Winning Hand - A Marvel Champions Podcast

All Hands on Decks #6 - Sidekick decks!

All Hands on Decks is a series featuring Andyr that discusses community decks that we think deserve to be seen. We will discuss the decks, and categorize them into the Johnny-Timmy-Spike archetypes so that others can find decks they might enjoy, depending on the type of player they are. 
Link to Spike, Johnny, and Timmy: https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/timmy-johnny-and-spike-2013-12-03
In this episode of the our mini-series, Boomguy and Andy explore two unique decks in the Marvel Champions game. The first deck, 'Drax Tank and Spank with Mantis Sidekick Healer,' focuses on utilizing Drax's strengths alongside Mantis as a sidekick healer. The second deck, 'Wasp and Ant-Man with a Great Equalizer,' aims to enhance Wasp's capabilities by leveraging Ant-Man's potential through various attachments and strategies. The hosts discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each deck, categorize them based on player archetypes, and share insights on deck building and gameplay strategies.
Drank "Tank and Spank" with Mantis Sidekick Healer: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38888/drax-tank-and-spank-with-mantis-sidekick-healer-1.0
Wasp and Ant-Man with a Great Equalizer (fixed): https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44671/wasp-and-ant-man-with-a-great-equalizer-fixed-1.0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction02:08 Exploring Drax Tank and Spank Deck09:45 Reviewing Wasp and Ant-Man Deck25:59 Conclusion and Future Deck Suggestions

E54.5 - 2024 Year in Review

In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, hosts Boomguy and LazyTitan reflect on the year 2024 in Marvel Champions, discussing the highlights of their podcast, the impact of reprints, the rise of mutants, and the re-introduction of Alliance cards. They also delve into the villains of the year, particularly focusing on the Age of Apocalypse and the Four Horsemen scenario, providing insights into gameplay mechanics and strategies. In this episode, the hosts delve into the mechanics of hit points and villain strategies in Marvel Champions, exploring various scenarios and modular sets. They discuss their favorite hero packs, aspect cards, and ultimately reveal their favorite heroes of the year, highlighting the evolving gameplay and strategies within the game.
Favorite decks of the year:
1. Blue Christmas: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44647/blue-christmas-1.0
2. Galactic Pool Cleaner: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38503/galactic-pool-cleaner-1.0
3. The Superior Iron Man: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38974/the-superior-iron-man-1.0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast02:11 Recap of 2024 Episodes and Highlights06:05 Exploring the Age of Apocalypse Wave11:24 Reprints and Their Impact on Gameplay15:26 The Rise of Mutants in Marvel Champions19:22 Exploring the Marvel Cinematic Universe21:10 The Rise of Mutants in Marvel23:48 Alliance Cards: A New Gameplay Mechanic32:53 Villains of the Marvel Universe: The Age of Apocalypse38:21 Hit Points and Villain Mechanics41:12 Exploring Apocalypse and Dark Beast Scenarios46:16 Modular Sets and Encounter Cards49:13 Favorite Villains and Encounter Sets56:21 Favorite Aspect Cards and Heroes01:00:52 Exploring New Archetypes and Strategies01:02:10 Best Basic Cards of the Year01:05:12 Justice Aspect Highlights01:07:24 Leadership Cards and Their Impact01:11:03 Protection Aspect Innovations01:19:53 Favorite Heroes of the Year01:26:50 Signoff

All Hands on Decks #5 - Beta Ray Bill decks!

All Hands on Decks is a series featuring Andyr that discusses community decks that we think deserve to be seen. We will discuss the decks, and categorize them into the Johnny-Timmy-Spike archetypes so that others can find decks they might enjoy, depending on the type of player they are. 
Link to Spike, Johnny, and Timmy: https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/timmy-johnny-and-spike-2013-12-03
In this episode of All Hands on Decks, Boomguy and Andyr explore community decks centered around the leadership ally Beta Ray Bill. They discuss various deck-building strategies, player archetypes, and analyze specific decks, including one from The Masked Hero and another featuring Valkyrie. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the creativity of deck builders, encouraging listeners to share their own decks and thoughts.
Going Down Swinging: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44216/going-down-swinging-1.0
Valkyrie's Black Knight: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/42221/valkyrie-s-black-knight-1.0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the series03:07 Deck Building Themes and Player Archetypes09:46 Exploring the Beta Ray Bill Deck16:40 Valkyrie Deck Analysis28:53 Community Engagement and Closing Thoughts
 
 

E54 - "Welcome Aboard"

In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, Boomguy, LazyTitan, and Leethus celebrate the holiday season by sharing their wishes for Marvel Champions, discussing their recent gaming experiences, and spotlighting community creators. They discuss the card of the day, 'Welcome Aboard', analyzing its art and thematic relevance while reflecting on character interpretations within the game. The conversation emphasizes community engagement and the joy of gaming during the holidays. In this conversation, the pod goes into the thematic elements and character dynamics of the Guardians of the Galaxy, discussing their downtime alter egos and the overall vibe of the characters. They explore the differences between the Guardians and Avengers, particularly in terms of teamwork and character motivations. 
Here is the content creator we spotlighted: https://www.youtube.com/@MarvelChampionsHQ/featured
Here is The Brandt's Agents of SHIELD release event: https://ti.to/the-portal/agents-of-shield-release-weekend
The last giveaway of 2024 is still going through the end of December: https://forms.gle/gBQ9ZcKEbUpH7zQ37
We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!
Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com
Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421
Chapters
00:00 Holiday Greetings and Wishes02:43 Marvel Champions Wishlist05:42 Creator Spotlight and Community Engagement08:38 Recent Gameplay Experiences11:51 Deck Building Insights and Strategies23:02 Excitement for Blue Thor Decks23:40 Christmas 2024 Giveaway Announcement25:04 Card of the Day Introduction25:32 Welcome Aboard Card Overview28:31 Art Analysis of Welcome Aboard37:29 Thematic Discussion on Guardians of the Galaxy40:32 Power and Utility of Welcome Aboard44:22 Understanding Guardian Leadership Mechanics47:39 Thematic Elements of Guardian Cards52:19 Debating Card Limitations and Mechanics55:06 Evaluating Card Fun and Utility01:01:39 Final Thoughts on Card Effectiveness01:09:29 Logo.mp3

E53 - Throg

In this episode of the Winning Hand podcast, hosts Leethus, Boomguy, and LazyTitan discuss the card of the day, Throg, a unique aggression ally from Marvel Champions. They delve into the mechanics, gameplay experiences, and thematic elements of Throg, highlighting his strengths and weaknesses. The conversation also includes a giveaway announcement, a creator spotlight, and a segment where Boomguy attempts to learn about Throg's comic background: "Boomguy Doesn't Read Comics". The hosts share their recent gameplay experiences and provide a thorough review of Throg, ultimately giving him high ratings for his versatility and fun factor in gameplay.
Link to the giveaway: https://forms.gle/8i1iasRgSgkFdhvS9
We are choosing two winners every Monday in December, so get entered to win the cards! (We will send them anywhere in the world.)
Link to the video on the cards we are giving away: https://youtu.be/_FHGytieRPw?si=zks_CrQyDuNJ2e8d
Creator Spotlight: https://www.youtube.com/@solomarvelchampion
We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!
Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com
IG: @winninghandpodcast 
Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421
Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast02:07 Community Engagement and YouTube Content06:09 Giveaway Announcement and Participation07:57 Creator Spotlight: Solo Marvel Champion10:23 Boom Guy Doesn't Read Comics: Throg18:10 Throg in the MCU18:43 Comic Canon and Character Status20:06 Recent Gameplay Experiences24:25 Reflections on the Latest Hero Wave29:01 Exploring the Newest Mutant Heroes33:20 Throg: The Frog Thor Card Review41:11 The Power of Throg43:35 The Value of Tough Cards48:11 Throg's Versatility in Decks53:26 Final Thoughts on Throg

E52.5 - Con of Heroes 2025 Announcement

In this special bonus episode, Boomguy and LazyTitan are joined by KennedyHawk and Hone to discuss the 2025 Con of Heroes, a gathering for fans of Marvel Champions. We discuss the evolution of the convention from its inception in 2022, highlighting themes, events, and community engagement. They share insights into past cons, the excitement surrounding the upcoming 2024 con, and the importance of community connections. The discussion emphasizes the cooperative nature of the game and the welcoming atmosphere of the con, encouraging listeners to attend and participate in the gaming community.
Dates: May 2-4, 2025
Location: Gamezenter (Roseville, MN)
Link to the con website: https://conofheroes.com/
Hotel info: 
DoubleTree Roseville - 2540 N Cleveland Cr., Roseville, MN 55113
Link to hotel block reservation rate is here. 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Con of Heroes06:08 Highlights from the 2023 Con24:21 Game Design Insights and Challenges30:40 Innovative Legacy Mod Set Discussion36:09 Con Attendance Growth and Community Engagement45:14 Community Connections and Final Thoughts53:07 Logo.mp3

E52 - Spycraft

Welcome back to the People's Podcast!
Creator Spotlight: Marvel Chumpions Podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarvelChumpions
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KARXuLDLFgXepYVIwWuHz
Link for the giveaway: https://forms.gle/8i1iasRgSgkFdhvS9
In this Thanksgiving episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, hosts LazyTitan, Boomguy, and Leethus discuss their gratitude for Marvel Champions, highlight community creators, and introduce a new YouTube series. They also delve into the card of the day, 'Spycraft', exploring its mechanics and thematic elements. In this conversation, the participants delve into the mechanics of other spy-themed cards in the game, particularly focusing on the preparation cards associated with characters like Black Widow. They discuss the strategic implications of these cards, their thematic relevance, and how they influence gameplay dynamics. The conversation highlights the balance between fun and strategy, emphasizing the importance of card effects and player choices in cooperative gaming. In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the mechanics and effectiveness of various cards in the game, particularly focusing on the Black Widow character and her unique abilities. They explore the themes of game mechanics, the fun factor of gameplay, and the strategic implications of card choices. The conversation culminates in a rating segment where each host shares their thoughts on the card 'Spycraft', highlighting its strengths and weaknesses in gameplay.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand Podcast01:05 Thanksgiving Episode and Community Engagement04:30 Spotlight on Marvel Champions Creators07:19 New Projects and YouTube Series10:02 Thankfulness in Marvel Champions16:14 Card of the Day: Spycraft24:19 Exploring Spy Mechanics in Gameplay27:42 The Power of Preparation Cards32:41 Thematic Elements of Spycraft36:49 Balancing Fun and Strategy in Card Play39:35 The Nature of Game Mechanics41:59 Debating Card Effectiveness45:00 Fun vs. Strategy in Gameplay48:57 Final Thoughts and Ratings

E51 - "Come Get Me, Bub!"

"This is a fun card." - VillainTheory
In this episode of Winning Hand, Boomguy and Villain Theory discuss their experiences with various Marvel Champions heroes, including Fantomex, Nightcrawler, and Iceman. They delve into the mechanics and design of these characters, sharing their thoughts on what works and what doesn't. The conversation also touches on the challenges of card design, particularly for characters like Rogue and Valkyrie, and the evolution of multi-villain scenarios in the game. The episode culminates in a detailed discussion of the new card 'Come Get Me, Bub,' highlighting its thematic elements and artwork. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of card design in Marvel Champions.
They discuss its thematic consistency, mechanics involving minions, and how it synergizes with various characters, particularly in the protection aspect. The conversation also touches on the challenges of using certain characters like Valkyrie and evaluates the overall fun factor and gameplay experience provided by the card. The hosts conclude with their final thoughts and ratings, expressing high praise for the card's design and utility in gameplay.
Here is a link to VT's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VillainTheory
We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!
Email: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com
IG: @winninghandpodcast 
Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421
Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast