Best Deckbuilder Podcasts (2025)

1
Ranking of Roguelite Deckbuilders: Episode 02 1:15:27

Play Pause

4d ago1:15:27

1:15:27

Gino "ThatPinguino" Grieco and Braden "ArbitraryWater" REDACTED join forces to talk about the hottest genre to hit the indie scene in the last ten years. No, they're not talking about cozy farming games or boomer shooters, instead they're talking about deckbuilders! If you've ever played Slay the Spire and wanted to know what else was out there, do…

1
Debrief: Star Wars Deckbuilding Game: Clone Wars Edition 22:26

13d ago22:26

22:26

The Operation Game Night crew finally reunites to dive into the latest Star Wars tabletop offering that's taking the deck-building world by storm. Fantasy Flight Games has delivered a knockout with Star Wars: The Deck Building Game - Clone Wars Edition, a standalone expansion that might just outshine the original. What makes this game special? It p…

1
Deep World Of Sports: September 2025 2:15:30

5d ago2:15:30

2:15:30

In this inaugural episode of the Deep World of Sports we have a full house of hosts to talk about the NBA, NFL, F1, CFL, and Sumo! This is a good ol' fashioned variety show with multiple segments! We've got a check in with the LA Clippers in our NBA segment, a week 2 NFL check induring Amateur Hour, an F1 comings and goings review, and a state of S…

1
The Complete Guide to Mass Disruption | #700 1:13:00

6d ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Looking to mess up your opponent's whole plan with a single card? Then it better be a piece of MASS DISRUPTION. That's our term for everything from board wipes to fogs to stax pieces. We’re breaking down how much mass disruption you need, the best cards for each role, and much more. Understanding this tech is a huge part of building better decks, s…

1
193: Nova Recap: Brawls, Brackets, and Banter 48:22

6d ago48:22

48:22

Mark returns from the Nova Open with fresh bruises and battle wisdom, while George holds court from the commentary seat. This episode dives into Mark’s full tournament run: from early nerves to standout matchups, with plenty of discussion about meta trends, sneaky cards, and key decision points along the way. Together, they dissect the top-performi…

1
Special Ops: Live from the World Series of Board Gaming! 23:31

6d ago23:31

23:31

The Operation Game Night crew reunites in person for the first time at the World Series of Board Gaming in Las Vegas, diving into an epic weekend of non-stop gaming and competition. From late-night Tapestry sessions to birthday celebrations with magic shows, the hosts share their experiences playing 14 different games while making connections with …

1
4 Spider-Man Commander Decks to Build Right Now | 699 1:05:52

7d ago1:05:52

1:05:52

No pre-made Commander decks? No problem! You can still use the new Spider-Man set to jump into Magic! Crafting a deck yourself might seem tough, but we’re here to help with four full decklists focused around top-tier characters. With these ready-to-build decks, you’ll be swinging over to your LGS ready to save the day (and win the game) in no time!…

1
Debrief: Plunder - A Pirate's Life...Ship Happens 20:52

11d ago20:52

20:52

We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi! Support the show As always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts! https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/ Show your sup…

1
Episode 248: Vampire Survivors Has So Many Lights And Colors 1:00:16

12d ago1:00:16

1:00:16

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Vampire Survivors! We cover the game's delicious juice, whether it's a bullet hell or a musou, and why the game is so dang Italian! We also discuss the grey area between inspiration and plagiarism. Please consider donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds: abortionfunds.org/donate If you've been e…

1
192: Nova Prep and Predictions 50:18

14d ago50:18

50:18

This one’s a bit of a time capsule. Recorded just before Nova, we took a stab at where the meta might land heading into one of favorite events of the year. From punchy Rivals pairings to sleeper picks and bold banshee takes, we shared our expectations and our wild cards. Now that Nova’s come and gone, and the World Championships loom on the horizon…

1
Spider-Man’s Best Cards (In the 99) | 698 1:59:07

18d ago1:59:07

1:59:07

Sure, Spider-Man can swing on a web, but which Spider-Man cards can you count on to swing the outcome of your next Commander game? This episode, we’re discussing the most powerful cards for the 99 from the new Universes Beyond: Marvel’s Spider Man set. Will these comic book bombs become the staples of tomorrow? (Spoilers, one might!) Tune in and fi…

1
Debrief: Imhotep - Strategic Boats and Blocks in Ancient Egypt 19:32

18d ago19:32

19:32

A deceptively simple game of ancient Egyptian construction becomes a masterclass in tactical timing and player interaction. Travis introduces Clay to Imhotep, the 2016 Phil Walker-Harding design that's earned a permanent place in board game collections worldwide. What makes this unassuming box with chunky wooden blocks so engaging? The gameplay rev…

1
Off the Deep End Episode 64: Star Ocean Til the End of Time 1:48:41

19d ago1:48:41

1:48:41

Adam, Chris, and Braden are jumping off the deep end to discuss the most important question facing us right now: Is Star Ocean 3 the median PS2 JRPG? Alongside in-depth discussions over its mechanics and a summary of its bonkers story, the three manage to also find some time to discuss important concepts like animation cancels, whether an ending ca…

1
Ojisancast 07: FLCL- Free Sample 59:22

21d ago59:22

59:22

It's time to get a little bit fooly and a little bit cooly as our resident Ojisans discuss the seminal 2000 anime FLCL. Does it live up to their memories? How obvious is the symbolism? If a pink haired woman hit you in the head with a guitar, would a suggestively shaped horn come out of your forehead? Because the anime is only six episodes, they al…

1
Debrief: Ace of Spades by Devir - Shuffling through Trouble 23:31

20d ago23:31

23:31

Operation Game Night discusses Devir Games' controversial release Ace of Spades, examining both its problematic representation issues and its innovative poker-based combat mechanics. Travis and Clayton analyze why the game's depictions of characters are unacceptable while acknowledging the potential of its core gameplay systems. • Devir Games has h…

1
Spider-Man’s Most Powerful Commanders | 697 1:52:48

25d ago1:52:48

1:52:48

With great power comes great responsibility, so we’re going through the most responsible Commanders from Magic’s new set: Marvel’s Spider-Man! Which web-slingers and ne’er-do-wells will do well in your Command Zone? Don’t miss our friendly neighborhood breakdown of the strategies and synergies to really superpower these new legends. -------- Suppor…

1
OTF: Fishing Rods, Glass Doors, and K-Pop Demon Hunters 25:20

25d ago25:20

25:20

Let's go Over the Fence! Discussions range from wrestling history and work relationships to fishing adventures with children and critical movie reviews. • Clayton gives a heartfelt shoutout to his former high school wrestling teammate turned coworker. • Jared shares his day trip to Pennsylvania with his daughter Gemma, who caught her first fish and…

1
Episode 247: Goof 'Em Ups (Lethal Company, R.E.P.O., and PEAK) 1:15:19

26d ago1:15:19

1:15:19

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss some of the co-op games that are sweeping Twitch: Lethal Company, R.E.P.O., and PEAK! We cover the elements that define the Goof 'Em Up genre (can we get this genre name to stick?) and what makes each of these games distinct. We try to break down the funny emergent gameplay systems and steer folks to the b…

1
Hydro Man - Our Spider-Man Preview Card | 696 34:53

28d ago34:53

34:53

BREAKING NEWS: Watery Villain Terrorizes Command Zone! Preview season is in full swing for “Marvel’s Spider-Man” and we’ve got a mono-blue menace to reveal right here on the web. Get ready for a world where the bad guy always has blue mana open with this dastardly new addition to Magic The Gathering - “Hydro Man, Fluid Felon!” Water you waiting for…

1
Chariots of the Pods: Episode 4 1:56:45

28d ago1:56:45

1:56:45

Join Adam, Tyler, Jason, and Justin in their continuing misadventures through Stargate SG-1 as they cover the season one episodes, "The Torment or Tantalus", "Bloodlines", "Fire and Water", and "Hathor". Join them as they contend with a naked old guy, being a bad dad, a socially awkward fishman, and a bathtub full of gasoline. Please consider donat…

1
Special Ops: Drafting the Ultimate Farming Board Game 29:49

27d ago29:49

29:49

Clay, and Jared compete in a board game draft challenge to create the ultimate farming game, each with only $30 to spend across 10 rounds of selections ranging from mechanics to designers to components. Let us know in the comments which game you would rather play! We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on …

1
JLK’s Personal Commander Decks | 695 2:04:01

1M ago2:04:01

2:04:01

He’s been called the Mayor of Valuetown, the Draw-Go Despot, and He Whose Hand Is Always Full; it’s the one and only Josh Lee Kwai! Welcome to a guided tour of JLK’s personal Commander decks. Josh is sitting down to bring you a mini deck-tech for each and every commander in his current collection, complete with key cards and strategy for each. Whic…

1
OTF: Madden, Chiropractors, and D&D 25:15

1M ago25:15

25:15

Gaming nostalgia takes center stage as we rediscover PS5 Madden after 15 years away, marvel at Spider-Man's detailed New York City playground, and share heartwarming stories of family D&D adventures that captivated both kids and adults alike. • Getting gifted a PS5 and rediscovering Madden NFL after nearly two decades • Spider-Man PS5 games recomme…

1
Ranking of Roguelite Deckbuilders: Episode 01 1:19:12

1M ago1:19:12

1:19:12

Gino "ThatPinguino" Grieco and Braden "ArbitraryWater" REDACTED join forces to talk about the hottest genre to hit the indie scene in the last ten years. No, they're not talking about cozy farming games or boomer shooters, instead they're talking about deckbuilders! If you've ever played Slay the Spire and wanted to know what else was out there, do…

1
Chariots of the Pods: Episode 3 2:04:37

1M ago2:04:37

2:04:37

Join Adam, Tyler, Jason, and Justin as they travel once again through the gate to cover their next batch of episodes from season one of Stargate SG-1, "Cold Lazarus", "The Nox", "Brief Candle", and "Thor's Hammer". Join them as they discuss the merits of traumatizing your ex-wife, space hippies, the planet that makes you old, and Thor: God of Thund…

1
Special Ops: 1-Year Anniversary Honorable Mentions and Memories 30:11

1M ago30:11

30:11

The one-year anniversary episode of Operation Game Night serves up a delightful mix of reflection, gaming enthusiasm, and genuine appreciation as Travis, Clay, and Jared look back on their podcasting journey. The trio dives into the games that almost made their coveted top 10 lists but fell just short—revealing as much about their gaming habits as …

1
191: Embergard Tier List Part 3 37:25

1M ago37:25

37:25

The path to glory is not paved in gold: it is scorched, battered, and soaked in blood. In this episode, the warbands ascend into the A tier, where warriors fight with purpose, power, and precision. These are no mindless brutes or fleeting sparks; they are refined blades in the forge of battle. Each warband in this tier brings a unique identity, whe…

1
190: Nemesis Deckbuilding Deep Dive 1:02:21

1M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

In this episode, George and Mark return to the anvil of war to forge something many have sought but few have mastered: a real discussion on how to build decks in the Nemesis format. With warbands sharpening their blades and Rivals decks piling high, it’s easy to feel lost in the carnage. But fear not, this conversation cuts through the noise. From …

1
Champions of the World: Team Italy’s WTC Triumph 1:15:25

1M ago1:15:25

1:15:25

In this episode, George and Mark are joined by Daniele and Andrea of Team Italy, fresh off their victorious run at the World Team Championship in Vienna, Austria. Daniele, the reigning world champion, and Andrea walk us through the strategy, preparation, and raw determination that fueled Italy’s dominant performance on the global stage. From tactic…

1
1 Year of OGN: Our Top 10 Game (Part 2) 52:58

1M ago52:58

52:58

We reveal our top 5 board games of all time as part of our one-year anniversary celebration. This countdown showcases the games that captivate us through their unique mechanics, replayability, and pure fun factor. • Root secures a spot for its asymmetrical woodland warfare and the sneaky Vagabond faction • Western Legends offers a sandbox frontier …

1
Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes Of Light: Part 1 1:10:27

1M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

In this episode Gino, Chris "ZombiePie" -REDACTED-, and Jeff discuss Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes Of Light! We discuss the game's great art and music, unique twist on classic combat, and the series that don't exist without this game. We also cover some of the early story and try to figure out where we stand on whether it's good or not. Check out the…

1
The Best Commander in All 32 Color Combos | 694 1:28:31

1M ago1:28:31

1:28:31

Tired of playing with chaff in the Command Zone?! Want to know which legends are truly the best of all time? The GOATs of the format? Today, we’re sitting down and bringing you the greatest Commanders in every single color combination! Whatever guild, wedge, shard, or color calls out to you, we’ll break down the top-tier choices from the entirety o…

1
1 Year of OGN: Our Top 10 Games (Part 1) 49:23

1M ago49:23

49:23

Our first anniversary episode celebrates a major milestone as we revisit and revise our top ten favorite board games, starting with positions 10 through 6. • Only 20% of podcasts make it to the one-year mark, and we're excited to have reached this milestone • Each host explains their methodology for selecting their updated top ten games • We introd…

1
Amateur Hour: 2026 Preseason Vibe Check 1:18:20

1M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

The 2026/27 NFL season is upon us and Gino, Adam "Borgmaster" -REDACTED-, and Tyler "Grav" -REDACTED- are back to discuss another season of football! We cover all of the rule changes for the new season before vibe checking all 32 teams! Find out which team Adam has always been a fan of this year! Please consider donating to the National Network of …

1
10 Utility Lands You Should Buy for $10 | 693 54:54

2M ago54:54

54:54

Utility lands may not cost you a card slot, but they can cost a fortune! This episode, we’re highlighting some lands that’ll let your mana base make an impact on your gameplan, but not your wallet. We’ve got 10 sweet utility lands you can pick up for just $10 TOTAL, so don’t miss this sweet list that’s anything but basic! -------- WATCH OUR MAGIC M…

1
Episode 246: You Have To Pay Us To Play More Death Stranding 1:40:31

2M ago1:40:31

1:40:31

In this episode Gino, Pete, and Em discuss Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding! We cover the game's porting mechanics and bridge building before unpacking the deep, deep symbolism of knots, strands, and beaches. We spend a good amount of time discussing whether a game that deliberately sets itself in America has any need to make the environment look or …

1
Debrief: Silos...Cows, Aliens, and Mind Control 24:06

2M ago24:06

24:06

Aliens have landed, and they're hunting the most intelligent species on Earth—cows! Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of Silos, where Bitewing Games has transformed Reiner Knizia's overlooked Municipium into a delightfully quirky strategic experience. Clay and Travis pull back the curtain on this alien invasion adventure, exploring how players…

1
How to Beat Green Decks w/ Brian Kibler | 692 1:23:20

2M ago1:23:20

1:23:20

It ain’t easy beating green, but MTG Hall of Famer Brian Kibler is here to help! Yes, with all that ramp, green can get so far ahead that catching up feels impossible. But today we’re sharing some tips and tricks to exploit the color’s weaknesses and give yourself the best shot against the big bad green deck that keeps stomping your pod! -------- S…