Eternal Durdles

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark and Josh Fry discuss the Mono Blue Tide deck, exploring its strategies, key card interactions, and budget considerations. Joshua shares his impressive tournament record of 20-3, highlighting the deck's resilience and adaptability in various matchups. They delve into the importance of understanding the mana base, effective sideboarding, and the nuances of specific matchups like Stasis and Goblins. The discussion emphasizes the significance of card advantage and strategic play in the pre-modern format, providing valuable insights for players looking to master Mono Blue Tide. In this conversation, Zac Clark and Joshua discuss various strategies and sideboard plans for different matchups in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the control deck archetype. They delve into specific cards, counterplay techniques, and the importance of adapting strategies based on the opponent's deck. The discussion covers key matchups such as Dreadnought, Replenish, Survival, Stasis, Landstill, Elves, Psychatog, and Reanimator, providing insights into effective gameplay and decision-making.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnIn this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil reflect on their experiences at Eternal Weekend, discussing the successes and challenges of the event. The conversation also highlights memorable encounters with fans and fellow players, as well as suggestions for future events, particularly regarding pre-modern formats.TakeawaysEternal Weekend was a unique experience for attendees.Single elimination events should be replaced with Swiss-style formats.Pre-modern events should be given more prominence in future tournaments.Event organization was generally smooth but could improve in timing.Community engagement is vital for the success of events.Memorable encounters with fans enhance the experience of attending events.Feedback from attendees is crucial for future improvements.The importance of early event information cannot be overstated.Collecting unique cards can be a fun side hobby for players.Chapters00:00 Reflections on North American Eternal Weekend02:48 Event Structure and Suggestions for Improvement05:27 The Case Against Prize Walls08:20 The Rise of Pre-Modern11:11 Event Organization and Timing14:09 Community Engagement and Personal Connections20:41 Eternal Weekend Reflections23:21 Community Engagement and Content Creation29:23 Player Interactions and Memorable Moments35:45 Game Strategies and Match Highlights41:04 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansJOIN 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/ForceofPhilJOIN 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 reflect on their experiences at Eternal Weekend, discussing the successes and challenges of the event. The conversation also highlights memorable encounters with fans and fellow players, as well as suggestions for future events, particularly regarding pre-modern formats.TakeawaysEternal Weekend was a unique experience for attendees.Single elimination events should be replaced with Swiss-style formats.Pre-modern events should be given more prominence in future tournaments.Event organization was generally smooth but could improve in timing.Community engagement is vital for the success of events.Memorable encounters with fans enhance the experience of attending events.Feedback from attendees is crucial for future improvements.The importance of early event information cannot be overstated.Collecting unique cards can be a fun side hobby for players.Chapters00:00 Reflections on North American Eternal Weekend02:48 Event Structure and Suggestions for Improvement05:27 The Case Against Prize Walls08:20 The Rise of Pre-Modern11:11 Event Organization and Timing14:09 Community Engagement and Personal Connections20:41 Eternal Weekend Reflections23:21 Community Engagement and Content Creation29:23 Player Interactions and Memorable Moments35:45 Game Strategies and Match Highlights41:04 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansJOIN 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/ForceofPhilJOIN 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 delve into the concept of 'Dark Night' moments in the Magic: The Gathering community, exploring personal experiences and reflections on their journeys through the game. They discuss the impact of competitive play, community dynamics, and the evolution of Magic, particularly in light of recent changes and the pandemic's effects on the game. The dialogue highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of being a player, including the challenges faced and the resilience required to continue engaging with the game they love.TakeawaysEvery Magic player experiences a 'Dark Night' moment.Taking breaks can rejuvenate one's passion for the game.Community support is crucial during tough times in gaming.The evolution of Magic has led to faster 'Dark Night' moments.Personal experiences shape how players interact with the game.The pandemic significantly impacted competitive play and community engagement.New formats like Pioneer offer fresh opportunities for players.The Pro Tour dream can feel unattainable for many players.Players often face identity crises within the game.The future of Magic may depend on community feedback and engagement.Chapters00:00 The Dark Night Concept in Magic02:33 Personal Dark Night Moments05:16 Zac's Magic Journey10:58 Phil's Magic Journey16:18 Community and Content Creation Challenges19:36 The Evolution of the Podcast Team20:50 Personal Dark Nights in Magic22:49 The Impact of the Pandemic on Gameplay25:31 Transitioning Through Formats: Modern to Pioneer28:21 The Decline of Competitive Play30:16 The Dark Night Moments of Change32:02 The Future of Magic: Universes Beyond and Community FeedbackJOIN 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/OexAAnZac and Phil discuss their experiences on the Eve of Eternal Weekend 2025, sharing insights on their tournament performances, the evolving metagame, and the importance of community engagement in deck building. They reflect on personal strategies, the challenges of the current format, and the potential for future changes and bans that could revitalize the game.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac and Phil discuss their experiences on the Eve of Eternal Weekend 2025, sharing insights on their tournament performances, the evolving metagame, and the importance of community engagement in deck building. They reflect on personal strategies, the challenges of the current format, and the potential for future changes and bans that could revitalize the game.

In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the complexities of card game design, particularly focusing on the implementation of point systems and their implications for game balance. They discuss the challenges faced by competitive formats like Legacy, the importance of proper curation, and the role of ban lists in maintaining player engagement. The dialogue highlights the need for game designers to take decisive action to improve formats and enhance player experience, while also reflecting on the community's relationship with the game and its evolving dynamics.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss their excitement and strategies for the upcoming Eternal Weekend, emphasizing the importance of mindset, preparation, and the community aspect of Magic: The Gathering. They explore various deck strategies, the significance of emotional support cards, and reflect on the history of Magic while considering the current state of the game. The conversation highlights the balance between competitive play and enjoyment, as well as the evolving nature of deck building in Legacy and Pre-Modern formats.TakeawaysEternal Weekend brings excitement and anticipation.Having a no-drop mentality can enhance the experience.Records don't define a player's skill or worth.Preparation and practice are key to success.Emotional support cards can provide comfort during competition.Innovative deck ideas can surprise opponents.Testing is crucial for understanding the current meta.Magic's history influences current gameplay and strategies.Package decks are becoming more prevalent in Legacy.Community and camaraderie are essential aspects of the game.Sound bites"Eternal Weekend is upon us!""I want to make day two for sure!""I need a slabbed Miracle Worker!"Chapters00:00 Eternal Weekend Anticipation02:38 Mentality and Ethos for Competition05:37 Deck Strategies and Preparation08:26 The Importance of Mental Upkeep11:19 Exploring Unique Deck Choices14:09 Reflections on Legacy and Pre-Modern17:01 Expectations and Strategies for Eternal Weekend19:37 Community Engagement and Final ThoughtsJOIN 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

SummaryIn this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil discuss their excitement and strategies for the upcoming Eternal Weekend, emphasizing the importance of mindset, preparation, and the community aspect of Magic: The Gathering. They explore various deck strategies, the significance of emotional support cards, and reflect on the history of Magic while considering the current state of the game. The conversation highlights the balance between competitive play and enjoyment, as well as the evolving nature of deck building in Legacy and Pre-Modern formats.TakeawaysEternal Weekend brings excitement and anticipation.Having a no-drop mentality can enhance the experience.Records don't define a player's skill or worth.Preparation and practice are key to success.Emotional support cards can provide comfort during competition.Innovative deck ideas can surprise opponents.Testing is crucial for understanding the current meta.Magic's history influences current gameplay and strategies.Package decks are becoming more prevalent in Legacy.Community and camaraderie are essential aspects of the game.Sound bites"Eternal Weekend is upon us!""I want to make day two for sure!""I need a slabbed Miracle Worker!"Chapters00:00 Eternal Weekend Anticipation02:38 Mentality and Ethos for Competition05:37 Deck Strategies and Preparation08:26 The Importance of Mental Upkeep11:19 Exploring Unique Deck Choices14:09 Reflections on Legacy and Pre-Modern17:01 Expectations and Strategies for Eternal Weekend19:37 Community Engagement and Final Thoughts

SummaryIn this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of the Stasis deck in pre-modern Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the mechanics of Stasis, card choices, and the importance of timing and counter magic in gameplay. The conversation also covers strategies for sideboarding and adapting to various matchups, as well as exploring alternative win conditions. The hosts emphasize the flexibility of the deck and the need for a deep understanding of its mechanics to maximize its potential. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of various Magic: The Gathering matchups, focusing on the Stasis deck and its interactions with other strategies. They discuss the importance of countering key cards, the nuances of specific matchups, and the strategic decisions that can lead to victory. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the mechanics of Stasis, the role of specific cards in different matchups, and the overall approach to deck building in competitive play.

Sahar's Links: https://linktr.ee/saharmirhadihttps://bsky.app/profile/saharmirhadi.bsky.socialThis week on Eternal Durdles, Zac Clark and returning guest Sahar Mirhadi take on the biggest question in Magic: the Gathering right now — do Universes Beyond crossovers actually belong in Magic?From Lord of the Rings and Warhammer (slam dunks) to The Walking Dead, Marvel, Sonic, and even Tomb Raider, we run down EVERY IP that’s made its way into MTG and ask three key questions:* Is it *Magic*?* Does it *belong* in Magic?* Are we actually *fans* of it?Along the way we talk power creep (Orcish Bowmasters, The One Ring), reskins vs. unique cards, what competitive players can’t opt out of, and why “let people like things” isn’t always the whole story.If you’ve ever looked at a Universes Beyond spoiler and thought “this doesn’t feel like Magic,” this is the episode for you.👉 Drop your own YES/NO takes in the comments: which Universes Beyond sets feel right at home, and which ones cross the line?Featuring: Sahar MirhadiHosted by: Zac Clark | Eternal Durdles

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJoin Zac Clark and ForceofPhil as they dive into the intricacies of SWB's Parfait deck, a standout in the pre-modern Magic: The Gathering scene. Discover how this deck leverages Gush, Mox Diamond, and Oath of Druids to create a unique control strategy. Learn about the deck's evolution, its strengths against various matchups, and the clever card choices that make it a formidable contender. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the format, this episode offers valuable insights into deck building and gameplay strategies. Don't forget to check out our affiliate link in the first comment for your card purchases!

TCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAn🔥 Magic: The Gathering discourse is on fire right now – and we’re diving straight into it. Zac and Phil break down PokiMokis now-infamous “pigs and slop” analogy that lit up the community, and explore what it really says about the state of Magic.We talk about:🐷 The “slop” metaphor and why so many players took offense⚔️ Competitive vs. Commander – is one being left behind?🎭 How WotC’s design choices blur the line between 1v1 and 4-player formats🕹️ Universes Beyond – fun new entry points or self-disrespect to Magic’s own IP?💸 Rising costs, endless product releases, and whether the firehose is too wide openThis isn’t just ragebait – it’s an honest conversation about what longtime players are feeling, where the game is headed, and whether Wizards can keep everyone at the table happy.👀 Are you a fan of “pigs and slop”? Or do you think the analogy misses the point? Let us know in the comments!

Zac and Phil dive into the world of **budget-friendly Premodern decks** that can actually compete at the top tables. They break down why some expensive staples like **Mox Diamond, Gaea’s Cradle, Survival of the Fittest, and Phyrexian Dreadnought** push decks out of budget range, then showcase powerful alternatives you can build for under $400.Decks discussed include:* **Stasis** – a $150 control lock deck that still punishes unprepared opponents.* **Toginator (UB Psychatog/Reanimator)** – resilient, customizable, and surprisingly cheap.* **Landstill** – a control staple with Mishra’s Factories and Standstill value engines.* **Goblins** – explosive tribal aggression for under $200.* **Chance Control** – a spicy coin-flip combo deck with Frenetic Efreet and Chance Encounter.* **Burn** – fast, reliable, and always a metagame presence.* **Mono-Blue Tide** – a $250 powerhouse that’s proven it can win big events.Along the way, they share insights on **card choices, metagame calls, sideboard tweaks, and personal stories**—including how one player literally *died at dinner and still top 8’d* with Mono-Blue Tide.Whether you’re new to Premodern or looking for competitive decks that won’t break the bank, this episode is packed with strategies, laughs, and a little bit of Eternal Durdles chaos.👉 Comment below: What budget deck are YOU playing in Premodern right now?

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesZac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the myths surrounding the Legacy format of Magic the Gathering. They discuss common misconceptions about the cost of entry, gameplay dynamics, and the perception of Legacy as a dying format. The hosts emphasize the welcoming nature of the Legacy community and the opportunities for new players to engage with the format. They also explore whether Legacy is a solved format and how it continues to evolve over time, highlighting the diversity of gameplay and the importance of community support.

This week on Eternal Durdles, Zac and Force of Phil tackle the biggest misconceptions about Legacy Magic: the Gathering — the ones you always hear from players outside the format.Is Legacy just a coin-flip combo format? Is it too expensive to ever get into? Do the same decks dominate forever? We break down each myth, explain where the truth actually lies, and show why Legacy is one of the most fun, skill-testing formats Magic has to offer.Topics include:* Why “turn-1 kill” decks don’t define the format* The real story behind Legacy’s cost (and why it’s not as bad as you think)* How the metagame shifts more than outsiders realize* Why Reanimator, Delver, and combo decks aren’t the whole pictureIf you’ve ever heard “Legacy is unplayable” — or said it yourself — this episode is here to set the record straight.Featuring: Force of PhilHosted by: Zac Clark | Eternal Durdles

This week on Eternal Durdles, Zac and Force of Phil tackle the biggest misconceptions about Legacy Magic: the Gathering — the ones you always hear from players outside the format.Is Legacy just a coin-flip combo format? Is it too expensive to ever get into? Do the same decks dominate forever? We break down each myth, explain where the truth actually lies, and show why Legacy is one of the most fun, skill-testing formats Magic has to offer.Topics include:* Why “turn-1 kill” decks don’t define the format* The real story behind Legacy’s cost (and why it’s not as bad as you think)* How the metagame shifts more than outsiders realize* Why Reanimator, Delver, and combo decks aren’t the whole pictureIf you’ve ever heard “Legacy is unplayable” — or said it yourself — this episode is here to set the record straight.Featuring: Force of PhilHosted by: Zac Clark | Eternal Durdles

Sahar Mirhadi and ForceofPhil explore the fascinating intersection of wrestling and Magic: The Gathering, discussing community dynamics, the need for a Legacy panel, and the importance of data transparency in understanding ban list decisions. They delve into the evolution of the Legacy format, the role of reanimator decks, and the significance of player experience in shaping gameplay. The discussion also touches on corporate decision-making within Wizards of the Coast and the future of Legacy as a format. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of the Reanimator archetype in Legacy, discussing the implications of recent band lists and the role of data in shaping the format. They explore the challenges of maintaining a balanced environment while addressing community concerns and expectations for upcoming tournaments. The discussion highlights the need for clear communication from Wizards of the Coast regarding the direction of Legacy and the importance of community engagement in shaping the future of the format.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesZac and Phil discuss the current state of Force of Will in the Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering, arguing that it may be at its weakest point due to the prevalence of combo decks. They analyze the meta, exploring the dominance of combo strategies and the challenges faced by control and midrange decks. The discussion shifts to the need for better card design and alternative strategies to counter the current threats in the game, emphasizing the importance of proactive play and the limitations of traditional counterspells.

Zac and Phil discuss the current state of Force of Will in the Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering, arguing that it may be at its weakest point due to the prevalence of combo decks. They analyze the meta, exploring the dominance of combo strategies and the challenges faced by control and midrange decks. The discussion shifts to the need for better card design and alternative strategies to counter the current threats in the game, emphasizing the importance of proactive play and the limitations of traditional counterspells.