Rough Drafts - A Limited Magic Podcast

In wrapping up MSH, I take a look at some interesting rares that warrant discussion, and take a last look at the format as a whole.  Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

I used to be bad at sealed. But some success in the format over the past year caused me to reevaluate those feelings, and I came out the other end with a real appreciation. This episode dives into what sealed is about at a fundamental level, including the big differences between it and draft.  Some example sealed decks of mine TLA QW - https://www.17lands.com/deck/28366a56342f49409f167c7055df8043/1?view=deck  ECL Toronto Spotlight - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mecqkfx6xs2n  ECL Milwaukee LCQ - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mfifg2sess2s MSH Arena Direct - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mpqt26twbc2u MSH QW - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mqf6gxe2h222  Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Red is definitely the worst color in MSH, but my friend Justin may have cracked the code - Stark Industries Exec, a very unassuming red common, but one that reflects the when, how, and why to draft red. Justin's red trophies - https://imgur.com/a/iYDa2Ju Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

I've been having a lot of success with base-green multicolor decks in the second week of Marvel Superheroes, so this week is a deep dive into these powerful midrange green strategies.  https://www.17lands.com/deck/01ef78109cf840e397dd05beb3fd3e6f/0?view=deck  https://www.17lands.com/deck/f129c3e55ad54143ae7a9d49ca34bd10/0?view=deck  https://www.17lands.com/deck/5b70baf49d5049059ed977f292083608/1?view=deck  Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

My first MSH episode is all about flying - a brief history of the keyword in limited, and my thoughts on why I think flying is good in MSH despite not liking a lot of the individual flyers.    https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Another new set, another monster preview episode! MSH has a very unique set structure, and leaves me with a lot of questions about how it's going to play out.  Chicago Draft League - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mnphsx5kic2f Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Wrapping up the SOS format with a look at what I liked, what I didn't like, what we learned, and a peek at my favorite cards.  Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Grab bag episode! Taking a look at a smattering of cards and packages as we wrap up Secrets of Strixhaven.  Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Do you ever have one of those drafts where it feels like nothing is open and every pack stinks? This episode goes into detail on a variety of aggresive-based strategies for maximizing undesirable cards, perfect for those types of drafts.  United Wizards of the Coast Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/uwotc-official.bsky.social Union petition - https://actionnetwork.org/forms/uwotcletter https://www.17lands.com/deck/44a8f3b7d3a9471db1769edfcf05bcb7/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/c47244855e004fea84b22a609008b8fd/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

This week we're welcoming on Rosemary to talk about a deck that she's been drafting a lot, "UG Small"! I'm a big fan of Rosemary's stream and perspective on limited, and this  Rosemary's stream - https://www.twitch.tv/therosemarytea Rosemary's UG Small logs https://www.17lands.com/deck/07630a716b7142eaa728794b5bc8ea85/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/ab436a87656a42838b6999d61184d276/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/4d34c269eaad449eac4a099486fca5d2/0?view=deck Samp's UG Small log https://www.17lands.com/deck/3afff69946624a698ab6899b6a35a16a/0?view=deck Rough Drafts Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

This episode is all about control! Why control is so uniquely well positioned in SOS, how to build it, and how it compares and contrasts to other lategame decks.  Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

In my opinion, Potioner's Trove is one of if not the best manaliths in recent memory, and the cornerstone to several builds of multicolor decks. This episode is all about differentiating those, and why soup is cancelled.  Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

It's time! This week's episode is centered around Shopkeeper's Bane and the GB stompy decks I've been drafting. Witherbloom has a lot of issues, but there is also a decent amount of upside to ignoring the pair's themes and just beating down.  https://www.17lands.com/deck/486bb1e6fee440e48d7b19a9440483a7/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/f3245b8ab11c47709a681ddda8d8d3ce/0?view=deck Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Week one of SOS is here and I'm covering a card that caught my eye immediately - Rubble Rouser! This common plays really nicely, so I'm dissecting all the aspects of this card that make it tick.  Example decks  https://www.17lands.com/deck/58ff16fb9c004214b01e32b9e115addf/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/17d60850d61841d99d9923146834f31b/0?view=deck Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

A monster SOS preview episode for what looks to be a really interesting format! Discussing the variable plans of each college, looking at Prepared and the bonus sheet, and diving into the unique mana options.  Chicago-Style Cube Event will be streamed at 9am central at https://www.twitch.tv/thechicagocube Rough Drafts Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

I'm here to defend the black cards in powered cube! This week I dissect black sacrifice as a cube archetype, looking at it in my Arena cube, the online powered cubes, and cube in general.  Introducing the Rough Drafts Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts Chicago-Style Cube Event - https://www.tixtree.com/e/chicago-style-cube-event-40701ab92e28 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

This week I'm chatting with pro player, limited sicko, brewer at heart, Jason Ye!  Jason's Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/jasoniltg.bsky.social Jason's Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/jasoniltg Experimental Synthesizer - https://www.experimentalsynthesizer.blog Play of the Game - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naWlwDpApo8 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

This week I'm tackling some broad theoretical concepts, ultimately trying to tackle the concept of every midrange deck being a midrange deck, and how we can leverage that in draft and deckbuilding decisions.  Mike Flores - Who's the Beatdown https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/whos-the-beatdown/ Patrick Chapin - The Theory of Everything https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/innovations-the-theory-of-everything/ Sam Black - Elvish Visionary vs Elderfang Disciple (big game/small game) https://articles.starcitygames.com/magic-the-gathering/select/elvish-visionary-vs-elderfang-disciple-the-nature-of-card-advantage/ Drafting Archetypes - Attrition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOSsl7Ql2Q0 Coaching form - https://forms.gle/hviAykUw3QqqP1gg6 Chicago-Style Cube Event - https://www.tixtree.com/e/chicago-style-cube-event-40701ab92e28 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Unveiling a new cube project - GUT! This week's episode goes into detail on my new tempo-focused cube, including its design history and card choices.  Cube list - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/GUT?view=primer Cards mentioned - https://sealeddeck.tech/2GQ3DQdrQz GUT stands for Grand Unified Theory, in reference to Chapin's article "The Theory of Everything" - https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/innovations-the-theory-of-everything/ Please recommend cards for this cube!  Chicago-Style Cube Event (April 18, Libertyville, IL) tickets - https://www.tixtree.com/e/chicago-style-cube-event-40701ab92e28 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

I've found the gameplay in TMT to be especially difficult, so this week we're taking a look at gameplay! Mostly focused on what to look for when reviewing your own games.  Coaching form - https://forms.gle/BQTjRXAh4ppi2Pc77 Linktree - linktr.ee/roughdrafts

TMT is another set defined by its most powerful cards. This week we're diving into rares - how to draft around them, how to play around them, both in TMT and in limited more broadly.  Coaching Form - https://forms.gle/2W8cBNr2HESzmcfa8  Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

This week we're both saying goodbye to ECL and hello to TMT, including a discussion on small sets in general, and a closer look at some interesting new cards.  Coaching form - https://forms.gle/bJqHvbugm6bFZdhn9  Chicago-Style Cube Event tickets - https://www.tixtree.com/e/chicago-style-cube-event-40701ab92e28 Chicago-Style Cube Event bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/chicagostylecu.be  Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Getting back to my roots and talking about a 3 mana 4/2 trample! This week is all about GR beatdown, my favorite off-supported archetype in this format.  Spotlight Series Toronto recap on Limited Level Ups (includes breakdown of my GR sealed deck) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZf5-X2d8Qo GR beats - https://www.17lands.com/deck/2c8a20c7f4014672862b624868ec252a/0?view=deck  If you're interested in coaching, fill out this form! https://forms.gle/YX5HfUpzkyoNTwa38 Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

After returning (mostly) triumphantly from Toronto, I'm armed with a new view on the concept of a metagame in limited. I provide some insight into why that's an important thing to consider when getting scrappier in drafting and deckbuilding, and lay out some specific tools within ECL.    Day 1 sealed deck - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mecqkfx6xs2n Day 2 draft 1 - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3meekbqeh4s2o Day 2 draft 2 - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mef4ymxb7k2t    Sealed article - https://article.hareruyamtg.com/article/24554/?lang=en  Eduardo Sajgalik's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Walaoumpa   Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

This week's episode is a little more broad than usual - I'm breaking down exactly which nonrare cards in the format really matter, as well as what that means for certain specific archetypes and draft navigation. Plus some measured optimism for Goblins.    Draft log for the deck described in the episode - BRu - https://www.17lands.com/draft/18aa6af5a1de478f94aaac3194bb0e1c/1/1    Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

This week is not only a deep dive on certain synergies and build considerations in the Merfolk space, but also a retrospective on the deservedly humble 2 mana 1/3.    https://www.17lands.com/deck/b2e959e943c24378af4a0ff6eb40da1e/0?view=deck  https://www.17lands.com/deck/f86f09b0fdb5417282b5fea7b1ff7d84/0?view=deck   https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

A new format dawns, and ECL is looking sweet - and a lot grindier than we're used to. In this episode I'm comparing what's important in this format to the previous, while also taking a look at some high-impact creatures, and turning the concept of the importance of removal on its head.    UR elementals trophy - https://www.17lands.com/deck/f5704ccff1404dddaef8738c17f7d751/1    Jean-Emmanuel Depraz - Going Deeper in Sealed - Part 2 https://article.hareruyamtg.com/article/48381/?lang=en (Part 1 - https://article.hareruyamtg.com/article/48346/?lang=en)   Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

It's a new Magic year with a new Magic set! This week I'm diving into Lorwyn, including exact breakdowns of the different typal decks, the abnormal set structure, and thoughts on blight and vivid. And maybe some cube talk at the end.   NEW! I included a visual element to this podcast on YouTube, and plan on experimenting with this moving forward. It is a priority to me that audio-only listeners get roughly the same experience as viewers, and I welcome any feedback on any changes you might have noticed to the content with this shift.  You can find this episode (and more stuff) on my YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@roughdrafts-magic   Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

2025 was my favorite limited year of all time! In this episode, I'm ranking all the major releases and taking a trip down memory lane of my favorite cards.   Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

This week I'm wrapping up Avatar coverage with a look back at the TLA format!    Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

This week I'm joined by Worlds Competitor and Team Sanctum for All member Ryan Condon to talk tournament prep, pod drafting, and more!    Ryan's Patreon - https://patreon.com/ryancmtg Ryan's Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/r-condon.bsky.social  Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts 

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 

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

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 

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

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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

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

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 

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