

Eternal Durdles
EternalDurdles
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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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2025 • 49min
The Dynamics of Acceptable Strategies
Zac and Phil delve into the complexities of gameplay tactics, discussing the nuances of acceptable versus unacceptable strategies in the context of the legacy format. They explore the cultural implications of various tactics, the impact of specific cards like Nadu and Grief, and the community's response to evolving gameplay dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of player agency, the thresholds of acceptable play patterns, and the need for a clear philosophy within the legacy community.

Jan 9, 2025 • 49min
[Video] The Dynamics of Acceptable Strategies
Zac and Phil delve into the complexities of gameplay tactics, discussing the nuances of acceptable versus unacceptable strategies in the context of the legacy format. They explore the cultural implications of various tactics, the impact of specific cards like Nadu and Grief, and the community's response to evolving gameplay dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of player agency, the thresholds of acceptable play patterns, and the need for a clear philosophy within the legacy community.

Jan 7, 2025 • 41min
The FUTURE of Control is in JEOPARDY
Phil and Zac delve into the challenges faced by control players in the Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the lack of respect for control strategies, the need for a mentality shift among players, and the importance of adapting play styles. The conversation also highlights the necessity for better card design that provides effective answers to the increasingly powerful threats in the game. Ultimately, they call for a change in how control is perceived and played in competitive settings. In this conversation, Phil and Zac delve into the complexities of control decks in Magic: The Gathering, particularly in the Legacy format. They discuss the challenges control players face, including the need for effective deck building, the impact of aggressive strategies, and the importance of card advantage. The duo also explores the future of control archetypes, emphasizing the necessity for new tools that can enhance control strategies without being overshadowed by tempo-based decks. They conclude by inviting community engagement to foster discussions around these themes.
Takeaways
Nobody respects counterbalance in the current meta.
This episode focuses on mentality rather than strategy.
Changing play styles can significantly improve win rates.
Card design needs to evolve to provide better answers.
Threats in the game are currently overpowering answers.
Control decks lack the respect they need in tournaments.
Players must adapt their strategies to the evolving meta.
Effective answers must be printed to balance the game.
Control players need to inform their opponents' behavior.
The game dynamics have shifted, requiring new approaches. Control decks require careful consideration of the metagame.
Aggressive strategies can significantly impact control gameplay.
Card advantage is crucial for control decks to succeed.
The future of control archetypes looks bleak without new tools.
Effective deck building is the hardest part of playing control.
New tools must not be easily adopted by tempo decks.
Community engagement is essential for evolving control strategies.
Understanding opponent's play patterns is vital for control players.
Control strategies need proactive elements to compete effectively.
The design of new cards should consider the balance of archetypes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Control Challenges in Legacy
03:10 The Mentality Shift for Control Players
06:06 Adapting Play Styles for Better Outcomes
09:02 The Need for Effective Answers in Design
12:11 The Balance of Threats and Answers
15:02 Respecting Control: A Call for Change
21:19 Understanding Control Deck Dynamics
22:40 Evaluating Aggressive Strategies
24:51 The Impact of Tempo on Control
27:34 The Role of Card Advantage in Control
30:24 The Future of Control Archetypes
33:17 Designing Effective Control Tools
38:54 Community Engagement and Future Directions
HEAVY PLAY DECK BOXES AND SLEEVES
www.heavyplay.com/eternaldurdles
Use code ETERNALDURDLES for 10% off entire order.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9PVLLPfdzI_pr1U9hZDtw/join
JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTE
Ad-free Listening on SPOTIFY! Subscribe here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eternaldurdles/subscribe
Twitch:
Twitch.tv/durdlemagus
Eternal Durdles Moxfield:
https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdles
https://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagus
https://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles
Check out our song parodies on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/forceofphil
Follow us on Twitter:
Zac: @durdlemagus
Phil: @ForceofPhil
We are edited by:
https://gullaudio.com
&
https://www.youtube.com/@PipGoblinBattleCaster

Jan 7, 2025 • 41min
[Video] The FUTURE of Control is in JEOPARDY
Phil and Zac delve into the challenges faced by control players in the Legacy format of Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the lack of respect for control strategies, the need for a mentality shift among players, and the importance of adapting play styles. The conversation also highlights the necessity for better card design that provides effective answers to the increasingly powerful threats in the game. Ultimately, they call for a change in how control is perceived and played in competitive settings. In this conversation, Phil and Zac delve into the complexities of control decks in Magic: The Gathering, particularly in the Legacy format. They discuss the challenges control players face, including the need for effective deck building, the impact of aggressive strategies, and the importance of card advantage. The duo also explores the future of control archetypes, emphasizing the necessity for new tools that can enhance control strategies without being overshadowed by tempo-based decks. They conclude by inviting community engagement to foster discussions around these themes.
Takeaways
Nobody respects counterbalance in the current meta.
This episode focuses on mentality rather than strategy.
Changing play styles can significantly improve win rates.
Card design needs to evolve to provide better answers.
Threats in the game are currently overpowering answers.
Control decks lack the respect they need in tournaments.
Players must adapt their strategies to the evolving meta.
Effective answers must be printed to balance the game.
Control players need to inform their opponents' behavior.
The game dynamics have shifted, requiring new approaches. Control decks require careful consideration of the metagame.
Effective deck building is the hardest part of playing control.
New tools must not be easily adopted by tempo decks.
Community engagement is essential for evolving control strategies.
Understanding opponent's play patterns is vital for control players.
Control strategies need proactive elements to compete effectively.
The design of new cards should consider the balance of archetypes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Control Challenges in Legacy
03:10 The Mentality Shift for Control Players
06:06 Adapting Play Styles for Better Outcomes
09:02 The Need for Effective Answers in Design
12:11 The Balance of Threats and Answers
15:02 Respecting Control: A Call for Change
21:19 Understanding Control Deck Dynamics
22:40 Evaluating Aggressive Strategies
24:51 The Impact of Tempo on Control
27:34 The Role of Card Advantage in Control
30:24 The Future of Control Archetypes
33:17 Designing Effective Control Tools
38:54 Community Engagement and Future Directions
HEAVY PLAY DECK BOXES AND SLEEVES
www.heavyplay.com/eternaldurdles
Use code ETERNALDURDLES for 10% off entire order.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9PVLLPfdzI_pr1U9hZDtw/join
JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTE
Ad-free Listening on SPOTIFY! Subscribe here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eternaldurdles/subscribe
Twitch:
Twitch.tv/durdlemagus
Eternal Durdles Moxfield:
https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdles
https://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagus
https://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles
Check out our song parodies on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/forceofphil
Follow us on Twitter:
Zac: @durdlemagus
Phil: @ForceofPhil
We are edited by:
https://gullaudio.com
&
https://www.youtube.com/@PipGoblinBattleCaster
OUR Background graphic:
AA-vfx Art Store
https://www.shaharhatfila.com/en
AA VFX- 8K & 4K Most Viewed Motion backgrounds channel
@aavfx
@aa_vfx
@aavfx_art
http://4kmotionbackgrounds.blogspot.com/
Moving Backgrounds, Backdrops, Animated Live Wallpapers!
HD & UHD Videos 2160p, 4320p , VJ Loops, VFX Animations!
Dozens of playlists: Tutorials, Effects, Compilations:
@dvdangor2011

Dec 31, 2024 • 30min
THESE INSANE GOALS FOR 2025: Our Resolutions
In this episode, hosts Zac and Phil discuss their New Year's resolutions related to Magic: The Gathering. They share personal goals, community-building initiatives, and aspirations for tournament success. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging with the Magic community, expanding their content platform, and exploring new formats. They also reflect on the significance of connecting with fans and the joy of participating in the Magic community.

Dec 31, 2024 • 30min
[Video] THESE INSANE GOALS FOR 2025: Our Resolutions
In this episode, hosts Zac and Phil discuss their New Year's resolutions related to Magic: The Gathering. They share personal goals, community-building initiatives, and aspirations for tournament success. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging with the Magic community, expanding their content platform, and exploring new formats. They also reflect on the significance of connecting with fans and the joy of participating in the Magic community.

Dec 30, 2024 • 30min
Our Year in Review: Growth and Insights
In this episode, hosts Zac and Phil reflect on their podcast's growth over the past year, discussing metrics, audience demographics, and their plans for future content. They highlight the importance of community engagement and express gratitude to their supporters while looking forward to upcoming events and aspirations for the new year.

Dec 30, 2024 • 34min
[Video] Our Year in Review: Growth and Insights
In this episode, hosts Zac and Phil reflect on their podcast's growth over the past year, discussing metrics, audience demographics, and their plans for future content. They highlight the importance of community engagement and express gratitude to their supporters while looking forward to upcoming events and aspirations for the new year.

Dec 27, 2024 • 19min
[Video] WE READ YOUR MEANEST COMMENTS OF 2024
In this episode, Zac and Phil dive into the meanest and funniest comments they've received throughout the year, reflecting on the nature of criticism and community engagement. They explore various comments, from humorous to harsh, and discuss how they respond to feedback. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity in criticism and the role of audience interaction in shaping their content.
Takeaways
Mean comments can be funny and insightful.
Engaging with criticism can lead to self-reflection.
Creativity in comments is appreciated.
Community feedback shapes content direction.
Humor is a key element in responding to negativity.
Not all comments are taken seriously, but some are memorable.
The podcast thrives on audience interaction.
Criticism can be a source of entertainment.
Acknowledging supportive comments is important.
The hosts encourage more engagement from listeners.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mean Comments
03:10 Analyzing the Best and Meanest Comments
05:57 The Weirdest Comments and Their Impact
09:02 Responses to Criticism and Self-Reflection
12:01 Community Engagement and Final Thoughts
HEAVY PLAY DECK BOXES AND SLEEVES
www.heavyplay.com/eternaldurdles
Use code ETERNALDURDLES for 10% off entire order.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9PVLLPfdzI_pr1U9hZDtw/join
JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTE
Ad-free Listening on SPOTIFY! Subscribe here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eternaldurdles/subscribe
Twitch:
Twitch.tv/durdlemagus
Eternal Durdles Moxfield:
https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdles
https://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagus
https://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles
Check out our song parodies on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/forceofphil
Follow us on Twitter:
Zac: @durdlemagus
Phil: @ForceofPhil
We are edited by:
https://gullaudio.com
&
https://www.youtube.com/@PipGoblinBattleCaster
OUR Background graphic:
AA-vfx Art Store
https://www.shaharhatfila.com/en
AA VFX- 8K & 4K Most Viewed Motion backgrounds channel
@aavfx
@aa_vfx
@aavfx_art
http://4kmotionbackgrounds.blogspot.com/
Moving Backgrounds, Backdrops, Animated Live Wallpapers!
HD & UHD Videos 2160p, 4320p , VJ Loops, VFX Animations!
Dozens of playlists: Tutorials, Effects, Compilations:
@dvdangor2011

Dec 27, 2024 • 19min
WE READ YOUR MEANEST COMMENTS OF 2024
In this episode, Zac and Phil dive into the meanest and funniest comments they've received throughout the year, reflecting on the nature of criticism and community engagement. They explore various comments, from humorous to harsh, and discuss how they respond to feedback. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity in criticism and the role of audience interaction in shaping their content.
Takeaways
Mean comments can be funny and insightful.
Engaging with criticism can lead to self-reflection.
Creativity in comments is appreciated.
Community feedback shapes content direction.
Humor is a key element in responding to negativity.
Not all comments are taken seriously, but some are memorable.
The podcast thrives on audience interaction.
Criticism can be a source of entertainment.
Acknowledging supportive comments is important.
The hosts encourage more engagement from listeners.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mean Comments
03:10 Analyzing the Best and Meanest Comments
05:57 The Weirdest Comments and Their Impact
09:02 Responses to Criticism and Self-Reflection
12:01 Community Engagement and Final Thoughts
HEAVY PLAY DECK BOXES AND SLEEVES
www.heavyplay.com/eternaldurdles
Use code ETERNALDURDLES for 10% off entire order.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9PVLLPfdzI_pr1U9hZDtw/join
JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTE
Ad-free Listening on SPOTIFY! Subscribe here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eternaldurdles/subscribe
Twitch:
Twitch.tv/durdlemagus
Eternal Durdles Moxfield:
https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdles
https://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagus
https://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdles
Check out our song parodies on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/forceofphil
Follow us on Twitter:
Zac: @durdlemagus
Phil: @ForceofPhil
We are edited by:
https://gullaudio.com
&
https://www.youtube.com/@PipGoblinBattleCaster
OUR Background graphic:
AA-vfx Art Store
https://www.shaharhatfila.com/en
AA VFX- 8K & 4K Most Viewed Motion backgrounds channel
@aavfx
@aa_vfx
@aavfx_art
http://4kmotionbackgrounds.blogspot.com/
Moving Backgrounds, Backdrops, Animated Live Wallpapers!
HD & UHD Videos 2160p, 4320p , VJ Loops, VFX Animations!
Dozens of playlists: Tutorials, Effects, Compilations:
@dvdangor2011