Winning Hand - A Marvel Champions Podcast

In this episode, Boomguy is joined by Astrodar to discuss the classic ally, Groot! Astrodar brings some lore for the character and we dive into how much we like him, and combinations we enjoy playing with him.  Enjoy! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Groot and the Podcast 02:55 Community Engagement and Con Experience 04:56 Content Creator Recommendations 06:56 Recent Gameplay and Hero Exploration 10:03 Chump Blocking and Game Mechanics Discussion 12:53 Play Styles and Game Strategies 15:32 Turtle vs. Tempo Play 18:16 Exploring Deadpool and Aggression Decks 20:59 Finding Value in Underappreciated Cards 23:54 Groot Lore and Character Background 30:48 The Evolution of Groot in Comics 32:13 Understanding Groot's Species and Background 35:30 Groot's Unique Communication Style 38:29 Analyzing Groot's Card and Abilities 40:06 Artistic Representation of Groot 43:09 Thematic Elements of Groot's Character 44:17 Groot's Role in Gameplay and Strategy 47:16 The Implications of Trait Locking in Gameplay 54:01 Balancing Strength in Gameplay 56:12 Evaluating Cost and Effectiveness 57:27 Comparing Guardian Allies 01:00:05 Fun Factor of Groot 01:03:37 Thematic Elements and Gameplay Mechanics 01:10:14 Final Thoughts and Ratings 01:18:13 Outro

WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE? In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, hosts Boomguy and LazyTitan discuss the excitement surrounding new card reveals for Marvel Champions, specifically focusing on the upcoming hero pack featuring Falcon. They delve into the mechanics and strategies of two new cards: Resource Reserve and Spectrum, analyzing their potential impact on gameplay and deck-building strategies. As always you can reach us at: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com The next reveal will be with Never Bored Gaming: https://youtube.com/@neverboredgaming?si=nXS4ofX3olirc08B Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast 00:46 Excitement for New Cards 02:44 Discussion on Upcoming Hero Packs 05:14 Reveal of New Cards 08:44 Analysis of Resource Reserve Card 16:12 Introduction of Spectrum Card 17:22 Exploring Spectrum's Unique Mechanics 19:55 Art and Theme of Spectrum 24:22 Evaluating Spectrum's Power and Potential 27:53 Building Around Spectrum: Strategies and Synergies 30:42 Outro

In this episode I am joined by Astrodar, Vjakson, Andyr, AndyN, Mr.SelfDestruct, and Caldias to wrap up con season in style. We talk through what we likes, what we didn't like, and everything in between.  Hope to see everyone next year! Chapters 00:00 Post-Con of Heroes 2025 Overview 03:21 Event Highlights and Experiences 08:22 Saturday Campaigns and Multiplayer Events 12:30 Community Engagement and Card Trading 17:29 Deck Strategies and Player Comfort Levels 32:31 Deck Choices and Community Spirit 35:42 Deck Building Strategies and Experiences 39:10 Favorite Decks and Gameplay Dynamics 40:39 Elevator Pitch for Decks 42:59 Scaling Challenges in Four-Player Games 48:09 Aggression as a Winning Strategy 52:17 Off-Turn Actions and Team Support 54:08 The Power of Teamwork in Gaming 57:48 Innovative Game Mechanics and Custom Content 01:01:07 Diverse Hero Representation and Player Experiences 01:05:08 Memorable Moments and Community Connections 01:09:05 Final Thoughts on the Con Experience

In this episode of the Winning Hand podcast, LazyTitan and Boomguy grapple with the reality of no longer having Leethus and his crazy ideas to clutter up the show. Unfettered by his limitations, we can finally go crazy and realize the fever dream that is Dive Bomb. Enjoy! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Con Recap 01:21 Transitioning Co-Hosts and Future Guests 03:02 Community Engagement and Emails 09:02 Deck Building Strategies and Player Experiences 15:42 Recent Gameplay and Favorite Heroes 24:34 Deck Strategies and Archetypes 33:29 Card of the Day: Dive Bomb 42:06 Thematic and Power Analysis of Dive Bomb 48:43 The Evolution of Aggression Cards 52:07 Dive Bomb: A Game Changer 55:47 Assessing Dive Bomb's Strength 01:00:44 Final Thoughts on Dive Bomb 01:13:48 Outro

In this episode of All Hands on Decks, Boomguy and Andyr discuss their experiences at the recent Marvel Champions con, focusing on the evolving trends in deck building, the impact of new cards, and the dynamics of multiplayer gameplay. They explore the noticeable decline in player side schemes, the underrepresentation of certain heroes like Nick Fury and Maria Hill, and the importance of damage output in multiplayer settings. The conversation also touches on the absence of team up cards and how players are adapting their strategies to enhance deck consistency and effectiveness. In this episode, the hosts delve into various Marvel Champions decks showcased at a recent convention, highlighting innovative strategies and community engagement. They discuss the clever use of Enhanced Awareness in resource management, the effectiveness of the Nightcrawler Injustice deck, and the unique playstyle of the Wildcard Iron Man deck. The conversation also explores a Colossus defense deck that emphasizes protection and the excitement of discovering new archetypes like alter ego only decks. The hosts celebrate the creativity of the community and encourage players to share their unique deck builds. Here are the decks we discussed: Phoenix Leadership (SDx) https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49481/phoenix-soul-queens-are-here-to-slay-your-side-schemes-1.0 Nick Aggression (LazyTitan) https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49689/overkill-em-1.0 Scarlet Witch Basic (Astrodar) https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49375/witch-doctor-1.0 Nova Leadership (TheDailyStrugle) https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/48382/sam-s-lan-party-1.0 Justice Ms. Marvel - Spike https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/48069/3-4-player-burst-thwart-unthreatened-team-is-a-happy-team-1.0 Justice Tony Stark - Johnny https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49445/tony-stark-director-of-s-h-i-e-l-d-1.0 Colossus Protection - Johnny https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49334/nyet-1.0 Gambit Protection - Timmy https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49305/fortune-favors-the-shy-coh25-3.0 Ghost-Spider Leadership - Johnny https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44333/started-my-own-band-with-a-few-old-friends-you-want-in-1.0   Chapters 00:00 Post-Con Reflections and Deck Trends 02:53 Player Side Schemes: A Shift in Strategy 05:49 The Role of Allies: Nick Fury and Maria Hill 08:56 Deck Consistency and Gameplay Dynamics 11:46 The Evolution of Deck Building: Beyond Aspects 14:49 Team Up Cards: Missed Opportunities 17:45 Support Decks and Command Team Strategies 20:49 Voltron Strategies and Standout Decks 28:20 Deck Consistency and Trends 30:14 The Importance of Damage in Multiplayer 35:53 Underrepresented Heroes at the Con 39:01 Innovative Deck Strategies 48:22 The Alter Ego Iron Man Deck 55:33 Colossus: A Defense Deck for the Table 59:48 Deck Building Insights 01:00:15 Exploring Other Players' Decks 01:01:11 The Basic Witch Deck Breakdown 01:04:04 Overkillem: A Damage-Focused Deck 01:08:23 The Shy Deck: A New Legend Emerges 01:13:42 Nova Leadership: Ally Heavy Strategy 01:18:32 Ms. Marvel Justice: Thwarting Everything

In this episode we wrap up all the goodness that was the Con of Heroes 2025 and we say good-bye to Leethus, who is leaving us for less-green pastures.    As always, you can get in touch by email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com

"Google it yourself." - Josseroo In this episode of the Winning Hand podcast, host BoomGuy and Jossaroo dive deep into the Marvel Champions card game, focusing on Adam Warlock. We discuss his background, do some lore and trivia, and then dive into the art, theme, power, and fun like always! The conversation also highlights the importance of building around specific cards and the fun aspects of deck building.  Here is a link to Josseroo's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Myl3bGjwYzLzF3nUeg7Xd Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand Podcast 01:53 Content Creator Spotlight: MC Deck Discussions 04:02 Trivia Time: Adam Warlock's Origins 06:52 Exploring Adam Warlock's Abilities 07:56 Card of the Day: Adam Warlock 15:58 Thematic Consistency in Adam Warlock's Design 21:40 Evaluating Adam Warlock's Strength as an Ally 25:20 Return on Investment in Card Mechanics 27:35 Building Around Adam Warlock 30:45 The Aerial Trait and Its Implications 32:37 Rules and Interactions with Adam Warlock 36:41 Deck Building Strategies and Personal Experiences 46:32 Final Thoughts on Adam Warlock 56:48 Outro

In this episode of the Winning Hand podcast, we discuss the decks we are bringing to the upcoming Con of Heroes, recommend a content creator, and talk about our thoughts on how much of the collection most people own. We also, of course, discuss Daring Escape, before discussing Leethus' own daring escape in his penultimate episode as a co-host.  Here is the content creator of the day: https://www.youtube.com/@longshipgaming7384 Here are the decks we are planning to bring to the con: Groot Camp: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49143/groot-camp-con-of-heroes-2025-1.0 The Indomitable Iceman: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/48991/the-indomitable-iceman-con-of-heroes-2025-1.0 Fist Bump: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49064/fist-bump-con-of-heroes-2025-1.0 Spaceman: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/48809/spaceman-con-of-heroes-2025-1.0 Basic B!tch: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/48363/basic-b-tch-1.0 Overkill 'em: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/930716 90 Degrees of Righteousness: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/592428?deck_name=90%20degrees%20of%20righteousness High School Crush: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49288/ms-marvel-high-school-crush-1.0 (The Villain is a) Cornered Animal: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49253/x-23-the-villain-is-a-cornered-animal-1.0 Big Hero Moment: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/49255/star-lord-big-hero-moment-1.0 Nibelung Valesti: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45910/valkyrie-nibelung-valesti-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction  02:32 Marvel Champions Overview and Episode Highlights 05:38 Audience Question: Collecting Habits in LCGs 08:37 Player Engagement and Content Acquisition 11:52 Living Through the Game vs. Joining Later 13:16 Deck Building and Collection Management 20:03 Content Creator Recommendation and Con of Heroes Decks 23:30 Deck Strategies and Themes 31:38 Deck Lineup for Con of Heroes 35:21 Hero Selection and Personal Preferences 44:57 Con of Heroes Info 47:24 Introduction to Daring Escape 50:29 Art and Flavor Text Analysis 53:11 Thematic Exploration of Star-Lord 58:47 Card Power and Gameplay Dynamics 01:05:50 Understanding Daring Escape's Role 01:09:53 The Fun Factor of Daring Escape 01:12:46 Star-Lord's Gambler Mentality 01:18:17 Final Thoughts on Daring Escape 01:21:46 Farewell to Lethus 01:25:53 Outro

In this episode, Boomguy and Andyr discuss the intricacies of building multiplayer decks for Marvel Champions. They explore various deck types, including leadership and aggression decks, and emphasize the importance of supporting other players at the table. The conversation highlights strategies for enhancing multiplayer experiences, the significance of unique cards, and the overall joy of cooperative play. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the multiplayer aspect of the game and share their insights on deck building for larger player counts. Deck 1: The Highstorm: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44731/the-highstorm-1.0 Deck 2: Bridge Four: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44732/bridge-four-1.0 The Alter-Ego Chronicle Deck write-up: https://alteregochronicle.wixsite.com/alter-ego-chronicle/post/the-stormlight-decks-highstorm-and-bridge-four Deck 3: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44943/uncanny-x-men-roster-2024-gambit-multiplayer-deck-1.0 Deck 4: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44941/uncanny-x-men-roster-2024-jubilee-multiplayer-deck-1.0 Deck 5: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44944/uncanny-x-men-roster-2024-nightcrawler-multiplayer-deck-2.0 Deck 6: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44945/uncanny-x-men-roster-2024-wolverine-multiplayer-deck-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Multiplayer Decks 02:42 Exploring Leadership Decks 09:25 Diving into Aggression Decks 16:39 What Makes a Good Multiplayer Deck? 25:51 Key Cards for Multiplayer Success 30:46 Multiplayer Mindset 35:35 Deck Building for Multiplayer 38:00 Exploring New Decks 49:59 Wolverine and Team Dynamics 57:00 The Joy of Multiplayer Gameplay

"How they chose this as the art is inexplicable to me; it looks like it's a card from East Germany." -Boomguy In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, the hosts discuss various aspects of the Marvel Champions game, including the upcoming Con of Heroes, content creator recommendations, and their favorite hero and aspect pairings for the event. They delve into specific heroes like Drax, Iceman, X23, Captain America, and Nick Fury, sharing insights on deck strategies and personal experiences. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Danger Room card and its lore within the Marvel universe. In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the art and mechanics of the Danger Room card from the X-Men card game. They critique the artwork, explore the thematic elements of X-Men mechanics, and evaluate the power and strategy involved in using Danger Room effectively.  Here is the deck Leethus mentioned: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45910/valkyrie-nibelung-valesti-1.0 Here is the featured content creator: https://www.youtube.com/@MaNemJeff87 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast 02:48 Content Creator Spotlight: My Name Jeff 06:46 Star-Lord Protection 10:50 Drax Protection 14:41 Iceman Leadership, Protection, and 'Pool? 17:17 X23 and Valkyrie: Powerful Hero Insights 20:21 Captain America: Versatile Strategies 23:22 Nick Fury: The New Spy on the Block 25:20 Vision - Aggression, Protection, and Sidekick? 27:47 Musical Inspirations in Deck Names 29:06 Exploring the Danger Room Card 30:27 The Evolution of the Danger Room 42:11 Thematic Elements of X-Men Support 48:23 Exploring X-Men Cards and Their Themes 54:57 The Experience of Living Card Games 01:00:06 Power and Strategy of Danger Room 01:10:06 Final Thoughts on Danger Room and X-Men Cards 01:18:03 Outro

"Every good thing comes at a cost." - KennedyHawk In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, Boomguy and KennedyHawk discuss the upcoming Con of Heroes, focusing on the custom content and card spoilers for Marvel Champions. We delve into the new Symbiote Standard Set, its mechanics, and the exciting new keywords introduced. We also highlight the artistic design of the cards, the logistics for attendees, and essential packing lists for a successful con experience.  See here for more reveals from the MCM team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Con and Custom Content 03:06 Exploring the New Standard Set 06:08 Symbiote Suits: Mechanics and Strategies 09:06 Art and Design of the Custom Cards 12:07 Flipping Mechanics: Allies to Minions 14:54 New Keywords and Their Impact 18:09 Conclusion and Future Insights 22:15 Balancing Encounter Mechanics 23:49 Introducing New Nemesis Mechanics 27:15 Exploring Symbiote Attachments 28:54 Understanding Suit Malfunction 31:59 Logistics for Con of Heroes 34:21 Packing Essentials for Attendees 36:46 Custom Cards and Trading at the Con 40:52 Outro

This panel discussion revolves around the preparation and experiences related to the Con of Heroes 2025. I am joined by Andy N, AndyR, Astrodar, Caldias, MrSelfDestruct, and VJakson.  We discuss their personal experiences with previous conventions, and provide insights on what to bring, including decks, scenarios and tokens. We emphasize the importance of comfort and enjoyment throughout the weekend, encouraging attendees to bring decks they are familiar with and to be prepared for a fun, social gaming experience. The panel delves into the nuances of preparing for a gaming convention, focusing on deck preparation, the importance of sleeving strategies, and the benefits of borrowing and sharing decks. We discuss the significance of unique cards in multiplayer settings and the multiverse rule, which allows for flexibility in games with so many people traveling in; we are here for a casual atmosphere, and we encourage players to be flexible with their decks and to prioritize fun over strict adherence to rules. This conversation delves into the strategies for deck building and adapting to multiplayer dynamics at conventions, emphasizing the importance of community and inclusivity. We share our experiences and surprises from attending the Con of Heroes, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and the diversity of gameplay. They also touch on the food options available at the con and the various custom content that attendees can look forward to.  Chapters 02:59 Introduction to the Con of Heroes 06:11 Panelist Introductions and Experiences 08:57 What to Bring to the Con 12:00 Deck Selection Strategies 15:04 Playing Comfortably and Enjoying the Game 20:12 Deck Preparation and Sleeving Strategies 23:00 Borrowing and Sharing Decks at Conventions 26:00 Unique Cards and Their Importance in Multiplayer 29:03 Understanding the Multiverse Rule 34:59 Casual Atmosphere and Deck Flexibility 41:41 Deck Building Strategies for Conventions 44:09 Adapting Decks for Multiplayer Dynamics 51:48 Community and Inclusivity at the Con 58:09 Surprises and Expectations at the Con 01:08:47 Excitement for Upcoming Conventions 01:12:00 Choosing Heroes and Decks for the Con 01:19:48 Deck Strategies and Scenarios Discussion 01:25:31 Final Thoughts on Heroes and Scenarios 01:30:59 The Excitement of Deck Building 01:32:29 The Pool Deck Dilemma 01:34:58 Food and Fun at the Convention 01:39:49 Community Engagement and Custom Content 01:46:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell

On this day three years ago, Fantasy Flight launched their biggest April Fool's joke yet: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2022/4/1/hamming-it-up/ Was it real? Was it fake? We may never know.  Join Boomguy, LazyTitan, and Leethus as they break down their least favorite cartoon pig!  We also spotlight a content creator you should check out:  ⁨@ZiggyZ55Z⁩  He also has a new book out: https://youtu.be/wwAJThY2hFA?si=N8apcqaRqgwXormG Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast 03:00 Content Creator Spotlight: ZiggyZ55 05:59 Recent Gameplay Experiences 08:49 Exploring the Deadpool Aspect 11:54 Iceman and Jubilee: Heroes in Focus 15:00 Thor and Groot: Recent Favorites 17:58 New Heroes: Maria Hill and Nick Fury 21:04 Card of the Day: Spider Ham 27:44 The Quirky World of Spider-Ham 29:09 Unpacking Spider-Ham's Origins 30:49 The Villains of Spider-Ham 36:39 Art and Aesthetics of Spider-Ham 39:33 Thematic Elements of Spider-Ham 43:12 Game Mechanics and Balance of Spider-Ham 46:52 Exploring Spider-Ham's Unique Mechanics 49:50 The Power of Spider-Ham: A Hero's Strength 53:20 Ranking Spider-Ham Among Heroes 59:30 Fun Factor: Playing as Spider-Ham 01:03:32 Final Thoughts and Ratings

In this episode, we discuss two new spoiler cards from Fantasy Flight Games for the upcoming Black Panther (Shuri) hero pack. You can see the original reveal article here. Join us as we break down the art, theme, power, and fun for these cards! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to New Cards 03:03 Analysis of Dora Milaje and Allies 06:06 Art and Theme Discussion 09:11 Synergy and Gameplay Mechanics 12:00 Final Thoughts on Card Package 17:48 The Power of Allies in Gameplay 20:12 Strategic Use of Leadership and Healing 22:40 Design and Flexibility of the Dora Milaje Package 24:40 Overall Impressions and Ratings of the Package 30:14 Future Potential and Trait Development 32:28 Outro  

Talking all about multi-aspect heroes! In this episode, Boomguy and AndyR explore the theme of multi-aspect heroes in Marvel Champions, discussing various deck archetypes and showcasing specific decks centered around characters like Adam Warlock, Spider-Woman, Cable, Gamora, and Cyclops. They delve into listener comments, the dynamics of different player archetypes, and the unique challenges and strategies involved in building multi-aspect decks. We highlight the creativity and fun that can arise from these unique deck-building opportunities while also acknowledging the complexities they introduce. 1. Children of the Atom (Warlock): https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44735/children-of-the-atom-warlock-1.0 2. Jess & Carol Kill the Marvel Universe: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/39819/jess-and-carol-kill-the-marvel-universe-1.0 3. Maria Maria (Do your friends love cards?): https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45479/maria-maria-do-your-friends-love-cards-1.0 4. Psy-Kickin' It: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44648/psy-kickin-it-1.0 5. Rogue+Pete=8+ Gunboat every time!: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44997/rogue-pete-8-gunboat-every-time-1.0 6. What if we used 100% of Gamora's ability? [True Solo]: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45030/what-if-we-used-100-of-gamora-s-ability-true-solo-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand and Deck Building 01:07 Understanding Spike, Johnny, and Timmy Players 04:19 The Timmy Player Dilemma in Marvel Champions 09:06 Nomenclature for Deck Archetypes 13:10 Exploring Multi-Aspect Heroes 17:43 Deck Showcase: Adam Warlock 23:46 Deck Showcase: Spider-Woman 29:29 Deck Showcase: Cable 32:13 Exploring Psionic Strategies 34:46 Deck Building Insights and Recommendations 37:02 Maria Hill: The Card Draw Engine 39:58 Gamora's Solo Deck: A Unique Approach 50:34 Cyclops and Gunboat Diplomacy 01:02:52 Reflections on Multi-Aspect Heroes

In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, hosts Boomguy and LazyTitan dive into the Marvel Champions , focusing on the justice ally Dazzler. They share their excitement for the upcoming Con of Heroes, talk about a new content creator, and explore their top hero picks for the event. The conversation also includes a detailed analysis of Dazzler as a card, her abilities, and her place within the game, highlighting the importance of art and design in card games. The Masked Hero: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMaskedHero Con of heroes: https://conofheroes.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dazzler and the podcast 01:25 Content Creator Spotlight: The Masked Hero 03:54 Con of Heroes Deck Planning 05:39 Hero Selection for Con of Heroes 13:28 LazyTitan's Hero Picks: Colossus and Ironheart 20:20 Boomguy's Hero Picks: Angel and War Machine 22:59 Exploring Thor's Versatility 26:59 Cyclops: The Tactician's Choice 30:58 Shadowcat: The Ultimate Defender 36:54 Vision: The Autopilot Hero 39:12 Drax: The King in Green 40:53 Captain America: The Versatile Leader 44:24 Exploring Dazzler's Powers and Art 46:53 Thematic Elements of Dazzler's Card 48:51 Analyzing Dazzler's Power and Cost 52:51 Dazzler's Role in Justice Archetypes 01:02:47 Final Thoughts on Dazzler's Design and Fun Factor 01:08:49 Outro

"You call that science?" - Mockingbird, apparently In this episode of Winning Hand, the pod crew kicks off celebrations for Women's History Month by discussing the character Mockingbird from Marvel Champions. We explore her history, powers, and the thematic elements of her (core set) card. The conversation includes a spotlight on content creator Astrodar, trivia about Mockingbird, and a detailed analysis of her card's mechanics and impact in the game. Does Boomguy read comics? Not likely. Link to Astrodar's Alter-Ego Chronicle: https://alteregochronicle.wixsite.com/alter-ego-chronicle Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand Podcast 00:59 Celebrating Women's History Month 02:23 Content Creator Spotlight: Astrodar 04:59 Character Background: Mockingbird 18:08 Mockingbird's Legacy and Impact 19:12 Celebrating Research Team Achievements 19:51 Exploring the Card of the Day: Mockingbird 22:16 Art Analysis: Mockingbird's Design 27:40 Thematic Discussion: Mockingbird's Abilities 33:59 Speculations on Future Characters 35:32 Thematic Consistency in Character Waves 37:34 Mockingbird's Role and Evolution 45:10 Mockingbird's Fun Factor and Playstyle 50:53 Final Thoughts on Mockingbird 58:01 Outro

In this episode of the Winning Hand podcast, hosts Boomguy, LazyTitan, and Leethus spotlight a content creator named Stretch22, read some recent listener Apple Podcast reviews, and discuss their recent gameplay experiences. The main focus is on the card of the day: Taunt. The pod explores its art, mechanics, thematic elements, and overall impact on gameplay and fun. Along the way we discuss what Jubilee's powers actually are, what superheroes have worse powers than her, and why Leethus hates having fun.  Boomguy's Vision Deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/46172/do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep-1.0 LazyTitan's Taunt Deck: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/885870?deck_name=JUST%20DONT%20GET%20GOT%20LOL Featured Content Creator (Stretch22): https://www.youtube.com/@Stretch22_MarvelChampions Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:47 Content Creator Spotlight: Stretch22 02:40 Listener Reviews: Highlights and Insights 06:16 What We've Been Playing: Recent Experiences 15:38 Card of the Day: Taunt and Its Mechanics 22:27 Art and Theme 26:55 Power of the Card 38:57 Fun Factor and Gameplay Experience 49:25 Final Thoughts and Ratings 58:45 Outro   Get in touch: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com

In this special episode of Winning Hand, the pod crew discusses the future of LCGs after the recent announcement by Fantasy Flight Games on the future of living card games at the studio. We discuss what the changes are, what the impact of those changes is to the community and the game overall, and what it means for the future of the people's podcast.  Here is the fireside chat. Here is the follow-up article from Nate French.  Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:42 Fantasy Flight's Announcement Overview 04:45 Understanding Current vs. Legacy Environments 10:56 Impact on Gameplay and Card Design 16:51 Business Implications and Player Accessibility 25:16 Future of the Podcast and Content Direction 34:55 Outro

"Storm is top 5 X-Men. IMO." - Leethus In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, we talk about our recent gameplay experiences with various Marvel Champions characters, including Hulk and Thor (Leethus), and Black Widow and Black Panther (Boomguy). We highlight a content creator, Joshi of Smeg, and delve into deck-building strategies, emphasizing the importance of consistency and thematic alignment. The conversation then shifts to upcoming heroes like Nick Fury and Maria Hill, and we show off our excitement for their unique mechanics. Finally, we analyze Team-Building Exercise, comparing its two different arts and contemplating what it means to build a team. As a bonus, we each share our top 5 favorite X-Men characters. You can find Joshie of Smeg here: https://www.youtube.com/@joshieofsmeg Leethus' Thor deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45855/thor-be-strong-and-hit-stuff-1.0 Leethus Valkyrie deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45910/valkyrie-nibelung-valesti-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast 03:12 Community Engagement and Content Creator Spotlight 05:55 Recent Gameplay Experiences and Strategies 09:04 Deck Building Philosophy and Hero Exploration 12:08 Discussion on Black Panther and Upcoming Heroes 15:10 Excitement for New Characters: Nick Fury and Maria Hill 24:05 Card of the Day: Team Building Exercise 25:23 Exploring Card Art Variations 28:52 Diving into the Team Building Exercise 35:03 Top 5 X-Men Showdown 38:14 Thematic Analysis of Team Dynamics 44:39 Power Mechanics and Team Synergy 45:57 Inconsistent Card Mechanics 47:14 Thematic Elements in Team Dynamics 48:42 Hero Mechanics and Card Synergy 49:32 The Role of Resource Generators 51:16 Thematic vs Mechanical Disconnect 52:39 Final Thoughts on Team Building Exercise 01:10:44 Outro

In this episode of All Hands on Decks, Boomguy and Andy R discuss two decks from Marvel CDB, focusing on a Domino leadership deck and a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man deck. They explore the mechanics, strategies, and potential improvements for each deck, emphasizing the importance of deck themes and player experience. We also highlight the fun and complexity of deck building in Marvel CDB, while also teasing future episodes where they will build their own decks together. How come I'm the only one popping my posse up in here: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45547/how-come-i-m-the-only-one-popping-my-posse-up-in-here-1.0 Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45545/friendly-neighborhood-spider-man-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Deck Themes 04:49 Reviewing the Domino Leadership Deck 12:58 Exploring the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Deck 27:02 Conclusion and Future Deck Building Plans

In this episode of All Hands on Decks, Boomguy and Andyr delve into the world of deck building in Marvel Champions with Reddit-submitted decks. They explore the Chitinous Wasp deck, discussing its strategies and card choices, before moving on to the Ant in the Pool deck, which emphasizes resource management and Pool synergy. We also discuss the limitations of the 'Pool aspect in deck-building and the challenges it presents. Chitinous Wasp: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44949/chitinous-wasp-1.0 Ant in the Pool: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45051/ant-in-the-pool-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deck Building and Community Engagement 03:01 Exploring the Chitinous Wasp Deck 11:53 Analyzing the Ant-Man Deck 23:58 Discussion on Pool Limitations and Deck Strategies 31:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

"I'm a massive comics fan." - Rey In this episode of Winning Hand, Boomguy and Rey discuss Marvel Champions the card game, focusing on the card Lie in Wait. We talk about explore Rey's journey as a content creator and with Marvel Champions, his favorite heroes, and the thematic elements of the game that he really enjoys. The conversation delves into gameplay mechanics, recent experiences, and highlights other content creators like Charred Gambit. The hosts analyze Lie in Wait's power, fun factor, and overall effectiveness in gameplay, concluding with their final thoughts and ratings. Here is the featured content creator, The Charred Gambit: https://www.youtube.com/@thecharredgambit If you are a content creator and would like to be feature, or know another creator we should feature, please reach out: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com Here is Rey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rey_Plays_Games Here is the link to Rey's Moon Knight podcast: https://itkmoonknight.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marvel Champions Podcast 01:28 Getting to Know Rey Plays Games 03:30 Content Creation and Deck Building 07:15 Rey's Journey into Marvel Champions 10:26 Exploring Favorite Heroes and Mechanics 16:50 Preferred Aspects and Gameplay Styles 19:52 Favorite Scenarios and Player Counts 23:59 Deck Building Dynamics in Multiplayer vs Solo 25:00 Exploring Podcasting Beyond Marvel Champions 26:02 Diving into Character Discussions: Vision and Valkyrie 28:13 Content Creator Spotlight: The Chard Gambit 31:02 Recent Gameplay Experiences and Deck Strategies 38:03 Card of the Day: Lie in Wait 42:05 Artistic Interpretation of Moon Knight 45:38 Cohesion of Theme and Mechanics 49:49 Evaluating Power and Effectiveness 01:01:02 Fun Factor and Final Thoughts  

In this episode of All Hands on Deck, Boomguy and Andyr discuss the Impede card, its effectiveness, and its place in various deck archetypes. They break down two specific decks featuring Ms. Marvel, exploring their strategies and synergies. The conversation also touches on the importance of deck building for new players and the potential for collaborative gameplay videos in the future. Here is the Impede deck that started this conversation: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45086/doctor-icelove-3.0 Andy's Deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/41703/ms-marvel-thwarts-and-all-1.0 Boomguy's Deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/36600/n00b-support-system-1.0 This deck is meant to work together with this deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/36599/learning-to-crawl-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Impede 02:03 Deep Dive into Impede's Effectiveness 05:03 Deck Breakdown: Ms. Marvel Thwarts and All 07:59 Deck Breakdown: Noob Support System 10:55 Comparative Analysis of Decks 14:08 Final Thoughts and Future Plans  

In this episode of the Winning Hand, host Boomguy and co-host LazyTitan welcome Xander Tabler, the community manager for Fantasy Flight Games. They discuss Xander's role in engaging with the Marvel Champions community, his gaming background, and the future of organized play. The conversation also covers Xander's personal experiences with Marvel Champions, his favorite heroes, and the upcoming roadmap for card reveals. Listener emails provide additional insights into the community and support for the People's Podcast. Finally, the pod crew discuss the excitement surrounding new card reveals for Marvel Champions, showcasing two new cards: 'Intelligence' and 'Agents of SHIELD.' Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:19 Xander's Role at Fantasy Flight Games 06:14 Community Engagement and Feedback 09:12 Organized Play Insights 12:03 Xander's Personal Experience with Marvel Champions 18:05 Future Reveals and Roadmap for Marvel Champions 23:15 Listener Emails and Community Interaction 27:15 Choosing the Right Heroes for Easy Victories 29:56 The Importance of Leadership in Multiplayer 31:58 Recent Gameplay Experiences and Strategies 36:15 Excitement for Upcoming Card Reveals 49:19 The Importance of Response Mechanics 50:49 Evaluating Card Power and Strategy 52:45 Fun Factor of Card Mechanics 56:19 Agents of Shield: Thematic Elements 01:02:11 Power and Build Around Potential 01:06:31 Fun and Group Dynamics in Gameplay 01:12:00 Outro

In this episode, Boomguy and Andy explore the concept of Timmy decks in Marvel Champions, discussing their characteristics, strategies, and examples. They share their recent experiences with various decks, including Magneto Aggression, Hulk in Justice, and a unique Carol deck focused on allies. The conversation also covers Gamora's deck and a Vision minion control strategy, emphasizing the fun and engaging nature of Timmy decks.  If you have a deck you'd like to suggest, let us know:  winninghandodcast@gmail.com Deck 1 - Aggression: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45170/magneto-aerial-aggression-2.0 Deck 2 - Justice: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/14430/operation-hulk-and-fury-1.0 Deck 3 - Leadership: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45295/carol-goes-on-a-recruiting-spree-1.0 Deck 4 - 'Pool: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44868/gamora-the-perfect-host-1.0 Deck 5 - Protection: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/31780/minion-control-viz-3.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Timmy Decks 02:54 Defining Timmy Decks 05:54 Recent Gameplay Experiences 08:41 Exploring Magneto Aggression Deck 12:51 Hulk in Justice: A Timmy Approach 17:48 Carol Danvers: The Ally Recruiter 22:33 Energy Rechanneling and Timmy Decks 24:57 Exploring Gamora: The Perfect Host 35:15 Minion Control with Vision 48:19 Community Engagement and Deck Building

"There's no wrong way to play the game." - Boomguy In this episode of the Marvel Champions podcast, hosts Boomguy, Ryan, and Scott discuss their experiences with the game, including their favorite heroes, aspects, and scenarios. They delve into recent gameplay, deck-building strategies, and the community's perspectives on various heroes. The conversation highlights the joy of playing Marvel Champions and the unique mechanics of different characters, while also addressing the challenges and fun of building effective decks. In this episode, the hosts delve into the intricacies of the Night Nurse card from Marvel Champions, discussing its gameplay mechanics, thematic elements, and overall impact on the game. They explore strategies for utilizing the card effectively, share personal experiences, and provide ratings based on its utility and fun factor. The conversation highlights the importance of teamwork and strategy in gameplay, as well as the significance of character backgrounds and art in enhancing the gaming experience. Boomguy's Magneto deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44066/magnetough-1.0 Marvel Chumpions Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KARXuLDLFgXepYVIwWuHz Marvel Chumpions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarvelChumpions Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marvel Champions Podcast 03:12 Meet the Hosts: Ryan and Scott 06:01 Favorite Heroes and Aspects in Marvel Champions 09:08 Exploring Scenarios and Campaigns 12:15 Recent Gameplay Experiences 15:07 Deck Building Strategies and Challenges 17:57 Community Perspectives on Heroes 21:07 Conclusion and Future Expectations 32:07 Teamwork and Strategy in Gameplay 34:52 Introducing the Card of the Day 36:02 Exploring the Night Nurse's Background 38:52 Analyzing the Card Art 42:26 Thematic Elements of the Night Nurse 45:47 Power and Utility of the Night Nurse 55:26 Fun Factor of the Night Nurse 59:40 Final Thoughts and Ratings

All Hands on Decks is a series featuring Andyr that discusses community decks that we think deserve to be seen. We will discuss the decks, and categorize them into the Johnny-Timmy-Spike archetypes so that others can find decks they might enjoy, depending on the type of player they are.  Link to Spike, Johnny, and Timmy: https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/timmy-johnny-and-spike-2013-12-03 In this episode of the our mini-series, Boomguy and Andy explore two unique decks in the Marvel Champions game. The first deck, 'Drax Tank and Spank with Mantis Sidekick Healer,' focuses on utilizing Drax's strengths alongside Mantis as a sidekick healer. The second deck, 'Wasp and Ant-Man with a Great Equalizer,' aims to enhance Wasp's capabilities by leveraging Ant-Man's potential through various attachments and strategies. The hosts discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each deck, categorize them based on player archetypes, and share insights on deck building and gameplay strategies. Drank "Tank and Spank" with Mantis Sidekick Healer: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38888/drax-tank-and-spank-with-mantis-sidekick-healer-1.0 Wasp and Ant-Man with a Great Equalizer (fixed): https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44671/wasp-and-ant-man-with-a-great-equalizer-fixed-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Exploring Drax Tank and Spank Deck 09:45 Reviewing Wasp and Ant-Man Deck 25:59 Conclusion and Future Deck Suggestions

In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, hosts Boomguy and LazyTitan reflect on the year 2024 in Marvel Champions, discussing the highlights of their podcast, the impact of reprints, the rise of mutants, and the re-introduction of Alliance cards. They also delve into the villains of the year, particularly focusing on the Age of Apocalypse and the Four Horsemen scenario, providing insights into gameplay mechanics and strategies. In this episode, the hosts delve into the mechanics of hit points and villain strategies in Marvel Champions, exploring various scenarios and modular sets. They discuss their favorite hero packs, aspect cards, and ultimately reveal their favorite heroes of the year, highlighting the evolving gameplay and strategies within the game. Favorite decks of the year: 1. Blue Christmas: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44647/blue-christmas-1.0 2. Galactic Pool Cleaner: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38503/galactic-pool-cleaner-1.0 3. The Superior Iron Man: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38974/the-superior-iron-man-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast 02:11 Recap of 2024 Episodes and Highlights 06:05 Exploring the Age of Apocalypse Wave 11:24 Reprints and Their Impact on Gameplay 15:26 The Rise of Mutants in Marvel Champions 19:22 Exploring the Marvel Cinematic Universe 21:10 The Rise of Mutants in Marvel 23:48 Alliance Cards: A New Gameplay Mechanic 32:53 Villains of the Marvel Universe: The Age of Apocalypse 38:21 Hit Points and Villain Mechanics 41:12 Exploring Apocalypse and Dark Beast Scenarios 46:16 Modular Sets and Encounter Cards 49:13 Favorite Villains and Encounter Sets 56:21 Favorite Aspect Cards and Heroes 01:00:52 Exploring New Archetypes and Strategies 01:02:10 Best Basic Cards of the Year 01:05:12 Justice Aspect Highlights 01:07:24 Leadership Cards and Their Impact 01:11:03 Protection Aspect Innovations 01:19:53 Favorite Heroes of the Year 01:26:50 Signoff

All Hands on Decks is a series featuring Andyr that discusses community decks that we think deserve to be seen. We will discuss the decks, and categorize them into the Johnny-Timmy-Spike archetypes so that others can find decks they might enjoy, depending on the type of player they are.  Link to Spike, Johnny, and Timmy: https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/timmy-johnny-and-spike-2013-12-03 In this episode of All Hands on Decks, Boomguy and Andyr explore community decks centered around the leadership ally Beta Ray Bill. They discuss various deck-building strategies, player archetypes, and analyze specific decks, including one from The Masked Hero and another featuring Valkyrie. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the creativity of deck builders, encouraging listeners to share their own decks and thoughts. Going Down Swinging: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44216/going-down-swinging-1.0 Valkyrie's Black Knight: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/42221/valkyrie-s-black-knight-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the series 03:07 Deck Building Themes and Player Archetypes 09:46 Exploring the Beta Ray Bill Deck 16:40 Valkyrie Deck Analysis 28:53 Community Engagement and Closing Thoughts    

In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, Boomguy, LazyTitan, and Leethus celebrate the holiday season by sharing their wishes for Marvel Champions, discussing their recent gaming experiences, and spotlighting community creators. They discuss the card of the day, 'Welcome Aboard', analyzing its art and thematic relevance while reflecting on character interpretations within the game. The conversation emphasizes community engagement and the joy of gaming during the holidays. In this conversation, the pod goes into the thematic elements and character dynamics of the Guardians of the Galaxy, discussing their downtime alter egos and the overall vibe of the characters. They explore the differences between the Guardians and Avengers, particularly in terms of teamwork and character motivations.  Here is the content creator we spotlighted: https://www.youtube.com/@MarvelChampionsHQ/featured Here is The Brandt's Agents of SHIELD release event: https://ti.to/the-portal/agents-of-shield-release-weekend The last giveaway of 2024 is still going through the end of December: https://forms.gle/gBQ9ZcKEbUpH7zQ37 We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421 Chapters 00:00 Holiday Greetings and Wishes 02:43 Marvel Champions Wishlist 05:42 Creator Spotlight and Community Engagement 08:38 Recent Gameplay Experiences 11:51 Deck Building Insights and Strategies 23:02 Excitement for Blue Thor Decks 23:40 Christmas 2024 Giveaway Announcement 25:04 Card of the Day Introduction 25:32 Welcome Aboard Card Overview 28:31 Art Analysis of Welcome Aboard 37:29 Thematic Discussion on Guardians of the Galaxy 40:32 Power and Utility of Welcome Aboard 44:22 Understanding Guardian Leadership Mechanics 47:39 Thematic Elements of Guardian Cards 52:19 Debating Card Limitations and Mechanics 55:06 Evaluating Card Fun and Utility 01:01:39 Final Thoughts on Card Effectiveness 01:09:29 Logo.mp3

In this episode of the Winning Hand podcast, hosts Leethus, Boomguy, and LazyTitan discuss the card of the day, Throg, a unique aggression ally from Marvel Champions. They delve into the mechanics, gameplay experiences, and thematic elements of Throg, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses. The conversation also includes a giveaway announcement, a creator spotlight, and a segment where Boomguy attempts to learn about Throg's comic background: "Boomguy Doesn't Read Comics". The hosts share their recent gameplay experiences and provide a thorough review of Throg, ultimately giving him high ratings for his versatility and fun factor in gameplay. Link to the giveaway: https://forms.gle/8i1iasRgSgkFdhvS9 We are choosing two winners every Monday in December, so get entered to win the cards! (We will send them anywhere in the world.) Link to the video on the cards we are giving away: https://youtu.be/_FHGytieRPw?si=zks_CrQyDuNJ2e8d Creator Spotlight: https://www.youtube.com/@solomarvelchampion We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421 Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast 02:07 Community Engagement and YouTube Content 06:09 Giveaway Announcement and Participation 07:57 Creator Spotlight: Solo Marvel Champion 10:23 Boom Guy Doesn't Read Comics: Throg 18:10 Throg in the MCU 18:43 Comic Canon and Character Status 20:06 Recent Gameplay Experiences 24:25 Reflections on the Latest Hero Wave 29:01 Exploring the Newest Mutant Heroes 33:20 Throg: The Frog Thor Card Review 41:11 The Power of Throg 43:35 The Value of Tough Cards 48:11 Throg's Versatility in Decks 53:26 Final Thoughts on Throg

In this special bonus episode, Boomguy and LazyTitan are joined by KennedyHawk and Hone to discuss the 2025 Con of Heroes, a gathering for fans of Marvel Champions. We discuss the evolution of the convention from its inception in 2022, highlighting themes, events, and community engagement. They share insights into past cons, the excitement surrounding the upcoming 2024 con, and the importance of community connections. The discussion emphasizes the cooperative nature of the game and the welcoming atmosphere of the con, encouraging listeners to attend and participate in the gaming community. Dates: May 2-4, 2025 Location: Gamezenter (Roseville, MN) Link to the con website: https://conofheroes.com/ Hotel info:  DoubleTree Roseville - 2540 N Cleveland Cr., Roseville, MN 55113 Link to hotel block reservation rate is here.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Con of Heroes 06:08 Highlights from the 2023 Con 24:21 Game Design Insights and Challenges 30:40 Innovative Legacy Mod Set Discussion 36:09 Con Attendance Growth and Community Engagement 45:14 Community Connections and Final Thoughts 53:07 Logo.mp3

Welcome back to the People's Podcast! Creator Spotlight: Marvel Chumpions Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarvelChumpions Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KARXuLDLFgXepYVIwWuHz Link for the giveaway: https://forms.gle/8i1iasRgSgkFdhvS9 In this Thanksgiving episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, hosts LazyTitan, Boomguy, and Leethus discuss their gratitude for Marvel Champions, highlight community creators, and introduce a new YouTube series. They also delve into the card of the day, 'Spycraft', exploring its mechanics and thematic elements. In this conversation, the participants delve into the mechanics of other spy-themed cards in the game, particularly focusing on the preparation cards associated with characters like Black Widow. They discuss the strategic implications of these cards, their thematic relevance, and how they influence gameplay dynamics. The conversation highlights the balance between fun and strategy, emphasizing the importance of card effects and player choices in cooperative gaming. In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the mechanics and effectiveness of various cards in the game, particularly focusing on the Black Widow character and her unique abilities. They explore the themes of game mechanics, the fun factor of gameplay, and the strategic implications of card choices. The conversation culminates in a rating segment where each host shares their thoughts on the card 'Spycraft', highlighting its strengths and weaknesses in gameplay. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand Podcast 01:05 Thanksgiving Episode and Community Engagement 04:30 Spotlight on Marvel Champions Creators 07:19 New Projects and YouTube Series 10:02 Thankfulness in Marvel Champions 16:14 Card of the Day: Spycraft 24:19 Exploring Spy Mechanics in Gameplay 27:42 The Power of Preparation Cards 32:41 Thematic Elements of Spycraft 36:49 Balancing Fun and Strategy in Card Play 39:35 The Nature of Game Mechanics 41:59 Debating Card Effectiveness 45:00 Fun vs. Strategy in Gameplay 48:57 Final Thoughts and Ratings

"This is a fun card." - VillainTheory In this episode of Winning Hand, Boomguy and Villain Theory discuss their experiences with various Marvel Champions heroes, including Fantomex, Nightcrawler, and Iceman. They delve into the mechanics and design of these characters, sharing their thoughts on what works and what doesn't. The conversation also touches on the challenges of card design, particularly for characters like Rogue and Valkyrie, and the evolution of multi-villain scenarios in the game. The episode culminates in a detailed discussion of the new card 'Come Get Me, Bub,' highlighting its thematic elements and artwork. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of card design in Marvel Champions. They discuss its thematic consistency, mechanics involving minions, and how it synergizes with various characters, particularly in the protection aspect. The conversation also touches on the challenges of using certain characters like Valkyrie and evaluates the overall fun factor and gameplay experience provided by the card. The hosts conclude with their final thoughts and ratings, expressing high praise for the card's design and utility in gameplay. Here is a link to VT's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VillainTheory We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421 Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

"Hulk is one of our top selling heroes." - Caleb Grace In this episode of the People's Podcast, Boomguy and Leethus sit down with Caleb Grace, the senior card game designer at Fantasy Flight Games, to discuss his journey in game design, his favorite heroes in Marvel Champions, and the intricacies of character design. Caleb shares insights into the development of the game, the importance of player experience, and how his background in education influenced his approach to game mechanics. The conversation also touches on the transition from designing for Lord of the Rings to Marvel Champions, highlighting the thematic elements that make each character unique. In this segment of the conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of game design for Marvel Champions, focusing on the development of protection-focused heroes, the importance of community feedback, and the challenges of understanding player preferences. They reflect on the evolution of the game's release model, the design of iconic characters like Hulk, and the overall success of the game over its first five years. In this conversation, Caleb discusses the evolution of game design, particularly focusing on the Marvel tabletop game and the challenges faced in character development and licensing. He reflects on the success of the game over the past five years, the excitement surrounding new characters, and the importance of community feedback. The discussion also delves into the design process for Magneto as a capstone character in the X-Men wave, and Caleb shares insights on the future of the game and the potential for more characters to be introduced. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Caleb Grace and Marvel Champions 03:01 Caleb's Journey in Game Design 05:55 Favorite Heroes and Player Counts 09:06 Designing Encounters and Mod Sets 12:04 Transitioning from Lord of the Rings to Marvel Champions 15:05 Character Design Insights 18:08 Thematic Elements in Game Design 20:52 Favorite Characters and Their Mechanics 25:48 Exploring Protection-Focused Heroes 30:06 Community Feedback and Game Design 34:46 The Challenge of Understanding Player Preferences 38:40 The Evolution of the Release Model 42:07 Reflecting on the Hulk's Design 50:40 Five Years of Marvel Champions: A Reflection 54:34 The Evolution of Game Design and Character Development 57:27 Success in Game Development: Reflections and Future Plans 01:00:01 The Challenges of Licensing and Character Inclusion 01:01:01 Passion Projects: Designing Heroes and Community Feedback 01:08:36 Magneto: The Capstone of the X-Men Wave 01:12:30 Reflections on the Mutant Wave and Future Aspirations  

"We have people in Singapore that listen." - Boomguy We are celebrating our 50th episode, and welcoming back one of the founding fathers of the podcast, Kaeko! He joins us to talk about the king of Player Side Schemes, Build Support. "I'm excited to be back!" - Kaeko In this milestone episode 50 of the Winning Hand podcast, Boomguy, Lazy Titan, Leethus, and returning guest Kaeko discuss the evolution of the podcast, Kaeko's life updates since leaving, and the latest speculations surrounding new Marvel Champions heroes, particularly focusing on Silk. The episode also highlights listener engagement through reviews and suggestions for improving the podcast experience. In this episode, the hosts engage with listener feedback, reflecting on the global reach of their podcast and the diverse audience they have attracted. They introduce the card of the day, 'Build Support,' and delve into the mechanics of player side schemes, discussing their impact on gameplay. The conversation highlights the thematic elements of the card and evaluates its power within the game, emphasizing its significance in various deck strategies. In this episode, the hosts delve into the dynamics of deck building in Marvel Champions, focusing on the impact of support cards and the strength of basic cards. They discuss the fun factor of the Build Support card, its thematic relevance, and how it influences gameplay decisions. The conversation culminates in final thoughts and ratings on the Build Support card, highlighting its utility and appeal to different player styles. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Episode 50 01:39 Keiko's Return and Life Updates 04:15 Speculation on New Heroes 11:07 Deep Dive into Silk 18:07 Listener Reviews and Community Engagement 21:48 Engaging with Listener Feedback 23:41 Global Reach of the Podcast 26:56 Introduction to Card of the Day 27:26 Understanding Player Side Schemes 30:44 Impact of Build Support Card 34:34 Deep Dive into Build Support Mechanics 40:55 Thematic Analysis of Build Support 42:57 Evaluating the Power of Build Support 44:41 Deck Building Dynamics 47:49 The Role of Support Cards 50:52 Basic Cards and Their Strength 54:34 Fun Factor of Build Support 01:01:28 Final Thoughts on Build Support

"This is a good card and wins." - LazyTitan In this episode of the People's Podcast, the hosts discuss the new Marvel Champions card, Kid Omega, provided by Fantasy Flight Games. They explore the card's abilities, speculate on the character's backstory, analyze the artwork, and discuss the thematic elements and power of the card. The conversation is filled with humor and insights into the Marvel universe, making it an engaging listen for fans of the game and comics alike. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the card Kid Omega from Marvel Champions, discussing its abilities, potential strategies, and overall impact on gameplay. They explore the card's strengths, weaknesses, and how it fits into leadership decks, particularly within the X-Men trait. The discussion also touches on the fun factor of playing with Kid Omega and concludes with the hosts sharing their final thoughts and ratings on the card. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the People's Podcast 01:08 Unveiling Kid Omega: The New Card 02:46 Speculating on Kid Omega's Backstory 05:47 Analyzing the Art of Kid Omega 11:40 Thematic Elements of Kid Omega 13:32 Power and Synergy of Kid Omega 14:58 Exploring Kid Omega's Abilities 19:24 The Fun Factor of Kid Omega 24:09 Final Thoughts and Ratings

"This is the People's Podcast." - Boomguy In this episode of the People's Podcast, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Magneto's hero card and the newly revealed Magnetic Bubble card. They discuss the mechanics, thematic elements, and artistic representation of the cards, while also engaging in light-hearted banter about the character's history and powers. The conversation highlights the strategic implications of the cards in gameplay and the excitement surrounding their release. In this episode, the hosts delve into the mechanics and thematic elements of Magneto's powers in a card game context. They discuss the implications of the retaliate mechanic, the thematic representation of Magneto's abilities, and evaluate the power and fun factor of the Magnetic Bubble card. The conversation highlights the strategic depth of gameplay and the potential for unique deck builds centered around Magneto's unique character and signature cards. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the People's Podcast 01:00 Exploring Magneto's Hero Card 06:49 Unveiling the Magnetic Bubble Card 09:57 Art and Theme of the Magnetic Bubble 13:50 Discussion on Card Mechanics and Strategy 14:51 Understanding Retaliate Mechanics 19:43 Thematic Exploration of Magneto's Powers 25:38 Evaluating the Power of Magnetic Bubble 30:11 Final Thoughts and Ratings

"There is nothing scarier than putting Christmas decorations up before Halloween." - Leethus In this episode, the hosts discuss the transition to video format for their podcast, the replayability of Marvel Champions as ranked on Board Game Geek, and engage with fan emails about potential expansions, particularly focusing on the Maximum Carnage storyline. They explore the characters involved in this storyline and share their thoughts on the game's mechanics and replayability. The hosts engage with fan mail, discuss Halloween themes, and explore custom content within the Marvel Champions community. The conversation shifts to spooky scenarios and thematic encounter sets, culminating in a detailed discussion about the card of the day, Scare Tactic, from the Venom Hero Pack. In this conversation, the participants delve into the art and thematic elements of the card 'Scare Tactic' from Marvel Champions, exploring how the art influences their understanding of the card's mechanics and thematic implications. The discussion transitions into a critical analysis of the card's effectiveness in gameplay, particularly in relation to its timing of release and the evolving strategies within the game.  Here is the MC custom discord information about the Halloween special content: https://discord.com/channels/641317998442971146/1286157532850688053 Here is VillainTheory's Halloween special from 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuvSRUSh144 We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent announcement of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. campaign for Marvel Champions, exploring the implications of the new characters and mechanics introduced. They delve into the silhouettes of potential new heroes, engaging in speculation about their identities and roles within the game. The conversation also highlights listener reviews, emphasizing community engagement and the hosts' excitement for the game. In this episode, the hosts delve into the character of Nightcrawler from the X-Men universe, discussing his powers, backstory, and thematic elements in gameplay. They explore how Nightcrawler's unique abilities, such as teleportation and his blue appearance, translate into the mechanics of the Marvel Champions card game. The conversation also touches on the fun factor and overall power of Nightcrawler as a playable character, culminating in a rating discussion where the hosts express their enjoyment and thoughts on his design and gameplay. In case you somehow haven't read the preview article for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2024/9/26/agents-of-shield/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics 07:32 Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Announcement 11:45 Campaign Mechanics and Thematic Elements 18:28 Silhouette Speculation and Character Predictions 28:41 Listener Reviews and Community Engagement 31:16 Exploring Nightcrawler's Powers and Backstory 34:51 Thematic Elements of Nightcrawler in Gameplay 44:32 Assessing Nightcrawler's Power and Fun Factor 01:02:19 Final Thoughts and Ratings on Nightcrawler We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode we go are over the moon to talk about Moon Girl, the basic ally card. Is the card good? Maybe. Is Moon Girl a fun character? Almost certainly.  We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

This time, Boomguy welcomes Andyr to the show to discuss a newer card in the card pool. People say Boomguy doesn't like new cards, so Take That! Join us as we discuss Valkyrie, what it's like to be a celebrity, and Andyr's new realization that social media exists.  Here is Andyr's deck for the episode: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/748440 We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this special bonus episode, we welcome Tony Fanchi, one of the principal designers of Marvel Champions LCG, to the show! Big thanks to Tony for taking the time to speak with us.  We also have a spoiler card for the upcoming Nightcrawler hero pack, so stay tuned to the end of the podcast (41:00) to listen to us discuss the new card.  You can see all of Nightcrawler's spoiled cards (including Kurt's Chapel) here: https://hallofheroeslcg.com/nightcrawler-kurt-wagner/ We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or whatever podcast platform you listen to us on. It really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421 Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode, Boomguy welcomes ScarletRhodey onto the show to discuss the aggression ally, Wasp! We talk lore, size-changing family trees, and what makes Wasp such an endearing character. But will Boomguy fall for it? And will he end up enjoying aggression, or stay true to protection? Find out in the episode! Here is ScarletRhodey's deck for the episode that focuses on Wasp: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/725852?deck_name=All%20about%20Janet We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / ScarletRhodey Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode we return home to the comforts of the classic core set card, Avengers Mansion. But things look a little different since the Age of Apocalypse. It feels different too. Does the card hold up? Apologies to everyone for some slight audio issues we had while recording!  We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421 Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this special bonus episode, we welcome MJ Newman, formerly of Fantasy Flight Games, who helped to design and play test a number of products within Marvel Champions. We hope you enjoy this bonus episode where we discuss the designs she provided to the game, some designs that didn't see the light of day, her love of Arkham Horror, and what she is up to now that she is no longer with FFG! You can find Maxine at her website here: https://www.bewaretheblackcat.com/ She also has a book that you can purchase here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178184630-the-key-and-the-crescent She also has an X (Twitter) account here: https://x.com/NatsunoYoru We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421 Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

Boomguy welcomes back Astrodar and Josseroo to discuss this early-wave justice staple. But is it still good? Is it worth its weight in gold, and how much does it actually weigh? We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode, Boomguy welcomes Bendrix on the episode to discuss a really unique card from Phoenix's identify specific cards. What do we think? Find out in the episode! Here is an awesome deck to showcase the card by an excellent deckbuilder: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/35074/phoenix-is-a-beast-master-1.0 We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421 Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode we order a long espresso and welcome Amerikano to the show! Longtime co-host of the Marvel Champions Monthly podcast, Amerikano stepped away last year to refocus on other things. We discuss which Spider-Man suit is the best, why protection is the best aspect, and await more hot takes from Leethus! Here is the Con of Heroes print and play content we mentioned in the episode: https://conofheroes.com/print-and-play/ Here is Boomguy's weird Otto Octavius Iron Man deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38974/the-superior-iron-man-1.0 We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode we discuss Vivian, who is a very versatile and powerful ally. Is she the best? Maybe. Is she fun? Maybe. Do most Vision players single her out as Vision's best card? Very likely.  Join Boomguy, Leethus, and LazyTitan as we wrap up our month-long series on Vision and his kit!  Here is the legendary Tonee Tales' classic Vivian deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/16008/command-the-rebooting-vivian-1.0 We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference! Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com IG: @winninghandpodcast  Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421 Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast