CommanderCast – MTGCast

  For a lot of people, Planeswalkers are the icons of Magic. For some, they represent the moment that Magic got a new fangled card type that ruined the game. Regardless, these guys are here to stay and travel with us from plane to plane.   I, personally, love planeswalkers but a recent discussion with my girlfriend has left me wondering just what it is about planeswalkers that people like about them.   Also in the queue, we've got Calvin reporting in on how well the Azorius mechanics play together.   As always, shownotes, links, and download link are below.     INTRODUCTION Introductions Recorded on: June 4, 2013   Brian’s Favorite Commander: Kresh, the bloodbraided Community Segment:   Favorite planeswalker: http://24.media.tumblr.com/6ffae88feff3bf790df680878ec4bb36/tumblr_ml69uyL5201r3bmeoo1_500.jpg William: Elspeth Tirel Calvin: Tezzeret the Seeker Brian: Ajani Goldmane   Strategy Segment: Captain’s Call - Forecast/Detain Blink detaining dudes, use small detain dudes to feed forecast Writ of Passage works well as a forecast on dudes you want to blink. The shadows play here!   Technology Segment: Retrocycle review with: Ajani Goldmane Jace Beleren Liliana Vess Chandra Nalaar Garruk Wildspeaker   Outtro: Thanks for listening! Commandercast Facebook Page Top and Go Productions/Youtube Affiliate   CONTACT INFORMATION William: E-Mail: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CommanderCast Calvin: E-Mail: CaptainRedZone(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CaptainRedZone Brian: E-mail: MTGChaos(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at) MTGChaos

  Not a whole lot happening news wise, so we decided to go ahead and tackle some more generalized topics today.   Brian sent a couple of topics my way, so I figured, why not? As it is, leach and mill have both gotten some power boosts over the years, and it’s worth bringing up. We also remind people WHY they should take the time to get rid of Leyline of Anticipation.   As always, shownotes, links, and download link are below.     INTRODUCTION   Introductions Recorded on: June 4, 2013   Brian’s Favorite Commander: Obzedat, Ghost Council   Community Segment: - Cards people should deal with but no one does A LOT of threats seems to go by untouched. What are some cards that REALLY need higher priority, and which ones are especially bothersome for us?   Strategy Segment: Evolution of Leach - There are a lot of styles of decks which put mass pressure out on all opponents now. We can break this up and talk about the different types of decks like this (Gisela, Blade of Goldnight, Ashling the Pilgrim, Heartless Hidetsugu, Jaya Ballard, Task Mage, Kaervek the Merciless, Obzedat, Ghost Council, Ghost Council of Orzhova) We could talk about the different types of these decks that can Take on and sort of Strategy. More importantly though I was looking to sort of discuss the evolution of BW leaching. Exanguinate effects are relatively new still and Extort tagged on plus Debt to the Deathless makes this a very newish and evolving style of play. What recent contributions has this recieved? How playable is it and where might it be able to go.   Technology Segment: Evolution of Mill - Looking at mill as an option. In the past the only real way to successfully Execute mill was mostly through infinite combos. In the more recent sets (Ravnica Block) you can really see a harder push to allow mill to work in a multiplayer format. We are seeing more mill all opponents for a scaling effect rather than one shot cheap effects which are natorious for 60 card formats. Where does mill sit today in comparison to a year ago. What are the thoughts of where mill will be in the future? Is this viable now and how?   We’ll also each give a card demonstrating our favorite milling card. Grind – The act of milling until one has revealed a land card. William: Mirko Vosk, Mind Drinker Brian: Consuming Aberration Calvin: Geth, Lord of the Vault   Support tech:   Bitter Ordeal   Sadistic Sacrament   Any sort of Jester’s Cap effects, really.   OUTTRO Outtro: Thanks for listening! Commandercast Facebook Page Top and Go Productions/Youtube Affiliate   CONTACT INFORMATION William: E-Mail: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CommanderCast Calvin: E-Mail: CaptainRedZone(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CaptainRedZone Brian: Hit him up on the MTGSalvation forums where he’s at ISBPathfinder

  If you don't know already, one of my goals here at Commandercast is to incite discussion and debate among our readers, listeners, and heaps of fans. Sometimes, however, a debate so great rages up between Commandercast staff that we have to duke it out, on air, in front of everyone.   This is one of those times.   Today, we're joined by Eric of (Vexing) Devil's Advocate who's prepared to enter the ring with me as we smackdown over the Maelstrom Wanderer. Speaking of smackdowns, we're also bringing back COMMANDER SMACKDOWN! Tonight's feature match-up: Ghave vs. Animar. Don't you miss it!   Maybe if you check out the show notes, you'll see some cute little doodles I'm experimenting with.   As always, shownotes, links, and download link are below. *If you want to see Willie’s doodles go to CommanderCast.com ~Captain*   INTRODUCTION Introductions   Recorded on: June 4, 2013 Eric’s Favorite Commander: Lyzolda, the Blood Witch   Community Segment: “ASSEMBLING THE PLAYERS”: Influential people in your playgroup: Metaman – this guy knows how to change up everyone’s decks by playing in a style they’re not accustomed to. Control for a combo-meta, aggro for battlecruiser, and MASS LAND DESTRUCTION for outrageous ramps.     Strategy Segment: Commander Spotlight: Maelstrom Wanderer   1) Who in your group plays Maelstrom? E: Competitive players who play him on turn three. W: Myself and several other players who play good stuff, cascade, or battle cruiser.   2) What do you want to see cascaded into most? E: You DON’T want to see titans or any other number of wrath effects. W: I LOVE seeing other cascade spells, dudes that trigger with creatures entering the battlefield (like Fathom Mage or Animar, Soul of Elements   3) When is the best time to cast the Maelstrom Wanderer? E: As soon as possible. The value is too good to pass priority. W: Same.   4) Why should you play with the Maelstrom Wander? E: You SHOULDN’T because he gets hated way too much because of the value he makes. W: You SHOULD because he is one of the most flexible power generals and you can do literally ANYTHING with him.     Technology Segment: Commandercast Smackdown! Ghave, Guru of Spores Vs. Animar, Soul of Elements It’s the battle between accidental combo enablers! Who’s walking away from this one alive? Which one is better, stronger, and much more fun to play? We debate. Who has the worst reputation? Who has stronger colors? Who combos off more easily/worse? Who wins a head-to-head matchup? Who’s the better general?   OUTTRO Outtro: Thanks for listening! Commandercast Facebook Page Top and Go Productions/Youtube Affiliate   CONTACT INFORMATION William: E-Mail: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CommanderCast Calvin: E-Mail: CaptainRedZone(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CaptainRedZone Eric: E-Mail: EricBonvie(at)gmail(dot)com

  Literally the day AFTER we record last week’s show, Wizards goes and gives us probably one of THE most relevant changes to the format to date: The one-sided legend rule, as well as a new rule for Planeswalkers. Both are shaking things up and leading to speculation that the upcoming Fall expert expansion set, Theros, will be a “legends matter” block.   Unfortunately, it’s led to flavor fans getting butt hurt and old, crotchy hipsters to complain that their clones are getting nerfed.   Me? Well if you follow me on twitter (at)Commandercast, you already know how I feel about it, but let’s go ahead and get some second opinions on this, shall we?   As always, shownotes, links, and download link are below. INTRODUCTION Introductions Recorded on: May 30, 2013   Community Segment: Let the Ads Run: Yes, I know there’s an ad on our show now. Calvin goes over why that is, why we’re not freaking out, and why you shouldn’t either.   Tom’s Stats: Tom discovered a website that has some very interesting details regarding commanders and their frequency! Pretty sure we did something similar when Andy was at the helm, but I’m always up for fun things like stats, particularly when they’re Magic related.   LINK TO SPREADSHEET   Top Ten List (based on number of deck lists found and recorded) from most popular to least: 1) Kaalia of the Vast (YEEEESSS) 2) Rafiq of the Many 3) Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind 4) Sharuum the Hegemon 5) Omnath, Locus of Mana 6) Mayael the Anima 7) Ghave, Guru of Spores 8) Krenko, Mob Boss 9) Maelstrom Wanderer 10) Rhys, the Redeemed   Strategy Segment --Captain’s Special Guild Project: GOLGARI Calvin’s got a project in the works where he mixes two guild mechanics to see how well they mesh. What’s he got for us this time? Dredge + Scavenge = ??? Test General: [card]Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord[/card] Verdict: These mechanics can’t be slapped in, but a deck built around using +1/+1 counters as a resource would enjoy them.   Technology Segment: - The Legendary Clone Saga: Clones aren’t legendary kills spells anymore? YESSS!!! We discuss and debate the various sides to this issue and take a look at some cards and clones that change with this new revelation.   No more killing your own cradles!   OUTTRO Outtro: Thanks for listening! Off Color Cast Commandercast Facebook Page Top and Go Productions/Youtube Affiliate   CONTACT INFORMATION William: E-Mail: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CommanderCast Calvin: E-Mail: CaptainRedZone(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CaptainRedZone Tom: Twitch // @MTGRadio // Twitter: (at)MTGRadio (I think)

  I just know you’ve all been waiting for it, so here it is the long awaited review for “Return to Ravnica”! ….wait a minute. Nope, FIRST we’ve got a core set to deal with! The Captain and I are joined by Chris B, formerly of Massive Art Attack in order to take on a set review not as long as Time Spiral, but still pretty darn long. I know there was SOMETHING special about this core set, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was…  Eh, I’m sure I’ll figure it out at some point.   As always, shownotes, links, and download link are below.   (For the full show notes go to CommanderCast.com)   INTRODUCTION 00:00 to 06:52: Introductions Recorded on: March 22, 2013   CORE SET REVIEW as divided by segment: White:  07:20 to 26:04 Blue:  26:43 to 43:45 Black:  44:27 to 54:00 Red:  54:58 to 1:10:58 Green:  1:11:58 to 1:25:19 Artifacts/Lands:  1:25:56 to 1:44:13 Planeswalkers:  1:45:01 to 2:08:55 Legendary creatures:  2:09:24 to 2:19:14   2:19:33 to END: Outtro: Thanks for listening! Off Color Cast Commandercast Facebook Page Top and Go Productions/Youtube Affiliate   CONTACT INFORMATION William: E-Mail: CommanderCast(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CommanderCast Calvin: E-Mail: CaptainRedZone(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)CaptainRedZone Chris: E-Mail:  olwhiskeyboots(at)gmail(dot)com // Twitter: (at)0hn03z (I think)   Your hosts: William & Calvin Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

  WE’RE BACK!!! A lot’s happened while we were on break: Dragon’s Maze, slivers, a whirlwind of disappointment regarding a highly touted character from Doug Beyer’s “The Secretist”. Regardless, we’re going to go through as much as we can to catch up within the upcoming weeks. Also, be sure to check the show notes for some important announcements regarding the future of Commandercast.   As always, show notes, links, and download link are below.   *For a more detailed version of the shownotes go to http://www.commandercast.com/commandercast-s10-e1-a-maze-ing-evolution#more-6239*   INTRODUCTION 00:00 to 16:31: Silly stuff/Introductions:   Podcast News: - Check for daily updates on articles by CommanderCast writers - This will be our last season as “Commandercast” - Calvin is my new official co-host - Trying to go for a shorter show to conserve space on topic discussions, so only one topic per piller now.   Nole wanted to make an announcement about his articles   COMMUNITY SEGMENTS 17:23 to 33:31: Free for all roundtable – Slivers:   Strategy SEGMENTS 33:59 to 55:40: The Elf No One Wanted: Emmara Link to the Emmara deck list by Bennie Smith   TECHNOLOGY SEGMENTS 57:13 to 1:37:15: - Undiscovered Tech: Dragon’s Maze   OUTRO   Your hosts: William & Calvin Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

  William and Calvin add Sean and Brionne to the cast in order to trek through the review that lasts over three hours! You may need a break during this one, folks.   Your hosts: William, and whoever William wants Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

  William invites Sean and Jonathon Medina of Legit MTG / The Eh Team on to discuss trading strategies as well as another Commandercast Smackdown.   Your hosts: William, and whoever William wants Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

  William, Calvin, and Tom go impromptu with their April Fool's day episode. It's...not that good.   Your hosts: William, and whoever William wants Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

  William and Calvin are joined by Aranel internationally and get off topic with Anime before talking about "accidental combos".   Your hosts: William, and whoever William wants Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

Yes, yes, I know everyone's upset that Cockatrice got C & D'd, but you know what? That's not going to sour our impression of MTGO, especially from a casual's perspective. Bringing on the ever enlightening Tom of MTG Radio fame, and Christian from Off Color Cast, a pair of online specialists, we're going to dispel the myths and show people just what the interwebz has to offer them. Hosts: William and a pair of guys who hate wearing pants Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

  William kicks back with some recent news (shocking!), Captain Redzone (daring!), and rookie Robert (Cutie!). Discussions about squirrels, guildmages, and Texas Hold Em' commence!   Your hosts: William and William's peeps Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter:http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

  Every hero has his companions. Join William as he takes Karston and Dave Lee into a trip back in time to review Tempest, the set that gave us SO MUCH MORE than just Wasteland.   Your hosts: William and some media affiliates Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast Check out all the content at http://www.CommanderCast.com

EX William, Chris, and Nole are some of the new faces of Commandercast this season (William in the pod casting capacity more than anything else), so it's time to introduce everyone! Join us as we go through the future of Commander, the Invasion Dragon cycle, and some secret origin tech.   Your hosts: William and some podcasting newbies Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast

  Podcasting vet (and all-around money man) Andrew joins William and a couple of podcasting newbies to talk Edric, newbie players, and some low-key Gatecrash tech. Stay tuned after the show to hear the host gush about a new game he's found, just in time for Valentine's day.   Your hosts: William and whoever he could grab off the streets Show’s E-Mail: CommanderCast@gmail.com Show’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/CommanderCast