Premier Draft PIO 30 December 2024
30 December 12:48 - psychatom 7 Wins - 1 LossesMaindeck
| Creature (13) | |||
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| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (8) | |||
| Planeswalker (1) | |||
| Land (18) | |||
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1
Plains
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3
Island
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3
Forest
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Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Hornet Nest
Hornet Nest
3.5 This card is really annoying to play against. It's impossible to attack on the ground without giving your opponent a ton of value, so it grinds the board to a screeching halt. Removal can still deal with it, but if it's damage based you put your opponent in the same spot. It's almost purely a defensive card, but it's one of the best ones there is.
3.5 This card is really annoying to play against. It's impossible to attack on the ground without giving your opponent a ton of value, so it grinds the board to a screeching halt. Removal can still deal with it, but if it's damage based you put your opponent in the same spot. It's almost purely a defensive card, but it's one of the best ones there is.
Fell Stinger
4 In a pinch this can sacrifice itself for the trigger, and if you have something really expendable it can be particularly great. Holding on to the death touch creature is nice, because it means you can always trade with this.
4 In a pinch this can sacrifice itself for the trigger, and if you have something really expendable it can be particularly great. Holding on to the death touch creature is nice, because it means you can always trade with this.
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.
Kabira Takedown
3.5 This is a land that can also be a removal spell. Sure, the removal is conditional -- but if you draw this in the late game you're going to be very happy you didn't draw a regular land, as this is likely to kill something for two mana. The modality here is great.
3.5 This is a land that can also be a removal spell. Sure, the removal is conditional -- but if you draw this in the late game you're going to be very happy you didn't draw a regular land, as this is likely to kill something for two mana. The modality here is great.
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.
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.
Consider
2.5 This is always a nice card selection spell, and in a format with plenty of Prowess and similar effects, it'll be solid.
2.5 This is always a nice card selection spell, and in a format with plenty of Prowess and similar effects, it'll be solid.
Halo Scarab
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gather the Pack
2.5 This is a decent card selection spell most of the time. If you get spell mastery, though, it becomes a really good two mana draw two.
2.5 This is a decent card selection spell most of the time. If you get spell mastery, though, it becomes a really good two mana draw two.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Gnarlback Rhino
Archway Angel
1.5 // 4 This was a pretty legit buildaround last time we saw it. Gate decks really want this card, since they often have slow starts because they are playing so many colors and so many tap lands, the Angel helps even things out on turn 5, and often pulls you ahead. If you don't have lots of gates though, she's pretty bad.
1.5 // 4 This was a pretty legit buildaround last time we saw it. Gate decks really want this card, since they often have slow starts because they are playing so many colors and so many tap lands, the Angel helps even things out on turn 5, and often pulls you ahead. If you don't have lots of gates though, she's pretty bad.
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.
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.
Clear Shot
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
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.
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.
Ob Nixilis's Cruelty
4 This kills almost anything for three mana, and even turns off graveyard shenanigans -- including death triggers.
4 This kills almost anything for three mana, and even turns off graveyard shenanigans -- including death triggers.
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.
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.
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.
Gnarlback Rhino
3.5 This has a nice baseline, and while it doesn't technically have "Heroic" it works the same way. Combat tricks and fight spells are the Rhino's best friend, and there's enough of that in the format for this to be pretty amazing.
3.5 This has a nice baseline, and while it doesn't technically have "Heroic" it works the same way. Combat tricks and fight spells are the Rhino's best friend, and there's enough of that in the format for this to be pretty amazing.
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.
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.
Expedite
2.5 This works nicely in both Heroic decks and Spell decks, and it replaces itself so the baseline is passable.
2.5 This works nicely in both Heroic decks and Spell decks, and it replaces itself so the baseline is passable.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Dictate of Heliod
Dictate of Heliod
4 This buff is huge, and upgrades almost any creature into something that is relevant at the very least. Flash means it can effectively wreck combat on your opponent out of nowhere too -- or at least allow you to augment your board when your opponent doesn't expect it. It's like a mass pump spell that sticks around, which is pretty sweet.
4 This buff is huge, and upgrades almost any creature into something that is relevant at the very least. Flash means it can effectively wreck combat on your opponent out of nowhere too -- or at least allow you to augment your board when your opponent doesn't expect it. It's like a mass pump spell that sticks around, which is pretty sweet.
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.
Boulder Salvo
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ob Nixilis's Cruelty
4 This kills almost anything for three mana, and even turns off graveyard shenanigans -- including death triggers.
4 This kills almost anything for three mana, and even turns off graveyard shenanigans -- including death triggers.
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.
Nimbus Naiad
2 Wind Drake isn't that exciting, but it's sort of passable, and in the late game putting this on just about any creature makes it a major threat.
2 Wind Drake isn't that exciting, but it's sort of passable, and in the late game putting this on just about any creature makes it a major threat.
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.
Armed
1.5 Individually, each side of this is pretty bad. Together, they can potentiall wreck your opponent's board, but only if you have a sizable enough creature. Overall, it feels too situational.
1.5 Individually, each side of this is pretty bad. Together, they can potentiall wreck your opponent's board, but only if you have a sizable enough creature. Overall, it feels too situational.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Gates Ablaze
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.
Gates Ablaze
0 // 3 This is a nice build around if you have a controlling version of the 5-color gates deck, but unplayable otherwise.
0 // 3 This is a nice build around if you have a controlling version of the 5-color gates deck, but unplayable otherwise.
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.
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.
Boulder Salvo
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Void Shatter
1.5 This is cancel with some fairly minor upside – so minor that it isn’t a meaningful upgrade over Cancel. It costing three and being fairly mana intensive makes it a lot harder for you to find the time to leave it up.
1.5 This is cancel with some fairly minor upside – so minor that it isn’t a meaningful upgrade over Cancel. It costing three and being fairly mana intensive makes it a lot harder for you to find the time to leave it up.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Izzet Guildgate
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Consider
2.5 This is always a nice card selection spell, and in a format with plenty of Prowess and similar effects, it'll be solid.
2.5 This is always a nice card selection spell, and in a format with plenty of Prowess and similar effects, it'll be solid.
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.
Izzet 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.
Void Shatter
1.5 This is cancel with some fairly minor upside – so minor that it isn’t a meaningful upgrade over Cancel. It costing three and being fairly mana intensive makes it a lot harder for you to find the time to leave it up.
1.5 This is cancel with some fairly minor upside – so minor that it isn’t a meaningful upgrade over Cancel. It costing three and being fairly mana intensive makes it a lot harder for you to find the time to leave it up.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Rakdos Guildgate
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Boulder Salvo
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
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.
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.
Miming Slime
2.5 You need at least a 3/3 here to feel okay about it, and sometimes you'll get something bigger. Good news is, I think Green decks will be able to make at least a decent token pretty often.
2.5 You need at least a 3/3 here to feel okay about it, and sometimes you'll get something bigger. Good news is, I think Green decks will be able to make at least a decent token pretty often.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Orzhov Guildgate
Labyrinth Champion
2 The stat-line is bad, but Shocking something every time you trigger Heroic is pretty nice.
2 The stat-line is bad, but Shocking something every time you trigger Heroic is pretty nice.
Halo Scarab
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
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.
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.
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.
Commune with the Gods
1.5 This can load your graveyard while giving you some card selection, but you need to be a graveyard deck and/or enchantment deck for this to get there, and that's not going to happen often enough. Most of the time it's better to play a two mana 2/2.
1.5 This can load your graveyard while giving you some card selection, but you need to be a graveyard deck and/or enchantment deck for this to get there, and that's not going to happen often enough. Most of the time it's better to play a two mana 2/2.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Dimir Guildgate
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.
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.
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.
Rimrock Knight
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Azorius Guildgate
Kabira Takedown
3.5 This is a land that can also be a removal spell. Sure, the removal is conditional -- but if you draw this in the late game you're going to be very happy you didn't draw a regular land, as this is likely to kill something for two mana. The modality here is great.
3.5 This is a land that can also be a removal spell. Sure, the removal is conditional -- but if you draw this in the late game you're going to be very happy you didn't draw a regular land, as this is likely to kill something for two mana. The modality here is great.
Consider
2.5 This is always a nice card selection spell, and in a format with plenty of Prowess and similar effects, it'll be solid.
2.5 This is always a nice card selection spell, and in a format with plenty of Prowess and similar effects, it'll be solid.
Halo Scarab
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
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.
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.
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.
Gather the Pack
2.5 This is a decent card selection spell most of the time. If you get spell mastery, though, it becomes a really good two mana draw two.
2.5 This is a decent card selection spell most of the time. If you get spell mastery, though, it becomes a really good two mana draw two.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Selesnya Guildgate
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Expedite
2.5 This works nicely in both Heroic decks and Spell decks, and it replaces itself so the baseline is passable.
2.5 This works nicely in both Heroic decks and Spell decks, and it replaces itself so the baseline is passable.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Boros Guildgate
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.
Boulder Salvo
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Boros Guildgate
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.
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.
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.
Void Shatter
1.5 This is cancel with some fairly minor upside – so minor that it isn’t a meaningful upgrade over Cancel. It costing three and being fairly mana intensive makes it a lot harder for you to find the time to leave it up.
1.5 This is cancel with some fairly minor upside – so minor that it isn’t a meaningful upgrade over Cancel. It costing three and being fairly mana intensive makes it a lot harder for you to find the time to leave it up.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Dreg Mangler
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.
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.
Void Shatter
1.5 This is cancel with some fairly minor upside – so minor that it isn’t a meaningful upgrade over Cancel. It costing three and being fairly mana intensive makes it a lot harder for you to find the time to leave it up.
1.5 This is cancel with some fairly minor upside – so minor that it isn’t a meaningful upgrade over Cancel. It costing three and being fairly mana intensive makes it a lot harder for you to find the time to leave it up.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Martial Glory
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 15: Halo Scarab
Halo Scarab
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Gatebreaker Ram
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.
Coordinated Assault
3 This can generate 2-for-1s incredibly efficiently, and it gets even better in a heroic format.
3 This can generate 2-for-1s incredibly efficiently, and it gets even better in a heroic format.
Crypt Incursion
0 This can gain you a bunch of life, but a graveyard has to be well-stocked, and just gaining life is rarely worth a card anyway.
0 This can gain you a bunch of life, but a graveyard has to be well-stocked, and just gaining life is rarely worth a card anyway.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shoulder to Shoulder
2.5 If you can get the two counters, this ends up feeling really great -- especially in a format with Heroic.
2.5 If you can get the two counters, this ends up feeling really great -- especially in a format with Heroic.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Kiora's Follower
War Oracle
2 A 4-mana 3/3 lifelink isn't very good, and that stat-line also means it'll be tough for this to ever become renowned.
2 A 4-mana 3/3 lifelink isn't very good, and that stat-line also means it'll be tough for this to ever become renowned.
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.
Kiora's Follower
3 This is good at ramping your mana, and it can also give creatures pseudo-vigilance or help you reuse activated abilities.
3 This is good at ramping your mana, and it can also give creatures pseudo-vigilance or help you reuse activated abilities.
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.
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.
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.
Compulsory Rest
3 This is solid removal spell, though not shutting off static and activated abilities can be a problem sometimes.
3 This is solid removal spell, though not shutting off static and activated abilities can be a problem sometimes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shoulder to Shoulder
2.5 If you can get the two counters, this ends up feeling really great -- especially in a format with Heroic.
2.5 If you can get the two counters, this ends up feeling really great -- especially in a format with Heroic.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Conclave Naturalists
Xathrid Necromancer
3.5 A three mana 2/2 that dies into a 2/2 is a card you'd always play, and there are plenty of other Humans in the format too.
3.5 A three mana 2/2 that dies into a 2/2 is a card you'd always play, and there are plenty of other Humans in the format too.
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.
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.
Thunderclap Wyvern
3.5 This can Flash in and buff a few creatures, and just adding a 2/3 to the board out of nowhere means it can ambush block 2/2s pretty effectively.
3.5 This can Flash in and buff a few creatures, and just adding a 2/3 to the board out of nowhere means it can ambush block 2/2s pretty effectively.
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.
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.
Purphoros's Emissary
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
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.
Halo Scarab
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Experiment One
Experiment One
2.5 Evolve creatures are awkward in Limited since they are good if you get them down early and terrible if you draw them late.
2.5 Evolve creatures are awkward in Limited since they are good if you get them down early and terrible if you draw them late.
Steward of Solidarity
4 This can attack like mos ttwo mana 2/2s early, and then it can crank out a 1/1 for free every couple of turns once it can't attack anymore. That's pretty great.
4 This can attack like mos ttwo mana 2/2s early, and then it can crank out a 1/1 for free every couple of turns once it can't attack anymore. That's pretty great.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Voyaging Satyr
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
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.
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.
Bile Blight
4 It's a little hard to cast, but -3/-3 is big for only two mana, and this can even take out a bunch of tokens or multiple creatures with the same name.
4 It's a little hard to cast, but -3/-3 is big for only two mana, and this can even take out a bunch of tokens or multiple creatures with the same name.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Voyaging Satyr
Counterflux
1.5 The Overload isn't relevant very often in Limited, and this is just a harder-to-cast Cancel most of the time.
1.5 The Overload isn't relevant very often in Limited, and this is just a harder-to-cast Cancel most of the time.
Mentor of the Meek
1.5 // 3.5 In a deck with enough ways to trigger this, it turns into quite the engine. Although, you'd be surprised how often you just don't have the spare mana to pay for it.
1.5 // 3.5 In a deck with enough ways to trigger this, it turns into quite the engine. Although, you'd be surprised how often you just don't have the spare mana to pay for it.
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.
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.
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.
Halo Scarab
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
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.
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.
Voyaging Satyr
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
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.
Rimrock Knight
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Maze's End
Maze's End
0 Even in a format with Gates, you're not going to win the game with this, and it isn't good enough at fixing your mana, either.
0 Even in a format with Gates, you're not going to win the game with this, and it isn't good enough at fixing your mana, either.
Clear Shot
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Simic Guildgate
Jhessian Thief
2.5 This was surprisingly hard to get in with last time we saw it, but when you do it feels pretty amazing.
2.5 This was surprisingly hard to get in with last time we saw it, but when you do it feels pretty amazing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Render Silent
2 This is mostly just a hard-to-cast Cancel. Sometimes the fact your opponent can't cast more spells will come up, but not usually.
2 This is mostly just a hard-to-cast Cancel. Sometimes the fact your opponent can't cast more spells will come up, but not usually.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Kiora's Follower
Kiora's Follower
3 This is good at ramping your mana, and it can also give creatures pseudo-vigilance or help you reuse activated abilities.
3 This is good at ramping your mana, and it can also give creatures pseudo-vigilance or help you reuse activated abilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dramatic Reversal
0 This isn't worth a card in Limited. The effect is almost irrelevant.
0 This isn't worth a card in Limited. The effect is almost irrelevant.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Gruul Guildgate
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.
Crypt Incursion
0 This can gain you a bunch of life, but a graveyard has to be well-stocked, and just gaining life is rarely worth a card anyway.
0 This can gain you a bunch of life, but a graveyard has to be well-stocked, and just gaining life is rarely worth a card anyway.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Opal Lake Gatekeepers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shoulder to Shoulder
2.5 If you can get the two counters, this ends up feeling really great -- especially in a format with Heroic.
2.5 If you can get the two counters, this ends up feeling really great -- especially in a format with Heroic.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Golgari Guildgate
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.
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.
Halo Scarab
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
1.5 This was pretty weak last time we saw it, and it will be here too. It has bad stats, and while getting Treasure can be nice, paying 2 mana for it isn't.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Steward of Solidarity
Steward of Solidarity
4 This can attack like mos ttwo mana 2/2s early, and then it can crank out a 1/1 for free every couple of turns once it can't attack anymore. That's pretty great.
4 This can attack like mos ttwo mana 2/2s early, and then it can crank out a 1/1 for free every couple of turns once it can't attack anymore. That's pretty great.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Counterflux
Counterflux
1.5 The Overload isn't relevant very often in Limited, and this is just a harder-to-cast Cancel most of the time.
1.5 The Overload isn't relevant very often in Limited, and this is just a harder-to-cast Cancel most of the time.
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.
Rimrock Knight
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Clear Shot
Clear Shot
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 15: Zendikar Incarnate
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.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Garruk, Apex Predator
Garruk, Apex Predator
5 Garruk is a planeswalker that completely takes over the game. The 3/3 tokens it makes are incredibly imposing and nearly impossible to deal with effectively for your opponent -- and he also comes with the ability to destroy creatures. That's where most of this card's value comes from in Limited, and that's plenty to win most games.
5 Garruk is a planeswalker that completely takes over the game. The 3/3 tokens it makes are incredibly imposing and nearly impossible to deal with effectively for your opponent -- and he also comes with the ability to destroy creatures. That's where most of this card's value comes from in Limited, and that's plenty to win most games.
Bassara Tower Archer
2.0 // 3.5 This is where you want to put your Auras, counters, and equipment -- but without those things, it's pretty mediocre.
2.0 // 3.5 This is where you want to put your Auras, counters, and equipment -- but without those things, it's pretty mediocre.
Destructive Revelry
0.5 This is a great sideboard card, but even though this format has a decent number of Enchantments, it isn't really enough for you to ever want this in your main deck.
0.5 This is a great sideboard card, but even though this format has a decent number of Enchantments, it isn't really enough for you to ever want this in your main deck.
Fell Stinger
4 In a pinch this can sacrifice itself for the trigger, and if you have something really expendable it can be particularly great. Holding on to the death touch creature is nice, because it means you can always trade with this.
4 In a pinch this can sacrifice itself for the trigger, and if you have something really expendable it can be particularly great. Holding on to the death touch creature is nice, because it means you can always trade with this.
Guild Summit
0 // 2.5 This is a decent gate buildaround, though not usually one of the premium ones you're after. It is nice that it gives you value whether you already have Gates when it comes into play or if you play them after.
0 // 2.5 This is a decent gate buildaround, though not usually one of the premium ones you're after. It is nice that it gives you value whether you already have Gates when it comes into play or if you play them after.
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.
Rimrock Knight
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Natural State
0.5 This won't have enough targets to be in your main deck. Even as a sideboard card it's questionable, because of the mana value restriction.
0.5 This won't have enough targets to be in your main deck. Even as a sideboard card it's questionable, because of the mana value restriction.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Guild Summit
Silence
0 This style of card is never good in Limited. You go down a card for a highly situational effect.
0 This style of card is never good in Limited. You go down a card for a highly situational effect.
Guild Summit
0 // 2.5 This is a decent gate buildaround, though not usually one of the premium ones you're after. It is nice that it gives you value whether you already have Gates when it comes into play or if you play them after.
0 // 2.5 This is a decent gate buildaround, though not usually one of the premium ones you're after. It is nice that it gives you value whether you already have Gates when it comes into play or if you play them after.
Clear Shot
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
Crypt Incursion
0 This can gain you a bunch of life, but a graveyard has to be well-stocked, and just gaining life is rarely worth a card anyway.
0 This can gain you a bunch of life, but a graveyard has to be well-stocked, and just gaining life is rarely worth a card anyway.
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.
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.
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.
Swift Reckoning
2.5 It's efficient, but when it doesn't have Flash it's pretty bad -- since it means that your opponent will force you to deal with an attack before you kill their thing.
2.5 It's efficient, but when it doesn't have Flash it's pretty bad -- since it means that your opponent will force you to deal with an attack before you kill their thing.
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.
Rimrock Knight
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
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.
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.
Give
1.5 Three mana for three counters is kind of alright, but 6 mana to draw three at sorcery speed is really bad. Sure, it has an even higher ceiling -- but you're not going to get there. Subtracting from your board to draw cards is just a really bad idea.
1.5 Three mana for three counters is kind of alright, but 6 mana to draw three at sorcery speed is really bad. Sure, it has an even higher ceiling -- but you're not going to get there. Subtracting from your board to draw cards is just a really bad idea.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Turn
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.
Bassara Tower Archer
2.0 // 3.5 This is where you want to put your Auras, counters, and equipment -- but without those things, it's pretty mediocre.
2.0 // 3.5 This is where you want to put your Auras, counters, and equipment -- but without those things, it's pretty mediocre.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nimbus Naiad
2 Wind Drake isn't that exciting, but it's sort of passable, and in the late game putting this on just about any creature makes it a major threat.
2 Wind Drake isn't that exciting, but it's sort of passable, and in the late game putting this on just about any creature makes it a major threat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Turn
3.5 Burn on it's own is a playable card. That's less true of Turn, but it has it's moments where it can help you kill a creature. Fusing this is where the real value is, though -- because it's effectively a 5-mana instant that can destroy any creature, while still having upside much earlier in the game.
3.5 Burn on it's own is a playable card. That's less true of Turn, but it has it's moments where it can help you kill a creature. Fusing this is where the real value is, though -- because it's effectively a 5-mana instant that can destroy any creature, while still having upside much earlier in the game.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Compulsory Rest
Zurgo Bellstriker
2 If you could always play him on turn one he'd be really good -- but that's not how Magic works. In the later stages of the game it's just a bad card.
2 If you could always play him on turn one he'd be really good -- but that's not how Magic works. In the later stages of the game it's just a bad card.
Coordinated Assault
3 This can generate 2-for-1s incredibly efficiently, and it gets even better in a heroic format.
3 This can generate 2-for-1s incredibly efficiently, and it gets even better in a heroic format.
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.
Clear Shot
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
Compulsory Rest
3 This is solid removal spell, though not shutting off static and activated abilities can be a problem sometimes.
3 This is solid removal spell, though not shutting off static and activated abilities can be a problem sometimes.
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.
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.
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.
Purphoros's Emissary
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
Voyaging Satyr
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
3 This is a nice way to ramp your mana.
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.
Open the Armory
0 A two mana tutor that is this restrictive just isn't ever worth it in Limited.
0 A two mana tutor that is this restrictive just isn't ever worth it in Limited.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Medomai the Ageless
Chained to the Rocks
0 // 4 This is great removal if you're in Red/White, as it's effectively a one mana Oblivion Ring. But if you're not in Red/White, it's useless.
0 // 4 This is great removal if you're in Red/White, as it's effectively a one mana Oblivion Ring. But if you're not in Red/White, it's useless.
Medomai the Ageless
4 Medomai is pretty clunky, and needs a clear sky and a turn, but if it hits your opponent once, the game will usually be over.
4 Medomai is pretty clunky, and needs a clear sky and a turn, but if it hits your opponent once, the game will usually be over.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bile Blight
4 It's a little hard to cast, but -3/-3 is big for only two mana, and this can even take out a bunch of tokens or multiple creatures with the same name.
4 It's a little hard to cast, but -3/-3 is big for only two mana, and this can even take out a bunch of tokens or multiple creatures with the same name.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Essence Scatter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Purphoros's Emissary
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
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.
Alive
2.5 If you fuse this, at a minimum you're getting a 3/3 that gains you 2 life for 5 mana. That's not great, but that's the floor here -- if you have other creatures around, you're adding a real body to the board and gaining some very relevant life. This can definitely stabilize you. You do need access to both sides for this to ever be worth it, though.
2.5 If you fuse this, at a minimum you're getting a 3/3 that gains you 2 life for 5 mana. That's not great, but that's the floor here -- if you have other creatures around, you're adding a real body to the board and gaining some very relevant life. This can definitely stabilize you. You do need access to both sides for this to ever be worth it, though.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Nessian Asp
Steward of Solidarity
4 This can attack like mos ttwo mana 2/2s early, and then it can crank out a 1/1 for free every couple of turns once it can't attack anymore. That's pretty great.
4 This can attack like mos ttwo mana 2/2s early, and then it can crank out a 1/1 for free every couple of turns once it can't attack anymore. That's pretty great.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Expedite
2.5 This works nicely in both Heroic decks and Spell decks, and it replaces itself so the baseline is passable.
2.5 This works nicely in both Heroic decks and Spell decks, and it replaces itself so the baseline is passable.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Boulder Salvo
Cruel Revival
3 There are enough Zombies in this set for this to generate a 2-for-1 pretty often.
3 There are enough Zombies in this set for this to generate a 2-for-1 pretty often.
Boulder Salvo
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
2.5 A 5-mana deal 4 is bad, but Surging with this is pretty doable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Miming Slime
2.5 You need at least a 3/3 here to feel okay about it, and sometimes you'll get something bigger. Good news is, I think Green decks will be able to make at least a decent token pretty often.
2.5 You need at least a 3/3 here to feel okay about it, and sometimes you'll get something bigger. Good news is, I think Green decks will be able to make at least a decent token pretty often.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Guild Summit
Destructive Revelry
0.5 This is a great sideboard card, but even though this format has a decent number of Enchantments, it isn't really enough for you to ever want this in your main deck.
0.5 This is a great sideboard card, but even though this format has a decent number of Enchantments, it isn't really enough for you to ever want this in your main deck.
Guild Summit
0 // 2.5 This is a decent gate buildaround, though not usually one of the premium ones you're after. It is nice that it gives you value whether you already have Gates when it comes into play or if you play them after.
0 // 2.5 This is a decent gate buildaround, though not usually one of the premium ones you're after. It is nice that it gives you value whether you already have Gates when it comes into play or if you play them after.
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.
Rimrock Knight
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
3.5 This was surprisignly great last time we saw it. The buff doesn't always let your creature survive combat, but even just chipping in for extra damage and then adding a 3/1 to the board is a pretty good deal.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Swift Reckoning
Clear Shot
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
4 This is always an excellent Uncommon. It's very easy to destroy creatures with on most board states, and sometimes you even get a 2-for-1.
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.
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.
Swift Reckoning
2.5 It's efficient, but when it doesn't have Flash it's pretty bad -- since it means that your opponent will force you to deal with an attack before you kill their thing.
2.5 It's efficient, but when it doesn't have Flash it's pretty bad -- since it means that your opponent will force you to deal with an attack before you kill their thing.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Skyrider Elf
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.
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.
Nimbus Naiad
2 Wind Drake isn't that exciting, but it's sort of passable, and in the late game putting this on just about any creature makes it a major threat.
2 Wind Drake isn't that exciting, but it's sort of passable, and in the late game putting this on just about any creature makes it a major threat.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Syndicate Messenger
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.
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.
Purphoros's Emissary
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
Open the Armory
0 A two mana tutor that is this restrictive just isn't ever worth it in Limited.
0 A two mana tutor that is this restrictive just isn't ever worth it in Limited.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Opal Lake Gatekeepers
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Skyrider Elf
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.
Purphoros's Emissary
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Menace is passable, and if you draw it late, it's likely to drastically improve your attack.
Pack 3 Pick 15: Dragon Mantle
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.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Hornet Nest
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Gnarlback Rhino
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Dictate of Heliod
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Gates Ablaze
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Izzet Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Rakdos Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Orzhov Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Dimir Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Azorius Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Selesnya Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Boros Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Boros Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Dreg Mangler
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Martial Glory
- Pack 1 Pick 15: Halo Scarab
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Gatebreaker Ram
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Kiora's Follower
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Conclave Naturalists
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Experiment One
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Voyaging Satyr
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Maze's End
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Simic Guildgate
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Kiora's Follower
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Gruul Guildgate
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Opal Lake Gatekeepers
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Golgari Guildgate
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Steward of Solidarity
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Counterflux
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Clear Shot
- Pack 2 Pick 15: Zendikar Incarnate
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Garruk, Apex Predator
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Guild Summit
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Turn
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Compulsory Rest
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Medomai the Ageless
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Essence Scatter
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Nessian Asp
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Boulder Salvo
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Guild Summit
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Swift Reckoning
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Skyrider Elf
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Syndicate Messenger
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Opal Lake Gatekeepers
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Skyrider Elf
- Pack 3 Pick 15: Dragon Mantle
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