Top Level Podcast

A Little Historic, a Lot of Modern Jun 14, 2021

A little bit of Jeskai Turns in Historic but lots of new and reimagined archetypes in Modern with Modern Horizons 2 becoming legal this week

The Most Powerful Cards in Modern Horizons 2 Jun 07, 2021

Modern Horizons 2 has a TON of powerful cards. Witness the rebirth of a Legacy Staple AND a brand-new two card infinite combo right here!

Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer Seems Amazing May 31, 2021

Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer is spectacular! Is it the best red one drop of all time? Might not be tops in the SET. Still... Looks to be great

Tainted Pact and More (and More!) This Week May 24, 2021

Tainted Pact spawned not one but two new decks, then got an established card banned all last week! Which is not even most of the story this week

Breaking Clever Lumimancer in Modern May 17, 2021

Strixhaven has been telling in Standard... But some cards are even better in Modern! Clever Lumimancer, for instance, kills turn two!

Portable Hole, Prosperous Innkeeper & Modern Horizons II! May 10, 2021

Just how great is Prosperous Innkeeper? This Halfling is a Wily Goblin with a Soul Warden tacked on! Lots of D&D. All the Modern Horizons II!

Blade Historian is Just Incredible May 03, 2021

How can Blade Historian from Strixhaven glue together a number of existing red and white cards to produce an exciting new take on aggro?

Lots of ways to be a Prismari Command guy... Apr 26, 2021

Prismari Command is one of the most flexible cards in Strixhaven. It's found many homes already, playing many roles.

Gnarled Professor, learns, Lessons, and more Strixhaven Apr 19, 2021

Class is in session at Strixhaven! What are the best Lessons? How do you want to learn? Like, can I interest you in a Gnarled Professor?

Expressive Iteration Will be Good in VINTAGE Apr 12, 2021

Expressive Iteration is going to be good in Vintage. It'll be absolutely fantastic in Standard for that matter! Plus, tons more Strixhaven

Going Deep into the Strixhaven Previews Apr 05, 2021

Here come some of the most exciting cards from the Strixhaven Previews! A peek into the future of Boros - sorry Lorehold - and more

Village Rites is Our Official Strixhaven Preview Mar 25, 2021

Village Rites is back in Strixhaven! And with sweet new art! Our heroes chat Strixhaven, including Professor Onyx and Kasmina, Enigma Sage

Patrick's Sweet Mono-Blue Snow Deck! Mar 22, 2021

Mono-Blue Snow is one of the exciting new archetypes enabled by Kaldheim. Patrick's build starts off at one and tops up on... Twelve?

Egon, God of Death in Historic Mar 15, 2021

Egon, God of Death is an exciting addition to Historic StOmPy. Learn how this Kaldheim god can make your Champions and Regisaurs even better!

Pick a Side on Reidane, God of the Worthy Mar 08, 2021

What about Reidane, God of the Worthy makes it so powerful? Is it its opposite side? The slowdown of your fellow Snow Decks? Or ruining Ramp?

Witherbloom Command is Overrated for Standard Mar 01, 2021

Don't blink! WotC is already showcasing Strixhaven previews! Witherbloom Command and four others give us a glimpse into the new set...

Tibalt, Cosmic Imposter... We Hardly Knew Ya Feb 17, 2021

Tibalt, Cosmic Imposter was not banned... Technically. We talk about everyone else who WAS banned, and how you will see less Tibalt anyway.

Uro is About to Be Banned (again) Feb 15, 2021

Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath is about to be banned again. Definitely in Pioneer, Historic, and Modern. Ah.. What IS going on in Modern?

Goldspan Dragon is Showing Up Everywhere Feb 08, 2021

Goldspan Dragon is performing in almost every Standard color combination! Plus more Valki, the emergence of Snow, and Showdown of the Skalds

I've Become a Runeforge Champion Guy Feb 01, 2021

Featuring Runeforge Champion and Runes-driven applications from Kaldheim! Grind after sideboarding! Hand your pinger a silver bullet.

Kaldheim Serra Angel Variants Jan 25, 2021

Kaldheim hasn't been shy about tugging our heartstrings: There are at least four different cards evoking the classic Serra Angel alone!

Let's Take a Ride on The Omenkeel! Jan 18, 2021

Cosima, God of the Voyage is sometimes known as The Omenkeel! Learn about maybe Kaldheim's most exciting one-card duo right now!

Valki, God of Lies (and tons more Kaldheim) Jan 11, 2021

Valki, God of Lies is a Modal Double-Faced Card from Kaldheim. Rock and Roll with Valki and tons of additional spoilers this week!

It's Kaldheim Spoiler Season! Jan 04, 2021

We explore the coolest Kaldheim Spoiler Season interactions, from Angel synergies to Giant sized card draw to backwards compatible Demons!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Kaldheim Dec 28, 2020

So what DOES Kaldheim look like? Snow? Check. Dwarves? Check. Cool artifact engines? Check and double check. Phyrexian Praetors though? ...

The Rest of the Historic Decks Dec 21, 2020

Yasharn is great! Uro is even better. But there are all kinds of Historic decks that we didn't discuss LAST week. Discover some other options

What's So Exciting About Yasharn, Implacable Earth? Dec 14, 2020

We're really impressed by Yasharn, Implacable Earth in Historic: This Elemental Boar bodies up, draws cards, and murders a whole strategy!

More Innovations in Modern Decks Dec 07, 2020

What's up with the newest crop of Modern decks? New engines, new life given to old cards, and a healthy dose of... Disrespect?

Feasting Troll King Snacks on Standard Nov 30, 2020

Americans are not the only ones feasting this week! Check out a new Mono-Green deck packing Feasting Troll King (devouring all of three eggs)

What You Need to Know About the 2019 MOCS Decks Nov 23, 2020

The 2019 MOCS featured amazing innovations in both Modern and Pioneer! And for once (?) the best decks paved the way for the Champion!

Are Modern Decks Completely Busted? Nov 16, 2020

FOR SURE Modern decks have become a hotbed for well built designs and using new cards in innovative ways. But completely busted? Find out!

Aetherworks Marvel is the Biggest Game in Kaladesh Remastered Nov 09, 2020

Aetherworks Marvel is about to hit the Historic format via Kaladesh Remastered! What are the most exciting ways to play this boom boom?

We Have Reached the Main Deck Ox of Agonas Stage Nov 02, 2020

It might just say something about the metagame if Mono-Red Beatdown is playing main deck Ox of Agonas. We tell you what!

The World According to Ruin Crab Oct 26, 2020

All about the newfound rise of Ruin Crab offense in Dimir Rogues and the competing Yorion strategies in post-bans Standard

What Do We Do Now that Escape to the Wilds is Banned? Oct 19, 2020

Escape to the Wilds is banned in Standard alongside Omnath and Lucky Clover. Patrick and Michael speculate on the next big things

What Does It Mean to be the Best in the Format? Oct 05, 2020

Patrick and Michael talk about the best in various formats. Standard Temur Adventures with Omnath [+ without Uro], the PT Mount Rushmore, and more!

Is Omnath, Locus of Creation Next on the Chopping Block? Sep 28, 2020

Omnath, Locus of Creation from Zendikar Rising is ALREADY dominating Standard! Will it be banned almost before the card sees print in paper?

The Modal Double-Faced Episode! Sep 21, 2020

In this "modal double-faced" ep, we check out the 2020 Mythic Invitational, then more Zendikar Risking cards, some or which are actually modal double-faced!

Taking a Look at the Full Zendikar Rising Spoiler Sep 11, 2020

Patrick and MichaelJ take a deep look at upcoming formats, armed with the full Zendikar Rising Spoiler. What's good? What's completely unplayable?

Zendikar Rising Exclusive Preview - Murasa Brute! Sep 04, 2020

The introduction of Murasa Brute from Zendikar Rising, plus discussion of many new cards and mechanics from the exciting upcoming set!

Sneaking in Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow Aug 28, 2020

Field of the Dead got banned... Again! This time in Historic. Meanwhile Yuriko the Tiger's Shadow leads an elite squad of undercosted Ninjas in Legacy!

Shark Typhoon in StoneBlade (and much more Modern) Aug 24, 2020

It's a tour of the current Modern format! Shark Typhoon is cool in StoneBlade, Chandra's Incinerator in Burn, Lightning Skelemental in Elementals, & more

Let’s Talk About Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath Aug 14, 2020

Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath might be the best card left in Standard; check out its performance in a near-consensus best deck... AND a brand-new challenger!

Teferi, Time Raveler BANNED Aug 07, 2020

Teferi, Time Raveler and Wilderness Reclamation are [FINALLY] banned in Standard (and elsewhere). Why did so many cards get cut... And what's next?

Let's Talk About the Players Tour Finals Jul 31, 2020

The Top 8 is set for the Players Tour Finals! The talk of the tournament was Growth Spiral, but enterprising rogues were also able to succeed. Learn how...

A HISTORIC Episode of Top Level Podcast Jul 24, 2020

Historic is a brand new format featuring all the legal cards on Magic: The Gathering Arena. It's fresh, different, and super exciting to explore!

Arcum's Astrolabe is Banned in Modern! Jul 17, 2020

Arcum's Astrolabe banned in Modern. Oath of Nissa un-banned in Pioneer! GOOD RIDDANCE to common troublemakers in Historic. Tons of formats; tons of changes.

Everything Old is New Again in Standard! Jul 12, 2020

Rotting Regisaur is once again the biggest bad on the block, the meanest monster in the metagame! Old is new! But new is also new in Standard. Find out why:

First Looks at Core Set 2021 Standard Jul 05, 2020

Michael Flores and Pro Tour Champion Patrick Chapin take their first look at the new Standard decks powered by Core Set 2021!

Is Alpine Houndmaster the Best Card in M21? Jun 28, 2020

Is Alpine Houndmaster the Squadron Hawk of Core Set 2021? What's required to make this the set's best card and are we willing to pay the deck building cost?

Terror of the Peaks - Fair... and Not! Jun 19, 2020

Terror of the Peaks is an awesome Dragon when you're playing fair... But did you know the M21 monster also enables an infinite combo?

Llanowar Visionary is a Titan Jun 12, 2020

Llanowar Visionary is kinda sorta an upgraded Borderland Ranger. Except instead of no one wanting to trade with it, many a mage will! Find out why here.

Agent of Treachery Banned! (and other stories) Jun 02, 2020

Today is a big day for announcements! The Companion rule was fundamentally changed; and two cards (including Agent of Treachery) were banned in Standard!

Zirda, the Dawnwaker is Banned in Legacy! May 22, 2020

Zirda, the Dawnwaker and Lurrus of the Dream-Den are the first Companions to feel the ban hammer! Where do we go from here?

We Adore This Colossus Hammer Deck May 15, 2020

Companions are rocking Modern and Pioneer! Our favorite this week uses Stoneforge Mystic to set up a fast Colossus Hammer and a stack of Kor for quick kills

The Many Faces of Yorion, Sky Nomad May 08, 2020

Yorion, Sky Nomad is up! The Legendary Bird Serpant (and its 80 best friends) have taken over Standard with tons more card advantage than everyone else!

Keruga, the Macrosage is Defining and Dominating Standard! May 01, 2020

Keruga, the Macrosage is just one of the awesome Companions we highlight in this week's episode... But it's not the coolest. Think Yorion + Demonic Pact :)

The First Week of Standard with Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths Apr 24, 2020

Companions from Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths are already dominating every format, even Vintage! This week we examine some specific Companion-cases for Standard

We're Bananas for Kogla, the Titan Ape Apr 17, 2020

Kogla, the Titan Ape from Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths is just one of the exciting cards we discuss in this week's podcast. Check it out!

Lurrus of the Dream-Den Sure is Good with Black Lotus Apr 10, 2020

Lurrus of the Dream-Den is one of the most exciting Companions from Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths. You already know why in Modern... But Vintage? TELL ME MORE

How Cavalier of Thorns Makes Sultai Escape Apr 03, 2020

Cavalier of Thorns really does help Sultai Escape rocket to the next level, doesn't it? Learn how this card helped this archetype to its most recent big win

Hottest Standard Tech from #mtgtogether Mar 27, 2020

The #mtgtogether qualifief events have already started to spawn some amazing innovations and powerful solutions in Standard. We've got them all right here!

Let's Talk About Phoenix of Ash in Mono-Red Mar 20, 2020

Mono-Red wins the Grand Prix and Mike likes... Bant? Find out why, and also why we like the Phoenix of Ash so much in Red Decks anyway ;)

Underworld Breach Decks Break Modern AND Legacy! Mar 06, 2020

Underworld Breach headlines some of the most broken decks in not just Pioneer... But Modern and even Legacy! Check 'em out here.

All the Homes for Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger in Modern Feb 27, 2020

Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger is chomping on Modern! Check out the Jund, Death Shadow, and brand new archetypes Kroxa is escaping out of and into the meta!

The Most Exciting Decks from Worlds 2020 Feb 21, 2020

Worlds 2020 is in the books and PV adds "World Champion" to his impressive resume. But for the rest of us? What are the most exciting decks to play?

The Best Decks in Pioneer Feb 14, 2020

Patrick and Michael discuss the best decks in Pioneer after Players Tour Phoenix. It's Dimir Inverter meets Lotus Breach and even more Red Decks than usual!

The Elephant in the Room: Inverter of Truth in Pioneer Feb 07, 2020

Inverter of Truth... Is the truth in Pioneer! This week we talk about some of the FIVE Inverter decks from the PT Nagoya Top 8 (and the rest of them, too)

So Many Pioneer Deck Lists! Jan 31, 2020

Pro Tour Hall of Famer Patrick Chapin and newly minted Players Tour competitor Michael J Flores talk all the new Pioneer Deck Lists!

The Return of Mono-Black Devotion Jan 24, 2020

Theros Beyond Death has powered up Mono-Black Devotion! Learn the ins and outs, tips and tricks, for navigating this rediscovered cornerstone of Standard

The Masterful Design of Dream Trawler Jan 17, 2020

What makes Dream Trawler "everything to everyone"? Come find out as we discuss cards from the full Theros Beyond Death spoiler!

There's Lots to Love with Thassa, Deep-Dwelling Jan 10, 2020

Thassa, Deep-Dwelling is a neat centerpiece from Theros Beyond Death. What are some of the great combos and synergies you an exploit alongside this God?

All the Ways to Play (and break!) Heliod, Sun-Crowned Jan 03, 2020

Heliod, Sun-Crowned is getting our creative juices flowing! Find out all the ways he can deal infinite damage, gain infinite life, or just beat down!

How to Think About Klothys, God of Destiny Dec 27, 2019

Find out why Magic: The Gathering Hall of Famer Patrick Chapin says Klothys, God of Destiny from Theros Beyond Death is a five-star card!

First Look at Theros Beyond Death Dec 20, 2019

Theros Beyond Death previews are upon us! How great is Escape? When will you want to play a certain indestructible God? Plus, great news from Mike!

"Quasiduplicate my Risen Reef" and other key plays from Mythic Championship VII Dec 13, 2019

When you Quasiduplicate your Risen Reef, you get two triggers. Than when you Jump-Start it, you get three! Listen for key play patters of the new top decks!

Three More Cards Join the Pioneer Ban List Dec 07, 2019

Three more cards hit the Pioneer ban list: Long live Pioneer! Patrick + Michael explore losing Smuggler's Copter, Once Upon a Time & Field of the Dead

Casualties of War is Where You Want to Be Nov 29, 2019

With its ability to destroy key permanents (and lots of them), Casualties of War may be Standard's apex. In particular: Bye bye "enchantment" :)

Oko, Thief of Crowns is Finally Banned in Standard Nov 22, 2019

Oko, Thief of Crowns was banned in Standard this week, alongside Once Upon a Time and Veil of Summer. You know this. But where to next? Find out here!

Wow these Mythic Championship VI Decks Nov 15, 2019

The best Mythic Championship VI decks... Plus the best of "the rest" from the most lopsided, the most homogeneous, Pro Tour ever! Then, what happens next?

Fallout from the First Pioneer PTQ Nov 08, 2019

Results from the first Pioneer PTQ... The top decks AND discussion of some of the initial cards to hit the Pioneer banned list.

It's the Pioneer Decklists Podcast! Nov 01, 2019

What is Pioneer? Magic was born in 1993. Modern is a format from 2003 on... Now Pioneer is a format from 2013 on. It's Magic minus the first two decades...

Once Upon a Time (and more!) in Modern Oct 18, 2019

Once Upon a Time from Throne of Eldraine is making a huge impact on Modern! It's made Amulet Titan more consistent, is assembling Selesnya squads, and more!

The Evolution of Fires of Invention Oct 11, 2019

Fires of Invention is a rule-breaking card. It seems to be breaking its own rules ALREADY! Find out how this card fits into Ramp + all about the other decks in Standard

In for Doom Foretold Esper Oct 04, 2019

Doom Foretold! Centerpiece of the new Esper and bane to opposing Planeswalkers. Learn what makes this card go, and how it converts into a late game killer

The Great Henge and Other Great Cards from Throne of Eldraine Sep 27, 2019

How cheap does The Great Henge have to be before you are into it?

So Much Brewing With Throne of Eldraine Sep 20, 2019

Throne of Eldraine is almost upon us! The brewing potential is seemingly limitless with this powerful new set. We discuss the Castle cycle and lots more!

Rosethorn Halberd from Throne of Eldraine Sep 19, 2019

Rosethorn Halberd is our exclusive preview card from Throne of Eldraine! Check out this bonus podcast to learn all about this sweet preview card, care of Wizards of the Coast.

Wildborn Preserver in Simic Flash Sep 13, 2019

Wildborn Preserver is going to be an instant Staple in Standard! Learn about this and more powerful new green creatures from Throne of Eldraine here!

Garruk, Cursed Huntsman and Our First Looks at Throne of Eldraine Sep 07, 2019

Elspeth is back! ... Only in the body of Garruk, Cursed Huntsman from Throne of Eldraine. Learn all about the massive new Planeswalker here!

Get Ready for Stoneforge Mystic Aug 30, 2019

Stoneforge Mystic is unbanned in Modern! What does this mean? Especially now that Hogaak, Arisen Necropolis and Faithless Looting got the [Lightning] Axe?

Combo off with Kethis, the Hidden Hand Aug 23, 2019

Kethis, the Hidden Hand from Core Set 2020 headlines the most exciting deck in Standard. Learn its ins and outs in this week's podcast!

What Makes Bomberman Our Favorite Legacy Deck? Aug 16, 2019

Have you heard of Bomberman? This Mono-White combo deck is one of the coolest decks you can choose in Legacy. Plus! Multiple appearances by Wrenn and Six.

Why Leyline of the Void is the Most Popular Card in Modern Aug 02, 2019

Why is Leyline of the Void the most popular card in Modern? A certain Arisen Necropolis might tell you, and a certain Phoenix might have gotten in the way.

All the Ways to Play (and beat) Field of the Dead Jul 25, 2019

Scapeshift and Field of the Dead make for the runaway best deck in Standard! Learn how to play (and beat) this winning combination in this week's podcast

Chandra's Spitfire and Key Changes to Mono-Red Jul 19, 2019

Chandra's Spitfire gives the tried and true Mono-Red Standard deck a "Pyromancer's Ascension"-like end game. IN ADDITION to it's established aggro...

We are ALL ABOUT this New Nightpack Ambusher Deck Jul 12, 2019

This podcast features a TON of new Core Set 2020 deck lists... But Simic Flash with Nightpack Ambusher might be our favorite. Learn why right now!

Goblin Engineer in All the New Modern Stuff Jul 05, 2019

Goblin Engineer from Modern Horizons is already driving multiple new decks! Learn how it plays Stoneforge Mystic or "go infinite" with Urza here!

Marauding Raptor is Probably the Best Card in Your Deck Jun 28, 2019

This episode reveals so many ways to follow up Marauding Raptor! Draw a card, make tons of power while defending yourself. More! Plus tons of additional M20

Cards We'd Actually Want to Play from Core Set 2020 Jun 21, 2019

Check out some cards we'd actually like to play from Core Set 2020! Get ready for some great creatures, amazing enablers, and even a combo or two!

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