fbpx

AuthorBen Friedman

Ben Friedman, a.k.a. "The Skip Bayless of Magic: the Gathering", is a long-time professional Magic player, with eight years of Pro Tour experience and over 200 lifetime Pro Points. Coming at you with his flaming hot takes live from Las Vegas, he's had success in numerous formats to the tune of five Grand Prix Top 8s, two Pro Tour Top 16s, and numerous high finishes at SCG Tour Opens and Invitationals. Outside of Magic, you can find Ben listening to country music, heading to the gym, or playing with cryptocurrency - sometimes all three at the same time!

Building Next Level Izzet Drakes

This deck was on the verge of being out of the metagame not long ago, and suddenly Ben Friedman is comparing it to Delver? How far we’ve come! Get his latest list and more tips on building this strategy correctly here!

Beating Boros Aggro With Izzet Drakes

This is one of those matchups where both sides think they’re favored! So which is it? Ben Friedman cuts through the noise to deliver the truth of the matchup before SCG Vegas!

Modern At Its Most Linear…Ever

The Grand Prix in Atlanta gave us a vague picture of the expected Modern metagame at SCG Regionals! Ben Friedman breaks it down as only he can, giving you what you need to immortalize your name atop your chosen event this weekend!

Standard Is The Wild West

That’s just how Ben Friedman likes it, of course! Today he follows the remarkable innovations of last week…and how long they’ll last!

Is Four-Color Death’s Shadow Better Than Grixis Death’s Shadow?

When Four-Color Death’s Shadow won in Texas, that got Ben Friedman’s attention! Today he ponders Four-Color versus Grixis Death’s Shadow for SCG Charlotte!

5 Underrated Modern Decks Ready To Win SCG Dallas

These decks are ready to exploit the meta and cut through the field this weekend! Get Ben Friedman’s SCG Dallas favorites here! And yes, Grixis Death’s Shadow is one of them.

Necrotic Ooze Is On The Verge Of Breaking In Modern

Look out! There’s going to come a time soon where you won’t lose with the Ooze! Friedman counts all the ways it could happen and which new card is the secret to its inevitable breaking point!

You’re Not Playing Enough One-Drops

The title says it all! The fact of the matter is, some of the best creatures ever being two-drops has warped our perceptions! Get yours on track so you can outmaneuver SCG Columbus this weekend!

The Best Week One Deck For Standard

We’re coming up on SCG Columbus, a team event that will showcase the new Standard format! Ben Friedman gets you started on the road to week one glory!

Why Unmoored Ego Is Better Than You Think

There have been lots of lousy Cranial Extraction effects, but there have been some pretty good ones too! Which one are we looking with Guilds of Ravnica? Ben Friedman votes for the best kind…but why?

This Deck Won A Modern PTQ. Yes, Really.

Don’t be shocked if Ben Friedman switches onto this sudden contender for SCG Syracuse this weekend! How in the world did this happen? Ben explains using his unique expertise with the archetype!

10 Team Modern Unified Configurations Most Likely To Win GP Detroit

Grabbing a few of your friends to hit up team competition? This is a tricky beast, as many of the best decks have overlapped cards! So how do you get around this, Ben Friedman?

Legacy Decks That Can Win Grand Prix Richmond

There are a few cards that Ben thinks are a virtual lock to win the big Legacy showdown on the horizon! See which decks he expects to be favored against the field!

A Pro’s Perspective On The Hall Of Fame

Ben has been around the PT for a long time! He’s played against the best often enough and endured enough of the drama that he knows exactly where everyone stands! Here are his honest takes!

Modern And Legacy Death’s Shadow Updates!

If you count both formats, that’s a lot of SCG Dallas players interested in Death’s Shadow decks! So let’s get the newest decklists from Death Shadow’s biggest fan: Ben Friedman!