Episodes
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In this episode of The Commander's Pod, Duncan and Sloan are joined once again by the legendary Jeff to dive into all things Commander! Duncan shares his epic adventures at MagicCon Vegas, including the highlights and behind-the-scenes moments. Then, the crew gets into the latest buzz—Marvel Secret Lair's release! They break down the set, discuss which cards are going to be absolutely gross in Commander, and speculate on how these Marvel-themed cards will shake up the format. Tune in for all the fun, laughs, and hot takes!
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In the thrilling conclusion of our two-part series, we continue to explore the aftermath of the Rules Committee's recent changes. We revisit the Tier system debate and dive deeper into its implications for competitive play and community dynamics. Things get heated with the boys, so you for sure do not want to miss out on this episode!
Want to join our network and connect with Duncan, Jeff, and Sloan? Join our Patreon @: www.patreon.com/Commanderspod/shop
Follow us on Youtube @: www.youtube.com/@commanderspod
Questions? Email us @: [email protected]
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Missing episodes?
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Join us for a deep dive into the seismic shifts happening in the Commander community! This week, Duncan and Sloan are joined by guest Andrew to break down some wild things happening in the world of EDH. In this first part of our two-part series, we kick things off with some Tales from the Table, sharing our favorite Archenemy moments that highlight the fun and chaos of multiplayer play. Then, we tackle the hot topic of Wizards' proposed Tier system—what does it mean for our beloved format?
In the heart of the episode, we unpack the reality that just because Wizards is at the helm of EDH, it doesn’t necessarily mean bans will be lifted. We further focuses on the monumental changes to the Rules Committee: what happened, why it matters, and what the future holds for Commander as we know it. Buckle up for an engaging discussion filled with insights and plenty of opinions!
Want to join our network and connect with Duncan, Jeff, and Sloan? Join our Patreon @: www.patreon.com/Commanderspod/shop
Follow us on Youtube @: www.youtube.com/@commanderspod
Questions? Email us @: [email protected]
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In this episode of the Commander’s Pod, we’re tackling the aftermath of recent bans head-on! With heavy hitters like Mana Crypt, Jeweled Lotus, and Dockside Extortionist getting the axe, the boys discuss the best alternatives to keep your decks running smoothly. Tune in as we explore creative replacements that maintain the fun and strategy of your gameplay. Whether you’re looking for budget options or just new cards to shake things up, this episode is packed with valuable insights and recommendations to help you adapt. Don’t miss it!
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Episode 34: The Banned Episode
In this week’s captivating installment, we’re diving deep into the fallout of last week’s predictions as a wave of bans rocks the gaming community. Join us as the boys unpack the recent card bans, exploring the reasons behind the decisions and how they impact gameplay. But that's not all—we'll also tackle the essential topic of courtesy in the gameroom. Discover why fostering a respectful environment is crucial, and why threats are never the answer when it comes to rules disputes.
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Welcome to Episode 33 of Commander’s Pod Podcast! Today, we're tackling some hot topics:
Is Commander Tax Unfair?With Wizards constantly printing new commanders, is the Commander Tax becoming a burden? We discuss how these taxes impact gameplay and explore strategies to sidestep them.
Highlander Gauntlet: A New Format on the HorizonEver heard of Highlander Gauntlet? We break down this innovative format and discuss how it’s shaking up the Magic community. Plus, we reflect on how the game has evolved from the days of buying a deck and calling it a day. Magic is ever-changing—how do we keep up?
New CEDH Rules Committee: What’s the Buzz?Word on the street is there is a new CEDH Rules Committee forming, and it has made some waves recently. We weigh in on the potential of a new committee and whether there’s a potential conflict of interest.
Join us for an insightful conversation on these dynamic topics and more, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of Commander!
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In this episode, Duncan and Jeff break down the evolving landscape of removal strategies in Commander. With a plethora of protective abilities like shroud, protection, hexproof, and ward making single-target removal less effective, are board wipes becoming the ultimate solution? Join us as we explore whether wiping the board is the new go-to strategy for dealing with pesky threats.
That Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does: Copying Spells and AbilitiesThink copying a spell or ability creates a fresh instance? Think again! Learn why copying doesn’t alter the costs or choices of the original spell and how it can impact your game plan.
Today’s Topic: Unconventional Win Conditions in CommanderReady to shake up your game? We’ll explore some creative win conditions that break away from traditional strategies. From “You Win” cards to alternate routes like “Your Opponents Lose” and Approach of the Second Sun, discover how you can secure victory with unconventional tactics.
Tune in for an engaging discussion packed with insights and strategies to elevate your Commander gameplay!
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Welcome to Commander’s Pod Episode 31: Commander Legends: Analyzing the Impact of New Commanders! This week host Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff debate the role of extra turn spells—should they be used and how? In That Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does, we tackle the nuances of Triggered Abilities and missed triggers. Our main discussion centers on the latest Commanders released this year—what’s making waves and how they might change your deck-building strategies. We wrap up with Pro Tips for Beginners, where Sloan offers some valuable advice for newcomers. Join us for a unique perspective into the newest legends and their impact on your game!
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Welcome to Commander’s Pod Episode 30: Building Synergy: How to Craft a Cohesive Commander Deck! In this episode, we kick off with some personal Tales from the Table. Then, we explore the ultimate question in Counterspell: how long should a turn or game really be? Next, Jeff’s Triggers will keep you on your toes, and we’ll clear up a common misconception in That Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does about Death Triggers. Finally, we get into our main topic: how to craft a Commander deck that’s more than just the sum of its parts. Join us to uncover strategies for finding synergy beyond the usual staples!
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Welcome back to Episode 29 of The Commanders Pod! This week, we’re thrilled to have our special guest Andrew back for another round while Jeff is on vacation. Duncan and Sloan are diving deep into the world of Magic: The Gathering rules with our resident judge.
Today’s episode is all about unraveling the mysteries of the game’s most perplexing rules. We put Andrew’s extensive knowledge to the test with your most confounding questions:
When multiple permanents owned by different players exile a card that would otherwise go to the graveyard, what’s the ruling? What’s the deal with phasing? Are phased-out permanents considered controlled? Do they exist for game purposes? Can their pips be counted for devotion? What’s one rule Andrew wishes players would understand better? And, is there a rule Andrew wishes Wizards would revise or eliminate entirely?Tune in for an insightful and educational discussion that promises to clear up some of those tricky rules and give you a new perspective on the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the rules that shape our beloved game.
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Welcome back to Commander’s Pod! In episode 28, we're diving into the dynamic world of playing across multiple pods and ensuring your decks are versatile enough to shine in any scenario. We’re thrilled to introduce our special guest host, Andrew (yes, that Andrew!), who’s here to share his insights and expertise with us.
That Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does:This week’s segment, "Attack of the Clones," is led by Andrew. We’ll unravel the complexities of how clones work in Magic: The Gathering and explore some of the nuanced interactions and strategies that might not be immediately obvious.
Today’s Topic:Our main discussion focuses on managing your decks in a multi-pod environment. We'll talk about how to adjust to varying power levels and ensure your deck can hold its own no matter who you're playing with. Whether you’re playing casually or competitively, we’ll provide tips on how to be adaptable and versatile in any game setting.
Pro Tips for Beginners:Sloan is back with some invaluable advice for those just starting out. Learn how to navigate the world of multi-pod games and get your decks primed for success.
Tune in for insights, tips, and a lively discussion to help you become a more flexible and strategic player in the Commander format!
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Welcome to The Commander's Pod, where in Episode 25, hosts Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff dive into two compelling topics that every Magic: The Gathering fan will want to hear about!
First up, the team explores which old mechanics they’d love to see make a comeback or be expanded upon in future MTG sets. From nostalgic favorites to underutilized gems, they discuss the potential for these classic mechanics to refresh gameplay and add new dimensions to your decks.
In the second segment, the hosts shift gears to talk about budget building. Following up on their previous challenge of creating $25 decks, they reflect on their experiences and the lessons learned. Discover why managing your mana base becomes even more crucial when working within budget constraints, and how the limited resources impact gameplay strategies and deck efficiency.
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Welcome to another episode of The Commander's Pod! In this thought-provoking installment, hosts Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff dive into the nuances of threat assessment in Magic: The Gathering. They explore the concept that assessing threats is more complex than just evaluating what's on the battlefield. Factors such as the number of cards in an opponent's hand, value engines, and whether they've tutored for specific cards all play crucial roles in understanding who the real threat is.
Duncan takes the lead in the main segment, sharing fascinating stories and insights from his travels. He recounts his experiences visiting Magic shops and interacting with players across different countries. Discover how diverse playstyles and cultural differences shape the game and influence threat perception.
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In this exciting episode of The Commander's Pod, hosts Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff dive deep into the lush new world of the Bloomburrow set. With their signature blend of analysis and fun, they explore the latest additions to Magic: The Gathering, sharing their thoughts on standout cards and discussing how these new elements could shape the game.
Tune in as they unpack the set's freshest mechanics and the intriguing reasons behind the change from "Precombat" and "Postcombat" to "First" and "Second" phases. Discover why this shift matters and how errata updates, including the new wording for cards like Neheb and Chancellor of the Tangle, impact gameplay.
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In Episode 23 of The Commander Pod, hosts Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff cover a range of engaging topics. In the "Counterspell" segment, they discuss the strategic use of stax in Magic: The Gathering. In the ever entertaining segment "Aggro Jeff," Jeff highlights what's currently aggravating him. In "That Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does," they examine interactions that don’t work as expected, such as Brenard, Ginger Sculptor (or Shelob, Child of Ungoliant) and Academy Manufactor. The main topic focuses on casual combos that are fun but not at CEDH level, featuring Liquimetal Torque, Jan Jansen, and Clock of Omens; Archaeomancer, Peregrine Drake, and Ghostly Flicker; and Omniscience and Enter the Infinite. Tune in for an episode packed with insights, discussions, and expert advice!
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In Episode 23 of The Commander Pod, hosts Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff delve into several exciting and thought-provoking topics. They kick things off by exploring which Universes Beyond collaborations they'd love to see in Magic: The Gathering, discussing the potential for future franchise crossovers. In "What's Aggravating Jeff," Jeff shares his latest frustrations in his always-entertaining segment. The hosts then move on to "That Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does," where they clarify the first opportunity to respond during an opponent's turn, helping listeners understand the nuances of timing in gameplay. For today's main topic, they tackle the issue of Nadu, a problem impacting nearly every format. They discuss why this is happening and explore the potential reasons behind Wizards of the Coast's rapid release of sets, with 12 sets released this year alone. Tune in for a packed episode filled with insights, lively discussions, and expert opinions!
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In Episode 22 of The Commander Pod, hosts Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff dive into the world of errata'd cards—those whose wordings or functionalities have changed significantly since their original release. They explore how these changes impact gameplay and deck-building strategies. In the segment "That Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does," they clarify a crucial rule about planeswalkers: when you play a planeswalker, you get to use one of its abilities immediately without interruption because no one else has priority. Tune in for an informative and engaging discussion packed with valuable insights and tips!
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In Episode 21 of The Commander Pod, hosts Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff share their thoughts on the new Assassins' Creed cards for Magic: The Gathering. They preview some exciting cards and provide their overall opinions on the set. In the segment "That Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does," they clarify a common misconception: creatures that enter the battlefield tapped and attacking do not trigger abilities that occur when you attack. Join the discussion for card previews, expert insights, and valuable gameplay tips!
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Join Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff on the Commanders Pod as they reminisce about the good ol’ days of EDH, when big dragons reigned supreme and mana ramp was just a dream. Is today’s Commander format better or worse? We’re debating the evolution and what it means for your game. Plus, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of building the perfect land base in Magic: The Gathering. Get ready for a blend of nostalgia, strategy, and a few laughs along the way!
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Hop into the Commander’s Pod time machine with Duncan, Sloan, and Jeff as they reminisce about how Magic: The Gathering has transformed over the years. From old-school cards to modern mechanics, we’re unpacking the evolution of this iconic game. Want to bring a bit of Magic’s past into your present decks? We’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to blend the best of both worlds. Tune in for a nostalgic ride full of insights, laughs, and maybe a few card tricks up our sleeves!
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