Shows
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 34: 2025 Year in ReviewIn this episode, TrainmasterGT and Usman Jamil reflect on the year 2025! They discuss the design and mechanics of the new sets, cover the coolest cards, and share what developments influenced their thoughts and feelings the most. Did any sets prove themselves to be a cut above the rest? Which sets are destined for the dustbins of history? Was 2025 even a good year for Magic? Stay tuned to find out! All Aboard! Timestamps3:19:00 Aetherdrift: The First Set of 2025!22:46:00 Tarkir: Dragonstorm39:34:00 Final Fantasy56:18:00 Edge of Eternities1:07:06:00 Spooder Man
2025-12-301h 43
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 33: Avatar: The Last Airbender Cube Review Part 2: Cabbages UnquenchedWe are back on the rails again with another exciting episode of Cube Engineers! In this episode, TrainmasterGT is once again joined by Usman Jamil to discuss their favorite cards in the Avatar: The Last Airbender Magic Set. Find out what cards are destined to save the world, and which cards have a lot to learn before they can save anyone…All Aboard! Show NotesThe Pack One Slick Ones on Usman’s Revamped SubstackUsman’s Article: Avatar: The Last Airbender for CubeA photo of Big Ma...
2025-12-231h 25
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 32: The Quenchiest Avatar: The Last Airbender Cube Review with Usman JamilWe are back on the rails again with another exciting episode of Cube Engineers! In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites back the always wonderful Usman Jamil to discuss the mechanics of the Avatar: The Last Airbender Magic: The Gathering set! Find out which mechanics translate best from screen to card, and how to implement Avatar themes into your Cube! Will this set quench our thirst for cool new mechanics, or will the set never rise from the ashes of shame and humiliation? Stay tuned to find out!Show NotesThe Pack One Slick Ones on Usman’s...
2025-12-161h 44
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 31: Sensei's Divining TalksIn this episode, Chris Taylor takes the Engineer’s seat for a new extended Sensei’s Divining Talks Segment! Chris is joined by TrainmasterGT, a first-year dental student, to deliver an important message about Focal Enamel Hypoplasia. What is this dental disorder, how does it impact patients, and how can it be treated? Stay tuned to find out more! Show NotesTurner’s Tooth: A Rare Case with Review of Literature (2021)Turner’s hypoplasia and non-vitality: A case report of sequelae in a permanent tooth (2010)Management of Turner’s Hypoplasia Using Resin Infi...
2025-12-0230 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 30: Hosting Cube Events Large and Small with DinrovahorrorWe’re back on the rails again! In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Greg Cortazzo (A.K.A. Dinrovahorror) to share his experiences hosting Cube events and discuss the differences between organizing small and large events. Greg is the founder of the Vertex Cube Event Series and a founding member of the new Shoebox Magic event. Learn valuable lessons about how to host Cube events, challenges for event organizers, and how to build the most fun Cube event possible! Additionally, the pair discusses the new Shoebox event, coming to Saint Paul, Minnesota, from March 13th-15th, 2026! All Aboard! ...
2025-10-2148 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 29: A Master Class in Cube Design with Usman Jamil and Chris Taylor (Season 1 Finale)We’re back on the rails again with another exciting episode of Cube Engineers! In the season finale, TrainmasterGT invites back Usman Jamil and Chris Taylor to give a master class on Cube design! The trio discuss different Cube projects they have completed, and different lessons that can be applied from their designs. Learn about:* Making and using custom cards* Sizing and balancing your Cube* Writing Primers* Finding Ideas and Inspiration* Fixing and how to use Triomes* Basic Land Art Choices* Proxying* Nonsingleton...
2025-08-191h 51
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 28: A Minecraft Episode with Andy MangoldIn this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Andy Mangold to discuss a topic every Cube podcaster must grapple with at some point in their career: Minecraft! Arguably, the most elegant sandbox game of all time, Minecraft contains many great lessons for any designer. The question is: what can we learn and how can it be applied to Cube? Stay tuned to find out!All Aboard!Show NotesLuck Paper RadioCube Engineers April Fools EpisodeBdoubleo100 on YouTubePaulsoaresJr100 Ornithopters CubeThe Bun Magic Cube
2025-08-121h 12
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 27: Better Card Designs for Cube and Constructed with Dom HarveyIn this episode, TrainmasterGT invites the legendary Dom Harvey to discuss the intersection between fun cards for Cube and Constructed. Learn the anatomy of successful designs for the two formats, and how Cube designers can gain inspiration for their own environments by examining various constructed formats. All Aboard! Show NotesDominaria’s Judgement PodcastAll About Amulet TitanThe Companion CubeThe Regular CubeCards DiscussedRavnica BouncelandsCryptic SpiresSummon: YojimboDark ConfidantGreater Ga...
2025-08-051h 29
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 26: Cube Clinics Triple Header: Highball 4K #2, Unstable Cubicorns, and the Jerry GauntletIn this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Usman and Bella to discuss changes to Highball 4K, Unstable Cubicorns, and the all-new Jerry Gauntlet. Follow all of the latest changes to Highball 4K and the continuing evolution of Unstable Cubicorns. Also, learn about an all-new tool for teaching new players Magic: the Jerry Gauntlet!All Aboard!Show NotesHighball 4K Cube on Cubecobra and Riptidelab Unstable Cubicorns on Cubecobra and RiptidelabThe Jerry Gauntlet: Final AdventureThe Jerry Gauntlet: Flash of Ferocity Usman’s SubstackThe Pa...
2025-07-2951 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 25: Edge of Eternities Cube Review with Usman JamilSpace. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the podcast Cube Engineers. In this episode, TrainmasterGT once again invites Usman Jamil to discuss the coolest new cards in Edge of Eternities for Cube! Which cards will last the whole five-year mission, and which cards are wearing a red shirt? Stay tuned to find out!All Aboard!Show NotesHighball 4K Cube on Riptidelab and CubecobraThe original build of HighballUsman’s CubeUsman’s SubstackUsman and TrainmasterGT’s Full EOE Review ArticleG...
2025-07-221h 34
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 24: Cube Clinics: Highball 4K #1It’s time for a new mini-series! In this episode, TrainmasterGT assembles the Avengers to help update his Cube, Highball 4K. Usman Jamil, GayTransMulldrifter, and Parker LaMascus help TrainmasterGT take a look under the hood of his Cube to fix a series of perceived issues. Learn different approaches to updating a Cube, setting and implementing goals, and how to reconcile evolving priorities. All Aboard!Show NotesCubes MentionedHighball 4K Cube on Riptidelab Highball 4K Cube: Pre-Update/Main ThreadHigball 4K Cube: Update ProgressCube Co...
2025-07-151h 36
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 23: Introduction to Anbennar Featuring HoiaIn this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Senior Writer and Insyaa Region Lead Developer, Hoia, to discuss the Anbennar mod for Europa Universalis IV! Anbennar is one of the most immersive fantasy worldbuilding projects of all time, manifesting itself as a comprehensive total conversion mod for a popular grand strategy game! Hoia and TrainmasterGT go on a tour of the world of Anbennar, discussing each major region, including the interesting cultures and nations found in each. Learn about the great Kingdoms of Cannor, the Elven remnants of Aelentir, the diverse inhabitants of the Serpentspine Mountains, and even get a sneak peek...
2025-07-081h 52
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 22: Unstable Cubicorns Update: The Societal Consequences of Putting Armor on a Brushwagg (BONUS EPISODE!)It’s time for the first Cube Engineers Bonus Episode!In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites his sister Bella to discuss possible updates to the Unstable Cubicorns battle box. They explore a variety of cards, both new and old, that could match the tone and power level of this low-complexity battle box. Learn how to manage player feedback, address balancing concerns, and keep complexity manageable.All Aboard! Show NotesUnstable Cubicorns Battle Box on Cubecobra and Riptidelab! The Pack One Slick Ones: Starter Cubes!Diggy Diggy Hole...
2025-07-041h 04
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 21: After the End featuring MacIn this episode, TrainmasterGT invites lead developer Mac to discuss the After the End mod for Crusader Kings III! Journey to the 27th Century to explore a neo-feudalistic future of the Americas. Become a patrician in New York, a cowboy on the Great Plains, an administrator in the Empire of Brazil, or even a true Minnesota Viking! Discover cool characters, epic empires, and exotic cultures in a familiar yet new setting. All Aboard! Show NotesAfter the End Discord ServerAfter the End Fan Fork RedditAfter...
2025-07-0148 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 20: Final Fantasy Cube Review with Usman Jamil (Cecil Edition)In this episode, Usman Jamil returns to discuss the new Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering set with TrainmasterGT. What cards are hot? What cards are not? Where is Cecil? Also in this episode: Undertale, Massachussets, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chocobos. Oh so many Chocobos. All Aboard! Show NotesHej Hej from Sweden: Cube Engineers Episode 18The Thom Heartmann ProgramThe Japanese SakokuThe Pack One Slick Ones Episode 12Chococraft Minecraft ModCommunicating our Creations in the Evolving World of Cube Design: Cube Engineers Episode 17
2025-06-241h 47
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 19: A Good Omen with Chris Taylor and Kade GoforthIt’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for! In this episode of Cube Engineers, the results of the “A Good Omen” contest are finally revealed! 25 contestants entered cards to compete for an epic prize: a full set of cards with the Omen mechanic, a foil Roiling Dragonstorm, and a signed foil copy of Skirmish Rhino! TrainmasterGT is joined by two guest-hosts: Chris Taylor of Riptidelab fame and the secret celebrity judge Kade Goforth of Recross the Paths! The trio discusses each amazing entry, giving their thoughts before the final deliberations. Who will take the...
2025-06-172h 16
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 18: Hej Hej from Sweden! (Fika Edition)Hej hej! In this episode, TrainmasterGT discusses his experiences playing at a Final Fantasy prerelease event at Alphaspel/Alphabar in Stockholm, Sweden. Find out what is different about playing Magic in Sweden compared to the United States, and how Magic exists as a global phenomenon through interviews with Swedish Magic Players! Grab your Fika, it’s going to be a wild ride! Thanks again to everyone who was interviewed for this episode! Pictured: An Ether drink from Alphabar.Show Notes:TrainmasterGT’s 3-0-1 Prerelease Deck (WIP)Alphaspel and Alph...
2025-06-1031 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 17: Communicating our Creations in the Evolving World of Cube Design with Usman JamilAn Usman episode? That isn’t about a new set!? Impossible! But not today! In this episode, TrainmasterGT and Usman Jamil discuss their history of writing articles about Cube and how their approaches have evolved over time. Learn how Usman and Trainmaster have worked to keep their writings fresh and relevant in the ever-changing world of Cube Design.All Aboard! Show NotesThe Cube is Bigger than YouHow Heirloom Blade made me a better Cube designer.Additive Destraction ArticleUsman’s first article: Cube Desi...
2025-06-031h 01
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 16: Modular Cubes with TheLameSauce and Usman Jamil (Cubecon 2025 Community Pick Edition!)In this episode, TrainmasterGT and Usman invite TheLameSauce to discuss The Modular Cube! Trainmaster and Usman were tasked by the wonderful CubeCon organizers to select a Cube to be featured in the main event of CubeCon 2025! After poring over the options, they picked The Modular Cube and invited its designer to talk about the list on Cube Engineers. The twist: TheLameSauce had no idea their Cube was selected! Learn all about The Modular Cube, and how to build your own! Remember, submissions for the “A Good Omen” contest close on May 28th! Get your final entr...
2025-05-2744 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 15: Building under a Black Sun: Semi-Desert Cubes and Pulp Nouveau with Parker LaMascusA black sun rises over the choked landscape. A world of greed thrives below. Welcome to Pulp Nouveau.In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Parker “Landofmordor” LaMascus to discuss Black Sun Cubes, also known as Semi-Desert Cubes. Like Desert Cubes, players in a Black Sun environment are expected to draft some number of their basic lands. Unlike in a Desert Cube, the basics of one color are free for all drafters! Learn what it means to build under a Black Sun, including how to design a mana base, curate the card selection, and more!Remember, the “A Good...
2025-05-201h 09
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 14: Fixing Magic with GayTransMulldrifter (Arlo)The past few years have been a tumultuous time for Magic, leading many players to ask the question: can Magic be fixed? In this episode, TrainmasterGT and Arlo (A.K.A. GayTransMulldrifter) attempt to answer that very question. They discuss how recent leadership priorities and audience have influenced both Magic’s game design and release schedule, and what those changes have meant for the game. Can Magic be saved? Stay tuned to find out!Stick around until the end of the episode for a special surprise!All Aboard!Show Notes...
2025-05-131h 31
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 13: The Pauper Cube and Big Data with OmniczechCube Engineers is back on the rails again! In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Pauper Cube Committee member Omniczech to discuss the history of the official Pauper Cube community and how the committee uses big data. Learn about The Pauper Cube Polling App, Net Promoter Scores (NPS), and how community data is used to update one of the most visible Cubes in the community! It’s time for some good, common fun! All Aboard!Show NotesA Good Omen ContestThe Pauper Cube WebsiteThe Pauper Cube List...
2025-05-0655 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 12: Tarkir: Dragonstorm All-Out Cube Review with Usman Jamil: Chicken Butler EditionIn the epic conclusion of Tarkir month, TrainmasterGT and Usman return to conclude their review of Tarkir: Dragonstorm! Usman and Trainmaster take an all-out approach to the review, discussing the cards they’re most excited about for their Cubes! Will Tarkir: Dragonstorm soar like a Dragon, or Return to the Earth? Stay tuned to find out! Show NotesA Good Omen ContestGuest Links:Usman’s Link TreeUsman’s SubstackThe Pack One Slick Ones PodcastCubes Discussed:UsmanCubeHighball 4K
2025-04-291h 31
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 11: A Materialist Analysis of Tarkir with SafraWe’re back on the rails again with another Tarkir Month Cube Engineers Special! In this episode, TrainmasterGT invites a fellow Tarkir enjoyer, Safra, to discuss the history of Tarkir and how the world has changed across time streams and visits. They talk about the relationship between the Clans and their real-life cultural inspirations, the characters of Tarkir, and compare and contrast the “great man” theory of history with materialist analysis as it applies to fantasy stories. We also introduce the first Cube Engineers design contest: A Good Omen! All aboard! Contes...
2025-04-221h 20
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 10: How to Build Constructed-Like Cubes with Judge BonesIn the third episode of Tarkir Month, TrainmasterGT invites the always awesome Judge Bones to discuss building Cubes that mirror the play patterns of Constructed formats. They discuss what it means to make a “constructed-like Cube”, and how to build one! By analyzing their Highball 4K and Museum of Modern Cubes, TrainmasterGT and Bones showcase strategies to create Cubes mirroring your favorite constructed formats! Learn how to choose a format to emulate, an era to draw inspiration from, and how to port constructed decks as limited archetypes. If you can dream it, you can construct it!Al...
2025-04-151h 20
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 9: Dragonback Tarkir Dragonstorm Cube Review with Usman Jamil Part 1In this episode, TrainmasterGT is once again joined by Usman Jamil for the official kickoff of Tarkir Month to discuss Tarkir: Dragonstorm! In the first of this two-part review, TrainmasterGT and Usman take a “dragonback” approach to analyzing the set, looking at all of the themes and mechanics. Which mechanics will soar like dragons, and which will be doomed to become dragon’s prey? Stay tuned to find out!Show NotesUsman Jamil’s Substack and The Pack One Slick Ones PodcastUsman’s CubeHighball 4K CubeCards Discussed
2025-04-081h 16
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 8: Tarkir, Sabrina Carpenter, and the ReservoirIn this episode, TrainmasterGT scrambles to create an episode after having to push back the first part of the Tarkir: Dragonstorm podcast by a week. Will he be able to create a decent episode in time? Maybe, but only with a little help from his friends!Show Notes:The Pack One Slick Ones Podcast (Usman Jamil’s Substack)Ubercubathon 2025Lucky Paper RadioNeoclassical CubeDegenerate MicrocubeBun Magic CubeSacred GeometryTurbo CubeThe Pauper Cube...
2025-04-0143 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 7: Emotional Resonance in Cube Design and the Value of Cards with HeartIn this episode, TrainmasterGT explores how emotional value plays a role in Cube design and why we find certain cards to be so special. Explore the universe of cards with heart, and a few examples from TrainmasterGT’s own collection! Grab your Penumbra Wurms, Wabi-Sabi Ugins, and misprint Godless Shrines, it’s going to be a wild ride!Show NotesThe Pack One Slick Ones PodcastEpisode 239 of Lucky Paper RadioWabi-Sabi (Wikipedia)Cards DiscussedRot WolfOak Street InnkeeperMwonvuli Beast Tracker
2025-03-2540 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 6: Heritage Cubes: Cube as a Legacy Board Game with OnderzeebootIn this episode, TrainmasterGT journeys to the Netherlands to meet with the legendary Cube designer Onderzeeboot and discuss one of the coolest Cubes around: Heritage! Heritage: a Sticker Cube combines classic Magic gameplay with elements from Legacy board games like Risk: Legacy and Gloomhaven. Learn all about how Heritage was designed, and how to build your own Heritage Cubes at home!Show NotesHeritage: A Sticker Cube Links:Riptidelab ThreadCubeCobra LinkModified Cards GalleryJason Waddell’s article on Multicolor Cubes and Onderzeeboot’s thou...
2025-03-1846 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 5: A Trainmaster's Top 5 Sets for Cube!In this episode, TrainmasterGT explores what he thinks constitute the five best Cube sets ever released! This may be a simple premise, but there is an intriguing answer.Show Notes:Unstable Cubicorns Battle BoxCards Discussed:Introduction:The Power 9The Original Dual LandsLightning BoltLlanowar ElvesCounterspellDark RitualAmonkhet:Dusk//DawnClaim//FameInsult//InjuryDrake HavenArchfiend of Ifnir
2025-03-1143 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 4: Lessons Learned from Conversations with Cubers featuring Kade GoforthIn this episode, TrainmasterGT invites the host of the Recross the Paths Podcast, Kade Goforth, to discuss his experiences conversing with Cube designers. Learn the origins of Recross the Paths and how to get more out of your conversations with Cubers! Additional Links:Recross the Paths Podcast on Spotify and Apple PodcastsTrade Routes Games TulsaCards Mentioned:Rise of the Dark RealmsSentinel SliverKalonian HydraSphinx’s RevelationSupreme VerdictPack Rat...
2025-03-0449 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 3: Custom Cards for Cooler Cubes with Chris TaylorIn this episode, TrainmasterGT invites Chris “'Cashew” Taylor of Riptidelab fame to discuss how Cube designers can use custom cards in their Cubes! Learn how to make and use custom cards to improve your Cube, and how to upgrade existing cards to better suit your needs!Show Notes:—The Dandy Cube on Cubecobra and Riptidelab—Fox Stevenson (Official YouTube Channel)—Magic Set Editor Modern—Rail War Set—High Noon Set—The Coalesce Mechanic—Art StationCards Discussed:—Sudden Shock—...
2025-02-2556 min
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 2: Aetherdrift Cube Review with Usman JamilIn this episode of Cube Engineers, TrainmasterGT invites special guest Usman Jamil to discuss Aetherdrift: the latest Magic: the Gathering set and its potential impact on the Cube format. We also discuss cards from the set we are excited about in various contexts. Start your engines; this will be fun! Guest Links:Usman’s Link TreeUsman’s SubstackCubes Discussed:UsmanCubeHighball 4KUnstable CubicornsEiganjo DriftCards Discussed:FULL LISTShark TyphoonZe...
2025-02-181h 52
Cube EngineersCube Engineers Episode 1: Amonkhet RebornIn the first episode of Cube Engineers, TrainmasterGT discusses the history and rebirth of Amonkhet. Cards Discussed:–The Gods of Amonkhet–Authoritarian Cards–The Hour Cycle–Ramunap-Related Cards–Leave // Chance–Basri Ket–The Hand That Moves Story–Cards of the New Amonkhet–Cards of the Chitin Court–Cards of the Maahestet–Captsone: Scoured Barrens This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vis...
2025-02-1735 min
Uber CubeCommunity Response: Non MTG Cube InspirationsDuring this episode May and Anthony discuss the follow community post: "Question for the Community: What non-MTG context inspired your cube designs? i.e. literature, albums, movies, or experiences.” Tune in as we discuss the inspirations provided by the community and share how you too can find your cube muse. Thanks for listening, 5-star reviews, sharing, and as always happy cubing!Uber Cube is now a TCG affiliate partner. If you wish to support the show, please consider using this link to purchase any of the cards discussed on today’s show. Thank you for your support and a...
2024-12-0946 min