

Winning Hand - A Marvel Champions Podcast
Boomguy
A podcast all about Marvel Champions…one card at a time.
Marvel Champions the Card Game is a Living Card Game from Fantasy Flight Games. Every episode we use one card as the focus of the episode but we discuss a range of topics, news, tips, and decks for the game we love! Join us as we journey through Marvel Champions one card at a time.
Marvel Champions the Card Game is a Living Card Game from Fantasy Flight Games. Every episode we use one card as the focus of the episode but we discuss a range of topics, news, tips, and decks for the game we love! Join us as we journey through Marvel Champions one card at a time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 11min
E61 - Spider-Ham (Hero)
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

Mar 31, 2025 • 33min
E60.5 - Black Panther Spoiler Cards!
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

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
All Hands on Decks #11 - Multi-Aspect Heroes!
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

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 9min
E60 - Dazzler
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

Mar 4, 2025 • 58min
E59 - Mockingbird
"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

Feb 18, 2025 • 59min
E58 - Taunt
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

Feb 14, 2025 • 35min
E57.5 - Fireside Chat & the Future of Winning Hand
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

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 11min
E57 - Team-Building Exercise
"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

Jan 31, 2025 • 27min
Popping Your Posse & Saving the Neighborhood - AHoD #10
In this episode of All Hands on Decks, Boomguy and Andy R discuss two decks from Marvel CDB, focusing on a Domino leadership deck and a Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man deck. They explore the mechanics, strategies, and potential improvements for each deck, emphasizing the importance of deck themes and player experience. We also highlight the fun and complexity of deck building in Marvel CDB, while also teasing future episodes where they will build their own decks together.
How come I'm the only one popping my posse up in here: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45547/how-come-i-m-the-only-one-popping-my-posse-up-in-here-1.0
Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45545/friendly-neighborhood-spider-man-1.0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Deck Themes
04:49 Reviewing the Domino Leadership Deck
12:58 Exploring the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Deck
27:02 Conclusion and Future Deck Building Plans

Jan 24, 2025 • 32min
Exploring Community Decks in Marvel Champions - AHoD#9
In this episode of All Hands on Decks, Boomguy and Andyr delve into the world of deck building in Marvel Champions with Reddit-submitted decks. They explore the Chitinous Wasp deck, discussing its strategies and card choices, before moving on to the Ant in the Pool deck, which emphasizes resource management and Pool synergy. We also discuss the limitations of the 'Pool aspect in deck-building and the challenges it presents.
Chitinous Wasp: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44949/chitinous-wasp-1.0
Ant in the Pool: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45051/ant-in-the-pool-1.0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Deck Building and Community Engagement
03:01 Exploring the Chitinous Wasp Deck
11:53 Analyzing the Ant-Man Deck
23:58 Discussion on Pool Limitations and Deck Strategies
31:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts