Explore every episode of the podcast Rough Drafts - A Limited Magic Podcast

This week I'm going deep on the graveyard - why it's such a valuable resource in Reality Fracture, and what sorts of cards can leverage that advantage. 

https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts
https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

For my first Reality Fracture episode, I'm taking a close look at the 2-drops in the format, trying learn about different deck gameplans by categorizing the different types of 2 drops you might play. 

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

All my questions going into the first drafts of Reality Fracture!

https://www.patreon.com/c/RoughDrafts
https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

This week I'm taking the opportunity to deep-dive on variance in Magic - why flooding is probably your fault, and how thinking about variance before you even start your draft can help. 

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/RoughDrafts
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Last week was all about my weekend as a competitor at CubeCon. This week I'm recapping my experience as a designer, talking about player feedback, play data, and upcoming cube changes. 

GUT (my cube) - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/GUT?view=primer

Draft data - https://cubecobra.com/cube/records/GUT?view=draft-reports

Hedron Network cube results (deck pics) - https://hedron.network/cube-results?cubeId=GUT

Recapping all the drafts from my great weekend at CubeCon! 

Stadium Stampede - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/0e2e86be-6674-4e69-be38-6a3ba63c0a93?view=primer
Sultai Control - https://sealeddeck.tech/t7huzGnmr6

The Legacy of Bloodwake Atoll - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/Pirates?view=primer
Esper Artifacts - https://sealeddeck.tech/7BJyBSYVbW

The Kuleshov Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/meaning?view=primer
BW Lifegain/Enchantments - https://sealeddeck.tech/SEMAUi97KY

HeatherCube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/HeatherCube?view=primer
Naya Beats - https://sealeddeck.tech/4EPwfFFaTX

I Loot the Body - https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/ILootTheBody?view=mainboard
Mardu Aristocrats - https://sealeddeck.tech/C797QnkQcw

Innistrad to Eldritch Moon - https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/Golden%20Age%20Standard?view=primer
Wg Aggro - https://sealeddeck.tech/xoaY424LqA

Deck pics thread - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3mudoribhrc27

As my Hobbit experiment draws to a close, it's time to pull the veil off The Data and compare my own card evaluation to the aggregate. 

My pre-data tier list https://www.17lands.com/tier_list/dae406ffa0c94684924d612f25e94269

Linktree - linktr.ee/roughdrafts

My second post-release Hobbit episode goes into my big-picture format experience without 17lands, including why I've been winning with black, why this set is so good for small games, and why this is the best Menace has ever been. 

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

Time to recap my experience drafting the Hobbit blind - no previews, no discussion, no 17lands data. This episode mainly focuses on the topic of card evaluation. 

My drafts - 
https://www.17lands.com/deck/0ed9b54e2ff94a3ea33e7003105780dc/0?view=deck
https://www.17lands.com/deck/ce704ed6dbd344bfa119bd84df4a2457/0?view=deck
https://www.17lands.com/deck/59c2355a581340018050a31441c0dbd7/0?view=deck
https://www.17lands.com/deck/8b0298fd5ed94f7192382671ba73f628/0?view=deck
https://www.17lands.com/deck/f28c2c6167a64823a457133fcd80d0d4/0?view=deck
https://www.17lands.com/deck/c8955d2c258b4045a4b7ad87e3f3dc27/0?view=deck
Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

The Hobbit is the last small set for the foreseeable future, so I'm taking the opportunity to do something cool - go into the set totally blind! This episode goes into detail on my plan and expectations for this unique experiment. 

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

I've had a number of ideas for new cubes over the past two years, but haven't found the time, energy, or drive to actually see them through. So I'm tackling the problem head on - finishing a "first draft" of five cubes by the end of the year. 

My CubeCobra - https://cubecobra.com/user/view/610c165b750a931047aa23b6 

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts

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