

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

Oct 23, 2025 • 31min
Premodern's Dichotomy of Archetypes
Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of deck archetypes in Premodern, focusing on the dichotomy between synergy-based and combo-based strategies. They explore various decks, analyzing their win conditions and the importance of specific cards versus overall synergy. The discussion also touches on notable decks like Psychotog, Stasis, and Chance Control, debating their effectiveness and strategies. The conversation concludes with a call to action for community engagement through Patreon support.TakeawaysThere are two macro archetypes: deck synergy and card combo.Survival of the Fittest straddles the line between synergy and one-card strategy.Control decks aim to outlast opponents rather than rely on a single card.Psychotog can be seen as a control strategy rather than a one-card deck.Stasis has issues with finding the card consistently in gameplay.Black Vice may not be effective in many matchups.Chance Control combines elements of combo and control strategies.Decks like Goblins rely on synergy rather than a single win condition.Community engagement is vital for content creators.Players should consider their deck preferences and strategies.Chapters00:00 Macro Archetypes in Deck Building01:59 Analyzing Deck Strategies04:36 Control Decks and Their Goals09:23 Straddling the Line: Psychotog12:34 The Role of Parallax Tide16:53 Stasis and Its Challenges21:52 Exploring Green Stompy22:22 Chance Control: A Combo Control Deck

Oct 22, 2025 • 31min
IS Mono Blue Dreadnought the Best Deck in 2025?
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of the Mono Blue Dreadnought deck in Magic: The Gathering. They discuss its mechanics, strategies, and the importance of card interactions and tempo. The duo also analyzes various matchups, including Goblins and Burn, and explores the effectiveness of the pivot plan in different scenarios. The conversation highlights the significance of trample as a mechanic and the deck's adaptability in the current meta. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into advanced strategies for playing Dreadnought decks in various matchups. They discuss the importance of sideboarding, understanding opponent strategies, and the significance of key spells in determining the outcome of games. The conversation covers specific decks such as Replenish, Survival, Parallax Tide, Elves, Ponza, and Parfait, providing insights into how to navigate these matchups effectively. The discussion emphasizes the need for adaptability and strategic thinking in the ever-evolving landscape of Magic: The Gathering.Decklist: https://moxfield.com/decks/ZV3KzKrm0Eq3WKTHIO2xmg

Oct 22, 2025 • 31min
IS Mono Blue Dreadnought the Best Deck in 2025?
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of the Mono Blue Dreadnought deck in Magic: The Gathering. They discuss its mechanics, strategies, and the importance of card interactions and tempo. The duo also analyzes various matchups, including Goblins and Burn, and explores the effectiveness of the pivot plan in different scenarios. The conversation highlights the significance of trample as a mechanic and the deck's adaptability in the current meta. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into advanced strategies for playing Dreadnought decks in various matchups. They discuss the importance of sideboarding, understanding opponent strategies, and the significance of key spells in determining the outcome of games. The conversation covers specific decks such as Replenish, Survival, Parallax Tide, Elves, Ponza, and Parfait, providing insights into how to navigate these matchups effectively. The discussion emphasizes the need for adaptability and strategic thinking in the ever-evolving landscape of Magic: The Gathering.Decklist: https://moxfield.com/decks/ZV3KzKrm0Eq3WKTHIO2xmg

Oct 21, 2025 • 32min
Format HEALTH CHECK after ETERNAL WEEKEND w/ Maxtortion
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark and Max Gilmore discuss the recent performances in Magic: The Gathering tournaments, focusing on the Vintage and Legacy formats. They explore the current state of these formats, the impact of specific cards like Luris and Reanimator, and the overall health of the game. The discussion also touches on strategies, deck choices, and the potential for future bans, providing insights into the evolving landscape of competitive Magic.TakeawaysMax Gilmore achieved notable success in both Vintage and Legacy formats.The Vintage format is currently considered the healthiest among constructed formats.Lurrus is a powerful card but comes with trade-offs in deck building.There are various flavors of Lurrus decks, each with unique strategies.Legacy is seeing a rise in Reanimator and other powerful decks.The health of the Legacy format is debated, with some cards being too dominant.Future bans could significantly impact the metagame in both formats.Players are encouraged to adapt their strategies based on the evolving meta.The conversation highlights the importance of testing and preparation for tournaments.Max emphasizes the need for balance in the formats to maintain player engagement.TitlesMastering Magic: Insights from the Eternal WeekendVintage vs. Legacy: A Competitive AnalysisSound bites"You're like one of the end bosses.""I don't know what's right to do.""I think that's a fair point."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Achievements02:33 Vintage Format Insights09:07 Legacy Reanimator Strategy13:04 Legacy Format Health Discussion22:45 Current State of Legacy and Future ProspectsJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Oct 21, 2025 • 32min
Format HEALTH CHECK after ETERNAL WEEKEND w/ Maxtortion
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark and Max Gilmore discuss the recent performances in Magic: The Gathering tournaments, focusing on the Vintage and Legacy formats. They explore the current state of these formats, the impact of specific cards like Luris and Reanimator, and the overall health of the game. The discussion also touches on strategies, deck choices, and the potential for future bans, providing insights into the evolving landscape of competitive Magic.TakeawaysMax Gilmore achieved notable success in both Vintage and Legacy formats.The Vintage format is currently considered the healthiest among constructed formats.Lurrus is a powerful card but comes with trade-offs in deck building.There are various flavors of Lurrus decks, each with unique strategies.Legacy is seeing a rise in Reanimator and other powerful decks.The health of the Legacy format is debated, with some cards being too dominant.Future bans could significantly impact the metagame in both formats.Players are encouraged to adapt their strategies based on the evolving meta.The conversation highlights the importance of testing and preparation for tournaments.Max emphasizes the need for balance in the formats to maintain player engagement.TitlesMastering Magic: Insights from the Eternal WeekendVintage vs. Legacy: A Competitive AnalysisSound bites"You're like one of the end bosses.""I don't know what's right to do.""I think that's a fair point."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Achievements02:33 Vintage Format Insights09:07 Legacy Reanimator Strategy13:04 Legacy Format Health Discussion22:45 Current State of Legacy and Future ProspectsJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Oct 20, 2025 • 34min
What REALLY Made Jeremy Henry a 2025 CHAMPION
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark interviews Jeremy Henry about his journey to become The North America Vintage Champion 2025. Jeremy shares his early love for the game, his strategies for various decks, and insights into the competitive scene. They discuss the evolution of Vintage decks, key matchups, and the importance of community and event organization. Jeremy reflects on his recent tournament win and the significance of the experience.TakeawaysJeremy's journey in Magic began at age 11 with a friend's older brother.Nostalgia plays a significant role in Jeremy's continued interest in Magic.Competitive formats like Legacy and Vintage have shaped Jeremy's play style.Deck strategies vary significantly between different matchups in tournaments.The importance of community and event organization is highlighted throughout the conversation.Winning the Vintage Championships was a significant achievement for Jeremy.Jeremy emphasizes the skill expression involved in playing different decks.The conversation touches on the evolution of Vintage decks over the years.Jeremy discusses the dynamics of playing against various Lurrus decks.The importance of having fun while playing Magic is a recurring theme. Chapters00:00 Jeremy Henry's Journey in Magic: The Gathering02:30 The Vintage Championships Experience05:17 Facing Off Against Top Competitors08:02 Matchup Dynamics and Strategies10:41 Meta Analysis and Deck Choices13:10 Personal Reflections and Tournament Experiences16:24 Deck Dynamics and Power Levels18:34 Matchup Strategies and Considerations20:46 Analyzing Opponent Decks23:35 Challenges Against Combo Decks26:09 Reflections on Tournament Experience28:22 Final Thoughts and Community AppreciationJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Oct 20, 2025 • 36min
What REALLY Made Jeremy Henry a 2025 CHAMPION
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark interviews Jeremy Henry about his journey to become The North America Vintage Champion 2025. Jeremy shares his early love for the game, his strategies for various decks, and insights into the competitive scene. They discuss the evolution of Vintage decks, key matchups, and the importance of community and event organization. Jeremy reflects on his recent tournament win and the significance of the experience.TakeawaysJeremy's journey in Magic began at age 11 with a friend's older brother.Nostalgia plays a significant role in Jeremy's continued interest in Magic.Competitive formats like Legacy and Vintage have shaped Jeremy's play style.Deck strategies vary significantly between different matchups in tournaments.The importance of community and event organization is highlighted throughout the conversation.Winning the Vintage Championships was a significant achievement for Jeremy.Jeremy emphasizes the skill expression involved in playing different decks.The conversation touches on the evolution of Vintage decks over the years.Jeremy discusses the dynamics of playing against various Lurrus decks.The importance of having fun while playing Magic is a recurring theme. Chapters00:00 Jeremy Henry's Journey in Magic: The Gathering02:30 The Vintage Championships Experience05:17 Facing Off Against Top Competitors08:02 Matchup Dynamics and Strategies10:41 Meta Analysis and Deck Choices13:10 Personal Reflections and Tournament Experiences16:24 Deck Dynamics and Power Levels18:34 Matchup Strategies and Considerations20:46 Analyzing Opponent Decks23:35 Challenges Against Combo Decks26:09 Reflections on Tournament Experience28:22 Final Thoughts and Community AppreciationJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Oct 16, 2025 • 35min
Mastering Mono Blue Tide: A Comprehensive Guide
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark and Josh Fry discuss the Mono Blue Tide deck, exploring its strategies, key card interactions, and budget considerations. Joshua shares his impressive tournament record of 20-3, highlighting the deck's resilience and adaptability in various matchups. They delve into the importance of understanding the mana base, effective sideboarding, and the nuances of specific matchups like Stasis and Goblins. The discussion emphasizes the significance of card advantage and strategic play in the pre-modern format, providing valuable insights for players looking to master Mono Blue Tide. In this conversation, Zac Clark and Joshua discuss various strategies and sideboard plans for different matchups in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the control deck archetype. They delve into specific cards, counterplay techniques, and the importance of adapting strategies based on the opponent's deck. The discussion covers key matchups such as Dreadnought, Replenish, Survival, Stasis, Landstill, Elves, Psychatog, and Reanimator, providing insights into effective gameplay and decision-making.

Oct 16, 2025 • 35min
Mastering Mono Blue Tide: A Comprehensive Guide
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnZac Clark and Josh Fry discuss the Mono Blue Tide deck, exploring its strategies, key card interactions, and budget considerations. Joshua shares his impressive tournament record of 20-3, highlighting the deck's resilience and adaptability in various matchups. They delve into the importance of understanding the mana base, effective sideboarding, and the nuances of specific matchups like Stasis and Goblins. The discussion emphasizes the significance of card advantage and strategic play in the pre-modern format, providing valuable insights for players looking to master Mono Blue Tide. In this conversation, Zac Clark and Joshua discuss various strategies and sideboard plans for different matchups in Magic: The Gathering, focusing on the control deck archetype. They delve into specific cards, counterplay techniques, and the importance of adapting strategies based on the opponent's deck. The discussion covers key matchups such as Dreadnought, Replenish, Survival, Stasis, Landstill, Elves, Psychatog, and Reanimator, providing insights into effective gameplay and decision-making.

Oct 15, 2025 • 38min
Biggest Surprises From Eternal Weekend! (AND RECAP)
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnIn this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil reflect on their experiences at Eternal Weekend, discussing the successes and challenges of the event. The conversation also highlights memorable encounters with fans and fellow players, as well as suggestions for future events, particularly regarding pre-modern formats.TakeawaysEternal Weekend was a unique experience for attendees.Single elimination events should be replaced with Swiss-style formats.Pre-modern events should be given more prominence in future tournaments.Event organization was generally smooth but could improve in timing.Community engagement is vital for the success of events.Memorable encounters with fans enhance the experience of attending events.Feedback from attendees is crucial for future improvements.The importance of early event information cannot be overstated.Collecting unique cards can be a fun side hobby for players.Chapters00:00 Reflections on North American Eternal Weekend02:48 Event Structure and Suggestions for Improvement05:27 The Case Against Prize Walls08:20 The Rise of Pre-Modern11:11 Event Organization and Timing14:09 Community Engagement and Personal Connections20:41 Eternal Weekend Reflections23:21 Community Engagement and Content Creation29:23 Player Interactions and Memorable Moments35:45 Game Strategies and Match Highlights41:04 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhilJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil


