Commitment to the Bit — On Context Shift Cubes

Andy and Anthony talk about novelty Cubes. Many Cubes are built around a novelty concept or design restriction. Novelty designs can be fun and light, but gimmicks can also pigeonhole cubes, making them feel unworthy of serious attention. Our hosts discuss their experience with novelty design, from its benefits to its challenging implications.

⁠View all cards mentioned in the episode →⁠

Discussed in this episode:

• Anthony’s Turbo Cube
• Andy’s 100 Ornithopters Cube
• Andy’s Degenerate Micro Cube
• The Bolt Cube
• The Descent Into Avernus
• Anthony’s Defunct Monoblack Cube
• Gimmicks
• Novelties
• Dan Dan — Rhystic Studies Video
• Anthony’s Battle Box

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

3:45 - What is novelty in Cube design?

8:38 - How does novelty impact draft vs gameplay? What about self-imposed restrictions?

17:13 - The Monoblack Cube, The Turbo Cube, and first impressions of your themes “at common”

29:08 - A Ward Sliver Detour

35:54 - What can Dan Dan’s virality teach us about novel ways to play Magic?

49:44 - Pack 1, Pick 1 from the 100 Ornithopters Cube

Check us out on Twitch and YouTube for paper Cube gameplay.

You can find the hosts’ Cubes on Cube Cobra:

• Andy’s “Bun Magic” Cube
• Anthony’s “Regular” Cube

If want us to do a pack 1, pick 1 from your cube submit it on our website. You can find both your hosts in the MTG Cube Talk Discord. Send in questions to the show at [email protected] or our p.o. box:

Lucky Paper

PO Box 4855

Baltimore, MD 21211

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Musical production by DJ James Nasty.