The Gam Podcast

Standard has been through some tough times over the past year, but this current incarnation is proving to be a return to form. As Gerry and Bryan get ready to make their return to the caster's booth for the Red Bull Untapped Finals, they're unpacking the results of last weekend's league play. What do they have to say for Yorion? Did Bryan trick everyone into playing a bad deck Week 1 AGAIN? What's the plan for the upcoming Arena Open? All this and more on this week's episode! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Red Bull Untapped - 1:04 MPL Rivals results - 8:10 Temur - 24:41 Gruul Adventures - 35:55 Arena Open - 46:14 Question of the week - 56:29 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

This is a big weekend for tournament Magic and Yorion is the headliner. What caused its meteoric rise and can anything stop it? Gerry and Bryan share their experiences with the different Yorion variants, their mirror match strategies, and the other decks in the format that have their attention. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: MPL & Rivals - 0:50 Standard Yorin - 11:28 Lukka setups - 27:58 Rogues - 36:27 Adventures - 46:00 Ramp - 51:11 Fake Blue Tron - 59:57 Rakdos & Mono Green Food - 1:04:35 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Magic is back baby! Sweeping bans have finally made the format feel fresh again, and Gerry and Bryan have been hard at work figuring out the rules of engagement for new Standard. They present their pillars, and explain how the presence of five format defining cards should be shaping your deck building in the coming weeks. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: B&R - 3:41 What Standard looks like now - 15:35 The Great Henge - 20:36 Heartless Act - 30:34 Ruin Crab - 34:39 Food decks - 39:37 Embercleave - 42:39 Shark Typhoon - 47:49 Skyclave Appartition - 51:30 Izzet Spells - 57:39 Setessan Champion - 1:02:21 Question of the week - 1:14:22 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Two formats and a small field of some of the best players in the world have left Gerry and Bryan with plenty of food for thought headed into the biggest Magic tournament of the year: the Grand Finals! The guys talk about why the Omnath problem has proven so difficult to solve in Standard, and whether the competitors here have found any glimmers of hope. When it comes to Historic, Omnath is only beginning to assert its dominance. Did anyone in this field find the answer? Also, what video game came out of nowhere this week to consume the lives of our hosts? Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Grand Finals small metagame - 8:43 Standard decks - 22:08 Rakdos - 30:11 Historic - 51:12 Question of the week - 1:07:40 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Look, the bans didn’t go exactly how Gerry and Bryan had hoped. Omnath remains a huge fixture of Standard, and engines are still the order of the day. However, there’s still work to be done and moves to make. The guys are hard at work, both figuring out the best version of Omnath and the best way to fight it. Hear what’s been working for them, and learn about Standard’s surprisingly deep second tier. Do any dark horse archetypes have what it takes to unseat the four-armed menace? Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Uro Ban & Playing Omnath - 2:44 Mono-Red - 25:53 Mono-Green - 35:38 Gruul Adventures - 40:23 4 Color Adventures - 47:22 Mill - 54:17 Dimir Control - 1:05:03 Rogues - 1:12:18 Question of the week - 1:21:38 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Wow. Prior to the actual release of Zendikar Rising, bans are already on the horizon. Why does this keep happening, and what do Gerry and Bryan think needs to change to prevent bans in the future? What cards do they expect to get the axe? Is this the straw that breaks the camel’s back when it comes to player morale? It’s not all bad news this week though. With Standard temporarily on ice, the guys check in on a Modern league, and find a format picking up some exciting new tools from Zendikar Rising. Is Modern the best format in Magic again? Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Incoming B&R announcement? - 0:55 Modern - 29:37 Neoform - 40:44 Mono-White Taxes - 42:08 Scourge of the Skyclaves - 46:01 Grixis Shadow - 48:42 Belcher - 52:33 Niv-Mizzet vs Omnath - 55:21 Uro Ramp - 57:50 Naya Landfall Scapeshift - 1:01:59 Kiki Chord - 1:05:07 8 Crab - 1:08:56 Azorius Control - 1:11:00 Jeskai Control - 1:14:08 Eldrazi Tron - 1:16:54 B

With a couple days of new Standard under their belt, Gerry and Bryan are ready to share their first impressions. And those impressions are generally summed up by a simple mantra: "Play Omnath and Lotus Cobra." Drawing your deck on Turn 4, turns producing dozens of mana, passively gaining tons of life, ample card advantage... It's all possible for Four-Color Genesis Ultimatum. Is there any hope, or are we doomed to another two years of Standard defined by ramp? 4 Omnath, Locus of Creation (ZNR) 232 1 Mountain (UND) 94 2 Island (UND) 90 1 Plains (UND) 88 4 Lotus Cobra (ZNR) 193 4 Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath (THB) 229 4 Genesis Ultimatum (IKO) 189 3 Radha, Heart of Keld (M21) 224 4 Dryad of the Ilysian Grove (THB) 169 2 Forest (UND) 96 4 Fabled Passage (ELD) 244 2 Riverglide Pathway (ZNR) 264 3 Cragcrown Pathway (ZNR) 261 4 Tangled Florahedron (ZNR) 211 1 Bala Ged Recovery (ZNR) 180 4 Turntimber Symbiosis (ZNR) 215 4 Escape to the Wilds (ELD) 189 1 Thassa's Oracle (THB) 73 2 Spikefield Hazard (ZNR) 166 4 Shatt

Gerry and Bryan have been hard at work building decks for new Standard, and their work has unveiled a bevy of new information about the format. Cards have been rapidly moving up and down their personal rankings, and they discuss each and every card they considered for inclusion in their Top 10s. If you're looking for a head start on deckbuilding come release week, you CANNOT miss this episode. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Pathways - 7:49 Omnath - 16:14 Bloodchief's Thirst - 21:37 Nullpriest of Oblivion - 24:29 Orah, Skyclave Hierophant - 28:06 Acquisitions Expert - 30:56 Zareth San, the Trickster - 36:22 Skyclave Apparition - 47:16 Akoum Hellhound - 50:30 Jace, Mirror Mage - 56:53 Magmatic Channeler - 1:00:20 Ancient Greenwarden - 1:05:07 Bala Ged Recovery & Shatterskull Smashing - 1:15:59 Ranking DFC mythic spell lands - 1:27:13 Gerry's Top 10 - 1:38:23 Bryan's Top 10 - 1:39:48 Question of the week - 1:47:56 arenadec

A whole bunch of new Zendikar Rising cards have been previewed and Gerry and Bryan have opinions in this monster episode. What mechanic has the guys feeling some real trepidation at first glance? What creature have they already picked out as one of the best cards in the set? Why can’t Gerry convert in Fall Guys? All this and some bonus talk about the best deck in Historic! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Pathways - 2:33 Archon of Emeria - 12:18 Archpriest of Iona - 15:56 Emeria's Call - 19:08 Skyclave Apparation - 29:05 Confounding Conundrum - 35:15 Merfolk Windrobber - 43:54 Sea Gate Stormcaller - 44:51 Acquisitions Expert - 51:40 Bloodchief's Thirst - 54:16 Coveted Prize - 56:41 Demon's Disciple - 1:00:10 Feed the Swarm - 1:01:12 Mind Carver - 1:04:20 Nighthawk Scavenger - 1:07:40 Soul Shatter - 1:13:04 Thwart the Grave - 1:14:08 Akoum Hellhound - 1:15:54 Ardent Electromancer - 1:17:40 Cleansing Wildfire - 1:19:17 Roili

Our first look at Zendikar Rising is here and Gerry and Bryan are already over the moon about one of the new cards! Find out what they think of new versions of Jace and Nahiri, and get their breakdown of the Historic format in a post-Field of the Dead world. Also, does Magic have too many formats right now? Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Jace, Mirror Mage - 0:50 Nahiri, Heir of the Ancients - 12:08 Field of the Dead banned....again - 24:56 Historic going forward - 42:18 Question of the week - 1:26:39 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

With substantial changes in both Arena constructed formats, Gerry and Bryan are finally enjoying themselves again! Standard has a bit of a Sultai problem, but this past week showed there is still a lot of room for innovation. Similarly, Sultai Field occupies the top tier of historic, but there are a bunch of options that are starting to figure out the best way to fight the zombie hordes. Listen and learn how to climb the ladder! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Standard - 1:46 Historic - 22:59 Secret Lairs, comics, and baseball cards - 29:02 What is the relationship of Pioneer and Historic? - 59:48 Question of the week - 1:09:02 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Post-ban Standard has quickly become centered around yet another Simic-based archetype, but Gerry and Bryan aren’t ready to give up hope! The guys are convinced that there are multiple archetypes capable of challenging for the throne, they just need to adjust for the Sultai menace. Hear how Gerry’s finding success with rebuilt classics and how Bryan is changing Sultai to get the largest edge in the mirror. A can’t miss episode for anyone who wants to win in Standard! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Why Gerry hates Sultai control - 0:59 Sultai's weaknesses - 7:31 Rakdos Knights - 17:37 Winota - 18:53 Temur Elementals - 25:16 Temur Adventures - 38:55 Bryan's problems with Sultai - 42:03 Question of the week - 59:34 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

After months of player unrest, Wizards stepped in and gave the players the sweeping changes they've been clamoring for! Bans have dramatically transformed Standard and Pioneer overnight. Gerry and Bryan got right to work, and they’re bringing you their analysis and early picks for both formats! Are you ready? Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: B&R surprise announcement - 2:45 New Standard - 24:23 Pioneer - 38:36 Historic - 49:57 Question of the week - 1:03:38 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

With the Arena Open coming up this weekend, Arena Decklists finally gives the people what they’ve been clamoring for—an entire episode focused on Historic! Gerry and Bryan even brought along a special guest in the form of Historic devotee Nick Prince. The trio teams up to let you know exactly what this young format is all about and what they see as the best choice for this coming weekend. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Gathering info on Historic - 1:37 Temur Reclamation - 7:05 Goblins - 16:19 Midrange decks - 22:15 Azorius Spirits - 35:14 Rakdos Sac - 39:37 Kethis & Underworld Breach - 42:45 Mono-Red - 49:07 Humans & Lifegain - 52:03 Orzhov Vampires - 1:02:55 Tempered Steel - 1:03:48 Tiny Bones - 1:05:20 Question of the week - 1:10:36 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

After last week’s bans, Modern and Pioneer events revealed some subtle changes starting to take root. Gerry and Bryan are looking to get one step ahead of the shifts. They got together to identify new trends and potential responses in both formats. If you’ve been dying for a return to classic Arena Decklists metagame analysis, this is the episode for you! Follow along for the Modern PTQ at: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/mtgo-standings/modern-champ-qual-2020-07-20 Follow along for the Pioneer League at: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/mtgo-standings/pioneer-league-2020-07-23 Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Modern - 1:11 Wilderness Reclamation - 30:51 Mystic Sanctuary - 38:57 Pioneer - 49:01 Question of the week - 1:19:01 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Once again, the Banned and Restricted list has shaken up almost every format. Gerry and Bryan are weighing in on what the changes mean, and what new decks are ready to step into the top tiers of their respective formats. Plus, a bold new proposal for how the banned list should operate going forward and thoughts on the ever changing shape of organized play. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: B&R announcement for Historic - 1:51 Pioneer - 19:52 Modern - 36:42 Question of the week - 55:11 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

With the rug pulled out from under them by upcoming bans, Gerry and Bryan decide to give a little back to their Patrons and spend THREE HOURS answering every single question they were asked. Get to know more about the guys as people and expect plenty of great Magic insight sprinkled in along the way. Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Gerry and Bryan are bringing you an Arena Decklists classic this week—the deck dump! Follow along as they review the best (and worst) of the new Standard decklists, and even talk through a few bonus decks. Follow along at: https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/mtgo-standings/standard-league-2020-07-02 Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Mono-Red - 3:53 Jund Food - 6:08 Rakdos Sacrifice - 7:58 Izzet Spells - 12:48 Paw Blade - 17:06 Sultai Ramp - 19:43 Mono-Green - 24:35 Gruul - 28:37 Mono-Black & Vampires - 43:14 Question of the week - 48:08 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Long time friend of the podcast Yoman_5 stops by to discuss his experiences in the Core Set 2021 Streamer Showcase. What cards underwhelmed and impressed? What dormant archetype has been brought back from the dead with the printing of a powerful new rare? What cards are still flying under the radar and just waiting to be unlocked? Listen and find out! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango

Gerry and Bryan are back to bring you their look at the best cards in Core Set 2021. In an effort to get you better prepared for your Week 1 tournament, the boys changed the formula a bit and added the reprints to the mix. Plus, Gerry learns what Jumpstart is! Music: Mega Man 2 "Ending theme" Remix by zookun | Music composed by Manami Matsumae & Takashi Tateishi Timestamps: Reprints Honorable Mentions - 4:00 #5 Reprint - 8:31 #4 - 10:26 #3 - 13:14 #2 - 15:42 #1 - 18:49 New Cards Honorable Mentions - 25:09 #5 - 28:06 #4 - 31:15 #3 - 34:20 #2 - 37:47 #1 - 41:51 Question of the week - 55:27 arenadecklists.gg patreon.com/arenadecklists youtube.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/arenadecklists twitter.com/g3rryt twitter.com/bryango