Eternal Durdles

Zac and Phil invite Matt Chow to discuss the extensive data collection and analysis surrounding Eternal Weekend. They explore the motivations behind the data collection, the performance of various decks, and the implications of key cards like Mystic Forge, Psychic Frog, and Nadu. The conversation delves into the metagame shares and win rates of these decks, providing insights into the current state of the legacy format. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of win rates and data analysis in Legacy, particularly focusing on the performance of various decks during all 3 Eternal Weekends. They discuss the impact of outliers on data interpretation, the evolving strategies of tempo decks, and the implications of recent bans on the format's health. The conversation also highlights surprising insights from the data collected, emphasizing the importance of understanding what players want from the game. MATT'S YOUTUBE CHANNELhttps://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Chow

Zac and Phil invite Matt Chow to discuss the extensive data collection and analysis surrounding Eternal Weekend. They explore the motivations behind the data collection, the performance of various decks, and the implications of key cards like Mystic Forge, Psychic Frog, and Nadu. The conversation delves into the metagame shares and win rates of these decks, providing insights into the current state of the legacy format. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of win rates and data analysis in Legacy, particularly focusing on the performance of various decks during all 3 Eternal Weekends. They discuss the impact of outliers on data interpretation, the evolving strategies of tempo decks, and the implications of recent bans on the format's health. The conversation also highlights surprising insights from the data collected, emphasizing the importance of understanding what players want from the game. MATT'S YOUTUBE CHANNELhttps://www.youtube.com/@Matt_Chow

Zac and Phil engage with guest Andreas aka EcoBaronen to explore their philosophies surrounding the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering. The conversation delves into community sentiment, the importance of diverse deck types, and the role of interaction in gameplay. They discuss how certain cards can dominate the format and the implications of tournament logistics on deck viability. The discussion also touches on the evolution of Legacy since 2019, the need for thoughtful card design, and the highly subjective nature of player experiences. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of inspiration and respectful dialogue within the Magic community Chapters 00:00 Philosophies of Legacy 02:30 Community Sentiment and Play Patterns 04:11 Diversity in Deck Types 06:07 The Role of Interaction in Gameplay 09:40 Impact of Cards on the Format 12:03 Ebb and Flow of Decks 15:29 Tournament Logistics and Deck Viability 19:30 The Evolution of Legacy 23:21 Design Philosophy and Card Testing 27:35 Subjectivity in Ga

Zac and Phil engage with guest Andreas aka EcoBaronen to explore their philosophies surrounding the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering. The conversation delves into community sentiment, the importance of diverse deck types, and the role of interaction in gameplay. They discuss how certain cards can dominate the format and the implications of tournament logistics on deck viability. The discussion also touches on the evolution of Legacy since 2019, the need for thoughtful card design, and the highly subjective nature of player experiences. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of inspiration and respectful dialogue within the Magic community Chapters 00:00 Philosophies of Legacy 02:30 Community Sentiment and Play Patterns 04:11 Diversity in Deck Types 06:07 The Role of Interaction in Gameplay 09:40 Impact of Cards on the Format 12:03 Ebb and Flow of Decks 15:29 Tournament Logistics and Deck Viability 19:30 The Evolution of Legacy 23:21 Design Philosophy and Card Testing 27:35 Subjectivity in Ga

Zac Clark and Phil Blechman discuss the ideal structure for banlist announcements in Magic: The Gathering. They emphasize the need for transparency in the decision-making process, the importance of establishing clear thresholds for card bans, and the necessity of having protected status cards. The conversation also touches on the need for more frequent banning to maintain a healthy format and the importance of community engagement and feedback in shaping the game's future. Takeaways The structure of banlist announcements should include banned cards, cards under review, and protected status cards. Transparency in the decision-making process is crucial for community trust. Establishing clear thresholds for card bans can help players understand the format better. Protected status cards should be clearly defined to avoid confusion. Frequent banning is necessary to maintain a healthy game environment. Community feedback should be actively sought and considered in banlist decisions. The conversation around card b

Zac Clark and Phil Blechman discuss the ideal structure for banlist announcements in Magic: The Gathering. They emphasize the need for transparency in the decision-making process, the importance of establishing clear thresholds for card bans, and the necessity of having protected status cards. The conversation also touches on the need for more frequent banning to maintain a healthy format and the importance of community engagement and feedback in shaping the game's future. Takeaways The structure of banlist announcements should include banned cards, cards under review, and protected status cards. Transparency in the decision-making process is crucial for community trust. Establishing clear thresholds for card bans can help players understand the format better. Protected status cards should be clearly defined to avoid confusion. Frequent banning is necessary to maintain a healthy game environment. Community feedback should be actively sought and considered in banlist decisions. The conversation around card b

Zac & Phil lead a discussion with various content creators and legacy players about the upcoming ban announcement for the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering. The conversation covers proposed bans, community opinions, and predictions for the future of the format, focusing on cards like Psychic Frog and Vexing Bauble. Participants express concerns about the current state of the format, the impact of fast mana, and the need for a diverse and healthy metagame. In this conversation, various hosts discuss the current state of the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on potential bans and unbans of key cards. They explore the impact of specific cards like Psychic Frog and Vexing Bauble on gameplay, community engagement, and the overall health of the format. The discussion highlights the need for a balance between competitive play and fun, as well as the importance of maintaining a diverse metagame. The hosts express differing opinions on which cards should be banned and the frequency of ban announc

Zac & Phil lead a discussion with various content creators and legacy players about the upcoming ban announcement for the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering. The conversation covers proposed bans, community opinions, and predictions for the future of the format, focusing on cards like Psychic Frog and Vexing Bauble. Participants express concerns about the current state of the format, the impact of fast mana, and the need for a diverse and healthy metagame. In this conversation, various hosts discuss the current state of the Legacy format in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on potential bans and unbans of key cards. They explore the impact of specific cards like Psychic Frog and Vexing Bauble on gameplay, community engagement, and the overall health of the format. The discussion highlights the need for a balance between competitive play and fun, as well as the importance of maintaining a diverse metagame. The hosts express differing opinions on which cards should be banned and the frequency of ban announc

Zac and Phil delve into Phil's experiences at the Eternal. Phil shares insights on his deck choice, the challenges he faced against popular meta cards like Orcish Bowmasters, and the strategies he employed during his matches. Phil and Zac delve into the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on Phil's experiences in Vintage and Legacy tournaments. They discuss the nuances of combo decks, the impact of Modern Horizons on gameplay, and Phil's strategic preparations for the Legacy Champs. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding matchups, adapting strategies, and the unpredictability of tournament play.

Zac and Phil discuss their experiences at Eternal Weekend, focusing on Zac's deck choices, tournament challenges, and community interactions. He shares insights from his matches, including strategies with Legacy Cephalid Breakfast and Premodern Stasis, as well as the misplays that impacted his performance. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and learning from experiences in competitive play. In this conversation, Zac focuses on the challenges he faced with his deck, the impact of Wasteland on his strategy, and the support he received from the community. They reflect on the tournament structure, the importance of playing out all rounds, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. Zac emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and the value of community in competitive play.

Zac and Phil discuss their experiences at Eternal Weekend, focusing on Zac's deck choices, tournament challenges, and community interactions. He shares insights from his matches, including strategies with Legacy Cephalid Breakfast and Premodern Stasis, as well as the misplays that impacted his performance. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and learning from experiences in competitive play. In this conversation, Zac focuses on the challenges he faced with his deck, the impact of Wasteland on his strategy, and the support he received from the community. They reflect on the tournament structure, the importance of playing out all rounds, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. Zac emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and the value of community in competitive play.

Zac and Phil delve into Phil's experiences at the Eternal. Phil shares insights on his deck choice, the challenges he faced against popular meta cards like Orcish Bowmasters, and the strategies he employed during his matches. Phil and Zac delve into the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on Phil's experiences in Vintage and Legacy tournaments. They discuss the nuances of combo decks, the impact of Modern Horizons on gameplay, and Phil's strategic preparations for the Legacy Champs. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding matchups, adapting strategies, and the unpredictability of tournament play.

In this episode of Eternal Durdles, host Zac Clark and co-host Phil Blechman welcome Anuraag, a dedicated coverage provider for Eternal Weekend. They discuss the immense time and effort Anuraag invests in preparing for these events, his personal sacrifices, and the complexities of managing high-quality coverage. Anuraag reflects on his role as an archivist for the Magic community, the challenges of funding coverage, and the importance of player etiquette during matches. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication behind Magic coverage and the desire to continually improve the experience for viewers and players alike. Takeaways Anuraag dedicates over a hundred hours to preparing for coverage. Coverage requires significant personal sacrifices, including time away from family. Anuraag sees himself as an archivist for the Magic community. The quality of coverage impacts the community's perception of events. Future improvements in coverage are always on Anuraag's mind. Player expressions enhance the e

In this episode of Eternal Durdles, host Zac Clark and co-host Phil Blechman welcome Anuraag, a dedicated coverage provider for Eternal Weekend. They discuss the immense time and effort Anuraag invests in preparing for these events, his personal sacrifices, and the complexities of managing high-quality coverage. Anuraag reflects on his role as an archivist for the Magic community, the challenges of funding coverage, and the importance of player etiquette during matches. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication behind Magic coverage and the desire to continually improve the experience for viewers and players alike. Takeaways Anuraag dedicates over a hundred hours to preparing for coverage. Coverage requires significant personal sacrifices, including time away from family. Anuraag sees himself as an archivist for the Magic community. The quality of coverage impacts the community's perception of events. Future improvements in coverage are always on Anuraag's mind. Player expressions enhance the e

Zac Clark interviews Kelvin Wallace, the Legacy Champion of Eternal Weekend 2024. They discuss Kelvin's remarkable journey through the tournament, including his initial loss and subsequent 13 wins, the innovative Mystic Forge combo deck he played, and his strategies against various opponents. Kelvin shares insights into his matchups, the importance of mental resilience, and the camaraderie within the Magic: The Gathering community. The conversation also touches on the absence of a painting for the tournament winner and Kelvin's mission to advocate for changes in the Legacy format. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kelvin Wallace and His Legacy Run 03:04 The Mystic Forge Combo Deck Explained 05:56 Analyzing the First Round Loss 09:02 Top Eight Matchups and Strategies 12:02 Semi-Finals: Facing Ari Lax 14:56 Finals: The Showdown Against the Elves 18:11 Reflections on Winning and the Missing Painting 20:58 The Legacy Community and Future Aspirations HEAVY PLAY DECK BOXES AND SLEEVES www.heavyplay.com/eternaldurd

Zac Clark interviews Kelvin Wallace, the Legacy Champion of Eternal Weekend 2024. They discuss Kelvin's remarkable journey through the tournament, including his initial loss and subsequent 13 wins, the innovative Mystic Forge combo deck he played, and his strategies against various opponents. Kelvin shares insights into his matchups, the importance of mental resilience, and the camaraderie within the Magic: The Gathering community. The conversation also touches on the absence of a painting for the tournament winner and Kelvin's mission to advocate for changes in the Legacy format. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kelvin Wallace and His Legacy Run 03:04 The Mystic Forge Combo Deck Explained 05:56 Analyzing the First Round Loss 09:02 Top Eight Matchups and Strategies 12:02 Semi-Finals: Facing Ari Lax 14:56 Finals: The Showdown Against the Elves 18:11 Reflections on Winning and the Missing Painting 20:58 The Legacy Community and Future Aspirations HEAVY PLAY DECK BOXES AND SLEEVES www.heavyplay.com/eternaldurd

Zac Clark interviews vintage champion Max Gilmore about his recent success in the Vintage Championships. They discuss the intricacies of the Esper Lurrus control deck, the current state of the Vintage metagame, and various deck archetypes. Max shares insights from his tournament experience, including key plays and strategies. The conversation highlights the depth and complexity of Vintage Magic, emphasizing the importance of understanding the metagame and adapting strategies accordingly. In this conversation, Max Gilmore shares his experiences and strategies from a recent Vintage Magic: The Gathering tournament, discussing innovative deck building, matchups in the top eight, and his thrilling journey through the semifinals and finals. He reflects on the current state of Vintage, the importance of understanding opponents, and the supportive community surrounding the game.

Zac Clark interviews vintage champion Max Gilmore about his recent success in the Vintage Championships. They discuss the intricacies of the Esper Lurrus control deck, the current state of the Vintage metagame, and various deck archetypes. Max shares insights from his tournament experience, including key plays and strategies. The conversation highlights the depth and complexity of Vintage Magic, emphasizing the importance of understanding the metagame and adapting strategies accordingly. In this conversation, Max Gilmore shares his experiences and strategies from a recent Vintage Magic: The Gathering tournament, discussing innovative deck building, matchups in the top eight, and his thrilling journey through the semifinals and finals. He reflects on the current state of Vintage, the importance of understanding opponents, and the supportive community surrounding the game.

Zac and Phil reflect on their experiences at the North American Eternal Weekend, discussing the event's organization, vendor interactions, and personal highlights. They share insights into the logistics of running such an event, the community engagement they experienced, and the fun moments they had while meeting fans and fellow players. They discuss the vibrant community, and the excitement surrounding upcoming content. They share insights on gameplay, player interactions, and the importance of community in the Magic: The Gathering scene. The episode concludes with a giveaway announcement and a look ahead to future events and content. HEAVY PLAY DECK BOXES AND SLEEVES www.heavyplay.com/eternaldurdles Use code ETERNALDURDLES for 10% off entire order. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9PVLLPfdzI_pr1U9hZDtw/join JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTE Ad-free Listening on SPOTIFY! Subscribe here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eternaldurdles/sub

Zac and Phil reflect on their experiences at the North American Eternal Weekend, discussing the event's organization, vendor interactions, and personal highlights. They share insights into the logistics of running such an event, the community engagement they experienced, and the fun moments they had while meeting fans and fellow players. They discuss the vibrant community, and the excitement surrounding upcoming content. They share insights on gameplay, player interactions, and the importance of community in the Magic: The Gathering scene. The episode concludes with a giveaway announcement and a look ahead to future events and content. HEAVY PLAY DECK BOXES AND SLEEVES www.heavyplay.com/eternaldurdles Use code ETERNALDURDLES for 10% off entire order. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9PVLLPfdzI_pr1U9hZDtw/join JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTE Ad-free Listening on SPOTIFY! Subscribe here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eternaldurdles/sub