Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnLegacy players used to scan every spoiler hoping for the next card that would shake up the format. Now? We’re mostly hoping new sets don’t do anything at all.In this episode of Eternal Durdles, Zac and Phil talk about how that shift happened—and why “low-impact” Magic sets might actually be a good thing for Legacy. From Modern Horizons fatigue to Universes Beyond, we break down what healthy design looks like, why cards like Badger Mole Cub are a better model than snowball threats, and how power creep has quietly reshaped player expectations.Along the way, we hit:Why Legacy players now fear spoilers instead of celebrating themThe long shadow of Modern Horizons on eternal formatsWhat “prophylactic” vs. interactive card design really meansUniverses Beyond, Marvel cards, and cautious optimismGoblins, Merfolk, and tribal support that doesn’t break the formatWhy some problem cards escape scrutiny just because the meta shiftsA completely unplanned but very real detour into mall culture and road-trip horror storiesIf you care about Legacy’s long-term health—and Wizards not making your format worse every six months—this one’s for you.👉 Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/eternaldurdles👉 Write for EternalDurdles.com: Reach out to @ForceofPhil or drop a comment👉 Drop your own mall stories in the comments (seriously)JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnLegacy players used to scan every spoiler hoping for the next card that would shake up the format. Now? We’re mostly hoping new sets don’t do anything at all.In this episode of Eternal Durdles, Zac and Phil talk about how that shift happened—and why “low-impact” Magic sets might actually be a good thing for Legacy. From Modern Horizons fatigue to Universes Beyond, we break down what healthy design looks like, why cards like Badger Mole Cub are a better model than snowball threats, and how power creep has quietly reshaped player expectations.Along the way, we hit:Why Legacy players now fear spoilers instead of celebrating themThe long shadow of Modern Horizons on eternal formatsWhat “prophylactic” vs. interactive card design really meansUniverses Beyond, Marvel cards, and cautious optimismGoblins, Merfolk, and tribal support that doesn’t break the formatWhy some problem cards escape scrutiny just because the meta shiftsA completely unplanned but very real detour into mall culture and road-trip horror storiesIf you care about Legacy’s long-term health—and Wizards not making your format worse every six months—this one’s for you.👉 Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/eternaldurdles👉 Write for EternalDurdles.com: Reach out to @ForceofPhil or drop a comment👉 Drop your own mall stories in the comments (seriously)JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

With Parallax Tide gone, Premodern is entering a new era — and two lands are poised to define it.

In this episode, Zac and Phil break down why Gaea’s Cradle and Serra’s Sanctum are the real power outliers in post-Tide Premodern, and why their impact may be underestimated right now. Rather than focusing on obvious culprits like Survival of the Fittest or Replenish, the discussion zooms in on mana engines, inevitability, and play patterns that simply overwhelm interaction.

Topics include:

• Why Sanctum and Cradle are format-defining mana engines

• Enchantress inevitability vs counterspell decks

• Elves, Survival, and the limits of creature-based interaction

• Crop Rotation as the real silent offender

• Why Wasteland often isn’t enough

• How to actually fight these decks in sideboards

• Curse Totem, Wildfire, Armageddon, and other real answers

• What Premodern looks like in a world without Parallax Tide

This isn’t a ban call — it’s a warning. If you’re playing Premodern in 2026 and beyond, these are the cards you need to understand.

Let us know how you’re adapting your sideboards in the comments.

Support the show and get updated sideboard guides:
patreon.com/eternaldurdles
Written content: eternaldurdles.com

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnWith Parallax Tide gone, Premodern is entering a new era — and two lands are poised to define it.In this episode, Zac and Phil break down why Gaea’s Cradle and Serra’s Sanctum are the real power outliers in post-Tide Premodern, and why their impact may be underestimated right now. Rather than focusing on obvious culprits like Survival of the Fittest or Replenish, the discussion zooms in on mana engines, inevitability, and play patterns that simply overwhelm interaction.Topics include:Why Sanctum and Cradle are format-defining mana enginesEnchantress inevitability vs counterspell decksElves, Survival, and the limits of creature-based interactionCrop Rotation as the real silent offenderWhy Wasteland often isn’t enoughHow to actually fight these decks in sideboardsCurse Totem, Wildfire, Armageddon, and other real answersWhat Premodern looks like in a world without Parallax TideThis isn’t a ban call — it’s a warning. If you’re playing Premodern in 2026 and beyond, these are the cards you need to understand.Let us know how you’re adapting your sideboards in the comments.Support the show and get updated sideboard guides:patreon.com/eternaldurdlesWritten content: eternaldurdles.comJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnIs anyone actually playing Legacy at Wizards anymore?In this episode, Zac and Phil take a hard look at the current state of Legacy and ask why the format feels increasingly stale, hostile, and disengaged — despite being one of Magic’s most iconic formats.Rather than calling for any single card ban, this discussion focuses on format stewardship, Wizards’ approach to Banned & Restricted announcements, and why Legacy desperately needs more frequent, more aggressive maintenance.We talk about:Why Legacy feels like it’s multiple B&R cycles behindThe loss of meaningful decision points and replayabilityHow player disengagement creates a self-reinforcing negative cycleWhy bans should be seen as maintenance, not failureThe dangers of relying on win rates instead of player experienceWhy printing answers can’t fix entrenched power creepThe need for clear philosophy and transparencyWhy a Legacy community panel would improve trust and outcomesLegacy doesn’t need perfection — it needs responsiveness.If you’ve stepped away from the format, or feel like games are increasingly pre-scripted, this episode puts words to that frustration and calls for a better long-term approach to keeping Legacy healthy.Let us know in the comments:👉 What makes Legacy unfun for you right now?👉 Do you think Wizards should take more aggressive action?Support the show and help us keep covering Eternal formats honestly:patreon.com/eternaldurdlesJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnWith recent changes to the Premodern ban list, Zac and Phil take a full-format look at every banned card and ask a simple question:Does this still belong here?This episode isn’t about hot takes or knee-jerk unbans. It’s about format identity, historical context, and whether any of these cards would actually improve Premodern—or just make it worse.We cover:Why Brainstorm, Force of Will, and Tendrils of Agony are banned for vibes, not powerWhether iconic cards like Balance, Necropotence, Entomb, and Land Tax could realistically returnWhat happens if you remove ante text from old-school cards like Jeweled Bird, Bronze Tablet, and Amulet of QuozWhy some cards are “broken everywhere” but strangely tame in PremodernThe difference between interesting experiments and format-warping mistakesWhy Premodern’s ban list is smaller — and healthier — than Legacy’sIf you’re new to Premodern, this episode is a guided tour of why the format looks the way it does.If you’re a longtime player, it’s a reality check on which sacred cows should stay sacred.Let us know in the comments:👉 Is there any card on the Premodern ban list you’d like to see tested again?Support the show and help us keep making long-form Eternal Magic content:patreon.com/eternaldurdlesJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnLegacy is in a quiet moment — and that makes it the perfect time to ask an uncomfortable question:What if some cards came off the Legacy ban list?With the February B&R announcement approaching, Zac and Phil go card-by-card through Legacy’s banned list to separate relics of another era from cards that still absolutely belong in exile. This isn’t about unbanning monsters to fight monsters — it’s about context, play patterns, and whether certain bans still make sense in today’s Legacy.We talk:Why some cards aren’t even worth discussingThe difference between format homogeny and homogenized play patternsWhy some bans are about experience, not powerCards that might be safe today — and why others never will beWhether Legacy should loosen up… or stay locked downThis isn’t a wishlist episode. It’s a reality check.👇 Let us know in the comments:Which card would you unban first — and why?If you enjoy long-form Legacy discussions about why cards matter, not just what’s winning, make sure you’re subscribed.Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/eternaldurdlesJOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

Lorwyn Eclipsed is finally a real Magic set again — and that matters more than you think.

In this episode of the Eternal Durdles Cast, Phil and Zac break down Lorwyn Eclipsed through a Legacy lens, card by card, while also tackling the bigger question:

👉 Can Magic still be Magic in a world dominated by Modern Horizons design and Universes Beyond?

We cover:

• Why Lorwyn Eclipsed feels like “actual Magic cards”

• How Orcish Bowmasters and Tamiyo quietly invalidate huge swaths of design

• Why many cards look playable but fail Legacy’s current power bar

• Which cards might actually matter (Deceit, Moon Shadow, Merfolk)

• Goblins quietly getting meaningful role-player upgrades

• Why wrath effects disappearing changes tribal decks forever

• The problem with “no interaction” hatebear design

• What Legacy could look like if the format weren’t so homogenized

This isn’t a hype video — it’s a reality check.
Some of these cards are interesting. Some are dead on arrival. And a few reveal just how warped Legacy has become.

If you care about:

• Legacy as a format

• Thoughtful card design

• Magic that isn’t just IP soup

…this one’s for you.

📌 Card images & list: Eternal Durdles Moxfield
🎙️ Eternal Durdles Podcast — weekly Legacy & Premodern discussion
💬 Let us know in the comments: Is Lorwyn Eclipsed a turning point, or just a speed bump?

There are powerful cards in Legacy.
There are cards that define decks.
And then there are cards that shape the entire format.

In this episode of Eternal Durdles, we break down Orcish Bowmasters — not as just another strong card, but as a format-defining force that dictates how Legacy decks are built, sequenced, and played.

Bowmasters doesn’t counter spells.
It doesn’t tax mana.
Instead, it punishes one of Legacy’s most fundamental behaviors: drawing cards.

We explore:

• Why draw effects become liabilities in a Bowmasters format

• How Brainstorm, Ponder, and card selection are fundamentally altered

• Why Bowmasters doesn’t actually check the best Brainstorm decks

• How asymmetrical hate narrows deck diversity instead of broadening it

• Why slower blue and midrange decks are squeezed out

• How Bowmasters incentivizes speed, redundancy, and linear strategies

• Why even decks not playing Bowmasters must still play around it

• The difference between a strong card and a format dictator

• Whether Bowmasters is a necessary correction — or a step toward homogenization

Whether you love Orcish Bowmasters or hate it, one thing is clear:
Legacy revolves around it.

Let us know in the comments — does Orcish Bowmasters improve Legacy, or make it worse?

🔔 Subscribe for more breakdowns on why cards matter — not just what’s winning.
💬 Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/eternaldurdles

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EternalDurdlesTCGPLAYER AFFILIATE LINK:https://partner.tcgplayer.com/OexAAnParallax Tide is banned — and Premodern will never look the same.In this episode of Eternal Durdles, Zac Clark and Phil (ForceofPhil) react to the Parallax Tide ban, unpacking why it happened, what it says about Premodern as a format, and what comes next.This isn’t just about power level.We break down:Why Parallax Tide wasn’t just strong, but suppressiveHow Tide became a universal plan across multiple archetypesWhy the card constrained brewing and deck diversityThe difference between raw win rates and player experienceWhy “just play answers” failed against Tide’s rules interactionsWhich decks are most affected (Replenish, Mono-Blue, Stiflenought)Who benefits in the short termThe financial and emotional reality of bansWhy decisive action is better than format stagnationWhat Premodern curation gets right — and what WotC could learn from itWe also reflect on what this ban signals:Premodern is willing to protect gameplay quality, even when it’s uncomfortable.Whether you loved Parallax Tide or hated it, this episode is about format health, identity, and the future of Premodern.JOIN US ON DISCORD: https://discord.gg/hrC7PxQZTEProudly supported by Three For One Trading: shop.threeforonetrading.comCardmillhttps://cardmill.com/EternalDurdlesMOXFIELDEternal Durdles Moxfield: https://www.moxfield.com/users/EternalDurdleshttps://www.moxfield.com/users/Durdlemagushttps://www.moxfield.com/users/ForceofPhil

We finally have real Premodern data — and it’s shaping what LobsterCon is going to look like.

In this episode of Eternal Durdles, Zac Clark and Phil (ForceofPhil) break down Cyrus Bales’ Premodern metagame data, compiled from Magic Online Challenges and other events. Using Top 8 appearances, win rates, and overperformance metrics, we analyze which decks are actually converting — and which ones just feel powerful.

This is a numbers-first discussion, not vibes.

We cover:

• Why SLIGH remains the most-played deck in Premodern

• Why Mono-Blue Stiflenought is the best-performing deck

• What overrepresentation actually means (and what it doesn’t)

• Whether Phyrexian Dreadnought is the real problem

• Why Parallax Tide may be the true pressure point

• Aggro vs combo vs control in the current metagame

• What you actually need to prepare for heading into LobsterCon

• Sideboard implications in a red-heavy field

• Why banning decks doesn’t “fix” Premodern

• And why the format still has massive brewing space

We also touch on:

• The Professor’s comments on Premodern bans

• Land Tax, Tide, and historical format shifts

• Psychatog’s resurgence

• Why some decks feel worse to play against than the math suggests

• The emotionally devastating potential of Extract Control

If you’re tuning a list, building a sideboard, or preparing for LobsterCon, this episode gives you the clearest picture yet of where Premodern actually stands.