Rough Drafts - A Limited Magic Podcast
Rough Drafts is a podcast focused on the limited formats of Magic: the Gathering, such as drafts and sealed deck play. Host Sam Pratt provides in-depth analysis of the current limited environment, breaking down individual cards, archetypes, and strategic concepts. Each weekly episode aims to help players improve their drafting decisions and understand the metagame more deeply. The show is tailored both for players looking to refine their skills and those new to limited Magic.
Episodes
Episode 79 - Variance in Limited
This week I'm taking the opportunity to deep-dive on variance in Magic - why flooding is probably your fault, and how thinking about variance before you even start your draft can help. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 78 - CubeCon as a Designer
Last week was all about my weekend as a competitor at CubeCon. This week I'm recapping my experience as a designer, talking about player feedback, play data, and upcoming cube changes. GUT (my cube) - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/GUT?view=primer Draft data - https://cubecobra.com/cube/records/GUT?view=draft-reports Hedron Network cube results (deck pics) - https://hedron.network/cube-results?
Episode 77 - CubeCon 2026 Recap
Recapping all the drafts from my great weekend at CubeCon! Stadium Stampede - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/0e2e86be-6674-4e69-be38-6a3ba63c0a93?view=primer Sultai Control - https://sealeddeck.tech/t7huzGnmr6 The Legacy of Bloodwake Atoll - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/Pirates?view=primer Esper Artifacts - https://sealeddeck.tech/7BJyBSYVbW The Kuleshov Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/a
Episode 76 - Celebrate the Mountain King
As my Hobbit experiment draws to a close, it's time to pull the veil off The Data and compare my own card evaluation to the aggregate. My pre-data tier list https://www.17lands.com/tier_list/dae406ffa0c94684924d612f25e94269 Linktree - linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 75 - Goblin Plate Mail
My second post-release Hobbit episode goes into my big-picture format experience without 17lands, including why I've been winning with black, why this set is so good for small games, and why this is the best Menace has ever been. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 74 - Plunder the Trollshaws
Time to recap my experience drafting the Hobbit blind - no previews, no discussion, no 17lands data. This episode mainly focuses on the topic of card evaluation. My drafts - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0ed9b54e2ff94a3ea33e7003105780dc/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/ce704ed6dbd344bfa119bd84df4a2457/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/59c2355a581340018050a31441c0dbd7/0?view=deck
Episode 73 - Hobbit... Hot Topics?
The Hobbit is the last small set for the foreseeable future, so I'm taking the opportunity to do something cool - go into the set totally blind! This episode goes into detail on my plan and expectations for this unique experiment. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 72 - 2026 Cube Project
I've had a number of ideas for new cubes over the past two years, but haven't found the time, energy, or drive to actually see them through. So I'm tackling the problem head on - finishing a "first draft" of five cubes by the end of the year. My CubeCobra - https://cubecobra.com/user/view/610c165b750a931047aa23b6 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 71 - MSH Grab Bag + Retrospective
In wrapping up MSH, I take a look at some interesting rares that warrant discussion, and take a last look at the format as a whole. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 70 - I used to be bad at Sealed
I used to be bad at sealed. But some success in the format over the past year caused me to reevaluate those feelings, and I came out the other end with a real appreciation. This episode dives into what sealed is about at a fundamental level, including the big differences between it and draft. Some example sealed decks of mine TLA QW - https://www.17lands.com/deck/28366a56342f49409f167c7055df8043/
Episode 69 - Stark Industries Executive ft. Justin Lenz
Red is definitely the worst color in MSH, but my friend Justin may have cracked the code - Stark Industries Exec, a very unassuming red common, but one that reflects the when, how, and why to draft red. Justin's red trophies - https://imgur.com/a/iYDa2Ju Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 68 - Undercover Skrull
I've been having a lot of success with base-green multicolor decks in the second week of Marvel Superheroes, so this week is a deep dive into these powerful midrange green strategies. https://www.17lands.com/deck/01ef78109cf840e397dd05beb3fd3e6f/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/f129c3e55ad54143ae7a9d49ca34bd10/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/5b70baf49d5049059ed977f29208360
Episode 67 - S.H.I.E.L.D. Deployment Drone
My first MSH episode is all about flying - a brief history of the keyword in limited, and my thoughts on why I think flying is good in MSH despite not liking a lot of the individual flyers. https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 66 - MSH Hot Topics
Another new set, another monster preview episode! MSH has a very unique set structure, and leaves me with a lot of questions about how it's going to play out. Chicago Draft League - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mnphsx5kic2f Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 65 - SOS Retrospective
Wrapping up the SOS format with a look at what I liked, what I didn't like, what we learned, and a peek at my favorite cards. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 64 - SOS Grab Bag
Grab bag episode! Taking a look at a smattering of cards and packages as we wrap up Secrets of Strixhaven. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 63 - Tackle Artist
Do you ever have one of those drafts where it feels like nothing is open and every pack stinks? This episode goes into detail on a variety of aggresive-based strategies for maximizing undesirable cards, perfect for those types of drafts. United Wizards of the Coast Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/uwotc-official.bsky.social Union petition - https://actionnetwork.org/forms/uwotcletter https://w
Episode 62 - Quandrix Charm ft. TheRosemaryTea
This week we're welcoming on Rosemary to talk about a deck that she's been drafting a lot, "UG Small"! I'm a big fan of Rosemary's stream and perspective on limited, and this Rosemary's stream - https://www.twitch.tv/therosemarytea Rosemary's UG Small logs https://www.17lands.com/deck/07630a716b7142eaa728794b5bc8ea85/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/ab436a87656a42838b6999d61184d276/0?vie
Episode 61 - Wisdom of Ages
This episode is all about control! Why control is so uniquely well positioned in SOS, how to build it, and how it compares and contrasts to other lategame decks. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 60 - Potioner's Trove
In my opinion, Potioner's Trove is one of if not the best manaliths in recent memory, and the cornerstone to several builds of multicolor decks. This episode is all about differentiating those, and why soup is cancelled. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 59 - Shopkeeper's Bane
It's time! This week's episode is centered around Shopkeeper's Bane and the GB stompy decks I've been drafting. Witherbloom has a lot of issues, but there is also a decent amount of upside to ignoring the pair's themes and just beating down. https://www.17lands.com/deck/486bb1e6fee440e48d7b19a9440483a7/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/f3245b8ab11c47709a681ddda8d8d3ce/0?view=deck Patreon
Episode 58 - Rubble Rouser
Week one of SOS is here and I'm covering a card that caught my eye immediately - Rubble Rouser! This common plays really nicely, so I'm dissecting all the aspects of this card that make it tick. Example decks https://www.17lands.com/deck/58ff16fb9c004214b01e32b9e115addf/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/17d60850d61841d99d9923146834f31b/0?view=deck Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/Rou
Episode 57 - SOS Hot Topics
A monster SOS preview episode for what looks to be a really interesting format! Discussing the variable plans of each college, looking at Prepared and the bonus sheet, and diving into the unique mana options. Chicago-Style Cube Event will be streamed at 9am central at https://www.twitch.tv/thechicagocube Rough Drafts Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/rou
Episode 56 - Black Sacrifice in Cube
I'm here to defend the black cards in powered cube! This week I dissect black sacrifice as a cube archetype, looking at it in my Arena cube, the online powered cubes, and cube in general. Introducing the Rough Drafts Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Chicago-Style Cube Event - https://www.tixtree.com/e/chicago-style-cube-event-40701ab92e28 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 55 - Jason Ye
This week I'm chatting with pro player, limited sicko, brewer at heart, Jason Ye! Jason's Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/jasoniltg.bsky.social Jason's Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/jasoniltg Experimental Synthesizer - https://www.experimentalsynthesizer.blog Play of the Game - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naWlwDpApo8 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 54 - Limited Fundamental Theory
This week I'm tackling some broad theoretical concepts, ultimately trying to tackle the concept of every midrange deck being a midrange deck, and how we can leverage that in draft and deckbuilding decisions. Mike Flores - Who's the Beatdown https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/whos-the-beatdown/ Patrick Chapin - The Theory of Everything https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/innovati
Episode 53 - New Cube Overview - GUT
Unveiling a new cube project - GUT! This week's episode goes into detail on my new tempo-focused cube, including its design history and card choices. Cube list - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/GUT?view=primer Cards mentioned - https://sealeddeck.tech/2GQ3DQdrQz GUT stands for Grand Unified Theory, in reference to Chapin's article "The Theory of Everything" - https://articles.starcitygames.com/a
Episode 52 - Oroku Saki - Gameplay
I've found the gameplay in TMT to be especially difficult, so this week we're taking a look at gameplay! Mostly focused on what to look for when reviewing your own games. Coaching form - https://forms.gle/BQTjRXAh4ppi2Pc77 Linktree - linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 51 - Return to the Sewers
TMT is another set defined by its most powerful cards. This week we're diving into rares - how to draft around them, how to play around them, both in TMT and in limited more broadly. Coaching Form - https://forms.gle/2W8cBNr2HESzmcfa8 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 50 - ECL Retrospective + TMT Hot Topics
This week we're both saying goodbye to ECL and hello to TMT, including a discussion on small sets in general, and a closer look at some interesting new cards. Coaching form - https://forms.gle/bJqHvbugm6bFZdhn9 Chicago-Style Cube Event tickets - https://www.tixtree.com/e/chicago-style-cube-event-40701ab92e28 Chicago-Style Cube Event bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/chicagostylecu.be Linktree
Episode 49 - Gangly Stompling
Getting back to my roots and talking about a 3 mana 4/2 trample! This week is all about GR beatdown, my favorite off-supported archetype in this format. Spotlight Series Toronto recap on Limited Level Ups (includes breakdown of my GR sealed deck) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZf5-X2d8Qo GR beats - https://www.17lands.com/deck/2c8a20c7f4014672862b624868ec252a/0?view=deck If you're interested
Episode 48 - Kulrath Mystic
After returning (mostly) triumphantly from Toronto, I'm armed with a new view on the concept of a metagame in limited. I provide some insight into why that's an important thing to consider when getting scrappier in drafting and deckbuilding, and lay out some specific tools within ECL. Day 1 sealed deck - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mecqkfx6xs2n Day 2 draft 1 - https://bs
Episode 47 - Eclipsed Boggart
This week's episode is a little more broad than usual - I'm breaking down exactly which nonrare cards in the format really matter, as well as what that means for certain specific archetypes and draft navigation. Plus some measured optimism for Goblins. Draft log for the deck described in the episode - BRu - https://www.17lands.com/draft/18aa6af5a1de478f94aaac3194bb0e1c/1/1 Linktree - https:
Episode 46 - Gravelgill Scoundrel
This week is not only a deep dive on certain synergies and build considerations in the Merfolk space, but also a retrospective on the deservedly humble 2 mana 1/3. https://www.17lands.com/deck/b2e959e943c24378af4a0ff6eb40da1e/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/f86f09b0fdb5417282b5fea7b1ff7d84/0?view=deck https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 45 - Brambleback Brute
A new format dawns, and ECL is looking sweet - and a lot grindier than we're used to. In this episode I'm comparing what's important in this format to the previous, while also taking a look at some high-impact creatures, and turning the concept of the importance of removal on its head. UR elementals trophy - https://www.17lands.com/deck/f5704ccff1404dddaef8738c17f7d751/1 Jean-Emmanuel Depraz
Episode 44 - ECL Hot Topics
It's a new Magic year with a new Magic set! This week I'm diving into Lorwyn, including exact breakdowns of the different typal decks, the abnormal set structure, and thoughts on blight and vivid. And maybe some cube talk at the end. NEW! I included a visual element to this podcast on YouTube, and plan on experimenting with this moving forward. It is a priority to me that audio-only listeners ge
Episode 43 - 2025 in Review
2025 was my favorite limited year of all time! In this episode, I'm ranking all the major releases and taking a trip down memory lane of my favorite cards. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 42 - TLA Retrospective
This week I'm wrapping up Avatar coverage with a look back at the TLA format! Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 41 - Worlds with Ryan Condon
This week I'm joined by Worlds Competitor and Team Sanctum for All member Ryan Condon to talk tournament prep, pod drafting, and more! Ryan's Patreon - https://patreon.com/ryancmtg Ryan's Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/r-condon.bsky.social Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 40 - Barrels of Blasting Jelly
Barrels is a card I was really high on week 1, and less so as the format developed. But I do think it's an important piece of the puzzle, as is understanding the ins and outs of manabases and multicolor in Avatar. GBu - https://www.17lands.com/deck/906042ff08e84145b0c1dbd0232fd126/0?view=deck Naya - https://www.17lands.com/deck/d2be7ea779194db8962f538215148485/0?view=deck 4c Black - https://ww
Episode 39 - Lost Days
This week I'm taking a quick look at people's relationships to the data - the positives, the pitfalls, and I'm also diving into some statistical caveats for the set's current #1 winrate common, Lost Days. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 38 - Raucous Audience
Green in TLA is mostly viewed as a base for splashy, rampy decks like Temur Lessons. But I've had a lot of success with playing green as the base for an assertive midrange deck, built around Raucous Audience as a powerful two mana accelerant. Paper 3-0 - near monogreen - https://imgur.com/a/XYmxdC4 GRw - https://www.17lands.com/deck/d2be7ea779194db8962f538215148485/0?view=deck Gb - https://w
Episode 37 - Tolls of War
I've been on a bit of a hot streak with BW, so this week I'm diving deep on the archetype. We're looking at why white is the best color, why black is the worst, and what you get when you combine the two. https://www.17lands.com/deck/27f18de592d54f25b49da38bea63663f/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/40aa93d10f4243c09d8efef3d92beac6/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/7ef469734d414
Episode 36 - Fire Nation Cadets
Can you believe they printed Sol Ring at common? And Embercleave at uncommon? UR - https://www.17lands.com/deck/5ed2d4103c3b4989807688dbada43701/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 35 - TLA Hot Topics
Normal limited is back! I'm so excited to jump into TLA, and talk through my thoughts on each of the bending mechanics as well as the set as a whole. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 34 - Talking Magic with Marc Anderson
Last month, I sat down and talked Magic with limited enthusiast and former Canadian National Champion Marc Anderson! We dive into some highlights of his pro career, discuss how limited has changed over the years, and talk a little cube too. Marc's socials X - https://x.com/neo_mtg bsky - https://bsky.app/profile/neo-mtg.bsky.social my Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 33 - Rotisserie Draft
This week I'm recapping a couple Rotisserie drafts of my cube! I had a blast roto drafting with friends last month, so I'm going into detail on how to run one, reviewing my own draft, and pitching why this format is so much fun. Samp's Arena Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/samp Lightning Bolt Pod spreadsheet - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YBa9rJ2939sEp6ab4qFWN00pzXk_iEBOw02qug
Episode 32 - CubeCon Recap!
This week I'm recapping my long weekend in Madison, WI at CubeCon! I'm walking through all SEVEN of my drafts, and making a pitch for why these cube events are the best way to play magic. Cards mentioned - https://sealeddeck.tech/u9mAwcpw2z Prequel Draft - Everywhere Cube https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/everywhere Everywhere Cube deck - Stompy https://imgur.com/a/AD9y2Fe Draft 1 - San
Episode 31 - Cube 201
After last week's introduction to the fundamentals of cube draft, I'm diving into some more nuanced discussion on cube (but mostly why you should take the good cards). I'm also showcasing all the creative cube genres the community has cooked up! Sam Black's "Unexploitable Cube Drafting" - https://www.hipstersofthecoast.com/2023/10/unexploitable-cube-drafting/ Sam Black's Drafting Archetypes E
Episode 30 - Cube 101
Are you a limited sicko who's cube curious? I'm diving into the subtle differences between booster draft and cube draft, including what makes a card powerful, and how to evaluate interaction and fixing. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 29 - Eerie Gravestone
Taking a peek at an unsupported archetype in OM1! Black and green have some particularly synergistic cards that work uniquely well in tandem. Example decks courtesy of Marc Anderson https://www.17lands.com/deck/b88bf57ed797481b939732539748af63/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/6baac8a6905e4b9996460bddc0270ecb/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/a49e5dd0b89f4f41a13fdafecc89b3eb/
Episode 28 - BONUS! Deep Dive on my Arena Cube
An in-depth look at my Arena Cube! Cubecobra list - https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/samp Trophy Decks thread - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3lu7e627da225 Recross the Path (cube interview podcast) ft. me and this cube - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jstoBuLlCW1iqthwGZHly Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 27 - Wonderweave Aerialist
A deep dive into Blue White Modified in OM1! Come find out the best little dudes to play and the best ways to make them bigger. https://www.17lands.com/deck/19710276db5442b0a5f9c975e8bb9c1f/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/b3f0f22acbd7482ba2c807cc1c66c63c/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/900c74ce57524ec097a9c50b7e23bafa/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 26 - SPM/OM1 Hot Topics (and discussion)
My thoughts on the controversial Spider-Man set, plus some strategic insight into what I think of Pick 2 drafts and this format! Mark Rosewater's article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/spider-man-magic-meets-marvel Eric Engelhard's article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/spider-man-swinging-into-design Rhystic Studies article - https://rhysticstudies.substack.c
Episode 25 - EOE Retrospective
Time to take a look back at Edge of Eternities! The final vibe check on Spacecraft, looking back at my early-season slump, and checking after the 10th Play Booster format. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 24 - Divert Disaster
Grab bag episode for EOE! I talk through a handful of sweet interactions at commons, plus why you should be a little more willing to play a Quench. catscandal's Azorius Midrange article - https://abitterblossom.wordpress.com/2025/08/22/azorius-midrange-in-edge-of-eternities-draft/ Friso's WB writeup - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19PFQ4vazJC_TX8yfsMhwDIjA7Rl6ThDs828tsG9lcHg/edit?tab=t.
Episode 23 - Nebula Dragon
Red week! Drafting red in EOE really clicked for me this week - tune in to learn why you shouldn't be afraid to get deep into the color, and why you should be building your decks around a 7 mana 4/4. UR - https://www.17lands.com/deck/a842280f5b13479880a666a7fec39fc6/0?view=deck
Episode 22 - Perigee Beckoner
This week I'm diving into Perigee Beckoner, one of the sweetest black commons in EOE, and exploring the myriad of combos and synergy this card provides. BU - https://www.17lands.com/deck/6082db0ccd3e4efea19c5cf4969bd9a0/0?view=deck BU - https://www.17lands.com/deck/c13142f81e02420ca35155e22043ce21/1?view=deck Sierkovitz - Resources in Limited - should timestamp you to the "Mana spent" char
Episode 21 - Illvoi Galeblade
As the format develops, I turn to an old Magic strategy article for gameplay guidance. More specifically, I'm examining how managing your life total (and your opponents'!) can lend you a big leg up in Edge of Eternities. Patrick Chapin - The Theory of Everything - https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/innovations-the-theory-of-everything/ UB - https://www.17lands.com/deck/c13142f81e0242
Episode 20 - Survey Mechan
Edge of Eternities hasn't been kind to me, but one bright spot is the "differently named lands" payoffs have been sweet! I spend some time talking about pulling out of a slump, how to build decks to not flood, and finally why Survey Mechan and All-Fates Scroll are so much fun. UG Mechans - https://www.17lands.com/deck/46436fc2a4574e7f892fc578abe915d0/0?view=deck UBw Scrolls - https://bsky.app/pr
Episode 19 - Gene Pollinator
Talking about my lean, green, mean friend Gene! There's some promising historical precedence for cards like Gene Pollinator, so I'm talking through those as a backdrop before taking a look at some of the things Gene can do in Edge of Eternities. Whole pile of Gx 2-1s - still haven't felt like I've gotten one that's particularly great - https://www.17lands.com/deck/85cb510d9351405d8c8b284a3c35
Episode 18 - 10 Hot Topics in Edge of Eternities
The great beyond beckons - Edge of Eternities is almost here, and it's a challenging set to evaluate! I posit 10 big question marks I have before I get my hands on the cards, covering Spacecraft, fixing, and more. Plus - stay tuned for some secret bonus content.
Episode 17 - Summon: G.F. Ifrit
I'm saying goodbye to a banger of a limited format - with one part grab bag (miscellaneous card eval) and one part format retrospective. UG Towns - https://www.17lands.com/deck/3a0db8e045374966bb04ccda2bf8882a/0?view=deck Ethan's Steal-n-sac - https://imgur.com/a/S40hpcL BR ft. Summon: Anima - https://www.17lands.com/deck/62c98240248c46e7b0be000fa69b7067/0?view=deck
Episode 16 - White Auracite
White is the most aggressive color in FIN for sure. However, aggressive decks carry a different meaning than they did a few years ago. I take a look at some of the ways aggro has changed over the past couple of years, and dive into what my white decks of every color look like. F.I.R.E. Design article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/card-preview/fire-it-2019-06-21 Sam Black Big Game/Smal
Episode 15 - Reach the Horizon
This week I'm tackling a topic near and dear to my heart - splashing and multicolor! While splashing is somewhat of a rarity in FIN, there are plenty of spots where the third, fourth, or fifth color adds something great. What are our fixing options, and what types of cards ask us to stretch our manabase? Limited Level Ups manabase video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ6tiK_lmm4 GRb - https:
Episode 14 - Black Mage's Rod
Armed with a weekend of drafts from Magic Con Vegas, this week I'm looking at Black Mage's Rod. Which decks want Black Mage's Rod, and how does it stack up against the other black 2 drops? Game against Cuneo (UB) - https://www.17lands.com/history/12daee6c80754ff58649d1f9f56e98f3/7/0 My paper UB deck - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3lsccgzetrk26 BR deck - https://www.17l
Episode 13 - Sorceress's Schemes
Sorceress's Schemes is a really sweet data darling from the first week of FIN limited. It's pretty obvious where it fits in (BR and UR), but why exactly does it perform well in those decks? Are there any other places we can play it? BR (from me) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/3048cce3f745424c882a6eb8b89cab07/0?view=deck UR (from Chonce on Discord) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/426b6580a17045829
Episode 12 - Sahagin
In week one of Final Fantasy, I plumb the depths on what looks to be the set's strongest color - blue! After taking a look at what makes blue exceptional in formats where it was great like MID or MOM, I dive into blue's deep roster of commons in FIN. Uw - https://www.17lands.com/deck/d0e5adfda2f94965a153981565ae9210/0?view=deck Ub - https://www.17lands.com/deck/21c25e28a1b34f5e9e738ee9bce497a8
Episode 11 - 10 Hot Topics in Final Fantasy
New set! Ahead of FIN's release next week, I'm taking a look at 10 hot topics - either questions I want to answer going into set release, or things I'm most looking forward to trying. initial tier list - https://www.17lands.com/tier_list/8a24183713024103b9a9d53af1dca2ec
Episode 10 - Sunset Strikemaster - A Tarkir Dragonstorm Retrospective
I take a look back at one of my favorite formats of the past few years! A retrospective not just on the format's vibes, but also some specific lessons we learned from TDM about limited formats in 2025. Maro's Play Booster article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/nuts-and-bolts-16-play-boosters Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts
Episode 9 - Stormshriek Feral - How to Win in Best of Three
This week I'm tackling a topic close to my heart - Best of Three! And not just how to sideboard. I take a look at the strategic differences between bo1 and bo3, and how to set yourself up for success in either format. LOL episode with Andrew Cuneo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDXKiF_o_YE&list=PLAGXhegLhLeixTP-sCye9muleOCu_aFfh&index=44 Play booster design skeleton - https://magic.wizards.
Episode 8 - Stormscale Scion - Tarkir Grab Bag p2
Another grab bag! This week, I into depth on the allied color pairs, and round it out with some discussion on various rares and mythics.
Episode 7 - Poised Practitioner - Tarkir Grab Bag
Grab bag episode! Come take a look at some hidden gems in late-format Tarkir Dragonstorm. BeersSC's "The 100% definitive way to draft Boros" - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vpHhVf4UpB_7ip7oXscsM6qPL-5nxME-nVbHeCuWlEs/edit?tab=t.0 WR Breaching Dragonstorm Aggro - https://www.17lands.com/deck/2cf127831a1f48fea9cec2fef1e6d869/0?view=deck Linktree (includes links to other podcast platfo
Episode 6 - Yathan Roadwatcher - The Worst Deck in the Format
This episode, I'm tackling midrange in Tarkir. What does midrange really mean? Why is midrange performing so poorly in TDM? When should you draft a midrange deck in TDM? Is it right to draft Abzan Midrange ever? My paper Abzan Midrange deck - https://imgur.com/a/KARw92p (or sealeddeck link - https://sealeddeck.tech/UvhXfY3c3G) BGwu Midrange - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0500802b312e4110955228
Episode 5 - Wild Ride
It's time to talk red aggro. The white-red decks in this format are pretty easy to build. But what about blue-red? Red-green? Is there any hope for black-red? Take a deep dive on red-based aggro decks, and spend some time really getting in the weeds on how to attack in Tarkir! Lords of Limited 77 - Drafting Aggro with Ryan Saxe - https://www.lordsoflimited.com/episodes/drafting-aggro-with-ryan
Episode 4 - Frontier Bivouac - All Things Temur
It's Temur time! I've been wiping the floor with various Temur decks, but Temur contains multitudes! Learn about the distinction between GR beatdown, UG midrange, and UR control, and why understanding the nuance might be the key to cracking Tarkir wide open. GRu BEATS - https://www.17lands.com/deck/19b4deecb2e04ac5a559e14bf0dffbeb/0 UGr Midrange (Elephants) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0acdbb
Episode 3 - Mardu Monument - How to Not Lose
Time to talk through the best way to not lose in Tarkir Dragonstorm - hitting your land drops! This episode takes a close look at Monuments, cantripping creatures, and other ways to smooth your draws and help you focus on the powerful stuff in TDM. Temur Midrange (2 cheap creatures) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0acdbbeb46734a07a19a9ed1d071ef45/1 Temur Control (zero 2-drop creatures) - https:/
Episode 2 - Champion of Dusan
Welcome back to Tarkir! The second episode of Rough Drafts goes DEEP on Champion of Dusan and green-based stompy decks in the new limited format. Who's the Beatdown? - https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/whos-the-beatdown/ Gub stompy - https://www.17lands.com/deck/8912cea6c12a4146ab59f939d19d6fe1/0 GBw stompy - https://www.17lands.com/deck/6d3fcd0258794032b423bcdb411a47d0/1 intro/outt
Episode 1 - Starting Column
Welcome to Rough Drafts! For the inagural episode, we cover some draft philosophy, talk through Starting Column and multicolor piles in Aetherdrift, and look ahead to building multicolor decks in Tarkir Dragonstorm.
