Zac and Phil discuss the declining effectiveness of the card Ponder in the current Magic: The Gathering meta. They explore how Ponder is too slow for many decks, particularly in a fast-paced environment filled with powerful threats. The discussion highlights the importance of card density and the need for more effective answers in control decks. The impact of the London Mulligan on deck-building strategies is also examined, emphasizing the shift in how players approach their card choices in response to evolving gameplay dynamics. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the evolving role of the card Ponder in competitive Magic: The Gathering gameplay. They discuss how the current game dynamics have shifted, making Ponder less effective and emphasizing the need for more impactful threats in decks. The discussion also covers the importance of decision-making in gameplay, particularly in recognizing when an opponent is making suboptimal plays. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of cantrips in competitive play, suggesting a shift away from traditional strategies.