The Mana Pool

By Chewie Slate

Chewie, Mike, Brian, and Dirk have been talking about Magic: The Gathering on the internet for almost 10 years (at the time of this writing). Since there are so many shows about strategy and tournamen... more

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FAQs about The Mana Pool:

How many episodes does The Mana Pool have?

The podcast currently has 998 episodes available.

The Mana Pool episodes:

January 20, 2010 Episode 113 - Multiplayer Mayhem Live
This is it. Years in the making. Epic
in scope. The episode many have clamored for has finally become a
reality. The time has come. The four hosts have once again
gathered. And the number 113 will never...be...the same.

Okay, enough of all that. But really,
ever since The Mana Pool #15 waaaaaaay back in March of '08, we have
had an overwhelmingly positive response to our Multiplayer Mayhem
episodes. And listeners have been requesting that we record an
episode while playing for just as long. As I am writing this, Mike
and I are actually trying to figure out why we shied away from it for
so long. For some reason, we thought it would either be boring,
confusing, hard to follow, or generally terrible without being able
to see what was going on. But with Mike joining us for the first
time in well over a year, and coming equipped with a laptop
containing the appropriate recording software, there was no way we
could pass up the opportunity. I grabbed my handy desktop mic and
the rest, as they say, is playing in your ear. Mike thinks they're
weird to say things like that, but who are we to question them?

So again, this is it. We bring you
three action packed games of multiplayer mayhem in less than three
hours. And that's including one good rules debate that actually
spawned an alternate reality where the game kept going (that's the
one you're currently in, by the way), and the Cardshark Member
Promotions for January. But enough of that, we're going to let the
show speak for itself, and that's not just because it's been long
enough that we can't really remember anything else that happened.
It's called building tension. Yeah. That sounds good.

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-113-multiplayer-mayhem-live-t454.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
Intro music - Diamond by Swift: http://www.swift-band.com
...more
2h 42min
January 15, 2010 Bonus Episode - Worldwake Spoilers
Through all the lag problems, special guests leaving early, and nauseous hosts, we bring you this momentous episode! Wizards of the Coast has included us in their pooled Worldwake preview cards, sending us 5 preview cards to go over on the show! They're not exclusive, but we're getting there! In an effort to make this even more special we grabbed Ben, who is Panahinuva on the forums and is easily our number one fan (that means Internet stalker), to join us for this extra bonus episode. Sadly, his future came calling and he had to tip out early, but at least he was able to hop on for a minute. But anyway! Sit back, listen to the previews, be amazed at the length of the show, and marvel at the joy that will be Worldwake!

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/bonus-episode-worldwake-spoilers-t452.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
42min
January 14, 2010 Episode 112 - Yeah I'll Keep
Hello again, and welcome to the Show Notes! This is Mike, here to give you a quick rundown of what we're up to.

Before you start playing a game, you need to have a solid idea of whether or not you can do well enough to win. Given some thought (and depending on how the deck is built), your opening hand should be able to give you a fair approximation of an answer. Whether or not to mulligan any potential opening hand is the first decision you make in every game, and has an enormous impact on how favorable your outcome can be.

In this episode, we apply our usual dorky methods to discuss and examine Mulligans as a strategic aspect of the game. On display are examples from some of our most notable favorite decks, giving everyone a great amount of insight into the way things work. Stay tuned to the end for a very special surprise guest!

Music for this episode is Diamond by Swift - Check them out at http://www.swift-band.com to find out how to get the remixed and remastered discography!

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-112-yeah-i-ll-keep-t451.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
2h 3min
January 08, 2010 Episode 111 - Mechanical Flavor
Chewie here, bringing you what we think
will become another one of those "classic" episodes of The Mana
Pool. Thanks to Bill (Kurai_Seraphim) for hitting us with this idea.
We're going to take a look at the various mechanics in Magic. Big
deal, nothing classic about that, right? Wrong! We're looking at
them from a flavor perspective! We take all this reminder text and
try to make some sense out of it. Flying is easy. Protection is
sort of easy. But what about madness? Cascade and storm? And let's
not forget double strike (spoiler alert: that's just dual-wielding)
and first strike (just a long stick). Why are deathtouch and wither
similar? What about fading/vanishing and phasing? And just how much
mucus is too much mucus? Give this episode a listen and find out!

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-111-mechanical-flavor-t445.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
1h 59min
December 30, 2009 Episode 110 - There Can Be Only One (or Four)
Brian here once again, telling you about the show so you know what you're getting into. Of course, you never really know what you're getting into here at the Mana Pool until you start to listen.

We start off with the usual rigmarole. As a side note, we love that listeners are sending us more emails than ever. Keep them coming! It provides us great feedback on the things you like (and don't like) about the show, and often your ideas are stolen pilfered graciously adopted by the staff here into topics for the show.

We get into a review of cards that we feel best represent sets. The sets that we cover are all from the early years of our playing together. Our choices sometimes met each other's expectations, but also came as a surprise. Dirk remembers making us pee our pants! Dragons have flying (or they would be Wurms)! Cats opening doors and going "Yo, what you doin?" Chefs popping out of Vials! Wizards R&D makes mistakes! Lands becoming Birds of Paradise! Ascending to Dragon Form! Host catch-phrases like you'd never believe!

So come on in and get to listening, children. Mana Pool Episode 110 is up and ready for your audio experience. Enjoy!

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-110-there-can-be-only-one-or-four-t444.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
2h 29min
December 22, 2009 Episode 109 - 2009 in Review
And there's The Twelve Dorks of
Christmas. Even though there's only four of us. Oh well.

We begin with an Out of the Deck Box
from Mike, who has built an Esper-type deck with some old school
flava. He wants some feedback on it, so by all means let us know
what you think. As always, if you want to see the decklist and offer
up some advice or comments, hit the forums. The link is at the
bottom of the show notes down there.

Then we take a look back at 2009.
Wizards released a lot of stuff for Magic this year. A Core Set,
three Expert level expansions, some digital games, and a whole mess
of assorted other Magic-related products. We take one last look at
all of it, pointing out what we liked, what we didn't like, and
generally just giving the whole year a once-over. Let us know what
you liked, loathed, and were indifferent about!

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-109-2009-in-review-t441.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
2h 2min
December 12, 2009 Episode 108 - Show Me Yours
Hello again and welcome to another
episode of The Mana Pool! This is Brian, standing in for our
oh-so-fearless, ever-so-valient, and so-so-so-overworked leader
Chewie.

We've got some good stuff on the menu
for you tonight (today, this morning- insert most appropriate here).
It's the first episode we recorded of during a new month, but due to
a relative lack of Cardshark member promotions, we didn't go over
those. Look for those in the next episode. We do, however, go into
the mailbag and answer some of your burning questions. What Legendary
Creatures would we most like to hang out with? Listen and find out-
the answers could (probably will) surprise you!

Kraken Clerics kind of take over for a
second. Don't ask.

Then, we cover the results from the
recent Magic World Championships. Congratulations to individual
champion Andre Coimbra and team champion Team China! Talk abounds
about lightsabers, Jund, and DQs (you know we had to go there).

Finally, we get to our topic de jure-
trading! We go over individual trading stories, strategies and
approaches we've used over the years, how your perspective and
individual values figure in, and throw in the word of caution or two
to keep things interesting. Whether you've traded once before, make a
regular habit of avoiding trading, or trade on a weekly basis,
there's bound to be something here that strikes your fancy. Just
remember, ripping off little kids is NOT living the dream.

Till next time, this is Brian, writing
down the notes... so Chewie doesn't have to!

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-108-show-me-yours-t439.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
2h 11min
December 02, 2009 Episode 107 - Crisis on Infinite Dorks
Hello again, and welcome to The
Avant-Card Show. This is Mike, filling in for... Wait, what? I
mean The Mana Pool. This is The Mana Pool. You'll understand my
confusion soon.

Unfortunately, due to hardware/software
issues and scheduling conflicts, we are Dirkless yet again (and
unfortunately, due to sleep issues and schoolwork conflicts, our
Brian has to leave before the end), but to make up for it we invited
some very special guests. Joining us tonight are Christian and
Bryan, head honchos of The Avant-Card Show podcast, another wonderful
casual-centric program.

So listen in as we discuss the usual
quick bit of news, the various colors of our personalities, and give
some valuable insight to how we approach the strategies and
complications of multiplayer card-gaming. Be sure to stick around
for a truly massive heap of off-topic chatter that I'm sure will be
an absolute delight. This was another one of those "most fun
ever" episodes to record, and we all really want to thank
Christian and Bryan for joining us. You can check out their show at
www.avantcardshow.com

Music for this episode is Bloody Tears
from the Perfect Selection: Dracula Battle album by Naoto Shibata
PROJECT. No idea where to find them, but you can start with
Wikipedia here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_Selection_Dracula_Battle

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-107-crisis-on-infinite-dorks-t438.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
3h 6min
November 23, 2009 Episode 106 - What Contest?
Hey look, it's a new episode! First off, we spend some time responding to listener feedback, as we have a lot of it. You should send us some too! Then we have lots of Magic news to go over. There's some discussion about the new Premium Deck Series: Slivers. The new Grand Prix schedule was released, not that we care terribly much, but we do take a few minutes to make fun of the new alternate art foil Umezawa's Jitte. Then right around here Dirk's computer died, so he was unable to be with us for the rest of the show. Then there's the announcement of the new Deckbuilder's Toolkit, which actually sounds pretty cool. And finally, there's some information about Duels of the Planeswalkers and MTG: Tactics, but not much.
Deckbuilder's Toolkit: http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/arcana/312
Premium Slivers decklist:
2010 GP Schedule and pretty new Jitte:
http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/other/110509a
Then we get to the part everyone's been waiting for - the winners of the Duel Decks Contest! If you were picked as a winner, please email us with your mailing address and we'll see to it that you get your prize. If you want to know who won, keep listening! If you want to know what the winning submissions look like, just hit the forums! Thanks a lot to everyone who entered!
Music for this episode: Weeeeee! by Threebrain
I have no idea where to find it, just search for "gonads and strife” and you'll find it.
Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-106-what-contest-t433.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
1h 36min
November 12, 2009 Episode 105 - Alternative Lifestyles
Because winning by knocking your
opponent's life total down to zero is SO last season, we're having a
fire sale on all the other nifty ways to win. Alternate win
conditions for all! We've got Epic Struggles, Darksteel Reactors,
Chance Encounters, and Poison. For those workaholics out there, we
have a few Coalition Victories, Helix Pinnacles, and even one Barren
Glory in the back corner. None of these float your boat (in your
Mana Pool, of course)? Then keep browsing, we've got lots more.

And while we're at it, we're also
having a fire sale on alternate ways to lose! We've got Pacts, Phage
(blinking sold separately), several flavors of Lich, and three types
of Final Fortune. If you're sick of Test of Endurance, we can turn
your life gain into a loss with Transcendence! And if you act now,
we'll even throw in two ways to force the game into a draw, just to
thoroughly annoy your opponents. Operators are standing by!

Music for this episode is the Slap Chop
Rap by DJ Steve Porter.
Check out the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWRyj5cHIQA
Check out more stuff at
http://www.djsteveporter.com

Forum thread for this episode: http://cardshark.freeforums.org/episode-105-alternative-lifestyles-t424.html
Check out our archive at http://themanapool.libsyn.com
Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/themanapool
Visit Cardshark! http://www.cardshark.com
Cardshark Member Promotions: http://www.cardshark.com/member_promotions.asp
Subscribe to our RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themanapool
...more
1h 58min

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How many episodes does The Mana Pool have?

The podcast currently has 998 episodes available.

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