Top Level Podcast is a weekly podcast by Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour Hall of Famer and Pro Tour Champion Patrick Chapin with Michael J Flores. Top Level Podcast focuses on competitive, Constructed, tournament Magic: The Gathering strategy, tactics, deck lists, and mindset. We appear weekly on http://www.toplevelpodcast.com
A Little Historic, a Lot of Modern
A little bit of Jeskai Turns in Historic but lots of new and reimagined archetypes in Modern with Modern Horizons 2 becoming legal this week
6/14/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 35 seconds
The Most Powerful Cards in Modern Horizons 2
Modern Horizons 2 has a TON of powerful cards. Witness the rebirth of a Legacy Staple AND a brand-new two card infinite combo right here!
6/7/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 second
Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer Seems Amazing
Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer is spectacular! Is it the best red one drop of all time? Might not be tops in the SET. Still... Looks to be great
5/31/2021 • 57 minutes, 49 seconds
Tainted Pact and More (and More!) This Week
Tainted Pact spawned not one but two new decks, then got an established card banned all last week! Which is not even most of the story this week
5/24/2021 • 50 minutes, 5 seconds
Breaking Clever Lumimancer in Modern
Strixhaven has been telling in Standard... But some cards are even better in Modern! Clever Lumimancer, for instance, kills turn two!
5/17/2021 • 47 minutes, 40 seconds
Portable Hole, Prosperous Innkeeper & Modern Horizons II!
Just how great is Prosperous Innkeeper? This Halfling is a Wily Goblin with a Soul Warden tacked on! Lots of D&D. All the Modern Horizons II!
5/10/2021 • 47 minutes, 4 seconds
Blade Historian is Just Incredible
How can Blade Historian from Strixhaven glue together a number of existing red and white cards to produce an exciting new take on aggro?
5/3/2021 • 54 minutes, 22 seconds
Lots of ways to be a Prismari Command guy...
Prismari Command is one of the most flexible cards in Strixhaven. It's found many homes already, playing many roles.
4/26/2021 • 56 minutes, 15 seconds
Gnarled Professor, learns, Lessons, and more Strixhaven
Class is in session at Strixhaven! What are the best Lessons? How do you want to learn? Like, can I interest you in a Gnarled Professor?
4/19/2021 • 56 minutes, 24 seconds
Expressive Iteration Will be Good in VINTAGE
Expressive Iteration is going to be good in Vintage. It'll be absolutely fantastic in Standard for that matter! Plus, tons more Strixhaven
4/12/2021 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 7 seconds
Going Deep into the Strixhaven Previews
Here come some of the most exciting cards from the Strixhaven Previews! A peek into the future of Boros - sorry Lorehold - and more
4/5/2021 • 57 minutes, 36 seconds
Village Rites is Our Official Strixhaven Preview
Village Rites is back in Strixhaven! And with sweet new art! Our heroes chat Strixhaven, including Professor Onyx and Kasmina, Enigma Sage
3/25/2021 • 50 minutes, 2 seconds
Patrick's Sweet Mono-Blue Snow Deck!
Mono-Blue Snow is one of the exciting new archetypes enabled by Kaldheim. Patrick's build starts off at one and tops up on... Twelve?
3/22/2021 • 52 minutes, 6 seconds
Egon, God of Death in Historic
Egon, God of Death is an exciting addition to Historic StOmPy. Learn how this Kaldheim god can make your Champions and Regisaurs even better!
3/15/2021 • 53 minutes, 14 seconds
Pick a Side on Reidane, God of the Worthy
What about Reidane, God of the Worthy makes it so powerful? Is it its opposite side? The slowdown of your fellow Snow Decks? Or ruining Ramp?
3/8/2021 • 51 minutes, 27 seconds
Witherbloom Command is Overrated for Standard
Don't blink! WotC is already showcasing Strixhaven previews! Witherbloom Command and four others give us a glimpse into the new set...
3/1/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 45 seconds
Tibalt, Cosmic Imposter... We Hardly Knew Ya
Tibalt, Cosmic Imposter was not banned... Technically. We talk about everyone else who WAS banned, and how you will see less Tibalt anyway.
2/17/2021 • 54 minutes, 17 seconds
Uro is About to Be Banned (again)
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath is about to be banned again. Definitely in Pioneer, Historic, and Modern. Ah.. What IS going on in Modern?
2/15/2021 • 50 minutes, 13 seconds
Goldspan Dragon is Showing Up Everywhere
Goldspan Dragon is performing in almost every Standard color combination! Plus more Valki, the emergence of Snow, and Showdown of the Skalds
2/8/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 42 seconds
I've Become a Runeforge Champion Guy
Featuring Runeforge Champion and Runes-driven applications from Kaldheim! Grind after sideboarding! Hand your pinger a silver bullet.
2/1/2021 • 55 minutes, 22 seconds
Kaldheim Serra Angel Variants
Kaldheim hasn't been shy about tugging our heartstrings: There are at least four different cards evoking the classic Serra Angel alone!
1/25/2021 • 48 minutes, 26 seconds
Let's Take a Ride on The Omenkeel!
Cosima, God of the Voyage is sometimes known as The Omenkeel! Learn about maybe Kaldheim's most exciting one-card duo right now!
1/18/2021 • 50 minutes, 43 seconds
Valki, God of Lies (and tons more Kaldheim)
Valki, God of Lies is a Modal Double-Faced Card from Kaldheim. Rock and Roll with Valki and tons of additional spoilers this week!
1/11/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 45 seconds
It's Kaldheim Spoiler Season!
We explore the coolest Kaldheim Spoiler Season interactions, from Angel synergies to Giant sized card draw to backwards compatible Demons!
1/4/2021 • 55 minutes, 53 seconds
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Kaldheim
So what DOES Kaldheim look like? Snow? Check. Dwarves? Check. Cool artifact engines? Check and double check. Phyrexian Praetors though? ...
12/28/2020 • 48 minutes, 45 seconds
The Rest of the Historic Decks
Yasharn is great! Uro is even better. But there are all kinds of Historic decks that we didn't discuss LAST week. Discover some other options
12/21/2020 • 52 minutes, 40 seconds
What's So Exciting About Yasharn, Implacable Earth?
We're really impressed by Yasharn, Implacable Earth in Historic: This Elemental Boar bodies up, draws cards, and murders a whole strategy!
12/14/2020 • 51 minutes, 26 seconds
More Innovations in Modern Decks
What's up with the newest crop of Modern decks? New engines, new life given to old cards, and a healthy dose of... Disrespect?
12/7/2020 • 44 minutes, 27 seconds
Feasting Troll King Snacks on Standard
Americans are not the only ones feasting this week! Check out a new Mono-Green deck packing Feasting Troll King (devouring all of three eggs)
11/30/2020 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 8 seconds
What You Need to Know About the 2019 MOCS Decks
The 2019 MOCS featured amazing innovations in both Modern and Pioneer! And for once (?) the best decks paved the way for the Champion!
11/23/2020 • 51 minutes, 8 seconds
Are Modern Decks Completely Busted?
FOR SURE Modern decks have become a hotbed for well built designs and using new cards in innovative ways. But completely busted? Find out!
11/16/2020 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 24 seconds
Aetherworks Marvel is the Biggest Game in Kaladesh Remastered
Aetherworks Marvel is about to hit the Historic format via Kaladesh Remastered! What are the most exciting ways to play this boom boom?
11/9/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 32 seconds
We Have Reached the Main Deck Ox of Agonas Stage
It might just say something about the metagame if Mono-Red Beatdown is playing main deck Ox of Agonas. We tell you what!
11/2/2020 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 3 seconds
The World According to Ruin Crab
All about the newfound rise of Ruin Crab offense in Dimir Rogues and the competing Yorion strategies in post-bans Standard
10/26/2020 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 48 seconds
What Do We Do Now that Escape to the Wilds is Banned?
Escape to the Wilds is banned in Standard alongside Omnath and Lucky Clover. Patrick and Michael speculate on the next big things
10/19/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 12 seconds
What Does It Mean to be the Best in the Format?
Patrick and Michael talk about the best in various formats. Standard Temur Adventures with Omnath [+ without Uro], the PT Mount Rushmore, and more!
10/5/2020 • 50 minutes, 22 seconds
Is Omnath, Locus of Creation Next on the Chopping Block?
Omnath, Locus of Creation from Zendikar Rising is ALREADY dominating Standard! Will it be banned almost before the card sees print in paper?
9/28/2020 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 9 seconds
The Modal Double-Faced Episode!
In this "modal double-faced" ep, we check out the 2020 Mythic Invitational, then more Zendikar Risking cards, some or which are actually modal double-faced!
9/21/2020 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 8 seconds
Taking a Look at the Full Zendikar Rising Spoiler
Patrick and MichaelJ take a deep look at upcoming formats, armed with the full Zendikar Rising Spoiler. What's good? What's completely unplayable?
9/11/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 39 seconds
Zendikar Rising Exclusive Preview - Murasa Brute!
The introduction of Murasa Brute from Zendikar Rising, plus discussion of many new cards and mechanics from the exciting upcoming set!
9/4/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 50 seconds
Sneaking in Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow
Field of the Dead got banned... Again! This time in Historic. Meanwhile Yuriko the Tiger's Shadow leads an elite squad of undercosted Ninjas in Legacy!
8/28/2020 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 6 seconds
Shark Typhoon in StoneBlade (and much more Modern)
It's a tour of the current Modern format! Shark Typhoon is cool in StoneBlade, Chandra's Incinerator in Burn, Lightning Skelemental in Elementals, & more
8/24/2020 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 20 seconds
Let’s Talk About Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath might be the best card left in Standard; check out its performance in a near-consensus best deck... AND a brand-new challenger!
8/14/2020 • 35 minutes, 32 seconds
Teferi, Time Raveler BANNED
Teferi, Time Raveler and Wilderness Reclamation are [FINALLY] banned in Standard (and elsewhere). Why did so many cards get cut... And what's next?
8/7/2020 • 1 hour, 10 seconds
Let's Talk About the Players Tour Finals
The Top 8 is set for the Players Tour Finals! The talk of the tournament was Growth Spiral, but enterprising rogues were also able to succeed. Learn how...
7/31/2020 • 55 minutes, 50 seconds
A HISTORIC Episode of Top Level Podcast
Historic is a brand new format featuring all the legal cards on Magic: The Gathering Arena. It's fresh, different, and super exciting to explore!
7/24/2020 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 7 seconds
Arcum's Astrolabe is Banned in Modern!
Arcum's Astrolabe banned in Modern. Oath of Nissa un-banned in Pioneer! GOOD RIDDANCE to common troublemakers in Historic. Tons of formats; tons of changes.
7/17/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 26 seconds
Everything Old is New Again in Standard!
Rotting Regisaur is once again the biggest bad on the block, the meanest monster in the metagame! Old is new! But new is also new in Standard. Find out why:
7/12/2020 • 52 minutes, 56 seconds
First Looks at Core Set 2021 Standard
Michael Flores and Pro Tour Champion Patrick Chapin take their first look at the new Standard decks powered by Core Set 2021!
7/5/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 45 seconds
Is Alpine Houndmaster the Best Card in M21?
Is Alpine Houndmaster the Squadron Hawk of Core Set 2021? What's required to make this the set's best card and are we willing to pay the deck building cost?
6/28/2020 • 49 minutes, 58 seconds
Terror of the Peaks - Fair... and Not!
Terror of the Peaks is an awesome Dragon when you're playing fair... But did you know the M21 monster also enables an infinite combo?
6/19/2020 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 6 seconds
Llanowar Visionary is a Titan
Llanowar Visionary is kinda sorta an upgraded Borderland Ranger. Except instead of no one wanting to trade with it, many a mage will! Find out why here.
6/12/2020 • 57 minutes, 7 seconds
Agent of Treachery Banned! (and other stories)
Today is a big day for announcements! The Companion rule was fundamentally changed; and two cards (including Agent of Treachery) were banned in Standard!
6/2/2020 • 43 minutes, 54 seconds
Zirda, the Dawnwaker is Banned in Legacy!
Zirda, the Dawnwaker and Lurrus of the Dream-Den are the first Companions to feel the ban hammer! Where do we go from here?
5/22/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 44 seconds
We Adore This Colossus Hammer Deck
Companions are rocking Modern and Pioneer! Our favorite this week uses Stoneforge Mystic to set up a fast Colossus Hammer and a stack of Kor for quick kills
5/15/2020 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 41 seconds
The Many Faces of Yorion, Sky Nomad
Yorion, Sky Nomad is up! The Legendary Bird Serpant (and its 80 best friends) have taken over Standard with tons more card advantage than everyone else!
5/8/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 16 seconds
Keruga, the Macrosage is Defining and Dominating Standard!
Keruga, the Macrosage is just one of the awesome Companions we highlight in this week's episode... But it's not the coolest. Think Yorion + Demonic Pact :)
5/1/2020 • 55 minutes, 28 seconds
The First Week of Standard with Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
Companions from Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths are already dominating every format, even Vintage! This week we examine some specific Companion-cases for Standard
4/24/2020 • 1 hour, 28 seconds
We're Bananas for Kogla, the Titan Ape
Kogla, the Titan Ape from Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths is just one of the exciting cards we discuss in this week's podcast. Check it out!
4/17/2020 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 8 seconds
Lurrus of the Dream-Den Sure is Good with Black Lotus
Lurrus of the Dream-Den is one of the most exciting Companions from Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths. You already know why in Modern... But Vintage? TELL ME MORE
4/10/2020 • 58 minutes, 43 seconds
How Cavalier of Thorns Makes Sultai Escape
Cavalier of Thorns really does help Sultai Escape rocket to the next level, doesn't it? Learn how this card helped this archetype to its most recent big win
4/3/2020 • 51 minutes, 36 seconds
Hottest Standard Tech from #mtgtogether
The #mtgtogether qualifief events have already started to spawn some amazing innovations and powerful solutions in Standard. We've got them all right here!
3/27/2020 • 36 minutes, 56 seconds
Let's Talk About Phoenix of Ash in Mono-Red
Mono-Red wins the Grand Prix and Mike likes... Bant? Find out why, and also why we like the Phoenix of Ash so much in Red Decks anyway ;)
3/20/2020 • 55 minutes, 46 seconds
Underworld Breach Decks Break Modern AND Legacy!
Underworld Breach headlines some of the most broken decks in not just Pioneer... But Modern and even Legacy! Check 'em out here.
3/6/2020 • 56 minutes, 56 seconds
All the Homes for Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger in Modern
Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger is chomping on Modern! Check out the Jund, Death Shadow, and brand new archetypes Kroxa is escaping out of and into the meta!
2/27/2020 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 59 seconds
The Most Exciting Decks from Worlds 2020
Worlds 2020 is in the books and PV adds "World Champion" to his impressive resume. But for the rest of us? What are the most exciting decks to play?
2/21/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 5 seconds
The Best Decks in Pioneer
Patrick and Michael discuss the best decks in Pioneer after Players Tour Phoenix. It's Dimir Inverter meets Lotus Breach and even more Red Decks than usual!
2/14/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 3 seconds
The Elephant in the Room: Inverter of Truth in Pioneer
Inverter of Truth... Is the truth in Pioneer! This week we talk about some of the FIVE Inverter decks from the PT Nagoya Top 8 (and the rest of them, too)
2/7/2020 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 50 seconds
So Many Pioneer Deck Lists!
Pro Tour Hall of Famer Patrick Chapin and newly minted Players Tour competitor Michael J Flores talk all the new Pioneer Deck Lists!
1/31/2020 • 1 hour, 34 seconds
The Return of Mono-Black Devotion
Theros Beyond Death has powered up Mono-Black Devotion! Learn the ins and outs, tips and tricks, for navigating this rediscovered cornerstone of Standard
1/24/2020 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 43 seconds
The Masterful Design of Dream Trawler
What makes Dream Trawler "everything to everyone"? Come find out as we discuss cards from the full Theros Beyond Death spoiler!
1/17/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 13 seconds
There's Lots to Love with Thassa, Deep-Dwelling
Thassa, Deep-Dwelling is a neat centerpiece from Theros Beyond Death. What are some of the great combos and synergies you an exploit alongside this God?
1/10/2020 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 22 seconds
All the Ways to Play (and break!) Heliod, Sun-Crowned
Heliod, Sun-Crowned is getting our creative juices flowing! Find out all the ways he can deal infinite damage, gain infinite life, or just beat down!
1/3/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 35 seconds
How to Think About Klothys, God of Destiny
Find out why Magic: The Gathering Hall of Famer Patrick Chapin says Klothys, God of Destiny from Theros Beyond Death is a five-star card!
12/27/2019 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 16 seconds
First Look at Theros Beyond Death
Theros Beyond Death previews are upon us! How great is Escape? When will you want to play a certain indestructible God? Plus, great news from Mike!
12/20/2019 • 59 minutes, 43 seconds
"Quasiduplicate my Risen Reef" and other key plays from Mythic Championship VII
When you Quasiduplicate your Risen Reef, you get two triggers. Than when you Jump-Start it, you get three! Listen for key play patters of the new top decks!
12/13/2019 • 1 hour, 50 seconds
Three More Cards Join the Pioneer Ban List
Three more cards hit the Pioneer ban list: Long live Pioneer! Patrick + Michael explore losing Smuggler's Copter, Once Upon a Time & Field of the Dead
12/7/2019 • 56 minutes, 8 seconds
Casualties of War is Where You Want to Be
With its ability to destroy key permanents (and lots of them), Casualties of War may be Standard's apex. In particular: Bye bye "enchantment" :)
11/29/2019 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 23 seconds
Oko, Thief of Crowns is Finally Banned in Standard
Oko, Thief of Crowns was banned in Standard this week, alongside Once Upon a Time and Veil of Summer. You know this. But where to next? Find out here!
11/22/2019 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 56 seconds
Wow these Mythic Championship VI Decks
The best Mythic Championship VI decks... Plus the best of "the rest" from the most lopsided, the most homogeneous, Pro Tour ever! Then, what happens next?
11/15/2019 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 49 seconds
Fallout from the First Pioneer PTQ
Results from the first Pioneer PTQ... The top decks AND discussion of some of the initial cards to hit the Pioneer banned list.
11/8/2019 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 5 seconds
It's the Pioneer Decklists Podcast!
What is Pioneer? Magic was born in 1993. Modern is a format from 2003 on... Now Pioneer is a format from 2013 on. It's Magic minus the first two decades...
11/1/2019 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 46 seconds
Once Upon a Time (and more!) in Modern
Once Upon a Time from Throne of Eldraine is making a huge impact on Modern! It's made Amulet Titan more consistent, is assembling Selesnya squads, and more!
10/18/2019 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 47 seconds
The Evolution of Fires of Invention
Fires of Invention is a rule-breaking card. It seems to be breaking its own rules ALREADY! Find out how this card fits into Ramp + all about the other decks in Standard
10/11/2019 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 46 seconds
In for Doom Foretold Esper
Doom Foretold! Centerpiece of the new Esper and bane to opposing Planeswalkers. Learn what makes this card go, and how it converts into a late game killer
10/4/2019 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 23 seconds
The Great Henge and Other Great Cards from Throne of Eldraine
How cheap does The Great Henge have to be before you are into it?
9/27/2019 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 59 seconds
So Much Brewing With Throne of Eldraine
Throne of Eldraine is almost upon us! The brewing potential is seemingly limitless with this powerful new set. We discuss the Castle cycle and lots more!
9/20/2019 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 14 seconds
Rosethorn Halberd from Throne of Eldraine
Rosethorn Halberd is our exclusive preview card from Throne of Eldraine! Check out this bonus podcast to learn all about this sweet preview card, care of Wizards of the Coast.
9/19/2019 • 23 minutes, 49 seconds
Wildborn Preserver in Simic Flash
Wildborn Preserver is going to be an instant Staple in Standard! Learn about this and more powerful new green creatures from Throne of Eldraine here!
9/13/2019 • 1 hour, 3 minutes
Garruk, Cursed Huntsman and Our First Looks at Throne of Eldraine
Elspeth is back! ... Only in the body of Garruk, Cursed Huntsman from Throne of Eldraine. Learn all about the massive new Planeswalker here!
9/7/2019 • 55 minutes, 53 seconds
Get Ready for Stoneforge Mystic
Stoneforge Mystic is unbanned in Modern! What does this mean? Especially now that Hogaak, Arisen Necropolis and Faithless Looting got the [Lightning] Axe?
8/30/2019 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 6 seconds
Combo off with Kethis, the Hidden Hand
Kethis, the Hidden Hand from Core Set 2020 headlines the most exciting deck in Standard. Learn its ins and outs in this week's podcast!
8/23/2019 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 25 seconds
What Makes Bomberman Our Favorite Legacy Deck?
Have you heard of Bomberman? This Mono-White combo deck is one of the coolest decks you can choose in Legacy. Plus! Multiple appearances by Wrenn and Six.
8/16/2019 • 59 minutes, 23 seconds
Why Leyline of the Void is the Most Popular Card in Modern
Why is Leyline of the Void the most popular card in Modern? A certain Arisen Necropolis might tell you, and a certain Phoenix might have gotten in the way.
8/2/2019 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 50 seconds
All the Ways to Play (and beat) Field of the Dead
Scapeshift and Field of the Dead make for the runaway best deck in Standard! Learn how to play (and beat) this winning combination in this week's podcast
7/25/2019 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 41 seconds
Chandra's Spitfire and Key Changes to Mono-Red
Chandra's Spitfire gives the tried and true Mono-Red Standard deck a "Pyromancer's Ascension"-like end game. IN ADDITION to it's established aggro...
7/19/2019 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 19 seconds
We are ALL ABOUT this New Nightpack Ambusher Deck
This podcast features a TON of new Core Set 2020 deck lists... But Simic Flash with Nightpack Ambusher might be our favorite. Learn why right now!
7/12/2019 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 20 seconds
Goblin Engineer in All the New Modern Stuff
Goblin Engineer from Modern Horizons is already driving multiple new decks! Learn how it plays Stoneforge Mystic or "go infinite" with Urza here!
7/5/2019 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 27 seconds
Marauding Raptor is Probably the Best Card in Your Deck
This episode reveals so many ways to follow up Marauding Raptor! Draw a card, make tons of power while defending yourself. More! Plus tons of additional M20
6/28/2019 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 3 seconds
Cards We'd Actually Want to Play from Core Set 2020
Check out some cards we'd actually like to play from Core Set 2020! Get ready for some great creatures, amazing enablers, and even a combo or two!
