These week, we walk through common card choices in standard. We talk about one version of a card is better than another. We go through what aspects of the card and format can lead you to pick one card over another. Card choices - 4:17 Ramp spells - 5:28 Burn spells - 28:10 Black Removal - 43:53 Counter Spells - 1:02:09 Protection spells - 1:21:27 Lands - 1:29:57 To help support the podcast, please consider going to TCG using our link: tcg.casualtryhardmtg.com Facebook: Casual Try Hard MTG Twitte...
Oct 22, 2020•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 94
This week we have more bans. Omnath has been sent away from all Arena formats and we have new formats to talk about. We start off with bans. The basic who, what and why. The we talk about the grand finals and what happened and what decks were good. That lead us into talking about what decks are still worth thinking about in standard and historic going forward. Then we got excited about getting to play with cards from Kaladesh. Finally, we circle back to the grand finals to talk about the player ...
Oct 16, 2020•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 93
This week, we play RR and discard a card as an additional card to cast Wild Guess. We are taking some guesses at what types of mechanics are coming for the next year. A listener asked and we delivered! Guess the upcoming mechanics - 7:58 Kaldheim - 8:34 Snow specs - 18:48 Back to Kaldheim - 26:20 Strixhaven - 32:46 Forgotten Realms - 43:23 Return to Return to Innistrad - 56:07 Arena time - 1:07:52 To help support the podcast, please consider going to TCG using our link: tcg.casualtryhardmtg.com ...
Oct 08, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 92
Well, we are back to ban talk again. Standard did not even make it a full week before something had to go. We discuss sending Uro to the Shadow Realm. Then we get into what should have been banned and why this keeps happening. Then, the "Walking Dead" is coming to Magic and we wonder if this is a good thing? Since Standard is a bit of a dumpster fire, we have spent most of our time in Zendikar limited and talk about what we have noticed and how the metagame has shifted. Finally, Bryan goes off o...
Oct 01, 2020•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 91
This week we give our first impressions of Zendikar Rising for both constructed and limited. Our constructed comments are based on what we have seen on social media, streams and other sources since we focused on limited. What we do know for sure is YIKES! The majority of the podcast is focused on limited. We go over our first impressions, talk about cards that impressed us or disappointed. We work in a discussion on why draft is "self-correcting" and why this format seems hard to find your lane ...
Sep 24, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 90
This week we get into the interesting cards from Zendikar Rising! We start out be working through the signpost uncommons to see what you should do in draft and what archetypes might find a place in standard. We then work through the colors to talk about cards will think will be interesting in constructed from the set. We then talk about cards members of our discord were interested in. To help support the podcast, please consider going to TCG using our link: tcg.casualtryhardmtg.com Facebook: Cas...
Sep 18, 2020•2 hr 55 min•Ep. 89
This week we use the principles that were discussed last week to look at the banned in standard the last few years. We wanted to see if there were commonalities among them that would help us find the next broken card. We take a few minutes to think about how have a history in the game impacts our card evaluations and if people are new to the game have an advantage. Then we discuss the new Zendikar Rising mechanics and look at cards with the mechanics. Finally, we talk Arena and answer a listener...
Sep 10, 2020•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 88
This week James did has homework and reviewed articles from Magic's history to discuss the worth of a card. We go through the classic theory laid out in the "Philosophy of Fire", the "Grand Unified Theory" and the "Theory of Everything." We then look at why flexible cards are so good using some of these principles. Finally, we look at the new planeswalkers from Zendikar Rising. Philosophy of Fire - 3:46 The Grand Unifying Theory - 14:17 The Theory of Everything - 27:28 Cards I would not get to w...
Sep 03, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 87
This week is bans and new products. First, to the surprise of no one Field of the Dead is banned in Historic. We talk about the why and where the format might go from here. Then we discuss some new commander products. We look at them from the prospective more competitive players. They are a way to get staples you do not have and will introduce powerful cards into legacy. We then use the example of Jumpstart to think about the finance implications of the set as well. Finally, Arena time is a litt...
Aug 27, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 86
This week we take a long look at Amonkhet Remastered's impact on Historic. We go through all of the cards that we think will be important for you to have for Historic from the new set. That way you know where to spend your wild cards. Then we talk about the Historic metagame a bit. Amonkhet Remastered sealed 3:38 Amonkhet Remastered - White 5:55 Amonkhet Remastered - Blue - 18:06 Amonkhet Remastered - Black - 41:43 Amonkhet Remastered - Red - 51:00 Amonkhet Remastered - Green - 1:01:38 Amonkhet ...
Aug 20, 2020•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 85
This week we look back on the bans that happened all across magic. We talk about why these things happened and what it might mean. Then we get into how to approach Double Masters from a finance prospective. Finally, we check in on the Arena State of the Game. The How and Why of the Bans - 3:34 Standard Bans - 7:08 Format Refresh - 16:59 The Why of the Pioneer Bans - 19:07 The pioneer bans - 26:54 Do these bans matter - 41:50 Historic Bans - 45:13 Banning and Social Media - 49:26 Double Masters: ...
Aug 14, 2020•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 84
We wanted to get in on all the fun of doubling stuff up so in honor of Double Masters, here is a double length podcast. We start off talking about the new set boosters which leads us into the problem with having a million different Magic products. Then we talk about our frustrations with current Magic, all the products and how Arena plays a role in all of this. We try to come up with a way to fix current Magic, so we are trying to be part of the solution. We then check back in on Double Masters ...
Aug 03, 2020•2 hr 33 min•Ep. 83
This week we spent some time on the hot topic for Magic, VIP boosters. What is in them and is it worth it to crack them? Then we dive into some listener questions about fetch lands and sideboards. We talk about jumping into Jumpstart on Arena last week. We go over the format, how the decks play and talk a little about the distribution model for the set. In historic, James is serving up some spicy brews. Images for the decks will be on discord and twitter. Finally, send us your decks you want us ...
Jul 23, 2020•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 82
Another week, another Banned and Restricted announcement for Magic. Isn't 2020 great? This week the guys talk about the changes to Historic, Pioneer, Modern and Pauper. They look at why the cards left and what might happen to the format going forward. Then they talk about the danger of leaks when it comes to speculating then immediately talk about a leaked card. Finally, they talk about a new Historic deck built around Song of Creation Link to the deck: https://youtu.be/hr5XFYxck9M Historic Bans...
Jul 16, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 81
Well Core 2021 has been out for a little bit and so we look at the various formats where it is making an impact. First, we talk about the draft format and what we have liked and been drafting. Then we talk through how and to some degree why Core 2021 has not had a big impact on standard. James has a spicy brew in historic, while it does not use many Core 2021 cards, he is winning a lot. Then we take a quick run through the rest of the formats and see what cards have been showing up. Core 2021 Li...
Jul 09, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 80
This week is all about Jumpstart. First, we break down what Jumpstart is and why it is. Then, we go through the decks and all most of the new cards in the set. Next up is the Arena state of the game. We breakdown the changes coming to the program, how Jumpstart might be brought to arena and talk about a new set on the horizon. What is Jumpstart? - 4:11 Jumpstart Themes - 22:33 Jumpstart final thoughts - 1:04:07 Arena state of the game - 1:07:11 Jumpstart on Arena - 1:19:00 Amonket Remastered - 1...
Jul 02, 2020•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 79
This week we breakdown the cards that look interesting from Core 2021. We breakdown cards were are excited about and talk about cards listeners have asked us about. Uncommon Limited Signposts - 3:40 Interesting Standard Cards - 19:41 Sublime Epiphany - 19:55 Teferi, Master of Time - 24:28 Teferi’s tutelage - 30:02 Archfiend’s Vessel - 33:03 Kitesail Freebooter - 38:26 Liliana Waker of the Dead - 39:42 Thieves Guild Enforcer - 42:41 Chandra’s Pyreling - 47:52 Conspicuous Snoop - 50:11 Gadrak the ...
Jun 25, 2020•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 78
This week is a little bit of Players Tour and a whole lot of Arena Cube. We start be reviewing the metagame this this weekend and discussing how the PT went. Then we get into a little bit of Twitter controversy over how to count top 8s in these events. Then we talk about cube! We go over the basics of cube then get into detail about the Arena cube. We talk about how to draft, how to find an archetype and the little things that can make your deck better. Finally we talk a little Arena and Jumpsta...
Jun 18, 2020•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 77
This week marks the start of Core 2021 previews. We talk about some of the high value reprints that are in this set and discuss the best time to buy. Then we take a dive into Historic but not just to play historic. There are a number of decks that have analogues in pioneer. We talk about those decks and the changes you can make to play them in a paper pioneer event. Then we check in with the mastery pass during the Arena part of the show. Deck Lists: Standard 4-color Winota Jund Storm Herald - h...
Jun 11, 2020•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 76
This week we have more bans and rules changes. First we discuss the changes to companion and if that will be enough to stop every deck from playing one. Then we discuss the bans in Standard and Historic and try to figure out where the metagame goes now. We talk about our adopt a deck Simic Mutate. We have some Arena time and then go totally off the rails. We get into some leaks and go deep on Visions. Companion Rule Change - 3:39 Bans - 23:02 New standard meta game - 44:16 Adopt a Deck - Simic M...
Jun 04, 2020•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 75
This week we are talking products, Lots and lots of products. We start with some finance and discussing the expected value (EV) on a box of Ikoria. Then we get into all the new products. We have Double Masters, the double stuff Oreo of MTG sets. Then we get into all the Secret Lairs that were announced this week. We take a second to see if this is all too much for people to buy. Then we talk about the goings on in Arena. We have the Historic format, PT's and drama, so just another week of MTG. A...
May 28, 2020•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 74
This week we are news heavy because WOTC made a million announcements on the same day. First, we talk about the impact of the Banned and Restricted announcement on Legacy, Vintage and beyond. Next, we talk about the new Arena Open where you can win real world dollaridoos from home. Wizards also introduced a new Promo to help the LGS that has some nice cards. Finally, we talk about our adopt a deck, Grixis fires. Quick Finance Minute - 2:52 Banned and Restricted Announcement - 5:44 The Arena Open...
May 22, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 73
Based on some recent twitter activity, it seems like the creators of Magic are a little lost about where the game is going. We talk about the fuss on twitter and what it might mean going forward. Then we get into our adopted deck, Jeskai Cycling. Finally, we go through some updates coming to Arena and all of the new historic cards. Lost Designer - 4:10 Companions in Standard - 41:13 Adopt a deck - Jeskai Cycling - 43:51 Arena - 1:14:27 To help support the podcast, please consider going to TCG us...
May 14, 2020•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 72
This week is all about the engines of current standard. We discuss what the engines are, a little about how they work and compare them to other engines throughout the history of magic. Then we talk about how this has changed how magic is played and why these engines might not be good for the game. Then we pitch a new segment idea called "Adopt A Deck" where we play meta decks and give you some insight on how they play and what hands to keep and so on. If this sounds like a good idea, let us know...
May 07, 2020•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 71
This week we do something we have never done before....we talk in depth about one limited format, Ikoria. The advent of player drafts on Arena make it so drafting is great. Bryan was over 40 drafts deep when we recorded and he had some thoughts on the best archetypes and how to get into them. Then we talked about the new Companion mechanic and how it impacting limited and constructed. Then since they seem busted, we discuss their future and how some people have talked about fixing the mechanic. ...
Apr 30, 2020•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 70
This week is all about the changes to Arena that were rolled out for Ikoria. They are monstrous....you see what we did there? We have focus on the new ways to draft and what that means. Then we get into the limited environment because Bryan has played too much limited and James too much sealed. Then we take a quick look at what is going on in constructed. Arena Update 2:29 Ikoria drafts - 39:11 Companions in limited and beyond - 46:32 Ikoria Draft Archetypes - 53:00 Draft Pocket Synergies - 1:02...
Apr 23, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 69
This week the guys take a look at the exciting cards from the new set. We revisit the mechanics to make sure we are all on the same page then get into the cards. We work through the colors and talk about where we see the interesting cards finding a home in standard and beyond. Ikoria Set Mechanics - 4:25 Ikoria Set Review White - 8:39 Blue - 13:18 Black - 25:35 Green - 33:10 Gold - 39:55 The Ultimatums - 1:01:43 The Companions - 1:17:38 Colorless - 1:32:13 To help support the podcast, please con...
Apr 17, 2020•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 68
This week we stop at the mechanic shop. We first talk about the how they are spoiling this set with another set. Then we breakdown all of the mechanics for the new set to the best of our abilities. This gets us to the topic of how this seems to be the first set designed for Arena. Then we answer a listener question about card storage and organization. Then we talk about how during the lock down you can load up on staples for when we play in paper again. Finally we get into Arena cube and other g...
Apr 09, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 67
This week we focus on trying to build your collection during these rough times. We make our way down the mystery booster card file to find the best deals for you. Then we check in on what we are playing on Arena. Here is the link to all of the mystery booster cards we talked about and will talk about... https://tinyurl.com/r3tmjec News - 8:06 Recession Finance - 23:53 Arena - 1:00:24 To help support the podcast, please consider going to TCG using our link: tcg.casualtryhardmtg.com Facebook: Casu...
Apr 03, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 66
Week 2 of lock down and we are not dead yet! We one with an idea for a finance section on the show. Let us know if this idea sounds good and we will get our crack research team (James) working on it. This week we cover some of the impacts that Covid-19 has had on the Magic community and us. Then we take a listener question about one there are so many one of's in sideboards. We talk some sideboarding theory and how one of's can be good. We follow that up by Leveling the Battlefield. We discuss th...
Mar 26, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 65
