Episodes

5d ago

Barrels is a card I was really high on week 1, and less so as the format developed. But I do think it's an important piece of the puzzle, as is understanding the ins and outs of manabases and multicolor in Avatar. GBu - https://www.17lands.com/deck/906042ff08e84145b0c1dbd0232fd126/0?view=deck Naya - https://www.17lands.com/deck/d2be7ea779194db8962f538215148485/0?view=deck 4c Black - https://www.17lands.com/deck/1f4354288d984c56aa6245d3c9b0031e/0?view=deck Gb - https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1323508085053980712/1444182155562582126/PXL_20251129_041723904.jpg Urg - https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1323508085053980712/1441656610429862008/PXL_20251122_015453880.jpg Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Dec 11

This week I'm taking a quick look at people's relationships to the data - the positives, the pitfalls, and I'm also diving into some statistical caveats for the set's current #1 winrate common, Lost Days. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Dec 4

Green in TLA is mostly viewed as a base for splashy, rampy decks like Temur Lessons. But I've had a lot of success with playing green as the base for an assertive midrange deck, built around Raucous Audience as a powerful two mana accelerant. Paper 3-0 - near monogreen - https://imgur.com/a/XYmxdC4 GRw - https://www.17lands.com/deck/d2be7ea779194db8962f538215148485/0?view=deck Gb - https://www.17lands.com/deck/3a84bb8f2e504a49ac61219633971e47/0?view=deck Gr - https://www.17lands.com/deck/02f96cc259f6499ab88bd4f70efe8c3b/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Nov 26

I've been on a bit of a hot streak with BW, so this week I'm diving deep on the archetype. We're looking at why white is the best color, why black is the worst, and what you get when you combine the two. https://www.17lands.com/deck/27f18de592d54f25b49da38bea63663f/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/40aa93d10f4243c09d8efef3d92beac6/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/7ef469734d4144c0aa3d3dfe981cb4b0/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/13e2171300c54ea8bda3d27874ca7df7/0?view=deck https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Nov 20

Can you believe they printed Sol Ring at common? And Embercleave at uncommon? UR - https://www.17lands.com/deck/5ed2d4103c3b4989807688dbada43701/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Nov 13

Normal limited is back! I'm so excited to jump into TLA, and talk through my thoughts on each of the bending mechanics as well as the set as a whole. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Nov 6

Last month, I sat down and talked Magic with limited enthusiast and former Canadian National Champion Marc Anderson! We dive into some highlights of his pro career, discuss how limited has changed over the years, and talk a little cube too. Marc's socials X - https://x.com/neo_mtg bsky - https://bsky.app/profile/neo-mtg.bsky.social my Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Oct 30

This week I'm recapping a couple Rotisserie drafts of my cube! I had a blast roto drafting with friends last month, so I'm going into detail on how to run one, reviewing my own draft, and pitching why this format is so much fun. Samp's Arena Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/samp Lightning Bolt Pod spreadsheet - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YBa9rJ2939sEp6ab4qFWN00pzXk_iEBOw02qug3kzEY/edit?gid=1528716811#gid=1528716811 Birds of Paradise Pod spreadsheet - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y3lwEZ8U0EKET5RwCZ1tn6Q4c82owJh0r3nOtldVRCA/edit?gid=1528716811#gid=1528716811 Lucky Paper's roto templates - https://luckypaper.co/resources/formats/rotisserie/ LastAbzan's blog - https://lastabzan.blogspot.com/ Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Oct 23

This week I'm recapping my long weekend in Madison, WI at CubeCon! I'm walking through all SEVEN of my drafts, and making a pitch for why these cube events are the best way to play magic. Cards mentioned - https://sealeddeck.tech/u9mAwcpw2z Prequel Draft - Everywhere Cube https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/everywhere Everywhere Cube deck - Stompy https://imgur.com/a/AD9y2Fe Draft 1 - Sandman https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/SandmanOfficial Sandman deck - Naya https://imgur.com/a/XTb0LTL Draft 2 - Gingercube https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/03e496c1-3fb2-4437-9004-07f727256de6 Gingercube deck - GW Control https://imgur.com/a/Fwn5Oee Draft 3 - Synergy Cube Synergy Cube deck - Sultai + RW pile https://imgur.com/a/6SfgQdD Draft 4 - Spicy Ramen https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/Ramen Spicy Ramen deck - UB Control https://imgur.com/a/5pNUdfv t128 - The Cascade Cube https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/cascadecube The Cascade Cube deck - Esper Midrange https://imgur.com/a/uiWgd7Z t64 - The Chicago Cube https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TheChicagoCube The Chicago Cube deck - RW aggro https://imgur.com/a/dupps7x Lucky Paper's Cube Events page - https://luckypaper.co/events/ Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Oct 15

After last week's introduction to the fundamentals of cube draft, I'm diving into some more nuanced discussion on cube (but mostly why you should take the good cards). I'm also showcasing all the creative cube genres the community has cooked up! Sam Black's "Unexploitable Cube Drafting" - https://www.hipstersofthecoast.com/2023/10/unexploitable-cube-drafting/ Sam Black's Drafting Archetypes Episode 91: Cube! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2yTkkz8wbg All the cubes mentioned in this podcast: Arthur's Peasant Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/psnt Justin's Standard Greatest Hits - https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/08f3868f-c542-4cd8-ad51-37df8d864176 Neoclassical Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/neoclassical Arthur's Monowhite Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/whitecube Matt's BUGaboo - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/eb3cbb79-8a28-44b9-9df4-ec83203c5f19 The Cascade Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/cascadecube The Turbo Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/turbo 100 Ornithopters - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/100-ornithopters Pisscube - https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/overview/f318aa56-6615-4c02-8173-53aed9f11856 The Chicago Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TheChicagoCube El Classico - https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/63275d20e755840f6cab1b03

Oct 9

Are you a limited sicko who's cube curious? I'm diving into the subtle differences between booster draft and cube draft, including what makes a card powerful, and how to evaluate interaction and fixing. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Oct 2

Taking a peek at an unsupported archetype in OM1! Black and green have some particularly synergistic cards that work uniquely well in tandem. Example decks courtesy of Marc Anderson https://www.17lands.com/deck/b88bf57ed797481b939732539748af63/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/6baac8a6905e4b9996460bddc0270ecb/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/a49e5dd0b89f4f41a13fdafecc89b3eb/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Sep 27

An in-depth look at my Arena Cube! Cubecobra list - https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/samp Trophy Decks thread - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3lu7e627da225 Recross the Path (cube interview podcast) ft. me and this cube - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jstoBuLlCW1iqthwGZHly Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Sep 26

A deep dive into Blue White Modified in OM1! Come find out the best little dudes to play and the best ways to make them bigger. https://www.17lands.com/deck/19710276db5442b0a5f9c975e8bb9c1f/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/b3f0f22acbd7482ba2c807cc1c66c63c/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/900c74ce57524ec097a9c50b7e23bafa/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Sep 18

My thoughts on the controversial Spider-Man set, plus some strategic insight into what I think of Pick 2 drafts and this format! Mark Rosewater's article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/spider-man-magic-meets-marvel Eric Engelhard's article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/spider-man-swinging-into-design Rhystic Studies article - https://rhysticstudies.substack.com/p/the-rules-text-is-irrelevant

Sep 11

Time to take a look back at Edge of Eternities! The final vibe check on Spacecraft, looking back at my early-season slump, and checking after the 10th Play Booster format. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Sep 4

Grab bag episode for EOE! I talk through a handful of sweet interactions at commons, plus why you should be a little more willing to play a Quench. catscandal's Azorius Midrange article - https://abitterblossom.wordpress.com/2025/08/22/azorius-midrange-in-edge-of-eternities-draft/ Friso's WB writeup - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19PFQ4vazJC_TX8yfsMhwDIjA7Rl6ThDs828tsG9lcHg/edit?tab=t.0 me on Magic Numbers with Sierkovitz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBF2Z0-SwI4&t=3347s Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Aug 28

Red week! Drafting red in EOE really clicked for me this week - tune in to learn why you shouldn't be afraid to get deep into the color, and why you should be building your decks around a 7 mana 4/4. UR - https://www.17lands.com/deck/a842280f5b13479880a666a7fec39fc6/0?view=deck

Aug 21

This week I'm diving into Perigee Beckoner, one of the sweetest black commons in EOE, and exploring the myriad of combos and synergy this card provides. BU - https://www.17lands.com/deck/6082db0ccd3e4efea19c5cf4969bd9a0/0?view=deck BU - https://www.17lands.com/deck/c13142f81e02420ca35155e22043ce21/1?view=deck Sierkovitz - Resources in Limited - should timestamp you to the "Mana spent" chart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPhrtvHwcvU&t=2221s Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Aug 14

As the format develops, I turn to an old Magic strategy article for gameplay guidance. More specifically, I'm examining how managing your life total (and your opponents'!) can lend you a big leg up in Edge of Eternities. Patrick Chapin - The Theory of Everything - https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/innovations-the-theory-of-everything/ UB - https://www.17lands.com/deck/c13142f81e02420ca35155e22043ce21/0 UW - https://www.17lands.com/deck/91240c4fb8ae4b42a56dbd0003a40151/2?view=deck https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Aug 7

Edge of Eternities hasn't been kind to me, but one bright spot is the "differently named lands" payoffs have been sweet! I spend some time talking about pulling out of a slump, how to build decks to not flood, and finally why Survey Mechan and All-Fates Scroll are so much fun. UG Mechans - https://www.17lands.com/deck/46436fc2a4574e7f892fc578abe915d0/0?view=deck UBw Scrolls - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3lvjwzbil5c2n Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Jul 31

Talking about my lean, green, mean friend Gene! There's some promising historical precedence for cards like Gene Pollinator, so I'm talking through those as a backdrop before taking a look at some of the things Gene can do in Edge of Eternities. Whole pile of Gx 2-1s - still haven't felt like I've gotten one that's particularly great - https://www.17lands.com/deck/85cb510d9351405d8c8b284a3c35bb79/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/ccb7c9c04fe040668db58f46df2a47d6/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/b717ee275f6f4164a1b0d32a5efcd46b/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/1f374337cdcd49f9add6188178bcde93/0?view=deck Gx from @nomad-mtg.bsky.social - https://bsky.app/profile/nomad-mtg.bsky.social/post/3lv6mbngbnk2u GUB from @doubleexposure.bsky.social - https://www.17lands.com/deck/7362aa7370284750a0e889946939395d/0?view=deck Marc showing up the Requiem Monolith noobs - https://imgur.com/a/rv01w0o Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Jul 20

The great beyond beckons - Edge of Eternities is almost here, and it's a challenging set to evaluate! I posit 10 big question marks I have before I get my hands on the cards, covering Spacecraft, fixing, and more. Plus - stay tuned for some secret bonus content.

Jul 17

I'm saying goodbye to a banger of a limited format - with one part grab bag (miscellaneous card eval) and one part format retrospective. UG Towns - https://www.17lands.com/deck/3a0db8e045374966bb04ccda2bf8882a/0?view=deck Ethan's Steal-n-sac - https://imgur.com/a/S40hpcL BR ft. Summon: Anima - https://www.17lands.com/deck/62c98240248c46e7b0be000fa69b7067/0?view=deck

Jul 10

White is the most aggressive color in FIN for sure. However, aggressive decks carry a different meaning than they did a few years ago. I take a look at some of the ways aggro has changed over the past couple of years, and dive into what my white decks of every color look like. F.I.R.E. Design article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/card-preview/fire-it-2019-06-21 Sam Black Big Game/Small Game - https://articles.starcitygames.com/magic-the-gathering/select/elvish-visionary-vs-elderfang-disciple-the-nature-of-card-advantage/ BW (more black) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/724e8752d55243c49feb08fabbbb2237/0?view=deck RW - https://www.17lands.com/deck/a34f5c1f59df4b61bf7e44c2e3785ae9/0?view=deck UW - https://www.17lands.com/deck/3bef7e136b1c4c95b0b904e8cc5174d8/0?view=deck GW go wide - https://www.17lands.com/deck/116d8b95fd2942d9a08a8cca6e3c03ef/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Jul 3

This week I'm tackling a topic near and dear to my heart - splashing and multicolor! While splashing is somewhat of a rarity in FIN, there are plenty of spots where the third, fourth, or fifth color adds something great. What are our fixing options, and what types of cards ask us to stretch our manabase? Limited Level Ups manabase video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ6tiK_lmm4 GRb - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3ls2to63tps22 BGwr - https://www.17lands.com/deck/7b8ef17d15f04d328a975001ec659cdb/0?view=deck level 3 pile - https://www.17lands.com/deck/805549d9ea8f4b999fa94191abc25dfe/0?view=deck

Jun 26

Armed with a weekend of drafts from Magic Con Vegas, this week I'm looking at Black Mage's Rod. Which decks want Black Mage's Rod, and how does it stack up against the other black 2 drops? Game against Cuneo (UB) - https://www.17lands.com/history/12daee6c80754ff58649d1f9f56e98f3/7/0 My paper UB deck - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3lsccgzetrk26 BR deck - https://www.17lands.com/deck/479ef4d29b0741b69c99aa27e503c6c5/0?view=deck Sam Black big game/small game - https://articles.starcitygames.com/magic-the-gathering/select/elvish-visionary-vs-elderfang-disciple-the-nature-of-card-advantage/ Ryan's bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/r-condon.bsky.social LOL live show - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4DBgsOtqrA

Jun 19

Sorceress's Schemes is a really sweet data darling from the first week of FIN limited. It's pretty obvious where it fits in (BR and UR), but why exactly does it perform well in those decks? Are there any other places we can play it? BR (from me) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/3048cce3f745424c882a6eb8b89cab07/0?view=deck UR (from Chonce on Discord) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/426b6580a17045829d92cc4545a94520/0?view=deck UR (from Lark on Discord) - https://imgur.com/a/YIxo07z GR (from catharsis23 on Bluesky) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/fcbbef3eb1804ca9a970b367c7673242/0?view=deck Cooper's decks - https://imgur.com/a/1P7savn

Jun 12

In week one of Final Fantasy, I plumb the depths on what looks to be the set's strongest color - blue! After taking a look at what makes blue exceptional in formats where it was great like MID or MOM, I dive into blue's deep roster of commons in FIN. Uw - https://www.17lands.com/deck/d0e5adfda2f94965a153981565ae9210/0?view=deck Ub - https://www.17lands.com/deck/21c25e28a1b34f5e9e738ee9bce497a8/2?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Jun 5

New set! Ahead of FIN's release next week, I'm taking a look at 10 hot topics - either questions I want to answer going into set release, or things I'm most looking forward to trying. initial tier list - https://www.17lands.com/tier_list/8a24183713024103b9a9d53af1dca2ec

May 29

I take a look back at one of my favorite formats of the past few years! A retrospective not just on the format's vibes, but also some specific lessons we learned from TDM about limited formats in 2025. Maro's Play Booster article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/nuts-and-bolts-16-play-boosters Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

May 22

This week I'm tackling a topic close to my heart - Best of Three! And not just how to sideboard. I take a look at the strategic differences between bo1 and bo3, and how to set yourself up for success in either format. LOL episode with Andrew Cuneo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDXKiF_o_YE&list=PLAGXhegLhLeixTP-sCye9muleOCu_aFfh&index=44 Play booster design skeleton - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/nuts-and-bolts-16-play-boosters

May 15

Another grab bag! This week, I into depth on the allied color pairs, and round it out with some discussion on various rares and mythics.

May 8

Grab bag episode! Come take a look at some hidden gems in late-format Tarkir Dragonstorm. BeersSC's "The 100% definitive way to draft Boros" - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vpHhVf4UpB_7ip7oXscsM6qPL-5nxME-nVbHeCuWlEs/edit?tab=t.0 WR Breaching Dragonstorm Aggro - https://www.17lands.com/deck/2cf127831a1f48fea9cec2fef1e6d869/0?view=deck Linktree (includes links to other podcast platforms) - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts music by Hiver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc4sbAqu6pM&list=OLAK5uy_kmkefqPlMULTylBSGFYHqXZDYX1b732RA

May 1

This episode, I'm tackling midrange in Tarkir. What does midrange really mean? Why is midrange performing so poorly in TDM? When should you draft a midrange deck in TDM? Is it right to draft Abzan Midrange ever? My paper Abzan Midrange deck - https://imgur.com/a/KARw92p (or sealeddeck link - https://sealeddeck.tech/UvhXfY3c3G) BGwu Midrange - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0500802b312e4110955228482f082893/0?view=deck Abzan Midrange - https://www.17lands.com/deck/210dcea7c9bf46149742a37c74738e37/0?view=deck Jeskai Midrange - https://www.17lands.com/deck/e677ba924b4b4f52945fadff8aed803a/0?view=deck Temur Midrange - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0acdbbeb46734a07a19a9ed1d071ef45/0?view=deck Who's the Beatdown? https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/whos-the-beatdown/ https://imgur.com/zz0GYXnhttps://imgur.com/zz0GYXn

Apr 24

It's time to talk red aggro. The white-red decks in this format are pretty easy to build. But what about blue-red? Red-green? Is there any hope for black-red? Take a deep dive on red-based aggro decks, and spend some time really getting in the weeds on how to attack in Tarkir! Lords of Limited 77 - Drafting Aggro with Ryan Saxe - https://www.lordsoflimited.com/episodes/drafting-aggro-with-ryan-saxe-episode-77 UR Tempo Youtube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3AL4hxhe7k UR Tempo - https://www.17lands.com/deck/2060c071861e4ea583fbc7b178b564c8/0?view=deck RW Flurry - https://www.17lands.com/deck/7bcc98dc7b184c2ebe5f5a5622c58c65/0?view=deck RWbu - https://www.17lands.com/deck/92fa7d4de5824e98a1ad3805ba6ba51e/0?view=deck RW Tempest Hawks - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0c267802b8c549f3a4b4b51c912f0d7b/0?view=deck Gru Beatdown - https://www.17lands.com/deck/19b4deecb2e04ac5a559e14bf0dffbeb/0?view=deck RGu Beatdown (near miss) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/2383e05c0fc54b069c749c5920558d14/0?view=deck Twitch (samp_mtg) - https://www.twitch.tv/samp_mtg Linktree (includes links to other podcast platforms) - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts music by Hiver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc4sbAqu6pM&list=OLAK5uy_kmkefqPlMULTylBSGFYHqXZDYX1b732RA

Apr 17

It's Temur time! I've been wiping the floor with various Temur decks, but Temur contains multitudes! Learn about the distinction between GR beatdown, UG midrange, and UR control, and why understanding the nuance might be the key to cracking Tarkir wide open. GRu BEATS - https://www.17lands.com/deck/19b4deecb2e04ac5a559e14bf0dffbeb/0 UGr Midrange (Elephants) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0acdbbeb46734a07a19a9ed1d071ef45/0 UGbr Midrange - https://www.17lands.com/deck/b307219ce2c94a73ae509b2346ac2354/0 URg Control (zero 2-drops!) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/329a4b4d346c47a2ad732506a46a0c8b/0 UWrg Control (slightly off-topic but splashing two Karakyk Guardians) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/02543450960145ff95b0929a90a9cd1b/0 music by Hiver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc4sbAqu6pM&list=OLAK5uy_kmkefqPlMULTylBSGFYHqXZDYX1b732RA

Apr 14

Time to talk through the best way to not lose in Tarkir Dragonstorm - hitting your land drops! This episode takes a close look at Monuments, cantripping creatures, and other ways to smooth your draws and help you focus on the powerful stuff in TDM. Temur Midrange (2 cheap creatures) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/0acdbbeb46734a07a19a9ed1d071ef45/1 Temur Control (zero 2-drop creatures) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/329a4b4d346c47a2ad732506a46a0c8b/0 music by Hiver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc4sbAqu6pM&list=OLAK5uy_kmkefqPlMULTylBSGFYHqXZDYX1b732RA

Apr 10

Welcome back to Tarkir! The second episode of Rough Drafts goes DEEP on Champion of Dusan and green-based stompy decks in the new limited format. Who's the Beatdown? - https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/whos-the-beatdown/ Gub stompy - https://www.17lands.com/deck/8912cea6c12a4146ab59f939d19d6fe1/0 GBw stompy - https://www.17lands.com/deck/6d3fcd0258794032b423bcdb411a47d0/1 intro/outtro music by Hiver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc4sbAqu6pM&list=OLAK5uy_kmkefqPlMULTylBSGFYHqXZDYX1b732RA (I'm in the band lol)

Apr 2

Welcome to Rough Drafts! For the inagural episode, we cover some draft philosophy, talk through Starting Column and multicolor piles in Aetherdrift, and look ahead to building multicolor decks in Tarkir Dragonstorm.