We return to Standard for the remainder of our Strixhaven constructed set review. Today we review Paulo Vitor Damo Da Rosa's World Championship card, Elite Spellbinder, as one of the clear frontrunners in the set for power level and playability. In a set with a lot of 2nd rate commander cards, it's nice to see a few bangers to keep the faith alive. Stay tuned, as we'll be releasing the remainder of the set review over the next few weeks. ALSO, you can now WATCH US TALKING and see the card images...
Apr 07, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 69
More STX spoilers! This time we finish off the Mystical Archive spoilers. Keep an eye out for later this week, when we'll be continuing the Standard-playable cards from the set. We'll release regular shows for the next two weeks as we runway into the STX set release! ALSO, you can now WATCH US TALKING and see the card images in our new video incarnation of the podcast! This is an exciting new step forward for the podcast, and yet another way you can engage with the content on a platform you love...
Apr 05, 2021•54 min•Ep. 69
Wizards is easing the blow on Memehaven by including a Mystical Archive of cards (mostly) legal in Historic. One of these is included in each pack of STX. A lot of them are bangers and cards that will be format-defining in Historic... which means we need to talk about them! ALSO, you can now WATCH US TALKING and see the card images in our new video incarnation of the podcast! This is an exciting new step forward for the podcast, and yet another way you can engage with the content on a platform y...
Apr 04, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 68
Strixhaven spoilers continued! This concludes the 'Standard' portion for this week. Next episode will be Mystical Archive cards. ALSO, you can now WATCH US TALKING and see the card images in our new video incarnation of the podcast! This is an exciting new step forward for the podcast, and yet another way you can engage with the content on a platform you love. We're trying it out by hosting it on Covertgoblue's channel , so go there to check it out. Apologies if it's not up there at the time of ...
Mar 31, 2021•27 min•Ep. 68
It's that time of year again somehow – Strixhaven spoilers are upon us! Today Covertgoblue and Arjuna discuss the first big batch of cards, including the new Kasmina and Liliana planeswalkers. We also discuss the Learn mechanic and its implications for constructed, especially in BO1. We have a new (old) rare dual land cycle to the complete the set from Innistrad, and did we mention cards with lots of words on them? Stay tuned, as we'll be releasing the next parts of this episode later in the wee...
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 68
We take a small departure from the show's usual format this week with a surprise person in the main host's seat! We also cover a grab bag of topics, starting with The Kaldheim Championship starting March 26! It's a split-format tournament featuring both Standard and Historic, so we give an overview of both metas and discuss the decks we're likely to see on both sides. Then we go into what is to come in the year ahead, including the coming sets: D&D The Forgotten Realms, Modern Horizons 2, In...
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 67
This week we do a deep dive on attacking metagames – how to approach a meta, find what's lining up well and what's not. How to assess the speed of a format. How to identify the topend, and what lines up well against it. This is a deep question and so this week we focus it through the lens of the current meta and how we make decisions accordingly. >>> JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER HERE! <<< Find Covertgoblue on his YouTube channel and at his personal site . Find Arena Craft on: Discor...
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 66
Today we're privileged for the opportunity to interview John Darnielle, founder of the Mountain Goats, acclaimed author and avid geek. We discuss his penchant for hitting Mythic on Arena playing absolute jank. It's no easy task, which makes his 5-season streak that much more impressive. We talk about his entry to geek culture, his pathway to Magic, and how he became one of the most notable jank slingers on MTG Arena to date. Find John Darnielle at the Mountain Goats' homepage , and we highly rec...
Mar 14, 2021•37 min•Ep. 65
Two exciting things happened this week! Firstly, resident BO1 expert Covertgoblue finally reached his dream of hitting #1 Mythic on the ladder. No small feat, no matter what part of the season and which deck you play. He sensed he had an opportunity, he ground for it, and sure enough, it was his for the taking. Hear him discuss the meta, his decision making, and how he managed to finally get there. Then, of course, came the announcement of Historic Anthology 4, the next injection of new cards in...
Mar 08, 2021•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 65
Arena Craft continues another proud tradition by welcoming DanyTLaw back to the show! Dany's always plugged in to the Standard meta, especially at the beginning of a format, so we thought it was high time to get him back on the show. We discuss recent developments in the format such as Temur Taking Turns, Naya and Selesnya Toski builds, Naya and Showdown decks in general, and a lot of other meta stuff. It's a juicy episode, and you even get to learn Dany's middle name! >>> JOIN OUR DISC...
Mar 01, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 64
Strixhaven swooped in and surprised us this past week – literally nobody was expecting to see material for the next set yet. Oh well, go where the content takes you! We discuss the five Colleges of Strixhaven: Quandrix, Witherbloom, Silverquill, Prismari and Lorehold. They each have a rare command card that gives us clues as to the play patterns and themes of the color combo. They will also be releasing a Mystical Archive with the set, which will contain 63 cards from across the history of magic...
Feb 22, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 63
The Everlasting Titan has finally gotten the axe in Historic (and many other places as well). Arjuna and Covertgoblue go into the details, and discuss more broadly how bans should be applied. >>> JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER HERE! <<< Find Covertgoblue on his YouTube channel and at his personal site . Find Arena Craft on: Discord Twitter Twitch YouTube Facebook Email Us This show features the track 'Cascade' by Kubbi which is licensed under a Creative Commons License . Find Kubbi's ...
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 62
Sometimes the Arjunaman is pretty damn deece at MTG, and this week is such a week! His pet deck of the new format, Sultai Ultimatum, is currently the deck to beat in Standard. We go deeper on the archetype and explore both how to win with it and how to beat it. We also go over the winrate matrix for Standard in week 2 to discover what's winning and which matchups stand out. Sultai Ramp by Kensuke Kato Sultai Control by Lukas Twist $5K Kaldheim Championship Qualifier Standard Decklists and Metaga...
Feb 15, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 62
We're baaaaack, and this time to discussed the Kaldheim Week One Standard Metagame! Goldspan Dragons and Showdown of the Skalds are flying around everywhere. Rakdos is back on the menu. Tibalt is Trickery-ing his way through the BO1 metagame, and it's a bit much for CGB. We discuss what we're seeing on the ladder, as well as looking at two SCG Top 8's to see what's having success in the field. Exciting times for Standard! >>> FOLLOW @TheSaltFlatsMTG on Twitter and tweet at us your bulls...
Feb 08, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 61
Sorry for the late final episode y'all -- release week is always busy and these shows take time and effort! CovertGoBlue and Arjuna wrap up our epic constructed set review for Kaldheim. All the cards worth talking about, and a few that aren't ;) And BTW, Doomskar will END YOU! THANKS AGAIN to Bottlebrush Games (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxA6...) for editing this video. These pictures have really transformed set release season for the podcast, so thank you thank thank you 🙏 >>> ...
Feb 03, 2021•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 59
It heeeere! Kaldheim is upon us in Standard, and Covertgoblue and Arjuna sit down to discuss all the new cards and how they're feeling in the format. Early Access stories, fresh brews, and some haymakers about. We. Are. Stoked. LSV's Izzet Goldspan List Arjuna's Sultimatum List Crokeyz Naya Showdown List Rumti's Mono Green Search List Covertgoblue's Lists >>> JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER HERE! <<< Find Covertgoblue on his YouTube channel and at his personal site . Find Arena Craft o...
Feb 01, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 60
Part 7 of the Arena Craft Kaldheim Constructed Set Review with Arjuna and @CovertGoBlue ! This week we go deep on Cosima, God of the Voyage among other cards. We both have a huge boner for this card in Standard, so let's see how far we get. Also, a HUGE Arena Craft shoutout to Bottlebrush Games for editing the video version of this show. WE FINALLY HAVE PICTURES!!! This is the most requested feature for our Youtube channel , so we're stoked to finally have this. Massive thanks to them, please sh...
Jan 29, 2021•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 58
Part 6 of the ACP Kaldheim Constructed Set Review! This time around Arjuna and CovertGoBlue discuss such gems as Firja's Retribution; Cyclone Summoner; and Reidane, God of the Worthy. Also, a HUGE Arena Craft shoutout to Bottlebrush Games for editing the video version of this show. WE FINALLY HAVE PICTURES!!! This is the most requested feature for our Youtube channel , so we're stoked to finally have this. Massive thanks to them, please share the love for them in the comments and let them know y...
Jan 24, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 58
Part 5 of Kaldheim Constructed Set Review with Arjuna and CovertGoBlue. This time around we're discussing such broken cards as Jorn, God of Winter; Egon, God of Death; and the overpowered nonsense that is Harald's Abs. More on the way as well! Also, a HUGE Arena Craft shoutout to Bottlebrush Games for editing the video version of this show. WE FINALLY HAVE PICTURES!!! This is the most requested feature for our Youtube channel , so we're stoked to finally have this. Massive thanks to them, please...
Jan 22, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 58
Our Kaldheim Constructed Set Review Part 4 is here! Some of the cards we discuss this episode are Waking the Trolls, Esika's Chariot, Rally the Ranks, and Maskwood Nexus. More to come as well! Also, a HUGE Arena Craft shoutout to Bottlebrush Games for editing the video version of this show. WE FINALLY HAVE PICTURES!!! This is the most requested feature for our Youtube channel , so we're stoked to finally have this. Massive thanks to them, please share the love for them in the comments and let th...
Jan 20, 2021•59 min•Ep. 58
Kaldheim spoilers return with such doozies as That World Tree, Tyvar Kell, and Saw it Coming. Enjoy the discussions! Also, a HUGE Arena Craft shoutout to Bottlebrush Games for editing the video version of this show. WE FINALLY HAVE PICTURES!!! This is the most requested feature for our Youtube channel , so we're stoked to finally have this. Massive thanks to them, please share the love for them in the comments and let them know you appreciate it! >>> JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER HERE! <&l...
Jan 18, 2021•59 min•Ep. 58
Arjuna and Covertgoblue return to continue the exhaustive set review for Kaldheim in constructed! This week we're looking at such powerful options as Alrund's Epiphany; Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider; and Goldspan Dragon. This set continues to give us an epic amount of stuff to talk about. Also, a HUGE Arena Craft shoutout to Bottlebrush Games for editing the video version of this show. WE FINALLY HAVE PICTURES!!! This is the most requested feature for our Youtube channel , so we're stoked to final...
Jan 14, 2021•56 min•Ep. 57
It's about that time, then – the time where Arjuna and Covertgoblue come together to give an exhaustive set review for Kaldheim in constructed. This week we're looking at doozies such as Niko Aris; Valki, God of Lies // Tibalt, Cosmic Imposter; Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider; and also examining foundational set mechanics such as snow and foretell. Keep an eye out for our next videos in the series, which will be releasing this week! Also, a HUGE Arena Craft shoutout to Bottlebrush Games for editing ...
Jan 11, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 57
We are officially out of 2020... which means it's time for a retrospective on the year! What was the most degenerate deck of 2020? What was the best banning of the year? Find out these and more as we go down the list of most notable decks, events, and calls of the year, and dispense awards to commemorate them. >>> JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER HERE! <<< Find Covertgoblue on his YouTube channel and at his personal site . Find Arena Craft on: Discord Twitter Twitch YouTube Facebook Ema...
Jan 04, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 56
Happy (almost) New Year! This episode is focused on the changes we would like to see in the Arena client this year. After an initial launch, development on the game has apparently stalled, outside of new sets being released. This week, CGB and Arjuna talk about the many long overdue additions this game is begging for. Have a safe and happy New Year's celebration, and we'll look forward to bringing you more content in 2021. Find Covertgoblue on his YouTube channel and at his personal site . Find ...
Dec 28, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 55
We didn't expect it, we weren't ready, some question whether we were worthy – but regardless, it happened: we got some Kaldheim previews to look at! While most of them look like theme deck cards that likely won't show up in either Standard or Limited, we did get some constructed players. And examining the dump gives us clues as to the themes we can look forward to in this set. Giant, Angel, Dwarf and Elf tribal seem to be approaching, along with equipment-and-vehicle-tribal. Double-faced cards (...
Dec 21, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 54
It's been a year!!! Thanks to our devoted following for listening to every last episode of the show. We wouldn't be where we are today without you. Thanks to each and every one of our special guests, who have made this podcast relevant, entertaining and informative on what's happening in MTG Arena. On this episode, we answer a mailbag of listener questions so you can get to know the hosts more, and take a peek behind the curtain at some of the inner machinations of the show and its hosts. A BIG ...
Dec 14, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 53
*** A LINK DIRECTLY TO OUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AMA THREAD *** This week, we bring a first to the Arena Craft Podcast: we do a level up episode on the topic of answering what an opponent is trying to DO, not trying to answer the CARDS they are playing in their deck. We are so used to thinking of level 1 sideboarding plans like bringing in Wilt against Henge, negate against Nissa, gust against Cleave, etc. This episode dives deeper into thinking in terms of how does my plan match up against my...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 52
This is it - on Friday, December 4, we will begin watching the last big tournament of the year, the Zendikar Rising Championship. A mix of Historic and Standard, this tournament will be the culmination of a lot of metagame shifts in both formats. This week we meet to analyze tournament results, comment on the meta, and make our predictions for what will show up at the tournament. SCG Kaldheim Championship Qualifier - Historic Find Covertgoblue on his YouTube channel and at his personal site . Fi...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 51
Covertgoblue is back, and this week we go over the updated metas for both Standard and Historic. Historic is settling in to a new meta as Kaladesh cards take root. New archetypes such as Energy, Vehicles and Gearhulk Control are emerging, as well as strong updates to existing decks such as Monored and Sultai. On the Standard end, we check in on The Big Three (Gruul, Rogues and Yorion Doom), and then look at some of the less-played strategies threatening to upset the vegetable cart. Find Covertgo...
Nov 23, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 50
