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Eternal Durdles
Eternal Durdles
Author: EternalDurdles
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Eternal Durdles is a weekly Magic: the Gathering podcast focusing on the Legacy format. Hosted by long-time MTG veterans Zac Clark and Phil Blechman.
Eternal Durdles is a weekly Magic: the Gathering podcast focusing on the Legacy format. Hosted by long-time MTG veterans Zac Clark and Phil Blechman.
825 Episodes
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Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnDandân is blowing up, or rather shared deck 1v1 is booming!So we built Sled Sled! A brand new shared-deck MTG mini-format built around Goblin Rock Sled and design chaos.https://moxfield.com/decks/wEkAgnVZmUefHFwcnlfEfwIn this episode we break down:• What Sled Sled is plus it’s core tension mechanics (mountains, shared deck, graveyard)• Why certain cards were included and what was cut• The philosophy behind building a great Dandân variant• How you can build your own Dandân variationDecklist + article coming soon on EternalDurdles.comhttps://moxfield.com/decks/wEkAgnVZmUefHFwcnlfEfwJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
10 weeks after the Parallax Tide ban… what does the Premodern meta actually look like?We brought in Cyrus to break down real tournament data and answer the big question:👉 Is Premodern still healthy?In this episode, we cover:• The rise (and dominance) of StifleNought• Meta share vs Top 8 vs win rate (and why it matters)• Decks that are overperforming vs underperforming• Why some decks spike… then disappear• The “Goldilocks zone” of a healthy format• Whether action needs to be taken (and what that could be)The data paints a very clear picture… and it might not be what you expect.📊 Full dataset discussed in the episode:
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnThe March 23, 2026, Banned & Restricted announcement had three paragraphs for Legacy that didn’t really tell us anything meaningful.In this episode, we break down exactly why that lack of clarity and transparency is a problem, including• Why not addressing something can lead to presuming it’s an intentional omission.• Why undefined language (e.g., “fair,” “healthy”) is insufficient from a governing body.• The disconnect between player experience and WotC messaging.• How and why better communication could fix this.Banned and Restricted announcements aren’t solely about bans, but also about communicating intent for Legacy and respecting players by demonstrating an understanding of the current play experience.📖 Read Phil’s full article here:JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bChannel Art Assets by: https://www.instagram.com/jonthetallone/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnThe March 23, 2026, Banned & Restricted announcement had three paragraphs for Legacy that didn’t really tell us anything meaningful.In this episode, we break down exactly why that lack of clarity and transparency is a problem, including• Why not addressing something can lead to presuming it’s an intentional omission.• Why undefined language (e.g., “fair,” “healthy”) is insufficient from a governing body.• The disconnect between player experience and WotC messaging.• How and why better communication could fix this.Banned and Restricted announcements aren’t solely about bans, but also about communicating intent for Legacy and respecting players by demonstrating an understanding of the current play experience.📖 Read Phil’s full article here:JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
AI is everywhere and we’ve been accused of using it. In this episode, we talk through why we don’t use AI for creative content and explain our views on when AI as a tool is valuable.We also chat channel updates, including content schedule, personal health goals, and the new artists creating our assets.
We built a metric to measure the threat diversity of a format called Threat Level. When applied to Legacy and Premodern, the results were informative. In this episode, we talk through what “Threat Level” means, the most played threats in Premodern and how those numbers compare to Legacy, and what we consider healthy levels. Threat level helps us understand why Legacy feels intense yet Premodern feels balanced.
Premodern threat level data breakdown compared to Legacy. Is anything broken?We talk about Dreadnought though its threat level is lower than Mogg Fanatic. Swords to Plowshares and Counterspell dominate in threat level but does that count?Premodern feels better than other format and threat level is a way to articulate why this episode explains it.
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnIn this episode, we break down Premodern threat level data and compare it directly to Legacy to answer one big question:👉 Is anything actually broken in Premodern?We cover:• What “threat level” means and how we calculate it• The most played threats in Premodern (Mogg Fanatic, Dreadnought, etc.)• Why answers like Swords to Plowshares and Counterspell dominate• The HUGE difference between Premodern and Legacy metagames• What Parallax Tide taught us about bans• When a card vs a deck becomes a problemIf you’ve ever wondered why Premodern feels so much better than other formats… this episode explains it.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnWhat if every Magic format idea… went too far?In this episode, we spiral into absolute chaos trying to invent new Dan Dan-style formats, including:❄️ Stasis Stasis — a nightmare of islands, Gush, and decking👹 “Goon Goon” — yeah… we went there🧠 Doubling every card name into absurd formats💀 The most cursed gameplay ideas imaginableSomewhere between brilliant and completely unhinged, we explore what happens when you take a fun format idea… and push it way past the limit.Also:• Why Dan Dan variants are actually great for the game• How you can build your own versions• Why community-created formats might be the best future for MagicJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comRiverside Partner Link: https://riverside.sjv.io/KB0E07MOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
What if every Magic format idea… went too far?In this episode, we spiral into absolute chaos trying to invent new Dan Dan-style formats, including:❄️ Stasis Stasis — a nightmare of islands, Gush, and decking👹 “Goon Goon” — yeah… we went there🧠 Doubling every card name into absurd formats💀 The most cursed gameplay ideas imaginableSomewhere between brilliant and completely unhinged, we explore what happens when you take a fun format idea… and push it way past the limit.Also:• Why Dan Dan variants are actually great for the game• How you can build your own versions• Why community-created formats might be the best future for Magic
Premodern is evolving — and some decks are starting to break away from the pack.In this episode, we go through Phil Nguyen’s latest MTG Banded article covering the 10 breakout Premodern decks of 2025.We break down:• Why Aluren is surging again• The power (and price…) of Cephalid Breakfast• Classic strategies like Terravore / Armageddon• The rise of Moneyball Black• And a few under-the-radar decks that could define the futurePlus…🔥 Zac reveals his pick for a 2026 breakout deck — a wild Dimir Infestation control build that blends:• Zombie Infestation• Squee, Goblin Nabob• Forbid lock• Wonder tempo finishesIf you’re preparing for LobsterCon or just want to stay ahead of the Premodern meta, this is your snapshot of where things are heading.
Premodern is evolving — and some decks are starting to break away from the pack.In this episode, we go through Phil Nguyen’s latest MTG Banded article covering the 10 breakout Premodern decks of 2025.We break down:• Why Aluren is surging again• The power (and price…) of Cephalid Breakfast• Classic strategies like Terravore / Armageddon• The rise of Moneyball Black• And a few under-the-radar decks that could define the futurePlus…🔥 Zac reveals his pick for a 2026 breakout deck — a wild Dimir Infestation control build that blends:• Zombie Infestation• Squee, Goblin Nabob• Forbid lock• Wonder tempo finishesIf you’re preparing for LobsterCon or just want to stay ahead of the Premodern meta, this is your snapshot of where things are heading.
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnWe’re back with updated Legacy Threat Level data — and the numbers tell a very clear story.https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1D7HvuGRUI0qvT5xA--zb68g2cu9wS0JZ24ddbadZSz0/edit?usp=sharingUsing two months of MTGTop8 data, we break down:• The most played creatures in Legacy• How “Threat Level” is calculated• Which cards gained the most ground• Why Orcish Bowmasters jumped dramatically• Tamiyo’s still-dangerous presence• What declining Wasteland numbers actually mean• How Modern Horizons and Commander cards dominate the formatIs Legacy truly diverse… or are the decks just playing the same cards?We also discuss:– The rise of Stompy & Painter– Why fair decks are shrinking– How combo pivots into tempo– Why play patterns feel increasingly redundantThreat Level isn’t a banlist demand — it’s a tool to measure format pressure. And right now? The data is loud.Spreadsheet + previous episode linked below.If you care about Legacy health, this matters.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnGrand Prix used to define competitive Magic: The Gathering.Grinding points, earning byes, traveling to massive events, and playing multiple formats at your LGS — that ecosystem kept Standard, Modern, Limited, and competitive paper Magic alive.In this episode we talk about:• Why Grand Prix events were so important• How byes and the points system drove local play• Why MagicCon and Spotlight Series aren't replacements• How the loss of large paper tournaments changed Magic• What Wizards of the Coast could do to fix competitive playIf you miss Grand Prix, Pro Tour qualifiers, and the competitive Magic grind, this conversation is for you.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnGrand Prix used to define competitive Magic: The Gathering.Grinding points, earning byes, traveling to massive events, and playing multiple formats at your LGS — that ecosystem kept Standard, Modern, Limited, and competitive paper Magic alive.In this episode we talk about:• Why Grand Prix events were so important• How byes and the points system drove local play• Why MagicCon and Spotlight Series aren't replacements• How the loss of large paper tournaments changed Magic• What Wizards of the Coast could do to fix competitive playIf you miss Grand Prix, Pro Tour qualifiers, and the competitive Magic grind, this conversation is for you.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnA tweet from Brian Coval (BoshNRoll) sparked a conversation we’ve surprisingly never had on the show:What is the Reserve List actually doing for Magic?Using Meddling Mage in Pre-Modern as the example, we break down how collectability and playability can coexist. One version of the card costs $14… while perfectly playable versions cost under a dollar.So what does that mean for the future of Magic finance?In this episode we discuss:• Why Pre-Modern highlights a healthier model for card prices• The concept of Veblen goods in Magic collectibles• Why reprints don’t always crash card prices• Commander’s surprising impact on Reserve List cards• Whether Wizards could ever realistically remove the Reserve List• And how Eternal formats could change if they didAlong the way we talk about Time Twister, Mox Diamond, Tarmogoyf, Rhystic Study, and the strange economics that shape Magic’s secondary market.If you care about Legacy, Vintage, Pre-Modern, or the future of Eternal formats, this is a conversation worth having.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnA tweet from Brian Coval (BoshNRoll) sparked a conversation we’ve surprisingly never had on the show:What is the Reserve List actually doing for Magic?Using Meddling Mage in Pre-Modern as the example, we break down how collectability and playability can coexist. One version of the card costs $14… while perfectly playable versions cost under a dollar.So what does that mean for the future of Magic finance?In this episode we discuss:• Why Pre-Modern highlights a healthier model for card prices• The concept of Veblen goods in Magic collectibles• Why reprints don’t always crash card prices• Commander’s surprising impact on Reserve List cards• Whether Wizards could ever realistically remove the Reserve List• And how Eternal formats could change if they didAlong the way we talk about Time Twister, Mox Diamond, Tarmogoyf, Rhystic Study, and the strange economics that shape Magic’s secondary market.If you care about Legacy, Vintage, Pre-Modern, or the future of Eternal formats, this is a conversation worth having.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
https://www.hipstersofthecoast.com/2015/02/developments-in-durdling-the-names-and-faces/Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnCheating scandals are back in the Magic discourse.Again.In this episode we talk about the recent cheating controversy and ask a bigger question:What should actually happen when someone cheats in Magic?Most people immediately jump to lifetime bans. But is that enough? And is there ever a path back for someone who cheats repeatedly?Zac brings a unique perspective to this discussion — having been banned himself early in his Magic career and learning firsthand how reputation, accountability, and community trust actually work in the long run.We discuss:• Why cheating in Magic can become a compulsion• Whether lifetime bans are enough of a deterrent• The difference between mistakes vs habitual cheating• Whether cheaters should have to make financial reparations• If there is any path back into the community• And why reputation might be the real punishmentUltimately this episode isn’t about one specific scandal.It’s about how communities handle trust, accountability, and consequences.And why cheating in Magic almost always costs more than people think.🎙️ Eternal Durdles covers Legacy, Vintage, Premodern, and Eternal Magic culture.Subscribe for weekly discussions about Eternal Magic, tournament play, and the broader Magic community.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Cheating scandals are back in the Magic discourse.Again.In this episode we talk about the recent cheating controversy and ask a bigger question:What should actually happen when someone cheats in Magic?Most people immediately jump to lifetime bans. But is that enough? And is there ever a path back for someone who cheats repeatedly?Zac brings a unique perspective to this discussion — having been banned himself early in his Magic career and learning firsthand how reputation, accountability, and community trust actually work in the long run.We discuss:• Why cheating in Magic can become a compulsion• Whether lifetime bans are enough of a deterrent• The difference between mistakes vs habitual cheating• Whether cheaters should have to make financial reparations• If there is any path back into the community• And why reputation might be the real punishmentUltimately this episode isn’t about one specific scandal.It’s about how communities handle trust, accountability, and consequences.And why cheating in Magic almost always costs more than people think.🎙️ Eternal Durdles covers Legacy, Vintage, Premodern, and Eternal Magic culture.Subscribe for weekly discussions about Eternal Magic, tournament play, and the broader Magic community.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Join our Email List: https://eternaldurdles.kit.com/b3d4a4dc9bSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesDistraction Makers Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQZ0FXo75BsTrinket Mage Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyik3A3PEQU&t=2sThere’s a growing sentiment among long-time Magic players:We’re tired of the slop.In this episode, we react to:The Distraction Makers’ discussion on Magic’s independent ecosystemThe Trinket Mage video on the “slopification” of the gameThe shift toward Commander-first designThe pre-conification of StandardWhy 1v1 competitive formats feel increasingly neglectedWe dive into:• Why Standard feels parasitic and pre-built• Whether competitive Magic is being slowly phased out• Why Eternal formats like Legacy, Pauper, and Pre-Modern feel healthier• The frog-boiling effect of corporate design• Whether Wizards is maintaining a “competitive facade”If you’ve been playing for 10+ years, this conversation will probably hit home.We’re not quitting Magic.But we are asking questions.Check out the videos we reference below.Let us know in the comments:Are Eternal formats the future?Or is this just nostalgia talking?TCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil





so 2f1 still up as end show ad speaks about it? even if its not june anymore
before even listening calling the complaint is deathrite and gprobe.