The Command Zone

In 2018, we thought these Commanders were the worst of the worst, the scourge of the game, we HATED them! But do these boogeymen from the past still haunt our nightmares? This episode, we’re taking a look back and reacting to episode 561 “Commanders We Hate Playing Against” to see how our evaluations hold up. Which are still banes of the format, and which ones will feel a little silly in retrospect? 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 -------- RAYCON: Raycon’s latest model of Everyday Earbuds are better than ever! To save 15% on your entire Raycon order go to: https://www.buyraycon.com/command    WHATNOT: We’re back on Whatnot on May 15th at 12 noon Pacific with tons of merch and GIVEAWAYS! To get $15 FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up at: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command SHOPIFY: Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz -------- 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 ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today! ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: DJ (Jumbo Commander): Twitter: @jumbocommander YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JumboCommander Most Hated Commanders | The Command Zone 245: https://youtu.be/dP16gWToUcc Scariest Commanders to Play Against | The Command Zone 520: https://youtu.be/ZA7nX9f19yw Commanders We Hate Playing Against | The Command Zone 561: https://youtu.be/5lOVb4885_I Jacob Bertrand: Instagram: @thejacobbertrand Olivia Gobert-Hicks: Bluesky: @goberthicks.bsky.social Commander At Home: https://www.youtube.com/@commanderathome EDHijinks: https://www.youtube.com/@EDHijinks -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After 15 years on the banlist, the dastardly Braids, Cabal Minion has been UNLEASHED on the world of Commander once again! But after such a long time on ice, is Braids the unbridled force of evil she once was?   There’s no question that the game of MTG has changed since the last time this game changer saw play, so it’s time to look at a brand new Braids deck tech to see how this terror from a bygone era looks in the high-powered world of current-day Commander. It’s going to be fun (and a bit mean) so come join us! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- Braids, Cabal Minion Archidekt Decklist: https://archidekt.com/decks/12800855/cz_672_how_bad_is_braids_anyway -------- WHATNOT: The Command Zone makes its return to Whatnot on April 24th at 2pm! To get $15 for FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up using our link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command FACTOR:  Eat smart with Factor. To get 50% off your first box plus free shipping, use code command50off at  https://www.factormeals.com/command50off  ZOCDOC:  Stop putting off those doctors appointments! Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today by going to https://www.zocdoc.com/command  -------- 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  ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: Jordan Pridgen Twitter: @JordanPigeon  IG: @jordanpridgen Commander Banned and Restricted Announcement – April 22, 2025: https://tinyurl.com/edh-bans-april2025 WOTC Introduces New Bracket System for EDH: https://tinyurl.com/edhrec-brackets -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Commander Brackets: It’s the new WotC-led deck classification system that’s taking the format by storm! But wait-- they’re in BETA! So what’s keeping Commander Brackets from being a complete and final product?  In this episode, Jimmy and Rachel sit down to discuss this question and many more in-depth. Do brackets work well as-is? What issues need to be ironed out? How do we make sure the rules are clear and useful? Time to jump 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 -------- FACTOR:  Eat smart with Factor. To get 50% off your first box plus free shipping, use code command50off at  https://www.factormeals.com/command50off  SHOPIFY: Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz  AUDIBLE:  New members can try Audible now free for 30 days by texting COMMAND to 500-500 or visiting https://www.Audible.com/COMMAND   -------- 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  ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: Jamie Block: Twitter: @Jamblock Garrett Petersen Post: https://x.com/GarrettPetersen/status/1910910742502793340 Portal: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1127708/ -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social @joshleekwai.bsky.social @wachelreeks.com Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THE GAME OF COMMANDER HAS CHANGED! In their first major act since taking control of the format, Wizards has released a new Commander B&R announcement, and five whole cards are coming OFF the banned list! At the same time, 18 cards have been added to the list of Commander Bracket “Game Changers.”Needless to say, there’s a lot to talk about! This episode, JLK and Rachel (both part of the Commander Format Panel) sit down to discuss their thoughts and insights into these major format changes. Are the unbans good? Do the new Game Changers deserve their spots? Come join us 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--------AUDIBLE: New members can try Audible now free for 30 days by texting COMMAND to 500-500 or visiting https://www.Audible.com/COMMAND SHOPIFY:Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz WHATNOT:#whatnotpartner The Command Zone makes its return to Whatnot on April 24th at 2pm! To get $15 for FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up using our link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command  --------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 ARCHIDEKT:Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today! ULTRA PRO:Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Commander Banned and Restricted Announcement - April 22, 2025:https://tinyurl.com/edh-bans-april2025Commander Brackets Beta Update - April 22, 2025:https://tinyurl.com/edh-game-changers-april2025Gavin Verhey:Bluesky: @gavinverhey.bsky.socialTwitter: @GavinVerheyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMorningMagic--------Follow us on TikTok:@thecommandzoneFollow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Bluesky:@commandcast.bsky.socialFollow 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://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list-------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here be dragons! Tarkir: Dragonstorm is raging through the world of MTG and, if you don’t want to get swept away, you’re gonna need some powerful cards. Never fear, stormchasers, this episode we’ll be going over the best cards for your 99 from the new set. These cards might not be legendary, but with the strategies and synergies we’ve got here for you, they might just help YOU become a legend!--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone--------AUDIBLE: New members can try Audible now free for 30 days by texting COMMAND to 500-500 or visiting https://www.Audible.com/COMMAND  WHATNOT:The Command Zone makes its return to Whatnot on April 24th at 2pm! To get $15 for FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up using our link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command  SHOPIFY:Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz --------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 ARCHIDEKT:Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today! ULTRA PRO:Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Gavin Verhey:Bluesky: @gavinverhey.bsky.socialTwitter: @GavinVerhey--------Follow us on TikTok:@thecommandzoneFollow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Bluesky:@commandcast.bsky.socialFollow 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://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list-------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you yearn to mobilize an unstoppable horde of Tarkir: Dragonstorm warriors and tokens? You’re going to need our “Mardu Surge” (red/white/black) precon upgrade guide! We’ll show you 10 cards that mar-DO deserve a spot in the deck and 10 cards that, like all weaknesses, must be cast off. The next time your horde hits the board, victory will be inevitable!--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzoneRAYCON:Raycon’s latest model of Everyday Earbuds are better than ever! To save 20% on your entire Raycon order go to: https://www.buyraycon.com/command   RIDGE:Take advantage of Ridge’s once-a-year anniversary sale and get UP TO 40% off right now by going to https://www.Ridge.com/COMMAND  ZOCDOC: Stop putting off those doctors appointments! Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today by going to https://www.zocdoc.com/command --------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 ARCHIDEKT:Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today! ULTRA PRO:Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Jamie Block:Twitter: @Jamblock“Mardu Surge” Precon Upgrade Deck List:https://archidekt.com/decks/12092405/cz_668_mardu_surge_precon_upgradeCommander Deckbuilding Template for the New Era | The Command Zone 658:https://youtu.be/OSNV6224cHg--------THE END STEP:Keep Driving:https://www.mobygames.com/game/236996/keep-driving/--------Follow us on TikTok:@thecommandzoneFollow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Bluesky:@commandcast.bsky.socialFollow 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://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list--------Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro00:04:36 - "Mardu Surge" Precon Upgrade00:04:51 - Possible Commanders00:08:39 - Reprint Value00:12:19 - Notable Reprints00:16:37 - Deck Stats00:24:38 - Upgrade Goals00:27:02 - Best Cards00:34:33 - Cards to Add00:48:52 - Cards to Cut00:57:32 - How the Deck Plays00:59:15 - To the Listeners01:01:44 - The End Step#magicthegathering #mtg #commander #mtgcommander #edh #podcast #commandzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone knows the dragons from Tarkir: Dragonstorm are tough, but upgrading your deck can be even tougher! Well have no fear, because today we’re buffing the “Abzan Armor” (white/black/green) precon with our $50 upgrade guide! We’ll show you the 10 cards that will help suit up your deck so that the next time you hit your local game store, your strategy will be impenetrable!--------Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzoneRAYCON:Raycon’s latest model of Everyday Earbuds are better than ever! To save 20% on your entire Raycon order go to: https://www.buyraycon.com/command RIDGE:Take advantage of Ridge’s once-a-year anniversary sale and get UP TO 40% off right now by going to https://www.Ridge.com/COMMAND ZOCDOC: Stop putting off those doctors appointments! Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today by going to https://www.zocdoc.com/command --------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 ARCHIDEKT:Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today! ULTRA PRO:Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command--------Relevant Links:Jake Boss:Bluesky: @jakeboss.bsky.socialTwitter: @JakeBossMTGYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JakeBossMTG“Abzan Armor” Precon Upgrade Deck List:https://archidekt.com/decks/12092496/cz_667_abzan_armor_precon_upgradeCommander Deckbuilding Template for the New Era | The Command Zone 658:https://youtu.be/OSNV6224cHg--------THE END STEP:Jake Boss - Stargate: Every Episode Reviewed - Part 1:https://youtu.be/gqAj7cGnIBQ--------Follow us on TikTok:@thecommandzoneFollow us on Instagram:@CommandCastFollow us on Bluesky:@commandcast.bsky.socialFollow 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://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list-------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the exciting world of Tarkir as the hosts dive into powerful commanders and synergies, focusing on reanimation strategies and life gain mechanics. Discover effective gameplay with cards like Bator and the complexities of managing prowess with Elsha. The creative combo of dragons and ninjas takes center stage, showcasing unique interactions like Olivia's reanimation abilities. With a mix of humor and tactical insights, listeners gain strategies for maximizing creature power and self-mill, ensuring an engaging gameplay experience.

Jordan Pridgen, a Magic: The Gathering strategist, joins to help turbocharge your dragon deck. They share a $50 upgrade guide for the 'Temur Roar' precon, detailing cards to add or swap out for better performance. Highlights include Rinny the Unwritten’s card-drawing prowess and the importance of ramp in dragon decks. Expect witty banter as they dig into strategies for maximizing synergy with powerful creatures and managing your mana effectively. Plus, get a chuckle or two about the latest season of 'The Righteous Gemstones'!

In this episode, Gaurav Galati, a card game enthusiast, joins to share insights on enhancing the 'Sultai Arisen' Commander deck. The conversation highlights strategies for improving graveyard mechanics and includes budget-friendly card recommendations. Gaurav explores the synergy of self-mill and token creation, emphasizing performance boosts through key cards like Conduit of Worlds. The hosts also discuss humorous elements of the deck, engage in whimsical banter, and share creative tips for teaching new players about complex gameplay.