The Dive Down

A Magic: The Gathering podcast for the casual spike, focused on Modern, Pioneer, Explorer, and more!

About the show

The Dive Down is a Magic: The Gathering podcast focused on the latest decks, trends, and strategies for the casual spikes in Modern, Pioneer, Explorer, and more!

Each week your hosts Dave, Shane, and Stanislav discuss the latest innovations, competitive events, and level-up topics for paper and online players.

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedivedown

Proudly sponsored by Heavy Play, a new card gaming accessories brand that'll improve your gameplay and game day. Use code THEDIVEDOWN2023 for 10% off your first order at https://www.heavyplay.com/

We're also sponsored by ManaTraders, the best Magic card rental service for both Magic Online and paper! Get 10% off your first 2 months of ManaTraders! https://www.manatraders.com/?medium=thedivedown or use Manatraders coupon code THEDIVEDOWN23

We're additionally sponsored by Barrister & Mann — shaving supplies, bath and body products, and fragrances for people with uncompromising taste. Get 15% off your first order at https://www.barristerandmann.com/ with the code THEDIVEDOWN23

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Episodes and Blog Entries

  • Episode 271: Casual Spiking RCQ Junction

    Episode  |  April 18th, 2024  |  1 hr 23 mins

    On this week’s show, we manage to fill that awkward week between spoilers and set release by preparing for the upcoming RCQ season, which conveniently kicks off this weekend. We take a look at the Pioneer metagame going into the season, and some possible upgrades from OTJ that could shake up the format too.

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    Episode 270: The BIG Lie: We Talk About More Cards

    Episode  |  April 11th, 2024  |  1 hr 19 mins

    We said we'd never lie to you, but maybe... maybe we'd forget that there were another 30 mythics left to talk about in this set. So we did it for you — more cards!

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    Episode 269: Cowboy Hats Will Be Worn Until Morale Improves

    Episode  |  April 4th, 2024  |  1 hr 51 mins

    Our friends from across the Multiverse have flooded the desert sands of Thunder Junction, and brought a host of exciting new spoiler cards with them. We recap some of our favorite cards and other notable arrivals in Magic's 100th set.

  • Episode 268: A Trip to Prague, the Zoo, and an RCQ

    Episode  |  March 28th, 2024  |  1 hr 31 mins

    Results are in from LMS Prague and we break down the top decks at the 265 player event. Then chat about our experiences playing a couple versions of Domain Zoo. And D00mwake shares the secret to winning an RCQ.

  • Episode 267: Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Post-Ban Modern Results & Testing

    Episode  |  March 21st, 2024  |  1 hr 34 mins

    This weekend was the annual Hunter Burton Memorial Open, the first large paper Modern tournament since the recent B&R. We dive into the tournament results to see where the format is headed, try out some of the latest versions of Rhinos to see if Cascade still works, and enjoy a little Goryo's Vengeance as a treat.

  • Episode 266: Violent Reactions to a Modern Outburst

    Episode  |  March 14th, 2024  |  1 hr 31 mins

    The mad lads did it, they banned our beloved Violent Outburst in Modern. We're not particularly happy about the outcome or its communication, but we discuss what it means for Cascade decks and the format moving forward.

  • Episode 265: Why Does Everyone Hate Modern Now?

    Episode  |  March 7th, 2024  |  1 hr 40 mins

    A discourse is brewing on this week's Dive Down, as the rhino boyz reflect on some of the issues Modern players seem to have with the current format and metagame. Can we close Pandora's box of free spells and triomes? Will MH3 save us? Or could WOTC do something more... drastic..?

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    Episode 264: Rippin’ Veins & Takin’ Names at MagicCon Chicago

    Episode  |  February 29th, 2024  |  1 hr 54 mins

    Last weekend was MagicCon Chicago — and wow are we tired, friends. Join the Rhino Boyz as we recap the main event, side events, and small events that made up what was a great weekend in the Motor City!

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    Episode 263: What Are We Playing in Chicago? Plus NRG... Chicago

    Episode  |  February 22nd, 2024  |  1 hr 51 mins

    The MagicCon is finally upon us. We prepare for a weekend full of side events by looking at the most exciting innovations for our favorite formats, and figure out how to win the most tickets for the coveted prize wall.

  • Episode 262: Rainbow Rhinos and 19,442 Matches of Modern

    Episode  |  February 15th, 2024  |  1 hr 34 mins

    Join us this week as we discuss how Modern has gone rainbow. The full compliment of Rhino Boys — Dave, Devon, Shane, and Stan — are together for the first time this year. We're talking about Modern in upheaval and the results from all the RCs this last weekend.

  • Episode 261: SCGCON Hartford & MKM Cards Appear!

    Episode  |  February 8th, 2024  |  1 hr 13 mins

    RC Denver is coming up. MagicCon Chicago is coming up. As a bit of an amuse bouche for these giant upcoming events, this week Dave and Shane take a look at SCGCON Hartford — Modern $10ks, Pioneer Events — and talk about MKM cards that we've seen pop up across our formats. Leyline? Surveil? More?

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    Episode 260: Modern RC in Ghent & MKM Previews pt.2

    Episode  |  February 1st, 2024  |  1 hr 40 mins

    This week Shane returns, and in celebration we take a quick trip to Ghent to recap the Modern RC this week. What's going on in Modern as we make our way towards the next RC in Denver? But first (well, second, actually) — the last cards we like from MKM, and our top 5 lists!

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    Episode 259: Only Murders in the Guilding (Previews, v1)

    Episode  |  January 25th, 2024  |  1 hr 37 mins

    It's a simple show this week... or is it? Dave and Devon dive into the previews to date of the latest set — Murders at Karlov Manor!

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    Episode 258: What is Standard Right Now?

    Episode  |  January 18th, 2024  |  1 hr 35 mins

    Join Shane and Devon as they embark on an epic journey through the realm of... Standard. Yes, Standard. With RCQ season in full swing, it's time to look over all the decks you need to know to be prepared.

  • Episode 257: What is Modern Right Now?

    Episode  |  January 11th, 2024  |  1 hr 22 mins

    It's time for The Dive Down to get back to work! We're fully into 2024 and this week Shane and Dave are diving deep into what Modern is right now.

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    Episode 256: New Year... New Formats?

    Episode  |  January 4th, 2024  |  1 hr 41 mins

    This week's episode is not about about Modern or Pioneer! Instead, we fire off our free passes to MTGO's Vintage Cube and figure out how D00mwake became one of the format's trophy leaders. We also dust off our Arena accounts to play a little Timeless. Are we picking up new formats for the show? Only one way to find out!