Magic: the Gathering Under the Hood

Chris wants to dive deep into the rules and mechanics of the Trading card game Magic: the Gathering. These episodes are typically tailored to newer players, but experienced players are welcome to join in, as well. What does being lost in the woods, being in a firefight against aliens, or playing a game of Magic all have in common? Well the answer is simple: finding cover can increase your odds of survival. Defender is what this episode is all about, so hunker down and get some snacks. Originally recorded 13 March 2023 Extended Reading: Magic Arcanum https://www.youtube.com/@MagicArcanum/featured Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura

We are back from the break and bringing you a new episode because we are revisiting one of the Host’s favorite Planes in the Magic: the Gathering Multiverse. With the new set of Phyrexia All will be One, we saw the introduction of a rework of the Infect mechanic, and this is what we now call Toxic. But unlike hazardous materials, this is actually quite fun (and highly recommended) to play with. Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Originally recorded 27 February 2023

Magic saw some major changes in 2022. Your hosts break down some of their favorite new mechanics and interactions from the past year. Also, they reflect on the highs and lows of the decks built this year. Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Originally recorded 29 December 2022

Stories. Passed generation to generation, they teach us lessons, entertain us, and inform us of our history. Magic is no stranger to telling the stories of their history. Saga enchantment cards reveal some of the oldest tales in all of Magic lore. With the release of Dominaria United, Saga cards have learned to skip ahead to the end of the story. Join Chris and Joe as they reveal the secrets of Saga cards. Chris shows us his excitement for Unfinity in the Scuttlebutt this week. Tolarian Community College interview with Sheldon Menery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b811XpRWxlA Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Originally recorded 3 October 2022

Your hosts discuss a new mechanic from Dominaria United. Enlist enables your attacking creature to become a much more powerful opponent for a turn. But how powerful will the mechanic be out in the wild? Relax and listen as your hosts give their thoughts. Joe gives some brief information regarding “wheeling” in drafts. The provided article breaks down ways to think about wheeling cards to enhance your drafting skills. Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Sierkovitz, (2022) “How to Wheel in Drafts” https://mtgazone.com/how-to-wheel-in-drafts/ Originally recorded 19 September 2022

The Domain mechanic has made a triumphant return in Dominaria United. Join Chris and Joe as they discuss this mechanic - originally from the Invasion block - and how it has helped make gameplay feel different for the Dominaria United limited scene. Your hosts also discuss their experiences from pre-release weekend as Dominaria United releases today! Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Originally recorded 5 September 2022

In this episode, we want to go fast! Your hosts discuss the haste mechanic. This ability is another one that has been around since Alpha. Unfortunately, not many people think about the benefits of haste these days. Join us as we do a deep dive on this speedy mechanic. Chris and Joe give their first impressions of Dominaria United ahead of prelease weekend. Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Originally recorded 23 Aug. 2022

What’s better than having creatures that deal a lot of damage? Having creatures that deal damage before your opponent’s creatures! This episode discusses two related abilities: First Strike and Double Strike. While these both seem simple on the surface, there are some subtle rules that can make these two abilities even more potent than they initially seem. Chris and Joe discuss the retirement of Tribal type cards in Magic the Gathering. Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Originally recorded 9 Aug. 2022

Chris and Joe take a deep dive into the Vigilance mechanic. While this mechanic has been around since the beginning of Magic: the Gathering, its power makes this mechanic appear in small doses within each set. Just how do you defend yourself against such power? How do you make the most of this combat altering ability? Find out on this episode! Your hosts give their quick opinions on Double Masters 2022. Both sides defend their rationale in 90 seconds per person. Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Originally recorded 26 July 2022

This episode, Chris and Joe discuss two mechanics that have benefits based on dealing damage. Lifelink and Deathtouch each make dealing damage with your creatures more profitable to you. Also, they have been included in almost every set since they were created in the Lorwyn block. Joe discusses the YouTube channel JudingFTW. You can find his YouTube channel page here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudgingFtW Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/mtgunderthehood Twitter: @mtgunderthehood Music composed/performed/recorded by: Joe Jancura Originally recorded 5 July 2022