End of 2019 Sheldon AMA

User avatar
cryogen
GΘΔ†
Posts: 1056
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Westminster, MD
Contact:

Post by cryogen » 4 years ago

Posting this for Sheldon. He's doing one final AMA for 2019. You can ask your questions here or on the official forums.

As usual, questions can be on any topic, just keep them respectful.
Sheldon wrote:You're the reason we can't have nice things.

User avatar
Dunharrow
Posts: 1821
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Montreal

Post by Dunharrow » 4 years ago

Hi Sheldon,
Thank you for doing these AMAs.
What do you think of tutors in Commander? Do they support or circumvent the singleton nature of Commander?

(People seem to dislike specific strategies like combo or stax, and we are encouraged to talk to discuss power level before a game is played, but I find that low-cost tutors are what make these strategies viable)
The New World fell not to a sword but to a meme

User avatar
RxPhantom
Fully Vaxxed, Baby!
Posts: 1511
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: Unlisted
Location: Southern Maryland

Post by RxPhantom » 4 years ago

Do you think the format is better or worse for having tuck removed? I miss it, personally.
Can you name all of the creature types with at least 20 cards? Try my Sporcle Quiz! Last Updated: 2/18/22 (Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty)

User avatar
ISBPathfinder
Bebopin
Posts: 2147
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: SD, USA

Post by ISBPathfinder » 4 years ago

Sheldon,

What is your opinion of taking the 100 card mandatory deck size to being a minimum instead of a mandatory number? I guess its a bit of a question of should Battle of Wits function and be an option in commander. The change in rules would be incredibly minor and really not change how things are done. Its also not really a big deal but it would take a card that's more or less functionally banned and allow it to be played.
[EDH] Vadrok List (Suicide Chads) | Evelyn List (Vamp Mill) | Sanwell List | Danitha List | Indominus List | Ratadrabik List

User avatar
3drinks
Kaalia's Personal Liaison
Posts: 4814
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Ruined City of Drannith, Ikoria

Post by 3drinks » 4 years ago

Good morning Sheldon, I trust your day is going well;

What is your opinion of the partner mechanic, both in it's implementation originally and it's subsequent revamp in Battlebond? Has it made the format better or worse in your estimation? What would it take (if it were even on the chopping block) for the mechanic to get the axe?

How has the advent of 4c affected (if at all) the drive to build 5c instead? Do you find your builds (those you either play against or self-brew) homogenizing with such easy access to your colours?

How does the current suite of power creep we're being served bode in relation to the commander format, and what do you anticipate if the creep continues in such a way? How long at that rate would you predict before the average game inadvertently enters into the "arms race" just by sheer virtue of good cards that continue getting released?

Modern
R{R/W} 87guide Burn
Commander
WRKellan, the Fae-Blooded // Birthright Boon (local secret santa gift)
RTorbran, Thane of Red Fell (Red Deck Wins)
WBRAlesha, Who Smiles at Death (Slivers)
WBRKaalia HQ

User avatar
5colorsrainbow
Posts: 560
Joined: 4 years ago
Answers: 1
Pronoun: he / him

Post by 5colorsrainbow » 4 years ago

Hey Sheldon what do you think overall was the highlight(s) of 2019 for Commander and what need aspect(s) improvement? D
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"

User avatar
toctheyounger
Posts: 3978
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Post by toctheyounger » 4 years ago

I don't have anything heavy to enquire about in terms of the format as I'm pretty happy with where it's at and how things are going, so a few basic trivial questions for fun.

What is your favourite card printed this year? You only get one but you can justify it however you like.

If you were going to build a theme deck around any character from a book you've read, who would it be and who would helm the deck?

Favourite album of the year?
(if you don't have one yet, check out In Cauda Venenum by Opeth. It's a modern day prog rock masterpiece.)

How many cats is the right amount of cats to own?
Malazan Decks of the Fallen
| Shadowthrone/Lazav | Raest/Yidris | T'iam / The Ur-Dragon |

User avatar
DirkGently
My wins are unconditional
Posts: 4519
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him

Post by DirkGently » 4 years ago

How interested are you in the commander draft thing coming next year? How much do you draft, anyway?
toctheyounger wrote:
4 years ago
Favourite album of the year?
(if you don't have one yet, check out In Cauda Venenum by Opeth. It's a modern day prog rock masterpiece.
Lol, is sheldon a known prog rock fan? I mean, I like opeth, but it seems like a shot in the dark.
Perm Decks
Phelddagrif - Kaervek - Golos - Zirilan

Flux Decks
Gollum - Lobelia - Minthara - Plargg2 - Solphim - Otharri - Graaz - Ratchet - Soundwave - Slicer - Gale - Rootha - Kagemaro - Blorpityblorpboop - Kayla - SliverQueen - Ivy - Falco - Gluntch - Charlatan/Wilson - Garth - Kros - Anthousa - Shigeki - Light-Paws - Lukka - Sefris - Ebondeath - Rokiric - Garth - Nixilis - Grist - Mavinda - Kumano - Nezahal - Mavinda - Plargg - Plargg - Extus - Plargg - Oracle - Kardur - Halvar - Tergrid - Egon - Cosima - Halana+Livio - Jeska+Falthis+Obosh - Yeva - Akiri+Zirda - Lady Sun - Nahiri - Korlash - Overlord+Zirda - Chisei - Athreos2 - Akim - Cazur+Ukkima - Otrimi - Otrimi - Kalamax - Ayli+Lurrus - Clamilton - Gonti - Heliod2 - Ayula - Thassa2 - Gallia - Purphoros2 - Rankle - Uro - Rayami - Gargos - Thrasios+Bruse - Pang - Sasaya - Wydwen - Feather - Rona - Toshiro - Sylvia+Khorvath - Geth - QMarchesa - Firesong - Athreos - Arixmethes - Isperia - Etali - Silas+Sidar - Saskia - Virtus+Gorm - Kynaios - Naban - Aryel - Mizzix - Kazuul - Tymna+Kraum - Sidar+Tymna - Ayli - Gwendlyn - Phelddagrif - Liliana - Kaervek - Phelddagrif - Mairsil - Scarab - Child - Phenax - Shirei - Thada - Depala - Circu - Kytheon - GrenzoHR - Phelddagrif - Reyhan+Kraum - Toshiro - Varolz - Nin - Ojutai - Tasigur - Zedruu - Uril - Edric - Wort - Zurgo - Nahiri - Grenzo - Kozilek - Yisan - Ink-Treader - Yisan - Brago - Sidisi - Toshiro - Alexi - Sygg - Brimaz - Sek'Kuar - Marchesa - Vish Kal - Iroas - Phelddagrif - Ephara - Derevi - Glissa - Wanderer - Saffi - Melek - Xiahou Dun - Lazav - Lin Sivvi - Zirilan - Glissa - Ashling1 - Angus - Arcum - Talrand - Chainer - Higure - Kumano - Scion - Teferi1 - Uyo - Sisters
PDH - Drake - Graverobber - Izzet GM - Tallowisp - Symbiote
Brawl - Feather - Ugin - Jace - Scarab - Angrath - Vraska - Kumena
Oathbreaker - Wrenn&6

Serpent_Steve
King of the Elementals!
Posts: 159
Joined: 4 years ago
Answers: 1
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Lorwyn

Post by Serpent_Steve » 4 years ago

Hi Sheldon hope everything is going well with you!

As a fan of movies and TV shows I'm looking forward to seeing what Netflix does with the Magic the Gathering series. Is there a particular moment in Magic's history you'd like to see or character you'd like to be referenced?

User avatar
cryogen
GΘΔ†
Posts: 1056
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Westminster, MD
Contact:

Post by cryogen » 4 years ago

DirkGently wrote:
4 years ago
How interested are you in the commander draft thing coming next year? How much do you draft, anyway?
toctheyounger wrote:
4 years ago
Favourite album of the year?
(if you don't have one yet, check out In Cauda Venenum by Opeth. It's a modern day prog rock masterpiece.
Lol, is sheldon a known prog rock fan? I mean, I like opeth, but it seems like a shot in the dark.
Not Sheldon, but he has professed to be a huge Dream Theater fan, and I think prog rock in general.
Sheldon wrote:You're the reason we can't have nice things.

Legend
Aethernaut
Posts: 1639
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Eternity

Post by Legend » 4 years ago

Greetings!
Thank you for this opportunity. It's become clear that WotC has put wishing back on the design table. As the number of wish cards stacks up, does the RC have plans to address this growing elephant in the room - that being an entire class of cards that are de facto banned in Commander?
Be well!
Last edited by Legend 4 years ago, edited 2 times in total.
“Comboing in Commander is like dunking on a seven foot hoop.” – Dana Roach

“Making a deck that other people want to play against – that’s Commander.” – Gavin Duggan

"I want my brain to win games, not my cards." – Sheldon Menery

User avatar
toctheyounger
Posts: 3978
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Post by toctheyounger » 4 years ago

DirkGently wrote:
4 years ago
How interested are you in the commander draft thing coming next year? How much do you draft, anyway?
toctheyounger wrote:
4 years ago
Favourite album of the year?
(if you don't have one yet, check out In Cauda Venenum by Opeth. It's a modern day prog rock masterpiece.
Lol, is sheldon a known prog rock fan? I mean, I like opeth, but it seems like a shot in the dark.
I dunno. Don't really care either tbh, I just figured not every question in an AMA needs to be a heavy philosophical MTG question; we take this pretty seriously and I assume that gets a little tiresome for someone in Sheldon's position.

Aside from that I have no serious questions for him. I'm pretty happy with the format atm, so why not. That second a stands for anything.
Malazan Decks of the Fallen
| Shadowthrone/Lazav | Raest/Yidris | T'iam / The Ur-Dragon |

User avatar
3drinks
Kaalia's Personal Liaison
Posts: 4814
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Ruined City of Drannith, Ikoria

Post by 3drinks » 4 years ago

toctheyounger wrote:
4 years ago
I just figured not every question in an AMA needs to be a heavy philosophical MTG question; we take this pretty seriously and I assume that gets a little tiresome for someone in Sheldon's position.
That's me. Always shooting heavy philosophical questions straight from the hip lol.

Modern
R{R/W} 87guide Burn
Commander
WRKellan, the Fae-Blooded // Birthright Boon (local secret santa gift)
RTorbran, Thane of Red Fell (Red Deck Wins)
WBRAlesha, Who Smiles at Death (Slivers)
WBRKaalia HQ

User avatar
toctheyounger
Posts: 3978
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Post by toctheyounger » 4 years ago

3drinks wrote:
4 years ago
toctheyounger wrote:
4 years ago
I just figured not every question in an AMA needs to be a heavy philosophical MTG question; we take this pretty seriously and I assume that gets a little tiresome for someone in Sheldon's position.
That's me. Always shooting heavy philosophical questions straight from the hip lol.
I mean most people try to think up something deep to ask right? I figured screw it. Life's busy enough for me and heavy enough for him going through immunotherapy why not ask 20 questions style stuff and give him an easy one.
Malazan Decks of the Fallen
| Shadowthrone/Lazav | Raest/Yidris | T'iam / The Ur-Dragon |

User avatar
DirkGently
My wins are unconditional
Posts: 4519
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him

Post by DirkGently » 4 years ago

toctheyounger wrote:
4 years ago
I dunno. Don't really care either tbh, I just figured not every question in an AMA needs to be a heavy philosophical MTG question; we take this pretty seriously and I assume that gets a little tiresome for someone in Sheldon's position.

Aside from that I have no serious questions for him. I'm pretty happy with the format atm, so why not. That second a stands for anything.
Oh, I don't have any issue with the question, I just usually shy away from recommending music to people since everyone's tastes are so different.
Perm Decks
Phelddagrif - Kaervek - Golos - Zirilan

Flux Decks
Gollum - Lobelia - Minthara - Plargg2 - Solphim - Otharri - Graaz - Ratchet - Soundwave - Slicer - Gale - Rootha - Kagemaro - Blorpityblorpboop - Kayla - SliverQueen - Ivy - Falco - Gluntch - Charlatan/Wilson - Garth - Kros - Anthousa - Shigeki - Light-Paws - Lukka - Sefris - Ebondeath - Rokiric - Garth - Nixilis - Grist - Mavinda - Kumano - Nezahal - Mavinda - Plargg - Plargg - Extus - Plargg - Oracle - Kardur - Halvar - Tergrid - Egon - Cosima - Halana+Livio - Jeska+Falthis+Obosh - Yeva - Akiri+Zirda - Lady Sun - Nahiri - Korlash - Overlord+Zirda - Chisei - Athreos2 - Akim - Cazur+Ukkima - Otrimi - Otrimi - Kalamax - Ayli+Lurrus - Clamilton - Gonti - Heliod2 - Ayula - Thassa2 - Gallia - Purphoros2 - Rankle - Uro - Rayami - Gargos - Thrasios+Bruse - Pang - Sasaya - Wydwen - Feather - Rona - Toshiro - Sylvia+Khorvath - Geth - QMarchesa - Firesong - Athreos - Arixmethes - Isperia - Etali - Silas+Sidar - Saskia - Virtus+Gorm - Kynaios - Naban - Aryel - Mizzix - Kazuul - Tymna+Kraum - Sidar+Tymna - Ayli - Gwendlyn - Phelddagrif - Liliana - Kaervek - Phelddagrif - Mairsil - Scarab - Child - Phenax - Shirei - Thada - Depala - Circu - Kytheon - GrenzoHR - Phelddagrif - Reyhan+Kraum - Toshiro - Varolz - Nin - Ojutai - Tasigur - Zedruu - Uril - Edric - Wort - Zurgo - Nahiri - Grenzo - Kozilek - Yisan - Ink-Treader - Yisan - Brago - Sidisi - Toshiro - Alexi - Sygg - Brimaz - Sek'Kuar - Marchesa - Vish Kal - Iroas - Phelddagrif - Ephara - Derevi - Glissa - Wanderer - Saffi - Melek - Xiahou Dun - Lazav - Lin Sivvi - Zirilan - Glissa - Ashling1 - Angus - Arcum - Talrand - Chainer - Higure - Kumano - Scion - Teferi1 - Uyo - Sisters
PDH - Drake - Graverobber - Izzet GM - Tallowisp - Symbiote
Brawl - Feather - Ugin - Jace - Scarab - Angrath - Vraska - Kumena
Oathbreaker - Wrenn&6

User avatar
RxPhantom
Fully Vaxxed, Baby!
Posts: 1511
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: Unlisted
Location: Southern Maryland

Post by RxPhantom » 4 years ago

DirkGently wrote:
4 years ago
toctheyounger wrote:
4 years ago
I dunno. Don't really care either tbh, I just figured not every question in an AMA needs to be a heavy philosophical MTG question; we take this pretty seriously and I assume that gets a little tiresome for someone in Sheldon's position.

Aside from that I have no serious questions for him. I'm pretty happy with the format atm, so why not. That second a stands for anything.
Oh, I don't have any issue with the question, I just usually shy away from recommending music to people since everyone's tastes are so different.
Oh man. Not sharing music with people does them a disservice, especially if you listen to anything even remotely out of the mainstream. Gimme some recommendations!

Anyway, I'm shocked that this thread hasn't had more traffic, but I think I can manage one or two more questions.

1. Are there any cards that are on the RC's radar for an unban? (yes or no is fine on this one, I don't expect any examples to be given)

2. Would you oppose cEDH having it's own RC, essentially splintering off from Commander proper?
Can you name all of the creature types with at least 20 cards? Try my Sporcle Quiz! Last Updated: 2/18/22 (Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty)

User avatar
bobthefunny
Resident Plainswalker
Posts: 467
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Contact:

Post by bobthefunny » 4 years ago

Hey Sheldon,

For next year Wizards has announces a lot of Commander products, increasing the cadence of Commander releases significantly. Do you feel there is any risk of product fatigue that would be introduced from this higher cadence, or do you think that this increased cadence will be only a net positive?

There is a new player in my group. He runs Derevi, probably because it was simply gifted to him. His entire deck is draft chaff, and on a scale of 1-10, probably lies at a 2, and that might be generous. He seems excited by Commander though. If you had a brand new player with no collection, what cards would you gift to them to help them move into Commander a bit more?

What commander deck should I build next?
RxPhantom wrote:
4 years ago
Oh man. Not sharing music with people does them a disservice, especially if you listen to anything even remotely out of the mainstream. Gimme some recommendations!
I'm currently listening to Paddy and the Rats. Wikidepia describes them as Celtic Punk? But it's more like Pirate Shanty Metal?
Castaway
One Last Ale

Sharpened
Posts: 193
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him

Post by Sharpened » 4 years ago

The last AMA was on reddit. Sort of disappointing to realize this one is behind a paywall.

User avatar
Hermes_
Posts: 1751
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him

Post by Hermes_ » 4 years ago

Sharpened wrote:
4 years ago
The last AMA was on reddit. Sort of disappointing to realize this one is behind a paywall.
That one was aimed at reddit, you could tell by the fact that almost all of the questions that got asked were questions that had been answered on Salvation and over at the official forums.
The Secret of Commander (EDH)
Sheldon-"The secret of this format is in not breaking it. "

User avatar
cryogen
GΘΔ†
Posts: 1056
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Westminster, MD
Contact:

Post by cryogen » 4 years ago

Sharpened wrote:
4 years ago
The last AMA was on reddit. Sort of disappointing to realize this one is behind a paywall.
With the exception of his Reddit AMA, all previous ones have been published on SCG. It is unfortunate that they changed their site and now stick everything behind a paywall, but all articles become free after one week.
Sheldon wrote:You're the reason we can't have nice things.

User avatar
cryogen
GΘΔ†
Posts: 1056
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Westminster, MD
Contact:

Post by cryogen » 4 years ago

Sheldon wrote:You're the reason we can't have nice things.

User avatar
lyonhaert
Posts: 641
Joined: 4 years ago
Answers: 4
Pronoun: they / them

Post by lyonhaert » 4 years ago

Also a bit unfortunate that they changed how their article URLs work and now older links here and on Sally don't work. :mad:
Chainer bbb
"Image"
(rebuild after Geth)
Other
r Lathliss
bw Breena
To-Build Pool
rb Obosh Burn
gw Dromoka

User avatar
Shabbaman
crying casual
Posts: 55
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: Unlisted
Location: Costa la Haya
Contact:

Post by Shabbaman » 4 years ago

lyonhaert wrote:
4 years ago
Also a bit unfortunate that they changed how their article URLs work and now older links here and on Sally don't work. :mad:
I noticed that as well. I have a collection of bookmarks to good articles (because face it, SCG has had its fair share of great writers) but I can't find them. The search function on the new site just doesn't seem to work properly. I hope that'll improve.
“Our words are backed with OBLIVION STONE!" - Mahatma Gandhi

User avatar
Dunharrow
Posts: 1821
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Montreal

Post by Dunharrow » 4 years ago

I am impressed by the fact that he answered so many questions.
I am also relieved by his stance on wishes.

I am surprised the 100-card limitation has been coming up in discussion.
The New World fell not to a sword but to a meme

User avatar
cryogen
GΘΔ†
Posts: 1056
Joined: 4 years ago
Pronoun: he / him
Location: Westminster, MD
Contact:

Post by cryogen » 4 years ago

I'm surprised he likes Popeye's.
Sheldon wrote:You're the reason we can't have nice things.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic

Return to “Commander”