

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 6, 2025 • 34min
PreModern STASIS: Never Untap Again!
SummaryIn this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of the Stasis deck in pre-modern Magic: The Gathering. They discuss the mechanics of Stasis, card choices, and the importance of timing and counter magic in gameplay. The conversation also covers strategies for sideboarding and adapting to various matchups, as well as exploring alternative win conditions. The hosts emphasize the flexibility of the deck and the need for a deep understanding of its mechanics to maximize its potential. In this conversation, Zac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the intricacies of various Magic: The Gathering matchups, focusing on the Stasis deck and its interactions with other strategies. They discuss the importance of countering key cards, the nuances of specific matchups, and the strategic decisions that can lead to victory. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the mechanics of Stasis, the role of specific cards in different matchups, and the overall approach to deck building in competitive play.

Oct 3, 2025 • 35min
Universes Beyond BACKLASH: Real talk on which IPs fit into MTG!!
Sahar's Links: https://linktr.ee/saharmirhadihttps://bsky.app/profile/saharmirhadi.bsky.socialThis week on Eternal Durdles, Zac Clark and returning guest Sahar Mirhadi take on the biggest question in Magic: the Gathering right now — do Universes Beyond crossovers actually belong in Magic?From Lord of the Rings and Warhammer (slam dunks) to The Walking Dead, Marvel, Sonic, and even Tomb Raider, we run down EVERY IP that’s made its way into MTG and ask three key questions:* Is it *Magic*?* Does it *belong* in Magic?* Are we actually *fans* of it?Along the way we talk power creep (Orcish Bowmasters, The One Ring), reskins vs. unique cards, what competitive players can’t opt out of, and why “let people like things” isn’t always the whole story.If you’ve ever looked at a Universes Beyond spoiler and thought “this doesn’t feel like Magic,” this is the episode for you.👉 Drop your own YES/NO takes in the comments: which Universes Beyond sets feel right at home, and which ones cross the line?Featuring: Sahar MirhadiHosted by: Zac Clark | Eternal Durdles

Oct 3, 2025 • 35min
Universes Beyond BACKLASH: Real talk on which IPs fit into MTG!!
Sahar's Links: https://linktr.ee/saharmirhadihttps://bsky.app/profile/saharmirhadi.bsky.socialThis week on Eternal Durdles, Zac Clark and returning guest Sahar Mirhadi take on the biggest question in Magic: the Gathering right now — do Universes Beyond crossovers actually belong in Magic?From Lord of the Rings and Warhammer (slam dunks) to The Walking Dead, Marvel, Sonic, and even Tomb Raider, we run down EVERY IP that’s made its way into MTG and ask three key questions:* Is it *Magic*?* Does it *belong* in Magic?* Are we actually *fans* of it?Along the way we talk power creep (Orcish Bowmasters, The One Ring), reskins vs. unique cards, what competitive players can’t opt out of, and why “let people like things” isn’t always the whole story.If you’ve ever looked at a Universes Beyond spoiler and thought “this doesn’t feel like Magic,” this is the episode for you.👉 Drop your own YES/NO takes in the comments: which Universes Beyond sets feel right at home, and which ones cross the line?Featuring: Sahar MirhadiHosted by: Zac Clark | Eternal Durdles

Oct 2, 2025 • 32min
Mastering SWB's Parfait: A Pre-Modern Magic Deck Deep Dive
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJoin Zac Clark and ForceofPhil as they dive into the intricacies of SWB's Parfait deck, a standout in the pre-modern Magic: The Gathering scene. Discover how this deck leverages Gush, Mox Diamond, and Oath of Druids to create a unique control strategy. Learn about the deck's evolution, its strengths against various matchups, and the clever card choices that make it a formidable contender. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the format, this episode offers valuable insights into deck building and gameplay strategies. Don't forget to check out our affiliate link in the first comment for your card purchases!

Oct 2, 2025 • 32min
Mastering SWB's Parfait: A Pre-Modern Magic Deck Deep Dive
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnJoin Zac Clark and ForceofPhil as they dive into the intricacies of SWB's Parfait deck, a standout in the pre-modern Magic: The Gathering scene. Discover how this deck leverages Gush, Mox Diamond, and Oath of Druids to create a unique control strategy. Learn about the deck's evolution, its strengths against various matchups, and the clever card choices that make it a formidable contender. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the format, this episode offers valuable insights into deck building and gameplay strategies. Don't forget to check out our affiliate link in the first comment for your card purchases!

Oct 1, 2025 • 34min
Casual vs. Competitive: Who Is Magic Really For?
TCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAn🔥 Magic: The Gathering discourse is on fire right now – and we’re diving straight into it. Zac and Phil break down PokiMokis now-infamous “pigs and slop” analogy that lit up the community, and explore what it really says about the state of Magic.We talk about:🐷 The “slop” metaphor and why so many players took offense⚔️ Competitive vs. Commander – is one being left behind?🎭 How WotC’s design choices blur the line between 1v1 and 4-player formats🕹️ Universes Beyond – fun new entry points or self-disrespect to Magic’s own IP?💸 Rising costs, endless product releases, and whether the firehose is too wide openThis isn’t just ragebait – it’s an honest conversation about what longtime players are feeling, where the game is headed, and whether Wizards can keep everyone at the table happy.👀 Are you a fan of “pigs and slop”? Or do you think the analogy misses the point? Let us know in the comments!

Oct 1, 2025 • 34min
Casual vs. Competitive: Who Is Magic Really For?
TCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAn🔥 Magic: The Gathering discourse is on fire right now – and we’re diving straight into it. Zac and Phil break down PokiMokis now-infamous “pigs and slop” analogy that lit up the community, and explore what it really says about the state of Magic.We talk about:🐷 The “slop” metaphor and why so many players took offense⚔️ Competitive vs. Commander – is one being left behind?🎭 How WotC’s design choices blur the line between 1v1 and 4-player formats🕹️ Universes Beyond – fun new entry points or self-disrespect to Magic’s own IP?💸 Rising costs, endless product releases, and whether the firehose is too wide openThis isn’t just ragebait – it’s an honest conversation about what longtime players are feeling, where the game is headed, and whether Wizards can keep everyone at the table happy.👀 Are you a fan of “pigs and slop”? Or do you think the analogy misses the point? Let us know in the comments!

Sep 30, 2025 • 32min
Best Premodern Decks Under $400 You Can Win With!
Zac and Phil dive into the world of **budget-friendly Premodern decks** that can actually compete at the top tables. They break down why some expensive staples like **Mox Diamond, Gaea’s Cradle, Survival of the Fittest, and Phyrexian Dreadnought** push decks out of budget range, then showcase powerful alternatives you can build for under $400.Decks discussed include:* **Stasis** – a $150 control lock deck that still punishes unprepared opponents.* **Toginator (UB Psychatog/Reanimator)** – resilient, customizable, and surprisingly cheap.* **Landstill** – a control staple with Mishra’s Factories and Standstill value engines.* **Goblins** – explosive tribal aggression for under $200.* **Chance Control** – a spicy coin-flip combo deck with Frenetic Efreet and Chance Encounter.* **Burn** – fast, reliable, and always a metagame presence.* **Mono-Blue Tide** – a $250 powerhouse that’s proven it can win big events.Along the way, they share insights on **card choices, metagame calls, sideboard tweaks, and personal stories**—including how one player literally *died at dinner and still top 8’d* with Mono-Blue Tide.Whether you’re new to Premodern or looking for competitive decks that won’t break the bank, this episode is packed with strategies, laughs, and a little bit of Eternal Durdles chaos.👉 Comment below: What budget deck are YOU playing in Premodern right now?

Sep 30, 2025 • 32min
Best Premodern Decks Under $400 You Can Win With!
Zac and Phil dive into the world of **budget-friendly Premodern decks** that can actually compete at the top tables. They break down why some expensive staples like **Mox Diamond, Gaea’s Cradle, Survival of the Fittest, and Phyrexian Dreadnought** push decks out of budget range, then showcase powerful alternatives you can build for under $400.Decks discussed include:* **Stasis** – a $150 control lock deck that still punishes unprepared opponents.* **Toginator (UB Psychatog/Reanimator)** – resilient, customizable, and surprisingly cheap.* **Landstill** – a control staple with Mishra’s Factories and Standstill value engines.* **Goblins** – explosive tribal aggression for under $200.* **Chance Control** – a spicy coin-flip combo deck with Frenetic Efreet and Chance Encounter.* **Burn** – fast, reliable, and always a metagame presence.* **Mono-Blue Tide** – a $250 powerhouse that’s proven it can win big events.Along the way, they share insights on **card choices, metagame calls, sideboard tweaks, and personal stories**—including how one player literally *died at dinner and still top 8’d* with Mono-Blue Tide.Whether you’re new to Premodern or looking for competitive decks that won’t break the bank, this episode is packed with strategies, laughs, and a little bit of Eternal Durdles chaos.👉 Comment below: What budget deck are YOU playing in Premodern right now?

Sep 30, 2025 • 29min
Legacy Format Myths Busted!
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesZac Clark and ForceofPhil delve into the myths surrounding the Legacy format of Magic the Gathering. They discuss common misconceptions about the cost of entry, gameplay dynamics, and the perception of Legacy as a dying format. The hosts emphasize the welcoming nature of the Legacy community and the opportunities for new players to engage with the format. They also explore whether Legacy is a solved format and how it continues to evolve over time, highlighting the diversity of gameplay and the importance of community support.


