Winning Hand - A Marvel Champions Podcast

"Every good thing comes at a cost." - KennedyHawk In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, Boomguy and KennedyHawk discuss the upcoming Con of Heroes, focusing on the custom content and card spoilers for Marvel Champions. We delve into the new Symbiote Standard Set, its mechanics, and the exciting new keywords introduced. We also highlight the artistic design of the cards, the logistics for attendees, and essential packing lists for a successful con experience.  See here for more reveals from the MCM team. Click here for the print and play files for the con (and previous cons!).  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Con and Custom Content 03:06 Exploring the New Standard Set 06:08 Symbiote Suits: Mechanics and Strategies 09:06 Art and Design of the Custom Cards 12:07 Flipping Mechanics: Allies to Minions 14:54 New Keywords and Their Impact 18:09 Conclusion and Future Insights 22:15 Balancing Encounter Mechanics 23:49 Introducing New Nemesis Mechanics 27:15 Exploring Symbiote Attachments 28:54 Understanding Suit Malfunction 31:59 Logistics for Con of Heroes 34:21 Packing Essentials for Attendees 36:46 Custom Cards and Trading at the Con 40:52 Outro

This panel discussion revolves around the preparation and experiences related to the Con of Heroes 2025. I am joined by Andy N, AndyR, Astrodar, Caldias, MrSelfDestruct, and VJakson.  We discuss their personal experiences with previous conventions, and provide insights on what to bring, including decks, scenarios and tokens. We emphasize the importance of comfort and enjoyment throughout the weekend, encouraging attendees to bring decks they are familiar with and to be prepared for a fun, social gaming experience. The panel delves into the nuances of preparing for a gaming convention, focusing on deck preparation, the importance of sleeving strategies, and the benefits of borrowing and sharing decks. We discuss the significance of unique cards in multiplayer settings and the multiverse rule, which allows for flexibility in games with so many people traveling in; we are here for a casual atmosphere, and we encourage players to be flexible with their decks and to prioritize fun over strict adherence to rules. This conversation delves into the strategies for deck building and adapting to multiplayer dynamics at conventions, emphasizing the importance of community and inclusivity. We share our experiences and surprises from attending the Con of Heroes, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and the diversity of gameplay. They also touch on the food options available at the con and the various custom content that attendees can look forward to.  Chapters 02:59 Introduction to the Con of Heroes 06:11 Panelist Introductions and Experiences 08:57 What to Bring to the Con 12:00 Deck Selection Strategies 15:04 Playing Comfortably and Enjoying the Game 20:12 Deck Preparation and Sleeving Strategies 23:00 Borrowing and Sharing Decks at Conventions 26:00 Unique Cards and Their Importance in Multiplayer 29:03 Understanding the Multiverse Rule 34:59 Casual Atmosphere and Deck Flexibility 41:41 Deck Building Strategies for Conventions 44:09 Adapting Decks for Multiplayer Dynamics 51:48 Community and Inclusivity at the Con 58:09 Surprises and Expectations at the Con 01:08:47 Excitement for Upcoming Conventions 01:12:00 Choosing Heroes and Decks for the Con 01:19:48 Deck Strategies and Scenarios Discussion 01:25:31 Final Thoughts on Heroes and Scenarios 01:30:59 The Excitement of Deck Building 01:32:29 The Pool Deck Dilemma 01:34:58 Food and Fun at the Convention 01:39:49 Community Engagement and Custom Content 01:46:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell

On this day three years ago, Fantasy Flight launched their biggest April Fool's joke yet: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2022/4/1/hamming-it-up/ Was it real? Was it fake? We may never know.  Join Boomguy, LazyTitan, and Leethus as they break down their least favorite cartoon pig!  We also spotlight a content creator you should check out:  ⁨@ZiggyZ55Z⁩  He also has a new book out: https://youtu.be/wwAJThY2hFA?si=N8apcqaRqgwXormG Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast 03:00 Content Creator Spotlight: ZiggyZ55 05:59 Recent Gameplay Experiences 08:49 Exploring the Deadpool Aspect 11:54 Iceman and Jubilee: Heroes in Focus 15:00 Thor and Groot: Recent Favorites 17:58 New Heroes: Maria Hill and Nick Fury 21:04 Card of the Day: Spider Ham 27:44 The Quirky World of Spider-Ham 29:09 Unpacking Spider-Ham's Origins 30:49 The Villains of Spider-Ham 36:39 Art and Aesthetics of Spider-Ham 39:33 Thematic Elements of Spider-Ham 43:12 Game Mechanics and Balance of Spider-Ham 46:52 Exploring Spider-Ham's Unique Mechanics 49:50 The Power of Spider-Ham: A Hero's Strength 53:20 Ranking Spider-Ham Among Heroes 59:30 Fun Factor: Playing as Spider-Ham 01:03:32 Final Thoughts and Ratings

In this episode, we discuss two new spoiler cards from Fantasy Flight Games for the upcoming Black Panther (Shuri) hero pack. You can see the original reveal article here. Join us as we break down the art, theme, power, and fun for these cards! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to New Cards 03:03 Analysis of Dora Milaje and Allies 06:06 Art and Theme Discussion 09:11 Synergy and Gameplay Mechanics 12:00 Final Thoughts on Card Package 17:48 The Power of Allies in Gameplay 20:12 Strategic Use of Leadership and Healing 22:40 Design and Flexibility of the Dora Milaje Package 24:40 Overall Impressions and Ratings of the Package 30:14 Future Potential and Trait Development 32:28 Outro  

Talking all about multi-aspect heroes! In this episode, Boomguy and AndyR explore the theme of multi-aspect heroes in Marvel Champions, discussing various deck archetypes and showcasing specific decks centered around characters like Adam Warlock, Spider-Woman, Cable, Gamora, and Cyclops. They delve into listener comments, the dynamics of different player archetypes, and the unique challenges and strategies involved in building multi-aspect decks. We highlight the creativity and fun that can arise from these unique deck-building opportunities while also acknowledging the complexities they introduce. 1. Children of the Atom (Warlock): https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44735/children-of-the-atom-warlock-1.0 2. Jess & Carol Kill the Marvel Universe: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/39819/jess-and-carol-kill-the-marvel-universe-1.0 3. Maria Maria (Do your friends love cards?): https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45479/maria-maria-do-your-friends-love-cards-1.0 4. Psy-Kickin' It: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44648/psy-kickin-it-1.0 5. Rogue+Pete=8+ Gunboat every time!: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44997/rogue-pete-8-gunboat-every-time-1.0 6. What if we used 100% of Gamora's ability? [True Solo]: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45030/what-if-we-used-100-of-gamora-s-ability-true-solo-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand and Deck Building 01:07 Understanding Spike, Johnny, and Timmy Players 04:19 The Timmy Player Dilemma in Marvel Champions 09:06 Nomenclature for Deck Archetypes 13:10 Exploring Multi-Aspect Heroes 17:43 Deck Showcase: Adam Warlock 23:46 Deck Showcase: Spider-Woman 29:29 Deck Showcase: Cable 32:13 Exploring Psionic Strategies 34:46 Deck Building Insights and Recommendations 37:02 Maria Hill: The Card Draw Engine 39:58 Gamora's Solo Deck: A Unique Approach 50:34 Cyclops and Gunboat Diplomacy 01:02:52 Reflections on Multi-Aspect Heroes

In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, hosts Boomguy and LazyTitan dive into Marvel Champions, focusing on the justice ally Dazzler. They share their excitement for the upcoming Con of Heroes, talk about a new content creator, and explore their top hero picks for the event. The conversation also includes a detailed analysis of Dazzler as a card, her abilities, and her place within the game, highlighting the importance of art and design in card games. The Masked Hero: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMaskedHero Con of heroes: https://conofheroes.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dazzler and the podcast 01:25 Content Creator Spotlight: The Masked Hero 03:54 Con of Heroes Deck Planning 05:39 Hero Selection for Con of Heroes 13:28 LazyTitan's Hero Picks: Colossus and Ironheart 20:20 Boomguy's Hero Picks: Angel and War Machine 22:59 Exploring Thor's Versatility 26:59 Cyclops: The Tactician's Choice 30:58 Shadowcat: The Ultimate Defender 36:54 Vision: The Autopilot Hero 39:12 Drax: The King in Green 40:53 Captain America: The Versatile Leader 44:24 Exploring Dazzler's Powers and Art 46:53 Thematic Elements of Dazzler's Card 48:51 Analyzing Dazzler's Power and Cost 52:51 Dazzler's Role in Justice Archetypes 01:02:47 Final Thoughts on Dazzler's Design and Fun Factor 01:08:49 Outro

"You call that science?" - Mockingbird, apparently In this episode of Winning Hand, the pod crew kicks off celebrations for Women's History Month by discussing the character Mockingbird from Marvel Champions. We explore her history, powers, and the thematic elements of her (core set) card. The conversation includes a spotlight on content creator Astrodar, trivia about Mockingbird, and a detailed analysis of her card's mechanics and impact in the game. Does Boomguy read comics? Not likely. Link to Astrodar's Alter-Ego Chronicle: https://alteregochronicle.wixsite.com/alter-ego-chronicle Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand Podcast 00:59 Celebrating Women's History Month 02:23 Content Creator Spotlight: Astrodar 04:59 Character Background: Mockingbird 18:08 Mockingbird's Legacy and Impact 19:12 Celebrating Research Team Achievements 19:51 Exploring the Card of the Day: Mockingbird 22:16 Art Analysis: Mockingbird's Design 27:40 Thematic Discussion: Mockingbird's Abilities 33:59 Speculations on Future Characters 35:32 Thematic Consistency in Character Waves 37:34 Mockingbird's Role and Evolution 45:10 Mockingbird's Fun Factor and Playstyle 50:53 Final Thoughts on Mockingbird 58:01 Outro

In this episode of the Winning Hand podcast, hosts Boomguy, LazyTitan, and Leethus spotlight a content creator named Stretch22, read some recent listener Apple Podcast reviews, and discuss their recent gameplay experiences. The main focus is on the card of the day: Taunt. The pod explores its art, mechanics, thematic elements, and overall impact on gameplay and fun. Along the way we discuss what Jubilee's powers actually are, what superheroes have worse powers than her, and why Leethus hates having fun.  Boomguy's Vision Deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/46172/do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep-1.0 LazyTitan's Taunt Deck: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/885870?deck_name=JUST%20DONT%20GET%20GOT%20LOL Featured Content Creator (Stretch22): https://www.youtube.com/@Stretch22_MarvelChampions Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:47 Content Creator Spotlight: Stretch22 02:40 Listener Reviews: Highlights and Insights 06:16 What We've Been Playing: Recent Experiences 15:38 Card of the Day: Taunt and Its Mechanics 22:27 Art and Theme 26:55 Power of the Card 38:57 Fun Factor and Gameplay Experience 49:25 Final Thoughts and Ratings 58:45 Outro   Get in touch: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com

In this special episode of Winning Hand, the pod crew discusses the future of LCGs after the recent announcement by Fantasy Flight Games on the future of living card games at the studio. We discuss what the changes are, what the impact of those changes is to the community and the game overall, and what it means for the future of the people's podcast.  Here is the fireside chat. Here is the follow-up article from Nate French.  Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:42 Fantasy Flight's Announcement Overview 04:45 Understanding Current vs. Legacy Environments 10:56 Impact on Gameplay and Card Design 16:51 Business Implications and Player Accessibility 25:16 Future of the Podcast and Content Direction 34:55 Outro

"Storm is top 5 X-Men. IMO." - Leethus In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, we talk about our recent gameplay experiences with various Marvel Champions characters, including Hulk and Thor (Leethus), and Black Widow and Black Panther (Boomguy). We highlight a content creator, Joshi of Smeg, and delve into deck-building strategies, emphasizing the importance of consistency and thematic alignment. The conversation then shifts to upcoming heroes like Nick Fury and Maria Hill, and we show off our excitement for their unique mechanics. Finally, we analyze Team-Building Exercise, comparing its two different arts and contemplating what it means to build a team. As a bonus, we each share our top 5 favorite X-Men characters. You can find Joshie of Smeg here: https://www.youtube.com/@joshieofsmeg Leethus' Thor deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45855/thor-be-strong-and-hit-stuff-1.0 Leethus Valkyrie deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45910/valkyrie-nibelung-valesti-1.0 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast 03:12 Community Engagement and Content Creator Spotlight 05:55 Recent Gameplay Experiences and Strategies 09:04 Deck Building Philosophy and Hero Exploration 12:08 Discussion on Black Panther and Upcoming Heroes 15:10 Excitement for New Characters: Nick Fury and Maria Hill 24:05 Card of the Day: Team Building Exercise 25:23 Exploring Card Art Variations 28:52 Diving into the Team Building Exercise 35:03 Top 5 X-Men Showdown 38:14 Thematic Analysis of Team Dynamics 44:39 Power Mechanics and Team Synergy 45:57 Inconsistent Card Mechanics 47:14 Thematic Elements in Team Dynamics 48:42 Hero Mechanics and Card Synergy 49:32 The Role of Resource Generators 51:16 Thematic vs Mechanical Disconnect 52:39 Final Thoughts on Team Building Exercise 01:10:44 Outro