The Bolt Zone

Episode 22: Comp. Event Testing with Team Odyssey Jun 15, 2024

Show Notes:

This week, Cody is joined by members of Team Odyssey to discuss competitive testing and everything that goes on behind the scenes of a Pro Tour caliber testing team. Special thanks to Noah Rabin and Ethan Jones for sharing their insights.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We’re thrilled to partner with Heavy Play to share their lineup of high-quality card gaming accessories. Check them out at https://heavyplay.com and use code BTB10 at checkout for a 10% discount!

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Follow Team Odyssey on Twitter/X: https://x.com/TeamOdysseyMTG

-Follow Noah on Twitter: https://x.com/RabinNoah

-Follow Ethan on Twitter: https://x.com/EthanJonesMtG

Episode 21: Standard Meta Check-In and Violent Outburst Ban Mar 23, 2024

The Violent Outburst ban is shaking up Modern ahead of MH3. Meanwhile, Standard continues to evolve with new additions from MKM as RCQ season chugs along and RC’s arrive on the horizon. The boys break down what you should be doing in both formats.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We’re thrilled to partner with Heavy Play to share their lineup of high-quality card gaming accessories. Check them out at https://heavyplay.com and use code BTB10 at checkout for a 10% discount!

We’re also so excited to be partnering with TOA Magic. Check out their massive selection at https://toamagic.com/ and use code BOLTZONE at checkout to get 5% off ALL singles and sealed Magic products.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Standard Metagame: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/standard#paper

-New Modern Metagame: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/modern#paper

Episode 20: Nathan’s Player Card & Pro Tour MKM Recap Mar 08, 2024

Show Notes:

Nathan is back from the Pro Tour and is ready to talk about his World Champion card, Duelist of the Mind. Learn about how this card was created and how it will fit into constructed formats. We also dive into a recap of PT MKM and what decks ruled the weekend.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We’re thrilled to partner with Heavy Play to share their lineup of high-quality card gaming accessories. Check them out at https://heavyplay.com and use code BTB10 at checkout for a 10% discount!

We’re also so excited to be partnering with TOA Magic. Check out their massive selection at https://toamagic.com/ and use code BOLTZONE at checkout to get 5% off ALL singles and sealed Magic products.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Nathan’s PT Phoenix Deck: https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/370995

-Duelist of the Mind: https://scryfall.com/card/otj/45/duelist-of-the-mind

Episode 19: Building Better Magic Software with Ev from Spicerack.gg Feb 22, 2024

Show Notes:

With Nathan deep in PT testing, Cody is joined by a SPICY guest this week, Ev, the founder of Spicerack.gg. He talks all about building software for Magic players and unveils details about the new Spicerack tournament app.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We’re thrilled to partner with Heavy Play to share their lineup of high-quality card gaming accessories. Check them out at https://heavyplay.com and use code BTB10 at checkout for a 10% discount!

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

Check out Spicerack for finding and hosting events: https://www.spicerack.gg/events

Follow Spicerack on Twitter: https://twitter.com/spicerackgg

Follow Ev on Twitter: https://twitter.com/evan_mtg

Episode 18: How to Read Your Opponent’s Mind (and Hand) Feb 09, 2024

We’re talking about the most broken thing in Magic… reading your opponent’s mind. No Jace’s here though. Learn how to analyze your opponent’s hand based on their play, pick up on body language tells, and disguise your own to gain an edge. Plus, a look at Modern ahead of a busy weekend of RCs.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We’re thrilled to partner with Heavy Play to share their lineup of high-quality card gaming accessories. Check them out at https://heavyplay.com and use code BTB10 at checkout for a 10% discount!

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode 17: Modern Yawgmoth Deep Dive with Brandon Osborne (aka Control4Daze) Jan 26, 2024

Show Notes:

In today’s episode, Control4Daze (aka Brandon Osborne) joins the show to talk about his pet deck in Modern, Yawgmoth. The boys are taking a deep dive into the archetype and offering tips and tricks to improve your play with one of the format’s most intricate decks.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We’re thrilled to partner with Heavy Play to share their lineup of high-quality card gaming accessories. Check them out at https://heavyplay.com and use code BTB10 at checkout for a 10% discount!

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Check out Brandon’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/control4daze/

-And Brandon’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFkpqkKXH4TGcwJNBZgRwwQ

Episode 16: We’re So Back! Let’s Catch Up on Comp. MTG (Feat. Tandy) Jan 12, 2024

Show Notes:

The Bolt Zone is back after a few weeks off and we’re excited to talk about all three big competitive formats! Standard, Pioneer, and Modern all deserve some attention right now, so let’s look at what’s going on in each one and what you should be paying attention to. Plus, hear our interviews from the convention floor at Dreamhack Atlanta!

Use code BTBNewYear15 to get 15% in the merch shop at https://www.boltthebird.com/shop

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We’re thrilled to partner with Heavy Play to share their lineup of high-quality card gaming accessories. Check them out at https://heavyplay.com and use code BTB10 at checkout for a 10% discount!

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode 15: B&R Reactions + Pioneer Boros Convoke Audio Deck Guide Dec 09, 2023

Cody is flying solo this week as Nathan heads out to Eternal Weekend. In the wake of a big B&R announcement, he looks at the impact on Pioneer and Modern before taking a deep dive into the deck he plans on playing at the Regional Championship in Atlanta: Boros Convoke.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Generic Boros Convoke List: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/pioneer-boros-convoke#paper

Episode 14: A Pioneer Check-In and First Look at Lost Caverns of Ixalan Spoilers Nov 05, 2023

This week, Cody recaps his RCQ win on Rakdos Scam. Then the guys take a look at what’s been happening in the Pioneer metagame, including talk about the Boros Convoke deck and how Izzet Phoenix is shaping the format. Lastly, they break down some constructed spoilers from Lost Caverns of Ixalan.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Current Pioneer Metagame: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/pioneer#paper

-Lost Caverns of Ixalan Spoilers: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/spoilers/Lost+Caverns+of+Ixalan

Episode 13: Talking ‘Bout Deck Size. Is Bigger Really Better? Oct 21, 2023

Magic is in a wild place right now and the decklists floating around prove it. Today, the guys look at some examples of decks going above 60 cards, talk about the theory behind numbering in deckbuilding, and help you understand why (or why NOT) you should be straying from 60 cards.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-4c Cascade Beans List: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/5930917#paper

-Tristan Cascade Beans: https://x.com/Tristan_MTG_/status/1713397425090498966?s=20

-Xerk 12-card SB Yawg List: https://x.com/Xerk_MTGO/status/1711115563013935167?s=20

-Pioneer Rona Combo feat. Yorion: https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/329581

Episode 12: World Championship Recap + Inside Tourney Prep Oct 07, 2023

Nathan is back from Las Vegas and the guys are recapping the World Championship. They go over everything happening in Standard and talk about what goes into testing for the most important Magic tournament all year.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

Check out our new line of merch at: https://www.boltthebirdmtg.com/shop!

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Nathan’s World’s Soldiers List: https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/327033

-Nathan’s World’s Draft List: https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/327426

-Standard Meta Snapshot: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/standard#paper

Episode 11: Modern Hammer Time Deep Dive with Travis Brown (aka DisgruntledElk) Sep 15, 2023

In today’s show, Cody and Nathan are joined by Hammer Time aficionado Travis Brown (aka DisgruntledElk) to talk about the deck and its place in the meta. We take a deep dive into the archetype and help you pick up equity in your Hammer matches.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Travis’ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/disgruntled_elk/posts

-Updated Mono-White Hammer List: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/5856289#paper

-Updated UW Hammer List: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/5856290#paper

-Follow Travis on Twitter:https://twitter.com/DisgruntledElk

Episode 10: Your Modern RCQ Season Primer Sep 02, 2023

This week, Cody and Nathan are talking about all things Modern. With the next RCQ season about to start, they give you a rundown of the format and break down the top 15 most popular decks you should consider. Learn why Modern is the best format!

Don’t forget to use the hashtag #boltzonechat on Twitter and let us know your favorite Modern deck for a chance to win a Bolt the Bird Boogie Board!

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Current Modern Meta: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/modern#paper

Episode 9: Wilds of Eldraine First Look + Latest Modern Antics Aug 19, 2023

Nathan is back stateside from Barcelona so the guys recap his time at the Pro Tour, including Team Handshake’s deck selection process. Nathan also talks about handling the pressure of his recent winning streak while Cody talks about back-to-back weekend Top 8s with Rakdos Scam. Then they look at some Wilds of Eldraine spoilers to see which cards are here to break formats this time.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Wilds of Eldraine Spoilers: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/spoilers/Wilds+of+Eldraine#paper

Episode 8: (Bonus!) PT LotR Champ Jake Beardsley Joins to Talk Rakdos Scam Aug 06, 2023

No scams here! This week, Cody is joined by Pro Tour Lord of the Rings Champion Jake Beardsley to recap the first Modern PT in several years. They also take a deep dive into Rakdos Scam, look at what makes the deck tick, and evaluate its place in the meta.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Jake’s PT-winning decklist: https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/315176

-Follow Jake on Twitter: https://twitter.com/makememesnotwar

-Modern format snapshot on 8/5/23: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/modern#paper

Episode 7: Level Up Your Game By Gaining Small Edges Jul 15, 2023

This week, Cody and Nathan take on a listener question, reflecting on times they’ve leveled up as competitive players. They talk about key concepts like using your resources and taking advantage of the stack then go on a few tangents about their favorite examples of gaining an edge in competitive play.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode 6: Improve Your Testing Process Feat. Javier Domínguez Jul 01, 2023

We’re joined by the Fervent Champion himself, Javier Domínguez, to talk about everything you need to get ready for your next tournament! We dive into deck selection, the importance of a testing team, and how you should approach playtesting for more success. Plus, Javier talks about his excitement for a close-to-home PT and how his relationship with Magic has changed over the years. Come get this advice from two world champs for the price of one!

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Javier’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/JavierDmagic

-Competitive Magic with the Karnies: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vFzlOtEdx4iuOcFE6XpxY?si=5e8ac0a995824fe5

Episode 5: Keruga Fires Deep Dive Feat. Elliot Raff Jun 16, 2023

Haven’t you heard? Hippos are the talk of the town! Special guest Elliot Raff joins Cody to talk about Keruga Fires, the deck that brought them both success the past two weekends. They also chat about the state of Pioneer after seven Regional Championships and look back at hot takes from the last episode.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Elliot’s Dreamhack Dallas Keruga Fires List: https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/299625

-Cody’s RCQ-winning Keruga Fires List: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/5643797#paper

-Compilation of MTG Melee Links to Find RC Decklists: https://airtable.com/shrocd5i5pchqJ1pd/tblBi7CFOnwSgYkvH

Episode 4: You Need To Learn Your Pioneer Deck + LotR Spoilers First Look Jun 02, 2023

With round three Regional Championships right around the corner, the boys are taking a final look at the Pioneer meta. And since this round of RCQs and the next RC is also Pioneer, they also discuss the importance of understanding your deck and getting enough reps. Then they dissect a few spoilers from the upcoming Lord of the Rings set!

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Pre-RC Pioneer Meta Snapshot: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/pioneer#paper

-LotR Card Previews: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/spoilers/The+Lord+of+the+Rings+Tales+of+Middle+Earth#paper

Episode 3: Pro Tour Minneapolis Ws + Extended Standard Rotation May 16, 2023

Nathan wins the Pro Tour! This week, the boys are recapping his historic run in PT MOM and looking at how the Standard meta will change in its wake. They also discuss how changes to Standard rotation will affect the format and what they expect.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Nathan’s PT MOM Winning Rakdos List: https://melee.gg/Decklist/View/294060

-Current Standard Meta: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/standard#paper

Episode 2: A Pioneer Primer + Nathan Wins a 20K! Apr 28, 2023

This week, Cody and Nathan are chatting about all things Pioneer. They give you a rundown of the format, how it’s changed over time, and the top 15 most popular decks you should consider. Learn how to decide on a deck based on the meta and why your familiarity with a deck is so important in Pioneer.

Plus, hear about Nathan’s recent $20K win at SCG Richmond as he harnessed the power of the Rhinos in Modern.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

-Nathan’s SCG Richmond winning Rhinos List: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/modern-crashing-footfalls#paper

-Current Pioneer Meta: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/metagame/pioneer#paper

Episode 1: RC San Diego Reflections & Welcome to The Bolt Zone Apr 13, 2023

Cody and Nathan are fresh off the latest Regional Championship at Dreamhack San Diego. In this episode, they discuss the tournament and their decklists and look at a spicy brew that made the Top 8. They also explore the Standard meta and look at whether or not it’s healthy.

To support the show, consider subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/boltthebird.

We are proudly sponsored by Boogie Board, makers of The Ultimate LCD Life Pad. Say goodbye to crinkly notebooks. Learn more here: https://www.myboogieboard.com/games.

Interested in sponsoring the show? Want to be a guest? Please direct all inquiries to cody@boltthebirdmtg.com.

Episode Links:

Cody’s RC Decklist: https://mtgmelee.com/Decklist/View/289005

Nathan’s RC Decklist: https://mtgmelee.com/Decklist/View/290257

RC San Diego Results: https://mtgmelee.com/Tournament/View/14149

4C Combo By cftsoc: https://mtgmelee.com/Decklist/View/290300

4C Combo Deck Writeup by @JasonILTG: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pagpZN9VrwuFnXHEy7TCjrepZ9tKWTK3DXaJ6GXS7rQ/edit