One Mana Short

Between family issues, work issues, and technical issues, these two Modern Horizon preview episodes have been a royal pain to get out the door. But they're here! Part one today, part two coming soon. This one was recorded halfway through preview season, so it only covers what we'd seen to that point. Interesting to see how things have developed in the month since we did this and now. Any thoughts on the cards we covered? Favorites? We'd love to hear from you! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Part one of our two-part Modern Horizons set review. Read More

This week, we talk about cards with the phrase “you win the game” in their rules text. Alternate win conditions are a fundamental part of the EDH experience, and we talk about ALL of them! (At least, the ones that are Commander-legal.) Got any favorites? Cool stories? Let us know! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Win the Game cards are a great way to spice up your EDH decks and give you another way to pull off that victory! Read More

If you're a fan of the “some guys talking Magic between EDH games” style of episode we've done a few times, then you're in for a treat this week. We start by talking about things we would love to see Wizards of the Coast (or the Rules Committee) add to the format. Over the conversation we divert into a whole bunch of topics like the power of fetches, some game and product design, and a lot more. Plus a little Dack Fayden love. Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Waxing philosophic about things we'd love to see Wizards add to Magic, and many other ideas. Read More

We're back digging for diamonds again! This time, we take a look at Tempest Block (Tempest, Stronghold, and Exodus). Probably really where “modern” Magic began. Jessie: Shadow Rift, Mirri's Guile, Tempting Licid, Shard Phoenix, Spike Cannibal, Anarchist Jake: Vhati il-Dal, Magnetic Web, Shaman en-Kor, Invasion Plans, Manabond, Theft of Dreams Eric: Needle Storm, Dracoplasm, Volrath's Gardens, Spitting Hydra, Skyshroud War Beast, Shattering Pulse Got any favorites we missed? Let us know! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

The gang goes back to 1997 and 1998 to dig up overlooked cards from Tempest Block. Read More

This week, the crew talks about the new set of five Commander 2021 preconstructed decks officially releasing on April 23. Favorite new cards, reprints, and more. Also, there might be a bit of a rant. Language warning. I get it out of the way early, at least. Decklists: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/commander-2021-edition-decklists-2021-04-05 Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

The crew talks about the new preconstructed Commander decks for 2021 tied to Strixhaven. Read More

It's set review time! The latest Magic: the Gathering set, Strixhaven: School of Magic, is about to release. We take the One Mana Short trademarked informal approach to our set review, and just talk about cards whenever the conversation takes us there. We cover the set as a whole first, then just start riffing on cards. Any favorites we didn't talk about? Hidden favorites you've got? Let us know! Full set: https://scryfall.com/sets/stx?order=set&as=grid Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Our thoughts on the latest Standard-legal set for Magic: the Gathering Read More

It's come down to two! Grixis vs. Sultai. Who's going to take the crown? (And yes, there's Marchesa references in the podcast, so that's relevant.) We've heard a lot of the arguments for and against each color combination before, so this episode gets a little more conversational, anecdotal, and references other formats a little more. First, though, we discuss the Mystical Archive. The set-within-a-set coming in Strixhaven. There are some powerful, and needed, reprints in here and we've got some thoughts. Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Who comes out on top? Grixis or Sultai? Also, some chat about the Mystical Archive. Read More

We're down to four! In this episode, we try to answer the questions: Which is the best Shard, and which is the best Wedge? Do you agree with our findings? How's the tournament gone for you so far? Also, happy birthday to our podcast! It's been almost exactly a year since we released the first episode, and we couldn't have done it without you loyal listeners. Thanks!!! The matchups: Shards: Esper vs. Grixis Wedges: Sultai vs. Mardu

Wherein we decide which is the best shard, and which is the best wedge. Read More

The tourney continues on! In our biggest slate of matchups, we have the Quarterfinals (or the conference semi-finals, if you prefer). Who's going to move on? Who gets left behind? The matchups this week: Shards: Esper vs. Jund Band vs Grixis Wedges: Sultai vs. Abzan Temur vs. Mardu Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

The tournament quarterfinals are here! Who's got game enough to advance, and who gets left behind? Listen in and see! Read More

It's tourney time! Honoring the annual NCAA college basketball tradition, we're going to have a playoff featuring all the 3-color combinations in Magic. In this episode, we run down the tournament structure and seeding, then have our play-in matches! Naya vs. Jund and Jeskai vs. Abzan! Who's coming out on top? Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Starting our playoff of all the Shards and Wedges in Magic! What's the best three-color combination in EDH? Read More

This week, Jessie and Jake talk about the Kynaios and Tiro deck they mindcrafted while driving back to Las Vegas after GP LA in 2016. The deck's secret commander is Storm Herd, a 10-mana sorcery that will win the game if not dealt with. The deck is completely focused around digging for and casting Storm Herd as many times as necessary. Come listen as they talk about the deck's inception, how it performs, and how they'd update it. The list: https://deckstats.net/decks/90542/1960131-jessie-s-k-t/en Also, preview for our upcoming March Event! Get your Brackets ready! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Jessie and Jake talk about the Kynaios and Tiro deck they concocted on the way back from GPLA in 2016. Read More

We've all been there, right? One day, you look down, and you've got more decks built than you're comfortable with. Something's got to go. But, how can you make the decision on what deck to dismantle when it's so easy to get attached to all of them? Erik Tiernan (@Erik_Tiernan) wrote a quick article that gives an objective process for deciding which of your decks you should keep, update, or dismantle. In this episode, the three of us talk about applying this process to our portfolios, and how we go about maintaining the decks we keep. Hopefully our discussion can help you through the process when it's time to update! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

The crew talks about Erik Tiernan's article on maintaining your stable of EDH decks. Read More

One of the defining features of every Magic set are the mechanics used in the set. Some have only appeared once or twice, some are around all the time. Some, we hope never return again. This week, Eric, Jake, and Jessie talk about their favorite mechanics throughout Magic's history. Check our website (onemanashort.com) for the full list! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Eric, Jake, and Jessie talk about their favorite mechanics throughout Magic's history. Is yours on our list? Read More

This week we continue our series looking at the guilds with a dive into the Simic Combine. We look into the Simic's role on Ravnica, whether they're still fulfilling it, and round things out by talking about all things blue and green in Magic. Question for the listeners: As we mention in the cast, it's real easy to just build a UGx goodstuff deck. What's the most “out there” UG deck you've built? The least simic feeling? Love to see your ideas! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

All about The Simic Combine, and playing commander on Easy Mode with the most popular color pairing in the game. Read More

This week, we go over the upcoming set, Kaldheim. Magic finally gets its Viking-themed expansion, and there's a load of interesting cards in this one. We talk about the new and returning mechanics, then each of us brings up our 10 favorite cards in the set. Anything catch your eye in this one? It's a really deep set, so it's probably pretty likely we didn't even talk about your favorite card. Eric: Weathered Runestone Dream Devourer Starnheim Unleashed Tibalt's Trickery Fynn, the Fangbearer Glorious Protector Valki, God of Lies Mystic Reflection Tergrid, God of Fright Esika, God of the Tree Jake: Maja, Bretagard Protector The World Tree Blizzard Brawl Doomskar Blessing of Frost Narfi, Betrayer King Axeguard Armory Rally the Ranks Firja's Retribution Shimmerdrift Vale Jessie: In Search of Greatness Tyrite Sanctum Eradicator Valkyrie Calamity Bearer Goldspan Dragon Reflections of Littjara Magda, Brazen Outlaw Koma, Cosmos Serpent Immersturm Predator Toralf, God of Fury Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Eric, Jessie, and Jake talk about the upcoming Viking-themed expansion, Kaldheim, and their favorite things about the set. Read More

  This week, Jake, Jessie, and Eric go back to the old sets looking for underplayed, interesting cards. This week, we cover Alliances, Mirage, Visions, and Weatherlight. Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Eric, Jake, and Jessie dig into Alliances, Mirage, Visions, and Weatherlight to see what gems they find. Read More

We're back! Rested and refreshed after the holiday break, we chat about the year that was 2020, with all that entailed. There were 16 releases this year, half of which were booster pack releases. We look back at those sets, and talk about our favorite cards, mechanics, and arts. Also, we might talk about Hullbreacher a bit. And a bit more fawning over Commander Legends. Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog), Jake Traver (@WCPower9), and Jessie Pilcher (@StrictlyWorseLV) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Eric, Jake, and Jessie talk about the 2020 releases, thoughts about "The Year of Commander", and thoughts about our favorites. Read More

In this quick episode, Eric looks back at the year, thanks all those who have helped the podcast get to where it is now, and what's to come in the future. Also, giveaway!! Listen for details! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) Edited by Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Music by Eric Landes

Thanks for the year that's been, and a preview of what's to come in 2021. Read More

In this episode, Jessie (@RavenousYeti) joins us to talk about his favorite tribe: Dragons! In what is the most popular tribe (according to EDHRec) and one of the most versatile, Jessie has built nearly every possible dragon deck out there. I'm sure we can all get some ideas for new decks from this one! We talk about decks we've built, favorite Dragons, ones that didn't pan out, and ways to approach building this tribe. Jessie's Decklists: Chromium Dragon Knights Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) and Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Let's talk about the most popular and one of the most versatile tribes out there: Dragons! Read More

In this episode my son Jack (@jacklpup) joins me to talk about what it's been like growing up playing Magic. A number of issues come up around dealing with emotions, maintaining collections with multiple players in mind, the maturation of a young player growing up with the game, Grands Prix, burnout, and what it's been like being the parent of a young Magic player. This episode leans a little more into the competitive side of the game as much of Jack's draw to Magic has been the 60-card 1v1 formats. Shout outs include The Command Zone, Masters of Modern, Shivam Bhatt, Helene Bergeot, and probably a couple more. Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) Edited by Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Music by Eric Landes

My son comes on to describe what it's been like growing up as a Magic player. Read More

And the last shall be first. In this last episode featuring Russel, we go back to our very first session recording together. Appropriately, the subject was “Managing Expectations” and, frankly, I don't think we expected to make it to 30+ episodes together. At least, not at that point. It is also a call to you, the listeners, to bear with us as we get our feet under us again adjusting to a new crew on the cast in the future. In this episode, we get a little philosophical at first, but bring it back to Magic in talking about what Expectations mean to all the phases of playing EDH. From deck building all the way through post-session. Many of the examples in this episode made bigger appearances in later recordings, but you get to see their genesis here. Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) and Russel Lee Edited by Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Music by Eric Landes

How you expect things to play out can change your reaction to what actually happens. How do you handle this? Read More

This week, Jake and Eric finish up their look at the Commander Legends set by looking at our favorite new cards that aren't commanders. We also take a brief look at the reprints in the set, and yes, we talk about THAT artifact. We also touch a bit on color wheel theory, the future of Commander now that The Year of Commander is winding down, and more. Cassie LaBelle's articles on TCG Player: https://infinite.tcgplayer.com/author/Cassie-LaBelle/ Commander Legends Card Image Gallery: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/card-image-gallery/commander-legends Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) and Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

This week, Jake and Eric finish up their look at the Commander Legends set by looking at the new cards that aren’t commanders. We also take a brief look at the reprints in the set, and yes, we talk about THAT artifact. We also touch a bit on color wheel theory, the future of Commander now that The Year of Commander is winding down, and more. Cassie LaBelle’s articles onRead More

This week, Jake comes back to the show to talk with Eric about their favorite legendary cards in the upcoming Commander Legends set. We also go over the mechanics, release information, etc. So you can be as informed as possible going into this landmark release designed for our favorite format. Card image gallery: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/card-image-gallery/commander-legends What's in the different packs: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/collecting-commander-legends-2020-10-26 Release Notes: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/commander-legends-release-notes-2020-11-06 Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) and Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Edited by Jake Traver Music by Eric Landes

Eric and Jake talk about the legendary creatures they like in the upcoming Commander Legends MTG set. Read More

It is with a heavy heart that I write these show notes, as Russel has decided to step back from Magic for a while. This podcast was his last tether into the game, and with the (seemingly) never-ending turmoil in the online MTG community, Russel decided he's better off stepping away. We wish him the best (we're still in contact, of course) and he's got an open door back here should he ever decide to return. This is not the end of the podcast, though, as Jake is going to step in and do the Commander Legends set reviews over the next couple weeks, and we've got some ideas beyond that. I don't have a set-in-stone plan for a co-host yet, but things are in motion. In the meantime, we do have a couple more old recordings that, with Russel's blessing, we're going to turn into episodes. This is one of them. We recorded this back in February, before the pandemic hit, and as a result it's not as topical as we intended it to be. Also, it's the return of Squeaky Chair! At the time, we called this topic “Playing With Strangers”, but it's as much about prepping for an unknown meta as anything. We do ramble a bit, and get into some parenting philosophies and whatnot, but we hope you enjoy the listen! Mark Wischkaemper's articles: https://www.coolstuffinc.com/a/?action=search&page=1&author[]=Mark%20Wischkaemper One of his Convertible Commander articles: https://www.coolstuffinc.com/a/markwischkaemper-04032019-convertible-commander-emmara-soul-of-the-accord Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) and Russel Lee Edited by Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Music by Eric Landes

How do you adapt your decks to unknown opponents? Or do you? Read More

This week, Russel and Eric continue their tour through the old sets with The Dark, Fallen Empires, Ice Age, and Homelands. A couple of these sets are among the worst ever released, but there's still some good cards in there. Come check it out and see what we've dug up! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) and Russel Lee (@RogueArtificer) Edited by Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Music by Eric Landes

Russel and Eric dig out some hidden gems from early sets. Read More

This week, Russel and Eric look over and discuss an excellent article written by Kristen Gregory (@thekristenemily): The Cards you Play in Commander Don't Matter. This article covers a lot of different aspects in improving your play. And, in a multiplayer format, improving your play can have a massive effect on your results. Join us and maybe you'll win a game or two more than you would have otherwise! Podcast (@OneManaShort) by Eric Landes (@ProggyBoog) and Russel Lee (@RogueArtificer) Edited by Jake Traver (@WCPower9) Music by Eric Landes