The Hardest Part is Just Getting Started, with Sam from Rhystic Studies

Andy and Anthony are joined by Sam from Rhystic Studies to talk about his first Cube design project. Sam, who produces thoughtful, carefully written videos on Magic, has been interested in Cube design for years and has finally made the leap to create his own list. They talk about what motivates Sam’s design goals, how he’s approached the project, and what he’s looking forward to in his first experiences playing it.

⁠View all cards mentioned in the episode →⁠

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

3:06 - Betrayal Corner and the Magic to Game Design Pipeline

7:53 - Introduction to “Kitchen Table All Stars”, Sam’s new Cube

11:46 - Why now and why Cube is Sam’s “end game” for Magic

22:22 - Cube Design in the Liminal Space Between the First Complete List and the First Actual Draft

30:23 - What Are Sam’s Goals for the First Draft

44:34 - What are the other hallmark cards of Kitchen Table All Stars?

51:38 - Identifying and Handling Power Outliers

56:13 - Pack 1, Pick 1 from Sam’s Cube

Discussed in this episode:

• Intro backing music “Lonesome Journey” by KeysOfMoonMusic
• Betrayal (Board Game)
• Pandemic (Board Game)
• Sam’s Cube, “Kitchen Table All Stars”
• Episode 191: Vibes-Forward Cube Design with Ryan Overturf
• Steve Stillman on Twitter
• Episode 182: Emergent Cube Design by Example
• 100 Ornithopters in a Trenchcoat
• Caleb Gannon’s Drafts of His Own Powered Synergy Cube on MTGO
• Sam’s Interview on Humans of Magic
• Hillary’s “Baby’s First Cube”
• DanDan
• Dear Gonti, Love Sophie by Rhystic Studies
• Understanding Sagas | How Magic Art Depicts In-World Histories by Rhystic Studies
• Red Deck Wins by Rhystic Studies
• Games Within Games | The Story of “Forgetful Fish” by Rhystic Studies

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. Send in questions to the show at [email protected]. You can also find both your hosts in the MTG Cube Talk Discord.

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Musical production by DJ James Nasty.