Eternal Durdles

Pre-Modern is exploding in popularity — but not everyone wants to sleeve up Tide, Stiflenought, or Devourer combo.In this episode of Eternal Durdles, Phil and Zach dig into underplayed and underrepresented Pre-Modern combo decks that still have real game — or at least real nostalgia. We break down how these decks work, why they fell out of favor, and whether any of them still have the legs to compete in today’s Pre-Modern metagame.We start with Cadaverous Bloom / Squandered Resources (Prosperous Bloom) — one of Magic’s earliest true combo decks — and walk through turn-by-turn lines, Natural Balance interactions, Meditate chains, and why the deck is both terrifying and deeply flawed in a world full of blue decks and Naturalize effects.From there, we move into Iggy Pop (Ill-Gotten Gains Storm), discussing:Intuition pilesLion’s Eye Diamond sequencingThreshold mana loopsWhy this version cuts discardHow fast the deck can realistically killWhen Storm is better off racing instead of interactingFinally, we break down the most viable of the bunch: Pre-Modern Doomsday.We cover:Future Sight + Doomsday pilesLED / Lotus Petal requirementsEbony Charm loopsWhy Mog Fanatic is secretly terrifyingSideboard flexibility with singletonsThe Hunting Pack + Concordant Crossroads pivot planWhy this deck actually 5–0’d a leagueThis episode is part strategy, part history lesson, and part reality check. Some of these decks are pure nostalgia. Some are secretly competitive. All of them are fascinating.Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking these decks through Pre-Modern leagues to see what still holds up — and what belongs in the museum.👇 Let us know which deck you want to see run first.

It’s that time of year again: predictions season.Phil and Zach kick off the new year by planting flags for Legacy and Pre-Modern Magic — calling their shots on what decks will rise, what cards are on borrowed time, and how the Eternal formats are going to evolve over the next year.We dig into:Legacy ban predictions (Bowmasters, Tamiyo, Beanstalk, and more)Whether Ancient Tomb and Urza’s Saga decks are about to get even strongerThe impact of Universes Beyond sets on Legacy and Eternal formatsIs Affinity a real contender or just a metagame flash?Why Storm, Doomsday, and combo decks might be positioned to dominateControl’s return and whether Beanstalk control is actually healthyThe future of Pre-Modern on Magic Online and what might get banned (or unbanned)Will Legacy attendance drop, and are players migrating to Pre-Modern or Vintage?We also make predictions for Eternal Weekend, LobsterCon, and even call our shot on how many subscribers Eternal Durdles will hit by the end of the year — receipts will be checked.If you play Legacy, Pre-Modern, Vintage, or Eternal Magic, this is the episode to bookmark and revisit in December.👇 Drop your own predictions in the comments and we’ll see who was right.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEWe’re doing something a little different this time: looking back before looking forward.In this episode, Zac and Phil revisit their New Year’s resolutions from last year, grade themselves honestly, and talk through how much Eternal Durdles has changed in just twelve months. From daily podcasting and written content to Eternal Weekends, Sorcery growth, website expansion, and life hitting hard, this is a candid reflection on what worked, what didn’t, and why some goals changed along the way.Then, they set new resolutions for the year ahead, including:Upgrading the show’s production and equipmentExpanding eternaldurdles.com and launching a weekly newsletterMore Pre-Modern deck techs and specialist interviewsGameplay recap videos with live commentaryTraveling to more non-local eventsTaking Vintage more seriouslyFeaturing more friends, creators, and voices in the communityPersonal goals around health, balance, and sustainabilityStaying curious and choosing to “be the student”This episode is about growth, honesty, missed goals, unexpected wins, and why consistency matters more than perfection.If you enjoy behind-the-scenes conversations about content creation, Magic formats, Sorcery, and building something long-term — this one’s for you.Proudly 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

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER 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

It’s the annual Christmas episode, and that means one thing: MTGRemy is back.Zac and Remy sit down for their yearly catch-up to talk about everything from Magic travel slowing down, why MagicCons stopped making sense, and discovering new games like Sorcery: Contested Realm, to childhood Christmas memories, toy commercials, stop-motion specials, sitcom nostalgia, and the weird cultural moments that shaped a generation.Along the way, they cover:Why MagicCons stopped being worth itPlaying Pre-Modern in hotel rooms instead of convention hallsLou Malnati’s pizza (twice, in one night)He-Man toys, Moss Man, and Cabbage Patch insanityTurboGrafx-16, Super Nintendo, and peak Christmas morningsWaiting all year for Rudolph to air one night onlyStop-motion specials, sitcom Christmas episodes, and Nick at Nite nostalgiaSiblings, gym class trauma, and fiercely loyal sistersFirst Magic: The Gathering gifts and early card discoveryComic shops, mall kiosks, Chick Tracts, and growing up between worlds90s comics, Starman, Why the Last Man, and finding joy in long-form storytellingIt’s funny, meandering, heartfelt, and deeply nostalgic — exactly what a Christmas episode should be.If you like long conversations about Magic, games, comics, pop culture, and growing up, this one’s for you.🎄 Happy Holidays from Eternal Durdles👍 Like, subscribe, and comment to support the show

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnAll three Eternal Weekends are in the books — and with Entomb and Nadu gone, Legacy has officially entered a new phase.In this episode of Eternal Durdles, Zac and Phil break down what the Legacy metagame actually looks like right now:• Why Aggro exploded overnight• How Delver, Demir Tempo, Affinity, and Eldrazi absorbed combo’s share• Why Orcish Bowmasters still quietly defines deckbuilding• What the rise of Chalice decks tells us about Tamiyo and The One Ring• And whether this “new” Legacy is genuinely healthier — or just temporarily freshUsing real metagame data from the weeks following Eternal Weekend Europe and Asia, this episode digs into play patterns, incentives, and pressure points that will shape Legacy heading into the next few months.If you care about where Legacy is actually going — not just what won last weekend — this one’s for you.👉 Support the show on Patreon👉 Submit written content to eternaldurdles.com👉 Follow Phil: @ForceofPhil👉 Follow Zac: @ZacClarkMTGJOIN 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

In this episode, Zac interviews European Vintage Champion Franco Chicchini, fresh off his win at the largest Vintage event ever held in Europe! We dive deep into Franco’s run with Esper Lurrus, his experience at Eternal Weekend Italy, the state of the Vintage format, and the key decisions that led him to victory.Franco shares:How he got into VintageWhy he switched from Dimir to EsperWhy Lavinia, Containment Priest, and Swords to Plowshares matter right nowHis thoughts on Lurrus decks, Vintage balance, and potential B&R changesHis most memorable plays (including a clutch Spell Pierce in the finals!)The importance of having a plan — and sticking to itA heartfelt shout-out to Gary Campbell for lending power and supporting the sceneIf you love Vintage, deck techs, and high-level tournament insight, this is the interview for you.👉 Follow for more Eternal Weekend interviews and deck breakdowns!

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnIn this episode, Zac is joined by Legacy legend and coverage icon Julian Knab to break down Eternal Weekend Europe — not from the player’s perspective, but from the streamers, commentators, and production team who made the event happen.Julian pulls back the curtain on how the Four Seasons and Impact Returns crews completely reinvented European coverage this year: early planning, two-team commentary rotation, time-shifted matches, and the massive amount of scouting, research, and coordination required to put on a world-class broadcast.We talk through:• What went wrong at past Eternal Weekends — and how Italy fixed it• How European organizers built a production that rivals (and surpasses) WotC• The secret tech behind time-shifted matches and near-zero downtime• How commentary teams avoid spoilers while scouting the floor• Why Legacy culture in Italy is unmatched• The rise of regional teams & deck identities across Europe• Julian’s stories from early coverage days, including 1-square-meter setups• The Ultimate Guard “Superhero Game” and the worst (…and real!) heroes ever printed• Phil’s GP mix-up, legendary sideboard accidents, and 23 different sideboard cards• Reflections on podcasting, recognition, and 10+ years of Everyday Eternal• The joy of meeting online friends in person for the first timeThis is one of the warmest, funniest, and most insightful Legacy conversations we've had — equal parts coverage archaeology, European Magic culture, and event storytelling.And yes, we will fix America and Germany on our trip to Munich.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

Phil sits down with Tall Eric — Eternal Weekend North America Top 8 competitor and one of the most committed Doomsday pilots in the format — to break down post-Entomb-ban Doomsday heading into Luca / Eternal Weekend Europe.Eric explains how the deck has evolved now that hybrid Entomb/Doomsday shells are gone, what Turbo vs Tempo Doomsday actually looks like in today’s meta, and why some pivots are traps even if top players can win with them.We cover:• Why Turbo Doomsday remains the real deck• Personal Tutor vs Tamiyo — which is correct now?• Why splashing a 3rd color is almost always a trap• Why two Thassa’s Oracle is still essential• Laboratory Maniac vs Jace in the sideboard• How Doomsday actually lines up into Delver, UB Tempo, Reanimator, Breakfast, and Depths• Why Cavern of Souls is secretly one of the deck’s most important cards• How to evaluate “pile structure” and redundancy post-ban• What (if anything) Doomsday cares about from the new sets (Avatar, Spider-Man, etc.)• Eric’s honest thoughts on Doomsday’s position for Europe — and why he never feels confident in a deck choice• The importance of aesthetics, card loans, and Moxfield equity (joking… but also not joking)This is an extremely deep dive into how the deck works, where it stands now, and how a Doomsday specialist evaluates the format heading into one of the biggest Legacy events of the year.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnInfect is BACK — and Sam “FenrusCloud” Dams joins Zac to explain exactly why the archetype is suddenly one of the scariest and most explosive choices for Eternal Weekend 2025.We break down the real reasons Infect is better positioned now than at any point in the last several years:• Reanimator finally pushed out of its aggro-removal hybrid shell• Massive upgrades like Legolas’s Quick Reflexes and Inbiggen• Meta shifts toward decks Infect preys on — Cloudpost, Show & Tell, Doomsday, Painter, Mystic Forge• Why Spell Pierce matters again• Why Dimir Tempo and Red Stompy are the real predators• Sam’s real league stats and matchup breakdowns• The fear Infect puts into opponents & the skill ceiling behind “when do I go for it?”• Sideboard philosophy, Endurance tech, and why consistency matters more than cute one-ofsIf you’re considering Infect for Eternal Weekend — or you haven’t played against it in years — this episode is the complete deep dive. Sam breaks down matchups, deck construction, pump math, Legolas trick lines, and why opponents misplay constantly into split second.Whether you're a returning Infect sicko or format veteran curious about the deck's comeback, this is your essential primer for the post-ban Legacy metagame.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

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAn🧠 Legacy Theory: Sideboard Packages, Power Outliers & How to Actually Build a 75Phil debuts a new framework he’s been developing for Legacy deckbuilding: Sideboard Packages — a way of organizing your 75 around axes of interaction rather than individual hate cards. If you’ve ever wondered why your sideboard feels too tight, why certain cards never come in, or why powerful decks “always have it,” this is the theory episode you’ve been waiting for.This one goes deep into Legacy fundamentals after the Entomb + Nadu bans, including how decks generate axes, how to attack them, and why some answers are fundamentally better than others in a world of Tamiyo, The One Ring, and Urza’s Saga.🔥 In This Episode:📌 What IS a Sideboard Package?How powerful decks generate multiple “axes” you must respectWhy single-target answers often fail in the current Legacy metaThe difference between beating cards vs beating plans⚔️ Legacy’s Modern Power OutliersTamiyo as a standalone axisThe One Ring and why it invalidates most reactive plansUrza’s Saga as a one-card endgameWhy these cards define post-ban Legacy even without Nadu/Entomb📚 Classic Examples (ANT, Doomsday, Breakfast)Old Ad Nauseam Tendrils: 3 axes (Ad Nauseam, Tutor Chain, Past in Flames)How Cephalid Breakfast still has 3–4 functional axes even post-NaduWhy multi-axis decks feel like they “always have it”🧩 Sideboard Cards That Cover MULTIPLE AxesEngineered Explosives vs Prismatic EndingWrath of the SkiesCelestial Purge vs Hydroblast (Blood Moon, Bowmaster, Kaito)Extract in low-Thassa’s Oracle metagamesChoosing cards with maximum crossover📋 Building Your 75How to evaluate whether a sideboard card actually gets brought inHow to avoid over-indexing on narrow bulletsShoring up your weak matchups without wasting slotsLearning to think in “packages” instead of “piles”💬 Community Question:Do YOU use sideboard packages?Or do you prefer playing stock lists and tuning card-by-card?Drop your philosophy in the comments — we want to hear it.🙏 Support Eternal DurdlesGet ad-free episodes, bonus content, and deck guides:👉 https://patreon.com/EternalDurdles#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #LegacyMTG #Sideboarding #Deckbuilding #Tamiyo #TheOneRing #UrzaSaga #CephalidBreakfast #Doomsday #ANT #EternalDurdlesJOIN 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

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAn🥣 Cephalid Breakfast players — breathe. Your deck survived the bans.In this episode, Zac sits down with Johan Larsson (aka the Octofather) to unpack what Breakfast looks like in a post-Nadu Legacy. Where does the deck go now? Which shells are strongest? And is it still one of the format’s top contenders?⚙️ In this deep-dive we cover:• Stoneforge Mystic builds vs UB shells• How the loss of Nadu reshapes the mana• Staff of the Storyteller, Kaito, and other new tech• Narcomoeba math, Dread Return tension, and Therapy consistency• Why Ancient Tomb hybrid lists might be cracked• Painter-Breakfast?! Riddler-Breakfast?! The wild new brews• Combat tricks, lines most people miss, and Johan’s favorite legacy interactions• Eternal Weekend Europe prep: deck decisions, travel, and expectations• Infect vs Breakfast — Zac’s big metagame dilemmaJohan brings 3+ years of reps on Breakfast, including dozens of leagues, tournament reps, and multiple iterations of the deck. If you’re sleeving this archetype for Eternal Weekend or MTGO right now, this is essential viewing.🎧 Support the show & get decklists + bonus content:➡️ patreon.com/eternaldurdles💬 Question of the day:Are YOU sticking with Breakfast post-ban, or pivoting to something else?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

🧠 Legacy Banned & Restricted Discussion with Max GilmoreZac Clark sits down with Max Gilmore to break down the Entomb and Nadu, Winged Wisdom bans — and what they actually mean for the Legacy metagame. While the internet celebrates the end of Reanimator dominance, Max offers a more measured take on what was lost, what might come back, and how Wizards’ “light touch” approach could shape the next few months of Legacy.💬 In This Episode:Entomb ban fallout — was it the right card to hit?Nadu’s removal: cleaning up the combo metaWhy Tamiyo, Inquisitive Student survived (and maybe shouldn’t have)The One Ring debate: too strong or just misunderstood?“Free” unbans that WotC could’ve made (Troll? Grief?)Legacy’s next top deck — is Blue-Red Delver back?Volcanic Island is “unbanned” (metaphorically, of course)The cards gaining stock post-ban: Bowmasters, Pyroblast, Consign to Memory📈 Max’s Take: “Legacy isn’t dead — it’s just breathing differently now.”💀 Zac’s Take: “They had to kill Entomb, but it’s not something to celebrate.”🎧 Support Eternal Durdles and get exclusive content:👉 patreon.com/eternaldurdles📺 Watch more Legacy coverage and interviews:👉 youtube.com/@EternalDurdles#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #EternalDurdles #LegacyBans #Entomb #Nadu #Tamiyo #TheOneRing #MaxGilmore #MTGPodcast

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnPsychatog players — this one's for you.In this episode, Zac sits down with Adam, the Psychatog aficionado of the Premodern community, to break down exactly why this classic control-combo hybrid still competes at the highest levels of the format.This isn’t just a deck tech — it’s a philosophy session on how Psychatog actually works.We explore:• The true identity of Psychatog (not just control, not just combo)• Why free spells matter more than ever• How to survive turn-one Lackey, turn-two Survival, or StifleNought• What bounce spells really do in this list• Why Prohibit over Counterspell in this build• Why your graveyard isn’t as fragile as players think• How to “stay alive → maintain parity → take over”• Early game heuristics, mulligans, and turn sequencing• How to make Duress feel like the strongest card in the deck• Short math vs. full math on Psychatog kills• Why graveyard hate almost NEVER beats Tog• The role of Cunning Wish and the surprise Shallow Grave line• The real weaknesses of the deck & how to patch themIf you're trying to learn Premodern Psychatog from the ground up — or refine your play at the highest level — this breakdown will level up your whole approach.⭐ Want the Full Matchup Guide? https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesWe cover: Survival, Goblins, StifleNought, Replenish, Parfait, Stasis, Tide, Elves, Landstill, Ponza, Oath, and more in the Patreon-only extended episode: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

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAn🧟‍♂️ **Legacy Banned & Restricted Reaction — Entomb and Nadu Are Gone!**Zac and Phil break down the latest **Magic: The Gathering Banned & Restricted announcement**, where *Entomb* and *Nadu, Winged Wisdom* finally got the axe. Was this the right call? Why did *Tamiyo*, *The One Ring*, and *Urza’s Saga* survive? And does anyone at Wizards actually know what Legacy is anymore?💬 **In this episode:*** *Entomb* and *Nadu* bans: too late or just in time?* The “Starbucks Theory” of WotC trolling players* How far behind the ban cadence really is* The mystery of Inkwell Leviathan (again)* Why Legacy gets all the cards but none of the testing* The C+ announcement that still somehow feels like a win🏆 **Zac’s Grade:** B-📉 **Phil’s Grade:** C+💭 Drop your own letter grade in the comments — and tell us which two cards *you* would’ve banned.Support the show and get bonus episodes at👉 [patreon.com/eternaldurtles](https://patreon.com/eternaldurtles)Read community articles at🧾 [eternaldurtles.com](https://eternaldurtles.com)---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

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAn**YouTube Description:**🔥 **Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Magic: The Gathering!**Zac and Phil dive into the new *Magic x Avatar: The Last Airbender* crossover set — breaking down which cards might actually be **Legacy playable** and what the *bending mechanics* mean for competitive formats.From **Earthbend** recursion loops to **Firebending** mana bursts, and the unexpected power of **Lessons** and **Learn**, the guys explore the design philosophy, card balance, and future implications for MTG. They also touch on the *return to Strixhaven in 2026*, suggesting these new Lessons are early plants for a major design evolution.💥 **In This Episode:**00:00 – Avatar x Magic: The Gathering overview02:00 – Earthbending: Legacy’s next broken land mechanic?05:30 – Firebending Student and busted mana generation09:30 – Katara, Gran-Gran, and the “Lesson” mechanic13:00 – Why Momo, Playful Pet might actually matter18:30 – Cabbage Merchant: the meme card that might be real20:30 – Chi Blocker, One Ring hate, and anti-Reanimator tech23:00 – Wan Shi Tong (the bird) and Mystic Sanctuary synergies31:00 – Waterbend and Earthbend Lessons — combo potential36:00 – Airbend and Energybend: unexpected Blood Moon answers40:00 – Naturalize upgrades, Redirect Lightning, and more Lessons46:00 – Fire Nation Occupation, Ba Sing Se, and the Earthbend engine49:00 – Final thoughts — is this the best crossover set yet?🧠 **Key Takeaways:*** **Earthbend** might be the sleeper hit mechanic — recursive, abusable, and fetchland-friendly.* **Waterbend** plays like convoke/improvise — powerful but narrow.* **Lessons** could explode in value when *Strixhaven 2* lands in 2026.* Several cards (Katara, Badger Mole, Cabbage Merchant) have real synergy potential in Legacy.* **Design takeaway:** this set feels like a test bed for future “lesson recursion” mechanics.💬 **Join the Conversation:**Which bending mechanic do you think is the strongest — Earth, Fire, Water, or Air?Drop your pick and favorite Avatar card below 👇🎧 **Listen Ad-Free & Support the Show:**👉 [Patreon.com/EternalDurdles](https://patreon.com/EternalDurdles)#MTGLegacy #MagicTheGathering #AvatarTheLastAirbender #MTGAvatar #EternalDurdles #AvatarSet #Earthbend #Firebend #Waterbend #Airbend #Strixhaven #MagicCrossover #MTGPodcast---Would you like me to include a short **pinned comment draft** too (e.g., “Which bending mechanic breaks Legacy first?”) to boost engagement when this episode goes live?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

Zac and Phil go deep on Magic: The Gathering’s growing obsession with outside IPs, asking the big question — when did “nods” become “crossovers”?In this episode, they explore how Magic evolved from subtle flavor callbacks (like Theros’s Greek myth inspiration or Arabian Nights’ literary roots) to full-on Universes Beyond product lines. The conversation spans design philosophy, flavor theory, and even a little literary criticism — all centered on why Magic feels different now.From Avatar: The Last Airbender to Spider-Man and beyond, the guys debate what makes some collaborations work and others feel… off. Is it art style? Setting? Narrative tone? Or is it that Magic used to suggest connections rather than define them?🔥 In This Episode:00:00 – Zac’s rant: when Magic used to “nod” instead of “name-drop”02:00 – Top-down vs bottom-up design: why flavor-first cards feel better04:30 – Avatar’s art style, references, and the “member berries” problem07:30 – Why Spider-Man failed as a crossover (and what Avatar gets right)10:30 – The anime art debate and whether style fits Magic’s tone14:00 – Science fiction vs science fantasy — where MTG actually belongs17:00 – Why “Rent Is Due” broke immersion for everyone19:00 – Why Magic’s early lore worked (Legends, Arabian Nights)23:00 – Asimov, Heinlein, and why fantasy fits Magic better than sci-fi26:00 – When Spider-Man meets Cephalid Breakfast: the tone problem29:00 – The Aang card problem — when “does everything” means “means nothing”31:00 – Closing thoughts: can Universes Beyond ever feel magical?🧠 Key Takeaways:Magic once thrived on subtle allusions; now it relies on direct references.Top-down, flavor-driven design connects emotionally — bottom-up “color pie” design rarely does.Universes Beyond works best when we go to their worlds, not when they invade ours.Science fiction IPs struggle to blend with Magic’s mythic-fantasy tone.“Doing everything” (like Avatar Aang’s design) isn’t the same as meaning something.💬 Join the Conversation:Do you love or hate Magic’s Universes Beyond direction?Are sets like Avatar: The Last Airbender a step forward — or a step too far?Drop your thoughts below 👇🎧 Listen Ad-Free & Support the Show:👉 Patreon.com/EternalDurdles#MTG #MagicTheGathering #EternalDurdles #UniversesBeyond #AvatarTheLastAirbender #SpiderMan #MTGDesign #MTGLore #TCG #Fantasy #ScienceFiction #MTGPodcast

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnIn this Premodern Sideboard Guide, Zac and Phil break down how to pilot Landstill through the toughest matchups in the format — from fast combo decks to grindy midrange battles. 🧠💥If you’ve ever wondered what to board in, what to cut, and why when playing Premodern Landstill, this episode has you covered. Phil walks through his full sideboard philosophy, matchup-specific plans, and the adjustments that separate good control pilots from great ones.🧩 Key Takeaways:Landstill rewards patient, informed play — sideboarding is where most games are won.Many matchups hinge on understanding what cards don’t matter post-board.Proper sequencing of Standstill, Mishra’s Factory, and removal is key to maintaining control.Adjusting your plan for open-field events like LobsterCon or local Premodern nights can swing win rates dramatically.🎴 Decklist & Resources:👉 Full 75 and sideboard notes available on EternalDurdles.com👉 Join the Premodern community at PremodernMagic.com💬 Join the Conversation:What’s your go-to sideboard tech in Premodern right now? Share your Landstill secrets (or complaints about Decree of Justice) below 👇#Premodern #Landstill #MagicTheGathering #EternalDurdles #MTGPremodern #ControlDecks #MTGSideboardGuide #PremodernMagic #PhilNguyen #MTGStrategyWould you like me to add timestamps customized to your actual segment breaks (e.g., per matchup) once you finalize the video edit? That can boost engagement and retention.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

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnIn this week’s episode of Eternal Durdles, Zac and Phil dive deep into the upcoming Legacy Banned & Restricted announcement — and ask the real question: What if Wizards of the Coast actually did something? 👀With Eternal Weekend Europe right around the corner, the guys break down the most likely (and most needed) bans, including The One Ring, Tamiyo, Inquisitive Student, Nadu, Winged Wisdom, and Planar Nexus — plus Zac’s spicy take that Entomb or Reanimate could be the real problem.Phil takes it further, arguing that the format’s issue isn’t just power level — it’s experience. If every deck removes decision points and ends in an “I win” button, Legacy stops being the interactive format players love. Together they propose a new ban philosophy: annual, Modern Horizons–style shakeups that accept WotC’s design volume and embrace data-driven humility.🔥 In This Episode:00:00 – Why Zac skipped the “Community B&R” episode04:15 – Realistic ban predictions for Legacy11:40 – How Tamiyo, Nadu, and The One Ring warp gameplay18:25 – Phil’s thesis: Fix the experience, not the numbers26:10 – The “I win” button meta and its consequences32:45 – What an annual 8–10 card ban cycle could look like🧠 Key Takeaways:Legacy needs bans that make the format feel better, not just look balanced.The One Ring, Nadu, and Tamiyo eliminate interactivity and tension.Wizards needs to admit the current design cadence guarantees mistakes.Annual ban waves could keep Eternal formats fresh and engaging.🎧 Listen on the go:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music💬 Join the conversation:What card would YOU ban from Legacy right now? Drop your thoughts below 👇#MTGLegacy #BannedAndRestricted #EternalDurdles #MagicTheGathering #TheOneRing #Nadu #Tamiyo #LegacyFormat #EternalWeekend #MTGPodcastJOIN 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

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnIn this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss their excitement for LobsterCon, a gaming event they look forward to each year. They share their experiences of pre-modern gaming, the vibrant community atmosphere, and the fun of playing games late into the night. The conversation also touches on personal celebrations, such as birthdays, and how these events intertwine with their gaming experiences.TakeawaysLobsterCon is a highly anticipated event for Zac.The experience of playing pre-modern games is akin to a vibrant community gathering.The atmosphere at gaming events is filled with excitement and camaraderie.Celebrating personal milestones like birthdays at gaming events adds to the joy.Late-night gaming sessions create memorable experiences.Food plays a significant role in the enjoyment of gaming events.The connection between friends is strengthened through shared gaming experiences.Events like LobsterCon foster a sense of belonging in the gaming community.The joy of gaming can sometimes lead to humorous situations.Balancing personal relationships with gaming passions can be challenging.TitlesThe Excitement of LobsterConGaming Vibes and CommunityChapters00:00 LobsterCon Registration Announcement00:07 LobsterCon Experience and Community01:00 Exploring Deck StrategiesJOIN 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