Pro Player Showdown | Brian Kibler, Melissa DeTora & Ben Stark | Game Knights 22 | Magic MTG

This video is sponsored by Wizards of the Coast! Support the show by using our Card Kingdom affiliate link for your next Magic purchase: www.cardkingdom.com/commandzone
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SHOW NOTES:
This episode features the stiffest competition ever in Game Knights history!
Magic Pro Tour Hall of Fame members Brian Kibler and Ben Stark are joined by former professional player, and current Wizards of the Coast R&D member, Melissa DeTora to try out a new product called Magic Game Night. It’s all the multiplayer action you love from formats like Commander but designed to be playable with your friends and family straight out of the box.
How will Josh fair against these titans of the game? Will his political trickery be enough to compete with their superior play skill?
Who will emerge victorious? ONLY ONE MAY STAND!
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Support us directly, be a part of our community, receive awesome rewards, see Game Knights before anyone else and more: / commandzone
Huge thanks to UltraPro (www.ultrapro.com - @UltraProIntl) for sponsoring this episode and providing awesome prizes for our giveaways! Be sure to check out their new Relic Tokens!
Find UltraPro on Facebook: / ultraprointernational
Purchase a Game Knights t-shirt (available for a limited time): bit.ly/GKShirt
Be sure to enter the contest at the end of the episode for a chance to win awesome swag from UltraPro, Card Kingdom and more! Winners will be announced on Twitter and Facebook on the evening of Wednesday, November 14th.
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Where to find our guests online:
Brian Kibler:
Twitter: @bmkibler
Twitch: / bmkibler
KZbin: / bmkibler
Ben Stark:
Twitter: @BenS_MTG
Articles: www.channelfireball.com/autho...
Draft Videos: / channelfireball
Melissa DeTora:
Twitter: @MelissaDeTora
Twitch: / magic
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Credits:
Josh Lee Kwai - Director and Editor
Terry Robertson - Editor
Elle Schneider - Director of Photography
Jim Funicelli - Sound Recording
Terry Robertson - Special Graphics and FX
Josh Murphy - Assistant Editor
Danny Batterman - Script Supervisor and L2 Judge
Bonnie Bacevich - Set Design
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Follow us on Facebook:
/ commandcast
Follow us on Twitter!
@CommandCast
@jfwong
@JoshLeeKwai
Email us:
[e-mail]
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LIFELINKER:
Lifelinker is the premium Life Counter app for Magic: the Gathering - available for FREE on the Apple and Android App Stores now. Available on Android and IOS platforms.
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[@liamdrummond9137]

3 pros - let's play Josh- let's pray

[@bdubs9754]

Liam Drummond HeHeHe 😂

[@fuuse8]

Lol

[@andreibaban1447]

lol

[@JamDonut11]

lol

[@dylanjohnson2410]

Hahahahaha

[@oxnut9491]

This is like a celebrity chef cookoff but the challenge is microwaving hot pockets.

[@dogdriver70]

and you use the same hotpockets each time

[@darkensoles8467]

ouch so true

[@FranklyHerman]

lol so true

[@kcsnipes]

Oxnut lololol accurate

[@fb3088]

OMG, lol, I died laughing to this.

[@jorgecardoso5863]

They are all so cute and happy, it's great to see titans of magic having a simple and casual fun together

[@crazetopherdavidblazingiii7315]

Yeah

[@CT-1255]

@Alexander Varnes athreos isn't in these decks?

[@Argeaux2]

You can tell that Melissa chose the red deck in the second game because it is the weakest, and she hadn't lost yet on Game Knights. She's a good sport.

[@lot2973]

I can say from experience that the red deck is actually more than capable of facing the others

[@shantehibbert5032]

Melissa's a beast

[@dustinchen]

she's a girl and nerds wont attack her as much

[@clocktowers1]

@@dustinchen hahaha lmao! It's the secret tech.

[@monarchgupta2712]

@@lot2973 yeah in a one-on-one but it's weak in multiplayer

[@GrundysGames]

I would like to see same people return but with their own Commander decks since they probably never play Commander even though Melissa was here before, still fun to watch.

[@hayden32040]

Seems perfect for the next episode of Extra Turns 👀

[@daveforce4482]

that is probably the reason they do not play EDH.....

[@TriangularPrism]

I think Kibler's said that he doesn't play EDH, but don't quote me on that

[@mrantihippie]

I really enjoyed watching how her commander deck works and agree. Her angles were awesome, even better to see them against other pro built and played builds.

[@waywardkitten1]

Yes please

[@holmborn]

bit dissapointed that you got some of the best players in magic, playing precons. Deckbuilding is such a huge part of player skill, its a shame it didn't get showcased in any way.

[@firestormpiccolo]

Agreed... this feels like a real wasted opportunity but this one is obviously funded by Wizards to make a sale.

[@Cronos804]

I don't think optimized decks are the best to produce this kind of content. Obviously a lot of the entertainment comes from the players social interactions. But optimized decks play fast and do often cut everything that is not top tier. That can be pretty boring to watch. Thinking of clever restrictions for deckbuilding is difficult so giving out premades makes sense.

[@dazaran714]

It's not even any of the cool precons like guild kits or commander, they're one step up from welcome decks.

[@targetedandfiring4336]

Weren't you guys complaining over last episode because of top tier deck building?

[@ExodaCrown]

Deck building isn't as big of a skill anymore with the internet. You have so many resources that if you are having trouble with a deck you can look to see what other people are doing to fix the problem you are having. Looking at the metagame on MTGGoldfish, of the top 4 used, two of them are almost identical. Like only a few cards are changed, but the play style is the same. So having them bring their own decks it wouldn't show off their deck building skills. There is nothing wrong with playing precons. Draft decks would be too inconsistent for fun gameplay so using those procons was a nice compromise. Though I think them using the guilds precons would have been cooler, not sure how balanced it would be.

[@Oskanwhitchfather]

"Blue is my favorite color in Magic" Day[9]: "You're a bastard!"

[@VashXTrigun]

I like Blue too, sorry Day[9].

[@olivercharles5581]

As someone new to the game I'm finding watching pros tackle precon decks very helpful and interesting but I see why vets would find it annoying 😮

[@TheDarkCatYT]

I've been playing for two years, and it is kinda boring with the lower life totals, no commander, and all of that.

[@regirex4418]

This is much better gameplay to learn from for beginners than commander. But once you get the basics, the rest of Game Knights are formatted in a way you can understand easily. Also their podcasts help explain the intricacies of the game and help to develope strategies. Good luck!

[@Nr4747]

It's less that we find it annoying and more that we see it as a huge missed opportunity.

[@kiyancarre6345]

It’s kinda funny that these pro players are doing like in depth analysis of the game while playing the simplest form of magic.

[@yelanates]

Kiyan Carre that’s what I LIKE about this. These players should be able to make the most of a limited toolset.

[@dsper7640]

And playing terribly

[@films-n-stuff]

They're pros. It's what they do

[@regigigasplays518]

Their kinda bots

[@fndj6193]

That’s why there pros

[@jvk4455]

Hopefully there is an extra turns with these guests so we can get some real commander content and dynamic gameplay

[@owenphelan9183]

Yes

[@jdrury6976]

what is extra turns?

[@jvk4455]

@@jdrury6976 their new, faster paced series where they play with their own commander decks. Less is edited, and the reality tv show-esque commentary breaks arent a thing. Its what the viewers are here to watch, so hopefully they continue the series.

[@amgrabowska]

Upvote. This. Man. A full blown extra turns with personal command decks and this cast would be awesome.

[@thedoctor9984]

I know this is a little late, but it's confirmed that that isn't the case. I asked on kibler's stream a while back, and he said these were the only games they recorded.

[@starryskies9655]

Any episode with Melissa in it is a good episode, and seeing these “beginner” decks at work was fun too.

[@jasonsmith7530]

After skipping through the comment section I’m surprised to find that I may be the only person who really enjoyed this episode. I sold most of my collection a while back and only have self-contained products like Duel Decks, Archenemy, Explorers Of Ixalan, etc. to play with friends. I’m always curious if I will like these kinds of products and watching them played here is a good way to see them. I know episodes like these are just Wizards paid product placement ads but some of us actually want to see them. Keep up the good work.

[@sethstinson7024]

I really would've loved to see these pros play commander with their own created decks !

[@thewitchsfamiliar]

Me too! I mean this is the Command Zone. This was disappointing

[@tonycheezal5650]

Might be like turn 4 infinite combo I guess

[@JordanBurdette]

Kind of feels like a waste with all this guest talent to play precons.

[@jimsherbahn102]

they are playing precons???? man I might not even watch this if that's the case

[@Mundane05]

Would you have preferred a turn 3 win?

[@jimsherbahn102]

and it isn't commander either, YIKES

[@GeneralDisarray666]

I would have preferred the CMTG players to play CEDH yes. Why would I waste their talents?

[@crovax1375]

Casual play can be fun too

[@billedbonsai3462]

Melissa at one point says "I just want to amass my zombie army" and she's a dev...and in war of the spark the mechanic "amass" creates zombie army tokens...mmmmmh coincidence or foreshadowing?

[@christiangarza8122]

Probably a Freudian slip, where she is reminded of something else and says that. But it still fits so nothing seems unusual

[@briancaro196]

Kibler is like a legendary magic player and he looks here like someone I could have had a fun play back in college. It's kinda heartwarming when you see people as that, people. Not just a name on a statistic

[@DummyUrD]

This makes me sad, this episode is better than last time, but these Decks gosh. I really hoped to see the pros piloting some interesting decks :(

[@inannaenigma9391]

It's the equivalent play level of Monopoly-it's meant to be a stand-alone experience.

[@barbershopboy05]

Awesome group of people, just wish this would have been commander instead of a so-so intro product.

[@jerrywhoomst1116]

Side affect of being sponsored by wizards.

[@MakeVarahHappen]

I honestly think this is more fun than watching them play commander because it's powered down to like a limited level which they have experience with, meanwhile unless you play vintage or highlander there is no comparison to commander, and even then it's not the same.

[@randomslomo1875]

Agreed, but it is nice to see that they can have some amount of fun with a more limited deck.

[@infecteddragoon5489]

At 7:38, I’m I the only one feeling like Melissa was hinting to the War of the Spark mechanic, which “Amasses her Zombie Army”.

[@snakeorbreak6258]

h m m m m

[@christiangarza8122]

Someone send this to Freud

[@anthonyaddario4653]

As much as I loved watching this, it seemed like a wasted opportunity to see interesting high level interactions from all these incredible players, But was still really enjoyable, thanks guys

[@BartimaeusOfUruk]

Long time fan of the show! I LOVE all the guests you brought on today. A fantastic mix of skill, creativity, and personality makes them really fun to watch. That being said, subjecting these players to starter decks is not something I'm excited to watch. I do realize that this content might be geared towards newer players, but the sponsored aspect of the video takes away from the production value as well as the guests.

[@fehlbrandschwele]

I've never before posted a negative comment on GK before, but playing lame precons with a line-up like THIS! It's not ok.

[@peterolzem58]

@digitalcomis1 i think that was the funny part in this video. they weren´t run the best decks, so they have to relay more on the social (politics) aspect in this game. At least it was nice to watch

[@jaycee9972]

agreed

[@joeyportijo3765]

Yea I was hoping for super competitive commander

[@Dracinard]

@@peterolzem58 Fair, but I'd have much preferred to see a Commander game with these players. I mean, the Commander game with Melissa is what got me into Game Knights (and MtG as a whole), and watching Brian Kibler got me into CCGs as a whole (via Hearthstone). Seeing those two in Commander would be incredible. But seeing them with precons is... fine, I guess. I mean, it's not bad. But it could so easily be so, so much better.

[@SuperPacMan1143]

Past 2 videos have been garbage, and its not even commander like wtf with an amazing line up of players besides josh , so glad i unsubcribed byeee

[@trytoxania7020]

Melissa’s back! And a second game! What a gift!

[@flameofmage1099]

Not judging you but ew, LeBlanc

[@azeTrom17]

@@flameofmage1099 what's wrong with leblanc?

[@flameofmage1099]

@@azeTrom17 Too much mobility lol

[@azeTrom17]

@@flameofmage1099 ah

[@nateivorys7318]

You should have these's guys back, for a REAL Game of... Commander? lol... that would be DOOOOOPE!!!! or an "Extra Turn's" episode would be cool?

[@charleslegreatthegarbagemo7202]

Nate Ivorys too bad, as stated in their confessional, they are super unfamiliar to commander, so it kinda sucks, but it’s understandable.

[@greaseboi4]

They don’t play edh

[@krim7]

I am really hoping you guys filmed a commander game with these players. Super sad if all we get is a precon battle

[@jarredgolden4744]

Honestly I doubt it because they dont play commander. At least not openly. They did mention they dont do multiplayer games

[@krim7]

Melissa has been on Game Knights before, in a Commander Game. Plus Kibler seems like a fun loving guy who might get a kick out of it.

[@mrpandabites]

I love Game Knights and I know how much hard work you guys put into it, so I hope you take this in the constructive spirit that's intended: Although i dont mind the occasional shift in gears to watch something interesting like Maro playing his Un set, ultimately, i watch this show for two reasons: commander gameplay and the slick play-by-plays. Together. One without the other is just not as interesting to me. I'd be really sad to learn that you guys are permanently separating interesting commander games into Extra Turns and great editing and play-by-plays into a watered down version of Game Knights where it's just promotional content for wizards. I know Wizards helps pay the bills, but products of this kind are frankly boring and beneath the level of analysis that game knights play by plays provide. Please, guys, it matters what you play. I love this show and I don't want to see it become a multiplayer version of Spellslingers.

[@doncheadle7976]

Amen

[@SamMurlless]

It’s weird but compared to this, spell slingers has more individualized decks.

[@brandoncasiano1856]

Sam Murlless yeah spellslingers has custom staff made mythic and rare decks. They try to make it easy as their guests are typically new to the game.

[@zachmcmillan4060]

I miss jimmy 😔

[@jqxok]

> I'd be really sad to learn that you guys are permanently separating interesting commander games into Extra Turns and great editing and play-by-plays into a watered down version of Game Knights where it's just promotional content for wizards. Except they've never said this or even suggested it. I actually went though the playlist and ran the numbers: - There have been 23 episodes of Game Knights - Of these, 16 have been Commander games (70%) - The remaining 7 have been other formats, mostly to showcase new products or formats, in the case of brawl (30%) - Of the 16 Commander games, 4 involved precons (17%)

[@Shadow-bx5dp]

I only discovered MTG on KZbin last night and I'm obsessed , I want this game 😭

[@asuuna7412]

Go to untap.in. It's online card games, for free.

[@Shadow-bx5dp]

@@asuuna7412 thanks

[@ryanbell6672]

IN the years following, the private detectives could only report to the family that Shadow had posted this, a reference to getting into MagicTG... only to never be heard from again

[@Shadow-bx5dp]

@@ryanbell6672 I don't really understand what you mean

[@ryanbell6672]

@@Shadow-bx5dp.... le sigh.... A joke about how consuming MtG is if you get into it, and how it becomes an obsession.

[@kdchmln]

51:08 to skip sponsored content

[@nomatyx5789]

That is pretty funny.

[@thunderbluff95]

I clicked without looking....well played

[@justinproz2]

You didn’t get me

[@fakename3168]

Thanks.

[@lorekeeper685]

I approve you doing this strongly

[@Marcosatsu]

Better than last time but... precon decks. With pro players. Alright.

[@Volkbrecht]

After the intro I expected some high-skill fun. But... but... well, there's no sugarcoating it, this is a disappointment.

[@mauibermudez5960]

I hope they'll use these guests in the "Extra Turn" shows

[@tylerbrooks6063]

Honestly. It's the Command Zone! They upload a video once every 8 years! Can we see a Commander game please?

[@Battleguild]

I don't recognize the precon decks, which version are they?

[@RyanAVRX]

weird flex, but ok

[@chrisp3564]

These are some of the biggest pros in all of magic and your playing precons?

[@Tuturial464]

Yeah, if it was commander preconstructed decks. But this is just a shameless marketing tact from welcome deck upgrades. Heck I could upgrade the welcome decks a few cards and make a better version from this for the same price

[@vladplasmius2854]

*you're Contractions use apostrophes, not quotation marks, smart guy.

[@henriblaze]

7:37 - 'amassing my own army' was this a hint to War of the Spark? lmao

[@172prv]

Man, I don't mind precons if they really do have a solid reflection of what each color really wants to do, but Ben Stark not countering anything makes me so sad :'(

[@redmillion7089]

Brings in awesome players for a more "competitive" game. Plays preconstructed decks.🙃

[@Tuturial464]

Matt C as much as I think this episode is good. It’s not great since we could see commander gameplay, heck I must be one of the few who thought gameplay last time was okay even though teferis protection is a stupid broken card and preconstructed commander decks before 2018 are hard to find and so expensive. But sad thing is these guys are supported by wotc and they are sponsored to a keep the channel alive and running. The box set seems good but it has flaws like welcome decks are a great intro for new players and b it’s mono colored decks for 40 and they don’t seemed too balanced

[@citizenfox5721]

Gets new Game Knights... complains like an entitled baby

[@kellyfreeman9486]

Citizen Fox game knights is usually the commander format. This isn’t anywhere close to that. It’s understandable that the people who watch game knight videos for commander content, would be a little upset with the Channel not having commander content. Especially with these high profile players.

[@citizenfox5721]

Entitled, whiney, brats. There are plenty of game knights that aren't commander. Go to the episode with Mark and cry about that not being commander next.

[@Tuturial464]

Citizen Fox maybe so, but don’t you think this product feels like selling welcome decks? And we aren’t entitled to anything but aren’t we supposed to get something a little more entertaining. I am not saying the other games aren’t entertaining but this one feels like lowest of the standards

[@markyday9076]

A lot of people have been asking for a competitive episode for a while, and I'm worried that this doesn't really fit the bill, since your competitive players are stuck with a prepackaged product that puts a very low ceiling on the gameplay. What we wanted to see are competitive decks built and played by competitive players.

[@Sjaddix]

wait wait is that the real markydaysaid lol.

[@markyday9076]

@@Sjaddix Yes, unfortunately, it's me.

[@Sjaddix]

well your channels of choice match what I know of you from tumblr, like running into a teacher at the grocery store lol.

[@jeremynachtman4626]

Whenever I see an episode that isnt in commander format it reminds me how much I prefer commander lol

[@bradwalls8127]

The first thing I watched for magic and this gave me a great impression and I still playing

[@N1GHTH4WK986]

Josh. We all love you and Jimmy as well as ALL of the guests that you guys bring in. But NONE of us enjoy these products that Wizards are forcing you to play. We came here for Commander. Not... This.

[@N1GHTH4WK986]

@@ryankirrane8705 You're right. I don't. I'll admit that I misspoke. But I could tell from the rest of the comments that many, if not most of us, aren't enjoying this type of content.

[@TobiasLeonHaecker]

I feel like you but Wizards is paying for this and all other videos. Half of the videos of Game Knights are just extremely good advertisement for products. So of course they are making video, which are not as fun for the core commander games but attract maybe new players. But maybe a another video series format for beginners would be a way.

[@N1GHTH4WK986]

I feel that I should tell you guys about one of the other shows that I watch that has lots of Commander. Friday Night Paper Fight by Loading Ready Run (or LRR). It's recoded once a week too. They seem to play Commander mostly, but will also play a format called Canadian Highlander.

[@MisterJ355]

​@@N1GHTH4WK986stop bitching

[@keb7066]

This would have been 100x cooler if they were playing real decks

[@walls_of_skulls6061]

Some Dude they are kinda real

[@cako666]

@@walls_of_skulls6061 real garbo lol.

[@oORoOFLOo]

it would be cooler if it was commander

[@amarhastings6849]

@@oORoOFLOo No It wouldn't

[@randyb.k.4018]

“I’ve got a 9/9 with vigilance and trample. Everything is favorable trade.... Pass the turn.” ?????????

[@lesterb7151]

Buffs the 5/5 to ⁷/⁷ ... attacks with the 2/3... yeah...

[@jadenlothes5001]

He's a pro, he thinks on another level that we normies can't understand

[@kellischoefer7762]

He is afraid of melissa's removal, and Ben can multi block and kill it, and josh hadn't been doing anything, so kibler probably was wary of burn spells, and pro players have a thing with life totals, they want to make sure they take little to no damage. I probably sound like I'm a pro, but I just know a lot about magic

[@jadenlothes5001]

@@kellischoefer7762 "I probably sound like I'm a pro", what a flex brother, save some clout for the rest of us.

[@kellischoefer7762]

@@jadenlothes5001 I'm 11 and I'm gearing up to go to the nationals next year, maybe mythics

[@deltablaze77]

"Enchanted" Format: Instead of a commander each player has a legendary enchantment that can be cast from the command/enchant zone.

[@mistraven8234]

Imagine someone being dumb enough to choose Lich's Mastery 😂😂😂

[@Famejayster]

Enchanters bane would wreck the format

[@Viktxr]

@@Famejayster not legendary though

[@kellischoefer7762]

Lich's mastery would probably be really fun to play, you have to make sure you protect it and you get awesome benefits

[@generalwolfeye9110]

I really like the idea, I’ll try it some time!

[@Domenico44055]

That Kibler quote at 10:08 should REALLY be a flavor text

[@sertaki]

I agree. That one was great :D

[@leothomas4307]

I feel bad saying this but wizards of the coast is kind of making your gameplay poor. Like most of us are hear watching to see what fun decks you can come up with and how they play out.... And wizards are dtopping you doing this

[@DummyUrD]

Yes, very much my thoughts too. I was super pumped to see the cast and then there are underwhelming decks in play :/

[@vaughnknutson5512]

Preach

[@DummyUrD]

@Matias Figini I doubt it, if you watched extra turn. They stated that Game Knights is going down this route and that is the reason for the other show. RIP

[@alekbeaver4088]

As someone who doesn’t really play casual magic at all, relax. All the casual play sucks, but these guys all make it worth it. Josh and Jimmy truly do an amazing job with this show. Also, consider this, they’re sponsored by wizards, so therefore they’re priced into advertisement due to their contract. Again, if you don’t like that, I dunno what to tell you.

[@DummyUrD]

@@alekbeaver4088 It really depends on the contract. If they signed over their souls in the deal it is really their bad because their quality content is losing its quality

[@duncanfinch27]

Its 2024 now and this kibler is nearly unrecognizable

[@justmagicmostly]

These Game Knights videos bring so many smiles to my face! Thank you for providing all this fun wholesome content!

[@codelicious6590]

Its like watching famous racecar drivers race gocarts.

[@battlesocke12]

To be honest... that would be hilarious! Well this episode is not.

[@codelicious6590]

@@battlesocke12 I think it may actually have been done before- some charity event perhaps? Yeahh, I couldn't make it through this- a draft would've been more interesting.

[@NateHaleen]

@@battlesocke12 That would be way better than this, but maybe because I know nothing about car racing

[@zachmcmillan4060]

Or those tiny little mini-motorcycles,f****** clown shoes dude.

[@saphired02]

Or using toy cars.

[@CrownTheGame]

I like you very much so lets have a talk, Josh. You get three pro players at the table. Why do you play a precon with them? Play EDH or modern or standard or at least make a "Extra turn" episode playing one of the listed formats.

[@ImperatorNocturne]

probably wizard wanting to promote the product without Josh having much choice in the matter.

[@TobiasLeonHaecker]

Wizard is paying for this video. Half of the videos of game Knights are just extremely good advertisement for products. So of course they are making video, which are not as fun for the core commander games but attract maybe new players. But maybe a another format for beginners would be a way.

[@sykorixgraveborn7142]

I love watching this show, I'm a big fan of Magic and I have recently started playing the game, glad I found something like this to enjoy Wow, family game night decks are not as bad as I thought, they look like theyre really fun

[@erawk21]

Love how all these “supporter” are like “im canceling my patreon! This is terrible!” Please people get over it. The Command Zone is a staple of the MTG community. Sponsors or not Josh, Jimmy and their whole crew bring content to the community that is entertaining and interesting. Simply dont watch if you are just gonna hate because now they have sponsors. They shouldnt have to apologize for making whatever content they see fit. End Rant

[@kayalbhatia5458]

erawk21 I think people dislike it because they are paying for every video which comes out. They don’t want to be spending money to not watch videos.

[@breech8929]

I would PAY to see them on commander decks... super hype into precons... feels bad, man...

[@Sheriff_K]

Yeah.. I'd pay too.

[@MrEliakimRAS]

Their Patreon link is over there - feel free to pay them to make EDH gameplays

[@ddublu]

I am paying to see them on commander decks xD

[@bobbybaratheon4387]

Brian kibler = instant click

[@giantewok]

He swerved hearthstone pretty well in his intro😂

[@viperion_nz]

Honestly he seems like such a cool dude

[@cptawesome11]

@Michael Wentz Ya why didn't he do that?!? That bothered me so much.

[@Dracinard]

Brian Kibler playing a precon = instant click, then small sigh of disappointment. I wanted to see the Dragonmaster playing, y'know, dragons! Still, Kibler.

[@bobbybaratheon4387]

@Michael Wentz He was politicking, him swinging at melissa wouldve caused her to remove his creatures.

[@commandermerc58]

That moment when you don't watch magic content often and you see this video watch it and then proceeds to enjoy it..... but a lot of other people don't and you feel like that poser that doesn't understand :(

[@heyandy889]

it's ok man. consider 1) there's a tendency for satisfied people to go about their day, while an unsatisfied or upset person is more likely to leave a comment 2) I enjoyed the episode as well. I guess people were really wrapped up in their expectations and were not able to take the video for what it was - a light-hearted, fun look at a new product with some insight from well-known players.

[@NVEmery]

I'm 2 years too late, but no one here will judge ya. EDH is a party community format and we're all here to have fun. These are high level players, and alongside the editing, you can easily follow what's going on.

[@themagicofmtg]

It's amazing how much four years can change the way someone looks! Seeing the young, clean shaven Brian Kibler is crazy!

[@DylanSweeney]

I was so excited when I saw this video and so heartbroken when I found out you weren't playing edh

[@austinjohnson4]

Fucking same bro

[@austinjohnson4]

I was like, fuck yeah finally come edh!! In gonna watch this as soon as I get out of work! But we all know how that went

[@CygmaSlag]

Josh it’s okay, you can be honest and say you picked red because you miss Jimmy. We do too.

[@pattywompus9332]

While every episode of this show is pretty wholesome, it is nice to see some professionals whose literal jobs are to play/create these cards, having a fun, casual game different to what they're used to. Different in ways like limitations of an intro deck, multiplayer, and politics. And then Josh who is used to these playstyles winning by his personal experience. By far the most feel-good/wholesome episode I've seen.

[@jossmcalister9166]

"Amassing my own zombie army" oooh Melissa. I see what you did.

[@YOSEPHALLEN92]

Man, this commercial is so long

[@queerchameleon]

^^^^ this hahahaha so true

[@nickatwork]

gotta push that product everyone has 0 interest in

[@nickmitch1734]

I’m interested in the rot hulk…

[@nickatwork]

@@nickmitch1734 great, my comment is from 4 years ago so go buy the single

[@Glockman20008]

I like how they help teach you how to play. Very useful and entertaining. Thank you

[@lukasbubliauskas]

Dude. I wish I got this for Christmas. I tried this out with my friends, and it was SUPER FUN. I also wanna get some of those Ultra Pro wallpaper thingys.

[@NickBase]

Omg such a waste , we got 1 video every month and then they play precons 😒

[@TheShardFenix]

CZ is becoming a sad parody of itself.

[@NickBase]

@@TheShardFenix yeppp really sad I liked them :(

[@cicero1173]

True Bro, such a waste of time and just stupid product placement from wizard

[@ImperatorNocturne]

@@chiefsilverstacker1176 of course they can do videos that appeal to the masses, but why waste the pro-players on this? they can do the product placement with some regular cast members and have the pros play commander, i would have loved to see what they would have came up with.

[@whorod8895]

Chief Silver Stacker they’re not appealing to anyone though. Everyone just wants to see them play their own decks.

[@ramensobatv]

Oh hey! How about we invite pro players/hall of famers on game knights. The fans would love to see them play commander and watch their sick moves... Except, they'd be playing precon decks for beginners. Good job command zone! Way to go! another great potential for an episode ruined!

[@maxxflame]

I find it interesting to see a different side of pros them being silly and humans actual people not there stout serious poker faced professionals I've only been to pptqs but this makes me wanna get more competitive

[@lucibatt6694]

This was really cool to watch!! :) I really like all of the personalities at the table and the commentary the offer on even the most basic games.

[@kellyfreeman9486]

I have to admit. I was excited coming in to watch this. But then you revealed what was going to be played. So....Probably won’t watch any more of it. I get it, paid sponsors and free products....yada yada yada. This is product placement, and it’s not even a product that I came to this channel to see. Bring them on for an actual commander game knights episode, and I’ll watch every minute. This video is getting a 👎 from me, sorry.

[@kellyfreeman9486]

This was over a year ago...? This channel at the time was more about commander than almost any other channel on KZbin. So it would make sense to expect the people who come on the show to be interested in commander. Get off with it.

[@rstollenwerk]

Less Game Knights, more Extra Turns!

[@zombieguy75]

this is it chief

[@darthpotassiums1fan20]

My friend told ma about these videos after we played against each other using two prebuilt standard decks. It was my first time (he has been playing for several years) and you guys totally helped keep men in the game. Can’t wait for more as I’m almost already caught up with the series.

[@rockerknight25]

Seeing Brian in this video after seeing so many Commander At Home videos is really weird.

[@Solereaper21]

1:44 for intro to actual show, 5:34 for actual game 27:11 to skip mid-game ad

[@omgitzducki]

You are amazing!!

[@regirex4418]

Skip this episode for good content

[@enderalex300]

While I was initially disappointed to see pros playing precons, this match was a lot more fun than it had any right to be. While it was simple, the pros brought out a lot of complexity in their lines. I would've liked to see what they could've brewed in an EDH game, but this ended up being super entertaining. I just hope that they get another chance to all come back on with some brewed decks at some point. Best of both worlds. Thanks JLK, this episode is the highlight of my week.

[@killer6starblaze]

I can't put into words how happy your comment made me, you are the biggest highlight of this comment section! :D

[@Jjdude101]

Definitely love this comment. Sad reading all the negativity. I do hope they filmed a commander game w/ these guests and surprise us later on.

[@camoshark5]

Agreed, its upsetting to see the negativity. I was smiling the entire time watching this!

[@WolfKnight-it1hc]

Thank you for being so positive about this video, I liked it as well and seeing it get so much hate just because JLK had to do a promotion is quite disappointing.

[@BitmapBlues]

TY! I had to scroll past so much bullshit to find something positive. Loved this ep

[@Growling4Santa]

Black deck.. zombies.. Blue deck.. Thopters.. red deck.. Goblins.. Green deck.. GORECLAW and INFINITE DINASOURE POWEEEEEERRRR.. Seems balanced

[@perception3762]

Maxwell Scott red requires lots of strategy, in my experiences I let my friends kill each other lol

[@Dragonlord146]

coming back and watching these in 2023 its so weird seeing kibler with short hair

[@munchmahquchi4050]

Right! He looks like a little baby!

[@MiseInTheSplinters]

I honestly would have rather watch another episode of extra turns over non commander stuff!

[@CannedCaineghis]

Oh... I get it, it's a 51 minute ad

[@jamiehurricane]

Created new Google account so I can double like this

[@XpPotions]

Naruhodo... you're an idiot

[@000zeRoeXisTenZ000]

BIG THANKS FOR THIS VID! Also i have to say, that i cannot relate with many comments in this section, complaining about the low decks and downvoting great content. I havn't played magic for 8-10 years and trying to come back with pro-videos (other vids on this channel) with tons of new cards, I have never heard of, but everybody is "oh noooo", is quite difficult. But this vid really helped me and is more fun to watch for newcomers, then other matches on this channel. Thank you all!

[@e6staffsargeify]

This was 4 years ago? Kibler looks like he's aged 10 years since this came out damn

[@voidprism_studios666]

lmao not wrong

[@Aeschelon]

No disrespect meant, but I think you guys should leave Wizards behind, because not having control over your content makes it feel very much like product placement, and no amount of “fun” gameplay can justify transparently visible corporate control that takes away from the bristling personalities that you guys have and book. I don’t mind seeing stuff other than EDH from you guys from time to time, but the last several Game Knights videos have been mostly stuff unrelated to the mission of your channel, which I assume is getting people excited and informed about commander. I love and respect you guys for all that you do, I just wish you guys would take more agency with your content in regards to Game Knights - it is always a better show when you have more creative agency, and an example of that would be the game where Prof and DeTora came on and played their own decks.

[@N0Gutz]

Very well put. Agree 100%

[@thebestjarjarbinks7867]

Mabey don't drop WOTC but just try having more creative control over your content?

[@40Found]

This is why they're starting Extra Turns

[@jvk4455]

The thing is that TCZ is likely making a fuckton of money for these sponsored GK's

[@stormcrow4202]

@@40Found But Game Knights was founded on Commander and getting people informed and excited about it with awesome edits and thrilling gameplay. It wasn't founded for 50 minute ads. You don't take something and make it unenjoyable and then just make something else and say "All better!" you fix it or even don't do it at all.

[@2chrischris]

The one time they get Kibler on they don't play Commander. I want a refund.

[@bwild40]

Awesome, awesome video. I think I enjoyed this game knight more than almost any other and my favorite part was I did not expect a second game. Awesome Job Command Zone!

[@Terry.M.I.]

they are all just like "im not use to playing for fun but im rolling with it"

[@gautierb.9215]

I usually like episodes when you're not playing commander, but come on... This precon is really boring and casual. And with those guests it's a waste. I wouldn't mind an episode of "extra turns" with "normal" guests with this product. But with pro players, I would expect more. Like modern, or standard, or sealed or draft. Man it would have been awesome with the Ultimate Master set coming. I still enjoyed watching them play, but it really feels like a huge missed opportunity

[@waywreth]

These caliber of players and precons? No thanks.

[@maxramirez790]

I love this! I just started playing magic and this is so helpful such a great video new favorite KZbin channel 😍

[@ZenithWarlord]

Wow that was fun to watch all these Legends play and congrats on the win. I'm just coming back to Magic the gathering. Played my first game in a long while and I was completely overwhelmed by all the technicalities of the game. Just try to get my head around it and learn how to play all over again. It's going to be fun. Thanks

[@Star_Nova]

Pre cons and not commander. Pass. Shame with those guests.

[@taylorpace8123]

Stop shilling for your sponsors and bring back jumbo.

[@AC-kd4pp]

Damn! 3 of my favorite Pro tour players from way back all in one show!!! Gotta love this one!

[@NapalmJustice]

I was making five mono-colored decks to teach a loved one how to play, and I found this video a couple weeks ago! I really like having something like this to pull out for a board game night, especially when I'm worried about my own ability to craft balanced decks that can be broken down to make two color variants. With friends who would be worried about the complexities of customizable decks, I really want to get this as a way to help everyone have more fun playing this game and learn what makes it so interesting. Thanks for highlighting this!

[@BenjaminKlahn]

Man... this would have been so much better if you were playing commander or some kind of real Magic.

[@oatsandtoats2009]

This should of been a commander game SMH

[@PhazonOmega]

Loved watching all these people play together! Good group ^_^ I hope to see them all together again, but with their own crafted decks!

[@davidwilliford3079]

Hey Josh, Jimmy, DJ and the rest of the team. I just wanted you all to know how appreciative I am for all your content. It is the absolute best on the internet and you all should be very proud. Especially proud since YOUR content ignited my love for EDH and got me into the game. I just brewed my first deck, used the affiliate link at Card Kingdom (which I never knew existed btw so thank you) and can’t wait to sleeve it up and get to the table. Look forward to more content from you guys and hopefully playing with you one day. The Command Zone, you rock!

[@arnieandrews]

I was hoping to see competitive commander, it's disappointing to see precon decks

[@eemeli224]

Yes, this would have been way more fun if they played commander. However, I still really enjoyed this episode and I think that a channel this size cant be expected to make extremely high quality content like this without sponsorships.

[@disastercaster1024]

I know I'm late but they are sponsored by magic the gathering ultrapro and card kingdom not to mention patrion support

[@pagesfromthenayas923]

Don't let the haters get to you, Josh. A mature person understands that variety is the spice of life, and seeing something new every now and then (with such a spectacular cast, by the way, well done!) is a breath of fresh air for your channel. I'm always happy to see another video with Melissa (she cracks me up so goddamn much, "Kibler attacked me for a million with his big dumb idiots"), and the product actually looks pretty damn fun for both casual players and the more active alike. Thanks for another great, high quality video, and keep on doing you!

[@SeldomFollower]

Im new to magic, just started 2 days ago. Friend gave me some basic cards ( White deck ) just to play around with and learn. Have to say im really excited, I was a serious Yugioh player before and now this totally blew me away. Havent touched Yugioh in days and I think this is my new game. Really excited and hopefully I can learn everything about magic soon! Thanks for this video, really helps people like me new and learning the game. Thanks The Command Zone!

[@tomc810]

Really feels like this series is just becoming a marketing tool for WOTC.

[@ThePlayer4our]

It's been that way ever since Mel started appearing in almost every episode

[@regirex4418]

I hate it whenever a KZbin channel goes corporate. Remember what happened to Smosh? It’s awful now. I used to love the show, not its terrible. Don’t be new Smosh. Be old Smosh, doing whatever you want

[@NightOfCrystals]

Sadly, I agree. I would have loved to see high-power Commander decks brewed by the players here, or even just their commander decks period. Low-power precons really crimps what this could have been.

[@HuxtableK]

As if they really need that, with Magic being arguably the most popular TCG in the world, coupled with them having the most popular RPG in the world.

[@cutecommie]

This is how capitalism works.

[@ivernedit4132]

Can you do it with commander next time, I would love to see kibler ply it

[@dustydan381]

Despite all the hate, I really enjoyed the video. I’m not a super magic fan boy, and sadly therefore I didn’t know who these players were, but I saw a video from a MTG channel, of 4 players having a fun time playing MTG. Everyone is whining about the ads, but it’s nothing new. Everyone has ads. Facebook, KZbin, twitch, cable tv. It’s just 2018 and people like to complain on the internet. Keep up the good content guys. I enjoy it. On a side note, I just bought the Game Night box the other day at my local store. I had a last minute group of people come over and didn’t have enough simple decks laying around to break in some new players, so we fixed this by utilizing the pre-cons in the box. It was great, and at 35$ what a good deal.

[@dustydan381]

Oh and just to offend some more people, have a Merry Christmas.

[@saidjmz5988]

This is one of my favorite videos ( Beside the Iconic Master match with the Professor and the great Wedge ... and Jimmy ofcourse ) of Command Zone. I always wanted to see Pro-Players playing a kitchen table match, was fun and still, pretty competitive. That was really awesome. Great video. Love it.