MtG Cabal Cast

With several years and numerous changes to the RCQ system under our collective belts, we thought it was time to discuss what we have seen and what we are seeing. While this episode is centered solely around the LGS and only Thursty is part of day to day operations, Halt is able to weigh in having judged at least one RCQ in each season for the past several years. With our insights combined, we put together a pretty tight list of what we have seen and experienced.

In January of 2025, CGC Grading announced that they had received playtest cards for the first set release in Japan (October 1996). Discussed with a person close to the creation of the Japanese game, the cards were deemed "the real thing" and the grading process begin. As linked, and discussed in the episode CGC subjected these cards to a bevy of tests to assure their authenticity but it wasn't until they made it into public hands that they were found to be counterfeit. Is this episode we discuss what happened and what has happened to the reputation of CGC. How we view them currently. How we would handle their slabs. And most importantly, if we would trust them again. https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/13730/ https://www.elitefourum.com/t/many-of-the-pokemon-playtest-cards-were-likely-printed-in-2024/52421 https://web.archive.org/web/20250116144948/https://www.cgccards.com/news/article/11742/pokemon-prototype-cards/

The Hunter Burton Memorial is in its 11th year and shows no signs of stopping or slowing down; nor should it. Rooted in the knowledge that tragedy touches everyone, this even filled weekend brings people together in order to raise awareness, and funds, for the 988 Lifeline and charity. This year over 1500 people competed in over 300 events and we were lucky enough to be in attendance. If you haven't been, you should, and please enjoy hearing about the experience. If you have been, please share your experiences. https://988lifeline.org/ https://hunterburtonmemorialopen.com/

With the start of the new year comes new shows, and this year, Thursty is not only attending a number of shows, more than in a number of prior years, but also shows that aren't just dedicated to Magic. Some aren't even related to Magic at all but different collectibles markets entirely. Spend time with us as we discuss the shows that Thursty has been to, his upcoming February shows, the details about why they chose to vend them. and their expectations.

A few weeks ago, as proof we play Magic the Gathering, both Thursty and Halt took place in an off camera friends and family Vintage Rotisserie Draft. Split over two days, the in person draft took place the night before giving players several hours to build and test their lists before playing out the next days. Seven rounds brought us a top four that included our own Halt_I_m_Reptar, though he lost his first match to Thursty. Recorded and commentated on for your enjoyment! The draft document can be found below long with the moxfield link to Halt's list, the St Lotus YouTube and Twitch channels and as always, if you want to try your hand at rotisserie drafting, the Discord link can be found below as well. Halt's Decklist: https://moxfield.com/decks/0Z7qGEuDeUKP9J4kZYN7ZQ Full VRD Draft list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13k_ngNdcZ3ZO3Up29-ZAtXhs9ss2t55E_whbZitmPtE/edit?usp=sharing Come Draft with us on Discord: https://discord.com/invite/nxBPYXn St Lotus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpwS9X2A-5pmo1txhyD7eoA Follow St Lotus on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/stlotusmtg

It's 2025 and we're back with our yearly tradition of discussing what we would do if we ran Hasbro. Secret Layers, Baulders Gate 3, and the finalization of the eOne sale. What a year it's been. Casting out lens, we look at the decisions we saw coming out of Hasbro and WotC and put together some notes and things we'd like to see them do better, things we'd change, things we'd improve. Even a few things we'd like to do away with. Join us on this rocky ride as we discuss what we would do in 2025 if we ran Hasbro.

This week we look back at Magic in 2024 and discuss what we encouraging and what was discouraging. What could be improved and what worked. How did the set release cadence, Secret Lair drops, and handling of constructed impact the game. Effectively grading Magic in 2024 across several, easy to understand metrics with a side of "what happened at the LGS this year?!"

As our sixth year as a podcast draws to a close, we continue our process of self reflection and growth. This episode we look back at two picks each, and discuss what they represent to us: winners and losers alike, there's always a lesson to be learned.

As we head into the holiday season, we take a look at strategies employed at the LGS level to ensure a successful transition into the new year. What factors are in play in 2024 Q4 that might impact not just what we are looking to sell, but also how we market it and sell it. Are we looking to bring in more foot traffic just to increase product exposure, do we want to focus on growing our customer base permanently, are we able to host events? Each years Q4 provides an interesting look into how an LGS works and this year is no different, so join us as we break down holiday strategies for 2024.

We finally have the 2025 RCQ schedule and format information, answer a number of questions that we've had as players, LGS's, vendors, and the like. This week we break down the timing, format information, TOs, and hopeful future of the system. https://www.magic.gg/news/play-in-rcqs-earn-secret-lair-promos-and-qualify-for-pro-tour-3-in-2025

We went to Collect-A-Con so you don't have to! But you should because it's awesome. https://collectaconusa.com/ This week we discuss what is was like at Collect-A-Con Chicago 2024 as a gaming vendor. What kind of a event was it, what expectations did we set. What had we learned in the past that we put into practice, what were some of the take aways. And, most importantly, is it worth it to add Collecet-A-Cons as part of your list of shows to vend as either an LGS or a vendor.

From the Judges to the LGS, from the players to the formats we discuss what it's been like operating in the new RCQ system. What changes have felt impactful to each of the aforementioned elements? What are we seeing now that we haven't seen before? Do these changes to the system even feel good?