball Black07:15 Why Play Moneyball Black?07:53 The "Moneyball" Philosophy09:32 Ravenous Rats Explained12:55 The Evolution of the Deck14:14 Black Knight vs. Ravenous Rats16:47 Urza's Bauble Technology19:07 Why Cursed Scroll Matters23:22 Dark Ritual's Role28:06 Mishra's Factory & Spawning Pool30:05 Plague Bearer Tech31:35 Graveborn Muse vs. Phyrexian Arena34:25 Sideboarding PhilosophyTimestamps
How did Moneyball Black go from an experimental mono-black brew to one of Premodern's defining archetypes?In this Masterclass, David Gleicher, the creator of Moneyball Black, sits down with Zac to explain the philosophy behind the deck, its evolution over time, why every card earned its place, and how to approach both deckbuilding and sideboarding. Whether you're sleeving up the deck for your next tournament or simply want to understand why it's become a format staple, this is the definitive guide. We cover:The origin of Moneyball BlackWhy mono-black works in PremodernThe "Moneyball" philosophyRavenous Rats vs. Black KnightUrza's Bauble technologyWhy Dark Ritual is still essentialCursed Scroll's role in the deckGraveborn Muse vs. Phyrexian ArenaMishra's Factory and Spawning PoolPlague Bearer and other key card choicesSideboarding philosophyMatchup guides against the format's top decks Whether you're new to the archetype or have been playing it for years, there's something here for every Moneyball Black pilot.#Premodern #MagicTheGathering #MoneyballBlack #MTG #Masterclass00:00 Introducing Moneyball Black00:22 Why David Built the Deck01:58 Early Suicide Black Lists04:40 The Birth of Moneyball Black07:15 Why Play Moneyball Black?07:53 The "Moneyball" Philosophy09:32 Ravenous Rats Explained12:55 The Evolution of the Deck14:14 Black Knight vs. Ravenous Rats16:47 Urza's Bauble Technology19:07 Why Cursed Scroll Matters23:22 Dark Ritual's Role28:06 Mishra's Factory & Spawning Pool30:05 Plague Bearer Tech31:35 Graveborn Muse vs. Phyrexian Arena34:25 Sideboarding PhilosophyTimestamps
What if Legacy had stopped evolving in 2019?This week we're joined by Gary, creator of Pre-War Legacy, a community-driven format that captures Legacy just before War of the Spark, FIRE Design, and the wave of Modern Horizons cards fundamentally changed the format. We discuss:Why War of the Spark became the cutoffThe impact of FIRE Design on LegacyWhy many players consider 2018–2019 Legacy its golden ageThe philosophy behind Pre-War LegacyMiracles, Death & Taxes, Delver, Dark Depths, and StormWhy deck specialists thrive in closed formatsBrewing opportunities in an 18,000-card card poolHow to join the growing Pre-War Legacy community and play online If you've been missing the Legacy of Brainstorm, Wasteland, Delver, Miracles, and Death & Taxes—without Modern Horizons or Universes Beyond—this format might be exactly what you've been looking for.What deck would you register first?#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #PreWarLegacy #LegacyMTG #EternalFormats
What if Legacy had stopped evolving in 2019?This week we're joined by Gary, creator of Pre-War Legacy, a community-driven format that captures Legacy just before War of the Spark, FIRE Design, and the wave of Modern Horizons cards fundamentally changed the format. We discuss:Why War of the Spark became the cutoffThe impact of FIRE Design on LegacyWhy many players consider 2018–2019 Legacy its golden ageThe philosophy behind Pre-War LegacyMiracles, Death & Taxes, Delver, Dark Depths, and StormWhy deck specialists thrive in closed formatsBrewing opportunities in an 18,000-card card poolHow to join the growing Pre-War Legacy community and play online If you've been missing the Legacy of Brainstorm, Wasteland, Delver, Miracles, and Death & Taxes—without Modern Horizons or Universes Beyond—this format might be exactly what you've been looking for.What deck would you register first?#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #PreWarLegacy #LegacyMTG #EternalFormats
Think Hermit Full English Breakfast is just another Survival of the Fittest deck?Think again.This week we're joined by Galen LeMay, one of the premier Hermit F.E.B. pilots in Premodern, fresh off a Top 8 finish at the North American Championships. Together we break down one of the most complicated—and rewarding—combo decks in the format.In this episode we cover:Why Hermit F.E.B. is so difficult to masterThe Survival of the Fittest engineVolrath's Shapeshifter combo linesHermit Druid explainedPhyrexian Devourer + Triskelion killsPsychatog and Akroma combat killsKarmic Guide tricksAnimate Dead interactionsBattlefield Scrounger technologyWhy Palinchron is more important than it looksSideboarding philosophyHow to approach learning the deckWhy this archetype rewards hundreds of games of practiceIf you've ever wanted to understand one of Premodern's deepest combo decks, this is the episode.00:00 Introduction00:50 Why Hermit F.E.B. Is So Difficult03:03 Why Play This Deck?07:37 What Does Hermit F.E.B. Actually Do?11:20 Phyrexian Devourer Explained14:30 Triskelion Combo Kill20:10 Hermit Druid Combo25:20 Psychatog & Akroma Kill28:45 Mana Creatures Matter More Than You Think30:35 Karmic Guide Combo Lines37:50 Animate Dead Technology45:15 Battlefield Scrounger Innovation49:20 Palinchron Explained53:30 Hidden Combo Lines55:40 Patreon Matchup Guide Preview58:40 Sideboarding Philosophy1:12:45 Replenish Matchup & Sideboarding1:18:58 Goblins Matchup & Sideboarding1:27:24 Elves Matchup & Sideboarding1:34:40 Stiflenought Matchup & Sideboarding1:41:07 Mono Black Control Matchup & Sideboarding1:48:31 Burn Matchup & Sideboarding1:58:18 Landstill Matchup & Sideboarding2:06:34 The Rock Matchup & Sideboarding2:12:55 Enchantress Matchup & Sideboarding2:18:42 Survival Matchup & Sideboarding2:26:01 Closing Thoughts & Final Sideboarding Philosophy
Think Hermit Full English Breakfast is just another Survival of the Fittest deck?Think again.This week we're joined by Galen LeMay, one of the premier Hermit F.E.B. pilots in Premodern, fresh off a Top 8 finish at the North American Championships. Together we break down one of the most complicated—and rewarding—combo decks in the format.In this episode we cover:Why Hermit F.E.B. is so difficult to masterThe Survival of the Fittest engineVolrath's Shapeshifter combo linesHermit Druid explainedPhyrexian Devourer + Triskelion killsPsychatog and Akroma combat killsKarmic Guide tricksAnimate Dead interactionsBattlefield Scrounger technologyWhy Palinchron is more important than it looksSideboarding philosophyHow to approach learning the deckWhy this archetype rewards hundreds of games of practiceIf you've ever wanted to understand one of Premodern's deepest combo decks, this is the episode.00:00 Introduction00:50 Why Hermit F.E.B. Is So Difficult03:03 Why Play This Deck?07:37 What Does Hermit F.E.B. Actually Do?11:20 Phyrexian Devourer Explained14:30 Triskelion Combo Kill20:10 Hermit Druid Combo25:20 Psychatog & Akroma Kill28:45 Mana Creatures Matter More Than You Think30:35 Karmic Guide Combo Lines37:50 Animate Dead Technology45:15 Battlefield Scrounger Innovation49:20 Palinchron Explained53:30 Hidden Combo Lines55:40 Patreon Matchup Guide Preview58:40 Sideboarding Philosophy1:12:45 Replenish Matchup & Sideboarding1:18:58 Goblins Matchup & Sideboarding1:27:24 Elves Matchup & Sideboarding1:34:40 Stiflenought Matchup & Sideboarding1:41:07 Mono Black Control Matchup & Sideboarding1:48:31 Burn Matchup & Sideboarding1:58:18 Landstill Matchup & Sideboarding2:06:34 The Rock Matchup & Sideboarding2:12:55 Enchantress Matchup & Sideboarding2:18:42 Survival Matchup & Sideboarding2:26:01 Closing Thoughts & Final Sideboarding Philosophy
What if you could go back to Legacy's golden age?This week, Phil is joined by Drake Honus to explore Classic Legacy, a community-driven Eternal format spanning Alpha through Rise of the Eldrazi. By freezing the card pool before years of supplemental products and power creep, Classic Legacy captures an era many players still consider the pinnacle of competitive Magic. In this episode we discuss:What Classic Legacy isWhy so many players are embracing community formatsThe philosophy behind Classic LegacyThe resurgence of nostalgia in gamingClassic Legacy's history and growing communityTempo, aggro, midrange, combo, prison, and control archetypesWhy Tarmogoyf, CounterTop, Deathrite Shaman, and Stoneforge Mystic still matterProxy-friendly events and Battle BoxesWhy interactive gameplay keeps players coming backHow Classic Legacy compares to Premodern, Current Legacy, and 2015 Modern If you've been looking for a way to experience Legacy before years of power creep reshaped the format, Classic Legacy might be exactly what you're looking for.Would you sleeve up Classic Legacy?#MTGLegacy #ClassicLegacy #MagicTheGathering #Premodern #EternalMagic00:00 Introducing Classic Legacy00:44 Why Players Are Leaving Modern Legacy02:00 Magic's Golden Age03:43 Nostalgia in Gaming & RuneScape Comparison06:11 Why Classic Legacy Exists08:34 More Than Just Nostalgia11:01 History of Classic Legacy12:04 2015 Modern & Community Formats15:17 Why Community Formats Matter18:02 Community First Philosophy20:56 Classic Legacy Archetypes21:37 Canadian Threshold Explained24:42 Team America & New Horizons26:42 Goblins, Merfolk & Elves30:20 Bant Midrange & Tarmogoyf36:17 Midrange in Classic Legacy42:18 Combo Decks of the Era47:02 Prison Strategies & Stax48:23 Unlimited Proxies & Battle Boxes53:19 Landstill, CounterTop & Control59:10 Why Classic Legacy Keeps Growing1:02:34 Final Thoughts Timestamps
What if you could go back to Legacy's golden age?This week, Phil is joined by Drake Honus to explore Classic Legacy, a community-driven Eternal format spanning Alpha through Rise of the Eldrazi. By freezing the card pool before years of supplemental products and power creep, Classic Legacy captures an era many players still consider the pinnacle of competitive Magic. In this episode we discuss:What Classic Legacy isWhy so many players are embracing community formatsThe philosophy behind Classic LegacyThe resurgence of nostalgia in gamingClassic Legacy's history and growing communityTempo, aggro, midrange, combo, prison, and control archetypesWhy Tarmogoyf, CounterTop, Deathrite Shaman, and Stoneforge Mystic still matterProxy-friendly events and Battle BoxesWhy interactive gameplay keeps players coming backHow Classic Legacy compares to Premodern, Current Legacy, and 2015 Modern If you've been looking for a way to experience Legacy before years of power creep reshaped the format, Classic Legacy might be exactly what you're looking for.Would you sleeve up Classic Legacy?#MTGLegacy #ClassicLegacy #MagicTheGathering #Premodern #EternalMagic00:00 Introducing Classic Legacy00:44 Why Players Are Leaving Modern Legacy02:00 Magic's Golden Age03:43 Nostalgia in Gaming & RuneScape Comparison06:11 Why Classic Legacy Exists08:34 More Than Just Nostalgia11:01 History of Classic Legacy12:04 2015 Modern & Community Formats15:17 Why Community Formats Matter18:02 Community First Philosophy20:56 Classic Legacy Archetypes21:37 Canadian Threshold Explained24:42 Team America & New Horizons26:42 Goblins, Merfolk & Elves30:20 Bant Midrange & Tarmogoyf36:17 Midrange in Classic Legacy42:18 Combo Decks of the Era47:02 Prison Strategies & Stax48:23 Unlimited Proxies & Battle Boxes53:19 Landstill, CounterTop & Control59:10 Why Classic Legacy Keeps Growing1:02:34 Final Thoughts Timestamps
What if Legacy only included cards that went through Standard?This week, Zac is joined by Arkratos to explore Heritage, a community-driven Eternal format that preserves Legacy's foundation while excluding supplemental products like Modern Horizons and cards that never entered Standard. The result is a familiar—but dramatically different—format that continues to evolve with every in-universe Standard release. In this episode we discuss:What Heritage is and how it differs from LegacyWhy Standard-only card legality creates a healthier metagameThe impact of removing supplemental productsWhy cards like Bowmasters and Modern Horizons staples aren't presentNew archetypes built around Moonshadow, Archmage's Newt, and Likeness LooterBUG Beans, Dreadnought, Cradle Control, and Mono Black innovationsHow Heritage handles bans independently from LegacyWhy community-driven formats continue to growHow to build a local Heritage community and get involved today If you've been looking for an Eternal format that still evolves—but at a more manageable pace—Heritage may be exactly what you're looking for.Would you give Heritage a try?#MTGLegacy #Heritage #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #CommunityFormats00:00 Introducing Heritage00:45 What Is Heritage?01:57 Why Heritage Was Created04:21 Independent Banned List Philosophy05:37 Heritage Isn't Just Old Legacy07:14 Why Standard-Only Matters08:03 No Commander or Modern Horizons Cards09:34 Heritage vs. Modern Legacy11:04 New Cards Still Shape the Format13:37 Why Community Formats Matter15:31 Building a Local Heritage Community17:32 Be the Change in Your Community18:10 Why Heritage Is Affordable to Build20:14 BUG Beans & Archmage's Newt25:05 Moonshadow Combo Deck27:43 Cradle Control Returns30:17 Likeness Looter Dreadnought33:34 Elves Is Back!34:26 Getting Started with Heritage35:16 A Slower Pace of Innovation36:24 Less Pressure, More Brewing38:50 Becoming a Deck Specialist Again39:50 Final Thoughts & Community Growth43:16 Closing Remarks Timestamps
What if Legacy only included cards that went through Standard?This week, Zac is joined by Arkratos to explore Heritage, a community-driven Eternal format that preserves Legacy's foundation while excluding supplemental products like Modern Horizons and cards that never entered Standard. The result is a familiar—but dramatically different—format that continues to evolve with every in-universe Standard release. In this episode we discuss:What Heritage is and how it differs from LegacyWhy Standard-only card legality creates a healthier metagameThe impact of removing supplemental productsWhy cards like Bowmasters and Modern Horizons staples aren't presentNew archetypes built around Moonshadow, Archmage's Newt, and Likeness LooterBUG Beans, Dreadnought, Cradle Control, and Mono Black innovationsHow Heritage handles bans independently from LegacyWhy community-driven formats continue to growHow to build a local Heritage community and get involved today If you've been looking for an Eternal format that still evolves—but at a more manageable pace—Heritage may be exactly what you're looking for.Would you give Heritage a try?#MTGLegacy #Heritage #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #CommunityFormats00:00 Introducing Heritage00:45 What Is Heritage?01:57 Why Heritage Was Created04:21 Independent Banned List Philosophy05:37 Heritage Isn't Just Old Legacy07:14 Why Standard-Only Matters08:03 No Commander or Modern Horizons Cards09:34 Heritage vs. Modern Legacy11:04 New Cards Still Shape the Format13:37 Why Community Formats Matter15:31 Building a Local Heritage Community17:32 Be the Change in Your Community18:10 Why Heritage Is Affordable to Build20:14 BUG Beans & Archmage's Newt25:05 Moonshadow Combo Deck27:43 Cradle Control Returns30:17 Likeness Looter Dreadnought33:34 Elves Is Back!34:26 Getting Started with Heritage35:16 A Slower Pace of Innovation36:24 Less Pressure, More Brewing38:50 Becoming a Deck Specialist Again39:50 Final Thoughts & Community Growth43:16 Closing Remarks Timestamps
What if Legacy simply... stopped in 2016?This week, Zac is joined by Steven Bush (SWB) to discuss Peak Legacy, a community-created format that captures Legacy at one specific moment in time—before Conspiracy: Take the Crown, before Modern Horizons, and before the massive power creep that has reshaped the format.Together we explore why players are gravitating toward "snapshot" formats and what makes Peak Legacy unique.We discuss:Why 2016 was chosen as the cutoffThe philosophy behind Peak LegacyBuilding a Legacy battle boxWhy cards like Tarmogoyf and Snapcaster Mage matteredThe appeal of slower, interactive gameplayDecks like Miracles, Shardless BUG, Grixis Delver, Death & Taxes, Infect, and ElvesHow Peak Legacy compares to Classic Legacy, Heritage Legacy, and PremodernWhy community formats are growing in popularityHow to get involved and start playingIf you've been missing the feel of older Legacy, this might be the format you've been waiting for.Would you play Legacy exactly as it existed in 2016?#MTGLegacy #PeakLegacy #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #CommunityFormats
What if Legacy simply... stopped in 2016?This week, Zac is joined by Steven Bush (SWB) to discuss Peak Legacy, a community-created format that captures Legacy at one specific moment in time—before Conspiracy: Take the Crown, before Modern Horizons, and before the massive power creep that has reshaped the format.Together we explore why players are gravitating toward "snapshot" formats and what makes Peak Legacy unique.We discuss:Why 2016 was chosen as the cutoffThe philosophy behind Peak LegacyBuilding a Legacy battle boxWhy cards like Tarmogoyf and Snapcaster Mage matteredThe appeal of slower, interactive gameplayDecks like Miracles, Shardless BUG, Grixis Delver, Death & Taxes, Infect, and ElvesHow Peak Legacy compares to Classic Legacy, Heritage Legacy, and PremodernWhy community formats are growing in popularityHow to get involved and start playingIf you've been missing the feel of older Legacy, this might be the format you've been waiting for.Would you play Legacy exactly as it existed in 2016?#MTGLegacy #PeakLegacy #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #CommunityFormats
Legacy isn't going anywhere—but that doesn't mean it's the only place to enjoy Eternal Magic.In this solo update, Zac shares where Eternal Durdles is headed next, why we're exploring community-created Magic formats, and what that means for the future of the channel. While Legacy will remain a core part of what we do, we're also taking a serious look at formats that capture the gameplay many of us fell in love with years ago. In this episode we discuss:Why we're looking beyond LegacyPeak LegacyHeritage LegacyClassic LegacyPre-Fire ModernWhy community-driven formats are becoming more appealingLessons learned from trying to build PremiereThe future of Eternal DurdlesWhy we're excited about exploring new communitiesHow Sorcery and Common Sense fit into our long-term plans This isn't about leaving Legacy behind—it's about finding more ways to enjoy Magic with the community.Which format should we explore first?00:00 Channel Update00:48 Why We're Looking Beyond Legacy02:20 Exploring Community Formats03:07 Peak Legacy Explained04:42 Heritage Legacy Explained06:14 Classic Legacy Explained06:46 Pre-Fire Modern Explained08:09 Why We're Covering These Formats09:08 Could We Start a New Channel?10:05 Common Sense & Sorcery Update11:29 The YouTube Algorithm Problem12:10 Looking for Community Feedback13:44 Patreon & MasterClass Updates15:10 Closing Thoughts Timestamps
Legacy isn't going anywhere—but that doesn't mean it's the only place to enjoy Eternal Magic.In this solo update, Zac shares where Eternal Durdles is headed next, why we're exploring community-created Magic formats, and what that means for the future of the channel. While Legacy will remain a core part of what we do, we're also taking a serious look at formats that capture the gameplay many of us fell in love with years ago. In this episode we discuss:Why we're looking beyond LegacyPeak LegacyHeritage LegacyClassic LegacyPre-Fire ModernWhy community-driven formats are becoming more appealingLessons learned from trying to build PremiereThe future of Eternal DurdlesWhy we're excited about exploring new communitiesHow Sorcery and Common Sense fit into our long-term plans This isn't about leaving Legacy behind—it's about finding more ways to enjoy Magic with the community.Which format should we explore first?00:00 Channel Update00:48 Why We're Looking Beyond Legacy02:20 Exploring Community Formats03:07 Peak Legacy Explained04:42 Heritage Legacy Explained06:14 Classic Legacy Explained06:46 Pre-Fire Modern Explained08:09 Why We're Covering These Formats09:08 Could We Start a New Channel?10:05 Common Sense & Sorcery Update11:29 The YouTube Algorithm Problem12:10 Looking for Community Feedback13:44 Patreon & MasterClass Updates15:10 Closing Thoughts Timestamps
What if you could play Vintage... for just $30?In this episode, Zac is joined by Dan Cohen to explore Value Vintage, a community-driven Magic format that combines Vintage's enormous card pool with a simple deckbuilding restriction: your entire 75-card deck must cost $30 or less. The result is one of the most creative and affordable Eternal formats you'll find.We discuss:What Value Vintage is and how deck construction worksWhy the $30 budget creates incredible deckbuilding challengesNadu Breakfast and other top combo decksMerfolk, Fluctuator, Cloudpost, and Hogaak PoxHow card prices naturally shape the metagameWhy MTG finance matters in this formatThe community behind Value VintageWhy Legacy and Premodern players should give it a tryLooking ahead to Eternal Weekend and the future of the formatIf you've ever wanted to experience Eternal Magic without spending thousands of dollars, Value Vintage might be exactly what you've been looking for.Would you build a $30 Vintage deck?#MagicTheGathering #Vintage #LegacyMTG #ValueVintage #BudgetMagic00:00 What Is Value Vintage?01:00 How the $30 Deckbuilding Rule Works03:18 The Biggest Challenges of the Format03:57 Nadu Breakfast Explained05:27 How the Breakfast Combo Wins08:01 MTG Finance & Deck Prices10:11 Why Card Prices Shape the Meta13:21 Four Decks to Know14:30 Merfolk Deck Tech17:45 Why Merfolk Is a Top Tempo Deck22:53 Fluctuator Combo Deck26:37 Cloudpost Big Mana32:37 Hogaak Pox Aggro35:06 Final Thoughts & Eternal WeekendA full Vintage deck for just $30... would you try it?
What if you could play Vintage... for just $30?In this episode, Zac is joined by Dan Cohen to explore Value Vintage, a community-driven Magic format that combines Vintage's enormous card pool with a simple deckbuilding restriction: your entire 75-card deck must cost $30 or less. The result is one of the most creative and affordable Eternal formats you'll find.We discuss:What Value Vintage is and how deck construction worksWhy the $30 budget creates incredible deckbuilding challengesNadu Breakfast and other top combo decksMerfolk, Fluctuator, Cloudpost, and Hogaak PoxHow card prices naturally shape the metagameWhy MTG finance matters in this formatThe community behind Value VintageWhy Legacy and Premodern players should give it a tryLooking ahead to Eternal Weekend and the future of the formatIf you've ever wanted to experience Eternal Magic without spending thousands of dollars, Value Vintage might be exactly what you've been looking for.Would you build a $30 Vintage deck?#MagicTheGathering #Vintage #LegacyMTG #ValueVintage #BudgetMagic00:00 What Is Value Vintage?01:00 How the $30 Deckbuilding Rule Works03:18 The Biggest Challenges of the Format03:57 Nadu Breakfast Explained05:27 How the Breakfast Combo Wins08:01 MTG Finance & Deck Prices10:11 Why Card Prices Shape the Meta13:21 Four Decks to Know14:30 Merfolk Deck Tech17:45 Why Merfolk Is a Top Tempo Deck22:53 Fluctuator Combo Deck26:37 Cloudpost Big Mana32:37 Hogaak Pox Aggro35:06 Final Thoughts & Eternal WeekendA full Vintage deck for just $30... would you try it?
The Banned & Restricted announcement is here......and we're left with more questions than answers.In this emergency episode, Zac and Phil react to Candelabra of Tawnos being banned in Legacy, discuss why Planar Nexus and Fantasticar remain legal, and break down Wizards' reasoning behind one of the most surprising B&R announcements in recent memory. We discuss:Why Candelabra of Tawnos was chosenIs Planar Nexus still the real problem?Why Fantasticar survived another B&RWizards' explanation for Legacy's current healthFlow State vs. Expressive IterationThe future of Colorless TronWhat this means for Eternal WeekendHow Legacy should be curated going forward Do you agree with Wizards' decision, or did they ban around the real issue?Let us know in the comments.#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #BannedAndRestricted #LegacyMTG #MTG00:00 Emergency B&R Reaction00:29 Why Candelabra of Tawnos?01:22 What About Planar Nexus?02:57 Did Wizards Miss Fantasticar?06:46 Breaking Down the Official Explanation08:48 Comparing Legacy to Pauper's B&R Philosophy11:19 What This Ban Means for Collectors11:48 Is Legacy Actually Diversifying?12:26 Flow State vs. Expressive Iteration14:17 Final Thoughts on the Announcement Timestamps
The Banned & Restricted announcement is here......and we're left with more questions than answers.In this emergency episode, Zac and Phil react to Candelabra of Tawnos being banned in Legacy, discuss why Planar Nexus and Fantasticar remain legal, and break down Wizards' reasoning behind one of the most surprising B&R announcements in recent memory. We discuss:Why Candelabra of Tawnos was chosenIs Planar Nexus still the real problem?Why Fantasticar survived another B&RWizards' explanation for Legacy's current healthFlow State vs. Expressive IterationThe future of Colorless TronWhat this means for Eternal WeekendHow Legacy should be curated going forward Do you agree with Wizards' decision, or did they ban around the real issue?Let us know in the comments.#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #BannedAndRestricted #LegacyMTG #MTG00:00 Emergency B&R Reaction00:29 Why Candelabra of Tawnos?01:22 What About Planar Nexus?02:57 Did Wizards Miss Fantasticar?06:46 Breaking Down the Official Explanation08:48 Comparing Legacy to Pauper's B&R Philosophy11:19 What This Ban Means for Collectors11:48 Is Legacy Actually Diversifying?12:26 Flow State vs. Expressive Iteration14:17 Final Thoughts on the Announcement Timestamps
What does Legacy actually look like right before the next Banned & Restricted announcement?In this episode, Zac and Phil take a data-driven look at the Legacy metagame using our Threat Level Assessment, ranking the format's most-played cards by both prevalence and saturation to identify the strategies shaping the format before Wizards makes its next move. We discuss:Why Force of Will and Wasteland remain Legacy's defining pillarsFlow State's meteoric rise and comparisons to Expressive IterationIs Urza's Saga becoming Legacy's biggest threat?Why Tamiyo and Orcish Bowmasters are decliningWhat the numbers reveal about combo versus fair decksHow Thoughtseize, Murktide Regent, and Ancient Tomb reflect the current metagameWhether Wizards should be more aggressive with format curationWhich cards are quietly gaining ground before the next B&R announcement Whether you love metagame analysis or simply want to understand where Legacy is heading, this episode breaks down the numbers behind the format—and what they might mean going forward.What card has the highest threat level in your mind right now?#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #BannedAndRestricted #MTG00:00 Legacy Threat Level Explained01:40 Force of Will vs. Wasteland04:12 Flow State's Rapid Rise11:02 Flow State vs. Expressive Iteration14:34 Thoughtseize as a Metagame Indicator16:40 Doomsday's Current Position19:08 Flow State vs. Stock Up22:05 Murktide Regent & Tamiyo Trends27:41 Orcish Bowmasters Is Falling29:09 Simian Spirit Guide & Other Meta Shifts30:20 Is Legacy in a Good Place?31:11 Atraxa & Show and Tell Trends34:11 Kozilek's Command & Candelabra of Tawnos Rising34:41 Lotus Petal: Legacy's Most Played Artifact35:18 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to the B&R Timestamps
What does Legacy actually look like right before the next Banned & Restricted announcement?In this episode, Zac and Phil take a data-driven look at the Legacy metagame using our Threat Level Assessment, ranking the format's most-played cards by both prevalence and saturation to identify the strategies shaping the format before Wizards makes its next move. We discuss:Why Force of Will and Wasteland remain Legacy's defining pillarsFlow State's meteoric rise and comparisons to Expressive IterationIs Urza's Saga becoming Legacy's biggest threat?Why Tamiyo and Orcish Bowmasters are decliningWhat the numbers reveal about combo versus fair decksHow Thoughtseize, Murktide Regent, and Ancient Tomb reflect the current metagameWhether Wizards should be more aggressive with format curationWhich cards are quietly gaining ground before the next B&R announcement Whether you love metagame analysis or simply want to understand where Legacy is heading, this episode breaks down the numbers behind the format—and what they might mean going forward.What card has the highest threat level in your mind right now?#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #BannedAndRestricted #MTG00:00 Legacy Threat Level Explained01:40 Force of Will vs. Wasteland04:12 Flow State's Rapid Rise11:02 Flow State vs. Expressive Iteration14:34 Thoughtseize as a Metagame Indicator16:40 Doomsday's Current Position19:08 Flow State vs. Stock Up22:05 Murktide Regent & Tamiyo Trends27:41 Orcish Bowmasters Is Falling29:09 Simian Spirit Guide & Other Meta Shifts30:20 Is Legacy in a Good Place?31:11 Atraxa & Show and Tell Trends34:11 Kozilek's Command & Candelabra of Tawnos Rising34:41 Lotus Petal: Legacy's Most Played Artifact35:18 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to the B&R Timestamps
---Join Us in Support of Alkem Gear's Kickstarter ending June 19th!https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alkemgear/alkem-gear-purpose-built-tabletop-gear?ref=249zfwUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnWith Marvel officially arriving in Magic: The Gathering, we thought it was the perfect time to answer a simple question:Where should you start with Marvel Comics?Zac is joined by two longtime comic book veterans and former Legends comic shop crew members, Marc Leone and Rob Messick, to build the ultimate Marvel reading list for newcomers. From Spider-Man and Daredevil to Wolverine, the X-Men, Infinity Gauntlet, Earth X, and Marvels, we explore the stories that shaped the Marvel Universe and explain why they still matter today.We discuss:00:00 Introduction & Comic Shop Memories02:08 Where Should New Readers Start?02:51 Why Spider-Man Is the Gateway Character04:04 Marvel Comes to Magic: The Gathering06:32 Universes Beyond & Trading Card Games12:25 Building a Marvel Reading List15:11 Marvel's Rise in Popular Culture17:08 Kraven's Last Hunt18:35 Infinity Gauntlet & MCU Inspirations22:20 Daredevil: The Man Without Fear25:30 Daredevil Recommendations & Frank Miller29:00 Wolverine: Not Dead Yet32:00 Enemy of the State & Wolverine Classics35:00 Earth X Deep Dive42:00 What If...? and Alternate Universes47:00 Future Imperfect & Maestro52:00 Elektra: Assassin56:00 Fantastic Four and Alex Ross01:00:00 Marvels and Marvel History01:05:00 Cosmic Marvel Recommendations01:10:00 Silver Surfer, Thanos & Cosmic Ghost Rider01:15:00 More Essential Marvel Reads01:20:00 Final Recommendations01:24:00 Closing Thoughts---Spider-ManKraven's Last HuntRevenge of the Sinister SixComing Home (J. Michael Straczynski & John Romita Jr.)Cosmic Spider-Man / Acts of Vengeance era collectionSpider-Man Blue----Daredevil / ElektraDaredevil: The Man Without FearDaredevil: Guardian Devil (Kevin Smith & Joe Quesada)Elektra: AssassinDaredevil Yellow----Wolverine / X-MenWolverine: Not Dead YetEnemy of the StateWolverine: Jungle AdventureWolverine/Gambit: VictimsLongshotX-Men: Elsewhen (John Byrne)Hulk: Future Imperfect (X-Men adjacent discussion through shared creators)---Marvel Universe / Cosmic MarvelInfinity GauntletMarvelsEarth XSilver Surfer: BlackThanos WinsCosmic Ghost RiderSilver Surfer (Stan Lee & Jack Kirby Fireside Graphic Novel)Marvel Cosmic Universe by Donny Cates (umbrella recommendation)---Fantastic FourFantastic Four: Full Circle---HulkFuture ImperfectDoctor StrangeDoctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and TormentMarvel History / Beginner Collections---Origins of Marvel ComicsSon of Origins of Marvel ComicsBring on the Bad GuysWomen of Marvel ComicsJeph Loeb / Tim Sale Color SeriesWhether you're a lifelong comic fan or someone discovering Marvel through Magic, this episode is packed with recommendations, nostalgia, and stories from the comic shop era that helped shape an entire generation of nerd culture.What Marvel comic would you hand to someone who has never read one before?#Marvel #MarvelComics #MagicTheGathering #SpiderMan #XMen #ComicBooksPinned CommentYou can only recommend ONE Marvel comic to a brand-new reader.What's your pick?
Use our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gg https://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdles Channel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles TCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK: https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAn With Marvel officially arriving in a Magic: The Gathering, we thought it was the perfect time to answer a simple question: Where should you start with Marvel Comics? Zac is joined by two longtime comic book veterans and former Legends comic shop crew members, Marc Leone and Rob Messick, to build the ultimate Marvel reading list for newcomers. From Spider-Man and Daredevil to Wolverine, the X-Men, Infinity Gauntlet, Earth X, and Marvels, we explore the stories that shaped the Marvel Universe and explain why they still matter today. We discuss: 00:00 Introduction & Comic Shop Memories 02:08 Where Should New Readers Start? 02:51 Why Spider-Man Is the Gateway Character 04:04 Marvel Comes to Magic: The Gathering 06:32 Universes Beyond & Trading Card Games 12:25 Building a Marvel Reading List 15:11 Marvel's Rise in Popular Culture 17:08 Kraven's Last Hunt 18:35 Infinity Gauntlet & MCU Inspirations 22:20 Daredevil: The Man Without Fear 25:30 Daredevil Recommendations & Frank Miller 29:00 Wolverine: Not Dead Yet 32:00 Enemy of the State & Wolverine Classics 35:00 Earth X Deep Dive 42:00 What If...? and Alternate Universes 47:00 Future Imperfect & Maestro 52:00 Elektra: Assassin 56:00 Fantastic Four and Alex Ross 01:00:00 Marvels and Marvel History 01:05:00 Cosmic Marvel Recommendations 01:10:00 Silver Surfer, Thanos & Cosmic Ghost Rider 01:15:00 More Essential Marvel Reads 01:20:00 Final Recommendations 01:24:00 Closing Thoughts 00:00 Introduction & Comic Shop Memories02:08 Where Should New Readers Start?02:51 Why Spider-Man Is the Gateway Character04:04 Marvel Comes to Magic: The Gathering06:32 Universes Beyond & Trading Card Games12:25 Building a Marvel Reading List15:11 Marvel's Rise in Popular Culture17:08 Kraven's Last Hunt18:35 Infinity Gauntlet & MCU Inspirations22:20 Daredevil: The Man Without Fear25:30 Daredevil Recommendations & Frank Miller29:00 Wolverine: Not Dead Yet32:00 Enemy of the State & Wolverine Classics35:00 Earth X Deep Dive42:00 What If...? and Alternate Universes47:00 Future Imperfect & Maestro52:00 Elektra: Assassin56:00 Fantastic Four and Alex Ross01:00:00 Marvels and Marvel History01:05:00 Cosmic Marvel Recommendations01:10:00 Silver Surfer, Thanos & Cosmic Ghost Rider01:15:00 More Essential Marvel Reads01:20:00 Final Recommendations01:24:00 Closing ThoughtsWhether you're a lifelong comic fan or someone discovering Marvel through Magic, this episode is packed with recommendations, nostalgia, and stories from the comic shop era that helped shape an entire generation of nerd culture. What Marvel comic would you hand to someone who has never read one before? #Marvel #MarvelComics #MagicTheGathering #SpiderMan #XMen #ComicBooks Pinned Comment You can only recommend ONE Marvel comic to a brand-new reader. What's your pick?
Join Us in Support of Alkem Gear's Kickstarter ending June 19th!https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alkemgear/alkem-gear-purpose-built-tabletop-gear?ref=249zfwUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnMarvel has officially arrived in Magic: The Gathering. Whether you're excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between, these cards are entering Legacy—and that means it's time to evaluate what actually matters for competitive play.In this episode, Phil and Zac review the Marvel Superheroes set through a Legacy lens, discussing which cards might deserve testing, which are unlikely to make an impact, and which designs stand out from a gameplay perspective.Cards discussed include:00:00 Intro — Marvel Comes to Legacy01:04 Ares, God of War04:46 Molecule Man08:28 Black Bolt12:26 Shang-Chi of the Ten Rings16:22 Black Widow, Super Spy17:35 Bruce Banner / The Incredible Hulk19:30 Dragon Man23:44 Franklin Richards Ascendant25:43 Galactus27:45 Helmut Zemo29:07 Ironheart30:20 Iron Lad31:21 Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk33:28 Loki, God of Mischief34:28 Mole Man38:24 Namor, the Sub-Mariner43:22 Patriot44:30 T'Chaka, Vulnerable King45:40 Thanos, the Mad Titan46:45 Vision49:20 Kimoyo Beads (Bonus Discussion)50:20 Tony Stark52:20 Ultron53:10 Willie Lumpkin53:55 Into the Time Vortex55:43 Vision Quest58:20 Iron Man Armor01:00:20 S.H.I.E.L.D. Flying Car01:12:28 Final Thoughts on Marvel & Universes Beyond01:14:30 Comic Book Recommendations01:15:00 The Commander Product Problem01:17:00 Wrap UpAlong the way, the conversation explores deckbuilding theory, the realities of Legacy power levels, Universes Beyond design philosophy, and whether any of these cards can compete with the format's established staples.Which Marvel card are you most interested in testing?#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #MarvelMTG #MTG #LegacyMTGJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Join Us in Support of Alkem Gear's Kickstarter ending June 19th!https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alkemgear/alkem-gear-purpose-built-tabletop-gear?ref=249zfwUse our link for a free Month of Elite on TradeMagic.gghttps://trademagic.gg/eternaldurdlesChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnMarvel has officially arrived in Magic: The Gathering. Whether you're excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between, these cards are entering Legacy—and that means it's time to evaluate what actually matters for competitive play.In this episode, Phil and Zac review the Marvel Superheroes set through a Legacy lens, discussing which cards might deserve testing, which are unlikely to make an impact, and which designs stand out from a gameplay perspective.Cards discussed include:00:00 Intro — Marvel Comes to Legacy01:04 Ares, God of War04:46 Molecule Man08:28 Black Bolt12:26 Shang-Chi of the Ten Rings16:22 Black Widow, Super Spy17:35 Bruce Banner / The Incredible Hulk19:30 Dragon Man23:44 Franklin Richards Ascendant25:43 Galactus27:45 Helmut Zemo29:07 Ironheart30:20 Iron Lad31:21 Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk33:28 Loki, God of Mischief34:28 Mole Man38:24 Namor, the Sub-Mariner43:22 Patriot44:30 T'Chaka, Vulnerable King45:40 Thanos, the Mad Titan46:45 Vision49:20 Kimoyo Beads (Bonus Discussion)50:20 Tony Stark52:20 Ultron53:10 Willie Lumpkin53:55 Into the Time Vortex55:43 Vision Quest58:20 Iron Man Armor01:00:20 S.H.I.E.L.D. Flying Car01:12:28 Final Thoughts on Marvel & Universes Beyond01:14:30 Comic Book Recommendations01:15:00 The Commander Product Problem01:17:00 Wrap UpAlong the way, the conversation explores deckbuilding theory, the realities of Legacy power levels, Universes Beyond design philosophy, and whether any of these cards can compete with the format's established staples.Which Marvel card are you most interested in testing?#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #MarvelMTG #MTG #LegacyMTGJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
What makes a better Magic player:Innovation or practice?In this episode, Phil and Zac explore one of the most important questions in competitive Magic. Is success driven by brewing and discovering new technology, or by mastering a deck through repetition and experience? Using Legacy Cephalid Breakfast as a case study, they discuss deck tuning, metagame adaptation, testing methodology, and how innovation and practice often work together rather than against each other. Topics include:• Innovation vs repetition in competitive play• The difference between brewers, tuners, and grinders• Solving metagame problems through deckbuilding• Why testing hypotheses matters• Legacy Breakfast after Nadu• Could Loki become the next engine card?• How great players balance preparation and experimentation• When to innovate—and when to simply put in the reps Whether you're a dedicated deckbuilder or someone who prefers mastering a known archetype, this discussion dives into how players actually improve and prepare for major tournaments.Are you more of an innovator or a practice player?#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #CephalidBreakfast #LegacyMTG #MTG
Join Us in Support of Alkem Gear's Kickstarter ending June 19th!https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alkemgear/alkem-gear-purpose-built-tabletop-gear?ref=249zfwBetween SCG CONs, Eternal Weekend, Sorcery events, and convention season, one question keeps coming up:How do you carry all this stuff?This week we're joined by Tim Heck of Alkem Gear to discuss a new line of gaming-focused bags designed specifically for tabletop gamers. From dedicated deck storage and playmat solutions to laptop compartments, dice trays, and travel-friendly organization, these products were built by players who understand exactly what tournament travel looks like. In this episode we discuss:• Why most backpacks fail card gamers• Designing around trading cards and gaming accessories• The Journeyman and larger backpack systems• Dedicated deck storage and "Vault" compartments• Playmat cases, dice trays, and accessory systems• Airport travel, conventions, and tournament weekends• Why comfort matters during all-day events• The Alkem Gear Kickstarter and future plans Whether you're traveling to Magic events, Sorcery tournaments, board game conventions, or your local game store, Alkem Gear is trying to build a better solution for gamers on the move. Check out the Kickstarter link below and let us know:What's the most important feature in a gaming backpack?#MagicTheGathering #SorceryTCG #BoardGames #TCG #AlkemGear
Tony Scapone didn't just win NYSE.He predicted he would.Fresh off taking home the Black Lotus at NYSE, Tony joins the show to break down his Jewel Shops list, the evolution of the archetype, key card choices, and how he navigated one of the most competitive Vintage tournaments of the year. In this episode we discuss:• How Jewel Shops actually works• Why Tony believes this build is better than stock Jewel lists• The role of Paradox Engine, Transmute Artifact, and Metamorph• Matchups against Doomsday, Initiative, BUG, and Shops• His Top 8 path through NYSE• Why open decklists improve competitive Magic• What it's like competing for a Black Lotus Tony also shares stories from the event, explains several key plays from the tournament, and discusses what's next after one of the biggest wins of his Magic career. Have you played against Jewel Shops? Do you think it's the best deck in Vintage right now?#MTGVintage #VintageMTG #MagicTheGathering #NYSE #BlackLotus
How do you build a Magic collection without constantly buying cards?In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how I've been using TradeMagic to turn unused cards into Premodern staples, sideboard cards, and future deck projects—all without spending additional money. We discuss:• How the TradeMagic system works• Turning bulk and unused cards into playable staples• Building Premodern decks one card at a time• Why trading can be more efficient than selling to a store• Managing wants, haves, and long-term collection goals• The return of the classic "Pack to Power" mindset• Why getting cards back into players' hands matters for the community Whether you're trying to finish a deck, upgrade your collection, or simply find a better home for cards collecting dust, TradeMagic offers a unique way to keep cards moving through the community. How do you usually acquire cards: buying singles, trading, opening packs, or something else?#MagicTheGathering #PremodernMTG #TradeMagic #MTGFinance #MTG
How do you build a Magic collection without constantly buying cards?In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how I've been using TradeMagic to turn unused cards into Premodern staples, sideboard cards, and future deck projects—all without spending additional money. We discuss:• How the TradeMagic system works• Turning bulk and unused cards into playable staples• Building Premodern decks one card at a time• Why trading can be more efficient than selling to a store• Managing wants, haves, and long-term collection goals• The return of the classic "Pack to Power" mindset• Why getting cards back into players' hands matters for the community Whether you're trying to finish a deck, upgrade your collection, or simply find a better home for cards collecting dust, TradeMagic offers a unique way to keep cards moving through the community. How do you usually acquire cards: buying singles, trading, opening packs, or something else?#MagicTheGathering #PremodernMTG #TradeMagic #MTGFinance #MTG
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