The Command Zone

The Command Zone
The Command Zone

Your weekly source for all things Commander (aka EDH), a multiplayer Magic: The Gathering format, with hosts Jimmy Wong and Josh Lee Kwai. Focused on all aspects of gameplay and strategy from table politics, budget builds, to deck building and more! commandzonecast@gmail.com We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4  For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com    Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy

  1. 5D AGO

    Final Fantasy 14 - Commander Deck Upgrade Guide | “Scions & Spellcraft” | 675

    Ready to go from MMO to MTG? Now you can with the new FFXIV Esper (white/blue/black) precon deck “Scions & Spellcraft” from the latest Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy set!  We’re here to save you some time loot-farming by providing you with our $50 upgrade guide. We’ll show you 10 cards to add to your party and 10 to remove, so that the next time you start a PVP encounter at your LGS, you’ll wind up as the last Warrior of Light standing! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- AUDIBLE:  New members can try Audible now free for 30 days by texting COMMAND to 500-500 or visiting https://www.Audible.com/COMMAND    SHOPIFY: Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz   WHATNOT: The Command Zone is streaming on Whatnot May 15th at 12pm! To get $15 for FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up using our link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command   -------- CARD KINGDOM: The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: Jordan Pridgen: Bluesky: @jordanpigeon.bsky.social Twitter: @jordanpigeon “Scions & Spellcraft” Precon Upgrade Deck List: https://archidekt.com/decks/13139385/cz_675_scions_spellcraft_precon_upgrade The Professor: Bluesky: @tolariancommunitycollege.com Twitter: @TolarianCollege YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TolarianCommunityCollege -------- THE END STEP: Blue Prince: https://www.blueprincegame.com/ Betrayal at the House on the Hill: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/10547/betrayal-at-house-on-the-hill -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 19m
  2. MAY 13

    Final Fantasy 7 - Commander Deck Upgrade Guide | “Limit Break” | 674

    BOOM! No, that’s not a Mako reactor exploding, it’s Final Fantasy 7 busting out of Midgar and into the world of Magic: The Gathering! Today, we’re bringing you our upgrade guide for the brand new Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy 7 “Limit Break” (white/red/green) Commander precon deck. Equip Cloud, Tifa, Aerith and the rest of Avalanche with 10 cards in and 10 cards out, all for under $50, so that when you show up at your next game night, you’ll be ready to take down Shinra and save the planet. -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- AUDIBLE:  New members can try Audible now free for 30 days by texting COMMAND to 500-500 or visiting https://www.Audible.com/COMMAND   SHOPIFY: Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz   WHATNOT: The Command Zone is streaming on Whatnot May 15th at 12pm! To get $15 for FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up using our link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command  -------- CARD KINGDOM: The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command  ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- THE END STEP: Andor: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9253284 -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 11m
  3. MAY 7

    We used to HATE these Commanders! But Are They Still Bad? | 673

    In 2018, we thought these Commanders were the worst of the worst, the scourge of the game, we HATED them! But do these boogeymen from the past still haunt our nightmares? This episode, we’re taking a look back and reacting to episode 561 “Commanders We Hate Playing Against” to see how our evaluations hold up. Which are still banes of the format, and which ones will feel a little silly in retrospect? Tune in and find out! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- RAYCON: Raycon’s latest model of Everyday Earbuds are better than ever! To save 15% on your entire Raycon order go to: https://www.buyraycon.com/command    WHATNOT: We’re back on Whatnot on May 15th at 12 noon Pacific with tons of merch and GIVEAWAYS! To get $15 FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up at: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command SHOPIFY: Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz -------- CARD KINGDOM: The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today! ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: DJ (Jumbo Commander): Twitter: @jumbocommander YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JumboCommander Most Hated Commanders | The Command Zone 245: https://youtu.be/dP16gWToUcc Scariest Commanders to Play Against | The Command Zone 520: https://youtu.be/ZA7nX9f19yw Commanders We Hate Playing Against | The Command Zone 561: https://youtu.be/5lOVb4885_I Jacob Bertrand: Instagram: @thejacobbertrand Olivia Gobert-Hicks: Bluesky: @goberthicks.bsky.social Commander At Home: https://www.youtube.com/@commanderathome EDHijinks: https://www.youtube.com/@EDHijinks -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 47m
  4. MAY 2

    How Bad is Braids, Anyway? | 672

    After 15 years on the banlist, the dastardly Braids, Cabal Minion has been UNLEASHED on the world of Commander once again! But after such a long time on ice, is Braids the unbridled force of evil she once was?   There’s no question that the game of MTG has changed since the last time this game changer saw play, so it’s time to look at a brand new Braids deck tech to see how this terror from a bygone era looks in the high-powered world of current-day Commander. It’s going to be fun (and a bit mean) so come join us! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- Braids, Cabal Minion Archidekt Decklist: https://archidekt.com/decks/12800855/cz_672_how_bad_is_braids_anyway -------- WHATNOT: The Command Zone makes its return to Whatnot on April 24th at 2pm! To get $15 for FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up using our link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command FACTOR:  Eat smart with Factor. To get 50% off your first box plus free shipping, use code command50off at  https://www.factormeals.com/command50off  ZOCDOC:  Stop putting off those doctors appointments! Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today by going to https://www.zocdoc.com/command  -------- CARD KINGDOM: The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command  ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: Jordan Pridgen Twitter: @JordanPigeon  IG: @jordanpridgen Commander Banned and Restricted Announcement – April 22, 2025: https://tinyurl.com/edh-bans-april2025 WOTC Introduces New Bracket System for EDH: https://tinyurl.com/edhrec-brackets -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 30m
  5. APR 30

    What’s Wrong with the Commander Brackets? | 671

    Commander Brackets: It’s the new WotC-led deck classification system that’s taking the format by storm! But wait-- they’re in BETA! So what’s keeping Commander Brackets from being a complete and final product?  In this episode, Jimmy and Rachel sit down to discuss this question and many more in-depth. Do brackets work well as-is? What issues need to be ironed out? How do we make sure the rules are clear and useful? Time to jump in and find out! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- FACTOR:  Eat smart with Factor. To get 50% off your first box plus free shipping, use code command50off at  https://www.factormeals.com/command50off  SHOPIFY: Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz  AUDIBLE:  New members can try Audible now free for 30 days by texting COMMAND to 500-500 or visiting https://www.Audible.com/COMMAND   -------- CARD KINGDOM: The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command  ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: Jamie Block: Twitter: @Jamblock Garrett Petersen Post: https://x.com/GarrettPetersen/status/1910910742502793340 Portal: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1127708/ -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social @joshleekwai.bsky.social @wachelreeks.com Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 42m
  6. APR 23

    Major Commander Unban Announcement! | 670

    THE GAME OF COMMANDER HAS CHANGED!  In their first major act since taking control of the format, Wizards has released a new Commander B&R announcement, and five whole cards are coming OFF the banned list! At the same time, 18 cards have been added to the list of Commander Bracket “Game Changers.” Needless to say, there’s a lot to talk about! This episode, JLK and Rachel (both part of the Commander Format Panel) sit down to discuss their thoughts and insights into these major format changes. Are the unbans good? Do the new Game Changers deserve their spots? Come join us and find out!  -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- AUDIBLE:  New members can try Audible now free for 30 days by texting COMMAND to 500-500 or visiting https://www.Audible.com/COMMAND  SHOPIFY: Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz  WHATNOT: #whatnotpartner The Command Zone makes its return to Whatnot on April 24th at 2pm! To get $15 for FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up using our link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command   -------- CARD KINGDOM: The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command  ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: Commander Banned and Restricted Announcement - April 22, 2025: https://tinyurl.com/edh-bans-april2025 Commander Brackets Beta Update - April 22, 2025: https://tinyurl.com/edh-game-changers-april2025 Gavin Verhey: Bluesky: @gavinverhey.bsky.social Twitter: @GavinVerhey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMorningMagic -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 6m
  7. APR 17

    Tarkir: Dragonstorm’s Best Cards (In the 99) | 669

    Here be dragons! Tarkir: Dragonstorm is raging through the world of MTG and, if you don’t want to get swept away, you’re gonna need some powerful cards. Never fear, stormchasers, this episode we’ll be going over the best cards for your 99 from the new set. These cards might not be legendary, but with the strategies and synergies we’ve got here for you, they might just help YOU become a legend! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone -------- AUDIBLE:  New members can try Audible now free for 30 days by texting COMMAND to 500-500 or visiting https://www.Audible.com/COMMAND   WHATNOT: The Command Zone makes its return to Whatnot on April 24th at 2pm! To get $15 for FREE to use anywhere on the platform, sign up using our link: https://www.whatnot.com/invite/command   SHOPIFY: Power your business with Shopify. Start your one-dollar-per-month trial period today by going to: https://www.shopify.com/tcz  -------- CARD KINGDOM: The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command  ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: Gavin Verhey: Bluesky: @gavinverhey.bsky.social Twitter: @GavinVerhey -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 19m
  8. APR 11

    “Mardu Surge” Precon Upgrade | Tarkir: Dragonstorm | 668

    Do you yearn to mobilize an unstoppable horde of Tarkir: Dragonstorm warriors and tokens? You’re going to need our “Mardu Surge” (red/white/black) precon upgrade guide! We’ll show you 10 cards that mar-DO deserve a spot in the deck and 10 cards that, like all weaknesses, must be cast off. The next time your horde hits the board, victory will be inevitable! -------- Support the show and become a Patron! Be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, and more! https://www.patreon.com/commandzone RAYCON: Raycon’s latest model of Everyday Earbuds are better than ever! To save 20% on your entire Raycon order go to: https://www.buyraycon.com/command    RIDGE: Take advantage of Ridge’s once-a-year anniversary sale and get UP TO 40% off right now by going to https://www.Ridge.com/COMMAND   ZOCDOC:  Stop putting off those doctors appointments! Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today by going to https://www.zocdoc.com/command  -------- CARD KINGDOM: The Command Zone is sponsored by Card Kingdom! If you want to receive your cards in one safe package and experience the best customer service, make sure to order your Magic cards, sealed product, accessories, and more at Card Kingdom: http://www.cardkingdom.com/command  ARCHIDEKT: Discover, build, catalog, and playtest on Archidekt, the deck-building website that makes it easy to brew brand new lists or manage your old favorites. Go to http://www.archidekt.com/commandzone to get started today!  ULTRA PRO: Huge thanks to Ultra PRO for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out their amazing APEX sleeves and super classy MANA 8 product line. If you want to keep your cards protected and support the show, visit: https://ultrapro.com/command -------- Relevant Links: Jamie Block: Twitter: @Jamblock “Mardu Surge” Precon Upgrade Deck List: https://archidekt.com/decks/12092405/cz_668_mardu_surge_precon_upgrade Commander Deckbuilding Template for the New Era | The Command Zone 658: https://youtu.be/OSNV6224cHg -------- THE END STEP: Keep Driving: https://www.mobygames.com/game/236996/keep-driving/ -------- Follow us on TikTok: @thecommandzone Follow us on Instagram: @CommandCast Follow us on Bluesky: @commandcast.bsky.social Follow us on Twitter: @CommandCast @JoshLeeKwai @jfwong @wachelreeks Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commandcast/ Email us: commandzonecast@gmail.com -------- Commander Rules and Ban List: https://magic.wizards.com/en/banned-restricted-list -------- Timestamps:  00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:36 - "Mardu Surge" Precon Upgrade 00:04:51 - Possible Commanders 00:08:39 - Reprint Value 00:12:19 - Notable Reprints 00:16:37 - Deck Stats 00:24:38 - Upgrade Goals 00:27:02 - Best Cards 00:34:33 - Cards to Add 00:48:52 - Cards to Cut 00:57:32 - How the Deck Plays 00:59:15 - To the Listeners 01:01:44 - The End Step #magicthegathering #mtg #commander #mtgcommander #edh #podcast #commandzone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 8m
4.9
out of 5
2,119 Ratings

About

Your weekly source for all things Commander (aka EDH), a multiplayer Magic: The Gathering format, with hosts Jimmy Wong and Josh Lee Kwai. Focused on all aspects of gameplay and strategy from table politics, budget builds, to deck building and more! commandzonecast@gmail.com We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4  For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com    Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/us/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada