Further fallout from last week’s divisive new ban announcement: The Commander Rules Committee has decided to officially hand over control of the format to Wizards of the Coast. This shift in power brings the 13-year era of community management to an end. Needless to say, there’s a lot to talk about. Join Jimmy, Rachel, and JLK as we sit down to discuss our takes on how we got here, what’s happening now, and what we think this means for the future of Commander. -------- Support the show and becom...
Oct 03, 2024•2 hr
Ever been on the wrong side of a Commander game and thought, “I’d need a miracle to win!” We're here to make it happen with our 10-card, $50 upgrade guide for the new “Miracle Worker” (white/blue/black) precon deck! Come see what enchanting new includes will take this Duskmourn list to new heights, and soon you’ll have everything you need to make your next victory look like divine intervention! (Not the card, that one makes it a draw.) -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of ...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 633
This is the episode you’ve been waiting for: We’re talking about the bans. This week’s ban announcement – removing Dockside Extortionist, Jeweled Lotus, Mana Crypt, and Nadu from the format – took the Commander community by storm. Some people are ecstatic, others are furious, but if you engage with Magic on the Internet you know this is all anyone’s been talking about. So in this special episode, JLK and Rachel sit down to hash out their thoughts on these controversial bans (except Nadu, that on...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min
To survive in the harrowed halls of Duskmourn, you’ve gotta be pretty scary yourself. It’s no surprise this set is loaded up with a bunch of frighteningly powerful new Commanders! This episode, we’ll be going over our picks for the best legends in the set, giving you a rundown of all the synergies and strategies you’ll need to put one of these monsters at the helm of your next deck. Don’t miss it! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards,...
Sep 24, 2024•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 632
BOO! Did we make you jump? Or are you just leaping to get your hands on the new “Jump Scare” (blue/green) Commander precon from Duskmourn? Settle down, because we’re here to calm your nerves and raise your power level with our 10-card upgrade guide, all for under $50! We’ll tell you which cards to cut and which to hide in the deck so, at your next game night, you’ll have everything you need to spook your opponents… TO DEATH! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our communi...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 631
Everybody hurts, sometimes… Especially when you’re playing against the new “Endless Punishment” (red/black) precon Commander deck from Duskmourn: House of Horrors! Today, we’re going to help you bring the pain with our 10 card upgrade, all for under $50! We’ll go over which cards to add and which ones to slash from the list for a power spike that will leave your opponents writhing in agony at your next game night! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive...
Sep 17, 2024•58 min•Ep. 630
Have no fear, Duskmourn preview season isn’t quite over yet. We’ve got a terrifyingly cool new deck to show you, plus an upgrade guide that’s simply to die for. The time has come to reveal the new “Death Toll” (green/black) Commander precon, including 10 never-before-seen cards. Then, we’ll lay out our 10-card upgrade that won’t cost you an arm and a leg (under $50) so you can be the terror of the table at your next game night! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our comm...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 629
Every so often a Commander deck comes along that begs the question: Is this so stupid it’s brilliant, or just regular stupid? This episode, you can be the judge as master brewer Rachel Weeks presents the dumbest deck she’s ever built: Norin the Wary… with stickers! She’ll break down the sticking points she encountered along the way, as well as the tickets to its arguable success. Be very wary, because things are about to get weird! -------- Thanks to our sponsors: SHOPIFY: Power your business wi...
Sep 04, 2024•50 min•Ep. 628
You know what really ruffles our feathers? Grinds our gearhulks? Makes our Blood tokens boil? Well you’re about to! This episode, we break down the most annoying cards in Commander. We got a bunch of submissions from our Patrons and staff, and now we’re laying out what makes these cards miserable and ranking which are the worst of the worst. There’s a lot to get riled up about. Come see if the card of your nightmares made the short list! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part o...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 627
Everyone loves hugs right? How about group hugs? Maybe in real life! But, in Commander, the group hug strategy can be pretty controversial, not to mention tricky to pilot. Fret not! This episode, we’ve got the best hugger we know, DJ (AKA “Jumbo Commander”), to bring you the complete guide to the archetype. He’ll teach you how to turn making friends into glorious victory, along with warning you about some of the biggest pitfalls to avoid. You don’t want to miss it! -------- Support the show and ...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 626
Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- Show Notes: Sometimes big power comes in cute little packages, but how do you know which new woodland cards should land a spot in your next deck? We’re here to help with our review of the best cards from Bloomburrow for your 99! We’ll show you which of these cards are not just adorable, but also unignorable, along with the synergies and strategies you ...
Aug 15, 2024•2 hr 28 min•Ep. 625
Want to give the table a brood awakening at your next Commander night? This episode, we’re making some offspring spring into action with our upgrade for the “Family Matters” (red/white/blue) precon from Bloomburrow. We’ve got 10 new additions to adopt into the deck, and 10 cards to cut from the family reunion guest list, all for under $50. Get ready to win through the power of kin! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 624
Of all the legendary animals leaping around the valley of Bloomburrow, which is the wildest of the woodland? The fiercest of the forest? The thickest in the thicket? We’re about to find out, because this episode we’re breaking down the most powerful new Commanders from Magic’s latest set. Don’t miss the strategies and synergies that’ll turn these critters into real beasts on the battlefield! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and m...
Jul 30, 2024•2 hr 6 min•Ep. 623
Show Notes: Trying to tune your Raccoons from trash pandas to treasure pandas? Look no further, because today we’re bringing you our upgrade guide for the brand new “Animated Army” (red/green) precon from Bloomburrow. Special guest upgrader Olivia Gobert-Hicks is here with 10 cards to make the deck sing, and 10 you can leave in the garbage, all for under $50. Don’t miss it! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.p...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 622
Are you looking to dole out some beats while you’re giving out treats? Bloomburrow has the perfect deck for you with the new “Peace Offering” (blue/white/green) precon! And we’re here to sweeten the deal with our upgrade guide: 10 gifted additions and 10 cards to leave back in your den, all for under $50! Soon you’ll be your whole pod’s favorite player to lose to! Don’t miss it. -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 25 min
Are you going nuts for more Bloomburrow previews? Well you’re in luck! Not only do we have an entire new deck to show you, we’ve also got an upgrade guide ready to go! That’s right, it’s time to reveal the new “Squirreled Away” (green/black) precon, complete with 10 brand new cards. Then we’ll give you our take on a 10-card upgrade all for under $50, so you’ll have everything you need to bring a bushy-tailed beatdown to your next game night! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a pa...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 620
Show Notes: The fantasy draft format is back and, this time, you should expect the unexpected! JLK, Jimmy, and Rachel are drafting the best “Gotcha!” spells in Commander. We’re talking about the tricks that catch your opponents totally off guard and turn the game on its head. But which of the format’s obscure surprise spells will take the top spot? And who will emerge victorious once the dust finally settles? Come find out, and you might even pick up some new tech along the way! -------- Support...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 619
The Assassin Order has struck again, infiltrating Magic: the Gathering with a set full of powerful tricks from across time. This episode, we’ve got our eagle eyes locked on Assassin’s Creed as we look for cards with lethal potential. From historic legends to deadly equipment, there’s a ton of power waiting to be unlocked. So enter the Animus with us as we break down the cards you need to know from Magic’s latest crossover release. -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our c...
Jul 05, 2024•2 hr 15 min•Ep. 618
Show Notes: Upgrading decks can be tricky, but with the right cards, your lands can be even trickier – especially with this upgrade guide for the new “Tricky Terrain” (green/blue) precon deck from Modern Horizons 3! We’ll guide you through the valley of 10 cards you should add, and across a canyon where you can throw the 10 cards you’ll take out, all for under $50! Soon, you will be the master of all the lands! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive aw...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 617
With a set as pushed as Modern Horizons 3, we’re getting a ton of new toys and upgrades for Commander. But which cards will rise to staple status? Between the cycle of free spells, twists on powerful classics, and new support for colorless, there’s no shortage of strong contenders. We’ve got a LOT to talk about here, so strap in as we break down the best cards for the 99 from Magic’s totally busted new set. -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesom...
Jun 25, 2024•2 hr 8 min•Ep. 616
Magic players are flipping out over the new MDFCs from Modern Horizons 3! Many MDFC lands are “auto-includes” in Commander, so we’re going to sit down and let you know which of these powerful new ones are the absolute best for your decks. We’ll rank each of them from must-buy to don’t-even-try, so you’ll know exactly what you need to pick up to get your land base into fighting shape! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! htt...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 615
Would you kill for more info on the new Universes Beyond: Assassin’s Creed MTG set? Well you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got a sweet new exclusive preview card for you, and no one has to die to get it. All you have to do is watch and learn the ancient secrets of “Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass!” -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- UNIVERSES BEYOND: ASSASSIN’S CREED: For more ...
Jun 18, 2024•30 min•Ep. 614
Remember when Tarmogoyf was the king of Modern? Those days may be over, but you can still get your fix of Goyf-y goodness in the new Modern Horizons 3 “Graveyard Overdrive” (black/red/green) precon deck! So to help you Jund ‘em out, we’re bringing you our $50 upgrade guide, featuring 10 cards to drive up the power level and 10 cards to leave in the dirt. Soon, the only thing on your opponents’ horizons will be… DEFEAT! -------- SUPPORT OUR CONTENT! Become a Patron and join our community to recei...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 613
Want to annihilate your opponents, but not your wallet? Look no further than our upgrade guide for the five-color Modern Horizons 3 “Eldrazi Incursion” precon! Eldrazi aficionado Ashlen Rose is here to reshape this deck’s reality by adding 10 powerful new cards and sending 10 back to the void, all for under $50. With these swaps, you’ll be strong enough to scour your opponents from existence! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and ...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 612
Modern Horizons sets are full of notoriously strong cards from all throughout the multiverse. So it’s no surprise that Modern Horizons 3 brings super-pushed new legends featuring fan-favorite characters along with some exciting (and intimidating) new faces. Come see which Commanders are the cream of the power-crept crop, and learn the synergies and strategies you’ll need to break them wide open. There’s a LOT of wild stuff in this set, and you don’t wanna miss any of it. -------- Support the sho...
Jun 06, 2024•2 hr 16 min•Ep. 611
Does souping up your precon just take too much energy? Well don’t worry, because we’ve done the hard work for you in this upgrade guide for the “Creative Energy” (blue/red/white) Commander deck from Modern Horizons 3. We’re laying out 10 pieces of hot tech to supercharge it, and 10 cards to toss in the scrap pile, all on a $50 budget. Come see how to give this deck a jolt and turn it into a truly electrifying powerhouse. -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, ...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 610
Thought Modern Horizons 3 couldn’t broaden your horizons any further? You thought WRONG! Today we’re revealing a brand new lands Commander deck for you to explore. That’s right, we’re bringing you the entire “Tricky Terrain” (green/blue) preconstructed deck, complete with 13 new cards and 2 brand new legends. Come and join us as we show you a world where lands are anything but basic! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! htt...
May 29, 2024•49 min•Ep. 609
These days, knowing every single Magic card is basically impossible (unless you’re Gavin Verhey). Luckily for the rest of us, there’s Scryfall, the high-powered and versatile MTG search engine that can take your deck building to the next level… if you know how to use it. This episode, we’re bringing you a crash course on the ins and outs of Scryfall, covering everything from the very basics, to some truly top-level tips and tricks to help you find the cards for your next Commander deck! Don’t mi...
May 23, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 608
Math may be for blockers, but the rules are for everyone. Today we’re going to walk through everything you need to know to navigate your combat phase to perfection. Rules expert Murph joins Rachel to break it down step by step – literally. We’ll cover crazy keyword interactions (including BANDING) and give you all the tools you need to master the art of war! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/comma...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 607
It’s not easy playing green – unless you’re two-time Pro Tour champion and Magic Hall of Famer Brian Kibler! Let his wisdom be your guide as he discusses how to pilot green decks like a true beast. He’s laying out where green stomps the competition and where it has the most room for growth. So make like a tree and stay exactly where you are while you absorb the light of our special guest’s insights. -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome reward...
May 08, 2024•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 606
