The Orb | A History of Magic's Old School Icon

[@MythrilZenith]

"Your deck only has 59 cards in it" is the most judge move ever. Love it!

[@Icameron259]

@@JimmyR42 Lightly damaged cards can be "perfectly fine to play", especially if sleeved. But I doubt you could convince a judge that a taped together card that had been ripped into many pieces is not a marked card - it would be trivially easy to find it by feel within the deck.

[@panthermonium3845]

@@JimmyR42 note that this is before sleeves were standard, damaged cards were probably not perfectly fine to play with

[@Qobp]

@@newfaces_v2 water damage only french highlander feat. tiny leaders

[@Ezullof]

@@JimmyR42 The judge was powertripy?!!! Seriously lol?

[@andrewp6738]

@@JimmyR42 Please rip one of your cards up, stuff the pieces into a sleeve and let me know when you pass a deck check

[@johnsanko4136]

The chaos confetti story is the greatest urban legend about oldschool magic. So great that Unglued had a card specific for that story.

[@bertschumacher2097]

It’s crazy. Everyone who plays magic knows that story. Even 20 years ago when I was a little kid, no internet, I’ve heard about it.

[@moedark4390]

wouldnt tearing a card automatically make it an illegal card to have in your deck?

[@TheMaverickGirlGaming]

@@moedark4390yes, and that’s mentioned in the video.

[@DismemberTheAlamo]

@@moedark4390 - the card itself technically wouldnt be illegal, but it would be a modification to the deck outside of the sideboarding phase, so the same result.

[@kereminde]

Everyone who knows players around for the old times has someone swear, on anything they choose, "it really happened, I was there". Nobody can actually corroborate it until they're told about it, then they go "oh yeah, that was wild!"... It's like Candle Cove.

[@statick160]

I can totally imagine the grin of the judge from that opening scene at having outwitted someone who thought they were the one doing the outwitting

[@C._Bradford]

Can't imagine they would be happy about it. They are supposed to he impartial. That's like the whole point. Guy who called the judge was probably pretty stoked though.

[@hallaloth3112]

I'd feel bad, guy found a great loophole and ingenuity should be rewarded.

[@viktorsaurus]

Ultimate "no u"

[@Bargadiel]

​@@hallaloth3112should have just had 61 cards in his deck then.

[@galacticgamer6635]

@@hallaloth3112 I would say the judge was just as ingenious. Silly loopholes should get tied with even sillier ones, if you're into that.

[@ProfDragonite]

Love how we go from "wacky Orb go brrr" to "In ancient times, the great wizard Garfield..."

[@jeffbrownstain]

*once great

[@dem7556]

“In the ancient and forsaken times of the early 90s”

[@wizkida981015]

When he was talking about dexterity cards, i really thought he was gonna end the sentence "They require physical skill to resolve, and since 1993, magic players have not had any physical skill"

[@tortaahogada9685]

I don't know why, but the picture of Richard Garfiel with the alpha playtesters at the university always makes me so happy.

[@stevenyukabacera160]

I wonder if they knew they had a hit on their hands.

[@bionicnomad]

@@stevenyukabacera160 they definitely did. i spoke to joel mick a few years ago buying cards from him, asked him what was the best part about playtesting. he said the excitement as thats all they did and spoke about. he mentioned that excitement made them determined that this game would take off at one point and sure enough it did.

[@glimmer8965]

iconic

[@drpibisback7680]

Ultra Pro originally starting out as a photo album company is the sort of thing that makes perfect sense but I never would have guessed it.

[@MOTOSolid]

Hearing the back half of the Chaos Confetti story was not what I expected from that intro. Stellar stuff

[@mikotagayuna8494]

No one but Sam can consistently turn one man's flex into an actual compelling documentary.

[@ClexYoshi]

Chaos orb is a special card for me. it's a card my cousin used when he taught me how to play magic. he let me borrow his deck that had the orb in it for years and told me the old confetti urban legend...

[@robbylava]

Read the title before I saw the thumbnail and was like "It's gotta be either Winter Orb or Chaos Orb, and honestly I dunno which I'd rather be less happy to face."

[@ownageDan]

coulda been static orb, another contender in the "i dont wanna play vs this" list ;)

[@theunwelcome]

could have been Zuran Orb! it was never going to be Zuran Orb...

[@lane9668]

@@theunwelcome I've made some pretty cool plays with Zuran orb, but it's admittedly really niche

[@casketbase7750]

Mesmeric Orb is the one my Ghen Arcanum Weaver ponders.

[@artemi7]

@@theunwelcome Zuran Orb would be a pretty cool vid, it's had a long history of being a powerful card back in the day. It's still a contender in CanLander, as well!

[@Kratosauron0]

In all the times I've heard of the chaos orb confetti story, I never once thought of how it could cause you to drop below the 60 card deck minimum 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@MegaMac464]

I've probably commented this before but I just have to express how greatful I am to you for making these videos. I say with no exaggeration that finding your channel years ago brought back so much passion for a game I though I had forgotten. I now engage with the fame more than I ever have and it has become a common love amongst all my friends. Your videos serve as a reminder to me on how special this beautiful little game is and for that I am forever thankful.

[@matthewalvarojr.2634]

My friends got me into mtg only a few months ago but I hyper fixated heavily and the algorithm picked up quick. His video on the progression of the card borders and the design language of pyrexia absolutely sold me on the channel.

[@MegaMac464]

@@matthewalvarojr.2634 He's just the best! and welcome to the world of Magic :D

[@bloozism]

@@MegaMac464I’ve lost my love for the game years ago. The game and its state are unrecognizable. I do however quite like these videos.

[@SoloWing88]

Really wished there was a reference to the Unglued card "Chaos Confetti" as it is the embodiment of the urban legend of the orb.

[@autobotstarscream765]

Well, that and Blacker Lotus. 😂

[@mstommyt]

I still have my oversized copy of chaos orb that came with duelist magazine back in the day. Magazine sized orb.

[@TimmytheSorcerer]

As an old school player, I absolutely love this video. It's awesome to see Magnus in here. He's the source when it comes to the Orb and it's super that you reached out to him. Also great to see many members from the os community in here, such as Megu, DFB, Will, Lady Deathtouch and Reindeer, just beautiful! Flipping Orbs is simply one of the best things you can do, I'd def recommend you to try it out! I guess, the obvious question here is, when will we see you at one of our old school tournaments Sam?

[@daltonharper4911]

this video and the video about the 100% altered commander deck are my two favorite because they go into detail about parts of the game that almost nobody knows about

[@LinkEX]

The Chaos Orb urban legend is definitely not well known among newer players I assume. But aren't altered cards still becoming increasingly normalized? They were WotC's proof of concept for all those collector versions we have nowadays, no?

[@VijoPlays]

Dear Gonti always brings me to tears

[@theaeskey2502]

A Rhystic study Saturday. What could be better.

[@domri4203]

Not being at work

[@disnya6894]

You make me fall in love with Magic the Gathering a little bit more each time I watch one of your videos.

[@graefx]

That opening story is just brilliant

[@GYI5U]

I didn't think the original story could be improved upon but the ending is so much better

[@rambulance6241]

I'm so impressed. I've known the story of the ripped up Chaos Orb almost as long as I've been playing but I never knew the disqualification part. You are an epic story teller. I love your content keep up the good work.

[@TheSpiffyNeoStar]

I'm surprised you didn't talk about the story Maro has shared a few times about the person who won a side tournament to get the DCI number of 1. It was a draft with oversized 9x6 promotional cards that they used to have as store display pieces, and someone realized that larger cards made chaos orb easier. They also picked up a "Guardian Beast" in the draft and were able to keep chaos orb-ing over and over.

[@Corrupted]

I've never played MTG in my life, I love these videos

[@Deminz]

Loved this one Sam! I would love to see a video about pet decks. I think you could find some really interesting stories about peoples decks that aren't their best deck, but what they're known for.

[@monstermilk6092]

OH MY GOD THAT OPENING STORY WAS AMAZING.

[@JonAdamich]

As a new magic player, this channel has been so fascinating to go through

[@tots_valeza]

oh wow. . . he got a card with a Chaos Orb fan art that i've done :)) (25:46) that fan art almost got me in trouble with my art directors in mtg :))

[@walkerwhippet]

Wonderful video. I love how you always remind me why I've loved this game since I was a young kid in 1994 and got my first Revised Starter deck as a stocking stuffer. The story of Magnus handing over custody of the Orb binder to one of the original playtesters is truly heartwarming and part of the human connection that makes this game such a joy to be a part of. Thanks man!

[@mr.mammuthusafricanavus8299]

The final iteration of The Orb will be an Un-card called: - Orb of Elbatethpilf: 8cmc, Artifact, Tap, pay 10 life ''Flip the table you are playing on. If the table does a 180 degree flip you win the game. If the table does not make a 180 degree flip, shuffle up and play a new game.'' Flavor text: ''Muscles win'' ;p LOL

[@JoshLewa]

Man this channel is so criminally underrated. Every video is a total banger. Loved this one!

[@antigrav6004]

Your videos make me wish the current staff making the game had any level of respect for the game that you do. I have stopped supporting WOTC due to what they've been doing for a year now, but your videos are a highlight and make me remember what i loved about the game.

[@realityquake4773]

There's one more Chaos Orb I'm aware of that wasn't included in this video - There was a 6"x9" Orb included in Inquest Magazine #12. Amazing video though, it's always great to see people talking about & sharing their stories of Magic's history. Thank you.

[@apjapki]

I love learning about the history of magic but I also mentally edit in my head that every collector you interview starts by saying, "Look, I'm extremely wealthy...."

[@themisprintguy]

Nice randomly finding a video with my pics/ cottage in it! To date, I’ve confirmed 125 “beta” cards and Orb is NOT one of them. I know of three gamma versions, one is mine. There’s also a “make ready” sheet of the Chaos Orb, only one copy exists.

[@murrowmench1565]

The Orb is always something to ponder

[@janmelantu7490]

But what if we got fish to ponder them?

[@murrowmench1565]

@@janmelantu7490 They would have a memory lapse

[@egahhd]

These videos do something that all of my favorite media does, makes me feel nostalgic for something i literally couldnt even be a part of

[@stevepittman3770]

I got into Magic in like 1993, I had a lot of old Alpha cards including a lotus and a bunch of moxen, but I could never manage to lay hands on a Chaos Orb. I gave up the hobby a long time ago and gotten rid of what cards I had, but Chaos Orb will forever be the one that got away.

[@joametz]

I hope you never stop doing this, Sam. Thank you for the stories as always!

[@bch9124]

This video brought me to tears. Impactful tears: happiness, longingness, loss. Thank you, Rhystic Studies.

[@fuzzythoughts8020]

I'm a yugioh player, I don't know anything about magic, but these sort of card game history retrospectives are always really cool.

[@Egb-dr2pl]

Thank you for introducing the orb to me! I am relatively new to Magic… I used to play when I was 10 on the ground in school, and more than 20 years later I returned to it. I just bought an Unlimited Chaos Orb… its awesome!

[@BraxtonMeyer]

2:23 What the judge didn't realize is the guy had brought a 61 card deck. So he replied and said "Count it." Also i completely agree that if garfield has written on a given card, it is now played that way. He did make the game after all. Who says he can't come back for some more R&D after all these years. /j

[@NecromancyForKids]

Then his deck was not the same as the one he submitted, and he would be disqualified anyway.

[@TreeCutterDoug]

Best video yet, with layers of information along a winding journey of the history of my favorite card in the game.

[@85mcarnold]

Excellent episode. Magnus’s blog is one of the things that got me back into Magic. Many thanks to him and the guys at Wak-Wak.

[@thewealthofnations4827]

Thanks RS. You've done it again. Keep up the marvellous story telling. Thank you!

[@BunnyWhole]

rhystic studies uploading is exactly what i needed in my life. I can not thank you enough for continuing to upload and all the hard work you put in. Bless And Respect.

[@Resuarus]

This video put a huge smile on my face. I've had trouble keeping up with the game for the past year because of how expensive it has gotten. At times, it's really hurt my passion for the game. Your videos always remind me of why I fell in love with it.

[@MarkAvo]

The soundtrack is on point and the history is nostalgic and informative. Blown away by this one.

[@jordanhooper-ic3vb]

i just love old school magic so when is cool storys like this

[@ruferd]

Yet again, another truly masterful deep dive into a tiny narrow scope of magic lore that I could soak up all day. Absolutely masterful as usual 💯 The worst part about your videos is that I only get one chance to watch them for the first time.

[@farwatergg2428]

The music selection for this video was simply perfect

[@jamesofaustralia8193]

I am only a casual MTG player, but I have to say this is one of the most interesting and well-made documentaries I've watched on yt.

[@grendelrising6413]

Loved this video, thanks for the memories. One of my favorite decks used Argivian Archaeologist with Orbs to wreck havoc. First tournament I showed up with it was when the banned and restricted list dropped.

[@pokesocomedy]

That little into panel is the coolest thing I’ve seen on this channel. Idk why but it spoke to me lol

[@TheLoinclothLegend]

The amount of work that into these videos is always incredible. Thank you for another one, here's to many more.

[@warpdrivefueledbyinsomnia8165]

Thank you for this video. Back when I started the game in 1997, my friends and I used to hold Chaos Orb in awe alongside Lightning Bolt and Serra Angel. Even back then, ABU cards were these mythical chase cards that few of us ever saw or used. None of us ever got our hands on a Chaos Orb to use. But, it was fun to think about.

[@artemi7]

It feels like we've come full circle with this. I came into your videos, like most people, on the Black Lotus video. And now here we are, four years later, covering it's partner in crime. LONG LIVE THE ORB!

[@hosersupreme]

Thank you for making this. This type of thing is why Magic: The Gathering is special.

[@Twitchmaster69]

another quality video, its always a good day when Rhystic Studies drops a vid. cant wait for the next one, no matter how long it takes because i know the wait will be worth it.

[@Meister_WU]

This video made my day. Simply loving it. So many awesome stories. Keep it up Sam

[@c_mill2451]

One of my all-time favorite old school cards. Love the artwork and design of the card. I bought a cheap proxy of it a while ago. It may not be the original card print, but it's still something I cherish.

[@mus0u]

very cool to see "Talislanta Magic" in the back of that photo. that's one of my favorite tabletop RPG settings of that era.

[@uruigi]

I recently discovered a local group of players who are related that play Old School every so often. Was wild to discover they lived on the same street in such a remote countryside town and even wilder to play. It was even the first time I had heard of the format.

[@summpwner7837]

Stories like this are what makes me lament the fall of paper magic.... maybe it is bigger than ever, but in terms of the share of mtg play, it feels like every release has fewer people caring about competitive and paper magic, favoring MTGO and MTGA instead. Stories like this wouldn't exist if the game was purely digital.

[@d.w.7203]

Magic was truly magical. A gathering experience. Now its just a big business on its way to 100% digital. Sad.

[@nicks4802]

Competitive play is for hardcore deck builders and people who own a large assortment of cards/can afford to buy a large assortment of cards. New players want to: 1. Play casually without any stakes. 2. Collect good cards cheaply (not pay $50+ for a single card) 3. Be able to play without having to slave away learning every intricacy of the game in order to build a deck thats viable in the current meta. Being thrown into the deep end and being told “just build a deck” when you still have no idea how many lands should go in any given deck….. not very inviting. Thank god they sell preconstructed commander decks and starter kits. A new player has EVERY reason to avoid the sweat of competitive magic and go straight to arena with a code to upload their starter deck, and then start slipping cards into their deck as they go along and unlock them, And then hopefully they do the same with the physical deck (Recommend they upgrade the commander precon deck, because standard is dead…. Feel free to throw some of those starter deck cards in your commander deck) Competitive play simply needs a better, more beginner friendly community, Instead of, lets be real, looking for noobs to stomp because y’all are bored of playing the same old meta decks against eachother. The real fun is in commander, with things like Planechase. I side with the new players. Screw competitive play. Its what gives the game a bad wrap. Remember richmond crackstyle? Yeah, those are competitive players…… another reason to avoid, right? Right…. Pants up, and play casually, in a way where everyone gets to have fun instead of just one player🤙

[@blujay1294]

​@@nicks4802Yeah, even with me getting a touch bored of commander, I still don't want to touch modern (the only other format lets be real), due to the insane meta, insane deck costs (I don't like proxies, I like having my actual cards, but not the worst), and then, obviously a smaller and more abrasive community. Like it's no wonder I and many other people starting in the last year or two only play commander

[@matthewalvarojr.2634]

​@@blujay1294If your getting bored of commander is recommend Oathbreaker. I've played a few games and it's pretty fun. While still pretty close to commander the changes are enough to make it a distinct experience.

[@popo237]

@@matthewalvarojr.2634 Oathbreaker? Sure WAR Narset and Windfall sounds like a TON of fun.

[@Flamingpangolin]

This is such an awesome story that only Rhystic Studies could do justice

[@autohawk]

Been playing since unlimited. My favorite card ever. I’m so, so happy with this video.

[@darkconfidant4185]

Wow, this video is amazing! In our community, there are far fewer players of MTG compared to YGO and PCTG, but even so, Chaos Orb is still more famous than Magic itself. It has become a popular meme and is considered one of the classics of MTG. Thank you, master. By the way, may I translate and repost your video on Bilibili? I'm certain that all Chinese MTG players would love your videos. l will indicate the author and your tubing address，thank you

[@jossefyoucef4977]

That intro story is by far the most wild tcg story I've ever heard

[@crame5667]

that preface was absolutely incredible

[@dominicdelarosa3]

Your videos always give me great vibes of my childhood. Thank you 🙏

[@robertunijat8299]

How are you able to make such an interesting piece about one card? That's not only talent, that is true Magic.

[@Rorschachqp]

In the oldest of days, not only did they think about re-doing the game each block, they even had an idea to change the backs each time to reflect the expansion.

[@TheDestructve]

Chaos Orb flipping is certainly one of the top 75 reasons to play Old School magic.

[@ValkyrieTiara]

Remember that time you said you were gonna open your channel up to occasionally do non-MtG related videos and a bunch of nerds got mad and unsubbed? That was fun. Love your videos, thanks for all the great content over the years!

[@anthonyjs8048]

Loved this one, for the nostalgia and the history i never knew

[@dough4prez]

Wonderful content as always! Great production! The best MTG channel by a mile. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

[@Theorak]

Love these stories of game development in the early stages, this Orb binder is a historic book now.

[@artistpoet5253]

What a sweet story and look into the history of one of my most played and favorite games.

[@thewealthofnations4827]

Bravo bravo. Well done RS. You've done it again. Thanks so much I thoroughly enjoy your videos.

[@87Jake77]

"like a celb shot in beer pong" is not only the best way to explain it but a great use of speaking to your audience

[@jamescruz8678]

WAKE UP BABE NEW RHYSTIC STUDIES JUST DROPPED

[@BhbtheRock]

I literally just said this to my partner, a new player

[@empurress77]

Thank you for the reference that the game was being put together in 1991. I had been mixing the cards from multiple board games together around that time. When a game was started players drew 7 cards from the single pile of cards placed in the center of the board. Cards could be played during your turn as replacements for rolling the dice. There were blank cards that were used as "Counter-spells". You can see why i wondered for years if it were possible to have inspired MTG by doing that. Good to know that that's very unlikely. Still a true story and i recommend mixing a bunch of different board game cards together and playing any of those games with that mix. Very fun using "Wrong" cards from one game in another game they still work for.

[@pabis6817]

Best magic content by a light year.

[@mstieler8480]

I still remember my oversize Chaos Orb I got in an issue of either Inquest or Duelist.

[@lucyarisato6850]

Always phenomenal to see your content, Sam.

[@diarrhearulz]

At 7:30 that’s my orb! I love that bad boy (I’m the owner, not the alterist). Cool to see that out in the wild.

[@ZeHamberglar]

Make chaos orb legal in commander, cowards.

[@AndrewFullerton]

And legal to use as your commander!

[@LainKaplan]

In 2015-2017, I was working at UPenn as an adjunct. One of my classes was in the building where Garfield and his colleagues worked back in the day. And yes, I own an Alpha Orb and I did flip it onto the table a few time between classes, because I know my history of the game as well.

[@mrpoparq]

Yes. Yes. Yes. Love when you upload, instantly fell in love with the Channel!

[@mutmut02_]

Once again a fantastic video. Thanks for doing this !

[@Rudeyrudey]

I’ve loved your videos for a long time but this might be my favorite. Such a great story

[@Worm.emergency]

I didn’t even know I was waiting for this episode, but I was

[@MetalBum]

Thes are great quality productions thanks. Please do more man

[@aly1408]

When I was high school (in 1997), i tore one into eight pieces and played them in a circle game. I gave each piece to my friends, yet I’m the only one who doesn’t still have theirs 😅

[@NatePrawdzik]

A friend of mine decades ago had a Garfield alter called "Big, Bad Sol Ring". It tapped for 20, but said this mana couldn't be spent on costs with X in them (this was during an era when mana burn existed). Yes, it was as broken as you think it was.

[@Kaisingsens]

you made me an autohacker fan. great video as always!

[@ccoopplay1]

Your videos are always so interesting and done so well. Thank you for your contribution to this game that I love so very much.

[@jmcalcy69]

I head judged some Old School 93/94 Events at MagicCon Philadelphia. Chaos Orb is legal in that format; it has a special rule, you just select one permanent, and have to succeed on flipping from a certain height, no longer need to flip it onto a card

[@ericmolt5821]

You continue to impress good sir! Loved this soooo much.

[@cavemantero]

I heard about this story all the way in East Texas where I went to college. Didn't know the guy was actually disqualified though...everyone said he won that way. Old school magic was the best. Too bad WotC did it a massive disservice with the reserve list. Once money became the goal the game was never the same.

[@OberynTheRedViper]

It’s because it never happened… it’s a total urban legend. That voicemail at the start is just a lie.