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Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of deck building in Magic: The Gathering, particularly focusing on the constraints that players face in different formats. They explore how limitations can enhance creativity in brewing decks, the importance of understanding the pillars of a format, and how project management principles can be applied to deck building strategies. The discussion culminates in a community engagement segment where they invite listeners to share their thoughts on the triple constraints of deck building.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of deck building in Magic: The Gathering, particularly focusing on the constraints that players face in different formats. They explore how limitations can enhance creativity in brewing decks, the importance of understanding the pillars of a format, and how project management principles can be applied to deck building strategies. The discussion culminates in a community engagement segment where they invite listeners to share their thoughts on the triple constraints of deck building.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the new Premiere format, which serves as an alternative to Legacy. They explore the design philosophy behind card legality, the impact of power creep, and the importance of community engagement in ensuring the success of new formats. The discussion also delves into specific cards that will not be legal in Premiere, evaluating their impact on gameplay and the overall balance of the game. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the evolving landscape of Magic: The Gathering, particularly focusing on the implications of new card exclusions in the Premier format. They explore various themes such as the potential resurgence of certain decks, the impact of specific mechanics like Delve and Cascade, and the overall power level and design philosophy of the game. The discussion also touches on the frustrations with 'gotcha' mechanics and the future viability of decks like Dredge without key cards. The hosts reflect on the importance of card design and the balance needed in competitive play, ultimately leading to a thoughtful examination of what the future holds for the game.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the new Premiere format, which serves as an alternative to Legacy. They explore the design philosophy behind card legality, the impact of power creep, and the importance of community engagement in ensuring the success of new formats. The discussion also delves into specific cards that will not be legal in Premiere, evaluating their impact on gameplay and the overall balance of the game. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the evolving landscape of Magic: The Gathering, particularly focusing on the implications of new card exclusions in the Premier format. They explore various themes such as the potential resurgence of certain decks, the impact of specific mechanics like Delve and Cascade, and the overall power level and design philosophy of the game. The discussion also touches on the frustrations with 'gotcha' mechanics and the future viability of decks like Dredge without key cards. The hosts reflect on the importance of card design and the balance needed in competitive play, ultimately leading to a thoughtful examination of what the future holds for the game.
Zac Clark and IamActuallyLvL1 AKA Justin Gennari discuss the recent Steel City Vintage tournament, focusing on deck strategies, the current meta, and the upcoming Eternal Weekend. They explore the diversity of decks in the Vintage format, including the dominance of the Lurrus Frog deck and the role of Dredge and Bazaar decks. The discussion also highlights innovative strategies and rogue decks that could emerge in future tournaments, as well as personal experiences and favorite spells in Vintage.
Zac Clark and IamActuallyLvL1 AKA Justin Gennari discuss the recent Steel City Vintage tournament, focusing on deck strategies, the current meta, and the upcoming Eternal Weekend. They explore the diversity of decks in the Vintage format, including the dominance of the Lurrus Frog deck and the role of Dredge and Bazaar decks. The discussion also highlights innovative strategies and rogue decks that could emerge in future tournaments, as well as personal experiences and favorite spells in Vintage.
In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of brewing in the Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the foundational concepts of 'walls' and 'pillars' that define the boundaries of deck building, the impact of new cards from Edge of Eternities, and the evolving metagame. The duo emphasizes the importance of instant speed removal and the strategic implications of Thoughtseize in deck construction. They also explore the significance of having backup plans in deck strategies, particularly in the context of the current competitive landscape.
In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of brewing in the Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the foundational concepts of 'walls' and 'pillars' that define the boundaries of deck building, the impact of new cards from Edge of Eternities, and the evolving metagame. The duo emphasizes the importance of instant speed removal and the strategic implications of Thoughtseize in deck construction. They also explore the significance of having backup plans in deck strategies, particularly in the context of the current competitive landscape.
Zac Clark provides an in-depth breakdown of his Enchantress deck used in a recent tournament. He discusses the unique aspects of the deck, its strategy, key cards, and interactions, as well as insights gained from playing against various opponents. Zac emphasizes the importance of understanding the meta, resource management, and adapting strategies based on the opponent's deck. He shares his experiences and lessons learned throughout the tournament, highlighting the deck's strengths and potential adjustments for future play.
Zac Clark provides an in-depth breakdown of his Enchantress deck used in a recent tournament. He discusses the unique aspects of the deck, its strategy, key cards, and interactions, as well as insights gained from playing against various opponents. Zac emphasizes the importance of understanding the meta, resource management, and adapting strategies based on the opponent's deck. He shares his experiences and lessons learned throughout the tournament, highlighting the deck's strengths and potential adjustments for future play.
Zac Clark and Adam delve into the concept of the Power 9 in the context of PreModern Magic: The Gathering. They explore the criteria for defining these iconic cards, discussing their power levels, utility, and the impact they have on gameplay. The discussion covers various categories of cards, including mana acceleration, tempo, and card advantage, while also considering the importance of enablers in the format. The conversation culminates in a proposed Power 12, highlighting the significance of each card in shaping the PreModern landscape.
Zac Clark and Adam delve into the concept of the Power 9 in the context of PreModern Magic: The Gathering. They explore the criteria for defining these iconic cards, discussing their power levels, utility, and the impact they have on gameplay. The discussion covers various categories of cards, including mana acceleration, tempo, and card advantage, while also considering the importance of enablers in the format. The conversation culminates in a proposed Power 12, highlighting the significance of each card in shaping the PreModern landscape.
Zac Clark interviews Jonathan Domanus, the founder of CardMill, a new device designed to help collectible card game players efficiently sort and manage their card collections. Jonathan shares his journey from being a player to creating a solution for the challenges faced by collectors, including the high costs of existing machines and the need for a user-friendly tool. The discussion covers the features of CardMill, its pricing, the games it supports, and the potential impact on the community. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of engaging with users and the excitement surrounding the Kickstarter campaign, which was fully funded in just 24 minutes. The conversation concludes with a look at the future of Cardmill's card sorting technology and its benefits from casual players to vendors at conventions.Cardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdles
Zac Clark delves into the world of Pre-Modern Magic, sharing insights from his 9-10 years of experience with the format. He discusses the evolution of various deck archetypes, including control decks, Psychotog, Ponza Oath, and Landstill, while also exploring the decline of certain strategies like Tricks and Survival decks. The conversation highlights current trends in the format, such as Goblins and Elves, and emphasizes the importance of brewing strategies in a diverse and slower-paced environment.
Zac Clark delves into the world of Pre-Modern Magic, sharing insights from his 9-10 years of experience with the format. He discusses the evolution of various deck archetypes, including control decks, Psychotog, Ponza Oath, and Landstill, while also exploring the decline of certain strategies like Tricks and Survival decks. The conversation highlights current trends in the format, such as Goblins and Elves, and emphasizes the importance of brewing strategies in a diverse and slower-paced environment.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the new Magic: The Gathering set, Edge of Eternity, discussing various cards and their potential impact on the Legacy format. They analyze standout cards, including Emergency Eject, Light Stall Inquisitor, Consult the Star Charts, and Tesseract Cool Captain, while also considering their roles in different deck strategies. The discussion highlights the importance of card synergy, the influence of existing meta constraints, and the excitement surrounding new mechanics and card interactions.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the new Magic: The Gathering set, Edge of Eternity, discussing various cards and their potential impact on the Legacy format. They analyze standout cards, including Emergency Eject, Light Stall Inquisitor, Consult the Star Charts, and Tesseract Cool Captain, while also considering their roles in different deck strategies. The discussion highlights the importance of card synergy, the influence of existing meta constraints, and the excitement surrounding new mechanics and card interactions.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of substance use, addiction, and suicide. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available below. Zac Clark’s story is not just one of survival — it’s one of transformation, honesty, and hope. From battling a brain tumor that led to addiction, to becoming a drug addict, and now the founder of Release Recovery, Zac shares his raw, powerful journey through addiction, rehab, and rediscovering his purpose. In this episode, Zac opens up about the moment that brought him to his knees, the bank teller who changed his life, and what sobriety truly means to him. We talk about the realities of addiction, the stigma around drug use, and the power of community in healing. It’s one of the most human conversations we’ve had on the show — and one that might just change the way you think about recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please seek help. Contact a local support service or the SAMHSA hotline (1-800-662-HELP in the U.S.).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zac Clark and Robert Wilson discuss the relaunch of the classic card game Overpower, exploring its mechanics, character abilities, and the unique use of public domain literary characters. They delve into the game's strategic depth, balancing gameplay, and the visual appeal of the cards. The discussion also covers the various formats available for play, resources for new players, and the future of Overpower within the collectible card game community.
Zac Clark and Robert Wilson discuss the relaunch of the classic card game Overpower, exploring its mechanics, character abilities, and the unique use of public domain literary characters. They delve into the game's strategic depth, balancing gameplay, and the visual appeal of the cards. The discussion also covers the various formats available for play, resources for new players, and the future of Overpower within the collectible card game community.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the current state of Pre-Modern Magic, focusing on the importance of sideboard cards, particularly red blasts, and their impact on gameplay. They explore the significance of graveyard hate, artifact and enchantment removal, and creature wipes in the format. The discussion also touches on the community aspect of Pre-Modern and the potential for a new format that could engage players disenchanted with Legacy.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the current state of Pre-Modern Magic, focusing on the importance of sideboard cards, particularly red blasts, and their impact on gameplay. They explore the significance of graveyard hate, artifact and enchantment removal, and creature wipes in the format. The discussion also touches on the community aspect of Pre-Modern and the potential for a new format that could engage players disenchanted with Legacy.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the current state of the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering, emphasizing the importance of Eternal Weekend as a driving force for player engagement. They explore the nostalgia and community aspects of formats like Premodern, the impact of power creep on gameplay, and the potential for a new format called 'Premiere' that could revitalize interest in Legacy. The discussion highlights the need for a governing body, the significance of community-driven formats, and the challenges of engaging players in a changing landscape of collectible card games.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the current state of the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering, emphasizing the importance of Eternal Weekend as a driving force for player engagement. They explore the nostalgia and community aspects of formats like Premodern, the impact of power creep on gameplay, and the potential for a new format called 'Premiere' that could revitalize interest in Legacy. The discussion highlights the need for a governing body, the significance of community-driven formats, and the challenges of engaging players in a changing landscape of collectible card games.
Zac Clark, Phil Blechman, and Matt Chow delve into the recent changes in the Banned and Restricted (BNR) list for Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the implications for the Legacy format. They discuss the challenges of obtaining reliable tournament data, the performance of various deck archetypes, and the contrasting experiences of playing in paper versus online. The discussion highlights the importance of community insights and the need for greater transparency from Wizards of the Coast regarding format health and data sharing.
Zac Clark, Phil Blechman, and Matt Chow delve into the recent changes in the Banned and Restricted (BNR) list for Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the implications for the Legacy format. They discuss the challenges of obtaining reliable tournament data, the performance of various deck archetypes, and the contrasting experiences of playing in paper versus online. The discussion highlights the importance of community insights and the need for greater transparency from Wizards of the Coast regarding format health and data sharing.
Zac Clark and Max Gilmore discuss the recent ban and restricted list announcement for the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering. They explore the emotional reactions from the community, the balance between player sentiment and data-driven decisions, and the impact of popular decks on player experience. The discussion delves into the psychological effects of losing to certain decks, the current metagame, and the future of Legacy as a format. Both speakers emphasize the importance of community engagement and innovation in deck building.
Zac Clark and Max Gilmore discuss the recent ban and restricted list announcement for the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering. They explore the emotional reactions from the community, the balance between player sentiment and data-driven decisions, and the impact of popular decks on player experience. The discussion delves into the psychological effects of losing to certain decks, the current metagame, and the future of Legacy as a format. Both speakers emphasize the importance of community engagement and innovation in deck building.
Zac Clark is the Founder and Executive Director, The HomeMore Project - a 501c(3) nonprofit serving California's 180,000 homeless community. He is launching a scalable transitional housing model using tiny homes. He is the Recipient of the Student Leadership and the Dean's Service Awards at University of San Francisco. He is an alum of UCLA.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the new Final Fantasy standard set, discussing various cards, their mechanics, and their potential impact on gameplay. They express disappointment in the lack of certain lore elements and analyze specific cards like Absolute Virtue, Cecil Dark Knight, and others, weighing their strengths and weaknesses in the current meta. The discussion highlights the blend of lore and gameplay in the Final Fantasy universe, as well as the implications of new cards on competitive play. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on new cards and their implications in gameplay. They explore the mechanics of specific artifacts, evaluate their potential in different formats, and discuss the impact of new lands. The conversation also touches on the evolving design philosophy of Magic, particularly the tension between standard and commander formats.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the new Final Fantasy standard set, discussing various cards, their mechanics, and their potential impact on gameplay. They express disappointment in the lack of certain lore elements and analyze specific cards like Absolute Virtue, Cecil Dark Knight, and others, weighing their strengths and weaknesses in the current meta. The discussion highlights the blend of lore and gameplay in the Final Fantasy universe, as well as the implications of new cards on competitive play. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on new cards and their implications in gameplay. They explore the mechanics of specific artifacts, evaluate their potential in different formats, and discuss the impact of new lands. The conversation also touches on the evolving design philosophy of Magic, particularly the tension between standard and commander formats.
Zac Clark discusses the top 10 power outliers in the pre-modern format of Magic the Gathering. They explore various cards that have significant impacts on gameplay, including their versatility, strategic advantages, and the unique roles they play in different deck archetypes. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these cards for both brewing new decks and piloting existing ones, while also engaging the community for their thoughts and favorite cards.
Zac Clark discusses the top 10 power outliers in the pre-modern format of Magic the Gathering. They explore various cards that have significant impacts on gameplay, including their versatility, strategic advantages, and the unique roles they play in different deck archetypes. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these cards for both brewing new decks and piloting existing ones, while also engaging the community for their thoughts and favorite cards.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the upcoming Eternal Weekend events, the excitement surrounding early announcements, and the unique experience of celebrating Thanksgiving in Italy. They delve into the significance of community art in Magic: The Gathering, share their expectations for vendors at the events, and highlight the growing pre-modern community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of planning and the anticipation of new set releases that could impact gameplay.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the upcoming Eternal Weekend events, the excitement surrounding early announcements, and the unique experience of celebrating Thanksgiving in Italy. They delve into the significance of community art in Magic: The Gathering, share their expectations for vendors at the events, and highlight the growing pre-modern community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of planning and the anticipation of new set releases that could impact gameplay.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil reflect on their experiences in the Magic: The Gathering community, particularly focusing on the Legacy format. They discuss the importance of investing in dual lands, building a supportive community, prioritizing attendance at major events like Eternal Weekend, and making informed financial decisions regarding card collecting. The dialogue emphasizes the lessons learned over the years and the value of experiences in the gaming world.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil reflect on their experiences in the Magic: The Gathering community, particularly focusing on the Legacy format. They discuss the importance of investing in dual lands, building a supportive community, prioritizing attendance at major events like Eternal Weekend, and making informed financial decisions regarding card collecting. The dialogue emphasizes the lessons learned over the years and the value of experiences in the gaming world.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the dynamics of the Pillars of the pre-modern Magic: The Gathering format. They discuss its power, flexibility, and the strategies surrounding its use in various decks. The conversation also touches on historical context, alternative powerful cards, and innovative deck strategies involving Energy Field.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the dynamics of the Pillars of the pre-modern Magic: The Gathering format. They discuss its power, flexibility, and the strategies surrounding its use in various decks. The conversation also touches on historical context, alternative powerful cards, and innovative deck strategies involving Energy Field.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the importance of adapting to changes in the Legacy format of Magic the Gathering. They explore the concept of complaints in the gaming community, emphasizing that adaptation is key to addressing issues. The discussion introduces the 'butter and guns' analogy, which highlights the balance between resource accumulation and offensive strategies in gameplay. They also delve into the role of ban lists in maintaining game balance and the impact of power creep on player experiences.
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss the importance of adapting to changes in the Legacy format of Magic the Gathering. They explore the concept of complaints in the gaming community, emphasizing that adaptation is key to addressing issues. The discussion introduces the 'butter and guns' analogy, which highlights the balance between resource accumulation and offensive strategies in gameplay. They also delve into the role of ban lists in maintaining game balance and the impact of power creep on player experiences.
Zac and Phil explore the concepts of brewing and innovating within the context of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the differences between creating entirely new strategies (brewing) and making incremental updates to existing decks (innovating). Through personal anecdotes and historical examples, they illustrate how players can find niches in the metagame and adapt their strategies accordingly. The conversation also touches on the evolution of deck strategies in Standard formats and the impact of card game design on gameplay. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the evolution of game mechanics in card games, particularly focusing on Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the impact of power creep on gameplay, the fluctuating value of cards over time, and the nuances of deck building and brewing strategies. The dialogue highlights the importance of innovation in competitive play and the challenges of identifying and exploiting weaknesses in the metagame.
Zac and Phil explore the concepts of brewing and innovating within the context of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the differences between creating entirely new strategies (brewing) and making incremental updates to existing decks (innovating). Through personal anecdotes and historical examples, they illustrate how players can find niches in the metagame and adapt their strategies accordingly. The conversation also touches on the evolution of deck strategies in Standard formats and the impact of card game design on gameplay. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the evolution of game mechanics in card games, particularly focusing on Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the impact of power creep on gameplay, the fluctuating value of cards over time, and the nuances of deck building and brewing strategies. The dialogue highlights the importance of innovation in competitive play and the challenges of identifying and exploiting weaknesses in the metagame.
In this episode, Zac Clark shares his experiences from a recent Magic: The Gathering tournament, detailing his participation in both a side event and the main event. He discusses his deck choices, strategies, and matchups, providing insights into the gameplay and sideboarding decisions he made throughout the tournament. The conversation covers various matchups against different archetypes, including Goblins, Survival, and Burn decks, and highlights the importance of adapting strategies based on opponents' decks. Zach also reflects on the overall tournament experience and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats.
In this episode, Zac Clark shares his experiences from a recent Magic: The Gathering tournament, detailing his participation in both a side event and the main event. He discusses his deck choices, strategies, and matchups, providing insights into the gameplay and sideboarding decisions he made throughout the tournament. The conversation covers various matchups against different archetypes, including Goblins, Survival, and Burn decks, and highlights the importance of adapting strategies based on opponents' decks. Zach also reflects on the overall tournament experience and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats.
Originally uploaded April 7, re-edited April 21st. Chris Holman welcomes back Zac Clark, General Manager, Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing, MI. Athletics affiliation is at an interesting time, tell us about Sacramento? So Zach your season is just underway, remind Michigan about the Crosstown Rivalry with MSU? What sort of economic impact for Mid-Michigan should we expect from this season? What are the other sneak previews you can give for 2025? Can you speak to your ties with local companies like LAFCU, Jackson, and the associated philanthropy that comes out of this? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
We're giving all of our hottest takes on the latest Bachelor Nation buzz, starting with Juliana outing both her and Grant's political leanings—and who else in the franchise seems to be on the same page. We break down Juliana finally watching the *Bachelor* finale and choosing to come for Litia instead of Grant (??), and share our thoughts on Kaitlyn Bristowe's recent comments about her breakup with Jason Tartick, plus the rumors swirling about who he's dating now. We also get into Zac Clark's powerful work in addiction recovery, why we're rooting so hard for Katie Thurston as she navigates a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, Rachael Kirkconnell's surprising new friend group. Brendan and Serene's soft-launch into coupledom, and a quick update on Jenn Tran's life lately. Plus, a few updates from the latest Temptation Island season, and as always, a grab bag of random topics: our feelings about Alex Cooper, whether people *actually* don't know who Monica Lewinsky is anymore, what's up with those Obama divorce rumors, and a passionate discussion about Asian noodle soups as a love language. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram: @canistealyouforaminutepod Follow us on TikTok: @canistealyouforaminute Support the pod at patreon.com/canistealyouforaminute
Zac Clark and Phil Blechman dive into the latest Magic: The Gathering set, Tarkir Dragon Storm. They discuss various new cards, their potential impact on Legacy and Commander formats, and share their insights on card design and gameplay strategies. Key highlights include an in-depth analysis of Ugin, Eye of Storms, the potential of Clarion Conqueror, and the excitement surrounding Rally the Monastery. The hosts also touch on the implications of new blue and black cards, concluding with a discussion on Roiling Dragon Storm as a potential sleeper hit. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the latest set of Magic: The Gathering cards, analyzing various new playables across different colors. They discuss under-the-radar cards, evaluate their potential impact on gameplay, and share insights on specific cards that could change the meta. The conversation covers black, red, green, and gold cards, as well as enchantments and hybrid cards, ultimately leading to a discussion on sleeper picks from the set.
Zac Clark and Phil Blechman dive into the latest Magic: The Gathering set, Tarkir Dragon Storm. They discuss various new cards, their potential impact on Legacy and Commander formats, and share their insights on card design and gameplay strategies. Key highlights include an in-depth analysis of Ugin, Eye of Storms, the potential of Clarion Conqueror, and the excitement surrounding Rally the Monastery. The hosts also touch on the implications of new blue and black cards, concluding with a discussion on Roiling Dragon Storm as a potential sleeper hit. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the latest set of Magic: The Gathering cards, analyzing various new playables across different colors. They discuss under-the-radar cards, evaluate their potential impact on gameplay, and share insights on specific cards that could change the meta. The conversation covers black, red, green, and gold cards, as well as enchantments and hybrid cards, ultimately leading to a discussion on sleeper picks from the set.
Zac Clark and Phil Blechman delve into the latest Tarkir DragonStorm cards. They discuss the strategic implications of these cards, their potential roles in various decks in the Legacy Metagame, and how they can influence gameplay dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of card advantage, instant speed spells, and the evolving meta in competitive play. I