The Command Zone

It’s time to unveil our EXCLUSIVE WAR OF THE SPARK PREVIEW CARD! And this one is sweet. We’ve got an awesome new legendary creature named Feather, the Redeemed. Is this the best Boros Commander that’s ever been designed? Watch and then judge for yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Modern Horizon is…on the horizon (releases June 14th). WotC has announced that the set will only include cards that are NOT currently Modern legal. So, on this episode, we’re running down a list of our MOST WANTED REPRINTS. And, to help us out, we’ve brought in Modern expert Alex Kessler (from The Masters of Modern podcast) to give his opinion on just how likely it is that our chosen cards will appear in the set. --------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: The Umbrella Academy on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80186863 ---------- How to find our guest online: Alex Kessler Twitter: @kesswylie The Masters of Modern podcast: Twitter: @theMMcast https://www.youtube.com/themmcasthttps://mastersofmodern.collected.company/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The road to Mythic can be tough and discouraging. On the podcast this week, Jimmy and Josh talk about MTG Arena and, more specifically, they give out some great tips and tricks that will help you reach the top ranks. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Us the movie: https://www.usmovie.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashlen Rose joins the show to breakdown and discuss the Kozilek, the Great Distortion deck that she played on the most recent episode of Game Knights. Colorless decks are tricky and unique beasts. Find out how she navigated this difficult brewing challenge and bulit a very powerful deck! ---------- Ashlen’s Kozilek Deck List: https://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/ashlens-kozilek-i-game-knights-24/ ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Moodnotes: http://moodnotes.thriveport.com/ ---------- Find Ashlen online: Twitter: @AshlenRose Twitch.tv/Ashlen_Rose Instagram: @RawrItsAshlen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show Notes: Newly minted knight and fan audition winner Jacob Holloway joins the show to breakdown and discuss his “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better” deck which he piloted on the most recent episode of Game Knights (#24). If you like borrowing stuff from your opponent’s deck, you’re gonna love this fun and unique build. --------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Arcadia Quest: http://arcadiaquest.com/en/ ---------- Find Jacob on Twitter :@JacobHollowayIV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve all been there. It’s crucial point in the game, and you’re faced with a critical decision. You have numerous cards you could play, multiple threats you could target, and different opponents you could attack. You weigh your options and make a play. And it turns out to be wrong. It costs you the game. Today, we’re talking about the biggest gameplay mistakes that players make. And how you can avoid them. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Apex Legends: https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a mailbag episode! On today’s show we’re answering listener questions like: Should the INFECT rules be changed in EDH? How do you handle missed rules interactions, after the fact? When is that fan episode of Game Knights finally going to come out?? And many more! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Suns_Champion’s (from our Discord) created a spotify playlist of the original versions of all the songs we’ve sung to start the show: https://open.spotify.com/user/22wijelipvopfosuh4tssvt4a/playlist/7IEfRN0ydaTBQP2NjG91x0?si=y5fK8X6gTHSRoInKoSYaiw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, DJ and Jimmy are highlighting their favorite ways to bling out their Commander decks, covering the many different things you can do to personalize your collection and show off your own unique style on the battlefield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, we’re talking about a bunch of cards you should be playing, but probably aren’t. We'll help you find some cool new tech that fits into a ton of your existing decks. And the best news is: most of it these cards are super cheap! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Fitness: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_fitness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exciting news! Josh has been selected to the new Commander Advisory Group (CAG). This is a panel of people whose role is to provide official feedback on topics suggested by the Commander Rules Committee and raise issues that they believe need attention within the EDH format. As a result, on today’s episode we thought it would be a good idea to discuss the most prominent and current hot-button Commander issues. That way we can find out what JLK’s stance is on each of them, what actions (if any) he will advocate for the RC to take, and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re continuing our deck techs in advance of the upcoming episode of Game Knights (which will be released on January 25th) by breaking down Jimmy’s Lavinia, Azorius Renegade build. This card got a lot of attention from the community when it was spoiled, with some even predicting a banning. Find out just how mean Jimmy decided to be! ---------- Jimmy’s Lavinia Deck List: http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/jimmys-lavinia-game-knights-23/?cb=1548180063 ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: On the Basis of Sex: http://focusfeatures.com/on-the-basis-of-sex Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re doing something a little different. We’re going to deck tech the Judith deck that JLK built for an upcoming episode of Game Knights (to be released on January 25th). This means you’ll get an idea of how the deck was built and what it’s trying to do before watching the episode. Judith may not look like much but there are a lot of cool interactions and synergies that aren’t apparent at first glance. Come find out how to make the most out of the Scourge Diva. ---------- Josh’s Judith Decklist: https://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/jlks-judith-game-knights-23/?cb=1547576653 ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Mirror:_Bandersnatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy and Josh discuss the new cards from Ravnica Allegiance and which ones they think will make a splash in Commander. From the new legendary creatures and planeswalkers to a potential white staple card, this set has a lot going on. Is there something awesome to spicy up one (or more) of your decks? Listen and find out! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Bird Box: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2737304/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we’re taking a look at some of our old episodes and wondering how we could be so wrong at about certain cards. And then we discuss how those missteps can help us learn to have better analysis in the future. Plus, we're revealing our exclusive Ravnica Allegiance preview card. It's a mythic legendary that seems crazy powerful. Check it out and let us know what you think! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Hades: https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/product/hades/home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a rocky, controversial, crazy year for Magic, with many ups and downs. On this, the last episode of 2018, Jimmy and Josh are looking back at the past 12 months and examining what Magic did wrong (and right!) and then taking a brief look at what the future looks like for our favorite game. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Mortal Engines: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1571234/ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4633694/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Aquaman: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477834/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are many issues which can crop up in a tight-nit group (like a playgroup) which, if not addressed, can cause fissures and strain and, ultimately, lead to some negative experiences. On this episode, Jimmy and Josh discuss lessons they’ve learned regarding how to cultivate a healthy group dynamic. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Keyforge (by Richard Garfield): https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/keyforge/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's DJ's last episode as an official co-host of the show. But don’t worry, we’re sending him off in style with a hand-picked topic of his choosing: TABLE POLITICS! We get the Jumbo version on how to deal with the social interactions at the table and then wrap things up with listener questions just for him. Come say good-bye and thank DJ for doing such an awesome job! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: The Great British Baking Show: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_British_Bake_Off ---------- Enjoying DJ's as a guest host on our show? Be sure to check out his YouTube channel: youtube.com/jumbocommander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve all experienced it. Everyone is shuffling up and placing their Commanders in the command zone to start the game. And then the groans start. “Oh no! Not that deck…” Today, we’re talking about our MOST HATED COMMANDERS. Those legendary creatures we just do not like to see across the table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DJ brings his own new perspective to an old debate: What are the most overrated cards in Commander? Buckle up, because Josh does not necessarily agree with all of DJ’s list. Which cards cause the most contention? Tune in and find out! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson: https://brandonsanderson.com/books/skyward/skyward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The announcement of Ultimate Masters has been a contentious subject in the community. Josh and DJ give their perspectives on the controversy surrounding the new set PLUS, we reveal The Command Zone’s exclusive UMA preview card! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is a PSA to all Commander players. If you’re doing something on this list – you need to STOP. It might be costing you games, it might be costing you fun, it might be costing you friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many cards and effects are contentious in EDH. Armageddon, Stasis, Iona, Scrambleverse…the list is long and varies depending on your playgroup. On this episode we’re discussing a recent article by Commander Rules Committee member Sheldon Menery and asking the question: Are there cards you shouldn’t play? ---------- Sheldon’s Article: http://www.starcitygames.com/articles/37865_Commander-Cards-You-Shouldnt-Play.html Elder Dragon Statesman (Sheldon’s Podcast): https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/elder-dragon-statesmen Follow Sheldon on Twitter: @SheldonMenery ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: PAI GOW MAGIC! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode we’re breaking down DJ’s favorite deck: Braids, Conjurer Adept. It’s a goofy deck that packs a huge punch. If you like politics, bluffing, making deals and playing BIG creatures, you won’t want to miss this episode. ---------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! http://www.patreon.com/commandzone The Command Zone podcast is brought to you by Card Kingdom! Make sure to use our affiliate link the next time you purchase Magic cards or products: http://www.cardkingdom.com/commandzone Huge thanks to UltraPro (http://www.ultrapro.com - @UltraProIntl) for sponsoring this episode and providing awesome prizes for our giveaways! Find UltraPro on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltraProInternational/ ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Magic for Humans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvFqi-YFWe8 ---------- Follow us on Twitter! @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @jumbocommander Email us: [email protected] ---------- Enjoying DJ's as a guest host on our show? Be sure to check out his YouTube channel: youtube.com/jumbocommander ---------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s time for part 2 of our STATS SERIES! We’re going over the results of our data analysis from over 300 games of Commander. What effect does budget and the monetary value of your deck have on your win percentage? Which color is the strongest? What cards appear most in winning decks? Tune in and find out! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Immersion Circulator: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_immersion_circulator ---------- Our full gameplay data set (hosted by data analyst Andrew Greene) https://public.tableau.com/profile/andrew.greene#!/vizhome/CommanderStatistics/Title ---------- Special thanks to: Data Analyst: Andrew Greene Data Gatherers: Erick Keller, Ashlen Rose, Josh Murphy, Jordan Gee ---------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s finally here! The STATS episode (part 1 of 2). We’ve compiled data from over 300 games of Commander, analyzed the findings and now it’s time to go over the results. What do the statistics say about the power of Sol Ring? What role, if any, does turn order play in determining a game winner? What deck types have an advantage over the others? Some of the findings are going to shock you! Do not miss this episode. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Hardcore Game of Thrones: http://howl.fm/audio/playlists/4156/hardcore-game-of-thrones ---------- Special thanks to: Data Analyst: Andrew Greene Data Gatherers: Erick Keller, Ashlen Rose, Josh Murphy, Jordan Gee ---------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re starting a new subseries discussing the top budget cards in each color. On today’s episode DJ and Josh list their top 5 best blue cards that are each under $2 dollars. Tune in and discover a bunch of ways to make your decks better for cheap! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Hardcore History Addendum: Nightmare of Indianapolis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqu7mM0kheE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re breaking down JLK’s Emarra, Soul of the Accord deck that he built and played in the most recent episode of Game Knights. If you liked the look of the deck on the show, just wait until you see all the other spicy cards that didn’t happen to get camera time. If you like tapping and untapping shenanigans, this one is for you! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: World of Warcraft (yes, again): https://us.shop.battle.net/en-us/family/world-of-warcraft ---------- JLK’s Emarra Deck: http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/jlks-emmara-l-game-knights-21/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you like to make tokens and play with your own graveyard? Who doesn’t?!? Adam Savidan from LoadingReadyRun joins the show to talk about the Izoni, Thousand-Eyed deck he built and piloted on the new episode of Game Knights. That show, featuring the all-new commanders from Guilds of Ravnica, releases tomorrow (Sept 26). But you can get the inside-scoop on Adam’s deck before you watch it, and then predict if he’s going to win. ---------- Adam’s Izoni Deck List: http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/adams-izoni-l-game-knights-21/?cb=1537896947 ---------- Find Adam online: Twitter: @WakeUpSuper Twitch: twitch.tv/seabats YouTube: youtube.com/loadingreadyrun ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth https://us.shop.battle.net/en-us/product/world-of-warcraft-battle-for-azeroth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re returning to the return to Ravnica! Josh and DJ break down the new cards from the latest set, Guilds of Ravnica, and which ones they believe will make an impact on the Commander format. Whether you’re Izzet, Golgari, Selesnya, Boros or Dimir, there’s something here for everyone. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: The West Wing Weekly: http://thewestwingweekly.com/ The West Wing: https://www.netflix.com/title/70157152 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special episode we’re unveiling our exclusive GUILDS OF RAVNICA PREVIEW CARD! It’s a new legendary creature named Etrata, the Silencer. To talk about this super unique card, we’re joined by MTG cosplayer Olivia Gobert-Hicks, who built a Commander deck around Etrata for upcoming episode of Game Knights, which releases on September 26th. ---------- Follow Olivia on Twitter: @goberthicks Inquire about her awesome metal cards: @metalcardboard ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: https://www.graveyardkeeper.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy’s taking a quick break from filming in New Zealand and stopped by the studio in LA for a special episode. We’re catching up on listener questions, including: What to do if your playgroup likes the old mulligan rules? How do you deal with an overabundance of board wipes in your local meta? And what are some budget substitutes for a few expensive cards? ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: PAX: http://www.paxsite.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, DJ is breaking down one of his strongest decks: Selvala, Heart of the Wilds. The creature “power matters” archetype has become more prevalent in recent sets so it seems like the perfect time to explore this potent Commander. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Educated: A Memoir https://tarawestover.com/book/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Josh and DJ are putting on their game design hats and asking the questions: What does the Commander format need? What is it missing? What tools are we lacking? What current cards and strategies are too powerful or well-positioned and could use some additional checks and balances? In short, what is our wish list for the format? ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Rome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lack of reprints. Unfocused deck design. Low power level. These are some of the criticisms that have been aimed at Commander 2018. On this episode of the podcast, Josh and DJ take an in-depth look at this year’s precon decks and break down whether they think C18 is a success or failure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy is back! And he’s breaking down an Esper Zombie build focused around Varina, Lich Queen. How does having access to white change/update this strategy for this popular tribe? Watch and find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, Josh and DJ brew up a deck for one of the most unique new Commanders from all of C18: Xantcha, Sleeper Agent. Find out all of the cool interactions, synergies and combos that will allow you to infiltrate your way to victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're kicking off a series of deck techs centered around the new legendary creatures from Commander 2018. Today we begin with one of the most interesting: Brudiclad (BREWdiclad?) Telchor Engineer. It’s a new take on your typical token based strategy. Come see how Josh and DJ would tackle this deck building challenge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're continuing our coverage of the Commander 2018 product with a look at the BEST NEW CARDS from the set. Before we examined each deck and how to quickly tune it up and get it onto the battlefield as quickly as possible. Today we're taking an overall look at the C18 cards in the context of the greater world of Commander. What's the best new legendary? The best new card for inside the 99 of your current decks? Listen and find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our complete coverage of the Commander 2018 product continues, with a review of the Esper "Subjective Reality" pre-con deck! Aminatou's text box can be perplexing. What's the best way to take advantage of her, seemingly, unrelated abilites? First we break it down and then we tune it up. Learn about the new cards, the reprints, how the deck plays, what to add, and what to take out so you can get this deck up-and-running and ready to do battle in your playgroup asap. Only one may stand! Make sure it's you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our complete coverage of the Commander 2018 product continues, with a review of the Bant "Adaptive Enchantment" pre-con deck! Estrid combines a lot of abilites we've all been asking for. But is she as powerful as she seems? We're breaking down all the deck stats and then tuning it up. Learn about the new cards, the reprints, how the deck plays, what to add, and what to take out so you can get this deck up-and-running and ready to do battle in your playgroup asap. Only one may stand! Make sure it's you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're continuing our in-depth coverage of the Commander 2018 product with a review of the "Nature's Vengeance" pre-con deck! Lord Windgrace finally brings together the colors we've all wanted in a Lands Matter deck. But what's the best way to build around him? Join us, as we break it down and then tune it up. Learn about the new cards, the reprints, how the deck plays, what to add, and what to take out so you can get this deck up-and-running and ready to take down your playgroup. Only one may stand! Make sure it's you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're starting our in-depth coverage of the Commander 2018 product with a review of the Saheeli / Artifacts "Exquisite Invention" pre-con deck! Is this the Izzet artifacts Commander we've all been dreaming of? First we break it down and then we tune it up. Learn about the new cards, the reprints, how the deck plays, what to add, and what to take out so you can get this deck up-and-running and ready to do battle in your playgroup asap. Only one may stand! Make sure it's you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's that time of year, Commander Xmas! Which means we're unwrapping our exclusive COMMANDER 2018 PREVIEW CARD! Meet the newest JUND legendary creature: Gyrus, Waker of Corpses. Come find out what this big bad hydra can do. Note: This is a short episode just for our C18 preview card but don't worry! We have a ton of awesome BONUS CONTENT coming out very soon. This is the best time of year for Commander players and we're going to be taking an in-depth look at all the new stuff from every angle. We only have to wait until more of the set is revealed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we're talking about a Voltron build of the new Elder Dragon: Chromium, the Mutable. PLUS we're also delving into a contentious topic, is Voltron actually any good? Enjoy the show and then participate in the discussion in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all have cards we think are awesome but that never seem to show up on the opponent's side of the table. Why is no one else playing this stuff? On today's episode, Josh and DJ make the case for some of their favorite underrated cards in Commander. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the release of new cards/sets and shifts in the local meta, Commander players are constantly tuning-up their decks. But how can you tell if you’re improving a strategy or making it worse? On today’s episode we discuss how to power-up your decks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The core sets are back! Josh is joined by substitute co-host DJ (Jumbo Commander on YouTube) to break down the new cards in M19 that we think will make a splash in Commander. From the return of Elder Dragons to all new planeswalkers, find out which cards you're gonna need for your next EDH night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've got cosplayer and Game Knights alum Ashlen Rose as a guest on this episode to talk about our experiences so far with the new digital form of Magic: the MTG Arena Closed Beta. Plus, we're unveiling our M19 preview card! It's one of the the original Elder Dragons, Arcades, the Strategist. What does it do? Watch and find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's debate time! This week we're bringing on special guest Alex Kessler (@kesswylie) from the Masters of Modern podcast to discuss one of the most controversial and contentious EDH topics: Should ALL planeswalkers be legal as Commanders? Watch the episode and then weigh-in afterward with your own opinion in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Battlebond has brought back the partner mechanic (sort of) so we're taking an in depth look at the best ways to choose and utilize your own dynamic duo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices