The Reserve Pool Season 2 Episode 6 Dice the Halls

Today's Episode will be the last one before our holiday break. As such we bring you and extra long one.

Today we've got Isaac and Shadowmeld talking about their favorite gifts of the past, news of the competitive events coming up and run down of some great gift ideas for the Dice Master in your life.

Lastly, we unveil Shadwomeld's PDC team and give you the break down of all the pieces of his "Hulk Meta".

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The Reserve Pool Podcast Season 2 Episode 5 Reading the Spider Rainbow

 Isaac and Shadowmeld Get together to talk about all of the best draft cards in the Amazing Spider-Man set, as well as some of the best cartoons ever created.

As usual, Nick Sutphin brings us some awesome artwork!

Finally, take a look on thereservepool.com for more highlights of the PDC results, announcements for WizKids Regionals and the daily Rules Forum updates we have been getting lately.

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The Reserve Pool Podcast Season 2 Episode 4 Let the Season Begin

Welcome back folks! Here is this week's podcast episode, entitles "Let the Season Begin". Today Isaac and Shadowmeld talk about the new PDC competitive season and what things to keep in mind while preparing.

Later, the pair returns to talk about a team Shadowmeld is calling "Drone Strike", and all villain and mostly Marvel team!

Thanks as always for listening and hope you enjoy the show.

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Shadowmeld's Drone Strike Team List

The Reserve Pool Podcast Season 2 Episode 3 Let's Give Thanks

Welcome back folks and Happy Thanksgiving! Today we have a shorter discussion session between Isaac and I where we talk about Dice Masters news, site updates and all the things we are thankful for this holiday! Hope you enjoy the listen, and keep an ear out for a new team, next time!

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The Reserve Pool Season 2 Episode 2 All Things Spider-Man

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN IS HERE!

On today's podcast we review our favorite characters from the starter set and give you a team that you can build using some starter characters. Isaac and JT join us for the Starter discussion and Isaac also has some words of wisdom on how to read your opponent in the Transition Zone.

Don't forget to check out our full spoiler list on thereservepool.com under the Wiki icon at the top of the page.

As always thanks for listening and thanks to Nick Sutphin for today's amazing artwork.

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The Reserve Pool Season 2 Episode 1 Goodbye WoL, Hello ASM!

I am happy to announce that The Reserve Pool Podcast officially returns
with a full episode This week!

We bring together Isaac, Shadowmeld, Paul and Trubie together to say
goodbye to War of Light, it's best cards, worst cards and our over all
impressions. Then, we take a peak at some of the game mechanics from
Amazing Spider-Man, and highlight some of our favorite spoilers and our
hopes for the set.

Thanks as well to Nick Sutphin for his newest art work.

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RPmini # 003: Full Podcast Returns Next Week!

I am happy to announce that The Reserve Pool Podcast officially returns with a full episode next week!

There have been some big changes here, and I believe we have the infrastructure in place to keep things moving forward.  Be on the lookout for the new edition of the podcast next Thursday!

In the meantime, here is another mini-podcast to help tide you over.

Enjoy!


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RPmini # 002: 100% Shadowmeld

This isn't an actual conversation, but it's pretty much what happened.

RJ: "Hey, I'm going to need some time off while I focus on work.  We'll have to put the podcast on hiatus until we are ready to re-launch."

Shadowmeld: "Okay, sure.  Hey, do I have to take time off?"

RJ: "Well, no..."

Shadowmeld: "What if I record, edit and do everything for the episode?  Can I keep doing that?"

RJ: "Well, sure, but you'll have to do more work and..."

Shadowmeld: "Episode is done for this week!"

What can I say?  Dude is dedicated.

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RPmini # 001: Dave Says Goodbye

We decided to put out a mini-podcast this week so we could give Dave an opportunity to say goodbye.  In case you missed it, he has decided to step down as the Editor-in-Chief of The Reserve Pool, and RJRETRO will soon be taking over.

On this very special "mini-podcast", you'll hear from the founder himself, plus Shadowmeld and IsaacBV will have their segments you'd normally hear on The Prep Area.

We will attempt to bring you one mini-podcast a week until we are ready to launch Season Two.

I hope you enjoy.

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RP # 066: War of Light, Draft, and YOU!

We talked about our favorite cards (that we knew about at the time) last week, and now it's time to discuss how we expect the War of Light draft to play out. Just as Fantasy Football sites put together their draft kits so that you would know which quarterback to take and who to leave behind, Dave and RJ try to discern exactly what will be prevalent at those War of Light drafts!

We also discuss drafting for rarity vs. drafting to win (which sparks an existential debate within Dave) and what you want to think about when bringing basic action cards to the draft table.

As always, share your thoughts in the comments, on the forums, on Twitter @TheReservePool and mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 065: War of Light Favorites

We're thoroughly excited for the War of Light set! And we're even more thoroughly excited to bring you information about a host of cards, including all eight super rares! You can read all about the Black Lanterns right here!

http://www.thereservepool.com/content/744-Presenting-the-Black-Lanterns!

In this episode, RJ moderates a discussion with Dave, Pat, and JT about the super rare cards - what's good? What's bad? And in what order do we rank them?

Next, JT bows out and the remaining trio talk about The Reserve Pool's top ten cards that you'll find in the War of Light booster packs. We all rated these and you'll get our aggregate top ten and a few honorable mentions!

Check out the podcast post on TheReservePool.com to share thoughts and to see images of all the cards that we're spoiling! And, as always, share your thoughts in the comments, on the forums, on twitter @TheReservePool and mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 064: Optimism Corps

We have a full panel for discussions today, with enough excitement that we could create our own Optimism-powered Lantern Corps! RJ Retro moderates a panel featuring Dave, Patrick and Isaac.

First, we dig into all of the cards that have been spoiled so far for the War of Light starter set and talk about our favorites - and also the ones that we don't like so much.

Next, we move into the differences between being constructive and negative and simply wearing rose-colored glasses. How can we all help the community, the game, and the company who makes it?

Finally, we get a few words in about our favorite part of the game - the community!

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RP # 063: Top Ten UXM Cards to Own

Dave and Evan reunite once more to discuss the longest droughts they've had in their Dice Masters journey, and to apologize to a user for being bad at reading and at emails.

Then, Shadowmeld debuts a new segment, helping us all keep abreast of the rulings that have come out on the WizKids rules forum!

The show concludes with Dave and Evan examining the best of the best UXM cards - which ones should you make sure that you own? Find out what we think!

Want to correspond? Email Mailbag@TheReservePool.com, follow us on Twitter @TheReservePool, and check out the blogs and forums at www.thereservepool.com.

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RP # 062: Gen Con 2015

It's the triumphant return of the Evan himself, back from vacation and the "Best Four Days in Gaming"! This week, we share the entries for the Haiku Contest winners and runners-up. Then, we examine the whole experience of GenCon, but especially the Dice Masters parts of it. Evan got a healthy dose of Age of Ultron draft, so we're pretty excited to share that with you.

Elsewhere in the show, Randy examines the uses of She-Hulk and Isaac gives another look at the Dice Market.

Want to correspond? Email Mailbag@TheReservePool.com, follow us on Twitter @TheReservePool, and check out the blogs and forums at www.thereservepool.com.

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RP # 061: Top Ten AvX Cards to Own

Today's show features the soothing tones of that Prep Area producer, RJ Retro! He joins Dave as they go through the AvX cards that players new and old ought to seek out. But first, Isaac checks into the economy of the game, and two Randys make a Dice Masters set from scratch! Plus, we swap stories about the biggest wins we've had.

Want to correspond? Email Mailbag@thereservepool.com, follow @TheReservePool on Twitter, or check out the blogs, forums, and comment sections on www.thereservepool.com!

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RP # 060: Age of Ultron Roundtable

In this very special 60th episode of The Reserve Pool, Dave, Isaac, JT, and Randy gather together - in person - to discuss a plethora of Dice Masters topics. RJRetro joins remotely! We discuss everything from ways to play in person and online to our thoughts on specific cards from the new Age of Ultron set. We also talk a little bit about the games that we just played in the hours before recording this one.

Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 059: Running Events

Dave and Evan continue the discussion from episode number 58 and narrow the focus. Where last time we discussed building your scene, this time we look at the centerpiece of many local groups - the events. Monthly or weekly, draft or constructed, we share the things that we've found to be best practices, whether from the player's perspective or the tournament organizer's.

Want to correspond? Mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 058: Building Your Local Scene

In this episode of The Reserve Pool, Dave and Evan tackle one of the most important topics that we can address - building your local scene. As we've discussed in numerous articles, forum posts, and other various ramblings, a strong local scene is the grassroots for a game like this, the only way that larger events can continue to happen and be viable. We'll take you through the things that we've seen and tried and develop some "best practices" as you build and maintain your local!

Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 057: Age of Ultron Set Review Part 2

Here we go again with another special double-length episode. We're taking a comprehensive look at the Age of Ultron set so that you're ready for drafting goodness as soon as the set releases. Today? The basic actions, rares, and super rares - including those elusive Zombies!

Remember that ratings are a punctuation mark on the conversation and not the final word - there are stilly plenty of games to be played with this set. Listen to the conversation more than the ratings and share your own thoughts with us. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com.

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RP # 056: Age of Ultron Set Review Part 1

Once more unto the breach, dear friends! A special double-length episode. We're taking a comprehensive look at the Age of Ultron set so that you're ready for drafting goodness as soon as the set releases. Today? The commons and uncommons.

Remember that ratings are a punctuation mark on the conversation and not the final word - there are stilly plenty of games to be played with this set. Listen to the conversation more than the ratings and share your own thoughts with us. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com.

Here's the kickstartar referenced by Evan. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ironmarkgames/san-ni-ichi

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RP # 055: The JSA

Dave & Evan kick off this week's episode talking about a weird draft format as well as the times that the dice simply would NOT roll on their character face. RJRETRO gives a tongue-in-cheek look at the news around the Dice Masters universe, and Randy gives us a glance at another character you may not be respecting enough.

Finally, we arrive at our feature topic - the bolt-heavy JSA and all of the good and bad that goes along with them.

Want to correspond? Mailbag@thereservepool.com, follow us on Twitter @TheReservePool, and check out our forums.

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RP # 054: Worlds Postgame & Champion Dean Interview!

It's the aftermath of worlds! Randy and... well... Randy talk about their experiences viewing from a distance. Dave cuts in to talk about all of the fun and amazing people from the convention, and then the discussion turns to the teams and what it all means moving forward. What a fun weekend!

Plus, we interview Dean, the World Champion!

Want to correspond? Mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 053: Origins Preview

Maybe you're there! Maybe you're driving there! Maybe you're living vicariously through us! Whatever the situation, we bring you what our hopes and dreams are for Origins, and more importantly, where to eat. JT joins the show as we give Evan a week off for once! Randy visits to talk about old cards, and we take a glance at what's going on around the Network.

Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com.

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RP # 052: Like a Villain

This is Podcast New 52! Except better than how DC did it! We start out with the "First Word," where Dave and Evan swap stories of times they forgot what team they were playing, kind of, a little bit. RJ gives us a sneak peak at the network's forth show, In The Field. Then, Dave and Evan explore the many excellent villains that the DC set offers to us. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 051: For Great Justice!

Another week, another podcast! This time, Dave and Evan share their recent experiences playing some organized play in their respective stores, though Evan plays coy about his Team for Jerks for now. Randy reminds us about cards that we maybe didn't respect so much back in the day. Then, Dave and Evan dig into the Justice League in this set. Who are they? What do they do? Is there a team to be made? This, and more!

Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 050: DC's Thematic Cards

In this episode, we mark one year for The Reserve Pool Podcast! We celebrate by doing exactly what we do every other time - talk about the strategy and fun of the game. This week, we talk about recent gaming and bring back an old segment. Then, we have a lot of fun as we discuss our top ten most thematic cards from the DC Dice Masters set!

Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com!

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RP # 049: Canadian Nats and AoU Super Rares

We throw caution to the wind and tackle TWO feature topics in this episode! We welcome Randy and his friend - Canadian National Champion JT - for plenty of discussion.

First, we look at the entire event of Canadian Nationals. What was the day like? What was JT's team all about? How will it impact the meta moving forward? Then, we flip to the new Super Rares that were spoiled for Age of Ultron. We'll discuss what we love and what is love-impaired. Want to correspond?mailbag@thereservepool.com

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RP # 048: DC Set Review Part II

One more time! A special double-length episode in celebration of the new cards and dice! We're taking a comprehensive look at the DC set so that you're ready for drafting goodness as soon as the set releases. Today? The basic actions, the rares, and the super rares!

Ratings are a punctuation mark on the conversation and not the final word - there are stilly plenty of games to be played with this set. Listen to the conversation more than the ratings and share your own thoughts with us. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct Link.

RP # 047: DC Set Review Part I

Here we are again! A special double-length episode. We're taking a comprehensive look at the DC set so that you're ready for drafting goodness as soon as the set releases. Today? The commons and uncommons. Ratings are a punctuation mark on the conversation and not the final word - there are stilly plenty of games to be played with this set. Listen to the conversation more than the ratings and share your own thoughts with us. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct Link.

RP # 046: From Nationals

In this new episode of The Reserve Pool, Dave, Evan, and Randy discuss the first day of Nationals from their hotel room in Glen Burnie, MD. It's a potpourri of topics, from the people to the gameplay to drafts and everything in between. Obviously this is taking place before the events of Day Two - so we're doing a little time travel here. Oh, and despite what we thought at the time of recording, they were indeed playing Star Trek Attack Wing at the tournament. Don't forget - you can always talk to us at mailbag@thereservepool.com! Direct Link

RP # S01: Post-Nationals Car Talk

It's our very first BONUS EPISODE - the "S" is for Special! In this special episode, Dave - coming off a Top 8 performance, and Randy - who qualified for Day 2 and also won a draft event - dissect some things about WizKids Nationals as they make the trip home. It's pretty stream-of-consciousness and much less regimented than a normal episode.

Be aware that this is in a car - there is going to be road noise and perhaps an occasional unexpected sound. You have been warned! Don't forget that we have forums now, and you can always talk to us at mailbag@thereservepool.com! Direct link.

RP # 045: Theme Teams

Continuing the light tone from last week, Dave and Evan discuss recent gaming exploits as well as their plans for Nationals. Then, we dig in to some long-past-due mailbag items, including a look into the balance between lighter and heavier topics. Finally, we discuss one of those light topics - putting together fantastical teams based on different themes, what we consider when doing so, and an example or two! Listen at the end of the show for a breakdown of our Nationals coverage! Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 044: Top Ten Dragons

We're back to some fun after the D&D reviews! This time, a special guest joins the podcast for the first time. We discuss recent gaming and how we've been trying to build things up in our town. Then, Randy shares more about some older characters and Dave discusses a basic action. Finally, we close the show discussion our favorite dragons from D&D and Yu-Gi-Oh. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 043: D&D Set Review - Part Two

It's another double-length episode! This time, Dave and Evan review the basic actions, rares, and super-rates from the Dungeons & Dragons Dice Masters: Battle for Faerun set. Then, we give our first impression of the set as a whole - all these cards! All these dice! Crazy! Ratings are subject to change as we play more with the set! Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 042: D&D Set Review - Part One

In this special double-length episode, Dave and Evan review every single non-starter common and uncommon from the Dungeons & Dragons Dice Masters: Battle for Faerun set. We'll continue next week with the rares, super-rares, and basic action cards. Ratings are subject to change as we play more with the set! Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 041: Top Ten Commons

Dave and Evan open up this episode talking about recent Dice Masters games that they've played, both in real life and over Skype. Randy discusses Colossus, and Abigail wants some M&Ms. Chris continues to discuss building a local scene at your FLGS. We have a fun feature today, talking about our top ten favorite commons (not including starter set characters) and how the D&D set may change our lists! Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 040: ROT!

Dave and Evan open up this episode talking about the board-gamey ways to beat the awful weather in the Northeast. Randy tells us about his daughter's favorite superhero, Chris shares some global knowledge, and Dave examines a timely basic action. Finally, we conclude the episode by discussing the dangers of results-oriented thinking, especially in a game decided by dice. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 039: Know Your Role

In this episode, we discuss the building of our own local Dice Masters scene. Randy checks in to discuss Doctor Strange with a very special guest. Then we move forward to the feature topic - knowing your role within games and how our recognition of those roles can help us win the game. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 038: Quadrant Theory

Welcome to #38, and what a big show it is. Dave and Evan take the reins and reveal the winners for the recent contest, who will receive various organized play basic action cards. Then, the pair have an in-depth discussion about drafting and card evaluation using quadrant theory.  Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 037: DADDM, BFF

In this episode, we talk about a couple of recent games and details about the latest contest, which must be entered by February 16th. Chris discusses events that you can use to grow your community, and Randy looks back at AvX Cyclops. We check the mail, and finally close with a feature topic that looks ahead to Dungeons & Dragons Dice Masters. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 036: Set Release!

Dave talks about recent Dice Masters games. Evan talks about how he's about to make people play it, and then both of them check the mail. Randy looks back at a character we may have forgotten about. Chris discusses a global ability that is loved by many. We close with our feature, where we celebrate the release of a new set and talk about a few abilities that have caught our collective eye. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Subscribe to our podcast and our YouTube channel, and follow us on Twitter - @TheReservePool. Direct link.

RP # 035: Draft Strategy

We open the show discussing recent gaming experiences and Dave's eternal struggle over Catan with his sister-in-law. Chris comes in to talk about his experience growing a Dice Masters community in his neck of the woods, and Dave examines a basic action card. We close with our feature, where we share tips for drafting effectively at your next Rainbow Draft event! Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 034: DC D-Scussion

Dave and Evan discuss the kerfuffle surrounding the Yu-Gi-Oh! dice masters set and how it's probably not too big a deal. Chris talks about some global abilities and Dave and Randy check the mail. We close with our feature, where we discuss the upcoming DC Dice Masters set and all of the information surrounding it. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link

RP # 033: Uncanny Themes

Dave and Evan continue their 2015 discussion by mentioning the games that they are most looking forward to this year. Chris debuts his brand-new segment about building a Dice Masters scene. We close with our feature, where we break down our top ten most thematic Uncanny X-Men Cards - as well as our dishonorable mentions! Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link. 

RP # 032: Sidekicked to the Curb

In this episode, the first recorded in 2015, we take a quick look back at some of our personal gaming highlights of the past year.  There's a mailbag question about attack step timing. Our feature delves into the sometimes misunderstood and disrespected die - the sidekick - and it's place in a very fearsome deck. Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.

RP # 031: Best UXM Dice

In this episode, we are thrilled to kick off the new year with another episode of The Reserve Pool.  There's a bit of banter about recent gaming acquisitions. Then, we look at UXM and all of our extensive testing and unveil - our top ten favorite dice from Uncanny X-Men. It's a light and fun way to start the new year! Want to correspond? mailbag@thereservepool.com. Direct link.