
Eternal Durdles
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Eternal Durdles is a weekly Magic: the Gathering podcast focusing on the Legacy format. Hosted by long-time MTG veterans Zac Clark and Phil Blechman.
Latest episodes

May 1, 2025 • 41min
I KNEW IT! Reanimator and Oops are Dominating!
In this episode, Zac and Phil discuss the current state of the Magic: The Gathering Legacy format, focusing on the recent meta changes, deck strategies, and personal experiences in competitive play. They analyze various decks, including Dimir Reanimator, Cephalid Breakfast, and Beanstalk, while sharing insights on gameplay and the impact of recent bans. The conversation also touches on player perspectives regarding deck identity and the upcoming Lobster Con event, highlighting the excitement and strategies for pre-modern championships. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the Stasis deck and its components. They discuss the effectiveness of Black Vice, the importance of counter spells, and the strategic choices involved in deck building. The conversation also explores alternative cards, innovative interactions, and the challenges of effective removal. As they brainstorm creative deck ideas, they touch on the unique mechanics of Grindstone and Celestial Dawn, culminating in a lively discussion about the upcoming LobsterCon event.

May 1, 2025 • 41min
I KNEW IT! Reanimator and Oops are Dominating!
In this episode, Zac and Phil discuss the current state of the Magic: The Gathering Legacy format, focusing on the recent meta changes, deck strategies, and personal experiences in competitive play. They analyze various decks, including Dimir Reanimator, Cephalid Breakfast, and Beanstalk, while sharing insights on gameplay and the impact of recent bans. The conversation also touches on player perspectives regarding deck identity and the upcoming Lobster Con event, highlighting the excitement and strategies for pre-modern championships. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the Stasis deck and its components. They discuss the effectiveness of Black Vice, the importance of counter spells, and the strategic choices involved in deck building. The conversation also explores alternative cards, innovative interactions, and the challenges of effective removal. As they brainstorm creative deck ideas, they touch on the unique mechanics of Grindstone and Celestial Dawn, culminating in a lively discussion about the upcoming LobsterCon event.

Apr 30, 2025 • 16min
Extra Durdles: Is Sorcery The Contested Realm The Next Big Trading Card Game?
Zac & Phil delve into the card game Sorcery: The Contested Realm, discussing its unique features, gameplay mechanics, and the transition from traditional card games like Magic: The Gathering. They explore the appeal of Sorcery's hand-painted art, the strategic depth of its gameplay, and the growing organized play scene, highlighting the community's excitement for the game. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in other formats and the potential for Sorcery to serve as a refreshing alternative.TakeawaysSorcery features all hand-painted art, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.The game is played on a four by five grid, combining elements of Magic and Warhammer.Players start with 20 life, similar to Magic: The Gathering.The gameplay mimics old school Magic, providing a nostalgic experience.Players can draw from two separate decks, mitigating mana screw issues.Sorcery releases one set a year, making it easier to keep up with the game.The game includes misprints in packs, adding a collectible aspect.Organized play is becoming a significant part of Sorcery's community.The game is free to play on Tabletop Simulator, increasing accessibility.The hosts express excitement about playing Sorcery at upcoming events.

Apr 30, 2025 • 16min
Extra Durdles: Is Sorcery The Contested Realm The Next Big Trading Card Game?
Zac & Phil delve into the card game Sorcery: The Contested Realm, discussing its unique features, gameplay mechanics, and the transition from traditional card games like Magic: The Gathering. They explore the appeal of Sorcery's hand-painted art, the strategic depth of its gameplay, and the growing organized play scene, highlighting the community's excitement for the game. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in other formats and the potential for Sorcery to serve as a refreshing alternative.TakeawaysSorcery features all hand-painted art, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.The game is played on a four by five grid, combining elements of Magic and Warhammer.Players start with 20 life, similar to Magic: The Gathering.The gameplay mimics old school Magic, providing a nostalgic experience.Players can draw from two separate decks, mitigating mana screw issues.Sorcery releases one set a year, making it easier to keep up with the game.The game includes misprints in packs, adding a collectible aspect.Organized play is becoming a significant part of Sorcery's community.The game is free to play on Tabletop Simulator, increasing accessibility.The hosts express excitement about playing Sorcery at upcoming events.

Apr 29, 2025 • 31min
Infect Is a MAJOR player, DON'T SLEEP ON IT!
In this conversation, Sam Dams and Zac discuss the resurgence of the Infect deck in Magic: The Gathering, highlighting its recent upgrades, particularly the introduction of Legolas' Quick Reflexes. They explore the strategies and dynamics of the deck, the importance of timing and knowledge in gameplay, and the current meta shifts that favor Infect. The discussion emphasizes the deck's consistency and streamlined approach, encouraging players to revisit and experiment with Infect in competitive play.Infect is currently well-positioned due to players forgetting how to counter it.The deck has received significant upgrades, making it more competitive.Legolas' Quick Reflexes has transformed the way Infect can win games.Timing and knowledge of the meta are crucial for success with Infect.The deck's consistency has improved with streamlined card choices.Infect can effectively handle both aggro and combo matchups now.Players are often unfamiliar with the new cards in the deck.The removal spells in the meta have shifted, benefiting Infect.Infect can win quickly, often catching opponents off guard.The resurgence of Infect is a great opportunity for players to explore.Chapters00:00 The Resurgence of Infect03:10 Deck Upgrades and Strategies06:04 The Role of Legolas' Quick Reflexes09:02 Meta Shifts and Matchup Dynamics12:05 The Importance of Timing and Knowledge15:10 Consistency and Streamlining the Deck17:57 Final Thoughts and Future ProspectsSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTETwitch:Twitch.tv/durdlemagusEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilCheck out our song parodies on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/forceofphilFollow us on Twitter:Zac: @durdlemagusPhil: @ForceofPhil

Apr 29, 2025 • 31min
Infect Is a MAJOR player, DON'T SLEEP ON IT!
In this conversation, Sam Dams and Zac discuss the resurgence of the Infect deck in Magic: The Gathering, highlighting its recent upgrades, particularly the introduction of Legolas' Quick Reflexes. They explore the strategies and dynamics of the deck, the importance of timing and knowledge in gameplay, and the current meta shifts that favor Infect. The discussion emphasizes the deck's consistency and streamlined approach, encouraging players to revisit and experiment with Infect in competitive play.Infect is currently well-positioned due to players forgetting how to counter it.The deck has received significant upgrades, making it more competitive.Legolas' Quick Reflexes has transformed the way Infect can win games.Timing and knowledge of the meta are crucial for success with Infect.The deck's consistency has improved with streamlined card choices.Infect can effectively handle both aggro and combo matchups now.Players are often unfamiliar with the new cards in the deck.The removal spells in the meta have shifted, benefiting Infect.Infect can win quickly, often catching opponents off guard.The resurgence of Infect is a great opportunity for players to explore.Chapters00:00 The Resurgence of Infect03:10 Deck Upgrades and Strategies06:04 The Role of Legolas' Quick Reflexes09:02 Meta Shifts and Matchup Dynamics12:05 The Importance of Timing and Knowledge15:10 Consistency and Streamlining the Deck17:57 Final Thoughts and Future ProspectsSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTETwitch:Twitch.tv/durdlemagusEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilCheck out our song parodies on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/forceofphilFollow us on Twitter:Zac: @durdlemagusPhil: @ForceofPhil

Apr 24, 2025 • 36min
Why 60 Card Formats NEED Video Ban Announcements NOW?
In this conversation, Zac and Phil discuss the evolution of Banned and Restricted Announcements in Magic the Gathering, particularly focusing on the differences in communication and care between formats like EDH and Legacy. They express a desire for Wizards of the Coast to enhance their communication methods, particularly through video content, to better engage with the community. The discussion highlights the importance of transparency in decision-making and the need for a more player-centric approach to format stewardship.

Apr 24, 2025 • 36min
Why 60 Card Formats NEED Video Ban Announcements NOW?
In this conversation, Zac and Phil discuss the evolution of Banned and Restricted Announcements in Magic the Gathering, particularly focusing on the differences in communication and care between formats like EDH and Legacy. They express a desire for Wizards of the Coast to enhance their communication methods, particularly through video content, to better engage with the community. The discussion highlights the importance of transparency in decision-making and the need for a more player-centric approach to format stewardship.

Apr 22, 2025 • 35min
Event Prep Will Make You Win MORE Games!
Zac and Phil discuss their preparation strategies for upcoming events, particularly focusing on LobsterCon. They emphasize the importance of getting to the event early, playing in side events to understand the local meta, and the need for extensive testing and practice with their decks. The discussion also covers day-of strategies, including managing cognitive load and ensuring hydration, as well as the significance of effective sideboarding and listening to teammates for insights. Overall, the conversation provides valuable tips for players looking to enhance their tournament performance.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles

Apr 22, 2025 • 33min
Event Prep Will Make You Win MORE Games!
Zac and Phil discuss their preparation strategies for upcoming events, particularly focusing on LobsterCon. They emphasize the importance of getting to the event early, playing in side events to understand the local meta, and the need for extensive testing and practice with their decks. The discussion also covers day-of strategies, including managing cognitive load and ensuring hydration, as well as the significance of effective sideboarding and listening to teammates for insights. Overall, the conversation provides valuable tips for players looking to enhance their tournament performance.Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles
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