Forcing Spike - A Wannabe Magic the Gathering Podcast
122 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 13 ratingsForcing Spike is a weekly podcast about two guys, with professional jobs, who want to be better at Magic the Gathering. Join us on our journey to being better at the world's best card game, and maybe we can learn something from each other. Regular episodes will feature Chris and Justin talking about competitive MTG formats, and how they balance their preparation for local PPTQs, Grand Prixs, and whatever else may come their way with their day jobs and family lives. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
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Episodes
Diving into Mono Red, and is PVDDR the Best Ever? - Forcing Spike Episode 68
February 19, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBJustin and Chris deep dive mono red in the current standard meta game, and debate if Paulo Vitor Damo deRosa is the best player of all time. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Karsten Math Matters, and Wondering About How People Get Popular
February 12, 2020 02:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBJustin and Chris react to WoTC putting the kibosh on Karsten Math, and ponder how personalities in this game grow. Here is the article Chris digs into: https://medium.com/@AmberHorsburgh/how-to-spend-100-000-to-break-an-artist-c093cf2d67f7 Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Wondering How Cards Get Made, and Reviewing Pioneer - Forcing Spike Episode 66
February 04, 2020 02:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBJustin and Chris wonder where Justin's secret lair order is, and the duo review Players Tour Pioneer deck lists. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Magic Fest Isn't Worth It - Forcing Spike Episode 65
January 28, 2020 04:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBJustin and Chris talk about the Magic Fest experience, and Chris dives into Modern and Standard Decks. Check out the deck's discussed here: Snowress (Modern) UW Control (Standard) Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Is Cat Still King? Evaluating the Deck to Beat - Forcing Spike Episode 64
January 21, 2020 03:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBJustin and Chris take a look at early Theros standard, and wonder if cat combo is still the litmus test of the format. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Is Cat Still King? Evaluating the Deck to Beat - Forcing Spike Episode 38
January 21, 2020 03:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBJustin and Chris take a look at early Theros standard, and wonder if cat combo is still the litmus test of the format. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster
Reaction Cast: Mox Oko Banned in Modern - Forcing Spike Episode 63
January 14, 2020 03:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBA Forcing Spike bonus episode! Justin and Chris react to the Mox Opal, Oko Thief of Crowns, and Mycosinth Lattice bans in modern. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Theros Beyond Death Limited Primer - Forcing Spike Episode 62
January 14, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBJustin returns this week, for his Theros Beyond Death limited preview! If you prefer to read his hot takes, check out his post on Reddit. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
An Interview with Annie Dunne - Forcing Spike Episode 61
January 07, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 44.5 MBJustin is out this week, celebrating the birth of his baby girl! In his place, Annie Dunne (Chris' wife) joins the podcast to interview Chris about Magic the Gathering. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Historic Resolutions - Forcing Spike Episode 60
December 31, 2019 17:00 - 56 minutes - 39.2 MBChris dives into the finer points of Historic (hint, it shares the constructed rank ladder!) and the duo lay out their new year's resolutions. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Checking In On Pioneer - Forcing Spike Episode 59
December 26, 2019 19:00 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBJustin and Chris check in on Pioneer, and talk a little modern this episode. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Follow Justin and Chris on Twitch! Justin - @jacetheod Chris - @nadahipster --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Every Game Has a Story - Forcing Spike Episode 58
December 18, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MBChris is in a rut, and Justin gives him some sage advice. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
The Hell? What Happened This Week? - Forcing Spike Episode 57
December 12, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBJustin and Chris were gone a week, and try to unpack everything that happened since the last episode. They cover: 1. Theros Previews 2. MC Decklists 3. Pros and Cons of Suspensions 4. Pioneer Bans & New Meta 5. Bye bye byes Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Magic the Gathering Gift Guide, Holiday 2019 - Forcing Spike Episode 56
December 02, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBThe Forcing Spike Podcast has taken a crack at a 2019 Holiday Gift Guide, and we hope we can help your non Magic playing loved ones find a great gift for a Magic player! This guide is organized by general advice, and then type of player and price tiers. The types of players we have gift suggestions for are: General Advice - 4:00 Kitchen Table or New to the Game - 15:00 Fun with Friends - 41:00 Tournament Players - 1:03:00 Fast forward to the section that is most like your family member...
Listener Questions, and Post Oko Standard - Forcing Spike Episode 55
November 25, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBThe duo returns to tackle some listener questions, and dive into Pioneer, and post Oko standard! Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
An Intermission
November 21, 2019 03:00 - 4 minutes - 3.04 MBTurns out to have a Magic podcast, you need to play games of Magic. Justin and Chris are taking the week off to catch up on the changes to standard. They'll be back next week with a hands on look into post Oko Arena, and Pioneer impressions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Richmond Recap, and Making a Case to Keep Oko - Forcing Spike Episode 54
November 14, 2019 03:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBTournament report time! Chris and Justin recap their Standard, Modern, and Mystery Booster Richmond experience, and make a case for and against keeping Oko in standard. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Mythic Championship Prep with SiegeRyano (Ryan Owens) - Forcing Spike Episode 53
November 03, 2019 21:00 - 2 hours - 83.3 MBJustin and Chris welcome special guest, Ryan Owens, to talk through his prep for the Mythic Championship, deck selection, and sideboard meta game decisions. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Oh no, Oko is Broko - Forcing Spike Episode 52
October 30, 2019 02:00 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBChris reports back from a PTQ, and digs into the various Oko decks in the "very fun" standard format. The duo go over initial Pioneer lists. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Standard Bans, and is Pioneer the Last Frontier? - Forcing Spike Episode 51
October 23, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBWhat. What?! WHAAAAT! NEW ACTUALLY RELEVANT FORMAT HYYYYYYYPE!!!!! The duo talk about the Standard bans, and the new Magic the Gathering format, Pioneer. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Banned (Bant) in Standard - Forcing Spike Episode 50
October 16, 2019 03:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBThe duo discuss potential bannings, and how to move forward in Standard and Modern. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
The Gold Standard - Forcing Spike Episode 49
October 09, 2019 01:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MBJustin and Chris talk about how to win, when you're stuck in Arena's Gold Rank. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
First Impressions: Throne of Eldraine - Forcing Spike Episode 48
October 03, 2019 01:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MBThe duo discuss their first impressions of Thrones sealed and standard, and Chris fights a nasty cold. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Limited Archetypes for Throne of Eldraine - Forcing Spike Episode 47
September 25, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBJustin dives into his limited archetype analysis for the new Magic the Gathering set, Throne of Eldraine. Next week, updates on the arena meta game and our standard decklists! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Top 10 Cards from Throne of Eldraine - Forcing Spike Episode 46
September 22, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBAfter an unexpected hiatus, the duo return to review their top ten constructed cards for Throne of Eldraine. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Stalk Chris on his new Twitch channel! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Catching Up On Standard, Talking Historic, and Week One Modern - Forcing Spike Episode 45
September 04, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBA survey episode of sorts. The duo talk about what's going on in various MTG formats while we wait for Throne of Eldraine to drop. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Pouring One Out for Arclight Phoenix - Forcing Spike Episode 44
August 30, 2019 02:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MBChris and Justin are back from GP Vegas, and feeling a little lost after the B&R announcement. The duo cheer the banishment of Hoggak, mourn the loss of Faithless Looting, and question the power of Stoneforge Mystic in modern moving forward. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Stalk Chris on his new Twitch channel! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
So, You're Not Playing Hoggak - Forcing Spike Episode 43
August 21, 2019 02:00 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBWhat to do if you're not playing Hoggak - Forcing Spike dives into why sometimes not playing the best deck is OK, and what they'd play at GP Vegas. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Stalk Chris on his new Twitch channel! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Planning Your First GP Vegas - Forcing Spike Episode 42
August 14, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBThis is Justin's first GP Vegas, and for a ton of new players it'll be there first GP too! The duo get into how to plan for a great, and safe time, at a large Magic Fest. Join the Forcing Spike discord! Check out Heelguns "Planar Adversaries" Kickstarter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Modern Musings and Arena Abstracts - Forcing Spike Episode 41
August 07, 2019 02:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBA kind of "inbetween tournaments" episode. The duo catch up on Arena talk, and think about other ways to approach modern. Join us in our discord to keep the conversation going! Stalk Chris on his new Twitch channel! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
How to Hogaak: Sideboarding With and Against Modern's Busted Boogeyman - Forcing Spike Episode 40
July 31, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 53 MBWe hope this podcast ages poorly, because we hope Hogaak gets banned. That said, here's how we would sideboard with and against it, in the most popular match ups. Decks discussed this episode: Hogaak: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/2124866#paper Izzet Phoenix: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/2125100#paper Humans: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/2125061#paper UW Control: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/2125000#paper Tron: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/2124945#paper Join us in our ...
What is Success in Magic the Gathering? - Forcing Spike Episode 39
July 25, 2019 02:00 - 1 hour - 53 MBAfter debating the merits of brawl as a competitive format, the team mulls over their less than winning record from the SCG open, and get into their thoughts on what it means to be successful as a Magic the Gathering player. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Picking a Deck is Hard - Forcing Spike Episode 38
July 16, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 49.6 MBChris is finalizing his Standard deck for SCG Philly, and Justin has his locked in. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
How to Spend Those Wildcards: A First Look at M2020 - Forcing Spike Episode 37
July 07, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBJustin and Chris dig into the first few days of the M2020 meta, and offer some advice on how to spend your hard earned wildcards. Join the conversation in our discord! https://discord.gg/KQ4kZHm --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Magic 2020 Limited Set Review - Forcing Spike Episode 36
June 29, 2019 19:00 - 2 hours - 108 MBJustin and Chris dive into the commons and uncommons of Magic 2020, to prep you for upcoming prereleases, and Arena events! Text version available here. Keep the conversation going in our discord! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Starting Over in Modern - Forcing Spike Episode 35
June 22, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 53.5 MBModern feels like a new format, and the duo start from scratch. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
A Modern Perspective - Forcing Spike Episode 34
June 12, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 34.6 MBThe duo discuss the eternal format implications brought on by Modern Horizons and War of the Spark, and talk MH Sealed. Join us on our discord! Let's keep the conversation going! https://discord.gg/4xyG6A8 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Is WAR Standard Good? Also, Modern Horizons Synergies - Forcing Spike Episode 33
June 06, 2019 02:00 - 1 hour - 31.7 MBHow to ladder moving forward in War of the Spark standard, and Justin's top synergies for Modern Horizons limited. Join us in our discord! https://discord.gg/4xyG6A8 Check out Justin's commons and uncommons review for Modern Horizons! https://www.reddit.com/r/spikes/comments/bvrj3h/sealeddraft_the_forcing_spike_modern_horizons/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
A Few Shots Left - Prepping for Our Last MCQs - Forcing Spike Episode 32
May 29, 2019 03:00 - 46 minutes - 21.5 MBJustin and Chris prep for their last few MCQs left this season. Join the chat in our discord! https://discord.gg/rWuychB --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Meme Decks and Modern Horizons - Forcing Spike Episode 31
May 23, 2019 03:00 - 1 hour - 34.6 MBShould the duo just play meme decks, or meta decks at MCQs? Also, Modern Horizons HYYYYYYYPE!!!!! Join the chat in our discord! We'd love to keep the conversation going. https://discord.gg/aC5wtaj --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Esper Midrange or Burn for MCQs? - Forcing Spike Episode 30
May 16, 2019 02:00 - 52 minutes - 24.1 MBJustin and Chris dig into the pros and cons of the two most popular decks for this MCQ season. Join the conversation in our Forcing Spike Discord! https://discord.gg/aC5wtaj --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Metagame Survey for WAR Mythic Championship Qaulifiers - Forcing Spike Episode 29
May 09, 2019 02:00 - 1 hour - 28.1 MBChris goes through the "top deck" meta game for this weekend's MCQs, and Justin talks about why this episode was late. Want to keep the conversation going? Join us on the Forcing Spike Discord! https://discord.gg/aC5wtaj --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
First Thoughts on WAR Standard and Sealed, and Grixis Midrange Overview - Forcing Spike Episode 28
May 01, 2019 02:00 - 1 hour - 30.2 MBJustin and Chris dig into week one of War of the Spark standard, and sealed. Chris dives into Grixis midrange. Join us in the Forcing Spike Discord server! There are dozens of us, dozens! https://discord.gg/aC5wtaj --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
War of the Spark Pre-release Primer - Forcing Spike Episode 27
April 23, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 48.3 MBThe duo deep dive War of the Spark limited by reviewing the set's commons and uncommons. Come join the Forcing Spike Discod to keep the conversation going! https://discord.gg/aC5wtaj --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Looking Forward to WAR - Forcing Spike Episode 26
April 17, 2019 04:00 - 58 minutes - 26.8 MBAnnouncing: The Forcing Spike Discord Server! Feel free to join here: https://discord.gg/2kUkBg It's a kind of "in between" episode for the duo. Justin and Chris talk about their plans for War of the Spark Standard, traveling to summer GPs, and thoughts on the state of Modern. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Back to the Future of Standards Past - Forcing Spike Episode 25
April 11, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 30.7 MBThe duo discuss their favorite standard formats of all time, before saying good bye to this one. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
War of the Spark HYYYYPE and Lore Nerding Out - Forcing Spike Episode 24
April 02, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 34.4 MBJustin and Chris dig into the mythic grind one last time, and then go all hype train for War of the Spark spoilers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Chris Doesn't Like 2HG, and Deep Diving Acuity and Reclamation Decks - Forcing Spike Episode 23
March 26, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 28 MBThe duo get back to discussing our favorite casual formats, and Chris' grind to Mythic. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
Esper Deck Review and Dealing with Tilt - Forcing Spike Episode 22
March 12, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 34.3 MBThe duo talk about Justin's plans (or non plans) for SCG Philly, dive into an Arena Esper deck tech, and talk about Bo1 tilt. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support
The Circle of Competence, and Reflections on LA - Forcing Spike Episode 21
March 07, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 29.7 MBThe team reflects on their prep and performance at GP LA, and sets goals moving forward. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christopher-dunne/support