Premier Draft RNA 14.januar 2021
14 January 05:08 - SibaSt 7 Wins - 2 Losses
Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Depose
Plaza of Harmony
0.0 // 2.5 If your deck has enough gates in it, this is a pretty reasonable land, as the 3 life is really helpful. But you probably need 7+ gates before you should consider playing it.
0.0 // 2.5 If your deck has enough gates in it, this is a pretty reasonable land, as the 3 life is really helpful. But you probably need 7+ gates before you should consider playing it.
Azorius Skyguard
3.0 This has mediocre stats for the cost, even with First Strike in the mix, but its ability does have an immediate impact on the board, sometimes even making your attacks better, and usually making it harder for your opponent to attack you on their turn. There is one pretty big downside here, though – the Skyguard dies to a whole lot of very cheap removal in the format. Its not uncommon to pay 6 for this and have it blanked by something that costs 3 or less.
3.0 This has mediocre stats for the cost, even with First Strike in the mix, but its ability does have an immediate impact on the board, sometimes even making your attacks better, and usually making it harder for your opponent to attack you on their turn. There is one pretty big downside here, though – the Skyguard dies to a whole lot of very cheap removal in the format. Its not uncommon to pay 6 for this and have it blanked by something that costs 3 or less.
Depose
3.5 The Deploy side here is where most of the value is – and boy, it end sup being a lot of value! At worst, you get two 1/1 flyers and gain 2 life – and that’s about a 2.5, and this often ends up gaining you significantly more life. Having the Depose option is nice too, as sometimes you can use it to find a way to get through for lethal.
3.5 The Deploy side here is where most of the value is – and boy, it end sup being a lot of value! At worst, you get two 1/1 flyers and gain 2 life – and that’s about a 2.5, and this often ends up gaining you significantly more life. Having the Depose option is nice too, as sometimes you can use it to find a way to get through for lethal.
Cult Guildmage
3.5 The second ability is where most of the value is on this one, since pinging your opponent for only a single Red is a pretty darn good deal, and also sets up all of your Spectacle. Its nice you can disrupt your opponent’s hand in the late game too.
3.5 The second ability is where most of the value is on this one, since pinging your opponent for only a single Red is a pretty darn good deal, and also sets up all of your Spectacle. Its nice you can disrupt your opponent’s hand in the late game too.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Spikewheel Acrobat
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks. 118 - Spikewheel Acrobat – 1.5 This really only feels worth it if you get the Spectacle going, and even then it isn’t exactly amazing, as most 2 drops in the set can still trade for it.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks. 118 - Spikewheel Acrobat – 1.5 This really only feels worth it if you get the Spectacle going, and even then it isn’t exactly amazing, as most 2 drops in the set can still trade for it.
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Ghor-Clan Wrecker
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
Applied Biomancy
2.5 This can generate some serious blowouts on occasions when both options are useful, and on most boards it is at least capable of doing something for you.
2.5 This can generate some serious blowouts on occasions when both options are useful, and on most boards it is at least capable of doing something for you.
Twilight Panther
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
Noxious Groodion
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Lawmage's Binding
Skatewing Spy
3.0 4-mana for a 3/2 definitely isn’t great, but if your board already has some counters lying around, it will immediately give flying to some of your creatures, and obviously it can eventually adapt and become a Flyer itself. However, if your whole plan is adapting this, it isn’t great. You really need some other +1/+1 counters around for it to feel worth the investment – luckily, that’s not too hard to do if you’re in the Simic deck.
3.0 4-mana for a 3/2 definitely isn’t great, but if your board already has some counters lying around, it will immediately give flying to some of your creatures, and obviously it can eventually adapt and become a Flyer itself. However, if your whole plan is adapting this, it isn’t great. You really need some other +1/+1 counters around for it to feel worth the investment – luckily, that’s not too hard to do if you’re in the Simic deck.
Resolute Watchdog
2.0 This can come down and block reasonably well in the early game, and being able to make a better creature indestructible is decent upside.
2.0 This can come down and block reasonably well in the early game, and being able to make a better creature indestructible is decent upside.
Enraged Ceratok
3.5 This has really nice stats and is surprisingly difficult to block easily.
3.5 This has really nice stats and is surprisingly difficult to block easily.
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Saruli Caretaker
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
Lawmage's Binding
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
Civic Stalwart
2.5 A Hill Giant that pumps your whole board is always pretty decent, as it allows you to add to the board and also significantly improve your attacks.
2.5 A Hill Giant that pumps your whole board is always pretty decent, as it allows you to add to the board and also significantly improve your attacks.
Territorial Boar
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Sagittars' Volley
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
Rakdos Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Rubble Slinger
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Azorius Knight-Arbiter
Enraged Ceratok
3.5 This has really nice stats and is surprisingly difficult to block easily.
3.5 This has really nice stats and is surprisingly difficult to block easily.
Clan Guildmage
3.0 This guildmage might be the most underwhelming of the group, but its still pretty good! One problem is that both of the abilities kind of do the same thing, so it isn’t as flexible as the others. Turning off a blocker can really allow you to get in for huge damage, and animating a land for a turn can do that too.
3.0 This guildmage might be the most underwhelming of the group, but its still pretty good! One problem is that both of the abilities kind of do the same thing, so it isn’t as flexible as the others. Turning off a blocker can really allow you to get in for huge damage, and animating a land for a turn can do that too.
Shimmer of Possibility
1.5 If you’re in the spell deck, this can be worth playing, otherwise casting this isn’t very impactful.
1.5 If you’re in the spell deck, this can be worth playing, otherwise casting this isn’t very impactful.
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Carrion Imp
2.0 This gives you enough value with the ETB that paying 4 for it generally feels pretty decent. Its too bad it doesn’t drain your opponent like some other versions of this card we’ve seen over the years.
2.0 This gives you enough value with the ETB that paying 4 for it generally feels pretty decent. Its too bad it doesn’t drain your opponent like some other versions of this card we’ve seen over the years.
Azorius Knight-Arbiter
2.5 This isn’t a bad win condition for Azorius control decks in this format. It is an excellent blocker that can give you inevitability while chipping away at the opponent’s life total.
2.5 This isn’t a bad win condition for Azorius control decks in this format. It is an excellent blocker that can give you inevitability while chipping away at the opponent’s life total.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Sylvan Brushstrider
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
Twilight Panther
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
Saruli Caretaker
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
Simic Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Mammoth Spider
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Shimmer of Possibility
Flames of the Raze-Boar
3.0 6 mana to do 4 to a creature isn’t great, but if you have a 4+ power creature, this can turn into a pretty impressive sweeper, taking down multiple things! Its expensive, and the set up is real – but its upside is massive.
3.0 6 mana to do 4 to a creature isn’t great, but if you have a 4+ power creature, this can turn into a pretty impressive sweeper, taking down multiple things! Its expensive, and the set up is real – but its upside is massive.
Eyes Everywhere
1.0 This isn’t really worth it. The Scry isn’t enough, and playing a silly mini-game with it to steal your opponent’s stuff is rough. If your opponent has no way at all to produce Blue mana it definitely gets a little more interesting, but this format has such good mana that I wouldn’t count on them not having it.
1.0 This isn’t really worth it. The Scry isn’t enough, and playing a silly mini-game with it to steal your opponent’s stuff is rough. If your opponent has no way at all to produce Blue mana it definitely gets a little more interesting, but this format has such good mana that I wouldn’t count on them not having it.
Dagger Caster
2.0 This can sometimes come down and kill some stuff, but most of the time it feels like it just pings the opponent for one damage. It is pretty sweet to combine with Bladebrand, though!
2.0 This can sometimes come down and kill some stuff, but most of the time it feels like it just pings the opponent for one damage. It is pretty sweet to combine with Bladebrand, though!
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Coral Commando
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
Rakdos Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Gruul Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Shimmer of Possibility
1.5 If you’re in the spell deck, this can be worth playing, otherwise casting this isn’t very impactful.
1.5 If you’re in the spell deck, this can be worth playing, otherwise casting this isn’t very impactful.
Simic Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Territorial Boar
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
Gruul Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Summary Judgment
Biogenic Upgrade
2.5 This can really help you close out a game, and is even pretty nice at just upgrading your board. And that’s a big deal, because if it was only good at winning you the game the turn you cast it, it would be far too narrow. Having a single copy of this at the top of your curve in both Gruul and Simic decks is pretty solid, though you don’t want to have more than that.
2.5 This can really help you close out a game, and is even pretty nice at just upgrading your board. And that’s a big deal, because if it was only good at winning you the game the turn you cast it, it would be far too narrow. Having a single copy of this at the top of your curve in both Gruul and Simic decks is pretty solid, though you don’t want to have more than that.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Syndicate Messenger
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
2.5 This has almost-passable stats, so adding Afterlife 1 to the card is pretty nice! Like a lot of them, it can trade and then leave behind a token, which feels pretty good.
Sagittars' Volley
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
Gateway Plaza
2.5 This comes with the “Gate” type, which means you’ll want it in many decks, and it also does a decent job of fixing.
2.5 This comes with the “Gate” type, which means you’ll want it in many decks, and it also does a decent job of fixing.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Concordia Pegasus
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
Summary Judgment
2.5 Its conditional, but its also pretty efficient. Its more efficient if you use it during your main phase, but if you can kill a creature before it hits you with the 3 damage, that’s obviously a little bit better.
2.5 Its conditional, but its also pretty efficient. Its more efficient if you use it during your main phase, but if you can kill a creature before it hits you with the 3 damage, that’s obviously a little bit better.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Burn Bright
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Impassioned Orator
Incubation
2.0 This isn’t as impressive as the rest of this cycle. Both sides can be nice in certain situations, but even when you have both options, neither ends up feeling too great a big chunk of the time. Paying one to get a bit of card selection isn’t great, and neither is paying 3 to kill something and give its controller a 3/3. This is certainly playable, but not remotely impressive.
2.0 This isn’t as impressive as the rest of this cycle. Both sides can be nice in certain situations, but even when you have both options, neither ends up feeling too great a big chunk of the time. Paying one to get a bit of card selection isn’t great, and neither is paying 3 to kill something and give its controller a 3/3. This is certainly playable, but not remotely impressive.
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Rubble Reading
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Senate Courier
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
Scuttlegator
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
Slimebind
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
Impassioned Orator
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
Steeple Creeper
2.5 This might be the best of this cycle of Commons. A 3-mana 4/2 is already almost passable, so the ability to gain flying in the mid-to-late game is pretty nice.
2.5 This might be the best of this cycle of Commons. A 3-mana 4/2 is already almost passable, so the ability to gain flying in the mid-to-late game is pretty nice.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Azorius Guildgate
Bankrupt in Blood
2.0 If you have expendable creatures around, this is pretty spicy, but it isn’t something that all decks can take advantage of.
2.0 If you have expendable creatures around, this is pretty spicy, but it isn’t something that all decks can take advantage of.
Senate Griffin
2.5 This is a nice little flyer. The stats are fine, and Scrying is always a good way to smooth out your draws.
2.5 This is a nice little flyer. The stats are fine, and Scrying is always a good way to smooth out your draws.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Catacomb Crocodile
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Rakdos Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Wrecking Beast
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
2.0 This is some fine top-curve to have in both Simic and Gruul decks. It hits hard whichever option you choose.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Clear the Mind
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Mammoth Spider
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Ghor-Clan Wrecker
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
Prowling Caracal
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
1.5 This is a vanilla 2-mana 3/1. If you’re in an aggro deck and don’t have enough two drops, you’ll probably play it.
Humongulus
1.5 You mostly only play this if you can really take advantage of Hexproof. You can do this with +1/+1 counters and Auras and stuff like that. Otherwise, it is just sort of an inefficient blocker.
1.5 You mostly only play this if you can really take advantage of Hexproof. You can do this with +1/+1 counters and Auras and stuff like that. Otherwise, it is just sort of an inefficient blocker.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Faerie Duelist
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Spikewheel Acrobat
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks. 118 - Spikewheel Acrobat – 1.5 This really only feels worth it if you get the Spectacle going, and even then it isn’t exactly amazing, as most 2 drops in the set can still trade for it.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks. 118 - Spikewheel Acrobat – 1.5 This really only feels worth it if you get the Spectacle going, and even then it isn’t exactly amazing, as most 2 drops in the set can still trade for it.
Ghor-Clan Wrecker
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
Applied Biomancy
2.5 This can generate some serious blowouts on occasions when both options are useful, and on most boards it is at least capable of doing something for you.
2.5 This can generate some serious blowouts on occasions when both options are useful, and on most boards it is at least capable of doing something for you.
Twilight Panther
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
Noxious Groodion
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
Watchful Giant
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
1.0 This doesn’t really give you enough for the mana you spend on it. The two bodies are nice I guess, but neither of them is that significant.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Prying Eyes
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Saruli Caretaker
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Sagittars' Volley
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Rubble Slinger
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
2.0 If you don’t have any good ways to block flyers – this can certainly do it, though it isn’t exactly efficient.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Tenth District Veteran
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Carrion Imp
2.0 This gives you enough value with the ETB that paying 4 for it generally feels pretty decent. Its too bad it doesn’t drain your opponent like some other versions of this card we’ve seen over the years.
2.0 This gives you enough value with the ETB that paying 4 for it generally feels pretty decent. Its too bad it doesn’t drain your opponent like some other versions of this card we’ve seen over the years.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Sylvan Brushstrider
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
Saruli Caretaker
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
1.5 The cost of tapping both the Caretaker and another creature for mana ends up being pretty real, but if you are interested in fixing and ramp, this can certainly do it.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Simic Locket
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Coral Commando
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
Gruul Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Simic Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Clear the Mind
Sagittars' Volley
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
0.5 This is a solid sideboard card, but there aren’t really enough flyers to justify sticking this in your main deck.
Clear the Mind
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
0.0 // 2.5 This card would be an F in most formats, but this format actually has real enough control decks that you can end up in a deck where Clear the Mind is sort of your win condition, since it keeps you from milling yourself out, while your opponent won’t be so lucky. You do generally need at least two of them to keep things going, but you’d be surprised how real of a strategy it is in this format.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Senate Courier
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Senate Courier
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
Pack 1 Pick 15: Catacomb Crocodile
Catacomb Crocodile
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Lawmage's Binding
Cindervines
0.5 This is a decent sideboard card. You’re really only going to want to bring it in against decks with artifacts and enchantments worth targeting, though. The other ability isn’t enough on its own.
0.5 This is a decent sideboard card. You’re really only going to want to bring it in against decks with artifacts and enchantments worth targeting, though. The other ability isn’t enough on its own.
Orzhov Racketeers
2.5 This has some bad starting stats for the cost, but it does have some nice stuff going on. On a base level, you can simply trade this for something and enjoy your 1/1 tokens. But you’ll find yourself in a situation sometimes where your opponent just has to take this, because they don’t really want to give you the flyers, and when they do take it, they have to lose a card, which is pretty nice.
2.5 This has some bad starting stats for the cost, but it does have some nice stuff going on. On a base level, you can simply trade this for something and enjoy your 1/1 tokens. But you’ll find yourself in a situation sometimes where your opponent just has to take this, because they don’t really want to give you the flyers, and when they do take it, they have to lose a card, which is pretty nice.
Knight of the Last Breath
2.0 This is mostly too clunky. A 7-mana 4/4 is just bad, even if it does leave behind three 1/1 tokens and the ability to generate more tokens. It isn’t unplayable, but you’ll find yourself cutting it a lot.
2.0 This is mostly too clunky. A 7-mana 4/4 is just bad, even if it does leave behind three 1/1 tokens and the ability to generate more tokens. It isn’t unplayable, but you’ll find yourself cutting it a lot.
Zhur-Taa Goblin
3.5 This is either a two mana 3/3, or a two mana 2/2 with Haste, and both options are very appealing.
3.5 This is either a two mana 3/3, or a two mana 2/2 with Haste, and both options are very appealing.
Territorial Boar
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
Lawmage's Binding
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
Ghor-Clan Wrecker
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
Rafter Demon
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Open the Gates
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
Sage's Row Savant
1.5 This has alright stats and an alright ETB ability, but you’re usually hoping you have a different two drop.
1.5 This has alright stats and an alright ETB ability, but you’re usually hoping you have a different two drop.
Simic Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Dovin's Acuity
Cavalcade of Calamity
0.0 This card is very sweet, but it is very difficult to consistently build around it in Limited. You just won’t have enough small creatures.
0.0 This card is very sweet, but it is very difficult to consistently build around it in Limited. You just won’t have enough small creatures.
Spirit of the Spires
2.5 This has decent stats and okay upside, especially if your deck has a decent number of fliers.
2.5 This has decent stats and okay upside, especially if your deck has a decent number of fliers.
Dovin's Acuity
3.5 This is a very real card in the format, and it generates some insane value that really makes Azorius control decks into monsters in the late game. Sure, casting your Instants like they are Sorceries isn’t always ideal, but the cards and life you get from this really pay you off for going for the significantly clunkier play. The format is slow enough that Dovin’s Acuity is a very real card that will win you the game in the long run.
3.5 This is a very real card in the format, and it generates some insane value that really makes Azorius control decks into monsters in the late game. Sure, casting your Instants like they are Sorceries isn’t always ideal, but the cards and life you get from this really pay you off for going for the significantly clunkier play. The format is slow enough that Dovin’s Acuity is a very real card that will win you the game in the long run.
Feral Maaka
1.0 If you need a two drop well..that’s what this is, but you’ll only be playing this in an emergency.
1.0 If you need a two drop well..that’s what this is, but you’ll only be playing this in an emergency.
Chillbringer
3.5 Creatures that come down and have an immediate effect on the board are great, and Chillbringer freezes a creature down while giving you a pretty real flying body. This is an excellent Common, even as a five drop, you’d be happy to play as many as four of these. They just tend to swing the common in your favor way more often than your typical Common.
3.5 Creatures that come down and have an immediate effect on the board are great, and Chillbringer freezes a creature down while giving you a pretty real flying body. This is an excellent Common, even as a five drop, you’d be happy to play as many as four of these. They just tend to swing the common in your favor way more often than your typical Common.
Coral Commando
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
Summary Judgment
2.5 Its conditional, but its also pretty efficient. Its more efficient if you use it during your main phase, but if you can kill a creature before it hits you with the 3 damage, that’s obviously a little bit better.
2.5 Its conditional, but its also pretty efficient. Its more efficient if you use it during your main phase, but if you can kill a creature before it hits you with the 3 damage, that’s obviously a little bit better.
Get the Point
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
Scuttlegator
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
Consign to the Pit
2.5 Its expensive, but it does answer everything, and the two damage you get out of it is decent upside.
2.5 Its expensive, but it does answer everything, and the two damage you get out of it is decent upside.
Undercity's Embrace
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Dead Revels
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
2.5 As usual, this type of card is something you want one of most of the time in Black. Returning two things to your hand late is a good way to keep the gas going, and because you can get Spectacle going on this, you’ll sometimes even be able to cast the things you bring back right away!
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Azorius Guildgate
Smothering Tithe
0.0 This is an EDH staple of course, but its terrible in Limited. You don’t end up having enough stuff to use the treasure on, and its an Enchantment that doesn’t do anything at first.
0.0 This is an EDH staple of course, but its terrible in Limited. You don’t end up having enough stuff to use the treasure on, and its an Enchantment that doesn’t do anything at first.
Wilderness Reclamation
0.0 This was a famously powerful card in constructed – in Limited, it is pretty much unplayable. You just won’t have anything to do with all the mana it gives you, even in a format with Adapt. Basically, you end up going down a card for no effect at all if you play this.
0.0 This was a famously powerful card in constructed – in Limited, it is pretty much unplayable. You just won’t have anything to do with all the mana it gives you, even in a format with Adapt. Basically, you end up going down a card for no effect at all if you play this.
Gyre Engineer
3.0 This is incredibly fragile, and you’ll find it often dies to a very cheap removal spell before you untap with it. But if you do untap, you get a pretty nice mana boost.
3.0 This is incredibly fragile, and you’ll find it often dies to a very cheap removal spell before you untap with it. But if you do untap, you get a pretty nice mana boost.
Titanic Brawl
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
Goblin Gathering
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
Quench
1.5 This can feel okay in the early game, but because your opponent is more likely to have mana around in the later part of the game, it has a pretty steep drop off.
1.5 This can feel okay in the early game, but because your opponent is more likely to have mana around in the later part of the game, it has a pretty steep drop off.
Rafter Demon
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Twilight Panther
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
Territorial Boar
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Lawmage's Binding
Rumbling Ruin
3.5 If you’re in Gruul, this 6-mana 6/6 can often come down and turn off a number of blockers, which will often allow your creatures who already in play to get in for some significant damage. It won’t always get to do its thing, but this has a floor of a vanilla 6-mana 6/6 and a very impressive ceiling.
3.5 If you’re in Gruul, this 6-mana 6/6 can often come down and turn off a number of blockers, which will often allow your creatures who already in play to get in for some significant damage. It won’t always get to do its thing, but this has a floor of a vanilla 6-mana 6/6 and a very impressive ceiling.
Fireblade Artist
4.0 This is one of the most aggressive cards in the format, and it can generate massive amounts of damage. A lot of the decks in the format are very slow, and this can really devastate most of those decks if it comes down early. Rakdos has enough sacrifice fodder that this can really work out, and it of course also gets Spectacle going.
4.0 This is one of the most aggressive cards in the format, and it can generate massive amounts of damage. A lot of the decks in the format are very slow, and this can really devastate most of those decks if it comes down early. Rakdos has enough sacrifice fodder that this can really work out, and it of course also gets Spectacle going.
Sky Tether
2.5 If your deck has a lot of fliers this can be pretty good. If it doesn’t, it can be pretty mediocre, because the creature you put it on can still do everything apart from attack.
2.5 If your deck has a lot of fliers this can be pretty good. If it doesn’t, it can be pretty mediocre, because the creature you put it on can still do everything apart from attack.
Rubblebelt Recluse
2.0 This is pretty big for the cost. And…well, yeah that’s pretty much all it has going for it! But that kind of size is a decent thing to have around in some decks.
2.0 This is pretty big for the cost. And…well, yeah that’s pretty much all it has going for it! But that kind of size is a decent thing to have around in some decks.
Arrester's Admonition
3.0 Casting this with the Addendum feels pretty good, as you end up breaking even on cards and getting some pretty good tempo, and you can of course cast it without the Addendum in a pinch – like if your opponent is trying to use a combat trick or something.
3.0 Casting this with the Addendum feels pretty good, as you end up breaking even on cards and getting some pretty good tempo, and you can of course cast it without the Addendum in a pinch – like if your opponent is trying to use a combat trick or something.
Lawmage's Binding
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Final Payment
3.0 Two mana to destroy a creature is a great rate, and I love the options that you get here. Paying 5 life is often the preferable one, but you can also find ways to sacrifice stuff for value. It is difficult to run more than one of these, because you can’t be paying 5 life multiple times in most games, but the first copy is great.
3.0 Two mana to destroy a creature is a great rate, and I love the options that you get here. Paying 5 life is often the preferable one, but you can also find ways to sacrifice stuff for value. It is difficult to run more than one of these, because you can’t be paying 5 life multiple times in most games, but the first copy is great.
Undercity's Embrace
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Undercity Scavenger
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Rally to Battle
Clear the Stage
3.0 5-mana for -3/-3 isn’t very good, but if you have a few creatures with 4 or more power in your deck, it becomes pretty impressive, as killing something and getting the best creature back from the graveyard is a big deal.
3.0 5-mana for -3/-3 isn’t very good, but if you have a few creatures with 4 or more power in your deck, it becomes pretty impressive, as killing something and getting the best creature back from the graveyard is a big deal.
Rally to Battle
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Gateway Plaza
2.5 This comes with the “Gate” type, which means you’ll want it in many decks, and it also does a decent job of fixing.
2.5 This comes with the “Gate” type, which means you’ll want it in many decks, and it also does a decent job of fixing.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Scuttlegator
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
Rafter Demon
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
Simic Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Simic Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Slimebind
Wall of Lost Thoughts
2.0 Mill is a real strategy in this format, and the Wall isn’t bad in the decks that aim to do that. It slows down aggressive decks and allows you to pick away at the opposing library.
2.0 Mill is a real strategy in this format, and the Wall isn’t bad in the decks that aim to do that. It slows down aggressive decks and allows you to pick away at the opposing library.
Impassioned Orator
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
Slimebind
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Sylvan Brushstrider
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
2.0 This is an alright 3-drop. The stats are pretty mediocre, but the 2 life helps off-set that a little bit.
Noxious Groodion
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
Growth Spiral
2.0 This is nice in Limited, but not the busted thing it is in constructed. You won’t always be able to take advantage of the extra land effect after the early game, but that still means it’s a cantrip, which isn’t too shabby.
2.0 This is nice in Limited, but not the busted thing it is in constructed. You won’t always be able to take advantage of the extra land effect after the early game, but that still means it’s a cantrip, which isn’t too shabby.
Spikewheel Acrobat
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks. 118 - Spikewheel Acrobat – 1.5 This really only feels worth it if you get the Spectacle going, and even then it isn’t exactly amazing, as most 2 drops in the set can still trade for it.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks. 118 - Spikewheel Acrobat – 1.5 This really only feels worth it if you get the Spectacle going, and even then it isn’t exactly amazing, as most 2 drops in the set can still trade for it.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Pteramander
Pteramander
3.5 This starts out as a one mana 1/1 Flyer, which isn’t that exciting – but it does mean it’s a good attacker in the very early game, and then in the later game adapting it becomes increasingly easy, and at that point it basically becomes a dragon that can end the game quickly.
3.5 This starts out as a one mana 1/1 Flyer, which isn’t that exciting – but it does mean it’s a good attacker in the very early game, and then in the later game adapting it becomes increasingly easy, and at that point it basically becomes a dragon that can end the game quickly.
Smelt-Ward Ignus
1.5 This has mediocre stats and an ability that is just way too costly and narrow. But, it isn’t a complete disaster if you have to play it.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and an ability that is just way too costly and narrow. But, it isn’t a complete disaster if you have to play it.
Simic Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Plague Wight
2.5 This is a solid little two-drop that is pretty hard for your opponent to block effectively in the early game.
2.5 This is a solid little two-drop that is pretty hard for your opponent to block effectively in the early game.
Goblin Gathering
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Concordia Pegasus
Concordia Pegasus
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Arrester's Zeal
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
Quench
1.5 This can feel okay in the early game, but because your opponent is more likely to have mana around in the later part of the game, it has a pretty steep drop off.
1.5 This can feel okay in the early game, but because your opponent is more likely to have mana around in the later part of the game, it has a pretty steep drop off.
Goblin Gathering
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
Catacomb Crocodile
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
1.0 If you need a defensive vanilla creature…I guess you can have this card, but I’m not sure why you would ever need one of those.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Simic Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Simic Guildgate
Cindervines
0.5 This is a decent sideboard card. You’re really only going to want to bring it in against decks with artifacts and enchantments worth targeting, though. The other ability isn’t enough on its own.
0.5 This is a decent sideboard card. You’re really only going to want to bring it in against decks with artifacts and enchantments worth targeting, though. The other ability isn’t enough on its own.
Territorial Boar
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
3.0 This ends up attacking as a 3/3 with Vigilance pretty often, and while that’s not the kind of size that is relevant all game long, it end sup being able to attack effectively for quite a while in most decks.
Ghor-Clan Wrecker
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
1.5 Neither option here is fairly appealing, but the flexibility isn’t too bad.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Gravel-Hide Goblin
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and an ability that can allow it to attack pretty much all game long, even if the ability is a little costly.
Azorius Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Simic Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Scuttlegator
Cavalcade of Calamity
0.0 This card is very sweet, but it is very difficult to consistently build around it in Limited. You just won’t have enough small creatures.
0.0 This card is very sweet, but it is very difficult to consistently build around it in Limited. You just won’t have enough small creatures.
Coral Commando
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
1.0 This is an unimpressive vanilla creature that you’ll really only run if you’re desperate.
Scuttlegator
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
Consign to the Pit
2.5 Its expensive, but it does answer everything, and the two damage you get out of it is decent upside.
2.5 Its expensive, but it does answer everything, and the two damage you get out of it is decent upside.
Undercity's Embrace
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Persistent Petitioners
Wilderness Reclamation
0.0 This was a famously powerful card in constructed – in Limited, it is pretty much unplayable. You just won’t have anything to do with all the mana it gives you, even in a format with Adapt. Basically, you end up going down a card for no effect at all if you play this.
0.0 This was a famously powerful card in constructed – in Limited, it is pretty much unplayable. You just won’t have anything to do with all the mana it gives you, even in a format with Adapt. Basically, you end up going down a card for no effect at all if you play this.
Goblin Gathering
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
1.0 // 3.0 If you just have one of these, it is playable – but just barely. Once you have multiples, though, it can be a pretty impressive way to go wide.
Rafter Demon
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Haazda Officer
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Final Payment
3.0 Two mana to destroy a creature is a great rate, and I love the options that you get here. Paying 5 life is often the preferable one, but you can also find ways to sacrifice stuff for value. It is difficult to run more than one of these, because you can’t be paying 5 life multiple times in most games, but the first copy is great.
3.0 Two mana to destroy a creature is a great rate, and I love the options that you get here. Paying 5 life is often the preferable one, but you can also find ways to sacrifice stuff for value. It is difficult to run more than one of these, because you can’t be paying 5 life multiple times in most games, but the first copy is great.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Rakdos Trumpeter
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Stony Strength
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
1.5 This kind of trick is almost never worth it. That’s even true in a set with some +1/+1 counter stuff going on. The stats boost isn’t enough, even if it is permanent.
Rafter Demon
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
2.0 This is less impressive than most of the Spectacle cards. Without Spectacle, it is a horrendous 4-mana 4/2. It does get a pretty real upgrade if you do get Spectacle going, as a 5-mana 4/2 that forces a discard isn’t too bad, but it has some diminishing values as the game goes on.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Faerie Duelist
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Growth Spiral
2.0 This is nice in Limited, but not the busted thing it is in constructed. You won’t always be able to take advantage of the extra land effect after the early game, but that still means it’s a cantrip, which isn’t too shabby.
2.0 This is nice in Limited, but not the busted thing it is in constructed. You won’t always be able to take advantage of the extra land effect after the early game, but that still means it’s a cantrip, which isn’t too shabby.
Pack 2 Pick 15: Gift of Strength
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Depose
Godless Shrine
2.5 This offer some very nice fixing, and if you’re in the market for that they are definitely nice. They are worth taking any time you are splashing a color or they are in both of your colors.
2.5 This offer some very nice fixing, and if you’re in the market for that they are definitely nice. They are worth taking any time you are splashing a color or they are in both of your colors.
Depose
3.5 The Deploy side here is where most of the value is – and boy, it end sup being a lot of value! At worst, you get two 1/1 flyers and gain 2 life – and that’s about a 2.5, and this often ends up gaining you significantly more life. Having the Depose option is nice too, as sometimes you can use it to find a way to get through for lethal.
3.5 The Deploy side here is where most of the value is – and boy, it end sup being a lot of value! At worst, you get two 1/1 flyers and gain 2 life – and that’s about a 2.5, and this often ends up gaining you significantly more life. Having the Depose option is nice too, as sometimes you can use it to find a way to get through for lethal.
Cult Guildmage
3.5 The second ability is where most of the value is on this one, since pinging your opponent for only a single Red is a pretty darn good deal, and also sets up all of your Spectacle. Its nice you can disrupt your opponent’s hand in the late game too.
3.5 The second ability is where most of the value is on this one, since pinging your opponent for only a single Red is a pretty darn good deal, and also sets up all of your Spectacle. Its nice you can disrupt your opponent’s hand in the late game too.
Tower Defense
0.0 This is mostly just a really fancy version of Fog, something that is just never worth it in Limited. You don’t want to go down a card just to buy yourself a single turn in this format.
0.0 This is mostly just a really fancy version of Fog, something that is just never worth it in Limited. You don’t want to go down a card just to buy yourself a single turn in this format.
Rubble Reading
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Mammoth Spider
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
Titanic Brawl
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
Arrester's Zeal
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Thought Collapse
1.5 Cancel is never great in Limited, but the mill upside this gives you does matter a little bit in this format.
1.5 Cancel is never great in Limited, but the mill upside this gives you does matter a little bit in this format.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Lawmage's Binding
Teysa Karlov
3.0 In this format, this mostly will just make your cards with Aferlife better – but that’s pretty nice, since you’re going to end up with several cards featuring the mechanic in just about any Orzhov deck. You can find some other ways to abuse Teysa’s two abilities too!
3.0 In this format, this mostly will just make your cards with Aferlife better – but that’s pretty nice, since you’re going to end up with several cards featuring the mechanic in just about any Orzhov deck. You can find some other ways to abuse Teysa’s two abilities too!
Gateway Sneak
3.0 Gate decks are real in this format, and this is a pretty powerful payoff, as getting in with this just nets you so much value. If you’re drawing more cards, you’re also more likely to find more Gates, too, which is likely to power many of your other cards.
3.0 Gate decks are real in this format, and this is a pretty powerful payoff, as getting in with this just nets you so much value. If you’re drawing more cards, you’re also more likely to find more Gates, too, which is likely to power many of your other cards.
Basilica Bell-Haunt
3.5 This whole cycle is pretty powerful, and that’s certainly the case here! This gives you a solid body, usually nets you a 2-for-1, and even gives you some life! The one downside is the mana cost, which even in an Orzhov deck won’t always be easy to produce. Still, you’ll usually be able to hit a card when it ETBs.
3.5 This whole cycle is pretty powerful, and that’s certainly the case here! This gives you a solid body, usually nets you a 2-for-1, and even gives you some life! The one downside is the mana cost, which even in an Orzhov deck won’t always be easy to produce. Still, you’ll usually be able to hit a card when it ETBs.
Skitter Eel
2.0 You’ll play this in decks that can really take advantage of +1/+1 counter synergy, but it isn’t that great in other decks, where its just inefficient – both before and after adapting.
2.0 You’ll play this in decks that can really take advantage of +1/+1 counter synergy, but it isn’t that great in other decks, where its just inefficient – both before and after adapting.
Lawmage's Binding
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
4.0 This is an excellent Common that lets you completely shut down just about any creature in the format, and Flash means you can do it at instant speed!
Axebane Beast
1.5 This has sort of passable stats. If you need a reasonably efficient medium-sized body, this is it.
1.5 This has sort of passable stats. If you need a reasonably efficient medium-sized body, this is it.
Consign to the Pit
2.5 Its expensive, but it does answer everything, and the two damage you get out of it is decent upside.
2.5 Its expensive, but it does answer everything, and the two damage you get out of it is decent upside.
Imperious Oligarch
3.5 This has nice base stats and comes with the very nice Afterlife mechanic. Two mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer is a pretty great deal, even if you aren’t getting them both at the same time.
3.5 This has nice base stats and comes with the very nice Afterlife mechanic. Two mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer is a pretty great deal, even if you aren’t getting them both at the same time.
Footlight Fiend
2.0 This can sometimes generate a 2-for-1, and at the very least it really makes life difficult for any opponent that has an X/1 in play. It is also pretty good sacrifice fodder, and gets Spectacle going. It is a surprisingly effective one drop!
2.0 This can sometimes generate a 2-for-1, and at the very least it really makes life difficult for any opponent that has an X/1 in play. It is also pretty good sacrifice fodder, and gets Spectacle going. It is a surprisingly effective one drop!
Spear Spewer
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
Titanic Brawl
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get any sort of boost out of Titanic Brawl, but the fact that you can play this for only a single Green is pretty nice – especially because both Simic and Gruul are so into +1/+1 counters that already increase the size of your creatures anyway.
Act of Treason
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
1.0 // 3.0 As usually, if you’re in a deck with enough Sacrifice outlets, this is really sweet. Stealing an opposing creature, attacking them with it, and then sacrificing it is one of the sweetest feelings there is! But you are going to need to have a few different cards that allow you to cheaply sacrifice a creatures to make it worth it, and it isn’t something you really want in any other deck.
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Gruul Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 3: High Alert
Combine Guildmage
3.5 There are a whole lot of counters in this set, so both abilities on the Guildmage end up coming up a lot in the mid-to-late game, and its pretty powerful to threaten to move counters around, or add additional counters to your creatures.
3.5 There are a whole lot of counters in this set, so both abilities on the Guildmage end up coming up a lot in the mid-to-late game, and its pretty powerful to threaten to move counters around, or add additional counters to your creatures.
High Alert
0.0 // 3.0 Obviously enough, this is a build around, but it is one that its possible to make work in the format. There are enough defensive creatures in the format, and this combines particularly well with the unblockable 2/5 with Vigilance. It is going to be terrible in most Azorius decks, though.
0.0 // 3.0 Obviously enough, this is a build around, but it is one that its possible to make work in the format. There are enough defensive creatures in the format, and this combines particularly well with the unblockable 2/5 with Vigilance. It is going to be terrible in most Azorius decks, though.
Sharktocrab
4.5 This is an Uncommon, but its also a bomb. You have a very efficient creature to start with, and then it comes with an incredible +1/+1 counter payoff – and it’s a payoff that it can generate all on its own thanks to Adapt. Freezing creatures down is a huge deal, especially when you have a big Fish Octopus Crab that can now get in there thanks to tapping something down. It gets really insane if you find a way to put counters on it even after you adapt!
4.5 This is an Uncommon, but its also a bomb. You have a very efficient creature to start with, and then it comes with an incredible +1/+1 counter payoff – and it’s a payoff that it can generate all on its own thanks to Adapt. Freezing creatures down is a huge deal, especially when you have a big Fish Octopus Crab that can now get in there thanks to tapping something down. It gets really insane if you find a way to put counters on it even after you adapt!
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Concordia Pegasus
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
Orzhov Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Impassioned Orator
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
Aeromunculus
3.5 This starts with solid stats, so the fact that the amplify ability only grants a single counter isn’t a big deal. It has a great baseline and comes with the upside of getting bigger later in the game.
3.5 This starts with solid stats, so the fact that the amplify ability only grants a single counter isn’t a big deal. It has a great baseline and comes with the upside of getting bigger later in the game.
Slimebind
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
1.5 As always, this kind of removal is super underwhelming. It doesn’t do enough to actually remove a creature, only downgrading it, and it often doesn’t give you a card’s worth of value. If you’re really desperate you’ll play it, though.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Faerie Duelist
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade
1.0 In Limited, this is mostly a hard-to-cast 2/2, and you don’t really need that.
1.0 In Limited, this is mostly a hard-to-cast 2/2, and you don’t really need that.
Gatebreaker Ram
1.5 // 4.0 This is one of the premier Gate payoffs in the format. If you end up with a critical mass of Gates, it will regularly be massive, evasive, and good at both attacking and blocking. Even if your deck has only 5 or so gates, it is a reasonable inclusion. While it is definitely a build around, it is a strong enough one that it is worth taking very highly.
1.5 // 4.0 This is one of the premier Gate payoffs in the format. If you end up with a critical mass of Gates, it will regularly be massive, evasive, and good at both attacking and blocking. Even if your deck has only 5 or so gates, it is a reasonable inclusion. While it is definitely a build around, it is a strong enough one that it is worth taking very highly.
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Open the Gates
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
2.5 This can be some pretty nice fixing if you’re in the market for that, and you often are in this format because the mana – and the Gate decks – are so good.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Mammoth Spider
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Blade Juggler
3.5 This is pretty good even without Spectacle, and if you can cast it with Spectacle it feels incredible. A 3-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is an amazing rate, and will virtually always give you a 2-for-1.
3.5 This is pretty good even without Spectacle, and if you can cast it with Spectacle it feels incredible. A 3-mana 3/2 that draws you a card is an amazing rate, and will virtually always give you a 2-for-1.
Grasping Thrull
3.5 This is a really great common for Orzhov decks. It is sort of a mini-Siege Rhino with Flying. And yeah, obviously it isn’t quite that good, but it is a very real flyer that immediately generates a 4-point life swing, and it turns out that’s a big deal.
3.5 This is a really great common for Orzhov decks. It is sort of a mini-Siege Rhino with Flying. And yeah, obviously it isn’t quite that good, but it is a very real flyer that immediately generates a 4-point life swing, and it turns out that’s a big deal.
Simic Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Faerie Duelist
Rally to Battle
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
Drill Bit
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
Undercity Scavenger
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
Final Payment
3.0 Two mana to destroy a creature is a great rate, and I love the options that you get here. Paying 5 life is often the preferable one, but you can also find ways to sacrifice stuff for value. It is difficult to run more than one of these, because you can’t be paying 5 life multiple times in most games, but the first copy is great.
3.0 Two mana to destroy a creature is a great rate, and I love the options that you get here. Paying 5 life is often the preferable one, but you can also find ways to sacrifice stuff for value. It is difficult to run more than one of these, because you can’t be paying 5 life multiple times in most games, but the first copy is great.
Persistent Petitioners
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
1.0 You’ll play this if you need a two-mana 1/3, but you aren’t going to assemble a mill deck with this thing.
Spikewheel Acrobat
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks. 118 - Spikewheel Acrobat – 1.5 This really only feels worth it if you get the Spectacle going, and even then it isn’t exactly amazing, as most 2 drops in the set can still trade for it.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks. 118 - Spikewheel Acrobat – 1.5 This really only feels worth it if you get the Spectacle going, and even then it isn’t exactly amazing, as most 2 drops in the set can still trade for it.
Root Snare
0.0 As usual, fogs are bad in Limited.
0.0 As usual, fogs are bad in Limited.
Burning-Tree Vandal
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
2.0 Rummaging when it attacks is fine, and because of Riot it can do it for you right away sometimes. The option of also making it a 3/2 is pretty sweet.
Faerie Duelist
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
3.0 This is a big overperformer. It can really alter combat in your favor, both during your turn and your opponents, while adding a pretty decent body to the board. It’s a great common.
Orzhov Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Gruul Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Senate Courier
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Impassioned Orator
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
2.5 The incidental life gain this provides really adds up over the course of a game, and is nice upside to have on a 2-mana 2/2.
Burn Bright
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
1.0 // 2.0 If you’re really going wide, this isn’t a terrible inclusion, but only the most aggressive decks are going to be interested in this.
Arrester's Zeal
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
Undercity's Embrace
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
Get the Point
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
3.5 This is great removal, kills everything no questions asked, and increases the chance that the card you’re going to draw will be what you want!
Scuttlegator
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
1.5 This isn’t very good. A 6-mana 6/6 with Defender can block pretty well, but you need your six drop to do more than that! It can eventually adapt into a huge creature that can attack, but it still feels too clunky most of the time.
Senate Courier
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
Rakdos Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Windstorm Drake
Windstorm Drake
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t great, but this does buff your other flyers, and that does enough to make this a pretty reasonable playable in most Blue decks.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t great, but this does buff your other flyers, and that does enough to make this a pretty reasonable playable in most Blue decks.
Noxious Groodion
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
2.0 This trades with everything as most death touchers do. Costing three mana does mean it is harder to trade up with it consistently, but it can still trade with everything.
Sage's Row Savant
1.5 This has alright stats and an alright ETB ability, but you’re usually hoping you have a different two drop.
1.5 This has alright stats and an alright ETB ability, but you’re usually hoping you have a different two drop.
Grasping Thrull
3.5 This is a really great common for Orzhov decks. It is sort of a mini-Siege Rhino with Flying. And yeah, obviously it isn’t quite that good, but it is a very real flyer that immediately generates a 4-point life swing, and it turns out that’s a big deal.
3.5 This is a really great common for Orzhov decks. It is sort of a mini-Siege Rhino with Flying. And yeah, obviously it isn’t quite that good, but it is a very real flyer that immediately generates a 4-point life swing, and it turns out that’s a big deal.
Knight of Sorrows
1.5 Afterlife is always nice, but this has such inefficient stats when it comes down that it still feels incredibly clunky.
1.5 Afterlife is always nice, but this has such inefficient stats when it comes down that it still feels incredibly clunky.
Root Snare
0.0 As usual, fogs are bad in Limited.
0.0 As usual, fogs are bad in Limited.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Undercity Scavenger
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Senate Courier
Twilight Panther
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
2.5 If you’re in Black/White, this plays like most one mana death touchers. It can trade for anything, and that’s always nice.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Expose to Daylight
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
0.5 This is mostly a sideboard card in this format. There just aren’t quite enough targets.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Rubble Reading
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
Senate Courier
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
2.0 This has decent stats, and the ability to gain vigilance actually comes up in the later part of games.
Aeromunculus
3.5 This starts with solid stats, so the fact that the amplify ability only grants a single counter isn’t a big deal. It has a great baseline and comes with the upside of getting bigger later in the game.
3.5 This starts with solid stats, so the fact that the amplify ability only grants a single counter isn’t a big deal. It has a great baseline and comes with the upside of getting bigger later in the game.
Storm Strike
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
1.5 This is a decent trick if you’re in the market. +1/+0 and First Strike always plays pretty well in terms of helping a creature win combat, and its nice to have Scry 1 tacked on.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Tower Defense
Tower Defense
0.0 This is mostly just a really fancy version of Fog, something that is just never worth it in Limited. You don’t want to go down a card just to buy yourself a single turn in this format.
0.0 This is mostly just a really fancy version of Fog, something that is just never worth it in Limited. You don’t want to go down a card just to buy yourself a single turn in this format.
Rubble Reading
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
0.5 People play some ambitious mana bases in this format, but even then, this isn’t a great sideboard card.
Bladebrand
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
2.5 This lets any creature trade with anything, while drawing you a card, so you don’t 2-for-1 yourself in the end. Of course, you’re still only 1-for-1ing, and using a kind of risky card. If your opponent destroys the creature you target it can be especially devastating.
Arrester's Zeal
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
1.5 This is a decent trick that has the upside of letting you do lethal in the air sometimes.
Rakdos Trumpeter
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
2.5 This little creature can be a real menace for your opponent to deal with. It doesn’t pump itself efficiently, but in the late game it is a pretty nice attacker that your opponent will really hate blocking, and obviously it is hard to block early too – though it doesn’t exactly hit hard.
Debtors' Transport
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
2.0 While Afterlife 2 is pretty nice, the cost and base stats of this are bad enough that it isn’t that exciting. It can definitely trade and leave some bodies behind, which is fine, but it isn’t a very impressive card.
Orzhov Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Gateway Sneak
Gateway Sneak
3.0 Gate decks are real in this format, and this is a pretty powerful payoff, as getting in with this just nets you so much value. If you’re drawing more cards, you’re also more likely to find more Gates, too, which is likely to power many of your other cards.
3.0 Gate decks are real in this format, and this is a pretty powerful payoff, as getting in with this just nets you so much value. If you’re drawing more cards, you’re also more likely to find more Gates, too, which is likely to power many of your other cards.
Skitter Eel
2.0 You’ll play this in decks that can really take advantage of +1/+1 counter synergy, but it isn’t that great in other decks, where its just inefficient – both before and after adapting.
2.0 You’ll play this in decks that can really take advantage of +1/+1 counter synergy, but it isn’t that great in other decks, where its just inefficient – both before and after adapting.
Axebane Beast
1.5 This has sort of passable stats. If you need a reasonably efficient medium-sized body, this is it.
1.5 This has sort of passable stats. If you need a reasonably efficient medium-sized body, this is it.
Imperious Oligarch
3.5 This has nice base stats and comes with the very nice Afterlife mechanic. Two mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer is a pretty great deal, even if you aren’t getting them both at the same time.
3.5 This has nice base stats and comes with the very nice Afterlife mechanic. Two mana for a 2/1 with Vigilance and a 1/1 Flyer is a pretty great deal, even if you aren’t getting them both at the same time.
Spear Spewer
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
1.5 The idea here is that this can set up your cards that have Spectacle. And, it can do that for sure, but its body is otherwise a pretty big liability, and the Rakdos decks don’t have that hard of a time of making sure Spectacle is online anyway. If your deck is really leading hard into the mechanic, Spear Spewer is a worthy inclusion, but it is by no means a necessity for those types of decks.
Tenth District Veteran
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
1.5 This has mediocre stats and a pretty mediocre ability. Untapping one of your other creatures just doesn’t make a huge difference most of the time.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Concordia Pegasus
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Deface
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts or defenders in this format for this to be main deck material.
Concordia Pegasus
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
1.5 This is a French Vanilla flyer with decent stats. Most of the time you hope you don’t play it, but it isn’t a disaster if you do.
Orzhov Locket
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
2.0 If you need fixing, these are fine. Some mana rocks are pretty big duds once you have enough mana or the mana that you need, but its nice you can throw these away to get some cards.
Azorius Guildgate
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
2.5 These are pretty important in this format. As usual fixing is always nice, but this format also has a ton of excellent gate payoffs. Its kind of funny, but in this Limited format, the Gates are actually a little better than Shocklands, since the payoffs you can get for playing Gates are so good.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Prying Eyes
Vizkopa Vampire
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
2.0 This often just ends up trading for something and gaining you some life, which is fine, but not exactly exciting either.
Prying Eyes
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
1.5 This is way overcosted for a card that only nets you two cards, but it does dig you pretty deep, and if your deck is controlling enough, you can run a copy.
Mammoth Spider
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
2.0 This is a nice defensive creature if you’re in the market for one, and Green really does have a hard time with Flyers in this set, so having one of these around isn’t too bad.
Haazda Officer
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
2.0 The ETB ability doesn’t always do something here, but its still a 3-mana 3/3 with upside, and the times where the ability does cause your opponent to have problems are pretty nice. 10 – Haazda Officer – 2.0 This adds a reasonable body to the board while buffing a creature, theoretically allowing you to attack more effectively the turn it comes down. That said, +1/+1 isn’t always enough to make that happen.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Rally to Battle
Rally to Battle
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
1.0 This is too expensive for a mass pump effect that only boosts power by 1. You can try to use it to ambush your opponent, but if that’s your main plan with something like this, you’re going to be pretty disappointed, because it becomes far more situational when that’s the case.
Drill Bit
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
1.0 Most spells that are just 1-for-1 discard effects aren’t great in Limited. If you could always cast this for a single Black mana it would be pretty nice, but it will cost 3 mana way too often to be worth it in most cases.
Undercity Scavenger
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
2.0 This is a decent sacrifice outlet, as you end up with a 4-mana 5/5 that improves your next couple of draws. It isn’t that impressive, though, and you often won’t really feel like making the sacrifice is worth it.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Undercity's Embrace
Gift of Strength
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
1.5 This trick is always fine. It allows a creature to win combat, but like all tricks it is a bit too situational.
Undercity's Embrace
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
1.5 Edict effects are always pretty underwhelming in Limited, since board states tend to be pretty clogged up, especially in this format. If you really need removal, and have a decent number of creatures with 4 or more power, it is a decent card, but it is basically never more than that.
Pack 3 Pick 15: Knight of Sorrows
Knight of Sorrows
1.5 Afterlife is always nice, but this has such inefficient stats when it comes down that it still feels incredibly clunky.
1.5 Afterlife is always nice, but this has such inefficient stats when it comes down that it still feels incredibly clunky.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Depose
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Lawmage's Binding
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Azorius Knight-Arbiter
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Shimmer of Possibility
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Summary Judgment
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Impassioned Orator
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Azorius Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Clear the Mind
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Faerie Duelist
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Prying Eyes
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Tenth District Veteran
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Simic Locket
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Clear the Mind
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Senate Courier
- Pack 1 Pick 15: Catacomb Crocodile
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Lawmage's Binding
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Dovin's Acuity
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Azorius Guildgate
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Lawmage's Binding
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Rally to Battle
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Slimebind
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Pteramander
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Concordia Pegasus
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Simic Guildgate
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Scuttlegator
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Persistent Petitioners
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Haazda Officer
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Rakdos Trumpeter
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Faerie Duelist
- Pack 2 Pick 15: Gift of Strength
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Depose
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Lawmage's Binding
- Pack 3 Pick 3: High Alert
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Faerie Duelist
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Faerie Duelist
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Senate Courier
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Windstorm Drake
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Senate Courier
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Tower Defense
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Gateway Sneak
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Concordia Pegasus
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Prying Eyes
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Rally to Battle
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Undercity's Embrace
- Pack 3 Pick 15: Knight of Sorrows
Card name
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