The Pre-Game Podcast by WZKD-

Craig Mack WZKD
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Games
  • Updated Weekly

The PREGAME Podcast is your weekly competitive Commander briefing hosted by Craig Mack of WZKD Games. Every Monday, Craig breaks down the biggest stories in cEDH, including tournament results, emerging decklists, metagame shifts, new card technology, spoiler season reactions, and the community conversations everyone is talking about. Whether you're preparing for your next tournament, looking for the latest cEDH tech, or just trying to stay ahead of the meta, PREGAME delivers fast-paced analysis, hot takes, deck discussions, and event coverage from across the competitive Commander landscape.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    He WON Breach the Bay 2… Now He’s Our Co-Host?! | Pregame Podcast Ep. 12

    We survived Breach the Bay 2. Barely. This week on The Pregame Podcast, we’re excited to officially welcome Breach the Bay 2 Open Champion Andrei Blanton as a new co-host of the show — whenever his schedule allows! Andrei is an incredible deck builder, a member of Too Deep, a student of the game, and someone who consistently brings unique decks to major cEDH tournaments…and somehow keeps WINNING WITH THEM. This week we talk about: 🔥 Andrei’s Breach the Bay 2 Open WIN🧠 Building unique decks in an established cEDH meta🤝 How to politick without being manipulative or adversarial🗣️ Why sharing information can actually help you win games🌎 Language barriers in competitive cEDH — and how we can handle them better🏆 Our full Breach the Bay 2 experience❤️ What we LOVED about the event😬 And a few things we could have done without... Plus, BANGERS YOU SHOULD BE AT! 🍖 THE COOKOUT 2026https://topdeck.gg/event/the-cookout-2026 🏛️ THE ATRIUM 2https://topdeck.gg/event/the-atrium-2-1 And yes…we are still absolutely exhausted from Breach the Bay. So Episode 12 is a little different. We’re hanging out, talking cEDH, telling stories, and recovering from an incredible weekend. Normal Pregame formatting returns next week! If you enjoy the show, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment — it helps us more than you know. And let us know: What did you think of Breach the Bay 2? Follow Craig / The Pregame / WZKD Games:https://linktr.ee/Craigmack cEDH ON TOP.

  2. Aug 19

    How to Prepare for a cEDH Tournament | K’rrik, Rocco & Krark/Sakashima | Ep. 11

    Tournament day is coming. Are you actually ready? This week on The Pregame, we break down two recent cEDH events featuring K’rrik, Son of Yawgmoth, Rocco, Cabaretti Caterer, and Krark & Sakashima. Then we dive into HOW TO PREPARE FOR A cEDH TOURNAMENT — knowing your deck, studying the meta, understanding what your opponents are playing, sharing information, navigating table politics, managing mistakes, and having the confidence to play YOUR game. Plus, Events You Should Be At! We spotlight the Summer Sizzler 5K and make one final pitch for Breach the Bay 2, which has a chance to become one of the biggest cEDH events ever. And if you stick around until the end… I reveal what I’m considering playing at Breach. 👀 Next week: the full Breach the Bay recap — whether I crush it or get absolutely destroyed. Shuffle up. Have fun. LET’S PREGAME. Find Craig & The Pregame:https://linktr.ee/Craigmack #cEDH #MTG #Commander #CompetitiveCommander

    How to Prepare for a cEDH Tournament | K’rrik, Rocco & Krark/Sakashima | Ep. 11

  3. Aug 13

    PREGAME EP. 10 — PIGEON, The cEDH Invitational & Getting Better at Magic

    EPISODE 10! The Pregame Podcast officially hits double digits, and we're celebrating with a great one. This week, PIGEON joins Craig to talk about becoming a better cEDH player, navigating tables, improving the format, and some of the lessons Magic can teach us beyond the game. We also break down two recent tournaments featuring some interesting decks—including the first appearance of Gleaming Splendor—and look ahead to Breach the Bay 2, The Cookout, and the TopDeck Invitational. The Invitational is the Super Bowl of cEDH, and Craig is putting his predictions on tape: Jason Doan, Evan Pierce, Zach Shepherd, and Pigeon in the final pod. Who takes it all down? Plus, we've heard some VERY interesting things about the decks people are bringing… A huge thank you to everyone who's watched, listened, commented, and supported the Pregame Podcast through our first 10 episodes. We're just getting started.

    PREGAME EP. 10 — PIGEON, The cEDH Invitational & Getting Better at Magic

  4. Aug 6 ·  Bonus

    The PREGAME Podcast Ep. 9.5 | The Hobbit cEDH Set Review: Future Staples or Format Changers?

    Episode 9.5 – The Hobbit cEDH Set Review Could The Hobbit become one of the most impactful sets ever released for Competitive Commander? In this special edition of The PREGAME Podcast, Craig Mack breaks down the biggest winners from the set, evaluating which cards have real cEDH potential, which belong in the 98/99 of established archetypes, and which might become format-defining staples. From Smaug, the Wicked Worm and Bag End Banquet to The Queen of Dale, Dragon's Desire, and more, Craig dives into the cards that could reshape the metagame—and separates the true contenders from the hype. Did he miss a hidden gem? Is one of these cards being overrated? Join the discussion and let us know what you think the biggest cEDH card from The Hobbit will be. Stay prepared. Stay competitive. See you in the next pod.

  5. Aug 6

    The PREGAME Podcast Ep. 9 | Max P, CCS $20K Qualifier & The Future of cEDH

    🎙️ Welcome to Episode 9 of the PREGAME Podcast with Craig Mack and WZKD Games!This week we're breaking down one of the most exciting weekends in Competitive Commander while welcoming Max P from the Win and In Podcast to discuss the future of cEDH, the health of the format, and the deck he's bringing to the upcoming Invitational.This Week's Topics🏆 CCS $20K Qualifier tournament recap📊 The biggest metagame takeaways and standout performances🧙 Auntie Ool – Is this the next breakout commander?⚡ Cursewretch Turbo and why players are taking notice🛡️ Akiri/Thrasios returns to the conversation🎙️ Special Guest: Max P (Win and In Podcast)Max joins Craig to discuss:🔥 The current state of Competitive Commander💡 Small tweaks that could make cEDH even better🎯 What makes the community so special🃏 His newest brew for the upcoming Invitational📈 Where he thinks the metagame is headed nextWhether you're preparing for your next tournament, looking for the latest tech, or just love talking high-level Commander, Episode 9 is packed with strategy, insight, and great conversation.👇 Join the discussion:Is Auntie Ool the real deal?Can Cursewretch Turbo become a top-tier strategy?What changes, if any, would you make to improve cEDH?What deck do you think wins the next major event?If you enjoy Competitive Commander, tournament coverage, metagame analysis, deck techs, interviews with top players, and the latest cEDH news, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode of the PREGAME Podcast.Stay prepared. Stay competitive. See you in the next pod.

  6. Aug 6

    The PREGAME Podcast Ep. 8 | Jack from Doot Loot, Breach the Bay 2 & The July cEDH Meta Report

    Welcome to Episode 8 of The PREGAME Podcast!This week we're joined by Jack from Doot Loot to discuss one of the most ambitious cEDH events ever planned—Breach the Bay 2.Inspired by the feel of a classic MagicFest, Breach the Bay 2 is shaping up to be far more than just another tournament. We dive into what makes the event unique, the innovative Japanese point system, and why this could become a blueprint for the future of competitive Commander events.We also break down everything happening in cEDH right now, including our July Meta Report, the biggest stories from the Excalibur Columbus $10,000, and our first reactions to The Hobbit spoilers. Could these new cards reshape the competitive landscape? We discuss the commanders, staples, and interactions that already have players talking.This Episode Includes:🏆 Jack from Doot Loot joins the show🌉 Everything you need to know about Breach the Bay 2🎲 The Japanese point system explained📊 July 2026 cEDH Meta Report💰 Excalibur Columbus $10,000 recap and standout decks🧙 The Hobbit spoilers and their impact on cEDH🔥 Cards that could redefine the format🎙️ Community news, tournament discussion, and competitive Commander insightsWhether you're preparing for your next tournament or just love staying on top of the competitive Commander metagame, Episode 8 is packed with everything you need to know.👇 Tell us in the comments:Which Hobbit card has the biggest cEDH potential?Are you planning to attend Breach the Bay 2?What deck impressed you most from the July metagame?Is the Japanese point system something more tournaments should adopt?If you enjoy cEDH, Competitive Commander, tournament coverage, metagame analysis, spoiler season, and interviews with leaders in the community, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode of The PREGAME Podcast.Stay prepared. Stay competitive. We'll see you next week!Doot Loot: https://www.doot-loot.com/Breach the Bay2: https://www.breachthebay.com/Rog Si Deck Tech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC1454XNq1sCraig Mack on x: https://x.com/Craig_MackWZKD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WZKDGames/WZKD GRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wzkdgamesCRAIG MACK MOXFIELD: https://moxfield.com/users/CraigMack

  7. Aug 6

    Rhystic Study Should NEVER Be Banned?! | cEDH Meta Breakdown | PREGAME podcast EP4

    🎙️ Welcome back to Episode 4 of the PREGAME Podcast with Craig Mack and WZKD Games!This week we're taking a deep dive into the current cEDH metagame, breaking down what the numbers are telling us about the format, which decks are rising to the top, and which commanders are beginning to make serious waves in competitive Commander.Topics this week include:📊 cEDH Meta Breakdown by the Numbers⚡ Ral, Monsoon Mage Performance & Potential🩸 Gwennon the Remorseless Analysis🐉 Kinnan, Scion of Ur-Dragon and Emerging Brews🦸 Marvel Cards That Are Overperforming Expectations🔥 The Cards Players May Have Missed💬 Why Craig Mack Thinks Rhystic Study Should Stay in cEDHThe Rhystic Study debate has become one of the hottest topics in competitive Commander. Is the card unhealthy for the format, or is it a necessary pillar that helps keep the metagame balanced? Craig breaks down why he believes Rhystic Study remains an important part of cEDH and what could happen if it ever left the format.Whether you're grinding tournaments, preparing for your next event, or just trying to stay ahead of the evolving cEDH metagame, Episode 4 has everything you need to know.👇 Let us know in the comments:Should Rhystic Study remain legal in cEDH?And which commander are you most excited about right now:⚡ Ral, Monsoon Mage🩸 Gwennon the Remorseless🐉 Kinnan, Scion of Ur-DragonIf you enjoy competitive Commander content, tournament breakdowns, deck techs, metagame analysis, spoiler discussions, and cEDH strategy, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the PREGAME Podcast.

    Rhystic Study Should NEVER Be Banned?! | cEDH Meta Breakdown | PREGAME podcast EP4

  8. Jul 22

    The FUTURE of cEDH? Matt Hayes on 2027, The Hobbit & Why Competitive Commander Is THRIVING | PREGAME EP7

    🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of The PREGAME Podcast with Craig Mack and WZKD Games! This week, Craig is joined by cEDH legend Matt Hayes for an in-depth conversation about where Competitive Commander is headed—and why 2026 may be the strongest year the format has ever seen. Together, they discuss why the cEDH community should focus on showcasing the best of the format: incredible gameplay, welcoming communities, and unforgettable tournament experiences, rather than letting the occasional controversy define what makes competitive Commander special. 🏆 Matt Hayes joins the podcast🌍 The explosive growth of cEDH in 2026🤝 Why we should celebrate what makes Competitive Commander great📅 What Magic: The Gathering could look like in 2027🧙 Breaking down the first The Hobbit spoilers and what they could mean for cEDH🔥 Summer Classic 3 tournament recap📊 Standout decklists, spicy innovations, and the biggest surprises from the event🎯 Current metagame trends and where the format is headed next Whether you're a seasoned tournament grinder or just getting into Competitive Commander, this episode is packed with insight, discussion, and optimism about the future of the game we all love. 💬 Join the conversation in the comments! Is cEDH entering its golden age?What are your thoughts on the first Hobbit spoilers?Which Summer Classic 3 deck impressed you the most?What do you hope to see from Magic in 2027?If you enjoy competitive Commander, cEDH tournament coverage, metagame analysis, deck techs, spoiler season, and conversations with the biggest names in the format, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The PREGAME Podcast. Stay prepared. Stay competitive. See you in the next pod. #cEDH #CompetitiveEDH #Commander #MagicTheGathering #MTG #MattHayes #TheHobbit #SummerClassic3 #CommanderMeta #TournamentMagic #WZKDGames #CraigMack #PregamePodcast #EDH In this episode:

  9. Jun 24 ·  Bonus

    MARVEL Just Changed cEDH Forever?! | The Cards That Will SHAKE the Format | PREGAME Podcast 3.5

    Marvel has officially arrived—and some of these cards may have a much bigger impact on Competitive Commander than players realize.In Episode 3.5 of the PREGAME PODCAST, Craig Mack takes a deep dive into the Marvel Super Heroes cards generating the most excitement in the cEDH community and explores how they could reshape deckbuilding, combo lines, and metagame decisions moving forward.Featured Cards:🦸 Jennifer Walters🕶️ Nick Fury💥 The Fantastic Four🧠 M.O.D.O.K.💍 The Ten RingsWhich cards are legitimate cEDH contenders?Which are overhyped?And which might become format-defining staples?Whether you're a brewer looking for the next competitive edge or a seasoned grinder preparing for the evolving metagame, this episode breaks down the Marvel cards you need to know.Topics Covered:⚡ Marvel Cards in Competitive Commander⚡ New cEDH Staples and Role Players⚡ Arcum Dagsson and Artifact Synergies⚡ Combo Potential⚡ Metagame Impact⚡ Future Brewing Opportunities⚡ Tournament ImplicationsDo you think Marvel will have a lasting impact on cEDH? Let us know in the comments which card you're most excited to test.If you enjoy competitive Commander, cEDH strategy, deckbuilding, tournament analysis, and metagame discussions, be sure to subscribe and join us every week on the PREGAME PODCAST.

  10. Jun 24

    Marvel Cards for Arcum?! CCS $20K Results, The Siege Breakdown & Grixis Pirates | PREGAME Ep. 3

    Welcome back to Episode 3 of the PREGAME PODCAST from WZKD Games!Join Craig Mack as we break down the biggest stories, tournament results, emerging decks, and brewing innovations currently shaping the competitive Commander landscape.🏆 TOURNAMENT REPORTThis week we dive into the results from CCS $20K and The Siege, analyzing the decks, commanders, and strategies that put up the best performances. Which archetypes are winning? What trends are emerging? And what do these results tell us about the current state of the cEDH metagame?🔥 cEDH BUZZNiko R from Too Deep joins the show to discuss Marvel Super Hero cards and their potential impact on Competitive Commander.Can Marvel cards actually find homes in cEDH?We explore:⚡ Arcum Dagsson Marvel tech⚡ New combo and value opportunities⚡ Potential staples and hidden gems⚡ Early brewing concepts for upcoming events🏴‍☠️ DECK SPOTLIGHTWe also take a look at Grixis Pirates, one of the most talked-about emerging archetypes in the format. Is it a legitimate contender? A metagame call? Or the next breakout strategy?📅 EVENTS YOU SHOULD BE ATLooking ahead, we discuss The Fishbowl and why it should be on every competitive Commander's radar. If you're planning your next big cEDH event, this is one you won't want to miss.🎯 IN THIS EPISODE• CCS $20K Tournament Results• The Siege Tournament Breakdown• Arcum Dagsson Marvel Tech• Niko R from Too Deep• Grixis Pirates Discussion• The Fishbowl Preview• cEDH Metagame Analysis• Upcoming Events & TrendsIf you enjoy competitive Commander, cEDH tournament coverage, deck analysis, spoiler discussions, metagame breakdowns, and high-level gameplay strategy, be sure to subscribe and join us every Monday for the PREGAME PODCAST.What Marvel card do you think has the best chance to break into cEDH?#cEDH #CompetitiveEDH #Commander #EDH #MagicTheGathering #MTG #Marvel #ArcumDagsson #CCS20K #TheSiege #TheFishbowl #GrixisPirates #TooDeep #NikoR #TournamentReport #cEDHMeta #WZKDGames #CraigMack #PregamePodcastHow this was made

  11. Jun 24

    Marvel Just SHOOK cEDH! | Punt City 5, Baked Ziti 3 & HUGE New Tech | PREGAME Podcast Ep. 2

    Welcome back to Episode 2 of the PREGAME PODCAST from WZKD Games!Join Craig Mack as we break down everything happening in the world of Competitive Commander this week.In this episode:🏆 Tournament ReportWe take a deep dive into the winning decklists and biggest performances from Punt City 5 and Baked Ziti 3. Which commanders are putting up results? What strategies are emerging? Which decks should cEDH players be paying attention to moving forward?🔥 cEDH BUZZMarvel has officially entered the conversation, and some of these new cards look ready to make an immediate impact in Competitive Commander. We discuss the biggest Marvel spoilers, potential homes for these cards, and which ones could become instant staples in the format.🎯 Meta Discussion• Emerging cEDH trends• Top performing archetypes• Cards on the rise• What we're watching moving forwardIf you're looking to stay ahead of the cEDH metagame, discover winning decklists, and hear discussion on the latest spoilers and tournament results, you've come to the right place.Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of the PREGAME PODCAST every Monday.What Marvel card do you think will have the biggest impact on cEDH?#cEDH #CompetitiveEDH #Commander #MTG #MagicTheGathering #Marvel #MTGMarvel #EDH #PuntCity5 #BakedZiti3 #DeckTech #CommanderGameplay #MTGSpoilers #cEDHMeta #WZKDGames #CraigMack #PregamePodcast

  12. Jun 24

    WZKD PREGAME 06/01/26 Just Jam D-Grid and Marvel Superheroes in cEDH!

    Dive into the latest cEDH tournament results, meta game shifts, and hot new deck tech. Get the competitive Commander insights you need to stay ahead. #CEDH #MTG #Commander #MagicTheGathering #CardGames

  • 12 Episodes

About

The PREGAME Podcast is your weekly competitive Commander briefing hosted by Craig Mack of WZKD Games. Every Monday, Craig breaks down the biggest stories in cEDH, including tournament results, emerging decklists, metagame shifts, new card technology, spoiler season reactions, and the community conversations everyone is talking about. Whether you're preparing for your next tournament, looking for the latest cEDH tech, or just trying to stay ahead of the meta, PREGAME delivers fast-paced analysis, hot takes, deck discussions, and event coverage from across the competitive Commander landscape.

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