Rough Drafts - A Limited Magic Podcast

Rough Drafts! A limited-focused Magic: the Gathering podcast that takes an in-depth look at various topics in the current limited format. Listen weekly as host Sam Pratt goes deep on specific cards, archetypes, and other limited-related topics.

Episode 57 - SOS Hot Topics 04/16/2026

Episode 57 - SOS Hot Topics 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40881970

Episode 56 - Black Sacrifice in Cube 04/09/2026

Episode 56 - Black Sacrifice in Cube 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40779210

Episode 55 - Jason Ye 04/02/2026

Episode 55 - Jason Ye 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40639495

Episode 54 - Limited Fundamental Theory 03/26/2026

Episode 54 - Limited Fundamental Theory 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40625520

Episode 53 - New Cube Overview - GUT 03/19/2026

Episode 53 - New Cube Overview - GUT 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40396680

Episode 52 - Oroku Saki - Gameplay 03/12/2026

Episode 52 - Oroku Saki - Gameplay 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40396390

Episode 51 - Return to the Sewers 03/06/2026

Episode 51 - Return to the Sewers 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40338215

Episode 50 - ECL Retrospective + TMT Hot Topics 02/26/2026

Episode 50 - ECL Retrospective + TMT Hot Topics 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40225155

Episode 49 - Gangly Stompling 02/19/2026

Episode 49 - Gangly Stompling 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40129745

Episode 48 - Kulrath Mystic 02/12/2026

Episode 48 - Kulrath Mystic 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 - Day 2 draft 1 - Day 2 draft 2 - Sealed article - Eduardo Sajgalik's YouTube - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40083255

Episode 47 - Eclipsed Boggart 02/05/2026

Episode 47 - Eclipsed Boggart 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 - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/40002320

Episode 46 - Gravelgill Scoundrel 01/29/2026

Episode 46 - Gravelgill Scoundrel 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. /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39911080

Episode 45 - Brambleback Brute 01/22/2026

Episode 45 - Brambleback Brute 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 - Jean-Emmanuel Depraz - Going Deeper in Sealed - Part 2 (Part 1 - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39822350

Episode 44 - ECL Hot Topics 01/15/2026

Episode 44 - ECL Hot Topics 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 - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39738300

Episode 43 - 2025 in Review 01/08/2026

Episode 43 - 2025 in Review 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 - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39576395

Episode 42 - TLA Retrospective 01/01/2026

Episode 42 - TLA Retrospective This week I'm wrapping up Avatar coverage with a look back at the TLA format! Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39576335

Episode 41 - Worlds with Ryan Condon 12/26/2025

Episode 41 - Worlds with Ryan Condon 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 - Ryan's Bluesky - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39403710

Episode 40 - Barrels of Blasting Jelly 12/16/2025

Episode 40 - Barrels of Blasting Jelly 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 - Naya - 4c Black - Gb - Urg - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39415495

Episode 39 - Lost Days 12/11/2025

Episode 39 - Lost Days 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 /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39351580

Episode 38 - Raucous Audience 12/04/2025

Episode 38 - Raucous Audience 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 - GRw - Gb - Gr - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39211090

Episode 37 - Tolls of War 11/26/2025

Episode 37 - Tolls of War 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. /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39176520

Episode 36 - Fire Nation Cadets 11/20/2025

Episode 36 - Fire Nation Cadets Can you believe they printed Sol Ring at common? And Embercleave at uncommon? UR - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39106200

Episode 35 - TLA Hot Topics 11/13/2025

Episode 35 - TLA Hot Topics 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 - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/39003305

Episode 34 - Talking Magic with Marc Anderson 11/06/2025

Episode 34 - Talking Magic with Marc Anderson 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 - bsky - my Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/38503430

Episode 33 - Rotisserie Draft 10/30/2025

Episode 33 - Rotisserie Draft 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 - Lightning Bolt Pod spreadsheet - Birds of Paradise Pod spreadsheet - Lucky Paper's roto templates - LastAbzan's blog - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/38779045

Episode 32 - CubeCon Recap! 10/23/2025

Episode 32 - CubeCon Recap! 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 - Prequel Draft - Everywhere Cube Everywhere Cube deck - Stompy Draft 1 - Sandman Sandman deck - Naya Draft 2 - Gingercube Gingercube deck - GW Control Draft 3 - Synergy Cube Synergy Cube deck - Sultai + RW pile Draft 4 - Spicy Ramen Spicy Ramen deck - UB Control t128 - The Cascade Cube The Cascade Cube deck - Esper Midrange t64 - The Chicago Cube The Chicago Cube deck - RW aggro Lucky Paper's Cube Events page - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/38736835

Episode 31 - Cube 201 10/15/2025

Episode 31 - Cube 201 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" - Sam Black's Drafting Archetypes Episode 91: Cube! - All the cubes mentioned in this podcast: Arthur's Peasant Cube - Justin's Standard Greatest Hits - Neoclassical Cube - Arthur's Monowhite Cube - Matt's BUGaboo - The Cascade Cube - The Turbo Cube - 100 Ornithopters - Pisscube - The Chicago Cube - El Classico - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/38551780

Episode 30 - Cube 101 10/09/2025

Episode 30 - Cube 101 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 - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/38505365

Episode 29 - Eerie Gravestone 10/02/2025

Episode 29 - Eerie Gravestone 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 Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/38418280

Episode 28 - BONUS! Deep Dive on my Arena Cube 09/27/2025

Episode 28 - BONUS! Deep Dive on my Arena Cube An in-depth look at my Arena Cube! Cubecobra list - Trophy Decks thread - Recross the Path (cube interview podcast) ft. me and this cube - Linktree - /episode/index/show/7a80c610-3abb-4b86-9af9-d7e0e07ac03b/id/38378455

Rough Drafts - A Limited Magic Podcast

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