Eternal Durdles

Phil discusses the evolution of the Grow-A-Tog deck with guest Austen Fiora. They explore Austen's journey with the deck, innovations he has made, and insights gained from participating in LobsterCon. The conversation delves into deck construction, the importance of card choices like Gaea's Blessing, and the ongoing experimentation within the pre-modern format. Austen shares his experiences, challenges, and thoughts on future directions for Grow-A-Tog, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and exploration in deck building.

Zac and Phil discuss the current challenges Magic: The Gathering faces in onboarding new players, particularly through the lens of its evolving game design and community engagement. They explore historical methods of teaching the game, the impact of Commander on gameplay, and the necessity of effective onboarding strategies to attract and retain new players. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and personal interaction in the learning process, as well as the need for Wizards of the Coast to adapt their approach to better serve new players.

Zac and Phil discuss the current challenges Magic: The Gathering faces in onboarding new players, particularly through the lens of its evolving game design and community engagement. They explore historical methods of teaching the game, the impact of Commander on gameplay, and the necessity of effective onboarding strategies to attract and retain new players. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and personal interaction in the learning process, as well as the need for Wizards of the Coast to adapt their approach to better serve new players.

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.

The conversation revolves around the experiences and insights gained from attending LobsterCon, a pre-modern magic event. The hosts discuss the nostalgic atmosphere, the strategies they employed, and the dynamics of gameplay that allowed for deeper engagement and learning. They reflect on the community aspect of the event, the joy of losing while still enjoying the game, and the importance of collaboration and experimentation in deck building. The discussion also touches on the speed of the format, personal growth through tournament experiences, and plans for future content related to pre-modern magic.

The conversation revolves around the experiences and insights gained from attending LobsterCon, a pre-modern magic event. The hosts discuss the nostalgic atmosphere, the strategies they employed, and the dynamics of gameplay that allowed for deeper engagement and learning. They reflect on the community aspect of the event, the joy of losing while still enjoying the game, and the importance of collaboration and experimentation in deck building. The discussion also touches on the speed of the format, personal growth through tournament experiences, and plans for future content related to pre-modern magic.

In this episode, Zac and Phil discuss the current state of the Magic: The Gathering Legacy format, focusing on the recent meta changes, deck strategies, and personal experiences in competitive play. They analyze various decks, including Dimir Reanimator, Cephalid Breakfast, and Beanstalk, while sharing insights on gameplay and the impact of recent bans. The conversation also touches on player perspectives regarding deck identity and the upcoming Lobster Con event, highlighting the excitement and strategies for pre-modern championships. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the Stasis deck and its components. They discuss the effectiveness of Black Vice, the importance of counter spells, and the strategic choices involved in deck building. The conversation also explores alternative cards, innovative interactions, and the challenges of effective removal. As they brainstorm creative deck ideas, they touch on the unique mechanics of Grindstone and

In this episode, Zac and Phil discuss the current state of the Magic: The Gathering Legacy format, focusing on the recent meta changes, deck strategies, and personal experiences in competitive play. They analyze various decks, including Dimir Reanimator, Cephalid Breakfast, and Beanstalk, while sharing insights on gameplay and the impact of recent bans. The conversation also touches on player perspectives regarding deck identity and the upcoming Lobster Con event, highlighting the excitement and strategies for pre-modern championships. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the Stasis deck and its components. They discuss the effectiveness of Black Vice, the importance of counter spells, and the strategic choices involved in deck building. The conversation also explores alternative cards, innovative interactions, and the challenges of effective removal. As they brainstorm creative deck ideas, they touch on the unique mechanics of Grindstone and

Zac & Phil delve into the card game Sorcery: The Contested Realm, discussing its unique features, gameplay mechanics, and the transition from traditional card games like Magic: The Gathering. They explore the appeal of Sorcery's hand-painted art, the strategic depth of its gameplay, and the growing organized play scene, highlighting the community's excitement for the game. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in other formats and the potential for Sorcery to serve as a refreshing alternative.TakeawaysSorcery features all hand-painted art, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.The game is played on a four by five grid, combining elements of Magic and Warhammer.Players start with 20 life, similar to Magic: The Gathering.The gameplay mimics old school Magic, providing a nostalgic experience.Players can draw from two separate decks, mitigating mana screw issues.Sorcery releases one set a year, making it easier to keep up with the game.The game includes misprints in packs, adding a collectible

Zac & Phil delve into the card game Sorcery: The Contested Realm, discussing its unique features, gameplay mechanics, and the transition from traditional card games like Magic: The Gathering. They explore the appeal of Sorcery's hand-painted art, the strategic depth of its gameplay, and the growing organized play scene, highlighting the community's excitement for the game. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in other formats and the potential for Sorcery to serve as a refreshing alternative.TakeawaysSorcery features all hand-painted art, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.The game is played on a four by five grid, combining elements of Magic and Warhammer.Players start with 20 life, similar to Magic: The Gathering.The gameplay mimics old school Magic, providing a nostalgic experience.Players can draw from two separate decks, mitigating mana screw issues.Sorcery releases one set a year, making it easier to keep up with the game.The game includes misprints in packs, adding a collectible aspect.O

In this conversation, Sam Dams and Zac discuss the resurgence of the Infect deck in Magic: The Gathering, highlighting its recent upgrades, particularly the introduction of Legolas' Quick Reflexes. They explore the strategies and dynamics of the deck, the importance of timing and knowledge in gameplay, and the current meta shifts that favor Infect. The discussion emphasizes the deck's consistency and streamlined approach, encouraging players to revisit and experiment with Infect in competitive play.Infect is currently well-positioned due to players forgetting how to counter it.The deck has received significant upgrades, making it more competitive.Legolas' Quick Reflexes has transformed the way Infect can win games.Timing and knowledge of the meta are crucial for success with Infect.The deck's consistency has improved with streamlined card choices.Infect can effectively handle both aggro and combo matchups now.Players are often unfamiliar with the new cards in the deck.The removal spells in the

In this conversation, Sam Dams and Zac discuss the resurgence of the Infect deck in Magic: The Gathering, highlighting its recent upgrades, particularly the introduction of Legolas' Quick Reflexes. They explore the strategies and dynamics of the deck, the importance of timing and knowledge in gameplay, and the current meta shifts that favor Infect. The discussion emphasizes the deck's consistency and streamlined approach, encouraging players to revisit and experiment with Infect in competitive play.Infect is currently well-positioned due to players forgetting how to counter it.The deck has received significant upgrades, making it more competitive.Legolas' Quick Reflexes has transformed the way Infect can win games.Timing and knowledge of the meta are crucial for success with Infect.The deck's consistency has improved with streamlined card choices.Infect can effectively handle both aggro and combo matchups now.Players are often unfamiliar with the new cards in the deck.The removal spells in the meta have shift

In this conversation, Zac and Phil discuss the evolution of Banned and Restricted Announcements in Magic the Gathering, particularly focusing on the differences in communication and care between formats like EDH and Legacy. They express a desire for Wizards of the Coast to enhance their communication methods, particularly through video content, to better engage with the community. The discussion highlights the importance of transparency in decision-making and the need for a more player-centric approach to format stewardship.

In this conversation, Zac and Phil discuss the evolution of Banned and Restricted Announcements in Magic the Gathering, particularly focusing on the differences in communication and care between formats like EDH and Legacy. They express a desire for Wizards of the Coast to enhance their communication methods, particularly through video content, to better engage with the community. The discussion highlights the importance of transparency in decision-making and the need for a more player-centric approach to format stewardship.

Zac and Phil discuss their preparation strategies for upcoming events, particularly focusing on LobsterCon. They emphasize the importance of getting to the event early, playing in side events to understand the local meta, and the need for extensive testing and practice with their decks. The discussion also covers day-of strategies, including managing cognitive load and ensuring hydration, as well as the significance of effective sideboarding and listening to teammates for insights. Overall, the conversation provides valuable tips for players looking to enhance their tournament performance.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles

Zac and Phil discuss their preparation strategies for upcoming events, particularly focusing on LobsterCon. They emphasize the importance of getting to the event early, playing in side events to understand the local meta, and the need for extensive testing and practice with their decks. The discussion also covers day-of strategies, including managing cognitive load and ensuring hydration, as well as the significance of effective sideboarding and listening to teammates for insights. Overall, the conversation provides valuable tips for players looking to enhance their tournament performance.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles

Zac and Phil discuss the evolution of deck styles and preferences in Magic: The Gathering, particularly in response to shifts in the metagame. They explore how players adapt their strategies, the importance of experimentation with new cards, and the balance between off-meta and top-tier decks. The conversation also touches on personal growth in deck choices and the challenges faced by control players in a constantly changing environment. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of learning from losses in Magic: The Gathering, exploring new cards and strategies, and the significance of player style in gameplay. They emphasize the need for players to evolve their strategies in competitive play and how understanding one's style can lead to better decision-making and enjoyment in the game.

Zac and Phil discuss the evolution of deck styles and preferences in Magic: The Gathering, particularly in response to shifts in the metagame. They explore how players adapt their strategies, the importance of experimentation with new cards, and the balance between off-meta and top-tier decks. The conversation also touches on personal growth in deck choices and the challenges faced by control players in a constantly changing environment. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of learning from losses in Magic: The Gathering, exploring new cards and strategies, and the significance of player style in gameplay. They emphasize the need for players to evolve their strategies in competitive play and how understanding one's style can lead to better decision-making and enjoyment in the game.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the shifting power dynamics in the Legacy format, particularly focusing on the impact of recent bans and the emergence of new strategies. They explore how the Overton window for deck viability has changed, especially regarding control decks and the role of Mystic Sanctuary as a key card. The conversation delves into the diminishing relevance of Terminus in the current meta, highlighting the dominance of Beanstalk as a game-changing threat that alters the landscape of competitive play. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the impact of the Beanstalk deck on gameplay dynamics, exploring how it alters the rules of engagement in Legacy formats. They discuss the importance of having multiple legacy power level strategies in a deck, the significance of understanding deck infrastructure, and the learning experiences that come from gameplay mistakes. The conversation also emphasizes the need for players to evaluate their card choices in relation to the current meta and how