Gerry and Bryan have spent their first post-Strixhaven day on the ladder, and results are surprising! Is there really a card that might have what it takes to reshape Standard? Meanwhile, Historic is a brand new format, and they think they're onto the best deck there too. Let their labor save your wildcards! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Early Access - 2:55 Plumb the Forbidden - 11:45 Sedgemoor Witch - 26:40...
Apr 17, 2021•1 hr 14 min
For the first time in podcast history, Gerry and Bryan are at a loss when it comes to ranking the cards in a new set! Why did the boys pass on making a Top 10 list this go around? Listen and find out! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Velomachus Lorehold - 7:12 Galazeth Prismari - 11:33 Beledros Witherbloom - 14:34 Blade Historian - 17:43 Multiple Choice - 21:03 Sedgemoor Witch - 22:04 Callous Bloodmage - 25:05...
Apr 09, 2021•1 hr 21 min
Strixhaven's Mystical Archive is about to revolutionize the Historic format, and that means that one Top 10 list just won't cut it for this set. Gerry and Bryan are letting you know the ten (or more) cards that are about to change everything. No Historic player can afford to skip this episode! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Mystical Archive pre-bans - 5:48 Honorable mentions - 13:46 #10 - 25:15 #9 - 29:18 #8...
Apr 03, 2021•1 hr 24 min
Preview season already!?! No complaints here, as the guys get to reviewing both the new cards in Strixhaven and the reprints about to hit the Historic format. Plus, the debut of Arena iOS and how the guys anticipate their gaming habits will be influenced. Spoiler: it’s toilet Magic. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Arena on IOS - 0:27 New dual lands - 19:11 Commands - 27:04 Quandrix Command - 33:04 Professor O...
Mar 26, 2021•1 hr 38 min
With big events coming up and a couple of key new prints impacting the format, it’s time to take another look at Historic. The guys are breaking down the format in their classic style, letting you know what they think of the usual suspects and trying to identify what has the potential to be the next big thing. Hint: it’s Death’s Shadow. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Death's Shadow - 8:44 Dealing with Shadow...
Mar 19, 2021•1 hr 1 min
It's been a while, but with a return to live Magic creeping slowly closer, the guys decided it was time to check back in on everyone's least/most favorite format: Modern! There are a lot of questions to be answered such as: where did all these Slivers come from? What does Bryan have against Lightning Skelementals? And is it finally time to put our Primeval Titans to rest? Listen and find out! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tatei...
Mar 13, 2021•1 hr 47 min
After a weekend of play at the highest level, Standard revealed that it still had some new tricks up its sleeve. What deck spent the weekend moving forward by going back in time? What under-respected archetype is just waiting to reward you for mastering it? How come no one is talking about Dredge in Standard? Add in some thoughts on parenting from two guys who couldn’t care for a potted plant, and you’ve got another can’t miss episode on your hands! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zook...
Mar 06, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Another day, another huge announcement from Wizards of the Coast, and to the surprise of no one Gerry and Bryan are... fine with it? Are we sure this is right? Why are the guys happily taking their Magic cards to Mordor and beyond? Plus, a look at the decks currently dominating Standard, and an impassioned defense of Nickelback. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Wizards news announcement - 0:57 Nickelback discu...
Feb 26, 2021•1 hr 23 min
In an Arena Decklists first, Gerry and Bryan turn their attention to Magic's greatest format--Limited! They're here to get you prepared for this weekend's Kaldheim Sealed Arena Open. If you're looking to take home that sweet $2,000 dollar prize, you can't afford to sit this episode out! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Arena Open Entry & Payout Options - 1:51 Play vs Draw - 8:00 Sideboarding - 19:55 Risk v...
Feb 18, 2021•1 hr 54 min
Sweeping change has come to almost every Magic format, and Uro (and some of its most notorious pals) have been left out in the cold. Where do we go from here? Let Gerry and Bryan tell you in this special bonus episode! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Why did it take so long? - 1:46 Historic - 6:51 Pioneer - 12:44 Modern - 17:52 Legacy - 36:22 Vintage - 52:36 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtub...
Feb 16, 2021•55 min
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Sultai just might be the best deck in Standard. However, Gerry and Bryan are more optimistic about their chances of fighting back this time, and they’re here to highlight a bevy of decks that might have what it takes to compete. Plus, breaking news and Bryan browbeats Gerry into teaching everyone Sealed for the upcoming Arena Open! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: How b...
Feb 12, 2021•1 hr 11 min
The first decks of Kaldheim Standard have arrived and you know Gerry and Bryan can’t wait to dive in. Come explore the innovations (and conspicuous absences) from the first Magic Online league! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Boros Showdown - 6:14 Rogues - 8:18 Mono-Green - 11:47 Gruul - 16:47 Rakdos Sacrifice - 21:07 Mardu Pyromancer - 24:36 Mono-White - 30:16 Naya Showdown - 37:01 Dimir Control - 46:15 Boro...
Feb 05, 2021•1 hr 21 min
No sleep. No food. No Genshin Impact or Teamfight Tactics. The boys lived on Magic Arena for the first day of Kaldheim’s release, and they’re already seeing the trends emerge. What has impressed and what has come up short? What important principles must deckbuilders keep in mind? Why is Haste the keyword you need to focus on right now? The answers are all here! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi arenadecklists.gg patreon.co...
Jan 30, 2021•1 hr 7 min
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for: Gerry and Bryan’s Top 10 list of the best cards in Kaldheim is here! Plus a bonus look at their Top 5 commons and uncommons in the set. Not to go full clickbait, but their number one card might shock you! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Commons & uncommons - 4:05 Honorable mentions - 4:26 #5 - 6:46 #4 - 7:42 #3 - 9:43 #2 - 10:56 #1 - 13:59 Rare honorable mentio...
Jan 22, 2021•1 hr 36 min
After a less than stellar start to the preview season, the last few days have brought some exciting new cards to Kaldheim. As always, the boys are following their own path, and there are a lot of hyped cards that they’re ready to completely pass on. At the same time, they’re starting to identify a couple cards giving off “broken” vibes. Listen and find out where your favorites fall! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timest...
Jan 16, 2021•1 hr 36 min
Magic’s newest set continues its preview season, and we’re starting to get to the good stuff. Some of these cards are being dramatically misevaluated right now, and Gerry and Bryan are here to set the record straight. Get your head start in new Standard! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Snow lands - 3:38 Frost Bite - 7:26 Niko Aris - 8:47 Valki, God of Lies - 15:41 Invasion of the Giants - 23:20 Glimpse the Co...
Jan 08, 2021•1 hr 21 min
The New Year is upon us, and that means it’s time to bid a not so fond farewell to 2020. What better way to do so than spending a couple hours with the guys as they go over their favorites (and least favorites) from the past year. Magic, movies, music, and more... it’s all in this mammoth episode! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Top 5 MTG players - 7:08 What will MTG look like in the future - 11:30 Top 5 card...
Jan 01, 2021•1 hr 56 min
It’s the most magical time of the year... preview season!! A whole host of exciting new Magic cards have the guys feeling festive. Hear their takes on what cards are destined to shake up your favorite formats. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Historic - 1:25 Halvar, God of Battle - 5:13 Pathways - 13:10 Kaya the Inexorable - 18:30 Magda, Brazan Outlaw - 25:12 Toski, Bearer of Secrets - 32:14 Sarulf, Realm Eate...
Dec 25, 2020•59 min
Hope you’re ready for an episode that’s been years in the making! Before she leaves for Wizards of the Coast, Emma Handy makes her long overdue Arena Decklists debut to talk about Magic content as both a creator and consumer. Whether you’re looking to get in the content creation game yourself, or just increase the benefit derived from the media you follow, there’s something in this episode for everyone. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Ta...
Dec 18, 2020•1 hr 49 min
With two big Historic events on tap this weekend, Gerry and Bryan are diving into the results of the Zendikar Rising Championships to figure out what to play. The usual suspects are all discussed, but there’s also a new deck that’s starting to catch the team’s attention. On top of that, the guys weigh in on aliens, quicksand, and how Gerry can stop setting himself on fire. This episode might have gone a little off the rails... Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by ...
Dec 12, 2020•1 hr 16 min
High-level Magic is back on the menu this week, and Gerry and Bryan are perusing the decklists from both formats of the Zendikar Rising Championship. What decks do they love, like, and loathe? Listen and find out! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Zendikar Rising Championship - 0:40 Standard Overview - 6:08 Yorion decks - 21:05 Historic - 35:59 Are players copying Gerry less? - 38:58 Fringe decks - 54:46 Secret...
Dec 05, 2020•1 hr 21 min
When Gerry and Bryan are in perfect agreement on a deck, it’s usually time to take notice! Both of the boys have fallen in love with Gerry’s unique take on Rakdos Sacrifice, and they’re here to break down exactly what makes the deck tick. Pick up the best deck in Historic before the word gets out! 3 Woe Strider 2 Castle Locthwain 4 Cauldron Familiar 4 Witch's Oven 4 Fabled Passage 4 Claim the Firstborn 4 Mayhem Devil 4 Priest of Forgotten Gods 3 Midnight Reaper 4 Scrapheap Scrounger 4 Bomat Cour...
Nov 28, 2020•1 hr 10 min
This week the focus remains on Historic, as Gerry and Bryan try to unpack all the effects of Kaladesh Remastered. The early days of the format have been packed with surprises, as some hyped cards fizzled out and some underrated gems have established themselves as format staples. If you’re participating in this weekend’s SCG Tour Online, this is a can’t miss episode! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Questions o...
Nov 20, 2020•1 hr 18 min
With Kaladesh Remastered hitting MTG Arena this week, Bryan and Gerry comb through the set and point out all of the potential haymakers that may impact the Historic format. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Aetherworks Marvel - 3:37 Fatal Push - 17:25 Winding Constrictor - 18:37 Bomat Courier - 20:43 Scrapheap Scrounger - 23:23 Sram, Senior Edificer - 25:20 Fast Lands - 26:33 Blossoming Defense - 28:47 Metallic...
Nov 13, 2020•1 hr 10 min
Gerry and Bryan are back to review the decklists from another Magic Online league, and this time their focus is on Modern! The format is in one of the healthiest states it’s seen in a long time, and a lack of competitive focus on the format seems to be inspiring some wild deck choices. Follow along at https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/mtgo-standings/modern-league-2020-11-03 Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Tim...
Nov 07, 2020•1 hr 23 min
Standard has been through some tough times over the past year, but this current incarnation is proving to be a return to form. As Gerry and Bryan get ready to make their return to the caster's booth for the Red Bull Untapped Finals, they're unpacking the results of last weekend's league play. What do they have to say for Yorion? Did Bryan trick everyone into playing a bad deck Week 1 AGAIN? What's the plan for the upcoming Arena Open? All this and more on this week's episode! Music: Mega Man 2 "...
Oct 30, 2020•1 hr 14 min
This is a big weekend for tournament Magic and Yorion is the headliner. What caused its meteoric rise and can anything stop it? Gerry and Bryan share their experiences with the different Yorion variants, their mirror match strategies, and the other decks in the format that have their attention. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: MPL & Rivals - 0:50 Standard Yorin - 11:28 Lukka setups - 27:58 Rogues - 36:27 A...
Oct 23, 2020•1 hr 15 min
Magic is back baby! Sweeping bans have finally made the format feel fresh again, and Gerry and Bryan have been hard at work figuring out the rules of engagement for new Standard. They present their pillars, and explain how the presence of five format defining cards should be shaping your deck building in the coming weeks. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: B&R - 3:41 What Standard looks like now - 15:35 The ...
Oct 15, 2020•1 hr 29 min
Two formats and a small field of some of the best players in the world have left Gerry and Bryan with plenty of food for thought headed into the biggest Magic tournament of the year: the Grand Finals! The guys talk about why the Omnath problem has proven so difficult to solve in Standard, and whether the competitors here have found any glimmers of hope. When it comes to Historic, Omnath is only beginning to assert its dominance. Did anyone in this field find the answer? Also, what video game cam...
Oct 09, 2020•1 hr 31 min
Look, the bans didn’t go exactly how Gerry and Bryan had hoped. Omnath remains a huge fixture of Standard, and engines are still the order of the day. However, there’s still work to be done and moves to make. The guys are hard at work, both figuring out the best version of Omnath and the best way to fight it. Hear what’s been working for them, and learn about Standard’s surprisingly deep second tier. Do any dark horse archetypes have what it takes to unseat the four-armed menace? Music: Mega Man...
Oct 02, 2020•1 hr 42 min
