Premier Draft RNA 10.januar 2021
10 January 12:17 - Atxiiim 7 Wins - 2 Losses
Pack 1 Pick 1: Basilica Bell-Haunt
Tithe Taker
3.5 Most of this card’s value simply comes from being a 2-mana 2/1 with Afterlife 1, but making it harder for your opponent to interact with you on your turn is nice.
3.5 Most of this card’s value simply comes from being a 2-mana 2/1 with Afterlife 1, but making it harder for your opponent to interact with you on your turn is nice.
Gateway Sneak
3.0 Gate decks are real in this format, and this is a pretty powerful payoff, as getting in with this just nets you so much value. If you’re drawing more cards, you’re also more likely to find more Gates, too, which is likely to power many of your other cards.
3.0 Gate decks are real in this format, and this is a pretty powerful payoff, as getting in with this just nets you so much value. If you’re drawing more cards, you’re also more likely to find more Gates, too, which is likely to power many of your other cards.
Light Up the Stage
3.5 This jus tends up feeling like a one mana Divination a huge chunk of the time, and even casting it for three isn’t a disaster. The card advantage it grants you is just great.
3.5 This jus tends up feeling like a one mana Divination a huge chunk of the time, and even casting it for three isn’t a disaster. The card advantage it grants you is just great.
Basilica Bell-Haunt
3.5 This whole cycle is pretty powerful, and that’s certainly the case here! This gives you a solid body, usually nets you a 2-for-1, and even gives you some life! The one downside is the mana cost, which even in an Orzhov deck won’t always be easy to produce. Still, you’ll usually be able to hit a card when it ETBs.
3.5 This whole cycle is pretty powerful, and that’s certainly the case here! This gives you a solid body, usually nets you a 2-for-1, and even gives you some life! The one downside is the mana cost, which even in an Orzhov deck won’t always be easy to produce. Still, you’ll usually be able to hit a card when it ETBs.
Carrion Imp
2.0 This gives you enough value with the ETB that paying 4 for it generally feels pretty decent. Its too bad it doesn’t drain your opponent like some other versions of this card we’ve seen over the years.
2.0 This gives you enough value with the ETB that paying 4 for it generally feels pretty decent. Its too bad it doesn’t drain your opponent like some other versions of this card we’ve seen over the years.
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
Azorius Knight-Arbiter
2.5 This isn’t a bad win condition for Azorius control decks in this format. It is an excellent blocker that can give you inevitability while chipping away at the opponent’s life total.
2.5 This isn’t a bad win condition for Azorius control decks in this format. It is an excellent blocker that can give you inevitability while chipping away at the opponent’s life total.
Open the Gates
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Skewer the Critics
4.0 This is often just one Red mana for a Sorcery-speed Lightning Bolt, and that’s amazing. Even if you could only ever pay 3 for this card, it would be premium removal, so the upside of only costing one Red really makes it an excellent card, and one of the best Commons in the set.
4.0 This is often just one Red mana for a Sorcery-speed Lightning Bolt, and that’s amazing. Even if you could only ever pay 3 for this card, it would be premium removal, so the upside of only costing one Red really makes it an excellent card, and one of the best Commons in the set.
Slimebind
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
Noxious Groodion
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
Scuttlegator
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
Gruul Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Mortify
Cult Guildmage
3.5 The second ability is where most of the value is on this one, since pinging your opponent for only a single Red is a pretty darn good deal, and also sets up all of your Spectacle. Its nice you can disrupt your opponent’s hand in the late game too.
3.5 The second ability is where most of the value is on this one, since pinging your opponent for only a single Red is a pretty darn good deal, and also sets up all of your Spectacle. Its nice you can disrupt your opponent’s hand in the late game too.
Tower Defense
0.0 This is mostly just a really fancy version of Fog, something that is just never worth it in Limited. You don’t want to go down a card just to buy yourself a single turn in this format.
0.0 This is mostly just a really fancy version of Fog, something that is just never worth it in Limited. You don’t want to go down a card just to buy yourself a single turn in this format.
Mortify
4.0 This is obviously great, as it can very efficiently destroy two different permanent types.
4.0 This is obviously great, as it can very efficiently destroy two different permanent types.
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Arrester's Zeal
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
Arrester's Admonition
3.0 Casting this with the Addendum feels pretty good, as you end up breaking even on cards and getting some pretty good tempo, and you can of course cast it without the Addendum in a pinch – like if your opponent is trying to use a combat trick or something.
3.0 Casting this with the Addendum feels pretty good, as you end up breaking even on cards and getting some pretty good tempo, and you can of course cast it without the Addendum in a pinch – like if your opponent is trying to use a combat trick or something.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Grasping Thrull
3.5 This is a really great common for Orzhov decks. It is sort of a mini-Siege Rhino with Flying. And yeah, obviously it isn’t quite that good, but it is a very real flyer that immediately generates a 4-point life swing, and it turns out that’s a big deal.
3.5 This is a really great common for Orzhov decks. It is sort of a mini-Siege Rhino with Flying. And yeah, obviously it isn’t quite that good, but it is a very real flyer that immediately generates a 4-point life swing, and it turns out that’s a big deal.
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Scorchmark
2.5 Two mana for two damage at instant speed isn’t quite premium removal – but it is solid -- and the fact that this can exile stuff does come up sometimes.
2.5 Two mana for two damage at instant speed isn’t quite premium removal – but it is solid -- and the fact that this can exile stuff does come up sometimes.
Mammoth Spider
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
Dead Revels
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Consecrate
Consecrate
3.0 Consecrate is pretty situational and won’t come up a ton, but Consume is pretty nice most of the time. Your opponents’ creature with the highest power won’t always be their best, but it will be often enough that Consume ends up feeling pretty amazing most of the time.
3.0 Consecrate is pretty situational and won’t come up a ton, but Consume is pretty nice most of the time. Your opponents’ creature with the highest power won’t always be their best, but it will be often enough that Consume ends up feeling pretty amazing most of the time.
Wilderness Reclamation
0.0 This was a famously powerful card in constructed – in Limited, it is pretty much unplayable. You just won’t have anything to do with all the mana it gives you, even in a format with Adapt. Basically, you end up going down a card for no effect at all if you play this.
0.0 This was a famously powerful card in constructed – in Limited, it is pretty much unplayable. You just won’t have anything to do with all the mana it gives you, even in a format with Adapt. Basically, you end up going down a card for no effect at all if you play this.
Grasping Thrull
3.5 This is a really great common for Orzhov decks. It is sort of a mini-Siege Rhino with Flying. And yeah, obviously it isn’t quite that good, but it is a very real flyer that immediately generates a 4-point life swing, and it turns out that’s a big deal.
3.5 This is a really great common for Orzhov decks. It is sort of a mini-Siege Rhino with Flying. And yeah, obviously it isn’t quite that good, but it is a very real flyer that immediately generates a 4-point life swing, and it turns out that’s a big deal.
Carrion Imp
2.0 This gives you enough value with the ETB that paying 4 for it generally feels pretty decent. Its too bad it doesn’t drain your opponent like some other versions of this card we’ve seen over the years.
2.0 This gives you enough value with the ETB that paying 4 for it generally feels pretty decent. Its too bad it doesn’t drain your opponent like some other versions of this card we’ve seen over the years.
Summary Judgment
2.5 Its conditional, but its also pretty efficient. Its more efficient if you use it during your main phase, but if you can kill a creature before it hits you with the 3 damage, that’s obviously a little bit better.
2.5 Its conditional, but its also pretty efficient. Its more efficient if you use it during your main phase, but if you can kill a creature before it hits you with the 3 damage, that’s obviously a little bit better.
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Savage Smash
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
Sylvan Brushstrider
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Impassioned Orator
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Senate Griffin
Bankrupt in Blood
2.0 If you have expendable creatures around, this is pretty spicy, but it isn’t something that all decks can take advantage of.
2.0 If you have expendable creatures around, this is pretty spicy, but it isn’t something that all decks can take advantage of.
Clear the Stage
3.0 5-mana for -3/-3 isn’t very good, but if you have a few creatures with 4 or more power in your deck, it becomes pretty impressive, as killing something and getting the best creature back from the graveyard is a big deal.
3.0 5-mana for -3/-3 isn’t very good, but if you have a few creatures with 4 or more power in your deck, it becomes pretty impressive, as killing something and getting the best creature back from the graveyard is a big deal.
Rakdos Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Senate Griffin
2.5 This is a nice little flyer. The stats are fine, and Scrying is always a good way to smooth out your draws.
2.5 This is a nice little flyer. The stats are fine, and Scrying is always a good way to smooth out your draws.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Rubble Slinger
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Savage Smash
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
Sagittars' Volley
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
Orzhov Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Twilight Panther
Prowling Caracal
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Titanic Brawl
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
Rubble Reading
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
Rubble Slinger
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
Lawmage's Binding
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Twilight Panther
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
Undercity's Embrace
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
Gruul Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Ministrant of Obligation
Ministrant of Obligation
4.0 This is just an amazing rate. A 3-mana 2/1 can trade decently enough, and if you can do that and leave two 1/1 flyers behind, you’re going to feel pretty great.
4.0 This is just an amazing rate. A 3-mana 2/1 can trade decently enough, and if you can do that and leave two 1/1 flyers behind, you’re going to feel pretty great.
Spire Mangler
2.5 You know, this card looks like it would do a ton, but it is significantly less impressive than it looks. It is a solid card for sure, but you don’t often find a way to really leverage that +2/+0 into much additional value. First, restricting it to flyers really hurts. Mostly, it helps you chip in for more damage, or make a 1-for-1 trade. Keep in mind it can target itself, so if you want to flash it in to kill an attacking X/4, it can do that.
2.5 You know, this card looks like it would do a ton, but it is significantly less impressive than it looks. It is a solid card for sure, but you don’t often find a way to really leverage that +2/+0 into much additional value. First, restricting it to flyers really hurts. Mostly, it helps you chip in for more damage, or make a 1-for-1 trade. Keep in mind it can target itself, so if you want to flash it in to kill an attacking X/4, it can do that.
Forbidding Spirit
3.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice.
3.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice.
Goblin Gathering
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
Civic Stalwart
2.5 A Hill Giant that pumps your whole board is always pretty decent, as it allows you to add to the board and also significantly improve your attacks.
2.5 A Hill Giant that pumps your whole board is always pretty decent, as it allows you to add to the board and also significantly improve your attacks.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Burn Bright
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Dead Revels
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
Prowling Caracal
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Twilight Panther
Sunder Shaman
3.5 This is hard to block effectively, and this format has enough artifacts and enchantments around that its ability to threaten those is a pretty big deal.
3.5 This is hard to block effectively, and this format has enough artifacts and enchantments around that its ability to threaten those is a pretty big deal.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Twilight Panther
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
Coral Commando
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
Lawmage's Binding
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
Gateway Plaza
2.5 This comes with the “Gate” type, which means you’ll want it in many decks, and it also does a decent job of fixing.
2.5 This comes with the “Gate” type, which means you’ll want it in many decks, and it also does a decent job of fixing.
Rampaging Rendhorn
2.5 This is a solid 5-drop with two pretty decent options. You know, like most Riot creatures.
2.5 This is a solid 5-drop with two pretty decent options. You know, like most Riot creatures.
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Simic Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Vizkopa Vampire
Bolrac-Clan Crusher
2.5 Turning counters into damage is nice, but this card’s clunky stats aren’t, and you’ll often find yourself in situations where just keeping your counters around is better!
2.5 Turning counters into damage is nice, but this card’s clunky stats aren’t, and you’ll often find yourself in situations where just keeping your counters around is better!
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Ghor-Clan Wrecker
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
Sphinx's Insight
2.5 Both options on this have their place. Sometimes you want to cast it during your opponents turn so that you can untap and play the new things you drew, but sometimes that additional life is great.
2.5 Both options on this have their place. Sometimes you want to cast it during your opponents turn so that you can untap and play the new things you drew, but sometimes that additional life is great.
Open the Gates
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Syndicate Messenger
Light Up the Stage
3.5 This jus tends up feeling like a one mana Divination a huge chunk of the time, and even casting it for three isn’t a disaster. The card advantage it grants you is just great.
3.5 This jus tends up feeling like a one mana Divination a huge chunk of the time, and even casting it for three isn’t a disaster. The card advantage it grants you is just great.
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
Azorius Knight-Arbiter
2.5 This isn’t a bad win condition for Azorius control decks in this format. It is an excellent blocker that can give you inevitability while chipping away at the opponent’s life total.
2.5 This isn’t a bad win condition for Azorius control decks in this format. It is an excellent blocker that can give you inevitability while chipping away at the opponent’s life total.
Open the Gates
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Noxious Groodion
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Arrester's Zeal
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Arrester's Zeal
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Dead Revels
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Impassioned Orator
Wilderness Reclamation
0.0 This was a famously powerful card in constructed – in Limited, it is pretty much unplayable. You just won’t have anything to do with all the mana it gives you, even in a format with Adapt. Basically, you end up going down a card for no effect at all if you play this.
0.0 This was a famously powerful card in constructed – in Limited, it is pretty much unplayable. You just won’t have anything to do with all the mana it gives you, even in a format with Adapt. Basically, you end up going down a card for no effect at all if you play this.
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Impassioned Orator
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Bladebrand
Bankrupt in Blood
2.0 If you have expendable creatures around, this is pretty spicy, but it isn’t something that all decks can take advantage of.
2.0 If you have expendable creatures around, this is pretty spicy, but it isn’t something that all decks can take advantage of.
Rakdos Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Rubble Slinger
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Rubble Reading
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
Rubble Slinger
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Prowling Caracal
Burn Bright
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
Prowling Caracal
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
Pack 1 Pick 15: Simic Guildgate
Simic Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Dead Revels
Deputy of Detention
4.0 Like always, these “Banisher Priest” type creatures are excellent, since they can remove virtually any creature while adding to the board. And yeah, your opponent could find a way to get the creature back, but even if they do you will usually have disrupted their plans significantly.
4.0 Like always, these “Banisher Priest” type creatures are excellent, since they can remove virtually any creature while adding to the board. And yeah, your opponent could find a way to get the creature back, but even if they do you will usually have disrupted their plans significantly.
Code of Constraint
2.0 This is another card that gets an impressive boost from the Addendum, as it straight up freezes a card down. It is a little weird that the other effect basically doesn’t matter if you do the Addendum, so this card mostly feels like a split card with two options, and the Addendum option is way better. Adding “draw a card” to both effects is pretty nice in the right deck.
2.0 This is another card that gets an impressive boost from the Addendum, as it straight up freezes a card down. It is a little weird that the other effect basically doesn’t matter if you do the Addendum, so this card mostly feels like a split card with two options, and the Addendum option is way better. Adding “draw a card” to both effects is pretty nice in the right deck.
Wall of Lost Thoughts
2.0 Mill is a real strategy in this format, and the Wall isn’t bad in the decks that aim to do that. It slows down aggressive decks and allows you to pick away at the opposing library.
2.0 Mill is a real strategy in this format, and the Wall isn’t bad in the decks that aim to do that. It slows down aggressive decks and allows you to pick away at the opposing library.
Senate Guildmage
4.0 I think this is the best of the Guildmages in this set. Both of its abilities are pretty nice, and easily usable. You end up just having a random mana around a lot in Limited! You can gain life if you really need to stabilize, or you can dig deeper in your deck if you need to find removal or press your advantage.
4.0 I think this is the best of the Guildmages in this set. Both of its abilities are pretty nice, and easily usable. You end up just having a random mana around a lot in Limited! You can gain life if you really need to stabilize, or you can dig deeper in your deck if you need to find removal or press your advantage.
Rampaging Rendhorn
2.5 This is a solid 5-drop with two pretty decent options. You know, like most Riot creatures.
2.5 This is a solid 5-drop with two pretty decent options. You know, like most Riot creatures.
Shimmer of Possibility
1.5 If you’re in the spell deck, this can be worth playing, otherwise casting this isn’t very impactful.
1.5 If you’re in the spell deck, this can be worth playing, otherwise casting this isn’t very impactful.
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Dead Revels
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
Savage Smash
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
Open the Gates
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Bring to Trial
1.5 As usual, there aren’t really enough big creatures in this format for this to be anything special. Its not a disaster if you run one, but it is definitely better out of the sideboard.
1.5 As usual, there aren’t really enough big creatures in this format for this to be anything special. Its not a disaster if you run one, but it is definitely better out of the sideboard.
Growth Spiral
2.0 This is nice in Limited, but not the busted thing it is in constructed. You won’t always be able to take advantage of the extra land effect after the early game, but that still means it’s a cantrip, which isn’t too shabby.
2.0 This is nice in Limited, but not the busted thing it is in constructed. You won’t always be able to take advantage of the extra land effect after the early game, but that still means it’s a cantrip, which isn’t too shabby.
Get the Point
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Imperious Oligarch
Drill Bit
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
Rakdos Firewheeler
3.5 A 4-mana 4/3 that kills a small creature and shocks the opponent is always a great deal!
3.5 A 4-mana 4/3 that kills a small creature and shocks the opponent is always a great deal!
Gruul Beastmaster
2.5 This can add a bunch of damage to the board out of nowhere if you choose Haste. And, that’s what you’ll be choosing when your opponent’s shields are down. If your opponent is able to block more effectively, you can just go with the counter, and wait until your next turn to attack. Both occurrences are solid.
2.5 This can add a bunch of damage to the board out of nowhere if you choose Haste. And, that’s what you’ll be choosing when your opponent’s shields are down. If your opponent is able to block more effectively, you can just go with the counter, and wait until your next turn to attack. Both occurrences are solid.
Imperious Oligarch
3.5 This has nice base stats and comes with the very nice Afterlife mechanic. Two mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer is a pretty great deal, even if you aren’t getting them both at the same time.
3.5 This has nice base stats and comes with the very nice Afterlife mechanic. Two mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer is a pretty great deal, even if you aren’t getting them both at the same time.
Summary Judgment
2.5 Its conditional, but its also pretty efficient. Its more efficient if you use it during your main phase, but if you can kill a creature before it hits you with the 3 damage, that’s obviously a little bit better.
2.5 Its conditional, but its also pretty efficient. Its more efficient if you use it during your main phase, but if you can kill a creature before it hits you with the 3 damage, that’s obviously a little bit better.
Rafter Demon
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
Get the Point
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
Mammoth Spider
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
Catacomb Crocodile
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
Sage's Row Savant
1.5 This has alright stats and an alright ETB ability, but you’re usually hoping you have a different two drop.
1.5 This has alright stats and an alright ETB ability, but you’re usually hoping you have a different two drop.
Feral Maaka
1.0 If you need a two drop well..that’s what this is, but you’ll only be playing this in an emergency.
1.0 If you need a two drop well..that’s what this is, but you’ll only be playing this in an emergency.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Gutterbones
Gutterbones
3.0 This being recursive can be pretty nice late, as it can almost be a free attacker. And, early, it can chip in for a few damage.
3.0 This being recursive can be pretty nice late, as it can almost be a free attacker. And, early, it can chip in for a few damage.
Macabre Mockery
1.5 Most cards that are just temporary reanimation spells don’t tend to be very good, and that’s pretty much the case here. Sure, you can get something back and get a big swing in sometimes, but what you get often isn’t worth the card you spend.
1.5 Most cards that are just temporary reanimation spells don’t tend to be very good, and that’s pretty much the case here. Sure, you can get something back and get a big swing in sometimes, but what you get often isn’t worth the card you spend.
Imperious Oligarch
3.5 This has nice base stats and comes with the very nice Afterlife mechanic. Two mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer is a pretty great deal, even if you aren’t getting them both at the same time.
3.5 This has nice base stats and comes with the very nice Afterlife mechanic. Two mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer is a pretty great deal, even if you aren’t getting them both at the same time.
Arrester's Admonition
3.0 Casting this with the Addendum feels pretty good, as you end up breaking even on cards and getting some pretty good tempo, and you can of course cast it without the Addendum in a pinch – like if your opponent is trying to use a combat trick or something.
3.0 Casting this with the Addendum feels pretty good, as you end up breaking even on cards and getting some pretty good tempo, and you can of course cast it without the Addendum in a pinch – like if your opponent is trying to use a combat trick or something.
Scuttlegator
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Noxious Groodion
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Catacomb Crocodile
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Wrecking Beast
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
Undercity Scavenger
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Bloodmist Infiltrator
Bloodmist Infiltrator
3.0 This is one of the better sacrifice outlets around, as 3 unblockable damage a turn can really add up. It does die to…pretty much everything, but if your deck is capable of producing fodder for it, it is a pretty formidable creature.
3.0 This is one of the better sacrifice outlets around, as 3 unblockable damage a turn can really add up. It does die to…pretty much everything, but if your deck is capable of producing fodder for it, it is a pretty formidable creature.
Humongulus
1.5 You mostly only play this if you can really take advantage of Hexproof. You can do this with +1/+1 counters and Auras and stuff like that. Otherwise, it is just sort of an inefficient blocker.
1.5 You mostly only play this if you can really take advantage of Hexproof. You can do this with +1/+1 counters and Auras and stuff like that. Otherwise, it is just sort of an inefficient blocker.
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Frenzied Arynx
3.5 Whichever option you choose here, you end up with a very effective creature. I think that the +1/+1 counter option is typically the one you choose, but sometimes getting it with this right away is well worth it. The ability makes sure that by the late game, this is still a formidable attacker.
3.5 Whichever option you choose here, you end up with a very effective creature. I think that the +1/+1 counter option is typically the one you choose, but sometimes getting it with this right away is well worth it. The ability makes sure that by the late game, this is still a formidable attacker.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Get the Point
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
Wrecking Beast
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
Concordia Pegasus
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Senate Griffin
Axebane Beast
1.5 This has sort of passable stats. If you need a reasonably efficient medium-sized body, this is it.
1.5 This has sort of passable stats. If you need a reasonably efficient medium-sized body, this is it.
Prowling Caracal
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
Slimebind
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Rafter Demon
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Senate Griffin
2.5 This is a nice little flyer. The stats are fine, and Scrying is always a good way to smooth out your draws.
2.5 This is a nice little flyer. The stats are fine, and Scrying is always a good way to smooth out your draws.
Spear Spewer
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
Rubblebelt Runner
2.5 This has decent stats and evasion that actually comes up sometimes.
2.5 This has decent stats and evasion that actually comes up sometimes.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Orzhov Racketeers
Orzhov Racketeers
2.5 This has some bad starting stats for the cost, but it does have some nice stuff going on. On a base level, you can simply trade this for something and enjoy your 1/1 tokens. But you’ll find yourself in a situation sometimes where your opponent just has to take this, because they don’t really want to give you the flyers, and when they do take it, they have to lose a card, which is pretty nice.
2.5 This has some bad starting stats for the cost, but it does have some nice stuff going on. On a base level, you can simply trade this for something and enjoy your 1/1 tokens. But you’ll find yourself in a situation sometimes where your opponent just has to take this, because they don’t really want to give you the flyers, and when they do take it, they have to lose a card, which is pretty nice.
Knight of the Last Breath
2.0 This is mostly too clunky. A 7-mana 4/4 is just bad, even if it does leave behind three 1/1 tokens and the ability to generate more tokens. It isn’t unplayable, but you’ll find yourself cutting it a lot.
2.0 This is mostly too clunky. A 7-mana 4/4 is just bad, even if it does leave behind three 1/1 tokens and the ability to generate more tokens. It isn’t unplayable, but you’ll find yourself cutting it a lot.
Knight of Sorrows
1.5 Afterlife is always nice, but this has such inefficient stats when it comes down that it still feels incredibly clunky.
1.5 Afterlife is always nice, but this has such inefficient stats when it comes down that it still feels incredibly clunky.
Axebane Beast
1.5 This has sort of passable stats. If you need a reasonably efficient medium-sized body, this is it.
1.5 This has sort of passable stats. If you need a reasonably efficient medium-sized body, this is it.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Root Snare
0.0 As usual, fogs are bad in Limited.
0.0 As usual, fogs are bad in Limited.
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Goblin Gathering
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
Consign to the Pit
2.5 Its expensive, but it does answer everything, and the two damage you get out of it is decent upside.
2.5 Its expensive, but it does answer everything, and the two damage you get out of it is decent upside.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Blade Juggler
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Spear Spewer
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Blade Juggler
3.5 This is pretty good even without Spectacle, and if you can cast it with Spectacle it feels incredible. A 3-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is an amazing rate, and will virtually always give you a 2-for-1.
3.5 This is pretty good even without Spectacle, and if you can cast it with Spectacle it feels incredible. A 3-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is an amazing rate, and will virtually always give you a 2-for-1.
Titanic Brawl
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Simic Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Catacomb Crocodile
Burn Bright
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Titanic Brawl
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
Steeple Creeper
2.5 This might be the best of this cycle of Commons. A 3-mana 4/2 is already almost passable, so the ability to gain flying in the mid-to-late game is pretty nice.
2.5 This might be the best of this cycle of Commons. A 3-mana 4/2 is already almost passable, so the ability to gain flying in the mid-to-late game is pretty nice.
Catacomb Crocodile
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
Chillbringer
3.5 Creatures that come down and have an immediate effect on the board are great, and Chillbringer freezes a creature down while giving you a pretty real flying body. This is an excellent Common, even as a five drop, you’d be happy to play as many as four of these. They just tend to swing the common in your favor way more often than your typical Common.
3.5 Creatures that come down and have an immediate effect on the board are great, and Chillbringer freezes a creature down while giving you a pretty real flying body. This is an excellent Common, even as a five drop, you’d be happy to play as many as four of these. They just tend to swing the common in your favor way more often than your typical Common.
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Bring to Trial
Code of Constraint
2.0 This is another card that gets an impressive boost from the Addendum, as it straight up freezes a card down. It is a little weird that the other effect basically doesn’t matter if you do the Addendum, so this card mostly feels like a split card with two options, and the Addendum option is way better. Adding “draw a card” to both effects is pretty nice in the right deck.
2.0 This is another card that gets an impressive boost from the Addendum, as it straight up freezes a card down. It is a little weird that the other effect basically doesn’t matter if you do the Addendum, so this card mostly feels like a split card with two options, and the Addendum option is way better. Adding “draw a card” to both effects is pretty nice in the right deck.
Wall of Lost Thoughts
2.0 Mill is a real strategy in this format, and the Wall isn’t bad in the decks that aim to do that. It slows down aggressive decks and allows you to pick away at the opposing library.
2.0 Mill is a real strategy in this format, and the Wall isn’t bad in the decks that aim to do that. It slows down aggressive decks and allows you to pick away at the opposing library.
Shimmer of Possibility
1.5 If you’re in the spell deck, this can be worth playing, otherwise casting this isn’t very impactful.
1.5 If you’re in the spell deck, this can be worth playing, otherwise casting this isn’t very impactful.
Savage Smash
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
Open the Gates
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Bring to Trial
1.5 As usual, there aren’t really enough big creatures in this format for this to be anything special. Its not a disaster if you run one, but it is definitely better out of the sideboard.
1.5 As usual, there aren’t really enough big creatures in this format for this to be anything special. Its not a disaster if you run one, but it is definitely better out of the sideboard.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Drill Bit
Drill Bit
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
Rakdos Firewheeler
3.5 A 4-mana 4/3 that kills a small creature and shocks the opponent is always a great deal!
3.5 A 4-mana 4/3 that kills a small creature and shocks the opponent is always a great deal!
Rafter Demon
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
Catacomb Crocodile
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
Feral Maaka
1.0 If you need a two drop well..that’s what this is, but you’ll only be playing this in an emergency.
1.0 If you need a two drop well..that’s what this is, but you’ll only be playing this in an emergency.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Undercity Scavenger
Macabre Mockery
1.5 Most cards that are just temporary reanimation spells don’t tend to be very good, and that’s pretty much the case here. Sure, you can get something back and get a big swing in sometimes, but what you get often isn’t worth the card you spend.
1.5 Most cards that are just temporary reanimation spells don’t tend to be very good, and that’s pretty much the case here. Sure, you can get something back and get a big swing in sometimes, but what you get often isn’t worth the card you spend.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Undercity Scavenger
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Watchful Giant
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Wrecking Beast
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Expose to Daylight
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Spear Spewer
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Knight of Sorrows
Knight of Sorrows
1.5 Afterlife is always nice, but this has such inefficient stats when it comes down that it still feels incredibly clunky.
1.5 Afterlife is always nice, but this has such inefficient stats when it comes down that it still feels incredibly clunky.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Pack 2 Pick 15: Spear Spewer
Spear Spewer
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Syndicate Messenger
Thrash
4.0 This is great. The Thrash side is the best side, as its just a great removal spell. But the downside with that type of removal is that you need to have a creature – and if you don’t have one of those, you can get a 4-mana 4/4 with Trample which isn’t bad either.
4.0 This is great. The Thrash side is the best side, as its just a great removal spell. But the downside with that type of removal is that you need to have a creature – and if you don’t have one of those, you can get a 4-mana 4/4 with Trample which isn’t bad either.
Rally to Battle
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
Drill Bit
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
Rakdos Firewheeler
3.5 A 4-mana 4/3 that kills a small creature and shocks the opponent is always a great deal!
3.5 A 4-mana 4/3 that kills a small creature and shocks the opponent is always a great deal!
Arrester's Zeal
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Sagittars' Volley
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
Slimebind
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
Blade Juggler
3.5 This is pretty good even without Spectacle, and if you can cast it with Spectacle it feels incredible. A 3-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is an amazing rate, and will virtually always give you a 2-for-1.
3.5 This is pretty good even without Spectacle, and if you can cast it with Spectacle it feels incredible. A 3-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is an amazing rate, and will virtually always give you a 2-for-1.
Rubble Reading
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
Act of Treason
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Sage's Row Savant
1.5 This has alright stats and an alright ETB ability, but you’re usually hoping you have a different two drop.
1.5 This has alright stats and an alright ETB ability, but you’re usually hoping you have a different two drop.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Ill-Gotten Inheritance
Skatewing Spy
3.0 4-mana for a 3/2 definitely isn’t great, but if your board already has some counters lying around, it will immediately give flying to some of your creatures, and obviously it can eventually adapt and become a Flyer itself. However, if your whole plan is adapting this, it isn’t great. You really need some other +1/+1 counters around for it to feel worth the investment – luckily, that’s not too hard to do if you’re in the Simic deck.
3.0 4-mana for a 3/2 definitely isn’t great, but if your board already has some counters lying around, it will immediately give flying to some of your creatures, and obviously it can eventually adapt and become a Flyer itself. However, if your whole plan is adapting this, it isn’t great. You really need some other +1/+1 counters around for it to feel worth the investment – luckily, that’s not too hard to do if you’re in the Simic deck.
Resolute Watchdog
2.0 This can come down and block reasonably well in the early game, and being able to make a better creature indestructible is decent upside.
2.0 This can come down and block reasonably well in the early game, and being able to make a better creature indestructible is decent upside.
Enraged Ceratok
3.5 This has really nice stats and is surprisingly difficult to block easily.
3.5 This has really nice stats and is surprisingly difficult to block easily.
Wrecking Beast
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
Rubble Slinger
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
Footlight Fiend
2.0 This can sometimes generate a 2-for-1, and at the very least it really makes life difficult for any opponent that has an X/1 in play. It is also pretty good sacrifice fodder, and gets Spectacle going. It is a surprisingly effective one drop!
2.0 This can sometimes generate a 2-for-1, and at the very least it really makes life difficult for any opponent that has an X/1 in play. It is also pretty good sacrifice fodder, and gets Spectacle going. It is a surprisingly effective one drop!
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Humongulus
1.5 You mostly only play this if you can really take advantage of Hexproof. You can do this with +1/+1 counters and Auras and stuff like that. Otherwise, it is just sort of an inefficient blocker.
1.5 You mostly only play this if you can really take advantage of Hexproof. You can do this with +1/+1 counters and Auras and stuff like that. Otherwise, it is just sort of an inefficient blocker.
Titanic Brawl
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
Thought Collapse
1.5 Cancel is never great in Limited, but the mill upside this gives you does matter a little bit in this format.
1.5 Cancel is never great in Limited, but the mill upside this gives you does matter a little bit in this format.
Burn Bright
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
Ill-Gotten Inheritance
2.5 This card is a major overperformer, and another card that can really help control decks do their thing in this format. It looks like an Enchantment that doesn’t do enough up front, but the life drain it provides really makes it hard for your opponent to take you down. Basically, it will help you stabilize, and then gradually turn into your win condition in many games. Now, sometimes not adding to the board can be a real reliability against aggro decks, but this still does good work most of the time.
2.5 This card is a major overperformer, and another card that can really help control decks do their thing in this format. It looks like an Enchantment that doesn’t do enough up front, but the life drain it provides really makes it hard for your opponent to take you down. Basically, it will help you stabilize, and then gradually turn into your win condition in many games. Now, sometimes not adding to the board can be a real reliability against aggro decks, but this still does good work most of the time.
Gruul Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Dead Revels
Gruul Beastmaster
2.5 This can add a bunch of damage to the board out of nowhere if you choose Haste. And, that’s what you’ll be choosing when your opponent’s shields are down. If your opponent is able to block more effectively, you can just go with the counter, and wait until your next turn to attack. Both occurrences are solid.
2.5 This can add a bunch of damage to the board out of nowhere if you choose Haste. And, that’s what you’ll be choosing when your opponent’s shields are down. If your opponent is able to block more effectively, you can just go with the counter, and wait until your next turn to attack. Both occurrences are solid.
Code of Constraint
2.0 This is another card that gets an impressive boost from the Addendum, as it straight up freezes a card down. It is a little weird that the other effect basically doesn’t matter if you do the Addendum, so this card mostly feels like a split card with two options, and the Addendum option is way better. Adding “draw a card” to both effects is pretty nice in the right deck.
2.0 This is another card that gets an impressive boost from the Addendum, as it straight up freezes a card down. It is a little weird that the other effect basically doesn’t matter if you do the Addendum, so this card mostly feels like a split card with two options, and the Addendum option is way better. Adding “draw a card” to both effects is pretty nice in the right deck.
Senate Courier
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
Azorius Knight-Arbiter
2.5 This isn’t a bad win condition for Azorius control decks in this format. It is an excellent blocker that can give you inevitability while chipping away at the opponent’s life total.
2.5 This isn’t a bad win condition for Azorius control decks in this format. It is an excellent blocker that can give you inevitability while chipping away at the opponent’s life total.
Dead Revels
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Saruli Caretaker
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
Bring to Trial
1.5 As usual, there aren’t really enough big creatures in this format for this to be anything special. Its not a disaster if you run one, but it is definitely better out of the sideboard.
1.5 As usual, there aren’t really enough big creatures in this format for this to be anything special. Its not a disaster if you run one, but it is definitely better out of the sideboard.
Act of Treason
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
Growth Spiral
2.0 This is nice in Limited, but not the busted thing it is in constructed. You won’t always be able to take advantage of the extra land effect after the early game, but that still means it’s a cantrip, which isn’t too shabby.
2.0 This is nice in Limited, but not the busted thing it is in constructed. You won’t always be able to take advantage of the extra land effect after the early game, but that still means it’s a cantrip, which isn’t too shabby.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Gutterbones
Gutterbones
3.0 This being recursive can be pretty nice late, as it can almost be a free attacker. And, early, it can chip in for a few damage.
3.0 This being recursive can be pretty nice late, as it can almost be a free attacker. And, early, it can chip in for a few damage.
Depose
3.5 The Deploy side here is where most of the value is – and boy, it end sup being a lot of value! At worst, you get two 1/1 flyers and gain 2 life – and that’s about a 2.5, and this often ends up gaining you significantly more life. Having the Depose option is nice too, as sometimes you can use it to find a way to get through for lethal.
3.5 The Deploy side here is where most of the value is – and boy, it end sup being a lot of value! At worst, you get two 1/1 flyers and gain 2 life – and that’s about a 2.5, and this often ends up gaining you significantly more life. Having the Depose option is nice too, as sometimes you can use it to find a way to get through for lethal.
Cult Guildmage
3.5 The second ability is where most of the value is on this one, since pinging your opponent for only a single Red is a pretty darn good deal, and also sets up all of your Spectacle. Its nice you can disrupt your opponent’s hand in the late game too.
3.5 The second ability is where most of the value is on this one, since pinging your opponent for only a single Red is a pretty darn good deal, and also sets up all of your Spectacle. Its nice you can disrupt your opponent’s hand in the late game too.
Tower Defense
0.0 This is mostly just a really fancy version of Fog, something that is just never worth it in Limited. You don’t want to go down a card just to buy yourself a single turn in this format.
0.0 This is mostly just a really fancy version of Fog, something that is just never worth it in Limited. You don’t want to go down a card just to buy yourself a single turn in this format.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Saruli Caretaker
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
Impassioned Orator
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Dead Revels
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
Sylvan Brushstrider
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
Grotesque Demise
3.5 This efficiently deals with a whole lot of creatures in the format, and with many of them, you even get to trade up.
3.5 This efficiently deals with a whole lot of creatures in the format, and with many of them, you even get to trade up.
Get the Point
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
Pack 3 Pick 5: Final Payment
Silhana Wayfinder
2.0 This just give you some card selection. And, that’s nice – but it is something people tend to overrate. The difference between drawing a card and putting one on top of your library is massive. This is a fine card, but don’t overrate it.
2.0 This just give you some card selection. And, that’s nice – but it is something people tend to overrate. The difference between drawing a card and putting one on top of your library is massive. This is a fine card, but don’t overrate it.
Smelt-Ward Ignus
1.5 This has mediocre stats and an ability that is just way too costly and narrow. But, it isn’t a complete disaster if you have to play it.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and an ability that is just way too costly and narrow. But, it isn’t a complete disaster if you have to play it.
Open the Gates
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
Undercity's Embrace
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
Simic Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Savage Smash
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
3.5 The stats boost plus the Fight is massive, especially in situations where you can use this to kill a blocker and swing the thing you fought with. As always with Fight spells, you need to be a little bit cautious about when you cast it, since your opponent doing something in response often wrecks you.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Final Payment
3.0 Two mana to destroy a creature is a great rate, and I love the options that you get here. Paying 5 life is often the preferable one, but you can also find ways to sacrifice stuff for value. It is difficult to run more than one of these, because you can’t be paying 5 life multiple times in most games, but the first copy is great.
3.0 Two mana to destroy a creature is a great rate, and I love the options that you get here. Paying 5 life is often the preferable one, but you can also find ways to sacrifice stuff for value. It is difficult to run more than one of these, because you can’t be paying 5 life multiple times in most games, but the first copy is great.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Bladebrand
Flames of the Raze-Boar
3.0 6 mana to do 4 to a creature isn’t great, but if you have a 4+ power creature, this can turn into a pretty impressive sweeper, taking down multiple things! Its expensive, and the set up is real – but its upside is massive.
3.0 6 mana to do 4 to a creature isn’t great, but if you have a 4+ power creature, this can turn into a pretty impressive sweeper, taking down multiple things! Its expensive, and the set up is real – but its upside is massive.
Eyes Everywhere
1.0 This isn’t really worth it. The Scry isn’t enough, and playing a silly mini-game with it to steal your opponent’s stuff is rough. If your opponent has no way at all to produce Blue mana it definitely gets a little more interesting, but this format has such good mana that I wouldn’t count on them not having it.
1.0 This isn’t really worth it. The Scry isn’t enough, and playing a silly mini-game with it to steal your opponent’s stuff is rough. If your opponent has no way at all to produce Blue mana it definitely gets a little more interesting, but this format has such good mana that I wouldn’t count on them not having it.
Scorchmark
2.5 Two mana for two damage at instant speed isn’t quite premium removal – but it is solid -- and the fact that this can exile stuff does come up sometimes.
2.5 Two mana for two damage at instant speed isn’t quite premium removal – but it is solid -- and the fact that this can exile stuff does come up sometimes.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Simic Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Rubblebelt Recluse
2.0 This is pretty big for the cost. And…well, yeah that’s pretty much all it has going for it! But that kind of size is a decent thing to have around in some decks.
2.0 This is pretty big for the cost. And…well, yeah that’s pretty much all it has going for it! But that kind of size is a decent thing to have around in some decks.
Gateway Plaza
2.5 This comes with the “Gate” type, which means you’ll want it in many decks, and it also does a decent job of fixing.
2.5 This comes with the “Gate” type, which means you’ll want it in many decks, and it also does a decent job of fixing.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Spirit of the Spires
Cavalcade of Calamity
0.0 This card is very sweet, but it is very difficult to consistently build around it in Limited. You just won’t have enough small creatures.
0.0 This card is very sweet, but it is very difficult to consistently build around it in Limited. You just won’t have enough small creatures.
Spirit of the Spires
2.5 This has decent stats and okay upside, especially if your deck has a decent number of fliers.
2.5 This has decent stats and okay upside, especially if your deck has a decent number of fliers.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Thirsting Shade
1.5 This thing demands a ton of mana to be relevant, and it isn’t usually going to be worth it. It can pump itself, but on most boards it just isn’t able to attack.
1.5 This thing demands a ton of mana to be relevant, and it isn’t usually going to be worth it. It can pump itself, but on most boards it just isn’t able to attack.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Steeple Creeper
2.5 This might be the best of this cycle of Commons. A 3-mana 4/2 is already almost passable, so the ability to gain flying in the mid-to-late game is pretty nice.
2.5 This might be the best of this cycle of Commons. A 3-mana 4/2 is already almost passable, so the ability to gain flying in the mid-to-late game is pretty nice.
Coral Commando
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Tenth District Veteran
Junktroller
1.0 This format can do some grindy stuff, but Junktroller still isn’t something you should be interested in. The idea is that in the extreme late game you can choose what you draw every turn, but it just won’t work out that way very often.
1.0 This format can do some grindy stuff, but Junktroller still isn’t something you should be interested in. The idea is that in the extreme late game you can choose what you draw every turn, but it just won’t work out that way very often.
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Simic Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Catacomb Crocodile
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Get the Point
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
Arrester's Admonition
3.0 Casting this with the Addendum feels pretty good, as you end up breaking even on cards and getting some pretty good tempo, and you can of course cast it without the Addendum in a pinch – like if your opponent is trying to use a combat trick or something.
3.0 Casting this with the Addendum feels pretty good, as you end up breaking even on cards and getting some pretty good tempo, and you can of course cast it without the Addendum in a pinch – like if your opponent is trying to use a combat trick or something.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Rally to Battle
Rally to Battle
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
Drill Bit
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
Arrester's Zeal
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Rubble Reading
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
Act of Treason
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Footlight Fiend
Rubble Slinger
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
Footlight Fiend
2.0 This can sometimes generate a 2-for-1, and at the very least it really makes life difficult for any opponent that has an X/1 in play. It is also pretty good sacrifice fodder, and gets Spectacle going. It is a surprisingly effective one drop!
2.0 This can sometimes generate a 2-for-1, and at the very least it really makes life difficult for any opponent that has an X/1 in play. It is also pretty good sacrifice fodder, and gets Spectacle going. It is a surprisingly effective one drop!
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Humongulus
1.5 You mostly only play this if you can really take advantage of Hexproof. You can do this with +1/+1 counters and Auras and stuff like that. Otherwise, it is just sort of an inefficient blocker.
1.5 You mostly only play this if you can really take advantage of Hexproof. You can do this with +1/+1 counters and Auras and stuff like that. Otherwise, it is just sort of an inefficient blocker.
Burn Bright
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Vizkopa Vampire
Code of Constraint
2.0 This is another card that gets an impressive boost from the Addendum, as it straight up freezes a card down. It is a little weird that the other effect basically doesn’t matter if you do the Addendum, so this card mostly feels like a split card with two options, and the Addendum option is way better. Adding “draw a card” to both effects is pretty nice in the right deck.
2.0 This is another card that gets an impressive boost from the Addendum, as it straight up freezes a card down. It is a little weird that the other effect basically doesn’t matter if you do the Addendum, so this card mostly feels like a split card with two options, and the Addendum option is way better. Adding “draw a card” to both effects is pretty nice in the right deck.
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Saruli Caretaker
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
Act of Treason
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Impassioned Orator
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Saruli Caretaker
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
Impassioned Orator
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Smelt-Ward Ignus
Smelt-Ward Ignus
1.5 This has mediocre stats and an ability that is just way too costly and narrow. But, it isn’t a complete disaster if you have to play it.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and an ability that is just way too costly and narrow. But, it isn’t a complete disaster if you have to play it.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Eyes Everywhere
Eyes Everywhere
1.0 This isn’t really worth it. The Scry isn’t enough, and playing a silly mini-game with it to steal your opponent’s stuff is rough. If your opponent has no way at all to produce Blue mana it definitely gets a little more interesting, but this format has such good mana that I wouldn’t count on them not having it.
1.0 This isn’t really worth it. The Scry isn’t enough, and playing a silly mini-game with it to steal your opponent’s stuff is rough. If your opponent has no way at all to produce Blue mana it definitely gets a little more interesting, but this format has such good mana that I wouldn’t count on them not having it.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Pack 3 Pick 15: Haazda Officer
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Basilica Bell-Haunt
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Mortify
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Consecrate
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Senate Griffin
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Twilight Panther
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Ministrant of Obligation
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Twilight Panther
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Vizkopa Vampire
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Syndicate Messenger
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Arrester's Zeal
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Impassioned Orator
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Bladebrand
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Rubble Slinger
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Prowling Caracal
- Pack 1 Pick 15: Simic Guildgate
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Dead Revels
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Imperious Oligarch
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Gutterbones
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Bloodmist Infiltrator
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Senate Griffin
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Orzhov Racketeers
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Blade Juggler
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Catacomb Crocodile
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Bring to Trial
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Drill Bit
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Undercity Scavenger
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Watchful Giant
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Expose to Daylight
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Knight of Sorrows
- Pack 2 Pick 15: Spear Spewer
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Syndicate Messenger
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Ill-Gotten Inheritance
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Dead Revels
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Gutterbones
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Final Payment
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Bladebrand
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Spirit of the Spires
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Tenth District Veteran
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Rally to Battle
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Footlight Fiend
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Vizkopa Vampire
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Impassioned Orator
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Smelt-Ward Ignus
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Eyes Everywhere
- Pack 3 Pick 15: Haazda Officer
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