CommanderCast S2E1: Back In The Game

Posted by ANDY aka GHoooSTS

EXPLODING into action, CommanderCast is back on deck for another season of all things EDH! Following the act of last season will be difficult, but I think my (rapidly expanding) team is up to the task. We have some very ambitious ideas on the go for this set of episodes, and will be trying to keep all our listeners informed on what's brewing. As usual, your feedback is what keeps the show moving forward, so don't hesitate to follow some of the contact information at the end of the show to let us know what's what.

For our season two premiere, I am rolling deep with Carlos, Adam and Donovan. In a slightly expended podcast we are visiting topics ranging from rage-quits to cards from The Dark. Secret Tech makes another triumphant return with a new format (don't worry, the old style will return with each guest host). As always, the show notes below will guide you on an adventure of spiritual and scholastic growth as we yell at you for about an hour and a half.

Show notes and pertinent links below. Enjoy.

>>>>> Download the show in MP3 format here! <<<<<

SHOW NOTES

00:00 to 06:11: Intro: Andy, Carlos, Adam and Donovan introduce themselves, discuss the mid-week update, and talk about the podcast as a sort of re-introduction for any new listeners.


06:19 to 17:24: Free-For-All-Roundtable: Blightsteel Colossus: We are a bit late tot he party on this one, but since everyone was talking about it we figured we'd better chime in on what is undoubtedly Mirrodin Besieged's most controversial EDH card.

35:29 to 54:33: Community: Metagame Strategies: Whether you call it a 'rage quit' or 'tactical concession', 'bluffing' or 'lying', 'threatening' or 'signaling', there are a variety of out-of-game tactics that can be employed my Magic players. In Commander where social dynamics and politics are crucial these are amplified. Opinions vary widely on what is considered acceptable or what qualifies as an asshole move. We're putting in some work on the topic.

56:44 to 67:18: Strategy: Archetype Rundown: Chaos Decks: Can you put Grip of Chaos in a deck for any good reason? How can you make this kind of deck work for you? Is this really a griefer strategy, or is there more behind the archetype? Donovan takes us into the Eye of the Storm of Chaos deck strategy in this primer!

54:52 to 59:22: Strategy: Legendary Plays: In a new highly requested segment, we discuss some crazy or noteworthy plays that have happened in our group--but always with a lesson to be learned for all involved. This week, Adam is regaling us with a tale of greed, grave robbing, and loose sphinxes while Andy's theme is murdering Echo Mages.

59:36 to 61:16: Technology: Break My Card: It's our new thing on Twitter. STRICTLY for our followers there because before this our e-mail guys got all the love (and the contest). Here's how it works:

• Once a week, I give you a single card. It can be anything.
• You let me know how to use it via Twitter. It has to be in one Tweet. You can use short versions, abbreviations, and acronyms, but if I can't decipher them you're busted. You can't send a second tweet, e-mail, or telegraph to explain what you mean.
• You have to tell me what Commander will be in charge of the deck the card is used in. After that, you can say whatever; a combo? Some synergies? The type of deck it works in best? It's up to you to do something awesome with the card. 

This week's card to break is OOZE GARDEN.
 

61:32 to 90:58: Technology: SUPER Secret Tech: In Super Secret Tech, each host is running down a common, uncommon, and rare of their choice that is considered underrepresented in Commander. The choices are then discussed in a brief roundtable format. The standard Secret Tech format will return with each guest host.


Adam's Picks: Withdraw, Complicate, Elemental Appeal
Carlos' Picks: Tilling Treefolk, Betrayal of Flesh, Worm Harvest
Andy's Picks: Envelop, Suffer the Past, City of Shadows
Donovan's Picks: Grim Harvest, Palladium Myr, Hurkyl's Recall

91:16 to closing: Outtro.

PERTINENT LINKS

• Sandreline will pretty up your cards.
• Discussion on 'dousche-scooping' and some other metagame plays.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• To E-Mail Andy: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Adam: adnelso(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Donovan: domokun(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Carlos: cag5383(at)gmail(dot)com
• To Tweet CommanderCast: (at)CommanderCast on Twitter

Also, as a special bonus... Next Level Custom Cards from Sandreline! Check this hotness out!

CommanderCast 13: Season Finale

Posted by ANDY aka GHoooSTS

The last thirteen weeks of work have all been leading up to this hour and a half podcasting EVENT! Andy, Adam and Jeremiah sit down to close out our first season with a battery of topics that strike near the hearts of every Commander player out there. This includes our most-requested topic of all, a segment on the 'Spirit of EDH' and what it means for us, as well as a bit of discussion on the future of the format. We tried to keep somewhat in line with this topic as the theme for the whole podcast, also hitting up cards that made us feel like assholes and prison lock decks.

I would like to thank all of our listeners, supporters, and contributors for making this into a surprisingly productive experience. It is only because I have had the whole CommanderCast team backing me up, along with dozens of listeners keeping it real and sending it feedback, that the show has any kind of following today. This started with the concept of being a community-oriented podcast, and has blossomed into substantially more. I pride myself on keeping this one of the most interactive, accessible, and listener-oriented shows available on MtG and that would mean nothing without the feedback and support of our listeners.

We will be taking a scheduled break between this episode and our return for Season 2. I will be incommunicado for one week as of today, and will return to respond to all e-mails, Tweets, and the like as per usual. We will be producing work like articles, podcasts, and videos prior to Season 2 going live so we have a stockpile of content in case of unforeseen events. This will help keep the wheels turning so all you fiends are satisfied.

So, if you are somebody who has helped us out in the past with topic suggestions, feedback, or other ideas, please keep them coming. They're the lifeblood of the show. If you have an interest in guest hosting, let me know. I will get back at you about it as soon as possible. If you know of or run a blog, YouTube channel, or some other form of media related of Commander or even just casual Magic, let me know about it so we can pimp it. It's what I want to do. Most of all, if there's another mode of interaction you would like to have with me or other members of the team, please let us know. We want to be on point like that.

I have some very exciting plans for Season 2, including but not limited to...

• EVEN MOAR guest hosts!
• Free-for-all Roundtables... with KNIVES
• A live streaming, call-in episode of CommanderCast
• More articles from more different writers

...and so on. If you're reading this, you probably don't need any coercion to come back in a few weeks. We'll see you then. I hope you bring friends.

Show notes and links below. Enjoy.

>>>>> Download the show in MP3 format here! <<<<<

SHOW NOTES

00:00 to 05:38: Intro: Andy, Adam and Jeremiah introduce themselves, discuss the mid-week update, and talk about the upcoming second season.


05:48 to 20:28: Free-For-All-Roundtable: Metalworker: Should Metalworker still be banned in Commander? While Jeremiah and Adam fight to the death Andy doesn't really care. Our most epic Roundtable yet, with the time constraint removed the gloves come off!


20:35 to 22:30: Community Spotlight: Completely Casual: My man Dominik is doing some SERIOUS writing about playing casual Magic. Not strictly Commander related, but great content. Check him out at completelycasual.net.

22:45 to 56:24: Community: The 'Spirit of EDH': We finally cover the most-requested subject for the podcast, 'The Spirit of EDH', in a mega-segment devoted to one of the most controversial but interesting subjects related to the format. Be advised this discussion is long, far-reaching, and contains several sub-discussions.

56:44 to 67:18: Strategy: Hated Out: Prison Locks: "Uh oh, here comes my man with his Erayo deck. This game is pretty much ruined." A stinkin' ass prison lock would be as foul by any other name (Stasis, Hokori, Decree of Silence)... so why do we hate these decks? What makes them good? When should you play them, if ever?

67:36 to 70:30: Technology: Break My Card: It's our new thing on Twitter. STRICTLY for our followers there because before this our e-mail guys got all the love (and the contest). Here's how it works:

• Once a week, I give you a single card. It can be anything.
• You let me know how to use it via Twitter. It has to be in one Tweet. You can use short versions, abbreviations, and acronyms, but if I can't decipher them you're busted. You can't send a second tweet, e-mail, or telegraph to explain what you mean.
• You have to tell me what Commander will be in charge of the deck the card is used in. After that, you can say whatever; a combo? Some synergies? The type of deck it works in best? It's up to you to do something awesome with the card. 

This week's card to break is BREATH OF FURY.
 

70:44 to 84:01: Technology: Asshole Cards: EDH players are often notoriously preachy about how they play for fun, and want everyone to have fun. Another thing Commander junkies are known for is being hypocrites. not wanting to be exceptions, we each trot out two cards that make us feel like assholes when we play them, and why... and maybe some justification.

Be warned... we kind of come undone halfway through this one.


Adam's Picks: Sorin Markov, Vicious Shadows
Andy's Picks: Hinder, Destructive Force
Jeremiah's Picks: Identity Crisis, Tainted Strike

84:14 to closing: Outtro.

PERTINENT LINKS

• Dominik's website completelycasual.net.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• General show contact: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Andy: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Adam: adnelso(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Jeremiah: jeremiah(at)s1group(dot)com
• To Tweet Andy: (at)CommanderCast on Twitter

Mid-Week Update: January 19

Posted by ANDY aka GHoooSTS

The final mid-week update of Season 1 is here. I could make up cheesy line about how fast it went by, but trust me, I have been GRINDING so it wasn't. But at least my grind gives you some stuff to check out, like a my man Omar's awesome Rasputin Dreamweaver deck... you can put the full interview in your scope over on YouTube. This week we also have Stephen putting out the fourth installment of Hippo Genocide... some hot Hippo on Hippo action. Additionally, Byron has his latest installment in his vlog, this time covering the new, already-infamous Blightsteel Colossus.

>>>>> See Omar's full decklist here! <<<<<

Hippo Genocide 04: Hippo on Hippo Action

By STEPHEN aka Astray Penguin

Welcome to Hippo Genocide : Hippo on Hippo action. After a couple of weeks rest I'm finally writing again. I've not been playing much Magic but the games I have been playing have made me wonder a few things, one of which leads to this article.

When you play EDH you're not in a vacuum, many people think playing 10 bonus turn effects is a great idea, or (formerly) putting Emrakul in your deck would be a great finisher. But your deck is not only your deck, it's also resources other players can access. How often do you consider cards you're playing if they're used against you? Can you deal with someone taking your extra turns or using Bribery to snag your finishers?

In a recent game I was playing a Wrexial, the Risen Deep deck on MODO and I was against a mono blue deck, he had taken an extra turn earlier and I figured his deck would be full of that stuff (which I will point out, I absolutely hate). So I'm running one of my favourite blue cards ever Knowledge Exploitation and target him with it, hit another copy off his deck and then tag a Time stretch. In total this gives me 6 turns just from his deck alone and bashing with Wrexial (not including other creatures I was playing who were also stealing stuff from people's decks). After the game the mono Blue player made a snarky comment about me “playing his deck”. Well yes I did play his deck, I locked the game up using his extra turn cards, Lightning Greaves and my general. I couldn't of done any of that stuff without him deciding to put it in his deck. If he doesn't like people playing those cards then why is he playing them himself?

In EDH cards like Rite of Replication and Bribery get included in almost any blue deck that can play them. They win games because people love to play massive spells, spells that auto win the game or reset the game, but no one ever questions what it means to get hit in the face with their own stuff. Can you survive a massive Eldrazi hit or an opponent taking two extra turns? One thing I have found while playing Wrexial is that most people's decks can't handle the cards they play. The white board sweepers cripple their own decks just as much as they do everyone else. So maybe building decks which can't counter themselves is the next step in the EDH evolution. Token decks full of board wipes and every card making 3-4 dudes is a perfect example of this. Where as a mono black deck which exploits the graveyard is completely open to having their own Relic of Progenitus shutting down their entire deck.

Obviously if you're running a narrow deck it maybe easy to avoid countering yourself (Maybe an Uril the Mistwalker deck that runs no enchantment removal or board sweepers), but if you're a graveyard based deck, zero graveyard hate would leave you wide open to countless problems as it is a commonly used resource. So when you're designing your deck maybe it's worth keeping this in mind, many pro Magic players ask themselves “What do I lose to on this board” and play around that, since this is EDH, you can do exactly the same thing, except with your deck.

As a footnote : Cairn Wanderer is awesome. Fear him and his insane abilities, him and Necrotic Ooze are top tier bros.

If you have any feedback or thoughts send them to hippogenocide@gmail.com or drop me a line on MTGO where my username is Astray_Penguin. I hope to hear from all six of you soon.

CommanderCast 12: Notoriously Above Average

Posted by ANDY aka GHoooSTS

It's HAMMER TIME, without the hammers or designated time! CommanderCast episode 12 is here to resume yelling to you about EDH. Listen to this WITH YOUR EARS! We have Donovan back in the proverbial staircase with us slinging his wisdom to all you fiends out there lurking. Donovan is my main man on the prooflistening front these days so it only seemed appropriate to have him on point during recording.

Love to all our people following us on the Twitter feed. Be sure to check out the new Break My Card segment which will be jumping of weekly on the podcast's Technology segment, with the previous week's favoured entries bring featured in the Community segment.

>>>>> Download the show in MP3 format here! <<<<<

SHOW NOTES

00:00 to 01:32: Intro: Your four hosts introduce themselves. Showing love to our listener e-mails and Tweets.


01:38 to 05:37: Community Spotlight: Cockatrice: Do you like Magic Workstation? Sorry, loaded question. Do you USE Magic Workstation? If so then give the dudes over at Cockatrice.de a shout, because they're coming through with a new free Magic client that supports multiplayer.

05:41 to 20:29: Community: The Wrath Cycle: Adam's back battling Stephen Hawking for theorist championship belt. This week he's letting you in on what he calls the 'Wrath Cycle', a deck construction phenomenon in local metagames where certain answer and question cards will continually cycle form heavy use to near-extinction. How can you recognize it and leverage it? What does it mean?

20:31 to 41:25: Strategy: Planeswalkers in EDH: We're doing a listener topic sent to us from Bryan about Planeswalker in EDH. How does their dynamic change in multiplayer, and especially Commander? Which ones are good, and which ones get worse from the 1v1 environment they've been ruining for the last few years?

41:32 to 44:51: Technology: Break My Card: It's our new thing on Twitter. STRICTLY for our followers there because before this our e-mail guys got all the love (and the contest). Here's how it works:

• Once a week, I give you a single card. It can be anything.
• You let me know how to use it via Twitter. It has to be in one Tweet. You can use short versions, abbreviations, and acronyms, but if I can't decipher them you're busted. You can't send a second tweet, e-mail, or telegraph to explain what you mean.
• You have to tell me what Commander will be in charge of the deck the card is used in. After that, you can say whatever; a combo? Some synergies? The type of deck it works in best? It's up to you to do something awesome with the card. 

This week's card to break is SPELLBINDER.

45:03 to 60:40: Technology: Retro Cycle Review: Scourge Decrees. We're rating the mighty Scourge Decrees from best to worst in Commander. Not familiar with them? Here's links.

Decrees of Justice, Silence, Pain, Annihilation, Savagery.

Jeremiah's Picks: Pain, Silence, Justice, Annihilation, Savagery

Andy's Picks: Annihilation, Pain, Justice, Silence, Savagery

Donovan's Picks: Pain, Annihilation, Silence, Justice, Savagery

Adam's Picks: Pain, Annihilation, Silence, Justice, Savagery

60:50 to closing: Outtro.

PERTINENT LINKS

• The EDH Mafia thread.
• Don't Be A Menace: Outstanding article on Commander deck design.
• Cromat's Facebook page.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• General show contact: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Andy: dsmcl36(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Adam: adnelso(at)gmail(dot)com
• To E-Mail Jeremiah: jeremiah(at)s1group(dot)com
• To E-Mail Donovan: donovangray(at)gmail(dot)com