

The Command Zone
The Command Zone
Your weekly source for all things Commander (aka EDH), a multiplayer Magic: The Gathering format, with hosts Jimmy Wong and Josh Lee Kwai. Focused on all aspects of gameplay and strategy from table politics, budget builds, to deck building and more! commandzonecast@gmail.comWe wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4 For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 7, 2023 • 1h 53min
Commander Staples That Aren’t Worth the Price | #518
The hosts discuss the value of expensive Commander Staples and suggest cheaper alternatives. They explore the differences between Exploration and Burgeoning, discuss drawbacks of expensive Magic: The Gathering cards, analyze damage doublers, compare Imperial Seal and Vampire Tutor, explore the value of Land Tax, discuss white card draw options, and compare Strip Mine and Ghost Quarter as Commander staples.

Mar 2, 2023 • 1h 5min
Are MagicCons Worth It? | Bonus Episode
MagicCons are Wizards’ latest attempt at cracking “The Gathering.” But are these big live events actually worth attending? We’re breaking down our experiences from Vegas and Philly to determine just how much bang you’re getting for your buck. Is Command Zone access worth the extra charge? How about the VIP passes? Most important of all, are Magic Cons actually fun? Tune in and find out!--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone--------OUR OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:If you love our content, then you should see our merch: https://store.commandzone.com/ Show your support at the next FNM, Commander night, or Magic event with our apparel and stickers. Already a Patreon supporter? Then enjoy exclusive discounts on the store!--------ETSY:For home, style, and gifts, Etsy has it. Go to https://www.etsy.com/ and use code NEW at checkout for 10% off your first purchase.HONEY:It’s the FREE browser extension that scours the internet for promo codes and automatically applies the best one available at checkout. Get it for free today at http://www.joinHoney.com/commandzone BETTERHELP:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp! Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting: https://www.BetterHelp.com/CommandZone--------CARD KINGDOM:The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ULTRAPRO:Huge thanks to UltraPro for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their PRO GLOSS eclipse sleeves and super classy MYTHIC COLLECTION deck boxes. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Is Infect Too Strong Now? | The Command Zone:https://youtu.be/8LYmNVmJCig Blake Rasmussen:Twitter: @blakeprMagicCon 2023 Schedule:https://magic.gg/news/magiccon-philadelphia-and-the-2023-magiccon-schedule Jamie Block:Twitter: @JamblockIG: @benjamielaGavin Verhey:Twitter: @GavinVerheyIG: @gavinverheyReid Duke:Twitter: @ReidDuke--------Follow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Twitter:@CommandCast@JoshLeeKwai@jfwong@wachelreeksFollow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/Email us:commandzonecast@gmail.com--------Commander Rules and Ban List:https://mtgcommander.net/#magicthegathering #mtg #commander #mtgcommander #edh #podcast #commandzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Bad Cards We Still Play | #517
Can any Magic card truly be called “bad?” Yes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun playing them! This episode, Rachel polls the Command Zone crew on cards they love to play even though they aren’t exactly optimized. Commander is a casual format! Play more bad cards! From 9-drops to draft chaff, come see if your pet card is on our list.--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone--------OUR OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:If you love our content, then you should see our merch: https://store.commandzone.com/ Show your support at the next FNM, Commander night, or Magic event with our apparel and stickers. Already a Patreon supporter? Then enjoy exclusive discounts on the store!--------ETSY:For home, style, and gifts, Etsy has it. Go to https://www.etsy.com/ and use code NEW at checkout for 10% off your first purchase.HONEY:It’s the FREE browser extension that scours the internet for promo codes and automatically applies the best one available at checkout. Get it for free today at http://www.joinHoney.com/commandzone BETTERHELP:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp! Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting: https://www.BetterHelp.com/CommandZone--------CARD KINGDOM:The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ULTRAPRO:Huge thanks to UltraPro for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their PRO GLOSS eclipse sleeves and super classy MYTHIC COLLECTION deck boxes. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Jordan Pridgen:Twitter: @JordanPigeonInstagram: @JordanpridgenJake Boss:Twitter: @JakeBossMTGInstagram: @JakeBossMTGManson Leung:Twitter: @MansonLeung_Instagram: @the_mansonArthur Meadowcroft:Twitter: @TheShadowcroftGabriel Pozos:Twitter: @ImabrielGIG: @itsgabrielpozosLadee Danger:Twitter: @BrttnymchlleInstagram: @TheladeedangerCraig Blanchette:Twitter: @CraigBlanchetteDamen Lenz:Twitter: @DamenLenzJosh Murphy:Twitter: @alsonamedjoshInstagram: @alsonamedjoshJamie Block:Twitter: @JamblockIG: @benjamielaGood Cards We Don’t Play | The Command Zone 508https://youtu.be/kM3nZS_hd4o End Step: The Last of Us HBOhttps://www.hbo.com/the-last-of-us --------Follow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Twitter:@CommandCast@JoshLeeKwai@jfwong@wachelreeksFollow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/Email us:commandzonecast@gmail.com--------Commander Rules and Ban List:https://mtgcommander.net/#magicthegathering #mtg #commander #mtgcommander #edh #podcast #commandzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 22, 2023 • 1h 23min
How To Play Infect with Mr. Infect | #516
Do you love Commander but hate counting past 10? Then we have a strategy for you! This episode, Craig “Mr. Infect” Blanchette is here to teach you about–you guessed it–playing infect in Commander! With Phyrexia: All Will Be One bringing the new “Toxic” mechanic into the format, poison counters are all the rage once again. So today we’ll go over the ins-and-outs of this controversial strategy and give you all the tips you need to start poisoning your friends at your next game night.--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone--------OUR OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:If you love our content, then you should see our merch: https://store.commandzone.com/ Show your support at the next FNM, Commander night, or Magic event with our apparel and stickers. Already a Patreon supporter? Then enjoy exclusive discounts on the store!--------INDEED:Need to hire? You need Indeed! Check out the platform where you can attract, interview, and hire all in one place at https://www.indeed.com/commandzoneRAYCON:RayCon wireless earbuds look, feel, and sound better than ever! Visit https://www.buyraycon.com/command to save 15 % on your entire order for a limited time!BETTERHELP:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp! Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting: https://www.BetterHelp.com/CommandZone--------CARD KINGDOM:The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ULTRAPRO:Huge thanks to UltraPro for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their PRO GLOSS eclipse sleeves and super classy MYTHIC COLLECTION deck boxes. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Find Craig online:Twitter: @craigblanchetteBonkers Battle Between Brilliant Brewmasters | Extra Turns 31 | Magic Gathering Commander Gameplayhttps://youtu.be/iv-xb2T7Z2ENew Guilds of Ravnica Legends l Game Knights 21 l Magic: the Gathering Commander EDH Gameplayhttps://youtu.be/TomR8EIzxk0 Good Cards We Don’t Play | The Command Zone 508 | Magic: The Gathering Commander EDHhttps://youtu.be/kM3nZS_hd4o --------Follow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Twitter:@CommandCast@JoshLeeKwai@jfwong@wachelreeksFollow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/Email us:commandzonecast@gmail.com--------Commander Rules and Ban List:https://mtgcommander.net/#magicthegathering #mtg #commander #mtgcommander #edh #podcast #commandzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 14, 2023 • 2h 28min
The Best Cards (In the 99) from All Will Be One | #515
Show Notes:Just because a card can’t be your commander, doesn’t mean it's not the piece you need to turn your deck into a perfect, mechanical abomination! This episode we’re going over the cards that matter for your 99 from Phyrexia: All Will Be One. We’ll cover the cards we think could be the newest staples, cards that fill niche roles, and cards that get your engine oiled up and firing on all cylinders!--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone--------OUR OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:If you love our content, then you should see our merch: https://store.commandzone.com/ Show your support at the next FNM, Commander night, or Magic event with our apparel and stickers. Already a Patreon supporter? Then enjoy exclusive discounts on the store!--------FACTOR:Eat clean 24/7 with fresh prepared meals from Factor! Head to FactorMeals.com/command50 to get 50% off your first box!INDEED:Need to hire? You need Indeed! Check out the platform where you can attract, interview, and hire all in one place at https://www.indeed.com/commandzoneBETTERHELP:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp! Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting: https://www.BetterHelp.com/CommandZone--------CARD KINGDOM:The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ULTRAPRO:Huge thanks to UltraPro for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their PRO GLOSS eclipse sleeves and super classy MYTHIC COLLECTION deck boxes. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Command Zone 514:https://youtu.be/a4v6pSOsC9c Command Zone 510:https://youtu.be/NFR6GxUuKqI --------Follow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Twitter:@CommandCast@JoshLeeKwai@jfwong@wachelreeksFollow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/Email us:commandzonecast@gmail.com--------Commander Rules and Ban List:https://mtgcommander.net/#magicthegathering #mtg #commander #mtgcommander #edh #podcast #commandzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 6, 2023 • 1h 33min
The Dominus Cycle - All Will Be One | #514
Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone--------Show Notes:When Phyrexia took over Mirrodin, parts of the plane itself came to life, becoming the godlike monsters we know as the Domini. In All Will Be One, these giant overlords take the form of legendary creatures with high-impact doubling effects. This episode, we discuss the Dominus cycle both as commanders and in the 99, exploring the synergies and strategies that’ll make them feel truly indestructible. You don’t want to miss it!--------OUR OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:If you love our content, then you should see our merch: https://store.commandzone.com/ Show your support at the next FNM, Commander night, or Magic event with our apparel and stickers. Already a Patreon supporter? Then enjoy exclusive discounts on the store!--------INDEED:Need to hire? You need Indeed! Check out the platform where you can attract, interview, and hire all in one place at https://www.indeed.com/commandzoneRAYCON:RayCon wireless earbuds look, feel, and sound better than ever! Visit https://www.buyraycon.com/command to save 15 % on your entire order for a limited time!BETTERHELP:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp! Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting: https://www.BetterHelp.com/CommandZone--------CARD KINGDOM:The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards the fastest and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, accessories and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ULTRAPRO:Huge thanks to UltraPro for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their PRO GLOSS eclipse sleeves and super classy MYTHIC COLLECTION deck boxes. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Game Knights 59:https://youtu.be/KpopatzC-gIThe Best Mono-Colored Commanders from ONE :https://youtu.be/5gL8VKohPF4 The Best Multi-Colored Commanders from ONE:https://youtu.be/VsVloLR-cgo Scryfall:https://scryfall.com/ --------Follow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Twitter:@CommandCast@JoshLeeKwai@jfwong@wachelreeksFollow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/Email us:commandzonecast@gmail.com--------Commander Rules and Ban List:https://mtgcommander.net/#magicthegathering #mtg #commander #mtgcommander #edh #podcast #commandzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 3, 2023 • 1h 56min
The Best Mono-Colored Commanders from ONE | #513
In Phyrexia: All Will Be One, every color has been corrupted by Phyrexia’s influence, and that means a bunch of new compleated commanders! This episode, we’re delving into the best mono-colored legendary creatures from Magic’s latest set. We’ll go through the synergies and strategies you’ll want to graft into each commander’s deck to make them shine like glistening oil. Hail Phyrexia!--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone--------OUR OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:If you love our content, then you should see our merch: https://store.commandzone.com/ Show your support at the next FNM, Commander night, or Magic event with our apparel and stickers. Already a Patreon supporter? Then enjoy exclusive discounts on the store!--------MEUNDIES:Up your comfort game with MeUndies! To get 20% off your first order and free shipping right to your door, go to https://www.MeUndies.com/command BETTERHELP:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp! Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting: https://www.BetterHelp.com/CommandZoneFACTOR:Eat clean 24/7 with fresh prepared meals from Factor! Head to https://www.factor75.com/command60 and use code command60 to get 60% off your first box.--------CARD KINGDOM:The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards the fastest and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, accessories and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ULTRAPRO:Huge thanks to UltraPro for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their PRO GLOSS eclipse sleeves and super classy MYTHIC COLLECTION deck boxes. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:MagicCon Philadelphia:https://mcphiladelphia.mtgfestivals.com/ Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines Article:https://articles.starcitygames.com/magic-the-gathering/elesh-norn-mother-of-machines-the-good-and-the-bad/ Sheldon Menery:Twitter: @SheldonMenery Game Knights 59:https://youtu.be/KpopatzC-gI --------Follow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Twitter:@CommandCast@JoshLeeKwai@jfwong@wachelreeksFollow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/Email us:commandzonecast@gmail.com--------Commander Rules and Ban List:https://mtgcommander.net/#magicthegathering #mtg #commander #mtgcommander #edh #podcast #commandzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 1, 2023 • 44min
Is Infect Too Strong Now? | Bonus Episode
Show Notes:Poison counters are back in Phyrexia: All Will Be One and with them returns the age-old Commander question: Is infect too strong? Sure, 10 is a lot less than 40, but is it actually easier to pull off?This episode, our poison expert Craig “Mr. Infect” Blanchette joins the table to discuss the power of poison in EDH. Does the new “Toxic” ability affect whether the poison counter rule should be raised to 15 or even 20? Tune in and find out.--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone--------OUR OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:If you love our content, then you should see our merch: https://store.commandzone.com/ Show your support at the next FNM, Commander night, or Magic event with our apparel and stickers. Already a Patreon supporter? Then enjoy exclusive discounts on the store!-------- MEUNDIES:Up your comfort game with MeUndies! To get 20% off your first order and free shipping right to your door, go to https://www.MeUndies.com/command BETTERHELP:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp! Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting: https://www.BetterHelp.com/CommandZoneFACTOR:Eat clean 24/7 with fresh prepared meals from Factor! Head to https://www.factor75.com/command60 and use code command60 to get 60% off your first box.--------CARD KINGDOM:The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards the fastest and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, accessories and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ULTRAPRO:Huge thanks to UltraPro for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their PRO GLOSS eclipse sleeves and super classy MYTHIC COLLECTION deck boxes. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:“Corrupting Influence” Budget Upgrade Guide - Phyrexia: All Will Be One | The Command Zone #511:https://youtu.be/21ExoXSsFvU Craig Blanchette:Twitter: @craigblanchetteJohn Travolta mispronounces Idina Menzel at 2014 Academy Awards:https://youtu.be/DK7gzArTI0w Sheldon Menery:Twitter: @SheldonMenery--------Follow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Twitter:@CommandCast@JoshLeeKwai@jfwong@wachelreeksFollow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/Email us:commandzonecast@gmail.com--------Commander Rules and Ban List:https://mtgcommander.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 27, 2023 • 1h 56min
All Will Be ONE - The Best Multi-Colored Commanders | #512
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the best new multi-colored commanders from the Phyrexia set, including a four-color commander and a five-color commander. They delve into the abilities and potential of these commanders, as well as strategies and synergies for crafting the perfect deck. The speakers also explore topics such as proliferating counters, powerful planeswalkers, combat damage triggers, and sacrifice value cards. They provide insights into various commanders and their abilities, as well as unique templating and future-proofing in Magic: The Gathering. The discussion also covers strategies for value generation, enhancing mites, and the mechanics behind a red-black sacrifice deck. They conclude with a discussion on drawing cards and listener opinions on new multicolored commanders.

Jan 23, 2023 • 1h 8min
“Corrupting Influence” Budget Upgrade Guide - Phyrexia: All Will Be One | #511
Have you been drinking glistening oil? Because it looks like you’re under a “Corrupting Influence.” Join us for our budget upgrade guide of this toxic white, black, and green Phyrexia: All Will Be One preconstructed Commander deck that promises to poison all who oppose it. Find out which 10 cards to inject and 10 to remove to compleat your list and be perfectly positioned to compete at any table.--------OUR OFFICIAL MERCH STORE:If you love our content, then you should see our merch: https://store.commandzone.com/ Show your support at the next FNM, Commander night, or Magic event with our apparel and stickers. Already a Patreon supporter? Then enjoy exclusive discounts on the store!--------FACTOR:Eat clean 24/7 with fresh prepared meals from Factor! Head to https://go.factor75.com/command60 and use code command60 to get 60% off your first box.BETTERHELP:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp! Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting: https://www.BetterHelp.com/CommandZoneRAYCON:RayCon wireless earbuds look, feel, and sound better than ever! Visit https://www.buyraycon.com/command to save 15 % on your entire order for a limited time!--------CARD KINGDOM:The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards the fastest and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, accessories and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ULTRAPRO:Huge thanks to UltraPro for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their PRO GLOSS eclipse sleeves and super classy MYTHIC COLLECTION deck boxes. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Pokemon Snap:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-e-lev6iiA --------Follow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Twitter:@CommandCast@JoshLeeKwai@jfwong@wachelreeksFollow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/Email us:commandzonecast@gmail.com--------Commander Rules and Ban List:https://mtgcommander.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices