Starting 2025 With A Sick Spells Deck. Happy New Year Everybody! | Foundations Draft | MTG Arena

[@Journeyman2585]

I'm glad your friends pushed you to give it a try. Your draft content is awesome and informative for beginners, and super fun for intermediate players like myself who still have much to learn. I'll bet plenty of very experienced drafters enjoy your content as well.

[@treble8921]

Been drafting for over 20 years now (since Onslaught block), still here killing time and challenging my own line choices watching Paul

[@adn267]

I didn’t understand that these videos and content are the result of a layoff 😭 You feel so natural explaining and carrying the energy, I just assumed you had been making online content for years. Very glad things turned around! I enjoy your draft video very much! Thanks, Cheon! Happy New Year to you and yours 🎉

[@Chiefsfan2025]

WotC is ran by idiots now.

[@TMidander]

Yeah he used to work for WotC =)

[@willeyeam1241]

You and Nummy are my go to now for arena drafts. I’m a very casual player that can’t afford 100 drafts so everyone has to count. Your videos help me get something like 6-10 drafts out every 20$. Not infinite by any means but it’s nice value. It really does help seeing what colors work best and the smaller interactions between cards I’ve never thought of and would have missed. Thank you for the enjoyable content and happy new year.

[@haumph]

Appreciate the support and glad to help!

[@Shimo57]

Absolutely, I watch these, Numot, and practice drafting on Draftism to maximize my limited amount of drafts per month. It has absolutely improved my game enjoyment and I'm thankful for the content!

[@KK-pm7ud]

We all knew you could be amazing at streaming again. Those who saw you back then knew that it would be fantastic for you be back again. Your fans missed you so much.

[@haumph]

Appreciate you saying that!

[@xcblaze1945]

When you went to work for WoTC I very selfishly thought of how much I would miss your content. Not only are you an incredibly thoughtful drafter who doesn't stop learning more about the format (your transition away from "green bad" in Foundations was great to see), you have just such a wholesome way of connecting to your viewers, not to mention your humility. Very very happy to see you back, though I do wish it hadn't been because of such difficult circumstances. Nonetheless you've completely turned the adversity around. Love what you do, and may there be many more happy years for you in the days to come. Best to Kyle and the family too!

[@haumph]

[@aleccummings6534]

Thanks for your hard work and awesome content, Paul. I love watching your vids every day and look forward to the future of your channel!

[@haumph]

Thanks so much for your support and I’m so happy that you’ve been enjoying the content. Plenty more to come in 2025!

[@whattupmang]

Hey Paul, Way to keep going during uncertainty! I’m on a similar journey with a career change and being new to KZbin, and I can say that you inspired me to even press play and record. 2025 is going to be a big year! Catch you at Magic Con?

[@topher83]

PAUL! You and lsv have been my favorite mtg players for almost 20 years. Love seeing you having success here on KZbin

[@haumph]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@alb07-l6p]

I started playing magic with Bloomburrow, and your channel helped me so so much for my drafts ! I'm shocked to learn you were laid off last year, but I'm super glad you started your youtube channel, and I wish you the very best for 2025

[@mikeyknab385]

I'm so glad you found a supportive and consistent audience, Paul. Your content is exceptional - great technical quality, excellent gameplay, cogent analysis, and a genuine personality that truly shines through. So, you deserve every success. Wishing you and your family great health and happiness this year, and for many to come. Also, thanks for introducing me to Heavy Play, their rounded corner sleeves are a true game changer.

[@haumph]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@StrugglebusGo]

I had no idea about the layoff and that this was the result of it. As someone also in the content creation game with a young family, I have been amazed how you are able to pump out daily content. It makes much more sense now. I truly hope that this works out for you, at least for the mean time. You are consistently a pleasure to watch.

[@ZackSmyth]

Wizard's loss is our gain! You are still the most clear content creator in terms of talking through your thought process while drafting and playing! Keep it up in 2025!

[@haumph]

Appreciate that! I'm glad you're enjoying the content.

[@mehatto]

I played magic a long time ago but stopped and the real reason why i watched your vids is that it gives me the best memories of reliving the times when i was playing magic with my friends back then. So thank you sir and keep up the great work!

[@kpo_1]

My 2025 plan - Watch ALL of Paul's content! I spend a lot of time on KZbin and I can't stay off of your page since I love draft. Your content is awesome!

[@haumph]

Thanks!

[@pedropinto2565]

I've had a few success runs with this archetype prioritizing cards that are usually bad in general.. Thrill of possibility is a key card to avoid flood, find the lands when you need and go wide with mischievous mystic. Then, gobling surprise to finish the game when you have a wide board. If you don't find a mischievous mystic Balmore is the other optiont to close out games. Cost reduction creatures are also important when playing some expensive stuff and counterspells! Thank you for the year Paul, watching you helped me improve my game and even earn some money in the Arena Open! I hope you have an amazing year

[@dantasbreno]

Paul, have a great new year, hope you keep doing that amazing job, i've always have check on your content, love the energy you give to us through your videos. Have never see you in person, but you give a feeling that you are a person that change the mood for better just to be around.

[@miguelabreucoelho]

Thank you for all your efforts in 2024, you are no doubt the reason my drafting and general playing got way better in the months that I've been following your content. I hope that 2025 brings good things to you and your loved ones. P.S. - that last game against the guy with the Chandra, his name is Portuguese for mashed potatoes... Just thought you should know that little piece of information.

[@haumph]

I appreciate that!

[@jacobko8163]

Your content has been a breath of fresh air and great entertainment. Keep it up and onward to bigger and better things for you!

[@haumph]

Thanks for the support!

[@carlwillingham2047]

Paul, you are doing a bang-up job. You have the support of your friends, family, and your online following! 2025 is going to be a spectacular year for you, I look forward to watching it all play out (no pun intended, but I have a knack for bad dad jokes--at least my kids say they are bad...).

[@haumph]

Bad dad joke brigade unite!

[@derek61806]

You’re incredible at this, Paul. Your smart play, clear explanations, and humility and kindness come through your content. You and Seth are the best people in MTG, with no disrespect to Marshall, LSV, Kenji, and many other wonderful folks. Congrats on your transition to content all best in 2025.

[@haumph]

Thank you so much, that means a lot!

[@jondorsey2043]

We love you Paul. Always and forever. Do you remember when you lived in Denver, pre-2009 or so, and we played night time volleyball in the sand at that bar in Thornton with my girlfriend and Eric? Was a memorable time with a level 8. 😊 Hope you and your family are safe and well, good sir.

[@haumph]

Man that was a long time ago hahaha. Hope you're doing well Jon!

[@MrThadium]

Awesome life it is being able to live doing something you love. You took the risk and it is playing off ! Glad for you, hope you can continue because I need help to not waste my precious gems when I draft, cause it is tough to lose 1500 gems when you don't have time and money to get them back ! Love the content, watching you win and also lose is part of the goods you offer us. Thank you and Merry New Year !

[@haumph]

Happy new year!

[@porkbabyy]

as always, you're the goat, paul. i got into magic this year at the same time you started content creation. initially, my friends got me into commander, but now i have a stack of draft boxes we play when i can convince them (brother's war this weekend!)

[@StaleBranflakes]

i hope big things come to you this year because your content is awesome! you deserve it!

[@haumph]

Thanks! I appreciate you!

[@Cnutty93]

Paul your awesome guy. Happy new year and many blessings to you and your family. Thank you for giving us awesome content

[@haumph]

Appreciate the kind words! Happy New Year!

[@doesnotexistyet11]

You quickly became my most watched MTG content creator this year (passing LSV because I play Arena but not MTGO so the Cube content is just for fun but the Arena content is for fun AND learning). Whether you go for Mythic #1 or 0-20 in Sealed trophies, I'm tuning in for every single video. Hope to see more of you in the future!

[@haumph]

Hope you see more of me as well since I don't plan on stopping!

[@DF-zb3yk]

Hey Paul I haven't played magic in a long time. So I am behind. Thanks to your videos and advice I am back in it. Your videos are great, keep it up!

[@Mognet_t]

Happy New Year Paul! So thankful you decided to take the plunge, I feel like i learned so much about playing Magic from you and Kenji this last year

[@haumph]

Glad I could help!

[@raiseer]

I liked the monolog at the beginning very much. Hope you have a great and successful 2025.

[@haumph]

Thank you! You too!

[@andreaparri7669]

Happy new years Paul, im glad for your draft content, the think process is what we need to improve our games, also we have a great good time! cheers from Italy

[@haumph]

Cheers!

[@dominicnzl]

Thank you Paul, may 2025 be a great year for you 💪💪

[@haumph]

Same to you!

[@gregformes3720]

Love your story Paul, had no idea you got laid off and that life got very real for you in an instant like that. I've been watching you since you first came back to the scene. You, LSV, and nummy are the usual cycle and it makes for some good relaxing content. Just realized I had not subscribed somehow.... Keep going because you're good at what you do. You bring a different perspective and approach that I think will allow your audience and sub numbers to snowball. Happy new years!

[@Bobromil]

34:35 this is the second time I've seen this interaction on your channel, and both with the same reaction 😛

[@im_jenkins]

Happy New Year Paul. Thank you for doing what you’re doing

[@haumph]

Happy new year!

[@tayplaysgaymes]

Paul, your videos are a joy. Wishing you a fantastic 2025! 🎉🎉

[@haumph]

Appreciate you watching, and I hope you have a great year too!

[@TKTRiseAgainst]

I’m so happy you started a KZbin channel! I had no idea that you got laid off. I’m very happy that this has been working out for you. You’re now my favorite magic content creator on KZbin and I’m so happy I discovered you. Your videos have helped me get a lot better.

[@grahamastor4194]

Happy New Year to you Paul, looking forward to what 2025 brings us all.

[@haumph]

Happy new year!

[@galahadb9723]

Thanks for your content Paul! Never knew you started KZbin because you were laid off, but I hope that turned out to be a good development for you! Wish you and your family all the best for 2025, you seem like a very likeable guy. Regarding UR Spells in Foundations: I recently had a very sick UR-Draft with 3 Burst Lightnings, 2 Think Twices, Abrade, 2 Faebloom Tricks, 2 Micromancers and 2 Tolarian Terrors, topping things off with Rite of the Dragoncaller. That deck managed to get to 7-2 but I wasnt flooded and I didnt have to suffer a strong Planeswalker either. I definatley had less early game action then you which made some of those games very close. And Rite of the Dragoncaller actually helped me win several games, its hard to remove strong creatures otherwise. I think you just got unlucky in this run. But I agree, UR doesnt seem super amazing in Foundations.

[@asdfjajsjajsj9410]

Thanks for making awesome magic videos! Happy new year!

[@haumph]

Thanks for watching! Happy New Year!

[@mtgplace]

love the content paul and happy new year from your fellow content creators MTG Place

[@haumph]

Happy new year!

[@OnaOmaOla]

Congrats, Paul. Sounds like in a way, being laid off this past year was the best thing that could've happened to you. It's a highly successful channel because we all love the quality content + you're really likeable. Very happy for you.

[@tomh6667]

Happy New Year!

[@thcdreams654]

Always a good time. Fun entertainment and informative gameplay. Thanks.

[@haumph]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dorciainred]

Great video to start off the new year!

[@haumph]

Thanks!

[@samulimoilanen4724]

Good to have you back Paul.

[@haumph]

Good to be back!

[@soupsovereign]

love hearing your thoughts. Trying to adjust my playstyle to think of the macro more. You played game 3 so much more patient that I would have.

[@haumph]

Yeah, sometimes you gotta slow it down!

[@tealtadpole9135]

Happy new year 🎉

[@cpeterso]

Happy to see that the Cheons are still being emptied

[@sctyd]

New year, same draws! Tough beats Paul. Appreciate the content.

[@haumph]

Thanks. The draws will get good I'm sure!

[@harrysherylhall2778]

I really like your professionalism.

[@haumph]

TY

[@iGotUrEspada]

Happy new year paul congrats on your success :)

[@timlundgren6433]

I don't play mtg anymore, but I watch all of your videos.

[@haumph]

Hah nice!

[@Guevon_Pajaro]

happy new year paul! and everyone here!

[@gleonard3626]

Happy New Year! Love the vids and I have learned so much from you this year, enough to have the courage to just attend my first in person draft. I'm curious why you didn't consider Goblin Surprise at pack 3, pick 11 in this type of deck? LOL that you did say that you were kind of out of your comfort zone going into that pick!

[@DontWorryBeCurry]

LET'S SEE SOME VINTAGE CUBE, PAUL! HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎉!

[@haumph]

HNY!

[@manxset]

In regard to your job with Wizards, I will give two observations. A friend of mine worked for them and told me that the company's culture changed incredibly detrimentally after the Habsoro acquisition. Two, as one software engineer told me, "We are all contractors, now!"

[@Manuel-qh2tp]

surprised too.. this was a good 5-3 deck

[@micahtaylor1397]

God has a plan for us all. I am glad you were pushed to be yourself and create. I pray that even more this year you come to understand the plans the Lord has for you. You have a great attitude and I love your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@matej_music]

Hey Paul :) I know it turned out great that round, but just out of curiousity why didnt you unchartet voyage one of the micromancers when he played the second? @37:20

[@kwicnak4350]

remembering to like and comment to support the hyung

[@pablovilla7539]

Paul, one problem this deck had, is that it was vulnerable to Chandra. Gotta watch out ;D HAPPY NEW YEARSZZ

[@haumph]

Forgot to play around it sadly

[@fuzbuzz00]

34:08 not that it really mattered in this case, but I think I'd have bounced the dazzling angel which would have let your Drake Hatcher connect as a 3/5 and make a Drake

[@christopherburns2841]

Happy New Year! GG’s!

[@haumph]

Happy New Year!

[@RefaTheGreat]

37:19 In response to the Micromancer trigger, you could have Uncharted Voyage to alleviate some pressure off of you. Not sure if it's the best move, but definitely worth a consideration at least.

[@haumph]

Great callout

[@charhurhur]

Thanks for the video, I’m ready for a new format.

[@Chad-r6v]

Paul, You are one of two streamers I am subscribed to. Keep doing it man! WOTC lost one of the good ones.

[@haumph]

Appreciate that! Glad you're enjoying the content.

[@Benjamin-ol4jx]

Cant argue with the man's results

[@julianworron8443]

If blue red is open its sooo awesome and fun to play. It seems to me that its a pretty proactive archetype with the prowess and the oncommon (I think its called balmore something) anyway because of that card giving trample to all your creatures i was very very impressed by bulk up. Also with the hatcher if you draft this archetype again maybe that could be in your considerations

[@fuzbuzz00]

25:05 how frustrating! But you could've still drawn a curator and that would've gotten you out of it, so I think this was a bit premature.

[@TKTRiseAgainst]

This blue red deck I drafted once was absolutely INSANE x3 Fleeting Distraction x1 Kellen, Planar Trailblazer x1 Drake Hatcher x1 Heartfire Immolator x2 Sure Strike x2 Thrill of Possibility x3 Balmor, Battlemage Captain x1 Refute x2 Uncharted Voyage x1 Krenko, Mob Boss x1 Skyship Buccaneer x1 Incinerating Blast x1 Tolarian Terror Even with the lack of good removal, this deck was DISGUSTING. I absolutely ran over my opponents with balmor/goblin surprise combo

[@imordnas8922]

Love you my friend

[@haumph]

[@Kasaaz]

I know this is an odd place for it, but man... Drake Hatcher is one of those cards that always looks innocuous, but even in Standard I'm finding it to be an amazing Anti-Aggro card that's a wall to some and if they don't deal with it, can start to race some decks if they can't block it and you start pumping out Drakes. It's one of those cards that is sneaky good, not top tier, but you can't really see how good it is until you play it a bunch. I'm always fascinated by cards like that.

[@tvlyt456]

How did you beat that dimir deck ?! Bounce vs dimir is so unbelievably bad. Well played !

[@misomiso8228]

7:14 why not shivan Dragon? is it not good in this set?

[@kyleanthony7737]

Not particularly. Functions reasonably well as a random top end threat but it is far far away from being called a bomb, simply because it doesn't do anything the turn it comes into play. Your opponent can just kill it on their turn, and it will net them a mana advantage almost all the time.

[@kyleanthony7737]

compare shivan dragon to paul's first pick, curator of destinies. Another 6 mana 5/5 flyer but it gives you 2 cards at minimum when it comes into play, even if your opponent has the removal spell to deal with the creature. And its uncounterable to boot. shivan dragon used to be a bomb given it would win the game if left unchecked, but since the quality of removal spells has increased, a 5/5 do nothing flyer is no good anymore. Hope this helps and good luck in future drafts

[@miguelmartinvivar6489]

12:37 isnt firespitter even a consideration? Just curious

[@volatl7814]

It's not like the card can't go in the deck but it definitely shouldn't go that early in the pack and the other cards in consideration were a bit more powerful imo

[@graemescott5282]

With 3 x Burst Lightning, 3 x Uncharted Voyage and 2 x Think Twice is Mocking Sprite not just better than one of your other 3 drops? Sprite is pretty bad so I totally get not playing it but this seems close here to me. Another banger of a video!

[@haumph]

I just think the sizing for the creature is just too bad. The fact that it can't even rumble on defense against a burglar rat or helpful hunter is very significant when you compare it to the drake.

[@qjc1142pigs]

I do think against the BW player who drew amazing, it was potentially better to sacrifcie the bouncer over the 1/1, as the 3/2 did nothing on that board due to not having flying, it was also a game where it was unlikely to come down to racing since you had to stabalize with raw card advantage finally the nighthawk couldn't block the bouncer which would have precented the surveil from the life gain. This surveil really mattered as it binned a land, and that was the difference that let them draw the armor on that key final turn. Obviously it may not have mattered given the armor was likely horrible for you the next turn regardless, but who knows with all the card draw you had and the ability to keep up lightning the following turn. It is unituitive to give up a a 3/2 over a 1/1, but I remember thinking it may be worth sacrificing it over a 1/1 while watching so I figured I would mention it as an interesting line.

[@USAnumberONE]

Looking for more of you drafting in 2025

[@davidwitt5585]

It's always a massive feels bad when I end up Izzet without a Balmor

[@haumph]

right!

[@fuzbuzz00]

Watching this video fresh off a 7-win UR deck of my own. Our decks kinda resemble each other's! My strategy was also a tempo one. I used cheap creatures like firebrand Archer and goblin boarders to get some early chip damage in, then pushed through with 4-mana bounce plays, then if my opponent still managed to survive, I went over the top with a fact-or-sphinxion that I could copy with extravagant replication. I haven't watched the games yet, but hope it goes as well for you! And happy new year 🎉

[@spooky_zen]

blue red is a trap u need really good card quality for it to work

[@davidbielsa5188]

You are playing a nice interesting game full of subtle decisions and then chandra hits the battlefield and says "good try but no. Everything that you were doing is irrelevnt now. The game is over".

[@haumph]

Yeah she tends to do that haha

[@MarkWomack11]

1:00:37 is everything wrong with drafting this set. It looks like a fun game of old school magic, then opponent drops a bomb, and the game is over. The only reason Foundations is remotely playable is because the removal is so strong and plentiful. However, bomb and removal check is a quick path to a stale format.

[@haumph]

Yeah Chandra is kinda silly strong

[@i_noahdrunk7969]

Game 1...tale as old as time. You're winning, opponent stabilizes and then proceeds to rip nothing but spells while you get nothing but lands. I've seen this too much on arena.

[@fukayusugma2074]

Hard to watch. He built a great deck that lost 3 times to bad luck.

[@haumph]

It happens but I was fairly happy with the deck and the draft. Next time!