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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

A lot of you have shared your feedback on Zeta in Pauper - so we've reviewed our stance and will be making these cards legal. (With some prebans.) Check this out for more info: magic.wizards.com/en/news/anno... #wotcstaff

magic.wizards.com

On The Zeta Set in Pauper

See a statement regarding The Zeta Set and Pauper legality. Changes are effective in tabletop Pauper on September 7.

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

One other note on SLZ: I know Strix is a loved (if strong) card, but there are many other downshifts and several of them would be impactful (some not in fun ways) to Pauper. IMO it's worse to pre-ban a long list of cards, here and with any future Lairs. We'll be updating the rules to reflect this.

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Hi all! I've received many questions about the Zeta cards previewed today and their common rarity. These cards listed from SLZ (such as Baleful Strix, but there are more) will not change Pauper legality. Secret Lair reprints are not meant to impact Pauper. Thanks! #wotcstaff

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Emma Partlow @emmapartlow.com · 10/08/2026

No changes to Pauper, however, we have our regular check-in (written by @gavinverhey.bsky.social) to discuss more about the format. 👀 #MTGPauper magic.wizards.com/en/news/anno...

magic.wizards.com

Pauper Format Check-In – August 10, 2026

Gavin discusses the state of Pauper and the results of recent major Pauper events.

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

All the cards from Mystery Booster Commander have been revealed! But what's up with the rulebreaker mechanic? I thought I'd make a short video talking about it for those curious: youtube.com/shorts/A9GHt...

youtube.com

Why we broke the rules #magicthegathering

YouTube video by Good Morning Magic

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Today we're banning Seeker of Skybreak in Pauper. This was the result of a lot of discussion on the CFP, and I encourage you to read or watch our reasoning where we cover our heuristics for combos like this, why now, thoughts on Sneaky Snacker, and more. Watch here: youtu.be/_uuwIsGA9Mc #wotcstaff

youtu.be

Today We're Banning a Card - A Pauper Update | Magic: The Gathering MTG

YouTube video by Good Morning Magic

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Hawkeye's Bow + Seeker of Skybreak combo has now won all three Magic Online Pauper challenges this week. For those who have played with/against it so far - any thoughts? #wotcstaff

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LoadingReadyRun @loadingreadyrun.com · 24/06/2026

We don’t make the rules. Nelly makes the rules. Welcome to Canada @gavinverhey.bsky.social. And the rest of you? Go watch this episode of North 100 Showdown!

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Something new today: Wizards Showdown! I brought in a cast to draft Marvel Super Heroes (including the lead designers Mark Rosewater and Dave Humpherys!), tell stories, and throw down. Who takes it down? Come and watch!! youtu.be/N4DIOGR5oyE #wotcstaff

youtu.be

Wizards Showdown! Who will win Marvel Super Heroes Draft Night?? | Magic: The Gathering MTG Gameplay

YouTube video by Good Morning Magic

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LoadingReadyRun @loadingreadyrun.com · 11/05/2026

You keen eyes Magic viewers likely already knew that we had @gavinverhey.bsky.social visiting this past weekend. Would you be surprised to hear we filmed some CONTENT with him? Of course you’re not. That’s what we do 😛 So here’s this weeks TapTapConcede. youtu.be/GjGnMhTalnw

youtu.be

Scryfall Roulette w/ Gavin Verhey || TTC Ep599

YouTube video by LRRMTG

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Had a blast playing this with the LRR crew! Check it out!

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Shivam Bhatt @shivambhatt.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Every con, @gavinverhey.bsky.social and I have a tradition of celebrating our joy and friendship and the value of gathering together. It is absolutely my favorite thing to do at magic con.

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Commander Sealed @cmdrsealed.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

This year our goal is to provide #TrevorProject & #TransLifeline with $150,000 of support. The best way to help is to attend the #Magic event that is as unique and joyous as the people we support. Get tickets at CommanderSealed.com and help our LBGTQ+ allies

commandersealed.com

Commander Sealed – Hosted by Just Games in Rochester NY | Dueling Charities Edition

Choose to support your favorite charity in our dueling charities format

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

What should you expect at the Secrets of Strixhaven prerelease? How should you build your deck? Today, I dig in and walk you through my prerelease tips! Check it out: youtu.be/NNsdf8B_9oo

youtu.be

Secrets of Strixhaven Prerelease Primer! What Should You Play? | Magic: The Gathering MTG

YouTube video by Good Morning Magic

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Tolarian Community College @tolariancommunitycollege.com · 11/03/2026

Are you ready to SLAY? The one and only @gavinverhey.bsky.social joins the Spell Slayers for their premiere episode! You don't want to miss this: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqmm... #MagicTheGathering

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Today we made a few changes (and shared plenty of thoughts) around Commander. There's a pair of articles up on the website, and I have a video covering everything. What happened and why? What are we looking at? Watch: youtu.be/teecio_rTG0 #wotcstaff

youtu.be

What's Banned and Unbanned?? Is Hybrid Changing? A Commander Update! | Magic: The Gathering MTG

YouTube video by Good Morning Magic

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

What should you play in the #MTGLorwyn prerelease? I cover that in my prerelease primer today! Prepare yourself for your prerelease! Watch: youtu.be/qKc1V1tegF0 #wotcstaff

youtu.be

Prepare for the Lorwyn Eclipsed Prerelease! Sealed/Draft Archetypes | Magic: The Gathering MTG

YouTube video by Good Morning Magic

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Uber Cube @ubercubemtgpodcast.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

During this episode Team Uber Cube is honored to be joined by @gavinverhey.bsky.social . Tune in as we chat on cubes that capture an era in Magic’s history! Thanks for listening, subscribing, 5-star reviews and as always happy cubing! ubercube.buzzsprout.com/1989337/epis...

ubercube.buzzsprout.com

A Cube in Time with Gavin Verhey - Uber Cube

During this episode Team Uber Cube is honored to be joined by Gavin Verhey. Listeners let's time walk to a cube that encapsulates an era in Magic’s history where Wild Mongrel, Psychatog, and the ...

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Today, we are doing the Commander Format Panel member rotation I mentioned when the panel formed last year. Thanks to everybody on the panel for their work, and a warm welcome to @budgetcommander.bsky.social and @highermtg.bsky.social! Read: magic.wizards.com/en/news/anno... #wotcstaff

magic.wizards.com

Commander Format Panel Update – December 11, 2025

Gavin discusses changes to the Commander Format Panel.

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Tolarian Community College @tolariancommunitycollege.com · 01/12/2025

I Have 5 Questions for Gavin Verhey: youtu.be/B8EYZrhPdSI Join me for 5 games and 5 questions with @gavinverhey.bsky.social, Principal Game Designer for Magic: The Gathering! #MagicTheGathering

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Tolarian Community College @tolariancommunitycollege.com · 10/11/2025

Are you ready for Avatar The Last Airbender Prerelease? Well, today we are playing Magic: The Gathering's newest set with @wheeler.bsky.social, @voxytwitch.bsky.social, and @theasianavenger.bsky.social! Check out our card bending skills here: youtu.be/NmPdeeyPuHI #MagicTheGathering

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Today, after a trial unban period, we are re-banning High Tide in Pauper. This is due to a combination of power level, impact on player experience, and impact on the format as a whole. Interested in a more detailed breakdown? #wotcstaff

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The Command Zone @commandcast.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

1v1 Magic is full of lessons and strategies you can use to up your Commander gameplay. This episode, we’ve enlisted help from some of the best of the best: pro players, competitive streamers, and hall of famers. Get ready for a ton of level-up moments: youtu.be/5kDU67RVIhY

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Hi Pauper players! I wanted to provide an update on High Tide. With the wider Magic B&R announcement moved two weeks earlier, we will now be making our check-in (and any potential B&R update) that day as well. So that's November 10th. You'll hear more at that time! #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

What are your favorite commons and uncommons for Commander OTHER than just top staples? Hit me with some faves! Here's one that has been a big overperformer for me. Chips in for a ton of damage, and pretty easily to start making a 1/1 every turn with this in many blue decks. Nice card! #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Come for the Pauper content, stay for the Gavin ASMR that is the last 15 minutes of the video!

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

As a kid, I fell in love with Star Trek - the exploration, characters, and dilemmas alike. So it was incredible to lead design a set covering the whole series! (Shout-out to @ethanfleischer.bsky.social who led vision!) I can't wait for you to see (and draft!) it in November 2026. Engage!

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The Command Zone @commandcast.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Good Morning Magic! Get ready for a VERHEY special episode of #ExtraTurns. Principle Magic Designer @gavinverhey.bsky.social is here to take on a pod full of Commanders that he created (also featuring Salubrious Snail!) Don't miss it: youtu.be/6of5iD_QppM

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Really special week at Wizards: the Commander Summit. We brought out everyone on the Commander Format Panel who could make it for three days of talking, collaborating, and, of course, playing Commander! So happy to be surrounded in working on this format with so many smart and passionate people. ❤️

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

Hey Pauper players! Wanted to give an update as we end August - we're still evaluating High Tide. The format continues to evolve and we'd like a bit more time. You can still expect a check in (and option to ban) before the Nov B&R date, in late Sept/early Oct. Thanks! #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

What card would you put in THIS deck? 😆 I can't wait to see whatever deranged deck somebody builds with this Unknown prize card: #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Got my weird promo Kor Skyfishers signed here at GenCon. How many of you even knew these existed??? I look forward to defeating people in Pauper with my signed, no expansion symbol cards that advertise the website for the very game we're already playing: #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Had a blast swinging by our #MTGxSpiderMan off-site here at SDCC! It really makes you say, "BRING ME PICTURES OF SPIDERMAN!" #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

The #MTGEternities prerelease is this weekend - so how should you be building your prerelease deck? Today I cover tips and a guide to the ten two-color archetypes. Let's get ready to blast off! Watch: youtu.be/WrtHVcjwEDE #wotcstaff

youtu.be

Prepare for Edge of Eternities Prerelease! Sealed/Draft Archetypes! | Magic: The Gathering MTG EOE

YouTube video by Good Morning Magic

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

Absolutely bananas night last night doing night one of My Chemical Romance's new tour. They *literally* set the stage on fire!

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

In #MTGEternities Commander, you'll find some brand new dual lands that finish up some old cycles. But... Why here? Why now? And why in Commander decks and not a main set?? Today, I run you through the whole history - and what you can expect in the future! Watch: youtu.be/VZMdLcnxUwg #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Last year, we finally made enemy Odyssey filterlands. That went well - and other land cycles still need finishing up... So starting with #MTGEternities we're gradually rolling out enemy cycling+tango lands in precons! (Just shown on @commandcast.bsky.social!) Commanders and Cubers rejoice!

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

The meta at Paupergeddon was FANTASTIC. 6 archetypes in T8, a diverse day 2 field, and the whole thing was won by CAW-GATE - one of just 5 copies in 1106 players! In my 22 matches over the weekend, I faced 16 different decks! It's so varied and fun. Give Pauper a try! #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

Some people prepare for High Tide with sideboard choices. This guy prepares with wardrobe choices:

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

Out here at Paupergeddon in Italy, where a whopping 1106 players have shown up! That makes this... the biggest Pauper event EVER! It's been amazing watching this community grow and grow. It's like 400 people larger than my first one in 2023. Let's play some Pauper!! #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Today I have a totally normal video all about the new Sonic the Hedgehog x Magic Secret Lair! Yep. Nothing weird happens. Especially not in the first 30 seconds. You can watch this very regular Good Morning Magic episode here: youtu.be/pTZixxJHHLo #wotcstaff

youtu.be

A Totally Normal Video About Sonic the Hedgehog and Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair | MTG

YouTube video by Good Morning Magic

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

I've heard from a lot of people that they have been drafting FINAL FANTASY nonstop. And... Okay, yeah, so have I. What about the draft format do you think makes you keep coming back? What is the secret sauce? (Or, if you don't like it, tell me what you don't like!) #wotcstaff

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Brian David-Marshall (Top8Games) @bdm.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

"Play the game; see the Overworld." -- @gavinverhey.bsky.social, 2025

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

How much does it make a difference to you that Rinoa creates a 1/1 legendary Dog named Angelo versus just creating a 1/1 Dog with the same art that is clearly Angelo? Like the extra flavor nod? Not worth the extra words/unique token? Same either way? Let me know! #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

This MagicCon I finally got to meet someone I've followed for years. When he introduced himself I fanboyed out and was like we have to take a photo! This is the face behind @cardboard-crack.bsky.social! Thanks for all the laughs, commentary, and heartfelt introspection on Magic. ❤️❤️ #wotcstaff

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Gavin Verhey @gavinverhey.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Are you ever just like "Wow. I live here??" If not, Seattle may be right for you:

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