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Modal Mechanics 001 — Some Nonzero Number of Mechanics Are Kicker
June 02, 2025 · 64 min

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Andy and Anthony walk through (some of) the history of modal mechanics: cards that offer players choices between multiple effects. Starting with alpha they look at the different manifestations of modality, how they compare and contrast, and how they impact gameplay and fit into their Cube design philosophy.

Discussed in this episode:

An 11 hour game of commander ends in a draw and irrecoverable footageRhymeZoneNeologismEpisode: 243: In which Parker shares his criticism of Cycling

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You can find the hosts’ Cubes on Cube Cobra:

Andy’s “Bun Magic” CubeAnthony’s “Regular” Cube

You can find both your hosts in the MTG Cube Talk Discord. Send in questions to the show at mail@luckypaper.co or our p.o. box:

Lucky PaperPO Box 4855Baltimore, MD 21211

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Musical production by DJ James Nasty.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro2:44 - Introduction to main topic5:40 - What is a modal card?8:15 - The history of modal effects9:36 - Charms, Commands, and Confluences22:41 - Bloomburrow’s Pawprint Mechanic24:42 - Cycling33:31 - Kicker38:05 - Split Cards43:47 - Morph47:38 - Entwine49:36 - Overload53:35 - Channel