The Command Zone

It’s been a rocky, controversial, crazy year for Magic, with many ups and downs. On this, the last episode of 2018, Jimmy and Josh are looking back at the past 12 months and examining what Magic did wrong (and right!) and then taking a brief look at what the future looks like for our favorite game. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Mortal Engines: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt157123...

There are many issues which can crop up in a tight-nit group (like a playgroup) which, if not addressed, can cause fissures and strain and, ultimately, lead to some negative experiences. On this episode, Jimmy and Josh discuss lessons they’ve learned regarding how to cultivate a healthy group dynamic. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Keyforge (by Richard Garfield): https://www.fant...

It's DJ's last episode as an official co-host of the show. But don’t worry, we’re sending him off in style with a hand-picked topic of his choosing: TABLE POLITICS! We get the Jumbo version on how to deal with the social interactions at the table and then wrap things up with listener questions just for him. Come say good-bye and thank DJ for doing such an awesome job! ---------- What we talked abo...

We’ve all experienced it. Everyone is shuffling up and placing their Commanders in the command zone to start the game. And then the groans start. “Oh no! Not that deck…” Today, we’re talking about our MOST HATED COMMANDERS. Those legendary creatures we just do not like to see across the table. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DJ brings his own new perspective to an old debate: What are the most overrated cards in Commander? Buckle up, because Josh does not necessarily agree with all of DJ’s list. Which cards cause the most contention? Tune in and find out! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson: https://brandonsanderson.com/books/skyward/skyward/ Learn more about your ad choices....

The announcement of Ultimate Masters has been a contentious subject in the community. Josh and DJ give their perspectives on the controversy surrounding the new set PLUS, we reveal The Command Zone’s exclusive UMA preview card! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is a PSA to all Commander players. If you’re doing something on this list – you need to STOP. It might be costing you games, it might be costing you fun, it might be costing you friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many cards and effects are contentious in EDH. Armageddon, Stasis, Iona, Scrambleverse…the list is long and varies depending on your playgroup. On this episode we’re discussing a recent article by Commander Rules Committee member Sheldon Menery and asking the question: Are there cards you shouldn’t play? ---------- Sheldon’s Article: http://www.starcitygames.com/articles/37865_Commander-Cards-You-...

On this episode we’re breaking down DJ’s favorite deck: Braids, Conjurer Adept. It’s a goofy deck that packs a huge punch. If you like politics, bluffing, making deals and playing BIG creatures, you won’t want to miss this episode. ---------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! http://www.patreon.com/commandzone The Command Zone podc...

It’s time for part 2 of our STATS SERIES! We’re going over the results of our data analysis from over 300 games of Commander. What effect does budget and the monetary value of your deck have on your win percentage? Which color is the strongest? What cards appear most in winning decks? Tune in and find out! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Immersion Circulator: https://en.wikipedia....

It’s finally here! The STATS episode (part 1 of 2). We’ve compiled data from over 300 games of Commander, analyzed the findings and now it’s time to go over the results. What do the statistics say about the power of Sol Ring? What role, if any, does turn order play in determining a game winner? What deck types have an advantage over the others? Some of the findings are going to shock you! Do not m...

We’re starting a new subseries discussing the top budget cards in each color. On today’s episode DJ and Josh list their top 5 best blue cards that are each under $2 dollars. Tune in and discover a bunch of ways to make your decks better for cheap! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Hardcore History Addendum: Nightmare of Indianapolis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqu7mM0kheE Learn...

Today we’re breaking down JLK’s Emarra, Soul of the Accord deck that he built and played in the most recent episode of Game Knights. If you liked the look of the deck on the show, just wait until you see all the other spicy cards that didn’t happen to get camera time. If you like tapping and untapping shenanigans, this one is for you! ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: World of Warcr...

Do you like to make tokens and play with your own graveyard? Who doesn’t?!? Adam Savidan from LoadingReadyRun joins the show to talk about the Izoni, Thousand-Eyed deck he built and piloted on the new episode of Game Knights. That show, featuring the all-new commanders from Guilds of Ravnica, releases tomorrow (Sept 26). But you can get the inside-scoop on Adam’s deck before you watch it, and then...

We’re returning to the return to Ravnica! Josh and DJ break down the new cards from the latest set, Guilds of Ravnica, and which ones they believe will make an impact on the Commander format. Whether you’re Izzet, Golgari, Selesnya, Boros or Dimir, there’s something here for everyone. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: The West Wing Weekly: http://thewestwingweekly.com/ The West Wing...

On this special episode we’re unveiling our exclusive GUILDS OF RAVNICA PREVIEW CARD! It’s a new legendary creature named Etrata, the Silencer. To talk about this super unique card, we’re joined by MTG cosplayer Olivia Gobert-Hicks, who built a Commander deck around Etrata for upcoming episode of Game Knights, which releases on September 26th. ---------- Follow Olivia on Twitter: @goberthicks Inqu...

Jimmy’s taking a quick break from filming in New Zealand and stopped by the studio in LA for a special episode. We’re catching up on listener questions, including: What to do if your playgroup likes the old mulligan rules? How do you deal with an overabundance of board wipes in your local meta? And what are some budget substitutes for a few expensive cards?  ---------- What we talked about on THE...

On this episode, DJ is breaking down one of his strongest decks: Selvala, Heart of the Wilds. The creature “power matters” archetype has become more prevalent in recent sets so it seems like the perfect time to explore this potent Commander. ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Educated: A Memoir https://tarawestover.com/book/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

In this episode, Josh and DJ are putting on their game design hats and asking the questions: What does the Commander format need? What is it missing? What tools are we lacking? What current cards and strategies are too powerful or well-positioned and could use some additional checks and balances? In short, what is our wish list for the format? ---------- What we talked about on THE END STEP: Rome:...

Lack of reprints. Unfocused deck design. Low power level. These are some of the criticisms that have been aimed at Commander 2018. On this episode of the podcast, Josh and DJ take an in-depth look at this year’s precon decks and break down whether they think C18 is a success or failure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy is back! And he’s breaking down an Esper Zombie build focused around Varina, Lich Queen. How does having access to white change/update this strategy for this popular tribe? Watch and find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s episode, Josh and DJ brew up a deck for one of the most unique new Commanders from all of C18: Xantcha, Sleeper Agent. Find out all of the cool interactions, synergies and combos that will allow you to infiltrate your way to victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're kicking off a series of deck techs centered around the new legendary creatures from Commander 2018. Today we begin with one of the most interesting: Brudiclad (BREWdiclad?) Telchor Engineer. It’s a new take on your typical token based strategy. Come see how Josh and DJ would tackle this deck building challenge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're continuing our coverage of the Commander 2018 product with a look at the BEST NEW CARDS from the set. Before we examined each deck and how to quickly tune it up and get it onto the battlefield as quickly as possible. Today we're taking an overall look at the C18 cards in the context of the greater world of Commander. What's the best new legendary? The best new card for inside the 99 of your...

Our complete coverage of the Commander 2018 product continues, with a review of the Esper "Subjective Reality" pre-con deck! Aminatou's text box can be perplexing. What's the best way to take advantage of her, seemingly, unrelated abilites? First we break it down and then we tune it up. Learn about the new cards, the reprints, how the deck plays, what to add, and what to take out so you can get th...