Premier Draft PIO 16 December 2024
16 December 03:58 - StephenWilliams 7 Wins - 0 LossesMaindeck
| Creature (13) | |||
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| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (12) | |||
| Land (15) | |||
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2
Forest
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4
Mountain
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4
Swamp
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Sideboard
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1
Quicken
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Pack 1 Pick 1: Dragonlord Atarka
Dragonlord Atarka
5 This is what you should expect for 7 mana. A huge flyer that ends the game in a swing or two that also kills 1-2 creatures when it enters. If your opponetn has the answer they probably aren't dying immediately, but Atarka will have devastated the board by that point so you always come out ahead.
5 This is what you should expect for 7 mana. A huge flyer that ends the game in a swing or two that also kills 1-2 creatures when it enters. If your opponetn has the answer they probably aren't dying immediately, but Atarka will have devastated the board by that point so you always come out ahead.
Hopeful Eidolon
2.5 Neither mode of this card is all that good individually, but the flexibility is nice.
2.5 Neither mode of this card is all that good individually, but the flexibility is nice.
Alpha Authority
1 This looks pretty exciting -- but it's kind of like Swiftfoot Boots -- that is to say, awful in Limited, because the creature you put it on already has to be good, and that really limits it's utility.
1 This looks pretty exciting -- but it's kind of like Swiftfoot Boots -- that is to say, awful in Limited, because the creature you put it on already has to be good, and that really limits it's utility.
Bala Ged Recovery
3.5 You'll always play this as a land early, and then in the late game it can get your best card back from the graveyard -- which is often exactly what you want at that stage of the game.
3.5 You'll always play this as a land early, and then in the late game it can get your best card back from the graveyard -- which is often exactly what you want at that stage of the game.
Blood Scrivener
2.5 This is pretty bad until you reach the point where it draws you cards -- at which point it's pretty amazing. But it's pretty bad an early game play.
2.5 This is pretty bad until you reach the point where it draws you cards -- at which point it's pretty amazing. But it's pretty bad an early game play.
Knightly Valor
2.5 This effectively adds 4/4 worth of Vigilance stats to the board, and 2/2 of it basically has Haste. Adding that body to the board really helps offset the downside Auras usually have.
2.5 This effectively adds 4/4 worth of Vigilance stats to the board, and 2/2 of it basically has Haste. Adding that body to the board really helps offset the downside Auras usually have.
Nessian Asp
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
Pilgrim's Eye
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
Tah-Crop Skirmisher
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
Possessed Skaab
3 This is a bit clunky, but it's also a 2-for-1 that usually gets you back a very real card -- like a creature or removal spell.
3 This is a bit clunky, but it's also a 2-for-1 that usually gets you back a very real card -- like a creature or removal spell.
Gateway Plaza
2.5 This is a bit clunky since you need to effectively spend a mana on it, but the gate typing definitely matters.
2.5 This is a bit clunky since you need to effectively spend a mana on it, but the gate typing definitely matters.
Undead Butler
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
Wild Slash
3.5 Shock is always great in Limited, and this is Shock with upside. Killing 3 or 4 mana creatures with this can swing a game wildly in your favor.
3.5 Shock is always great in Limited, and this is Shock with upside. Killing 3 or 4 mana creatures with this can swing a game wildly in your favor.
Selesnya Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Kiora, the Crashing Wave
3.5 Starting with only 2 loyalty is brutal, but her +1 does make it hard for your opponent to kill her. The -1 definitely gives you good value, and if you can get to her ultimate, the game is over.
3.5 Starting with only 2 loyalty is brutal, but her +1 does make it hard for your opponent to kill her. The -1 definitely gives you good value, and if you can get to her ultimate, the game is over.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Dreadbore
Phalanx Tactics
2 This can help you trigger Heroic while buffing yoru whole board, and certainly has it's moments. However, if you don't have Heroic and/or don't have a built out board, it's just a bad combat trick.
2 This can help you trigger Heroic while buffing yoru whole board, and certainly has it's moments. However, if you don't have Heroic and/or don't have a built out board, it's just a bad combat trick.
Ubul Sar Gatekeepers
0 // 3 This is unplayable if you don't have like 6+ gates, but if you do it's a pretty nice payoff.
0 // 3 This is unplayable if you don't have like 6+ gates, but if you do it's a pretty nice payoff.
Sight Beyond Sight
2 This feels pretty bad the turn you cast it, but on the next turn you get the effect again with all of your mana available. Ultimately you get a pretty nice 2-for-1, and probably some spell triggers, too.
2 This feels pretty bad the turn you cast it, but on the next turn you get the effect again with all of your mana available. Ultimately you get a pretty nice 2-for-1, and probably some spell triggers, too.
Seed Guardian
4 Without even trying, this will usually leave behind at least a 1/1, and by the later stages of the game killing this will result in a huge monster token.
4 Without even trying, this will usually leave behind at least a 1/1, and by the later stages of the game killing this will result in a huge monster token.
Ingenious Skaab
3 2/3s with Prowess tend to feel pretty good, as the high toughness that can go even higher makes them tough to block, and the Skaab is a pretty nice threat even when you can't trigger Prowess, because your opponent has to respect it.
3 2/3s with Prowess tend to feel pretty good, as the high toughness that can go even higher makes them tough to block, and the Skaab is a pretty nice threat even when you can't trigger Prowess, because your opponent has to respect it.
Dreadbore
4 Two mana to kill any creature or planeswalker is an incredible deal. This will be extra good when the Planeswalker bonus sheet is around.
4 Two mana to kill any creature or planeswalker is an incredible deal. This will be extra good when the Planeswalker bonus sheet is around.
Leafcrown Dryad
2.5 This feels fine on two, and Bestowing it for 4 is often going to make one of your creatures much more effective.
2.5 This feels fine on two, and Bestowing it for 4 is often going to make one of your creatures much more effective.
Darksteel Ingot
1.5 3-mana mana rocks are rarely good in Limited, but if you really need fixing or ramp, you'll use this.
1.5 3-mana mana rocks are rarely good in Limited, but if you really need fixing or ramp, you'll use this.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Silumgar Butcher
2.5 The stat-line is bad, but there's plenty of fodder in the format -- and in a pinch it can sacrifice itself for the effect.
2.5 The stat-line is bad, but there's plenty of fodder in the format -- and in a pinch it can sacrifice itself for the effect.
Windrider Patrol
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
Bloodfire Enforcers
2 If you have a nice mix of instants and sorceries this can be decent -- it becomes very difficult to block or attack into in combat. But it still dies to super cheap removal, and it frequently won't have these two keywords.
2 If you have a nice mix of instants and sorceries this can be decent -- it becomes very difficult to block or attack into in combat. But it still dies to super cheap removal, and it frequently won't have these two keywords.
Azorius Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Clutch of Currents
3 This is solid when you only spend one mana on it, and great when you can also get a 3/3 out of the deal.
3 This is solid when you only spend one mana on it, and great when you can also get a 3/3 out of the deal.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Dreadbore
Pulse of Murasa
3 This is a great recursive spell because it's an instant, and it gains you a ton of life -- which gives you the time to use the card that you brought back.
3 This is a great recursive spell because it's an instant, and it gains you a ton of life -- which gives you the time to use the card that you brought back.
Tormented Hero
2 This is a fine one drop for Black aggro decks.
2 This is a fine one drop for Black aggro decks.
Stab Wound
3.5 This can outright kill something small, but it's almost better when you put it on a creature that doesn't die. Turning a 4/4 into a 2/2 is usually enough to take away it's relevance, and Stab Wound can bleed your opponent out surprisingly quickly.
3.5 This can outright kill something small, but it's almost better when you put it on a creature that doesn't die. Turning a 4/4 into a 2/2 is usually enough to take away it's relevance, and Stab Wound can bleed your opponent out surprisingly quickly.
Treasure Cruise
0 // 3.5 You need a graveyard deck, but if you have a good enough one this basically becomes Ancestral Recall.
0 // 3.5 You need a graveyard deck, but if you have a good enough one this basically becomes Ancestral Recall.
Dreadbore
4 Two mana to kill any creature or planeswalker is an incredible deal. This will be extra good when the Planeswalker bonus sheet is around.
4 Two mana to kill any creature or planeswalker is an incredible deal. This will be extra good when the Planeswalker bonus sheet is around.
Essence Scatter
3 This counters most spells and is easy to cast. It can generate some great tempo.
3 This counters most spells and is easy to cast. It can generate some great tempo.
Akoum Warrior
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
Imperious Oligarch
3.5 This is ultimately 2 mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer. While you don't get both of those at the same time, the fact remains that you are getting a great rate.
3.5 This is ultimately 2 mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer. While you don't get both of those at the same time, the fact remains that you are getting a great rate.
Nantuko Husk
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
Audacity
3 This offers a buff that makes most creatures into decent attackers, and it doesn't really matter if your opponent trades for that creature because you get to draw a card.
3 This offers a buff that makes most creatures into decent attackers, and it doesn't really matter if your opponent trades for that creature because you get to draw a card.
Keening Apparition
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
Dimir Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Ovalchase Daredevil
1 // 3.5 This was pretty good back in Kaladesh, but that was an artifact-heavy set. This one isn't. Still, even with just like 3 artifacts in your deck it's a pretty good card, since a 4/2 is relevant virtually all game long.
1 // 3.5 This was pretty good back in Kaladesh, but that was an artifact-heavy set. This one isn't. Still, even with just like 3 artifacts in your deck it's a pretty good card, since a 4/2 is relevant virtually all game long.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Wild Slash
Sin Collector
1 This will wiff most of the time, although it'll probably be a little bit better when the spell bonus sheet is around.
1 This will wiff most of the time, although it'll probably be a little bit better when the spell bonus sheet is around.
Triplicate Spirits
4 This was an amazing card last time we saw it, as you can usually get those spirits for very little mana. They get better in multiples too!
4 This was an amazing card last time we saw it, as you can usually get those spirits for very little mana. They get better in multiples too!
Gurmag Angler
1 // 3.0 If you are good at loading your graveyard, the Angler is a pretty nice payoff. It's just a big vanilla creature, but playing one of those for 1-3 mana is pretty nice.
1 // 3.0 If you are good at loading your graveyard, the Angler is a pretty nice payoff. It's just a big vanilla creature, but playing one of those for 1-3 mana is pretty nice.
Hero of Iroas
3.5 The baseline here is nice, and the format has enough ways to target him -- including Auras -- that the upside is very accessible.
3.5 The baseline here is nice, and the format has enough ways to target him -- including Auras -- that the upside is very accessible.
Gateway Plaza
2.5 This is a bit clunky since you need to effectively spend a mana on it, but the gate typing definitely matters.
2.5 This is a bit clunky since you need to effectively spend a mana on it, but the gate typing definitely matters.
Leafcrown Dryad
2.5 This feels fine on two, and Bestowing it for 4 is often going to make one of your creatures much more effective.
2.5 This feels fine on two, and Bestowing it for 4 is often going to make one of your creatures much more effective.
Knightly Valor
2.5 This effectively adds 4/4 worth of Vigilance stats to the board, and 2/2 of it basically has Haste. Adding that body to the board really helps offset the downside Auras usually have.
2.5 This effectively adds 4/4 worth of Vigilance stats to the board, and 2/2 of it basically has Haste. Adding that body to the board really helps offset the downside Auras usually have.
Wild Slash
3.5 Shock is always great in Limited, and this is Shock with upside. Killing 3 or 4 mana creatures with this can swing a game wildly in your favor.
3.5 Shock is always great in Limited, and this is Shock with upside. Killing 3 or 4 mana creatures with this can swing a game wildly in your favor.
Lyev Skyknight
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
Treasure Cruise
0 // 3.5 You need a graveyard deck, but if you have a good enough one this basically becomes Ancestral Recall.
0 // 3.5 You need a graveyard deck, but if you have a good enough one this basically becomes Ancestral Recall.
Simic Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Clutch of Currents
3 This is solid when you only spend one mana on it, and great when you can also get a 3/3 out of the deal.
3 This is solid when you only spend one mana on it, and great when you can also get a 3/3 out of the deal.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Heart-Piercer Manticore
Azorius Charm
4 This is a very nice removal spell that happens to have two other useful modes.
4 This is a very nice removal spell that happens to have two other useful modes.
Heart-Piercer Manticore
1.5 This underperformed pretty hard last time we saw it. It's because it has some awkward tension. If you have a creature that is big enough to kill something big of your opponent's well...you probably don't want to sacrifice it. And sacrificing something that is fodder is likely to result in a very minimal effect.
1.5 This underperformed pretty hard last time we saw it. It's because it has some awkward tension. If you have a creature that is big enough to kill something big of your opponent's well...you probably don't want to sacrifice it. And sacrificing something that is fodder is likely to result in a very minimal effect.
Knightly Valor
2.5 This effectively adds 4/4 worth of Vigilance stats to the board, and 2/2 of it basically has Haste. Adding that body to the board really helps offset the downside Auras usually have.
2.5 This effectively adds 4/4 worth of Vigilance stats to the board, and 2/2 of it basically has Haste. Adding that body to the board really helps offset the downside Auras usually have.
Makindi Sliderunner
2 A two mana 2/1 trample is bad -- and a two mana 3/2 trample isn't insane either. This makes you jump through hoops to get there.
2 A two mana 2/1 trample is bad -- and a two mana 3/2 trample isn't insane either. This makes you jump through hoops to get there.
Nantuko Husk
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
Essence Scatter
3 This counters most spells and is easy to cast. It can generate some great tempo.
3 This counters most spells and is easy to cast. It can generate some great tempo.
Selesnya Charm
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
Pilgrim's Eye
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
Lyev Skyknight
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
Nessian Asp
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
Smash to Smithereens
0.5 This is a sideboard card. There aren't enough artifacts in this format for it to be main deck material -- but when your opponent has a few targets for it, it's pretty good.
0.5 This is a sideboard card. There aren't enough artifacts in this format for it to be main deck material -- but when your opponent has a few targets for it, it's pretty good.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Kraul Harpooner
Conclave Naturalists
0.5 This is a great sideboard card, but there aren't enough enchantments or artifacts in this set for it to be good in the main deck.
0.5 This is a great sideboard card, but there aren't enough enchantments or artifacts in this set for it to be good in the main deck.
Kraul Harpooner
2.5 This ETB usually results in the Harpooner dying too, but if you're paying 2 to kill a big flyer you're going to be happy with that. And when you can't use the ETB, it's still a solid 2 drop.
2.5 This ETB usually results in the Harpooner dying too, but if you're paying 2 to kill a big flyer you're going to be happy with that. And when you can't use the ETB, it's still a solid 2 drop.
Heart-Piercer Manticore
1.5 This underperformed pretty hard last time we saw it. It's because it has some awkward tension. If you have a creature that is big enough to kill something big of your opponent's well...you probably don't want to sacrifice it. And sacrificing something that is fodder is likely to result in a very minimal effect.
1.5 This underperformed pretty hard last time we saw it. It's because it has some awkward tension. If you have a creature that is big enough to kill something big of your opponent's well...you probably don't want to sacrifice it. And sacrificing something that is fodder is likely to result in a very minimal effect.
Pilgrim's Eye
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Khalni Ambush
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
Akroan Crusader
2 This is a solid Heroic trigger, but the ones that make a creature better in combat are the truly backbreaking ones.
2 This is a solid Heroic trigger, but the ones that make a creature better in combat are the truly backbreaking ones.
Devour Flesh
2 Edicts are nice, but letting your opponent gain life isn't the best. You can use it to gain life yourself in a pinch, but if you're forced to 2-for-1 yourself like that, you're probably losing.
2 Edicts are nice, but letting your opponent gain life isn't the best. You can use it to gain life yourself in a pinch, but if you're forced to 2-for-1 yourself like that, you're probably losing.
Dimir Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Oath of Jace
1.5 This is a mediocre draw spell as a baseline, so you probably need some Planeswalkers to get it going. Even with the "Planeswalker" bonus sheet, though, it's unlikely you have more than 2.
1.5 This is a mediocre draw spell as a baseline, so you probably need some Planeswalkers to get it going. Even with the "Planeswalker" bonus sheet, though, it's unlikely you have more than 2.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Priest of the Blood Rite
Priest of the Blood Rite
4 5-mana for a 5/5 flyer and a 2/2 is pretty great, and Black has plenty of ways to get rid of the 2/2 so you can shut off the downside. Your opponent often won't want to block or attack into the 2/2 either -- which is itself a disadvantage.
4 5-mana for a 5/5 flyer and a 2/2 is pretty great, and Black has plenty of ways to get rid of the 2/2 so you can shut off the downside. Your opponent often won't want to block or attack into the 2/2 either -- which is itself a disadvantage.
Possessed Skaab
3 This is a bit clunky, but it's also a 2-for-1 that usually gets you back a very real card -- like a creature or removal spell.
3 This is a bit clunky, but it's also a 2-for-1 that usually gets you back a very real card -- like a creature or removal spell.
Dragon Mantle
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
Evolving Wilds
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
Silundi Vision
2 This is super situational, and not all decks will really be able to get a card out of it. But in decks that can, it's a land with some pretty solid upside.
2 This is super situational, and not all decks will really be able to get a card out of it. But in decks that can, it's a land with some pretty solid upside.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a very nice trick because it's so cheap, and great in combat or against removal.
2.5 This is a very nice trick because it's so cheap, and great in combat or against removal.
Artful Maneuver
1.5 This is pretty expensive for the buff, and while Rebound does mean you get it twice -- the second time your opponent knows it's coming.
1.5 This is pretty expensive for the buff, and while Rebound does mean you get it twice -- the second time your opponent knows it's coming.
Orzhov Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Cavern Lampad
2 As with many Bestow cards, both modes are kind of underwhelming, but the modality keeps it from being terrible.
2 As with many Bestow cards, both modes are kind of underwhelming, but the modality keeps it from being terrible.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Rakdos Guildgate
Sin Collector
1 This will wiff most of the time, although it'll probably be a little bit better when the spell bonus sheet is around.
1 This will wiff most of the time, although it'll probably be a little bit better when the spell bonus sheet is around.
Read the Bones
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
Sanitarium Skeleton
0 // 2.5 If you've got a sacrifice deck, this is a decent build around since it can constantly give you fodder, albeit inefficiently.
0 // 2.5 If you've got a sacrifice deck, this is a decent build around since it can constantly give you fodder, albeit inefficiently.
Windrider Patrol
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
Nemesis of Mortals
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
Devour Flesh
2 Edicts are nice, but letting your opponent gain life isn't the best. You can use it to gain life yourself in a pinch, but if you're forced to 2-for-1 yourself like that, you're probably losing.
2 Edicts are nice, but letting your opponent gain life isn't the best. You can use it to gain life yourself in a pinch, but if you're forced to 2-for-1 yourself like that, you're probably losing.
Rakdos Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Goblin Heelcutter
3.5 This was an excellent Common last time we saw it. Turning off blockers is an aggro deck's dream, and the Heelcutter can Dash in and do it every turn. Your opponent also has to account for it every single turn, or risk dying.
3.5 This was an excellent Common last time we saw it. Turning off blockers is an aggro deck's dream, and the Heelcutter can Dash in and do it every turn. Your opponent also has to account for it every single turn, or risk dying.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Bala Ged Recovery
Hopeful Eidolon
2.5 Neither mode of this card is all that good individually, but the flexibility is nice.
2.5 Neither mode of this card is all that good individually, but the flexibility is nice.
Alpha Authority
1 This looks pretty exciting -- but it's kind of like Swiftfoot Boots -- that is to say, awful in Limited, because the creature you put it on already has to be good, and that really limits it's utility.
1 This looks pretty exciting -- but it's kind of like Swiftfoot Boots -- that is to say, awful in Limited, because the creature you put it on already has to be good, and that really limits it's utility.
Bala Ged Recovery
3.5 You'll always play this as a land early, and then in the late game it can get your best card back from the graveyard -- which is often exactly what you want at that stage of the game.
3.5 You'll always play this as a land early, and then in the late game it can get your best card back from the graveyard -- which is often exactly what you want at that stage of the game.
Nessian Asp
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
Tah-Crop Skirmisher
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
Undead Butler
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
Selesnya Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Leafcrown Dryad
Sight Beyond Sight
2 This feels pretty bad the turn you cast it, but on the next turn you get the effect again with all of your mana available. Ultimately you get a pretty nice 2-for-1, and probably some spell triggers, too.
2 This feels pretty bad the turn you cast it, but on the next turn you get the effect again with all of your mana available. Ultimately you get a pretty nice 2-for-1, and probably some spell triggers, too.
Ingenious Skaab
3 2/3s with Prowess tend to feel pretty good, as the high toughness that can go even higher makes them tough to block, and the Skaab is a pretty nice threat even when you can't trigger Prowess, because your opponent has to respect it.
3 2/3s with Prowess tend to feel pretty good, as the high toughness that can go even higher makes them tough to block, and the Skaab is a pretty nice threat even when you can't trigger Prowess, because your opponent has to respect it.
Leafcrown Dryad
2.5 This feels fine on two, and Bestowing it for 4 is often going to make one of your creatures much more effective.
2.5 This feels fine on two, and Bestowing it for 4 is often going to make one of your creatures much more effective.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Silumgar Butcher
2.5 The stat-line is bad, but there's plenty of fodder in the format -- and in a pinch it can sacrifice itself for the effect.
2.5 The stat-line is bad, but there's plenty of fodder in the format -- and in a pinch it can sacrifice itself for the effect.
Windrider Patrol
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Stab Wound
Tormented Hero
2 This is a fine one drop for Black aggro decks.
2 This is a fine one drop for Black aggro decks.
Stab Wound
3.5 This can outright kill something small, but it's almost better when you put it on a creature that doesn't die. Turning a 4/4 into a 2/2 is usually enough to take away it's relevance, and Stab Wound can bleed your opponent out surprisingly quickly.
3.5 This can outright kill something small, but it's almost better when you put it on a creature that doesn't die. Turning a 4/4 into a 2/2 is usually enough to take away it's relevance, and Stab Wound can bleed your opponent out surprisingly quickly.
Akoum Warrior
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
Nantuko Husk
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
Ovalchase Daredevil
1 // 3.5 This was pretty good back in Kaladesh, but that was an artifact-heavy set. This one isn't. Still, even with just like 3 artifacts in your deck it's a pretty good card, since a 4/2 is relevant virtually all game long.
1 // 3.5 This was pretty good back in Kaladesh, but that was an artifact-heavy set. This one isn't. Still, even with just like 3 artifacts in your deck it's a pretty good card, since a 4/2 is relevant virtually all game long.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Gateway Plaza
Sin Collector
1 This will wiff most of the time, although it'll probably be a little bit better when the spell bonus sheet is around.
1 This will wiff most of the time, although it'll probably be a little bit better when the spell bonus sheet is around.
Gateway Plaza
2.5 This is a bit clunky since you need to effectively spend a mana on it, but the gate typing definitely matters.
2.5 This is a bit clunky since you need to effectively spend a mana on it, but the gate typing definitely matters.
Knightly Valor
2.5 This effectively adds 4/4 worth of Vigilance stats to the board, and 2/2 of it basically has Haste. Adding that body to the board really helps offset the downside Auras usually have.
2.5 This effectively adds 4/4 worth of Vigilance stats to the board, and 2/2 of it basically has Haste. Adding that body to the board really helps offset the downside Auras usually have.
Lyev Skyknight
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Nantuko Husk
Azorius Charm
4 This is a very nice removal spell that happens to have two other useful modes.
4 This is a very nice removal spell that happens to have two other useful modes.
Nantuko Husk
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
Selesnya Charm
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Devour Flesh
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Devour Flesh
2 Edicts are nice, but letting your opponent gain life isn't the best. You can use it to gain life yourself in a pinch, but if you're forced to 2-for-1 yourself like that, you're probably losing.
2 Edicts are nice, but letting your opponent gain life isn't the best. You can use it to gain life yourself in a pinch, but if you're forced to 2-for-1 yourself like that, you're probably losing.
Pack 1 Pick 15: Cavern Lampad
Cavern Lampad
2 As with many Bestow cards, both modes are kind of underwhelming, but the modality keeps it from being terrible.
2 As with many Bestow cards, both modes are kind of underwhelming, but the modality keeps it from being terrible.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Draconic Roar
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar
5 Those 2/2 tokens are great at protecting him, and where you get most of the value here -- but the fact he can also rumble and give you an anthem emblem is great -- he can even give you the emblem the turn he comes down!
5 Those 2/2 tokens are great at protecting him, and where you get most of the value here -- but the fact he can also rumble and give you an anthem emblem is great -- he can even give you the emblem the turn he comes down!
Draconic Roar
4 Two mana deal 3s are always great, and sometimes you'll be able to bolt your opponent in the face, too.
4 Two mana deal 3s are always great, and sometimes you'll be able to bolt your opponent in the face, too.
Zulaport Cutthroat
3 There are several free sacrifice outlets in the format that can run wild with this, and the effect is pretty solid anyway.
3 There are several free sacrifice outlets in the format that can run wild with this, and the effect is pretty solid anyway.
Furious Rise
1.5 This wasn't very good last time, and I don't think it will be here, either. It does stone nothing on it's own, and that's a pretty big liability.
1.5 This wasn't very good last time, and I don't think it will be here, either. It does stone nothing on it's own, and that's a pretty big liability.
Scion of Ugin
1 A 6-mana 4/4 flyer doesn't real move the needle in Limited these days.
1 A 6-mana 4/4 flyer doesn't real move the needle in Limited these days.
Nivix Cyclops
2 This will be able to rumble as a 4/4 a decent chunk of the time in Blue-Red, but you're only getting a slightly above-rate deal when that's the case.
2 This will be able to rumble as a 4/4 a decent chunk of the time in Blue-Red, but you're only getting a slightly above-rate deal when that's the case.
Lagonna-Band Trailblazer
2 A one mana 0/4 is kind of brutal, but buffing this is plenty doable in the format.
2 A one mana 0/4 is kind of brutal, but buffing this is plenty doable in the format.
Windrider Patrol
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
Baleful Eidolon
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
Akoum Warrior
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
Gladecover Scout
1 // 3.5 This is a great creature to augment thanks to hexproof, but it's very bad if you can't do that.
1 // 3.5 This is a great creature to augment thanks to hexproof, but it's very bad if you can't do that.
Selesnya Charm
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Selesnya Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Cavern Lampad
2 As with many Bestow cards, both modes are kind of underwhelming, but the modality keeps it from being terrible.
2 As with many Bestow cards, both modes are kind of underwhelming, but the modality keeps it from being terrible.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Fight with Fire
Steam Augury
3 I don't love that this doesn't add to the board, but it's usually going to draw you a few card and stock your graveyard.
3 I don't love that this doesn't add to the board, but it's usually going to draw you a few card and stock your graveyard.
Catacomb Sifter
4 This gives you so much value for three mana. Just getting a 2/3 and a 1/1 for that cost is a slam dunk, and this 1/1 can produce mana and you get some Scry triggers, too.
4 This gives you so much value for three mana. Just getting a 2/3 and a 1/1 for that cost is a slam dunk, and this 1/1 can produce mana and you get some Scry triggers, too.
Dark Deal
0 This kind of card is almost never going to do something good. Sure, maybe you make your opponent discard some cards they wanted to hold on to, but that upside is negated by the fact that you are the one who used the card -- and it's just as likely that they draw into what they were looking for.
0 This kind of card is almost never going to do something good. Sure, maybe you make your opponent discard some cards they wanted to hold on to, but that upside is negated by the fact that you are the one who used the card -- and it's just as likely that they draw into what they were looking for.
Fight with Fire
4 Three mana to deal 5 is already a card you'd always play, and this has absolutely absurd late-game upside.
4 Three mana to deal 5 is already a card you'd always play, and this has absolutely absurd late-game upside.
Skyrider Elf
2.5 This is a two mana 2/2 Flyer at worst, and with Gates in the format it isn't impossible for it to be a 4-mana 4/4 flyer or a 5-mana 5/5 flyer.
2.5 This is a two mana 2/2 Flyer at worst, and with Gates in the format it isn't impossible for it to be a 4-mana 4/4 flyer or a 5-mana 5/5 flyer.
Tah-Crop Skirmisher
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
Lotus-Eye Mystics
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
Khalni Ambush
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
Akoum Warrior
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
Mizzium Skin
2.5 This is a nice cheap way to blank removal, and sometimes it can even win combat.
2.5 This is a nice cheap way to blank removal, and sometimes it can even win combat.
Savage Punch
3 When you have Ferocious this is incredible. When you don't, it's pretty bad. Good news is, Green decks will often get there on Ferocious.
3 When you have Ferocious this is incredible. When you don't, it's pretty bad. Good news is, Green decks will often get there on Ferocious.
Sanitarium Skeleton
0 // 2.5 If you've got a sacrifice deck, this is a decent build around since it can constantly give you fodder, albeit inefficiently.
0 // 2.5 If you've got a sacrifice deck, this is a decent build around since it can constantly give you fodder, albeit inefficiently.
Orzhov Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Nissa's Pilgrimage
2 Paying three to ramp your mana and not add to the board can be a liability, but this is a pretty potent way to do it, especially if you have spellmastery.
2 Paying three to ramp your mana and not add to the board can be a liability, but this is a pretty potent way to do it, especially if you have spellmastery.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Undead Butler
Needle Spires
4 A 2/1 with double strike is a body your opponent always has to respect. When a land has that relevant of a body in the late game, it feels almost like a 2-for-1.
4 A 2/1 with double strike is a body your opponent always has to respect. When a land has that relevant of a body in the late game, it feels almost like a 2-for-1.
Aqueous Form
1.5 Even in a format with an Aura/Heroic theme, I'm skeptical of this being worth a card in most cases. You open yourself up to a very real risk of a 2-for-1, and the payoff is pretty medium.
1.5 Even in a format with an Aura/Heroic theme, I'm skeptical of this being worth a card in most cases. You open yourself up to a very real risk of a 2-for-1, and the payoff is pretty medium.
Pulse of Murasa
3 This is a great recursive spell because it's an instant, and it gains you a ton of life -- which gives you the time to use the card that you brought back.
3 This is a great recursive spell because it's an instant, and it gains you a ton of life -- which gives you the time to use the card that you brought back.
Brineborn Cutthroat
2 A two mana 2/1 with Flash really isn't worth playing, but if you have enough ways to grow it, it ends up being a solid card.
2 A two mana 2/1 with Flash really isn't worth playing, but if you have enough ways to grow it, it ends up being a solid card.
Unflinching Courage
1.5 // 3.5 It's a little risky playing this on just any creature, although the lifelink does mean you can usually get some value out of it before your opponent 2-for-1s you by destroying your creature. But if you have some of the hexproof creatures in the set, this can be a devastating play.
1.5 // 3.5 It's a little risky playing this on just any creature, although the lifelink does mean you can usually get some value out of it before your opponent 2-for-1s you by destroying your creature. But if you have some of the hexproof creatures in the set, this can be a devastating play.
Dragon Mantle
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
Undead Butler
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
Lotus-Eye Mystics
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
Lyev Skyknight
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
Opal Lake Gatekeepers
0 // 2.5 This is a solid build around for gates decks, where it's virtually always a 2-for-1.
0 // 2.5 This is a solid build around for gates decks, where it's virtually always a 2-for-1.
Windrider Patrol
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
Savage Punch
3 When you have Ferocious this is incredible. When you don't, it's pretty bad. Good news is, Green decks will often get there on Ferocious.
3 When you have Ferocious this is incredible. When you don't, it's pretty bad. Good news is, Green decks will often get there on Ferocious.
Crumble to Dust
0.0 Land destruction is rarely where you want to be in Limited, and even with a Gate theme this will typically be a blank and/or irrelevant card.
0.0 Land destruction is rarely where you want to be in Limited, and even with a Gate theme this will typically be a blank and/or irrelevant card.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Scab-Clan Berserker
Secure the Wastes
5 This always gives you a great deal, and at instant speed! It can allow you to really devastate an opposing attack, or simply add so many bodies to the board that your opponent can never come back from it.
5 This always gives you a great deal, and at instant speed! It can allow you to really devastate an opposing attack, or simply add so many bodies to the board that your opponent can never come back from it.
Scab-Clan Berserker
3 Getting in with this isn't always easy, but when it does it becomes a very good creature that is likely to punish your opponent once or twice.
3 Getting in with this isn't always easy, but when it does it becomes a very good creature that is likely to punish your opponent once or twice.
Extricator of Sin
3 Turning a land or something else expendable into a 3/2 is pretty sweet, and once it transforms it maintains the ability to churn out tokens while granting itself and all those tokens Vigilance.
3 Turning a land or something else expendable into a 3/2 is pretty sweet, and once it transforms it maintains the ability to churn out tokens while granting itself and all those tokens Vigilance.
Aqueous Form
1.5 Even in a format with an Aura/Heroic theme, I'm skeptical of this being worth a card in most cases. You open yourself up to a very real risk of a 2-for-1, and the payoff is pretty medium.
1.5 Even in a format with an Aura/Heroic theme, I'm skeptical of this being worth a card in most cases. You open yourself up to a very real risk of a 2-for-1, and the payoff is pretty medium.
Spawning Bed
2.5 This isn't great for you mana early, but having a land that turns into 3 1/1s is worth the hit to your mana base sometimes.
2.5 This isn't great for you mana early, but having a land that turns into 3 1/1s is worth the hit to your mana base sometimes.
Lotus-Eye Mystics
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
Treasure Cruise
0 // 3.5 You need a graveyard deck, but if you have a good enough one this basically becomes Ancestral Recall.
0 // 3.5 You need a graveyard deck, but if you have a good enough one this basically becomes Ancestral Recall.
Devour Flesh
2 Edicts are nice, but letting your opponent gain life isn't the best. You can use it to gain life yourself in a pinch, but if you're forced to 2-for-1 yourself like that, you're probably losing.
2 Edicts are nice, but letting your opponent gain life isn't the best. You can use it to gain life yourself in a pinch, but if you're forced to 2-for-1 yourself like that, you're probably losing.
Returned Centaur
1.5 The stat-line is bad, and there are better ways to load the graveyard in the format.
1.5 The stat-line is bad, and there are better ways to load the graveyard in the format.
Imperious Oligarch
3.5 This is ultimately 2 mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer. While you don't get both of those at the same time, the fact remains that you are getting a great rate.
3.5 This is ultimately 2 mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer. While you don't get both of those at the same time, the fact remains that you are getting a great rate.
Boundary Lands Ranger
3 This has a solid baseline and can really let you dig deeper into your deck by the mid-game.
3 This has a solid baseline and can really let you dig deeper into your deck by the mid-game.
Baleful Eidolon
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Fall of the Hammer
Bala Ged Recovery
3.5 You'll always play this as a land early, and then in the late game it can get your best card back from the graveyard -- which is often exactly what you want at that stage of the game.
3.5 You'll always play this as a land early, and then in the late game it can get your best card back from the graveyard -- which is often exactly what you want at that stage of the game.
Cartel Aristocrat
3.5 This is a great sacrifice outlet, and protection is pretty good at keeping it alive and/or allowing it to get in for damage.
3.5 This is a great sacrifice outlet, and protection is pretty good at keeping it alive and/or allowing it to get in for damage.
Nemesis of Mortals
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
Fall of the Hammer
3.5 Getting this effect at instant speed for two mana has always played well. Sure, you need a creature -- and you have to be careful not to play it when your opponent can interact, but because it's an instant finding that window isn't too hard.
3.5 Getting this effect at instant speed for two mana has always played well. Sure, you need a creature -- and you have to be careful not to play it when your opponent can interact, but because it's an instant finding that window isn't too hard.
Baleful Eidolon
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
Heliod's Pilgrim
0 // 3 If you don't have a few Enchantments to get with this, it's unplayable. If you do have some Enchantments -- especially if they are creatures or removal spells -- this ends up being a really good Common.
0 // 3 If you don't have a few Enchantments to get with this, it's unplayable. If you do have some Enchantments -- especially if they are creatures or removal spells -- this ends up being a really good Common.
Nessian Asp
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
Sejiri Shelter
2.5 This is a more situational modal double-faced land, but it's always nice when a land has the potential to be a real card.
2.5 This is a more situational modal double-faced land, but it's always nice when a land has the potential to be a real card.
Gurmag Angler
1 // 3.0 If you are good at loading your graveyard, the Angler is a pretty nice payoff. It's just a big vanilla creature, but playing one of those for 1-3 mana is pretty nice.
1 // 3.0 If you are good at loading your graveyard, the Angler is a pretty nice payoff. It's just a big vanilla creature, but playing one of those for 1-3 mana is pretty nice.
Ghostblade Eidolon
1.5 A three mana 1/1 with double strike is way too fragile to be great, and paying 6 for +1/+1 and double strike doesn't really move the needle either.
1.5 A three mana 1/1 with double strike is way too fragile to be great, and paying 6 for +1/+1 and double strike doesn't really move the needle either.
Call the Gatewatch
0 // 1.5 There's going to be a planeswalker bonus sheet during part of this set's run, and when that's the case it might be sort of kind of playable, but you're still basically paying 3 extra mana for it, which tends to make a card a lot worse.
0 // 1.5 There's going to be a planeswalker bonus sheet during part of this set's run, and when that's the case it might be sort of kind of playable, but you're still basically paying 3 extra mana for it, which tends to make a card a lot worse.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Undead Butler
Quicken
1.5 It replace itself so that it's not a complete dud, but you just don't have this and a Sorcery worth giving Flash to in your hand often enough for it to be very good.
1.5 It replace itself so that it's not a complete dud, but you just don't have this and a Sorcery worth giving Flash to in your hand often enough for it to be very good.
Bloodfire Enforcers
2 If you have a nice mix of instants and sorceries this can be decent -- it becomes very difficult to block or attack into in combat. But it still dies to super cheap removal, and it frequently won't have these two keywords.
2 If you have a nice mix of instants and sorceries this can be decent -- it becomes very difficult to block or attack into in combat. But it still dies to super cheap removal, and it frequently won't have these two keywords.
Undead Butler
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
Lagonna-Band Trailblazer
2 A one mana 0/4 is kind of brutal, but buffing this is plenty doable in the format.
2 A one mana 0/4 is kind of brutal, but buffing this is plenty doable in the format.
Ghostblade Eidolon
1.5 A three mana 1/1 with double strike is way too fragile to be great, and paying 6 for +1/+1 and double strike doesn't really move the needle either.
1.5 A three mana 1/1 with double strike is way too fragile to be great, and paying 6 for +1/+1 and double strike doesn't really move the needle either.
Akoum Warrior
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
Selesnya Charm
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
Unravel the Aether
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material in the format. You can't count on there being a permanent it can hit.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material in the format. You can't count on there being a permanent it can hit.
Keening Apparition
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
Stampeding Elk Herd
2.5 This brings 5 power to the baord on it's own, so getting Formidable is certainly doable.
2.5 This brings 5 power to the baord on it's own, so getting Formidable is certainly doable.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Gruul Guildgate
Sphere of Safety
0 Even if you have lots of Enchantments, this is a card that doesn't add to the board in any meaningful way, and it's not even guaranteed to keep your opponent from killing you.
0 Even if you have lots of Enchantments, this is a card that doesn't add to the board in any meaningful way, and it's not even guaranteed to keep your opponent from killing you.
Hopeful Eidolon
2.5 Neither mode of this card is all that good individually, but the flexibility is nice.
2.5 Neither mode of this card is all that good individually, but the flexibility is nice.
Zendikar Incarnate
2 This is just a big vanilla creature. It'll never feel bad, but it'll never feel great either.
2 This is just a big vanilla creature. It'll never feel bad, but it'll never feel great either.
Selesnya Charm
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
Mizzium Skin
2.5 This is a nice cheap way to blank removal, and sometimes it can even win combat.
2.5 This is a nice cheap way to blank removal, and sometimes it can even win combat.
Keening Apparition
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
Dragon Mantle
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
Gruul Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Stampeding Elk Herd
2.5 This brings 5 power to the baord on it's own, so getting Formidable is certainly doable.
2.5 This brings 5 power to the baord on it's own, so getting Formidable is certainly doable.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Fall of the Hammer
Quicken
1.5 It replace itself so that it's not a complete dud, but you just don't have this and a Sorcery worth giving Flash to in your hand often enough for it to be very good.
1.5 It replace itself so that it's not a complete dud, but you just don't have this and a Sorcery worth giving Flash to in your hand often enough for it to be very good.
Mizzium Skin
2.5 This is a nice cheap way to blank removal, and sometimes it can even win combat.
2.5 This is a nice cheap way to blank removal, and sometimes it can even win combat.
Nemesis of Mortals
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
Fall of the Hammer
3.5 Getting this effect at instant speed for two mana has always played well. Sure, you need a creature -- and you have to be careful not to play it when your opponent can interact, but because it's an instant finding that window isn't too hard.
3.5 Getting this effect at instant speed for two mana has always played well. Sure, you need a creature -- and you have to be careful not to play it when your opponent can interact, but because it's an instant finding that window isn't too hard.
Akoum Warrior
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
2.5 You'd never play a card that's always a 6-mana 4/5 trample, but this is a land in the early game -- and it's a land that if you draw late, adds a pretty real body to the board.
Ghostblade Eidolon
1.5 A three mana 1/1 with double strike is way too fragile to be great, and paying 6 for +1/+1 and double strike doesn't really move the needle either.
1.5 A three mana 1/1 with double strike is way too fragile to be great, and paying 6 for +1/+1 and double strike doesn't really move the needle either.
Selesnya Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Skyreaping
0.5 Your deck needs to not have flyers and you need to be able to get your devotion reasonably high AND your opponent has to have a decent number of flyers, otherwise this is irrelevant.
0.5 Your deck needs to not have flyers and you need to be able to get your devotion reasonably high AND your opponent has to have a decent number of flyers, otherwise this is irrelevant.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Furious Rise
Furious Rise
1.5 This wasn't very good last time, and I don't think it will be here, either. It does stone nothing on it's own, and that's a pretty big liability.
1.5 This wasn't very good last time, and I don't think it will be here, either. It does stone nothing on it's own, and that's a pretty big liability.
Scion of Ugin
1 A 6-mana 4/4 flyer doesn't real move the needle in Limited these days.
1 A 6-mana 4/4 flyer doesn't real move the needle in Limited these days.
Nivix Cyclops
2 This will be able to rumble as a 4/4 a decent chunk of the time in Blue-Red, but you're only getting a slightly above-rate deal when that's the case.
2 This will be able to rumble as a 4/4 a decent chunk of the time in Blue-Red, but you're only getting a slightly above-rate deal when that's the case.
Gladecover Scout
1 // 3.5 This is a great creature to augment thanks to hexproof, but it's very bad if you can't do that.
1 // 3.5 This is a great creature to augment thanks to hexproof, but it's very bad if you can't do that.
Selesnya Charm
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
3.5 Making a 2/2 for two is fine, and while the other two modes are more situational, they are both great in the right situation.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Cavern Lampad
2 As with many Bestow cards, both modes are kind of underwhelming, but the modality keeps it from being terrible.
2 As with many Bestow cards, both modes are kind of underwhelming, but the modality keeps it from being terrible.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Dark Deal
Steam Augury
3 I don't love that this doesn't add to the board, but it's usually going to draw you a few card and stock your graveyard.
3 I don't love that this doesn't add to the board, but it's usually going to draw you a few card and stock your graveyard.
Dark Deal
0 This kind of card is almost never going to do something good. Sure, maybe you make your opponent discard some cards they wanted to hold on to, but that upside is negated by the fact that you are the one who used the card -- and it's just as likely that they draw into what they were looking for.
0 This kind of card is almost never going to do something good. Sure, maybe you make your opponent discard some cards they wanted to hold on to, but that upside is negated by the fact that you are the one who used the card -- and it's just as likely that they draw into what they were looking for.
Tah-Crop Skirmisher
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
Lotus-Eye Mystics
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
Mizzium Skin
2.5 This is a nice cheap way to blank removal, and sometimes it can even win combat.
2.5 This is a nice cheap way to blank removal, and sometimes it can even win combat.
Sanitarium Skeleton
0 // 2.5 If you've got a sacrifice deck, this is a decent build around since it can constantly give you fodder, albeit inefficiently.
0 // 2.5 If you've got a sacrifice deck, this is a decent build around since it can constantly give you fodder, albeit inefficiently.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Brineborn Cutthroat
Brineborn Cutthroat
2 A two mana 2/1 with Flash really isn't worth playing, but if you have enough ways to grow it, it ends up being a solid card.
2 A two mana 2/1 with Flash really isn't worth playing, but if you have enough ways to grow it, it ends up being a solid card.
Lotus-Eye Mystics
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
Lyev Skyknight
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
Windrider Patrol
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
2 This is a bit overcosted, but the combat damage trigger is nice.
Crumble to Dust
0.0 Land destruction is rarely where you want to be in Limited, and even with a Gate theme this will typically be a blank and/or irrelevant card.
0.0 Land destruction is rarely where you want to be in Limited, and even with a Gate theme this will typically be a blank and/or irrelevant card.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Spawning Bed
Extricator of Sin
3 Turning a land or something else expendable into a 3/2 is pretty sweet, and once it transforms it maintains the ability to churn out tokens while granting itself and all those tokens Vigilance.
3 Turning a land or something else expendable into a 3/2 is pretty sweet, and once it transforms it maintains the ability to churn out tokens while granting itself and all those tokens Vigilance.
Spawning Bed
2.5 This isn't great for you mana early, but having a land that turns into 3 1/1s is worth the hit to your mana base sometimes.
2.5 This isn't great for you mana early, but having a land that turns into 3 1/1s is worth the hit to your mana base sometimes.
Lotus-Eye Mystics
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
2 The stat-line is bad, and even in a format with a decent number of Enchantments, you frequently don't have one to get back.
Returned Centaur
1.5 The stat-line is bad, and there are better ways to load the graveyard in the format.
1.5 The stat-line is bad, and there are better ways to load the graveyard in the format.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Baleful Eidolon
Baleful Eidolon
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
Heliod's Pilgrim
0 // 3 If you don't have a few Enchantments to get with this, it's unplayable. If you do have some Enchantments -- especially if they are creatures or removal spells -- this ends up being a really good Common.
0 // 3 If you don't have a few Enchantments to get with this, it's unplayable. If you do have some Enchantments -- especially if they are creatures or removal spells -- this ends up being a really good Common.
Ghostblade Eidolon
1.5 A three mana 1/1 with double strike is way too fragile to be great, and paying 6 for +1/+1 and double strike doesn't really move the needle either.
1.5 A three mana 1/1 with double strike is way too fragile to be great, and paying 6 for +1/+1 and double strike doesn't really move the needle either.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Quicken
Quicken
1.5 It replace itself so that it's not a complete dud, but you just don't have this and a Sorcery worth giving Flash to in your hand often enough for it to be very good.
1.5 It replace itself so that it's not a complete dud, but you just don't have this and a Sorcery worth giving Flash to in your hand often enough for it to be very good.
Lagonna-Band Trailblazer
2 A one mana 0/4 is kind of brutal, but buffing this is plenty doable in the format.
2 A one mana 0/4 is kind of brutal, but buffing this is plenty doable in the format.
Pack 2 Pick 15: Sphere of Safety
Sphere of Safety
0 Even if you have lots of Enchantments, this is a card that doesn't add to the board in any meaningful way, and it's not even guaranteed to keep your opponent from killing you.
0 Even if you have lots of Enchantments, this is a card that doesn't add to the board in any meaningful way, and it's not even guaranteed to keep your opponent from killing you.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Goblin Rabblemaster
Goblin Rabblemaster
4 Getting a free Goblin token every turn is pretty incredible, and usually means the Rabblemaster can attack on many board states. Forcing the other Goblins to attack does decrease just how useful they can be -- but you can use them as sacrifice fodder or back them up with combat tricks to really punish your opponent.
4 Getting a free Goblin token every turn is pretty incredible, and usually means the Rabblemaster can attack on many board states. Forcing the other Goblins to attack does decrease just how useful they can be -- but you can use them as sacrifice fodder or back them up with combat tricks to really punish your opponent.
Tenth District Legionnaire
3.5 This is a strong Heroic trigger, since it permanently grows the Legionnaire while also improving your draws -- which can often mean more heroic triggers.
3.5 This is a strong Heroic trigger, since it permanently grows the Legionnaire while also improving your draws -- which can often mean more heroic triggers.
Artisan of Forms
2 This certainly has some blowout potential, and it can permanently change into another creature -- but it's also a 2-mana 1/1 that takes some significant set up to be relevant.
2 This certainly has some blowout potential, and it can permanently change into another creature -- but it's also a 2-mana 1/1 that takes some significant set up to be relevant.
Mogis's Warhound
2.0 Neither mode on this is especially exciting, but they are both passable. Playing it as an Aura on your creature does usually give you the best value. On occasion, you can put it on an opposing creature to force an attack, which is kind of funny.
2.0 Neither mode on this is especially exciting, but they are both passable. Playing it as an Aura on your creature does usually give you the best value. On occasion, you can put it on an opposing creature to force an attack, which is kind of funny.
Extricator of Sin
3 Turning a land or something else expendable into a 3/2 is pretty sweet, and once it transforms it maintains the ability to churn out tokens while granting itself and all those tokens Vigilance.
3 Turning a land or something else expendable into a 3/2 is pretty sweet, and once it transforms it maintains the ability to churn out tokens while granting itself and all those tokens Vigilance.
Fall of the Hammer
3.5 Getting this effect at instant speed for two mana has always played well. Sure, you need a creature -- and you have to be careful not to play it when your opponent can interact, but because it's an instant finding that window isn't too hard.
3.5 Getting this effect at instant speed for two mana has always played well. Sure, you need a creature -- and you have to be careful not to play it when your opponent can interact, but because it's an instant finding that window isn't too hard.
Ingenious Skaab
3 2/3s with Prowess tend to feel pretty good, as the high toughness that can go even higher makes them tough to block, and the Skaab is a pretty nice threat even when you can't trigger Prowess, because your opponent has to respect it.
3 2/3s with Prowess tend to feel pretty good, as the high toughness that can go even higher makes them tough to block, and the Skaab is a pretty nice threat even when you can't trigger Prowess, because your opponent has to respect it.
Pelakka Predation
3 Having a free discard spell attached to a land is surprisingly good. You won't always hit something with Predation, but it's great disruption when you can -- and if you're pretty sure that effect won't do anything, you can always play it as a land.
3 Having a free discard spell attached to a land is surprisingly good. You won't always hit something with Predation, but it's great disruption when you can -- and if you're pretty sure that effect won't do anything, you can always play it as a land.
Possessed Skaab
3 This is a bit clunky, but it's also a 2-for-1 that usually gets you back a very real card -- like a creature or removal spell.
3 This is a bit clunky, but it's also a 2-for-1 that usually gets you back a very real card -- like a creature or removal spell.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Scion of Ugin
1 A 6-mana 4/4 flyer doesn't real move the needle in Limited these days.
1 A 6-mana 4/4 flyer doesn't real move the needle in Limited these days.
Unravel the Aether
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material in the format. You can't count on there being a permanent it can hit.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material in the format. You can't count on there being a permanent it can hit.
Khalni Ambush
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
Dimir Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Goblin Heelcutter
3.5 This was an excellent Common last time we saw it. Turning off blockers is an aggro deck's dream, and the Heelcutter can Dash in and do it every turn. Your opponent also has to account for it every single turn, or risk dying.
3.5 This was an excellent Common last time we saw it. Turning off blockers is an aggro deck's dream, and the Heelcutter can Dash in and do it every turn. Your opponent also has to account for it every single turn, or risk dying.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma
Secure the Wastes
5 This always gives you a great deal, and at instant speed! It can allow you to really devastate an opposing attack, or simply add so many bodies to the board that your opponent can never come back from it.
5 This always gives you a great deal, and at instant speed! It can allow you to really devastate an opposing attack, or simply add so many bodies to the board that your opponent can never come back from it.
Monastery Swiftspear
3.5 While not as good in Limited as it is in 60-card formats, the Swiftspear is still very good. It does a ton of damage early, and prowess helps keep it relevant all game.
3.5 While not as good in Limited as it is in 60-card formats, the Swiftspear is still very good. It does a ton of damage early, and prowess helps keep it relevant all game.
Humble Defector
2.5 This is better than it looks! Sure, symmetrical draw isn't awesome -- nor is giving your opponent a card, but you always get to draw cards with it first, and that makes a huge difference. It can get especially nice if you sacrifice it in response to the ability.
2.5 This is better than it looks! Sure, symmetrical draw isn't awesome -- nor is giving your opponent a card, but you always get to draw cards with it first, and that makes a huge difference. It can get especially nice if you sacrifice it in response to the ability.
Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma
4 The attack trigger counts itself, so even if it's all alone it attacks as a 5/4 trampler, and there's a good chance that you have plenty of other cards that this makes much better.
4 The attack trigger counts itself, so even if it's all alone it attacks as a 5/4 trampler, and there's a good chance that you have plenty of other cards that this makes much better.
Makindi Sliderunner
2 A two mana 2/1 trample is bad -- and a two mana 3/2 trample isn't insane either. This makes you jump through hoops to get there.
2 A two mana 2/1 trample is bad -- and a two mana 3/2 trample isn't insane either. This makes you jump through hoops to get there.
Savage Punch
3 When you have Ferocious this is incredible. When you don't, it's pretty bad. Good news is, Green decks will often get there on Ferocious.
3 When you have Ferocious this is incredible. When you don't, it's pretty bad. Good news is, Green decks will often get there on Ferocious.
Artful Maneuver
1.5 This is pretty expensive for the buff, and while Rebound does mean you get it twice -- the second time your opponent knows it's coming.
1.5 This is pretty expensive for the buff, and while Rebound does mean you get it twice -- the second time your opponent knows it's coming.
Cloudfin Raptor
2 This is awesome on turn one -- and a lot less awesome the rest of the game, since it's unlikely to grow quite as much. It's a terrible topdeck, too.
2 This is awesome on turn one -- and a lot less awesome the rest of the game, since it's unlikely to grow quite as much. It's a terrible topdeck, too.
Courier's Briefcase
2 This fixes your mana pretty effectively while also adding a body to the board. I wouldn't count on cashing it in for 3 cards, though.
2 This fixes your mana pretty effectively while also adding a body to the board. I wouldn't count on cashing it in for 3 cards, though.
Keening Apparition
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
Evolving Wilds
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
Nantuko Husk
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
Boros Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Ovalchase Daredevil
1 // 3.5 This was pretty good back in Kaladesh, but that was an artifact-heavy set. This one isn't. Still, even with just like 3 artifacts in your deck it's a pretty good card, since a 4/2 is relevant virtually all game long.
1 // 3.5 This was pretty good back in Kaladesh, but that was an artifact-heavy set. This one isn't. Still, even with just like 3 artifacts in your deck it's a pretty good card, since a 4/2 is relevant virtually all game long.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Ultimate Price
Ultimate Price
4 This can't hit artifact creature or multicolored creatures, but that still means it can kill almost everything in the format at instant speed for only 2 mana.
4 This can't hit artifact creature or multicolored creatures, but that still means it can kill almost everything in the format at instant speed for only 2 mana.
Unflinching Courage
1.5 // 3.5 It's a little risky playing this on just any creature, although the lifelink does mean you can usually get some value out of it before your opponent 2-for-1s you by destroying your creature. But if you have some of the hexproof creatures in the set, this can be a devastating play.
1.5 // 3.5 It's a little risky playing this on just any creature, although the lifelink does mean you can usually get some value out of it before your opponent 2-for-1s you by destroying your creature. But if you have some of the hexproof creatures in the set, this can be a devastating play.
Rescue from the Underworld
1.5 This is a reanimation spell that requires you to have a creature for it to do it's thing -- with the added upside of potentially triggering that creature's death and/or enters trigger. Still, it's way too fiddly to work out very often.
1.5 This is a reanimation spell that requires you to have a creature for it to do it's thing -- with the added upside of potentially triggering that creature's death and/or enters trigger. Still, it's way too fiddly to work out very often.
Silundi Vision
2 This is super situational, and not all decks will really be able to get a card out of it. But in decks that can, it's a land with some pretty solid upside.
2 This is super situational, and not all decks will really be able to get a card out of it. But in decks that can, it's a land with some pretty solid upside.
Martial Glory
2 This is here to enable Heroic stuff in the Red-White deck, and it's a passable combat trick even when you're not pulling that off.
2 This is here to enable Heroic stuff in the Red-White deck, and it's a passable combat trick even when you're not pulling that off.
Hero of Iroas
3.5 The baseline here is nice, and the format has enough ways to target him -- including Auras -- that the upside is very accessible.
3.5 The baseline here is nice, and the format has enough ways to target him -- including Auras -- that the upside is very accessible.
Tah-Crop Skirmisher
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
Read the Bones
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
Courier's Briefcase
2 This fixes your mana pretty effectively while also adding a body to the board. I wouldn't count on cashing it in for 3 cards, though.
2 This fixes your mana pretty effectively while also adding a body to the board. I wouldn't count on cashing it in for 3 cards, though.
Wild Slash
3.5 Shock is always great in Limited, and this is Shock with upside. Killing 3 or 4 mana creatures with this can swing a game wildly in your favor.
3.5 Shock is always great in Limited, and this is Shock with upside. Killing 3 or 4 mana creatures with this can swing a game wildly in your favor.
Nivix Cyclops
2 This will be able to rumble as a 4/4 a decent chunk of the time in Blue-Red, but you're only getting a slightly above-rate deal when that's the case.
2 This will be able to rumble as a 4/4 a decent chunk of the time in Blue-Red, but you're only getting a slightly above-rate deal when that's the case.
Simic Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Thopter Engineer
3.5 Getting a 1/3 and a 1/1 with Haste for three mana is excellent, and this makes your other artifact creatures better, too.
3.5 Getting a 1/3 and a 1/1 with Haste for three mana is excellent, and this makes your other artifact creatures better, too.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Stab Wound
Stab Wound
3.5 This can outright kill something small, but it's almost better when you put it on a creature that doesn't die. Turning a 4/4 into a 2/2 is usually enough to take away it's relevance, and Stab Wound can bleed your opponent out surprisingly quickly.
3.5 This can outright kill something small, but it's almost better when you put it on a creature that doesn't die. Turning a 4/4 into a 2/2 is usually enough to take away it's relevance, and Stab Wound can bleed your opponent out surprisingly quickly.
Kraul Harpooner
2.5 This ETB usually results in the Harpooner dying too, but if you're paying 2 to kill a big flyer you're going to be happy with that. And when you can't use the ETB, it's still a solid 2 drop.
2.5 This ETB usually results in the Harpooner dying too, but if you're paying 2 to kill a big flyer you're going to be happy with that. And when you can't use the ETB, it's still a solid 2 drop.
Dark Deal
0 This kind of card is almost never going to do something good. Sure, maybe you make your opponent discard some cards they wanted to hold on to, but that upside is negated by the fact that you are the one who used the card -- and it's just as likely that they draw into what they were looking for.
0 This kind of card is almost never going to do something good. Sure, maybe you make your opponent discard some cards they wanted to hold on to, but that upside is negated by the fact that you are the one who used the card -- and it's just as likely that they draw into what they were looking for.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a very nice trick because it's so cheap, and great in combat or against removal.
2.5 This is a very nice trick because it's so cheap, and great in combat or against removal.
Voyaging Satyr
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
Opal Lake Gatekeepers
0 // 2.5 This is a solid build around for gates decks, where it's virtually always a 2-for-1.
0 // 2.5 This is a solid build around for gates decks, where it's virtually always a 2-for-1.
Dragon Mantle
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
Nemesis of Mortals
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
Read the Bones
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
Evolving Wilds
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
Orzhov Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Stampeding Elk Herd
2.5 This brings 5 power to the baord on it's own, so getting Formidable is certainly doable.
2.5 This brings 5 power to the baord on it's own, so getting Formidable is certainly doable.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Golgari Guildgate
Crackdown Construct
0 The base stat-line is awful, and buffing the Construct isn't particularly easy.
0 The base stat-line is awful, and buffing the Construct isn't particularly easy.
Nessian Asp
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
2 A 4-mana 4/5 with Reach plays reasonably well, and in the late game it turns into a very big monster.
Fallaji Archaeologist
3 This was a SUPER good common last time we saw it. If you're in Blue with lots of spells, you're going to frequently make this a two mana 0/3 that draws a card on ETB, and the fail case is a two mana 1/4 that helps you load the graveyard.
3 This was a SUPER good common last time we saw it. If you're in Blue with lots of spells, you're going to frequently make this a two mana 0/3 that draws a card on ETB, and the fail case is a two mana 1/4 that helps you load the graveyard.
Ardenvale Tactician
2.5 This is pretty nice in aggro decks, as it can get a couple blockers out of the way and then add a reasonable creature to the board.
2.5 This is pretty nice in aggro decks, as it can get a couple blockers out of the way and then add a reasonable creature to the board.
Dreg Mangler
3 Scavenge means this gives you value in addition to being a solid three mana 3/3 haste. While it's not quite a 2-for-1, getting 3 +1/+1 counters is pretty close to a card of value.
3 Scavenge means this gives you value in addition to being a solid three mana 3/3 haste. While it's not quite a 2-for-1, getting 3 +1/+1 counters is pretty close to a card of value.
Makindi Sliderunner
2 A two mana 2/1 trample is bad -- and a two mana 3/2 trample isn't insane either. This makes you jump through hoops to get there.
2 A two mana 2/1 trample is bad -- and a two mana 3/2 trample isn't insane either. This makes you jump through hoops to get there.
Baleful Eidolon
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
2 This doesn't feel great either way you cast it, but the flexibility keeps it from being too bad.
Essence Scatter
3 This counters most spells and is easy to cast. It can generate some great tempo.
3 This counters most spells and is easy to cast. It can generate some great tempo.
Nemesis of Mortals
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
1 // 3 This is pretty bad in most decks, but if you're good at loading the graveyard it's a pretty slid threat.
Golgari Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Sungrace Pegasus
2 This is a nice place to put counters or Auras, but is fairly underwhelming otherwise.
2 This is a nice place to put counters or Auras, but is fairly underwhelming otherwise.
Pack 3 Pick 6: District Guide
Gust of Wind
2.5 Paying two for this feels pretty incredible, as it replaces itself and gives you some nice tempo. Paying 4 makes it a little harder to feel good about the tempo, but that's a passable card too.
2.5 Paying two for this feels pretty incredible, as it replaces itself and gives you some nice tempo. Paying 4 makes it a little harder to feel good about the tempo, but that's a passable card too.
District Guide
4 This at Common is pretty amazing! It gives you amazing fixing, especially if you're in a gate deck -- and it's almost always going to generate a 2-for-1.
4 This at Common is pretty amazing! It gives you amazing fixing, especially if you're in a gate deck -- and it's almost always going to generate a 2-for-1.
Witch's Mark
2.5 You get a pretty good return on your two mana investment + a card, since you add something to the board while digging deeper into your deck.
2.5 You get a pretty good return on your two mana investment + a card, since you add something to the board while digging deeper into your deck.
Khalni Ambush
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
Pilgrim's Eye
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a very nice trick because it's so cheap, and great in combat or against removal.
2.5 This is a very nice trick because it's so cheap, and great in combat or against removal.
Skyrider Elf
2.5 This is a two mana 2/2 Flyer at worst, and with Gates in the format it isn't impossible for it to be a 4-mana 4/4 flyer or a 5-mana 5/5 flyer.
2.5 This is a two mana 2/2 Flyer at worst, and with Gates in the format it isn't impossible for it to be a 4-mana 4/4 flyer or a 5-mana 5/5 flyer.
Heliod's Pilgrim
0 // 3 If you don't have a few Enchantments to get with this, it's unplayable. If you do have some Enchantments -- especially if they are creatures or removal spells -- this ends up being a really good Common.
0 // 3 If you don't have a few Enchantments to get with this, it's unplayable. If you do have some Enchantments -- especially if they are creatures or removal spells -- this ends up being a really good Common.
Rakdos Guildgate
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
3 These offer great fixing, and the format has tons of gate payoffs, too.
Sungrace Pegasus
2 This is a nice place to put counters or Auras, but is fairly underwhelming otherwise.
2 This is a nice place to put counters or Auras, but is fairly underwhelming otherwise.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Gatebreaker Ram
Gatebreaker Ram
0 // 3.5 This is a great gate payoff that can serve as a very legitimate win condition when you have a bunch of Gates.
0 // 3.5 This is a great gate payoff that can serve as a very legitimate win condition when you have a bunch of Gates.
Nantuko Husk
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
Fall of the Hammer
3.5 Getting this effect at instant speed for two mana has always played well. Sure, you need a creature -- and you have to be careful not to play it when your opponent can interact, but because it's an instant finding that window isn't too hard.
3.5 Getting this effect at instant speed for two mana has always played well. Sure, you need a creature -- and you have to be careful not to play it when your opponent can interact, but because it's an instant finding that window isn't too hard.
Sejiri Shelter
2.5 This is a more situational modal double-faced land, but it's always nice when a land has the potential to be a real card.
2.5 This is a more situational modal double-faced land, but it's always nice when a land has the potential to be a real card.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Gust of Wind
2.5 Paying two for this feels pretty incredible, as it replaces itself and gives you some nice tempo. Paying 4 makes it a little harder to feel good about the tempo, but that's a passable card too.
2.5 Paying two for this feels pretty incredible, as it replaces itself and gives you some nice tempo. Paying 4 makes it a little harder to feel good about the tempo, but that's a passable card too.
Voyaging Satyr
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
Khalni Ambush
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
Retraction Helix
2 This doesn't have the silly combo potential it has in 60-card formats, but it is a roundabout way to bounce something for one mana. Granted, having an untapped creature is a requirement, and that holds it back -- but it's a playable card.
2 This doesn't have the silly combo potential it has in 60-card formats, but it is a roundabout way to bounce something for one mana. Granted, having an untapped creature is a requirement, and that holds it back -- but it's a playable card.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Call the Gatewatch
Silkwrap
3 It can't take down everything, but it can answer most early-game creatures quite efficiently.
3 It can't take down everything, but it can answer most early-game creatures quite efficiently.
Rapid Hybridization
0 This is terrible in Limited. If you use it on your opponent's creature, you effectively 2-for-1 yourself, and using it on your own is only moderately better.
0 This is terrible in Limited. If you use it on your opponent's creature, you effectively 2-for-1 yourself, and using it on your own is only moderately better.
Gust of Wind
2.5 Paying two for this feels pretty incredible, as it replaces itself and gives you some nice tempo. Paying 4 makes it a little harder to feel good about the tempo, but that's a passable card too.
2.5 Paying two for this feels pretty incredible, as it replaces itself and gives you some nice tempo. Paying 4 makes it a little harder to feel good about the tempo, but that's a passable card too.
Lyev Skyknight
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
3.5 This removes a creature from the equation for a whole turn, while adding a pretty solid body to the board. That's some seroius tempo.
Undead Butler
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
2.5 This sets up the graveyard nicely, and even has a decent effect to take advantage of that fact.
Heliod's Pilgrim
0 // 3 If you don't have a few Enchantments to get with this, it's unplayable. If you do have some Enchantments -- especially if they are creatures or removal spells -- this ends up being a really good Common.
0 // 3 If you don't have a few Enchantments to get with this, it's unplayable. If you do have some Enchantments -- especially if they are creatures or removal spells -- this ends up being a really good Common.
Dragon Mantle
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
2.5 This is a nice way to trigger heroic since it replaces itself, and that also makes it have a very reasonable baseline.
Call the Gatewatch
0 // 1.5 There's going to be a planeswalker bonus sheet during part of this set's run, and when that's the case it might be sort of kind of playable, but you're still basically paying 3 extra mana for it, which tends to make a card a lot worse.
0 // 1.5 There's going to be a planeswalker bonus sheet during part of this set's run, and when that's the case it might be sort of kind of playable, but you're still basically paying 3 extra mana for it, which tends to make a card a lot worse.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Khalni Ambush
Extricator of Sin
3 Turning a land or something else expendable into a 3/2 is pretty sweet, and once it transforms it maintains the ability to churn out tokens while granting itself and all those tokens Vigilance.
3 Turning a land or something else expendable into a 3/2 is pretty sweet, and once it transforms it maintains the ability to churn out tokens while granting itself and all those tokens Vigilance.
Ingenious Skaab
3 2/3s with Prowess tend to feel pretty good, as the high toughness that can go even higher makes them tough to block, and the Skaab is a pretty nice threat even when you can't trigger Prowess, because your opponent has to respect it.
3 2/3s with Prowess tend to feel pretty good, as the high toughness that can go even higher makes them tough to block, and the Skaab is a pretty nice threat even when you can't trigger Prowess, because your opponent has to respect it.
Pelakka Predation
3 Having a free discard spell attached to a land is surprisingly good. You won't always hit something with Predation, but it's great disruption when you can -- and if you're pretty sure that effect won't do anything, you can always play it as a land.
3 Having a free discard spell attached to a land is surprisingly good. You won't always hit something with Predation, but it's great disruption when you can -- and if you're pretty sure that effect won't do anything, you can always play it as a land.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
2.5 4 mana for a 3/4 worth of flying stats is an okay deal.
Scion of Ugin
1 A 6-mana 4/4 flyer doesn't real move the needle in Limited these days.
1 A 6-mana 4/4 flyer doesn't real move the needle in Limited these days.
Unravel the Aether
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material in the format. You can't count on there being a permanent it can hit.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material in the format. You can't count on there being a permanent it can hit.
Khalni Ambush
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
3 The Ambush is a mediocre removal spell, but having a land that can also be a removal spell is amazing.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Evolving Wilds
Makindi Sliderunner
2 A two mana 2/1 trample is bad -- and a two mana 3/2 trample isn't insane either. This makes you jump through hoops to get there.
2 A two mana 2/1 trample is bad -- and a two mana 3/2 trample isn't insane either. This makes you jump through hoops to get there.
Savage Punch
3 When you have Ferocious this is incredible. When you don't, it's pretty bad. Good news is, Green decks will often get there on Ferocious.
3 When you have Ferocious this is incredible. When you don't, it's pretty bad. Good news is, Green decks will often get there on Ferocious.
Courier's Briefcase
2 This fixes your mana pretty effectively while also adding a body to the board. I wouldn't count on cashing it in for 3 cards, though.
2 This fixes your mana pretty effectively while also adding a body to the board. I wouldn't count on cashing it in for 3 cards, though.
Keening Apparition
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
2 This has okay stats, and the format has enough Enchantments for this ability to be relevant sometimes.
Evolving Wilds
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
Ovalchase Daredevil
1 // 3.5 This was pretty good back in Kaladesh, but that was an artifact-heavy set. This one isn't. Still, even with just like 3 artifacts in your deck it's a pretty good card, since a 4/2 is relevant virtually all game long.
1 // 3.5 This was pretty good back in Kaladesh, but that was an artifact-heavy set. This one isn't. Still, even with just like 3 artifacts in your deck it's a pretty good card, since a 4/2 is relevant virtually all game long.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Read the Bones
Silundi Vision
2 This is super situational, and not all decks will really be able to get a card out of it. But in decks that can, it's a land with some pretty solid upside.
2 This is super situational, and not all decks will really be able to get a card out of it. But in decks that can, it's a land with some pretty solid upside.
Martial Glory
2 This is here to enable Heroic stuff in the Red-White deck, and it's a passable combat trick even when you're not pulling that off.
2 This is here to enable Heroic stuff in the Red-White deck, and it's a passable combat trick even when you're not pulling that off.
Tah-Crop Skirmisher
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
2.5 You get two bodies out of one card which is always nice, even if they are overcosted in both cases.
Read the Bones
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
Nivix Cyclops
2 This will be able to rumble as a 4/4 a decent chunk of the time in Blue-Red, but you're only getting a slightly above-rate deal when that's the case.
2 This will be able to rumble as a 4/4 a decent chunk of the time in Blue-Red, but you're only getting a slightly above-rate deal when that's the case.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Stampeding Elk Herd
Dark Deal
0 This kind of card is almost never going to do something good. Sure, maybe you make your opponent discard some cards they wanted to hold on to, but that upside is negated by the fact that you are the one who used the card -- and it's just as likely that they draw into what they were looking for.
0 This kind of card is almost never going to do something good. Sure, maybe you make your opponent discard some cards they wanted to hold on to, but that upside is negated by the fact that you are the one who used the card -- and it's just as likely that they draw into what they were looking for.
Read the Bones
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
2.5 This is always a nice draw spell. You can see up to 4 cards, which is great for 3 mana.
Evolving Wilds
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
2.5 These give you good fixing, though there isn't much additional synergy in the format for it.
Stampeding Elk Herd
2.5 This brings 5 power to the baord on it's own, so getting Formidable is certainly doable.
2.5 This brings 5 power to the baord on it's own, so getting Formidable is certainly doable.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Dreg Mangler
Crackdown Construct
0 The base stat-line is awful, and buffing the Construct isn't particularly easy.
0 The base stat-line is awful, and buffing the Construct isn't particularly easy.
Ardenvale Tactician
2.5 This is pretty nice in aggro decks, as it can get a couple blockers out of the way and then add a reasonable creature to the board.
2.5 This is pretty nice in aggro decks, as it can get a couple blockers out of the way and then add a reasonable creature to the board.
Dreg Mangler
3 Scavenge means this gives you value in addition to being a solid three mana 3/3 haste. While it's not quite a 2-for-1, getting 3 +1/+1 counters is pretty close to a card of value.
3 Scavenge means this gives you value in addition to being a solid three mana 3/3 haste. While it's not quite a 2-for-1, getting 3 +1/+1 counters is pretty close to a card of value.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Supernatural Stamina
Pilgrim's Eye
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
3.5 The body you get is bad, but it draws you a card that usually fixes your mana. It's great fixing.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a very nice trick because it's so cheap, and great in combat or against removal.
2.5 This is a very nice trick because it's so cheap, and great in combat or against removal.
Pack 3 Pick 15: Nantuko Husk
Nantuko Husk
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
3 Free sacrifice outlets always have a ton of potential, and the threat of activation on the Nantuko makes it hard for your opponent to block it.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Dragonlord Atarka
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Dreadbore
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Dreadbore
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Wild Slash
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Heart-Piercer Manticore
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Kraul Harpooner
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Priest of the Blood Rite
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Rakdos Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Bala Ged Recovery
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Leafcrown Dryad
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Stab Wound
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Gateway Plaza
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Nantuko Husk
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Devour Flesh
- Pack 1 Pick 15: Cavern Lampad
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Draconic Roar
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Fight with Fire
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Undead Butler
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Scab-Clan Berserker
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Fall of the Hammer
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Undead Butler
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Gruul Guildgate
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Fall of the Hammer
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Furious Rise
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Dark Deal
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Brineborn Cutthroat
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Spawning Bed
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Baleful Eidolon
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Quicken
- Pack 2 Pick 15: Sphere of Safety
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Goblin Rabblemaster
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Ultimate Price
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Stab Wound
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Golgari Guildgate
- Pack 3 Pick 6: District Guide
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Gatebreaker Ram
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Call the Gatewatch
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Khalni Ambush
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Evolving Wilds
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Read the Bones
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Stampeding Elk Herd
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Dreg Mangler
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Supernatural Stamina
- Pack 3 Pick 15: Nantuko Husk
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