The Winning Point

Turn 'em Sideways
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🎙️ The Winning Point is a podcast about Riftbound and the world of competitive card games. Hosted by seasoned casters and players, we dive into gameplay mechanics, community stories, and what it means to grow a new TCG from the ground up. Whether you’re a pro, a casual, or just card-curious, join us as we explore Riot’s newest card game and everything around it.

  1. Chinese Cards at your Nexus Nights? It's more likely than you think.

    6 DAYS AGO

    Chinese Cards at your Nexus Nights? It's more likely than you think.

    Spiritforged is almost here and Riftbound just took a massive step forward.In Episode 33 of The Winning Point, the full crew breaks down the latest Riftbound tournament rules update, dives into the evolving Chinese Regional Open meta, and talks through what these changes mean heading into Spiritforged pre-release events worldwide. We cover: ✅ Mixed-language cards now legal in tournaments ✅ Major policy updates around missed triggers ✅ Draft & limited format rules officially revealed ✅ Ongoing Draven dominance — and why the meta might finally be cracking ✅ Controversial judge rulings from recent CN Regionals ✅ Spiritforged preorder changes & what they signal for the future With Chengdu and Dalian Regional Opens fresh in the books and Pre-Rift events coming to the West next week, this episode is your essential prep guide for what’s coming next in competitive Riftbound.

    1h 1m
  2. WIN Your Spiritforged Pre-Rift

    30 JAN

    WIN Your Spiritforged Pre-Rift

    Spiritforged is almost here — and the countdown has officially begun. In episode 32 of The Winning Point, we shift gears from pure meta analysis to full pre-release mode, breaking down everything players need to know as Spiritforged pre-release events hit the West next week. We start with a quick co-stream recap of the Chengdu Regional Open, highlighting what stood out, what surprised us, and what early Spiritforged gameplay is already teaching us. With Dalian happening tonight, we talk about what to watch for next. From there, the focus turns to Pre-Rift events, local game store play, and what Spiritforged means for players jumping in fresh. We discuss:- What archetypes feel intuitive for pre-release play- Why Spiritforged rewards proactive decision-making- How early Draven and Fiora narratives should (and shouldn’t) influence your expectations- What new players should prioritize when opening their first pools This episode is about excitement, preparation, and momentum — bridging the gap between high-level tournament play and the experiences most players are about to have at their local stores. Whether you’re sleeving up for a Pre-Rift event, watching the China co-streams, or just counting down the days, Spiritforged is finally here.🎧 The Winning Point is your weekly Riftbound podcast, covering competitive play, event coverage, and everything that shapes the game — from global regionals to your local prerelease.

    1h 6m
  3. How an Underdog nearly toppled the Final Boss

    23 JAN

    How an Underdog nearly toppled the Final Boss

    This week, we dive deep into the Fuzhou Regional Open, the first major Spiritforged regional in China, and unpack what the results actually tell us beyond the headline numbers. With Draven making up a massive portion of the field, we discuss whether this represents true dominance, early-set convergence, or simply China doing what it does best: identifying the perceived best deck and pushing it to its limits. We break down the Top 64 and Top 8 legend spread, including strong showings from Fiora, Irelia, Annie, and Ezreal, and analyze why Draven’s representation dropped as the tournament narrowed — even after starting at nearly 40% of the field. From Jund-style “fair” Draven lists to the absence of expected combo builds, we explore how preparation, matchup targeting, and player skill shaped the event. The episode also tackles one of the biggest conversations of the week: Riot’s Spiritforged errata, including the removal of reflexive triggers and how changes to cards like Falling Star and Icathian Rain impact gameplay clarity, tournament prep, and long-term confidence in physical card text. We debate errata vs bans, growing pains in early sets, and how these decisions affect both competitive and casual players. To close things out, we zoom out on the broader Spiritforged landscape — discussing aggro vs midrange, why “proactive” decks feel strong early in formats, what might emerge as the next hated-but-not-broken deck, and how the meta could evolve heading into upcoming Chinese Regionals and major Western events.

    1h 3m
  4. Things are a little CHAOTIC with Riftbound right now...

    16 JAN

    Things are a little CHAOTIC with Riftbound right now...

    In Episode 30, we dive headfirst into the Spiritforged meta explosion, focusing on the rise of purple-based draw engines, Miracle-style Draven builds, and what happens when Riftbound suddenly allows decks to draw nearly their entire library with consistency. From Chinese City Challenges and large proxy events to early testing for Vegas, we analyze how purple cores are warping deck construction — and whether this level of power was intended.We break down why Draven has emerged as the defining legend of the format, how Miracle Draven and “fair” Jund-style Draven coexist, and why Ezreal may quietly be the most important card in Spiritforged. The conversation also explores how decks like Kai'sa, Annie, Ornn, and even under-the-radar picks could adapt — or fail — as consistency and card velocity continue to increase.Along the way, we debate design intent, compare Spiritforged’s power jump to early Magic and other TCGs, discuss why China and the West approach metas differently, and examine what counterplay actually exists against full-deck cycling strategies. If you’re testing for upcoming events, tracking regional trends, or trying to understand where Riftbound is heading next, this episode gives you the context you need.

    1h 4m
  5. Draven is everywhere… and that might be a problem

    9 JAN

    Draven is everywhere… and that might be a problem

    A reminder that co-streams will start next week (1/16 around ~8pm CT) with the Fuzhou Spiritforged Event! Welcome back to The Winning Point, episode 29 — our first episode of 2026 and a deep dive into everything shaping Riftbound right now. This week, Blevins, Casanova, and Charmer talk about projected content plans for Turn 'em Sideways (including new series like First 40) and break down early Spiritforged results from China. The most recent City Challenge data showied Draven at 36% of Top 8s with Kai’Sa close behind, and had some surprising representation from Irelia, Viktor, and Master Yi. We discuss what these numbers actually mean, which decks may be underrepresented, and why this is far from a solved meta. The pod also had some candid discussion around ticket sales, event capacity, and what Riot can do better long-term.We also talk Spiritforged accessibility, product availability updates, Worlds bundles, wave two distribution, and why panic-buying sealed product rarely pays off. On the competitive side, we unpack Riftbound’s updated tournament time rules, how the new structure impacts control vs aggressive decks, and whether this change actually fixes long round delays.If you’re preparing for Spiritforged events, watching the evolving meta, or just want honest Riftbound discussion, this episode sets the stage for what’s coming next.

    1h 2m
  6. EVERY BATTLEFIELD AND LEGEND RANKED | Spiritforged Set Review Part 7

    7 JAN · BONUS

    EVERY BATTLEFIELD AND LEGEND RANKED | Spiritforged Set Review Part 7

    The Battlefields & Legends set review dives deep into Spiritforged’s most meta-defining cards — covering every new Legend, signature spell, and battlefield, and how they reshape deckbuilding, tempo, and win conditions across Riftbound. In this video, we break down each Legend and battlefield, discussing where they fit, what decks they fit into, and which effects are true standouts versus situational tech. High-impact Legends like Draven, Ezreal, Orrn, Jax, and Fiora introduce powerful resource engines, combat manipulation, and card advantage tools, while signature spells such as Relentless Pursuit, Void Rush, Arcane Shift, and Riposte offer some of the strongest interaction and tempo swings in the set. We also take a close look at how Spiritforged’s battlefields influence scoring patterns and deck construction, highlighting options like Ravenbloom Conservatory, Minefield, Ornn's Forge, and Veiled Temple as potential one-sided advantages when built around correctly. Whether you’re optimizing legend-centric engines, planning around repeat spells and equipment synergies, or choosing battlefields that punish specific metas, this review breaks down what matters — and what can be safely ignored. 📺 This video is part of a 7-part review series, covering every card in Spiritforged — be sure to check out the rest of the playlist for full set coverage.

    34 min
  7. EVERY ORDER CARD RANKED | Spiritforged Set Review Part 6

    6 JAN · BONUS

    EVERY ORDER CARD RANKED | Spiritforged Set Review Part 6

    The Order Domain set review dives deep into Riftbound’s most board-focused and value-driven domain — built around tokens, efficient units, and layered interaction that rewards smart sequencing and battlefield control. In this video, we break down every Order Domain card, discussing where each one fits, what decks want them, and which cards are core engines versus situational role-players. Token generators like Azir's Sand Guards, Royal Guard, and Corina Veraza, define Order’s ability to flood and reinforce the board, while standout tools such as BF Sword, Drag Under, and Rally the Troops offer real power in both tempo and removal-heavy matchups. We also take a close look at Order’s evolving late-game and Champions Zone impact, highlighting cards like Fiora (Worthy), Undertitan, and Xin Zhao that push Order decks from incremental pressure into legitimate win conditions. Between efficient accelerate options, action-speed interaction, and token-based synergies, Order continues to reward players who can convert small advantages into overwhelming battlefield presence. 📺 This video is part of a 7-part review series, covering every card in Spiritforged — be sure to check out the rest of the playlist for full set coverage.

    34 min
  8. EVERY CHAOS CARD RANKED | Spiritforged Set Review Part 5

    5 JAN · BONUS

    EVERY CHAOS CARD RANKED | Spiritforged Set Review Part 5

    The Chaos Domain set review dives deep into Riftbound’s most volatile and play-pattern–warping domain — packed with swingy interaction, spell-heavy engines, and high-skill decision points that can completely flip games. In this video, we break down every Chaos Domain card, discussing where each one fits, what decks want them, and which cards are true standouts versus niche tech options. Powerful interaction like Hard Bargain and Switcheroo give Chaos decks real counterplay and combat tricks, while flexible engines such as Fizz (Trickster), Ezreal (Prodigy), and Irelia (Graceful) open the door for repeatable value and spell-centric strategies. We also take a close look at Chaos’ growing combo potential, hidden-card synergies, and how purple decks leverage tempo manipulation, cost reduction, and recursion tools like Last Rites to create pressure without committing too hard to the board. Whether you’re interested in Ezreal spell shells, Annie control, Teemo hidden tech, or experimental Chaos-based combo decks, this review breaks down what matters — and what can be safely skipped. 📺 This video is part of a 7-part review series, covering every card in Spiritforged — be sure to check out the rest of the playlist for full set coverage.

    31 min
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About

🎙️ The Winning Point is a podcast about Riftbound and the world of competitive card games. Hosted by seasoned casters and players, we dive into gameplay mechanics, community stories, and what it means to grow a new TCG from the ground up. Whether you’re a pro, a casual, or just card-curious, join us as we explore Riot’s newest card game and everything around it.

Information

  • Creator
    Turn 'em Sideways
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Turn 'em Sideways
  • Show Website
    The Winning Point

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