Quick Draft ZNR 12 July 2021
12 July 12:09 - rugh 7 Wins - 2 Losses
Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Soaring Thought-Thief
Coralhelm Chronicler
3.5 It seems like most of the time, you’ll be able to draw a card with the Commander. You definitely need to have a few cards with Kicker, but something like 5 or 6 will be enough to draw a card most of the time. Looting any time you Kick is also quite nice, as it helps you rip through your deck and find relevant cards more effectively.
3.5 It seems like most of the time, you’ll be able to draw a card with the Commander. You definitely need to have a few cards with Kicker, but something like 5 or 6 will be enough to draw a card most of the time. Looting any time you Kick is also quite nice, as it helps you rip through your deck and find relevant cards more effectively.
Relic Axe
3.5 This reminds me of Pirate’s Cutlass, and that’s a very good place to be, as that was one of the best non-rare piece of Equipment we have seen in Limited in a long time. This actually costs one less than the Cutlass, and when you have a Warrior in play, it will be even better! Where it isn’t quite as good as the Cutlass is in the fact that it does not give the same pump to non Warriors. Still, it actually has a pretty reasonable Equip cost after that first one you get as a freebe.
3.5 This reminds me of Pirate’s Cutlass, and that’s a very good place to be, as that was one of the best non-rare piece of Equipment we have seen in Limited in a long time. This actually costs one less than the Cutlass, and when you have a Warrior in play, it will be even better! Where it isn’t quite as good as the Cutlass is in the fact that it does not give the same pump to non Warriors. Still, it actually has a pretty reasonable Equip cost after that first one you get as a freebe.
Soaring Thought-Thief
4.0 A two mana 1/3 with Flash and Flying is already playable, but the fact that it provides an ability that mills the opponent 2 cards as long as at least one rogue is attacking is great, especially because it eventually pumps the power of all of your rogues!
4.0 A two mana 1/3 with Flash and Flying is already playable, but the fact that it provides an ability that mills the opponent 2 cards as long as at least one rogue is attacking is great, especially because it eventually pumps the power of all of your rogues!
Malakir Rebirth
3.0 So, like most of these, it has one side that is pretty situational -- you have to have a creature die on your turn for it to even do anything, but when things line up that way, getting your creature back can feel pretty nice, especially if that creature has an ETB ability, because this will trigger it again, which is some sweet value. But things won’t always line up that way, and sometimes you’ll use this to save a creature, but you’re going down a card to do it since your creature can’t win combat anyway. But, you can just play it as a land if that’s true!
3.0 So, like most of these, it has one side that is pretty situational -- you have to have a creature die on your turn for it to even do anything, but when things line up that way, getting your creature back can feel pretty nice, especially if that creature has an ETB ability, because this will trigger it again, which is some sweet value. But things won’t always line up that way, and sometimes you’ll use this to save a creature, but you’re going down a card to do it since your creature can’t win combat anyway. But, you can just play it as a land if that’s true!
Risen Riptide
2.5 This is a surprisingly serviceable payoff for the Kicker deck, as getting whatever value out of what you kicked AND making this a 5/5 feels great, as it is often a very difficult creature to block effectively.
2.5 This is a surprisingly serviceable payoff for the Kicker deck, as getting whatever value out of what you kicked AND making this a 5/5 feels great, as it is often a very difficult creature to block effectively.
Strength of Solidarity
1.0 This can potentially give you a whole lot for only one mana! But…it can also potentially be blank card. The likelihood of it being blank is about as likely as it is that you have a full party. On average, it will probably give somewhere between 1 and 2 tokens, and that hardly seems worth it to me.
1.0 This can potentially give you a whole lot for only one mana! But…it can also potentially be blank card. The likelihood of it being blank is about as likely as it is that you have a full party. On average, it will probably give somewhere between 1 and 2 tokens, and that hardly seems worth it to me.
Highborn Vampire
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
Oblivion's Hunger
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
Makindi Ox
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
Cliffhaven Sell-Sword
1.5 Two mana 3/1s tend to be fine for aggro decks. This one is also a Warrior, so it gives you some Party synergy.
1.5 Two mana 3/1s tend to be fine for aggro decks. This one is also a Warrior, so it gives you some Party synergy.
Cleansing Wildfire
1.0 Two mana land destruction, with a cantrip! That would be super crazy if it didn’t also let your opponent replace the land that they lose. Now, that mostly means that, in terms of destroying opposing lands, it will mostly only be worth it if your opponent has powerful non-basics, and while there are some of those in this format, there aren’t enough for this to be used that way very often. In those situations, it is mostly just a cantrip. However, it is kind of a modal card. You can use it to destroy one of your own land to search up a basic land you might need -- like if you’re splashing. That isn’t amazing, but it does give Red decks a way to fix, and tacking a cantrip on to it makes it a little less painful. It can also trigger landfall, but the whole thing is just too situational.
1.0 Two mana land destruction, with a cantrip! That would be super crazy if it didn’t also let your opponent replace the land that they lose. Now, that mostly means that, in terms of destroying opposing lands, it will mostly only be worth it if your opponent has powerful non-basics, and while there are some of those in this format, there aren’t enough for this to be used that way very often. In those situations, it is mostly just a cantrip. However, it is kind of a modal card. You can use it to destroy one of your own land to search up a basic land you might need -- like if you’re splashing. That isn’t amazing, but it does give Red decks a way to fix, and tacking a cantrip on to it makes it a little less painful. It can also trigger landfall, but the whole thing is just too situational.
Dreadwurm
2.0 This will be indestructible sometimes, and that’s nice – but it will often also just be a 5-mana 5/4, and that’s not so nice.
2.0 This will be indestructible sometimes, and that’s nice – but it will often also just be a 5-mana 5/4, and that’s not so nice.
Inordinate Rage
1.5 This is an alright trick. You’ll run it in super aggressive decks but not anywhere else.
1.5 This is an alright trick. You’ll run it in super aggressive decks but not anywhere else.
Practiced Tactics
3.0 It bothers me a ton that sometimes it will literally be a blank card, but that won’t happen a TON, and it also has some serious upside - though it is too bad they didn’t decide to make this one of the DFC lands. It is situational, but if it is typically doing 4 damage for one mana to a blocking or attacking creature, well, you’re getting a great deal.
3.0 It bothers me a ton that sometimes it will literally be a blank card, but that won’t happen a TON, and it also has some serious upside - though it is too bad they didn’t decide to make this one of the DFC lands. It is situational, but if it is typically doing 4 damage for one mana to a blocking or attacking creature, well, you’re getting a great deal.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Roost of Drakes
Fearless Fledgling
3.5 This is pretty good. It might start out as a fragile 1/1, but if you drop this on turn two and trigger landfall the next 3 or so turns, you’re going to be in business, because this thing will take the sky and get larger, doing tons of damage in the process. It is vulnerable to be sure, but also a two drop that can win games.
3.5 This is pretty good. It might start out as a fragile 1/1, but if you drop this on turn two and trigger landfall the next 3 or so turns, you’re going to be in business, because this thing will take the sky and get larger, doing tons of damage in the process. It is vulnerable to be sure, but also a two drop that can win games.
Roost of Drakes
5.0 This is a huge bomb, not something we often see at Uncommon, but that’s what this is. There is a lot of Kicker int his set, and not ending up with like 5 cards with it is pretty unheard of, and even if that’s all you have, this is a very good card in your deck. It won’t feel like a bomb in those situations, but it will still be a great card! At worst, this is a 4-mana 2/2 with Flying that comes with that kicker pay off, and at best, it completely takes over the game and overwhelms your opponent – and that last part happens way more often than you might think.
5.0 This is a huge bomb, not something we often see at Uncommon, but that’s what this is. There is a lot of Kicker int his set, and not ending up with like 5 cards with it is pretty unheard of, and even if that’s all you have, this is a very good card in your deck. It won’t feel like a bomb in those situations, but it will still be a great card! At worst, this is a 4-mana 2/2 with Flying that comes with that kicker pay off, and at best, it completely takes over the game and overwhelms your opponent – and that last part happens way more often than you might think.
Spikefield Hazard
3.0 One mana to do one to something is not usually a great card in Limited, it just doesn’t kill enough stuff. This card can at least hit players or planeswalkers too, but that’s still not that great. Even adding the Exile clause doesn’t help a whole lot. But you know what does help? Having a land on the other side! When you can’t really kill anything with the spell side, having a land isn’t a terrible back up.
3.0 One mana to do one to something is not usually a great card in Limited, it just doesn’t kill enough stuff. This card can at least hit players or planeswalkers too, but that’s still not that great. Even adding the Exile clause doesn’t help a whole lot. But you know what does help? Having a land on the other side! When you can’t really kill anything with the spell side, having a land isn’t a terrible back up.
Practiced Tactics
3.0 It bothers me a ton that sometimes it will literally be a blank card, but that won’t happen a TON, and it also has some serious upside - though it is too bad they didn’t decide to make this one of the DFC lands. It is situational, but if it is typically doing 4 damage for one mana to a blocking or attacking creature, well, you’re getting a great deal.
3.0 It bothers me a ton that sometimes it will literally be a blank card, but that won’t happen a TON, and it also has some serious upside - though it is too bad they didn’t decide to make this one of the DFC lands. It is situational, but if it is typically doing 4 damage for one mana to a blocking or attacking creature, well, you’re getting a great deal.
Tajuru Blightblade
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
Broken Wings
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
Nimana Skitter-Sneak
2.0 So, a 4-mana ¾ is kind of okayish, especially with a decent creature type. Then, if you are milling your opponent a bit, this can become a 4-mana 4/4 with Menace, which can make it into a real threat.
2.0 So, a 4-mana ¾ is kind of okayish, especially with a decent creature type. Then, if you are milling your opponent a bit, this can become a 4-mana 4/4 with Menace, which can make it into a real threat.
Tazeem Raptor
3.0 This has decent stats and it lets you return lands to your hand, which is useful for trigger landfall, and useful for returning MDFC lands.
3.0 This has decent stats and it lets you return lands to your hand, which is useful for trigger landfall, and useful for returning MDFC lands.
Joraga Visionary
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
Oblivion's Hunger
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
Canopy Baloth
2.5 This has decent starting stats and attacks pretty hard when you trigger landfall. It is a solid Common.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and attacks pretty hard when you trigger landfall. It is a solid Common.
Cunning Geysermage
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
Teeterpeak Ambusher
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Bubble Snare
Scute Swarm
4.5 This thing starts with a very unimpressive body, but the army of insects it can make you is no joke. Generally, I would advise waiting to play this until you can also play a land on a turn, because that way you ensure you get at least some value out of it before it eats a removal spell. Even better is waiting until you have 6+ lands, because then you will get exponentially more insects, and spot removal won’t do a thing.
4.5 This thing starts with a very unimpressive body, but the army of insects it can make you is no joke. Generally, I would advise waiting to play this until you can also play a land on a turn, because that way you ensure you get at least some value out of it before it eats a removal spell. Even better is waiting until you have 6+ lands, because then you will get exponentially more insects, and spot removal won’t do a thing.
Skyclave Cleric
3.0 Here is another flexible DFC creature-land. On one side, you have a card that impacts the board -- and frequently thats what you want. On the other, you have land -- and sometimes you need that more. Basically, this helps you whether you are flooding out or mana screwed, and there aren’t many cards that can say that -- this will make your deck run much more smoothly as a result, even if the two mana ⅓ that gains you 2 life is nothing special, and the land comes into play tapped, the flexibility here is for real. And it also has a useful creature type and gains you life, all things BW wants.
3.0 Here is another flexible DFC creature-land. On one side, you have a card that impacts the board -- and frequently thats what you want. On the other, you have land -- and sometimes you need that more. Basically, this helps you whether you are flooding out or mana screwed, and there aren’t many cards that can say that -- this will make your deck run much more smoothly as a result, even if the two mana ⅓ that gains you 2 life is nothing special, and the land comes into play tapped, the flexibility here is for real. And it also has a useful creature type and gains you life, all things BW wants.
Spare Supplies
1.0 Two mana to draw a card, and 4 to draw two over the course of a couple of turns is..a thing? But in a set without artifact or sacrifice payoffs, I don’t see this making the cut most of the time.
1.0 Two mana to draw a card, and 4 to draw two over the course of a couple of turns is..a thing? But in a set without artifact or sacrifice payoffs, I don’t see this making the cut most of the time.
Might of Murasa
1.5 So, this is an overcosted Giant Growth without kicker, and with it -- well, it still isn’t all that efficient. 5-mana for +5/+5 doesn’t really do it for me. Sure, sometimes it will turn damage lethal and all that, and it will certainly win combat for you, but to go that route you usually have to give up on developing the board for a turn, which just won’t be worth it a lot.
1.5 So, this is an overcosted Giant Growth without kicker, and with it -- well, it still isn’t all that efficient. 5-mana for +5/+5 doesn’t really do it for me. Sure, sometimes it will turn damage lethal and all that, and it will certainly win combat for you, but to go that route you usually have to give up on developing the board for a turn, which just won’t be worth it a lot.
Kazandu Stomper
2.0 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
2.0 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
Spitfire Lagac
1.5 This has underwhelming stats and unimpressive landfall trigger. You’ll play it less than you’ll cut it.
1.5 This has underwhelming stats and unimpressive landfall trigger. You’ll play it less than you’ll cut it.
Blood Price
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
Zulaport Duelist
2.0 This isn’t Faerie Duelist, but its kind of a similar creature. You can sometimes use it to really mess up combat for your opponent, and even when you can’t you do at least get a creature that can prevent some damage while also milling a bit.
2.0 This isn’t Faerie Duelist, but its kind of a similar creature. You can sometimes use it to really mess up combat for your opponent, and even when you can’t you do at least get a creature that can prevent some damage while also milling a bit.
Bubble Snare
3.5 Getting away with just paying one for this on a creature that is already tapped is going to feel great, and when you are the more defensive player, that is probably often how you’ll use it, since it will enable you to do some other things on your turn. Sometimes, you need to just be able to lock down an opposing creature, and you can pay the Kicker when that’s necessary to get a blocker out of the way, or a creature your opponent just won’t attack with that is cause you all kinds of problems.
3.5 Getting away with just paying one for this on a creature that is already tapped is going to feel great, and when you are the more defensive player, that is probably often how you’ll use it, since it will enable you to do some other things on your turn. Sometimes, you need to just be able to lock down an opposing creature, and you can pay the Kicker when that’s necessary to get a blocker out of the way, or a creature your opponent just won’t attack with that is cause you all kinds of problems.
Gnarlid Colony
3.0 This is a nice Common. Having a Grizzly Bear with a +1/+1 counter payoff as a base form isn’t bad when you have other late game option of paying 5-mana for a 4/4 with Trample. Neither side of this is especially efficient -- but that often doesn’t matter with creatures who have Kicker, as we’ve seen in the past. Just having an alternate option in the late game to make this a more imposing creature is nice, even if the rate isn’t great.
3.0 This is a nice Common. Having a Grizzly Bear with a +1/+1 counter payoff as a base form isn’t bad when you have other late game option of paying 5-mana for a 4/4 with Trample. Neither side of this is especially efficient -- but that often doesn’t matter with creatures who have Kicker, as we’ve seen in the past. Just having an alternate option in the late game to make this a more imposing creature is nice, even if the rate isn’t great.
Sea Gate Banneret
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
Tuktuk Rubblefort
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Nimana Skydancer
Branchloft Pathway
3.0 Pathway lands offer good fixing and will be strict upgrades over basic lands in your deck, and that is worth something.
3.0 Pathway lands offer good fixing and will be strict upgrades over basic lands in your deck, and that is worth something.
Skyclave Shadowcat
3.0 It starts out as a Hill Giant, but it can get larger, while also potentially drawing you extra cards, especially in the BG deck which is all about counters. Note, by the way, that you can sacrifice the creature at any time for the Shadowcat -- lately I feel like we’ve seen a lot of “you can only do this as a sorcery” on cards like this, but that’s not here. Additionally, the cat does count itself, so provided it gets 1 counter on it -- which it can make happen on its own -- it will replace itself when it dies.
3.0 It starts out as a Hill Giant, but it can get larger, while also potentially drawing you extra cards, especially in the BG deck which is all about counters. Note, by the way, that you can sacrifice the creature at any time for the Shadowcat -- lately I feel like we’ve seen a lot of “you can only do this as a sorcery” on cards like this, but that’s not here. Additionally, the cat does count itself, so provided it gets 1 counter on it -- which it can make happen on its own -- it will replace itself when it dies.
Nissa's Zendikon
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
Anticognition
0.0 // 2.5 This ends up being a hard counter a significant chunk of the time, especially in UB which does a good job of milling. If you can’t consistently get this to be a hard counter, you probably don’t play it, but if you can it ends being a pretty nice card to have around.
0.0 // 2.5 This ends up being a hard counter a significant chunk of the time, especially in UB which does a good job of milling. If you can’t consistently get this to be a hard counter, you probably don’t play it, but if you can it ends being a pretty nice card to have around.
Chilling Trap
0.0 // 2.0 If you can’t consistently turn this into a cantrip it is unplayable. But, if you’re a UR deck that is interested in both spells and Wizards, this is a solid playable.
0.0 // 2.0 If you can’t consistently turn this into a cantrip it is unplayable. But, if you’re a UR deck that is interested in both spells and Wizards, this is a solid playable.
Nimana Skydancer
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 with Flying and Flash is already a reasonable card, but this is also a Rogue that mills your opponent, and that’s something that the UB decks are pretty interested in.
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 with Flying and Flash is already a reasonable card, but this is also a Rogue that mills your opponent, and that’s something that the UB decks are pretty interested in.
Kor Celebrant
3.0 This has nice defensive stats, and it is one of the key Commons for the BW Cleric deck. It provides you with a repeatable source of life gain, which triggers all sorts of powerful cards. Even outside of that deck, this is serviceable as a defensive creature.
3.0 This has nice defensive stats, and it is one of the key Commons for the BW Cleric deck. It provides you with a repeatable source of life gain, which triggers all sorts of powerful cards. Even outside of that deck, this is serviceable as a defensive creature.
Sea Gate Banneret
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
Tajuru Snarecaster
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
Pyroclastic Hellion
2.5 This seems solid enough. Returning a land is a may clause here, so you only need to do it when you really want those 2 damage, or if returning a land otherwise benefits you.
2.5 This seems solid enough. Returning a land is a may clause here, so you only need to do it when you really want those 2 damage, or if returning a land otherwise benefits you.
Guul Draz Mucklord
2.0 This has reasonable stats, and it is nice it leaves a counter behind when it dies. Obviously, that isn’t quite worth a whole card, but trading with this and getting that counter of the deal won’t feel too bad.
2.0 This has reasonable stats, and it is nice it leaves a counter behind when it dies. Obviously, that isn’t quite worth a whole card, but trading with this and getting that counter of the deal won’t feel too bad.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Cunning Geysermage
Cunning Geysermage
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
Tajuru Snarecaster
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
Blood Beckoning
2.0 Black gets a card like this in every set -- one that returns two creatures from the graveyard -- and it is always a decent card to have one of, since in the late game it often does enough to pull you ahead -- it is of course balanced out by being pretty useless early though. 4 mana for that effect is a bit steep, but the fact that it can cost one in situations where that is worthwhile does enough to keep this as a solid playable.
2.0 Black gets a card like this in every set -- one that returns two creatures from the graveyard -- and it is always a decent card to have one of, since in the late game it often does enough to pull you ahead -- it is of course balanced out by being pretty useless early though. 4 mana for that effect is a bit steep, but the fact that it can cost one in situations where that is worthwhile does enough to keep this as a solid playable.
Tuktuk Rubblefort
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
Gnarlid Colony
3.0 This is a nice Common. Having a Grizzly Bear with a +1/+1 counter payoff as a base form isn’t bad when you have other late game option of paying 5-mana for a 4/4 with Trample. Neither side of this is especially efficient -- but that often doesn’t matter with creatures who have Kicker, as we’ve seen in the past. Just having an alternate option in the late game to make this a more imposing creature is nice, even if the rate isn’t great.
3.0 This is a nice Common. Having a Grizzly Bear with a +1/+1 counter payoff as a base form isn’t bad when you have other late game option of paying 5-mana for a 4/4 with Trample. Neither side of this is especially efficient -- but that often doesn’t matter with creatures who have Kicker, as we’ve seen in the past. Just having an alternate option in the late game to make this a more imposing creature is nice, even if the rate isn’t great.
Dauntless Unity
2.0 This is basically a better Inspired Charged – when you kick it, it is identical to the Charge, and it has the upside of also being usable for a slightly weaker effect for two mana.
2.0 This is basically a better Inspired Charged – when you kick it, it is identical to the Charge, and it has the upside of also being usable for a slightly weaker effect for two mana.
Farsight Adept
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
Inordinate Rage
1.5 This is an alright trick. You’ll run it in super aggressive decks but not anywhere else.
1.5 This is an alright trick. You’ll run it in super aggressive decks but not anywhere else.
Kazandu Nectarpot
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
Ghastly Gloomhunter
2.0 This isn’t very efficient cast normally OR with Kicker, but the flexibility to choose either is enough to make that inefficiency matter less, as is the fact that it can gain you some life, which the BW deck really cares about.
2.0 This isn’t very efficient cast normally OR with Kicker, but the flexibility to choose either is enough to make that inefficiency matter less, as is the fact that it can gain you some life, which the BW deck really cares about.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Shell Shield
Relic Axe
3.5 This reminds me of Pirate’s Cutlass, and that’s a very good place to be, as that was one of the best non-rare piece of Equipment we have seen in Limited in a long time. This actually costs one less than the Cutlass, and when you have a Warrior in play, it will be even better! Where it isn’t quite as good as the Cutlass is in the fact that it does not give the same pump to non Warriors. Still, it actually has a pretty reasonable Equip cost after that first one you get as a freebe.
3.5 This reminds me of Pirate’s Cutlass, and that’s a very good place to be, as that was one of the best non-rare piece of Equipment we have seen in Limited in a long time. This actually costs one less than the Cutlass, and when you have a Warrior in play, it will be even better! Where it isn’t quite as good as the Cutlass is in the fact that it does not give the same pump to non Warriors. Still, it actually has a pretty reasonable Equip cost after that first one you get as a freebe.
Taunting Arbormage
2.5 A three mana ⅔ is usually not very good in Limited, but adding a good Kicker effect is a good way to make a card like that worthwhile. Now, make no mistake, kicking this wont’ always be worthwhile -- Lure effects are highly situational, and sometimes it will be useless. But sometimes it will also be gamebreaking, because it makes the rest of your board unblocked, or wipes out your opponent’s board by forcing them to block.
2.5 A three mana ⅔ is usually not very good in Limited, but adding a good Kicker effect is a good way to make a card like that worthwhile. Now, make no mistake, kicking this wont’ always be worthwhile -- Lure effects are highly situational, and sometimes it will be useless. But sometimes it will also be gamebreaking, because it makes the rest of your board unblocked, or wipes out your opponent’s board by forcing them to block.
Scorch Rider
2.0 So, a 4-man 4/3 is generally a C- these days. It is reasonable stats to be sure, but not anything special either. The Kicker here isn’t super exciting either, as a 6-mana 4/3 with Haste is not especially good -- BUT that’s not really the way to look at cards with Kicker. If it has a reasonable base line, as this does -- the fact it can have Haste later in the game is just upside.
2.0 So, a 4-man 4/3 is generally a C- these days. It is reasonable stats to be sure, but not anything special either. The Kicker here isn’t super exciting either, as a 6-mana 4/3 with Haste is not especially good -- BUT that’s not really the way to look at cards with Kicker. If it has a reasonable base line, as this does -- the fact it can have Haste later in the game is just upside.
Risen Riptide
2.5 This is a surprisingly serviceable payoff for the Kicker deck, as getting whatever value out of what you kicked AND making this a 5/5 feels great, as it is often a very difficult creature to block effectively.
2.5 This is a surprisingly serviceable payoff for the Kicker deck, as getting whatever value out of what you kicked AND making this a 5/5 feels great, as it is often a very difficult creature to block effectively.
Strength of Solidarity
1.0 This can potentially give you a whole lot for only one mana! But…it can also potentially be blank card. The likelihood of it being blank is about as likely as it is that you have a full party. On average, it will probably give somewhere between 1 and 2 tokens, and that hardly seems worth it to me.
1.0 This can potentially give you a whole lot for only one mana! But…it can also potentially be blank card. The likelihood of it being blank is about as likely as it is that you have a full party. On average, it will probably give somewhere between 1 and 2 tokens, and that hardly seems worth it to me.
Shell Shield
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
Might of Murasa
1.5 So, this is an overcosted Giant Growth without kicker, and with it -- well, it still isn’t all that efficient. 5-mana for +5/+5 doesn’t really do it for me. Sure, sometimes it will turn damage lethal and all that, and it will certainly win combat for you, but to go that route you usually have to give up on developing the board for a turn, which just won’t be worth it a lot.
1.5 So, this is an overcosted Giant Growth without kicker, and with it -- well, it still isn’t all that efficient. 5-mana for +5/+5 doesn’t really do it for me. Sure, sometimes it will turn damage lethal and all that, and it will certainly win combat for you, but to go that route you usually have to give up on developing the board for a turn, which just won’t be worth it a lot.
Teeterpeak Ambusher
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
Dreadwurm
2.0 This will be indestructible sometimes, and that’s nice – but it will often also just be a 5-mana 5/4, and that’s not so nice.
2.0 This will be indestructible sometimes, and that’s nice – but it will often also just be a 5-mana 5/4, and that’s not so nice.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Stonework Packbeast
Hagra Constrictor
2.5 On its own, the Constrictor is a 3-mana 2/2 with Menace. However, this set has enough +1/+1 stuff going on, with BG as the +1/+1 counter deck this time going around, that the Constrictor will often immediately impact the board, making one of your other creatures much more difficult to block effectively.
2.5 On its own, the Constrictor is a 3-mana 2/2 with Menace. However, this set has enough +1/+1 stuff going on, with BG as the +1/+1 counter deck this time going around, that the Constrictor will often immediately impact the board, making one of your other creatures much more difficult to block effectively.
Adventure Awaits
1.0 We see a Green card like this in most sets, and they are always kind of meh. They give you some nice card selection, and it is also kind of nice that if you wiff on a creature, you still get a card out of it. Whiffing on a creature is unlikely in most limited decks, but it DOES happen sometimes, so having protection from this doing absolutely nothing is nice. That said, this type of card, especially at two mana, generally feels like it is easy to cut in most decks.
1.0 We see a Green card like this in most sets, and they are always kind of meh. They give you some nice card selection, and it is also kind of nice that if you wiff on a creature, you still get a card out of it. Whiffing on a creature is unlikely in most limited decks, but it DOES happen sometimes, so having protection from this doing absolutely nothing is nice. That said, this type of card, especially at two mana, generally feels like it is easy to cut in most decks.
Farsight Adept
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
Utility Knife
1.0 Even with an Equipment deck in this format, Utility Knife isn’t really worth it. It gives an okay boost to start with, but the equip cost after that is just exorbitant.
1.0 Even with an Equipment deck in this format, Utility Knife isn’t really worth it. It gives an okay boost to start with, but the equip cost after that is just exorbitant.
Oblivion's Hunger
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
Cascade Seer
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
Stonework Packbeast
3.5 This is a huge overachiever. It helps tie together Tribal or Party decks, and even the fixing it offers can be quite helpful.
3.5 This is a huge overachiever. It helps tie together Tribal or Party decks, and even the fixing it offers can be quite helpful.
Scorch Rider
2.0 So, a 4-man 4/3 is generally a C- these days. It is reasonable stats to be sure, but not anything special either. The Kicker here isn’t super exciting either, as a 6-mana 4/3 with Haste is not especially good -- BUT that’s not really the way to look at cards with Kicker. If it has a reasonable base line, as this does -- the fact it can have Haste later in the game is just upside.
2.0 So, a 4-man 4/3 is generally a C- these days. It is reasonable stats to be sure, but not anything special either. The Kicker here isn’t super exciting either, as a 6-mana 4/3 with Haste is not especially good -- BUT that’s not really the way to look at cards with Kicker. If it has a reasonable base line, as this does -- the fact it can have Haste later in the game is just upside.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Subtle Strike
Subtle Strike
2.5 Because you can both weaken a creature and make yours bigger, it has two-for-one potential, and that can’t be overlooked. That situation won’t always be how it works out -- but sometimes, you’ll be able to kill an X/1 and pump your creature to win combat against something else, and it is great that the boost is permanent. Even if that doesn’t line up, the flexibility of this card does usually mean it will help your creatures win combat one way or another.
2.5 Because you can both weaken a creature and make yours bigger, it has two-for-one potential, and that can’t be overlooked. That situation won’t always be how it works out -- but sometimes, you’ll be able to kill an X/1 and pump your creature to win combat against something else, and it is great that the boost is permanent. Even if that doesn’t line up, the flexibility of this card does usually mean it will help your creatures win combat one way or another.
Smite the Monstrous
2.0 We see this a lot. It is always an ok removal spell. It is conditional, but at least it is an instant, and it can kill some big stuff.
2.0 We see this a lot. It is always an ok removal spell. It is conditional, but at least it is an instant, and it can kill some big stuff.
Sizzling Barrage
1.0 This removal is way too conditional, you should only be running if it you have no other removal.
1.0 This removal is way too conditional, you should only be running if it you have no other removal.
Highborn Vampire
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
Kazandu Nectarpot
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
Sneaking Guide
1.5 There are definitely some sweet creatures you can make unblockable with this, and maybe if you get some of those it will be worth it. But you cut this a lot.
1.5 There are definitely some sweet creatures you can make unblockable with this, and maybe if you get some of those it will be worth it. But you cut this a lot.
Skyclave Sentinel
1.5 So, this is mostly a payoff for decks that can put counters on stuff. This is mostly going to be BG, but White has some ways to do it too. It is kind of ok in the absence of +1/+1 counter stuff, as a 3-mana 2/3 with Flying and Defender with the possible option of being a 7 mana ¾ with Flying in the late game.
1.5 So, this is mostly a payoff for decks that can put counters on stuff. This is mostly going to be BG, but White has some ways to do it too. It is kind of ok in the absence of +1/+1 counter stuff, as a 3-mana 2/3 with Flying and Defender with the possible option of being a 7 mana ¾ with Flying in the late game.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Risen Riptide
Risen Riptide
2.5 This is a surprisingly serviceable payoff for the Kicker deck, as getting whatever value out of what you kicked AND making this a 5/5 feels great, as it is often a very difficult creature to block effectively.
2.5 This is a surprisingly serviceable payoff for the Kicker deck, as getting whatever value out of what you kicked AND making this a 5/5 feels great, as it is often a very difficult creature to block effectively.
Strength of Solidarity
1.0 This can potentially give you a whole lot for only one mana! But…it can also potentially be blank card. The likelihood of it being blank is about as likely as it is that you have a full party. On average, it will probably give somewhere between 1 and 2 tokens, and that hardly seems worth it to me.
1.0 This can potentially give you a whole lot for only one mana! But…it can also potentially be blank card. The likelihood of it being blank is about as likely as it is that you have a full party. On average, it will probably give somewhere between 1 and 2 tokens, and that hardly seems worth it to me.
Oblivion's Hunger
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
Makindi Ox
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
Cleansing Wildfire
1.0 Two mana land destruction, with a cantrip! That would be super crazy if it didn’t also let your opponent replace the land that they lose. Now, that mostly means that, in terms of destroying opposing lands, it will mostly only be worth it if your opponent has powerful non-basics, and while there are some of those in this format, there aren’t enough for this to be used that way very often. In those situations, it is mostly just a cantrip. However, it is kind of a modal card. You can use it to destroy one of your own land to search up a basic land you might need -- like if you’re splashing. That isn’t amazing, but it does give Red decks a way to fix, and tacking a cantrip on to it makes it a little less painful. It can also trigger landfall, but the whole thing is just too situational.
1.0 Two mana land destruction, with a cantrip! That would be super crazy if it didn’t also let your opponent replace the land that they lose. Now, that mostly means that, in terms of destroying opposing lands, it will mostly only be worth it if your opponent has powerful non-basics, and while there are some of those in this format, there aren’t enough for this to be used that way very often. In those situations, it is mostly just a cantrip. However, it is kind of a modal card. You can use it to destroy one of your own land to search up a basic land you might need -- like if you’re splashing. That isn’t amazing, but it does give Red decks a way to fix, and tacking a cantrip on to it makes it a little less painful. It can also trigger landfall, but the whole thing is just too situational.
Dreadwurm
2.0 This will be indestructible sometimes, and that’s nice – but it will often also just be a 5-mana 5/4, and that’s not so nice.
2.0 This will be indestructible sometimes, and that’s nice – but it will often also just be a 5-mana 5/4, and that’s not so nice.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Cunning Geysermage
Tajuru Blightblade
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
Broken Wings
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
Oblivion's Hunger
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
Cunning Geysermage
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
Teeterpeak Ambusher
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Zulaport Duelist
Spare Supplies
1.0 Two mana to draw a card, and 4 to draw two over the course of a couple of turns is..a thing? But in a set without artifact or sacrifice payoffs, I don’t see this making the cut most of the time.
1.0 Two mana to draw a card, and 4 to draw two over the course of a couple of turns is..a thing? But in a set without artifact or sacrifice payoffs, I don’t see this making the cut most of the time.
Might of Murasa
1.5 So, this is an overcosted Giant Growth without kicker, and with it -- well, it still isn’t all that efficient. 5-mana for +5/+5 doesn’t really do it for me. Sure, sometimes it will turn damage lethal and all that, and it will certainly win combat for you, but to go that route you usually have to give up on developing the board for a turn, which just won’t be worth it a lot.
1.5 So, this is an overcosted Giant Growth without kicker, and with it -- well, it still isn’t all that efficient. 5-mana for +5/+5 doesn’t really do it for me. Sure, sometimes it will turn damage lethal and all that, and it will certainly win combat for you, but to go that route you usually have to give up on developing the board for a turn, which just won’t be worth it a lot.
Zulaport Duelist
2.0 This isn’t Faerie Duelist, but its kind of a similar creature. You can sometimes use it to really mess up combat for your opponent, and even when you can’t you do at least get a creature that can prevent some damage while also milling a bit.
2.0 This isn’t Faerie Duelist, but its kind of a similar creature. You can sometimes use it to really mess up combat for your opponent, and even when you can’t you do at least get a creature that can prevent some damage while also milling a bit.
Tuktuk Rubblefort
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Anticognition
Nissa's Zendikon
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
Anticognition
0.0 // 2.5 This ends up being a hard counter a significant chunk of the time, especially in UB which does a good job of milling. If you can’t consistently get this to be a hard counter, you probably don’t play it, but if you can it ends being a pretty nice card to have around.
0.0 // 2.5 This ends up being a hard counter a significant chunk of the time, especially in UB which does a good job of milling. If you can’t consistently get this to be a hard counter, you probably don’t play it, but if you can it ends being a pretty nice card to have around.
Chilling Trap
0.0 // 2.0 If you can’t consistently turn this into a cantrip it is unplayable. But, if you’re a UR deck that is interested in both spells and Wizards, this is a solid playable.
0.0 // 2.0 If you can’t consistently turn this into a cantrip it is unplayable. But, if you’re a UR deck that is interested in both spells and Wizards, this is a solid playable.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Tuktuk Rubblefort
Tajuru Snarecaster
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
Tuktuk Rubblefort
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Strength of Solidarity
Strength of Solidarity
1.0 This can potentially give you a whole lot for only one mana! But…it can also potentially be blank card. The likelihood of it being blank is about as likely as it is that you have a full party. On average, it will probably give somewhere between 1 and 2 tokens, and that hardly seems worth it to me.
1.0 This can potentially give you a whole lot for only one mana! But…it can also potentially be blank card. The likelihood of it being blank is about as likely as it is that you have a full party. On average, it will probably give somewhere between 1 and 2 tokens, and that hardly seems worth it to me.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Feed the Swarm
Kaza, Roil Chaser
3.5 Its ability to reduce spells will sometimes just feel like you have Vodalian Arcanist in play, and that won’t be the best feeling, but it has a ton of upside that won’t be that hard to take advantage of. If you are in UR, you’re going to have enough Wizards that this represents some very real mana.
3.5 Its ability to reduce spells will sometimes just feel like you have Vodalian Arcanist in play, and that won’t be the best feeling, but it has a ton of upside that won’t be that hard to take advantage of. If you are in UR, you’re going to have enough Wizards that this represents some very real mana.
Mind Carver
1.0 This can give a pretty big boost in the late game, but is incredibly mediocre early and expensive to equip. The Rogue decks just generally don’t need this, as they have way better payoffs and evasion.
1.0 This can give a pretty big boost in the late game, but is incredibly mediocre early and expensive to equip. The Rogue decks just generally don’t need this, as they have way better payoffs and evasion.
Kitesail Cleric
3.0 I like one mana 1/1 flyers who have some late game utility. They can do damage early if that’s what you need, and then in the late game have an effect that will have a larger impact. For the Cleric, that involves Kicking it, at which point it becomes a 4-mana 1/1 Flyer that taps down two opposing creatures.
3.0 I like one mana 1/1 flyers who have some late game utility. They can do damage early if that’s what you need, and then in the late game have an effect that will have a larger impact. For the Cleric, that involves Kicking it, at which point it becomes a 4-mana 1/1 Flyer that taps down two opposing creatures.
Sejiri Shelter
3.0 Like the other DFC Land spells, this makes mana screw AND flooding feel less terrible, because it can help you out with either situation. The spell part of the card is woefully inefficient here, but it does have situations where it can shine -- saving a creature from removal, making a creature unblockable in a key situation, etc., so at least this land DOES something if you’re flooded out.
3.0 Like the other DFC Land spells, this makes mana screw AND flooding feel less terrible, because it can help you out with either situation. The spell part of the card is woefully inefficient here, but it does have situations where it can shine -- saving a creature from removal, making a creature unblockable in a key situation, etc., so at least this land DOES something if you’re flooded out.
Deliberate
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
Molten Blast
1.5 3-mana to do two damage at instant speed is not so good – I mean, it is removal, but it is not efficient – you’ll basically always be trading down with it. But the modality here really matters. This set has plenty of good artifacts – not like, a million of them or anything – but enough that this will be blowing up artifacts on occasion too, and being able to have that in your main deck is real upside.
1.5 3-mana to do two damage at instant speed is not so good – I mean, it is removal, but it is not efficient – you’ll basically always be trading down with it. But the modality here really matters. This set has plenty of good artifacts – not like, a million of them or anything – but enough that this will be blowing up artifacts on occasion too, and being able to have that in your main deck is real upside.
Highborn Vampire
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
Sea Gate Banneret
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
Makindi Ox
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
Feed the Swarm
3.5 Look, a Black card that can hit Enchantments! That’s pretty weird. Anyway, this is a good removal spell. It is cheap and kills two permanent types, no questions asked. Now, the damage it does to you certainly matters -- but if you are paying two mana to blow up their 5 drop, paying 5 life for that is a reasonable cost most of the time. Now, playing more than one of these can be a little risky – you only have so much life after all, but value the first copy pretty highly.
3.5 Look, a Black card that can hit Enchantments! That’s pretty weird. Anyway, this is a good removal spell. It is cheap and kills two permanent types, no questions asked. Now, the damage it does to you certainly matters -- but if you are paying two mana to blow up their 5 drop, paying 5 life for that is a reasonable cost most of the time. Now, playing more than one of these can be a little risky – you only have so much life after all, but value the first copy pretty highly.
Joraga Visionary
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
Stonework Packbeast
3.5 This is a huge overachiever. It helps tie together Tribal or Party decks, and even the fixing it offers can be quite helpful.
3.5 This is a huge overachiever. It helps tie together Tribal or Party decks, and even the fixing it offers can be quite helpful.
Skyclave Sentinel
1.5 So, this is mostly a payoff for decks that can put counters on stuff. This is mostly going to be BG, but White has some ways to do it too. It is kind of ok in the absence of +1/+1 counter stuff, as a 3-mana 2/3 with Flying and Defender with the possible option of being a 7 mana ¾ with Flying in the late game.
1.5 So, this is mostly a payoff for decks that can put counters on stuff. This is mostly going to be BG, but White has some ways to do it too. It is kind of ok in the absence of +1/+1 counter stuff, as a 3-mana 2/3 with Flying and Defender with the possible option of being a 7 mana ¾ with Flying in the late game.
Grotag Bug-Catcher
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Bloodchief's Thirst
Demon's Disciple
2.0 This kind of card is always great when you are the one with more creatures -- making your opponent give up a key creature while you lose something irrelevant is a nice feeling. BUT, it won’t always work out that way. Sometimes you’ll just wish you could play this for the body, but you can’t always, since if it is your only creature, it sacrifices itself. Sometimes your opponent will have the better board than you, and them losing one thing won’t hurt them a whole lot.
2.0 This kind of card is always great when you are the one with more creatures -- making your opponent give up a key creature while you lose something irrelevant is a nice feeling. BUT, it won’t always work out that way. Sometimes you’ll just wish you could play this for the body, but you can’t always, since if it is your only creature, it sacrifices itself. Sometimes your opponent will have the better board than you, and them losing one thing won’t hurt them a whole lot.
Bloodchief's Thirst
4.0 This is premium removal. One mana to kill things that are two mana or less would be a fine card, and this is hage huge upside. This can kill anything in the later part of the game, and that’s usually what you want anyway in the later part. Sometimes you have a 4-mana Sorcery speed spell that kills something and your opponent plays a cheap creature you desperately want to kill, and it doesn’t feel so good -- Bloodchief’s Thirst gives you the best of both worlds.
4.0 This is premium removal. One mana to kill things that are two mana or less would be a fine card, and this is hage huge upside. This can kill anything in the later part of the game, and that’s usually what you want anyway in the later part. Sometimes you have a 4-mana Sorcery speed spell that kills something and your opponent plays a cheap creature you desperately want to kill, and it doesn’t feel so good -- Bloodchief’s Thirst gives you the best of both worlds.
Silundi Vision
2.0 Like most of these, one side is kind of inefficient and narrow, while the other side is a land -- and while that might not sound too great, it is way better than it looks. And it isn’t like you need a ton of instants and sorceries to make the spell side worth it, top 6 cards is a lot -- you could have 4 or 5 and have this be a land with upside.
2.0 Like most of these, one side is kind of inefficient and narrow, while the other side is a land -- and while that might not sound too great, it is way better than it looks. And it isn’t like you need a ton of instants and sorceries to make the spell side worth it, top 6 cards is a lot -- you could have 4 or 5 and have this be a land with upside.
Joraga Visionary
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
Broken Wings
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
Resolute Strike
1.5 One mana for +2/+2 is a pretty reasonable trick even if it has nothing else going on. It will usually make your creature win combat, and it will do it cheaply. The additional Warrior and Equipment upside here is nice, and any time you can Equip a creature for free with this you’re going to feel really great.
1.5 One mana for +2/+2 is a pretty reasonable trick even if it has nothing else going on. It will usually make your creature win combat, and it will do it cheaply. The additional Warrior and Equipment upside here is nice, and any time you can Equip a creature for free with this you’re going to feel really great.
Sizzling Barrage
1.0 This removal is way too conditional, you should only be running if it you have no other removal.
1.0 This removal is way too conditional, you should only be running if it you have no other removal.
Tazeem Raptor
3.0 This has decent stats and it lets you return lands to your hand, which is useful for trigger landfall, and useful for returning MDFC lands.
3.0 This has decent stats and it lets you return lands to your hand, which is useful for trigger landfall, and useful for returning MDFC lands.
Scavenged Blade
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
Turntimber Ascetic
2.5 Decent stats +3 life, this will sometimes pull you out of a fire thanks to slowing down an aggressive assault and the life it gives you.
2.5 Decent stats +3 life, this will sometimes pull you out of a fire thanks to slowing down an aggressive assault and the life it gives you.
Field Research
2.5 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
2.5 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
Teeterpeak Ambusher
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
Blood Beckoning
2.0 Black gets a card like this in every set -- one that returns two creatures from the graveyard -- and it is always a decent card to have one of, since in the late game it often does enough to pull you ahead -- it is of course balanced out by being pretty useless early though. 4 mana for that effect is a bit steep, but the fact that it can cost one in situations where that is worthwhile does enough to keep this as a solid playable.
2.0 Black gets a card like this in every set -- one that returns two creatures from the graveyard -- and it is always a decent card to have one of, since in the late game it often does enough to pull you ahead -- it is of course balanced out by being pretty useless early though. 4 mana for that effect is a bit steep, but the fact that it can cost one in situations where that is worthwhile does enough to keep this as a solid playable.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Cunning Geysermage
Brushfire Elemental
3.0 So, Red Green is all about aggressive landfall, as this signpost uncommon tells you. He will be a 3/3 on turns where you play a land -- which will usually at least include the first few turns after you play him, and there are various ways in this set to make him a 5/5 too, which is even scarier. Small creatures can’t block it either, and that’s an evasive ability that has overperformed every time we have seen it lately. It is hard to get over the fact that it is only a 1/1 though, that dies to pretty much everything – and in the late game it won’t be growing much either.
3.0 So, Red Green is all about aggressive landfall, as this signpost uncommon tells you. He will be a 3/3 on turns where you play a land -- which will usually at least include the first few turns after you play him, and there are various ways in this set to make him a 5/5 too, which is even scarier. Small creatures can’t block it either, and that’s an evasive ability that has overperformed every time we have seen it lately. It is hard to get over the fact that it is only a 1/1 though, that dies to pretty much everything – and in the late game it won’t be growing much either.
Tangled Florahedron
3.5 This double-faced creature-land is kind of funny, because no matter which side you pick, it gives you mana! Most of the cards in this cycle give you something that can at least be a little more impactful in the late game -- though most of them are also more situational than this -- so it is probably a wash. Basically, you’ll play this as a creature if you already played a land on turn and you want to ramp, and you’ll play it as a land if you really need one of those. This might not feel quite as good to draw late as the other card sin the cycle, but the fact remains that in the late game, this is a land that you can draw and still have it actually add to the board.
3.5 This double-faced creature-land is kind of funny, because no matter which side you pick, it gives you mana! Most of the cards in this cycle give you something that can at least be a little more impactful in the late game -- though most of them are also more situational than this -- so it is probably a wash. Basically, you’ll play this as a creature if you already played a land on turn and you want to ramp, and you’ll play it as a land if you really need one of those. This might not feel quite as good to draw late as the other card sin the cycle, but the fact remains that in the late game, this is a land that you can draw and still have it actually add to the board.
Negate
0.5 This doesn’t counter enough things to be something you want in your main deck.
0.5 This doesn’t counter enough things to be something you want in your main deck.
Fissure Wizard
2.5 This is pretty unexciting. It does a bunch of meh stuff. It has bad stats for the cost, it lets you rummage, and it has a creature type that matters in this format. While none of that is exciting, it coming all together does make it a decent enough playable.
2.5 This is pretty unexciting. It does a bunch of meh stuff. It has bad stats for the cost, it lets you rummage, and it has a creature type that matters in this format. While none of that is exciting, it coming all together does make it a decent enough playable.
Tuktuk Rubblefort
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
Scavenged Blade
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
Malakir Blood-Priest
3.0 This is a key common for party decks, as draining 2+ life with it is pretty easy to do in those decks, even just play it on curve.
3.0 This is a key common for party decks, as draining 2+ life with it is pretty easy to do in those decks, even just play it on curve.
Pressure Point
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
Stonework Packbeast
3.5 This is a huge overachiever. It helps tie together Tribal or Party decks, and even the fixing it offers can be quite helpful.
3.5 This is a huge overachiever. It helps tie together Tribal or Party decks, and even the fixing it offers can be quite helpful.
Cunning Geysermage
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
Blood Price
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
Tajuru Snarecaster
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Sure-Footed Infiltrator
Sure-Footed Infiltrator
3.5 These sort of “infiltration” creatures that draw you a card when they do damage are just great, because they really snowball. The more cards you draw, the more likely you’ll be able to find a way to keep getting in with the creature. And, in this case -- the more likely you are to find Rogues who can make it unblockable.
3.5 These sort of “infiltration” creatures that draw you a card when they do damage are just great, because they really snowball. The more cards you draw, the more likely you’ll be able to find a way to keep getting in with the creature. And, in this case -- the more likely you are to find Rogues who can make it unblockable.
Skyclave Geopede
3.0 This creature is going to be pretty scary on the board in the early game. It will typically be a 5/3 with Trample, and if you can back it up with removal and/or tricks it is going to wreck face. Still, only 3 toughness on an attacking creature on turn 4 isn’t exactly incredible, so you will frequently need those other cards to really back it up.
3.0 This creature is going to be pretty scary on the board in the early game. It will typically be a 5/3 with Trample, and if you can back it up with removal and/or tricks it is going to wreck face. Still, only 3 toughness on an attacking creature on turn 4 isn’t exactly incredible, so you will frequently need those other cards to really back it up.
Tajuru Blightblade
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
Pressure Point
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
Cunning Geysermage
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
Sneaking Guide
1.5 There are definitely some sweet creatures you can make unblockable with this, and maybe if you get some of those it will be worth it. But you cut this a lot.
1.5 There are definitely some sweet creatures you can make unblockable with this, and maybe if you get some of those it will be worth it. But you cut this a lot.
Deliberate
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
Scale the Heights
2.0 This does several little things, and they are generally enough for this to make the cut in your deck a significant chunk of the time, but they are also little enough that you won’t always play this.
2.0 This does several little things, and they are generally enough for this to make the cut in your deck a significant chunk of the time, but they are also little enough that you won’t always play this.
Expedition Healer
3.0 This just turns out to have lifelink a significant chunk of the time, and with the powerful lifegain payoffs around, that feels pretty good.
3.0 This just turns out to have lifelink a significant chunk of the time, and with the powerful lifegain payoffs around, that feels pretty good.
Sea Gate Banneret
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
Shell Shield
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Feed the Swarm
Skyclave Pick-Axe
2.0 Sometimes this won’t give your creature a boost at all, and that will hurt, but on most turns early, this will be giving a creature +2/+2 for an initial investment of two mana, and if your deck has ways to abuse landfall, giving your creature +4/+4 on occasion won’t be that hard either! Like all the equipment in this set that equips for free the first time, this does have a steep Equip cost after that first time, but I think the initial Equip being free is enough to sort of counteract that.
2.0 Sometimes this won’t give your creature a boost at all, and that will hurt, but on most turns early, this will be giving a creature +2/+2 for an initial investment of two mana, and if your deck has ways to abuse landfall, giving your creature +4/+4 on occasion won’t be that hard either! Like all the equipment in this set that equips for free the first time, this does have a steep Equip cost after that first time, but I think the initial Equip being free is enough to sort of counteract that.
Kargan Warleader
3.5 Lords are always good if they have enough things to pump – and Kargan Warleader definitely does. RW is obviously the Warrior archetype, as this signpost uncommon is telling you, so much of your board will get a boost out of this creature which is also already a 3-mana 3/3.
3.5 Lords are always good if they have enough things to pump – and Kargan Warleader definitely does. RW is obviously the Warrior archetype, as this signpost uncommon is telling you, so much of your board will get a boost out of this creature which is also already a 3-mana 3/3.
Pelakka Predation
2.5 The effect here, if it were its own card, would not be particularly good -- but flexibility is an amazing thing! If casting it doesn’t do you any good, you can still play it as a land, and when you feel like you have a good chance of hitting a card with it, you can cast it.
2.5 The effect here, if it were its own card, would not be particularly good -- but flexibility is an amazing thing! If casting it doesn’t do you any good, you can still play it as a land, and when you feel like you have a good chance of hitting a card with it, you can cast it.
Field Research
2.5 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
2.5 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
Scavenged Blade
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
Expedition Diviner
3.0 This is a nice common. A 4-mana 3/2 Flyer with the Wizard creature type would probably already be at least a C- in this format, and maybe even a C. Those stats are reasonable enough. But, by adding the “draw a card” Wizard payoff, you end up with a card that will be a 2-for-1 a decent chunk of the time, and I definitely like that.
3.0 This is a nice common. A 4-mana 3/2 Flyer with the Wizard creature type would probably already be at least a C- in this format, and maybe even a C. Those stats are reasonable enough. But, by adding the “draw a card” Wizard payoff, you end up with a card that will be a 2-for-1 a decent chunk of the time, and I definitely like that.
Ghastly Gloomhunter
2.0 This isn’t very efficient cast normally OR with Kicker, but the flexibility to choose either is enough to make that inefficiency matter less, as is the fact that it can gain you some life, which the BW deck really cares about.
2.0 This isn’t very efficient cast normally OR with Kicker, but the flexibility to choose either is enough to make that inefficiency matter less, as is the fact that it can gain you some life, which the BW deck really cares about.
Feed the Swarm
3.5 Look, a Black card that can hit Enchantments! That’s pretty weird. Anyway, this is a good removal spell. It is cheap and kills two permanent types, no questions asked. Now, the damage it does to you certainly matters -- but if you are paying two mana to blow up their 5 drop, paying 5 life for that is a reasonable cost most of the time. Now, playing more than one of these can be a little risky – you only have so much life after all, but value the first copy pretty highly.
3.5 Look, a Black card that can hit Enchantments! That’s pretty weird. Anyway, this is a good removal spell. It is cheap and kills two permanent types, no questions asked. Now, the damage it does to you certainly matters -- but if you are paying two mana to blow up their 5 drop, paying 5 life for that is a reasonable cost most of the time. Now, playing more than one of these can be a little risky – you only have so much life after all, but value the first copy pretty highly.
Cascade Seer
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
Reclaim the Wastes
2.5 This is a nice card for fixing if you’re a base Green deck. Any time we see this type of card in Limited it is always something you go after if you need fixing, but you probably don’t go after it otherwise. But, having the ability to splash things is inherently powerful in Limited -- provided you’re splashing something that is WORTH splashing -- so I think this should be valued as at least an average card.
2.5 This is a nice card for fixing if you’re a base Green deck. Any time we see this type of card in Limited it is always something you go after if you need fixing, but you probably don’t go after it otherwise. But, having the ability to splash things is inherently powerful in Limited -- provided you’re splashing something that is WORTH splashing -- so I think this should be valued as at least an average card.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Seafloor Stalker
Iridescent Hornbeetle
3.5 This is a pretty sweet +1/+1 counter payoff. Keep in mind it gives you a creature token for each +1/+1 counter. We frequently see effects like this that only count instances of counters, but the Hornbeetle counts each counter individually, so it will be producing a nice little army for you. Now, it is important to remember that it isn’t a trigger that happens right away, it only triggers at the end of your turn, so players will be able to kill this before it spits out the tokens sometimes.
3.5 This is a pretty sweet +1/+1 counter payoff. Keep in mind it gives you a creature token for each +1/+1 counter. We frequently see effects like this that only count instances of counters, but the Hornbeetle counts each counter individually, so it will be producing a nice little army for you. Now, it is important to remember that it isn’t a trigger that happens right away, it only triggers at the end of your turn, so players will be able to kill this before it spits out the tokens sometimes.
Sea Gate Banneret
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
Broken Wings
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
Grotag Bug-Catcher
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
Farsight Adept
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
Seafloor Stalker
2.5 A 3-mana ⅔ isn’t good, and paying 4 to make it unblockable and give it a power boost does mean it stays relevant in the late game. And obviously you can end up paying even less -- paying 3 or 2 for the boost is much better, and obviously turning this into Blue firebreathing with a full party is kind of funny. This isn’t a bad way to close out games in this format.
2.5 A 3-mana ⅔ isn’t good, and paying 4 to make it unblockable and give it a power boost does mean it stays relevant in the late game. And obviously you can end up paying even less -- paying 3 or 2 for the boost is much better, and obviously turning this into Blue firebreathing with a full party is kind of funny. This isn’t a bad way to close out games in this format.
Blood Price
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
Prowling Felidar
2.5 This starts as a rather inefficient creature, but it will get larger throughout the game. Vigilance is always nice on a creature that is both a good attacker and a blocker, and this will certainly become that. I think in an ideal scenario, you play this and then a land in the same turn, that way you put it out of range of a bunch of removal. It does start fragile and inefficient, but it’s a nice Common.
2.5 This starts as a rather inefficient creature, but it will get larger throughout the game. Vigilance is always nice on a creature that is both a good attacker and a blocker, and this will certainly become that. I think in an ideal scenario, you play this and then a land in the same turn, that way you put it out of range of a bunch of removal. It does start fragile and inefficient, but it’s a nice Common.
Guul Draz Mucklord
2.0 This has reasonable stats, and it is nice it leaves a counter behind when it dies. Obviously, that isn’t quite worth a whole card, but trading with this and getting that counter of the deal won’t feel too bad.
2.0 This has reasonable stats, and it is nice it leaves a counter behind when it dies. Obviously, that isn’t quite worth a whole card, but trading with this and getting that counter of the deal won’t feel too bad.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Nimana Skydancer
Tangled Florahedron
3.5 This double-faced creature-land is kind of funny, because no matter which side you pick, it gives you mana! Most of the cards in this cycle give you something that can at least be a little more impactful in the late game -- though most of them are also more situational than this -- so it is probably a wash. Basically, you’ll play this as a creature if you already played a land on turn and you want to ramp, and you’ll play it as a land if you really need one of those. This might not feel quite as good to draw late as the other card sin the cycle, but the fact remains that in the late game, this is a land that you can draw and still have it actually add to the board.
3.5 This double-faced creature-land is kind of funny, because no matter which side you pick, it gives you mana! Most of the cards in this cycle give you something that can at least be a little more impactful in the late game -- though most of them are also more situational than this -- so it is probably a wash. Basically, you’ll play this as a creature if you already played a land on turn and you want to ramp, and you’ll play it as a land if you really need one of those. This might not feel quite as good to draw late as the other card sin the cycle, but the fact remains that in the late game, this is a land that you can draw and still have it actually add to the board.
Kazandu Nectarpot
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
Skyclave Squid
1.5 So, a two mana 3/2 – even if it could attack all the time – isn’t actually super incredible in Limited. Don’t get me wrong, that’s obviously better than a 2-mana 2/2 – but in this day and age a vanilla grizzly bear just isn’t good. Adding one power is better, but it isn’t so efficient that it doesn’t still die to pretty much all the two drops in combat.
1.5 So, a two mana 3/2 – even if it could attack all the time – isn’t actually super incredible in Limited. Don’t get me wrong, that’s obviously better than a 2-mana 2/2 – but in this day and age a vanilla grizzly bear just isn’t good. Adding one power is better, but it isn’t so efficient that it doesn’t still die to pretty much all the two drops in combat.
Makindi Ox
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
Tuktuk Rubblefort
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
Cleansing Wildfire
1.0 Two mana land destruction, with a cantrip! That would be super crazy if it didn’t also let your opponent replace the land that they lose. Now, that mostly means that, in terms of destroying opposing lands, it will mostly only be worth it if your opponent has powerful non-basics, and while there are some of those in this format, there aren’t enough for this to be used that way very often. In those situations, it is mostly just a cantrip. However, it is kind of a modal card. You can use it to destroy one of your own land to search up a basic land you might need -- like if you’re splashing. That isn’t amazing, but it does give Red decks a way to fix, and tacking a cantrip on to it makes it a little less painful. It can also trigger landfall, but the whole thing is just too situational.
1.0 Two mana land destruction, with a cantrip! That would be super crazy if it didn’t also let your opponent replace the land that they lose. Now, that mostly means that, in terms of destroying opposing lands, it will mostly only be worth it if your opponent has powerful non-basics, and while there are some of those in this format, there aren’t enough for this to be used that way very often. In those situations, it is mostly just a cantrip. However, it is kind of a modal card. You can use it to destroy one of your own land to search up a basic land you might need -- like if you’re splashing. That isn’t amazing, but it does give Red decks a way to fix, and tacking a cantrip on to it makes it a little less painful. It can also trigger landfall, but the whole thing is just too situational.
Nimana Skydancer
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 with Flying and Flash is already a reasonable card, but this is also a Rogue that mills your opponent, and that’s something that the UB decks are pretty interested in.
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 with Flying and Flash is already a reasonable card, but this is also a Rogue that mills your opponent, and that’s something that the UB decks are pretty interested in.
Cliffhaven Kitesail
1.5 This seems fine. 1 mana to give something Flying is a reasonable rate, especially because it sticks around to give your other guys flying if they need it. It will, of course, be especially attractive in the RW deck that’s all about Equipment, but I think it is a reasonable inclusion anywhere.
1.5 This seems fine. 1 mana to give something Flying is a reasonable rate, especially because it sticks around to give your other guys flying if they need it. It will, of course, be especially attractive in the RW deck that’s all about Equipment, but I think it is a reasonable inclusion anywhere.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Cunning Geysermage
Disenchant
0.5 Look everyone, Disenchant is back! This format has a reasonable number of Enchantments and Artifacts, but probably not enough that you feel ok about mainboarding this. This is a sideboard card, and if you are playing it in your deck, you are probably pretty desperate.
0.5 Look everyone, Disenchant is back! This format has a reasonable number of Enchantments and Artifacts, but probably not enough that you feel ok about mainboarding this. This is a sideboard card, and if you are playing it in your deck, you are probably pretty desperate.
Murasa Brute
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
Synchronized Spellcraft
2.0 Removal this is, but premium it is not. 5 mana to do 4 at instant speed just isn’t going to get you there most of the time -- you will frequently be trading down. And sure, it has party upside, and yeah if you are doing 2+ to your opponent at the same time you are ending up with a more reasonable spell, but even with a full party, this isn’t incredible -- and good luck setting that up.
2.0 Removal this is, but premium it is not. 5 mana to do 4 at instant speed just isn’t going to get you there most of the time -- you will frequently be trading down. And sure, it has party upside, and yeah if you are doing 2+ to your opponent at the same time you are ending up with a more reasonable spell, but even with a full party, this isn’t incredible -- and good luck setting that up.
Mesa Lynx
1.5 This is a 2-mana 2/1 as an attacker, and a two-mana ⅔ as a blocker. In this day and age, even a vanilla two-mana ⅔ would probably not be much more than a C, so a card that is only one half of the time is considerably worse. I would actually prefer it was a ⅔ during your turn than the other way around, since White is more often than not a color that wants to be attacking well early.
1.5 This is a 2-mana 2/1 as an attacker, and a two-mana ⅔ as a blocker. In this day and age, even a vanilla two-mana ⅔ would probably not be much more than a C, so a card that is only one half of the time is considerably worse. I would actually prefer it was a ⅔ during your turn than the other way around, since White is more often than not a color that wants to be attacking well early.
Cunning Geysermage
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
Tajuru Snarecaster
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
1.5 We see this card in lots of sets -- it is just usually a Spider. Like all those times, this is something you’ll play in your Green decks because you tend to not have great ways of dealing with flyers, but it won’t even always make the cut.
Skyclave Squid
1.5 So, a two mana 3/2 – even if it could attack all the time – isn’t actually super incredible in Limited. Don’t get me wrong, that’s obviously better than a 2-mana 2/2 – but in this day and age a vanilla grizzly bear just isn’t good. Adding one power is better, but it isn’t so efficient that it doesn’t still die to pretty much all the two drops in combat.
1.5 So, a two mana 3/2 – even if it could attack all the time – isn’t actually super incredible in Limited. Don’t get me wrong, that’s obviously better than a 2-mana 2/2 – but in this day and age a vanilla grizzly bear just isn’t good. Adding one power is better, but it isn’t so efficient that it doesn’t still die to pretty much all the two drops in combat.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Skyclave Sentinel
Deliberate
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
Highborn Vampire
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
Sea Gate Banneret
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
Makindi Ox
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
1.5 This is too expensive for the aggro decks that might normally be interested in tapping something down, and not impactful enough for control deck, so you don’t play it very often.
Skyclave Sentinel
1.5 So, this is mostly a payoff for decks that can put counters on stuff. This is mostly going to be BG, but White has some ways to do it too. It is kind of ok in the absence of +1/+1 counter stuff, as a 3-mana 2/3 with Flying and Defender with the possible option of being a 7 mana ¾ with Flying in the late game.
1.5 So, this is mostly a payoff for decks that can put counters on stuff. This is mostly going to be BG, but White has some ways to do it too. It is kind of ok in the absence of +1/+1 counter stuff, as a 3-mana 2/3 with Flying and Defender with the possible option of being a 7 mana ¾ with Flying in the late game.
Grotag Bug-Catcher
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Scavenged Blade
Broken Wings
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
Sizzling Barrage
1.0 This removal is way too conditional, you should only be running if it you have no other removal.
1.0 This removal is way too conditional, you should only be running if it you have no other removal.
Scavenged Blade
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
Turntimber Ascetic
2.5 Decent stats +3 life, this will sometimes pull you out of a fire thanks to slowing down an aggressive assault and the life it gives you.
2.5 Decent stats +3 life, this will sometimes pull you out of a fire thanks to slowing down an aggressive assault and the life it gives you.
Teeterpeak Ambusher
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Pressure Point
Fissure Wizard
2.5 This is pretty unexciting. It does a bunch of meh stuff. It has bad stats for the cost, it lets you rummage, and it has a creature type that matters in this format. While none of that is exciting, it coming all together does make it a decent enough playable.
2.5 This is pretty unexciting. It does a bunch of meh stuff. It has bad stats for the cost, it lets you rummage, and it has a creature type that matters in this format. While none of that is exciting, it coming all together does make it a decent enough playable.
Tuktuk Rubblefort
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
0.5 I’m not the biggest fan of creatures with defender who want you to be aggressive – as those two things seem odd together, so I’m not interested.
Scavenged Blade
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
Pressure Point
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Shell Shield
Pressure Point
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
Deliberate
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
Shell Shield
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Cascade Seer
Scavenged Blade
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 Two mana to give something +2/+0 isn’t an awesome rate, but you can kind of think of it as an Aura that sticks around to be used elsewhere in the later part of the game. Then, you factor in the fact that Equipment is a pretty big theme in this set in Red – and especially in Red/White, and this definitely is a card that will make the cut in your deck a decent chunk of the time.
Cascade Seer
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Broken Wings
Broken Wings
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Inscription of Ruin
Inscription of Ruin
3.5 If you don’t kick this, it does give you three options that are reasonably efficient -- you can Mind rot your opponent, reanimate something spell, or kill something small. The kicker here does make it cost 7, but obviously if you do all three of these things, you’re going to be in business. Now, making your opponent discard two in the late game doesn’t always matter, but you will usually still be killing something and reanimating something and that’s pretty good.
3.5 If you don’t kick this, it does give you three options that are reasonably efficient -- you can Mind rot your opponent, reanimate something spell, or kill something small. The kicker here does make it cost 7, but obviously if you do all three of these things, you’re going to be in business. Now, making your opponent discard two in the late game doesn’t always matter, but you will usually still be killing something and reanimating something and that’s pretty good.
Skyclave Plunder
2.0 This tends to be a little bit too clunky in this format to be great. It is nice drawing cards, but tapping and not adding to the board is rough.
2.0 This tends to be a little bit too clunky in this format to be great. It is nice drawing cards, but tapping and not adding to the board is rough.
Allied Assault
1.5 My main problem with tricks like this is that they are so situational and risky, so I need some efficiency or big upside to ever get excited about this one. Allied Assault does one of the things that gets me pretty interested in tricks – it can get you a 2-for-1. A trick that pumps two separate creatures interest me, at least initially. It does require a bit of set up to really be potent though, which makes it even more situational, which makes the 2-for-1 potential a little less impressive.
1.5 My main problem with tricks like this is that they are so situational and risky, so I need some efficiency or big upside to ever get excited about this one. Allied Assault does one of the things that gets me pretty interested in tricks – it can get you a 2-for-1. A trick that pumps two separate creatures interest me, at least initially. It does require a bit of set up to really be potent though, which makes it even more situational, which makes the 2-for-1 potential a little less impressive.
Beyeen Veil
2.5 The reason this type of effect isn’t great is because it doesn’t do anything, or does far too little way more often than it actually does do something. However, when that window does open, it can do some nasty stuff, like completely wreck combat for your opponent. But, if it is clear it isn’t going to be much use, you can play it as a land to get more mana, and maybe even trigger landfall.
2.5 The reason this type of effect isn’t great is because it doesn’t do anything, or does far too little way more often than it actually does do something. However, when that window does open, it can do some nasty stuff, like completely wreck combat for your opponent. But, if it is clear it isn’t going to be much use, you can play it as a land to get more mana, and maybe even trigger landfall.
Malakir Blood-Priest
3.0 This is a key common for party decks, as draining 2+ life with it is pretty easy to do in those decks, even just play it on curve.
3.0 This is a key common for party decks, as draining 2+ life with it is pretty easy to do in those decks, even just play it on curve.
Cliffhaven Kitesail
1.5 This seems fine. 1 mana to give something Flying is a reasonable rate, especially because it sticks around to give your other guys flying if they need it. It will, of course, be especially attractive in the RW deck that’s all about Equipment, but I think it is a reasonable inclusion anywhere.
1.5 This seems fine. 1 mana to give something Flying is a reasonable rate, especially because it sticks around to give your other guys flying if they need it. It will, of course, be especially attractive in the RW deck that’s all about Equipment, but I think it is a reasonable inclusion anywhere.
Shepherd of Heroes
3.5 On its own, this is a 5-mana ¾ flyer that gains you 2 life. That is a card that will make the cut more often than it won’t, but certainly nothing special. Frequently this will gain you 4 life, and it will also rarely gain you 6 to 8 life. This reminds me a little bit of of Archway Angel -- a card that really overperformed when we saw it. This has the same stats for less mana, but is also a little more challenging to gain absurd amounts of life with, but I can see it playing a similar role in the format, but it probably won’t be quite the overperformer the Archway Angel was.
3.5 On its own, this is a 5-mana ¾ flyer that gains you 2 life. That is a card that will make the cut more often than it won’t, but certainly nothing special. Frequently this will gain you 4 life, and it will also rarely gain you 6 to 8 life. This reminds me a little bit of of Archway Angel -- a card that really overperformed when we saw it. This has the same stats for less mana, but is also a little more challenging to gain absurd amounts of life with, but I can see it playing a similar role in the format, but it probably won’t be quite the overperformer the Archway Angel was.
Anticognition
0.0 // 2.5 This ends up being a hard counter a significant chunk of the time, especially in UB which does a good job of milling. If you can’t consistently get this to be a hard counter, you probably don’t play it, but if you can it ends being a pretty nice card to have around.
0.0 // 2.5 This ends up being a hard counter a significant chunk of the time, especially in UB which does a good job of milling. If you can’t consistently get this to be a hard counter, you probably don’t play it, but if you can it ends being a pretty nice card to have around.
Teeterpeak Ambusher
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
Utility Knife
1.0 Even with an Equipment deck in this format, Utility Knife isn’t really worth it. It gives an okay boost to start with, but the equip cost after that is just exorbitant.
1.0 Even with an Equipment deck in this format, Utility Knife isn’t really worth it. It gives an okay boost to start with, but the equip cost after that is just exorbitant.
Cascade Seer
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
Highborn Vampire
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
Dreadwurm
2.0 This will be indestructible sometimes, and that’s nice – but it will often also just be a 5-mana 5/4, and that’s not so nice.
2.0 This will be indestructible sometimes, and that’s nice – but it will often also just be a 5-mana 5/4, and that’s not so nice.
Canopy Baloth
2.5 This has decent starting stats and attacks pretty hard when you trigger landfall. It is a solid Common.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and attacks pretty hard when you trigger landfall. It is a solid Common.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Expedition Skulker
Brushfire Elemental
3.0 So, Red Green is all about aggressive landfall, as this signpost uncommon tells you. He will be a 3/3 on turns where you play a land -- which will usually at least include the first few turns after you play him, and there are various ways in this set to make him a 5/5 too, which is even scarier. Small creatures can’t block it either, and that’s an evasive ability that has overperformed every time we have seen it lately. It is hard to get over the fact that it is only a 1/1 though, that dies to pretty much everything – and in the late game it won’t be growing much either.
3.0 So, Red Green is all about aggressive landfall, as this signpost uncommon tells you. He will be a 3/3 on turns where you play a land -- which will usually at least include the first few turns after you play him, and there are various ways in this set to make him a 5/5 too, which is even scarier. Small creatures can’t block it either, and that’s an evasive ability that has overperformed every time we have seen it lately. It is hard to get over the fact that it is only a 1/1 though, that dies to pretty much everything – and in the late game it won’t be growing much either.
Lullmage's Familiar
3.5 This has reasonable defensive stats, helps you ramp, and gives you a reasonable Kicker payoff. And, obviously, the ramp part of the card helps you kick things in the first place.
3.5 This has reasonable defensive stats, helps you ramp, and gives you a reasonable Kicker payoff. And, obviously, the ramp part of the card helps you kick things in the first place.
Lithoform Blight
1.0 If you’re desperate for fixing, this does the job. If you’re not, don’t play it.
1.0 If you’re desperate for fixing, this does the job. If you’re not, don’t play it.
Shell Shield
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
Rabid Bite
3.5 We have seen this several times, and it has always been premium removal for Green and one of the color’s best Commons, if not THE best. Green has creatures that are large enough that paying two for this is often a great deal, since you’ll be taking down something that cost way more mana than that. Now, you have to be careful when you use it -- because you get 2-for-1’d by a removal spell, and even though it is just a 1-for-1, you don’t really want your opponent to save their creature with a trick either. But if you pick your spots, Rabid Bite is going to be great removal.
3.5 We have seen this several times, and it has always been premium removal for Green and one of the color’s best Commons, if not THE best. Green has creatures that are large enough that paying two for this is often a great deal, since you’ll be taking down something that cost way more mana than that. Now, you have to be careful when you use it -- because you get 2-for-1’d by a removal spell, and even though it is just a 1-for-1, you don’t really want your opponent to save their creature with a trick either. But if you pick your spots, Rabid Bite is going to be great removal.
Canopy Baloth
2.5 This has decent starting stats and attacks pretty hard when you trigger landfall. It is a solid Common.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and attacks pretty hard when you trigger landfall. It is a solid Common.
Synchronized Spellcraft
2.0 Removal this is, but premium it is not. 5 mana to do 4 at instant speed just isn’t going to get you there most of the time -- you will frequently be trading down. And sure, it has party upside, and yeah if you are doing 2+ to your opponent at the same time you are ending up with a more reasonable spell, but even with a full party, this isn’t incredible -- and good luck setting that up.
2.0 Removal this is, but premium it is not. 5 mana to do 4 at instant speed just isn’t going to get you there most of the time -- you will frequently be trading down. And sure, it has party upside, and yeah if you are doing 2+ to your opponent at the same time you are ending up with a more reasonable spell, but even with a full party, this isn’t incredible -- and good luck setting that up.
Farsight Adept
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
Blood Price
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
Nissa's Zendikon
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
Inordinate Rage
1.5 This is an alright trick. You’ll run it in super aggressive decks but not anywhere else.
1.5 This is an alright trick. You’ll run it in super aggressive decks but not anywhere else.
Deliberate
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
Expedition Skulker
2.5 This is a decent little two drop. It has a relevant creature type for the format, and it will have deathtouch pretty often.
2.5 This is a decent little two drop. It has a relevant creature type for the format, and it will have deathtouch pretty often.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Subtle Strike
Skyclave Plunder
2.0 This tends to be a little bit too clunky in this format to be great. It is nice drawing cards, but tapping and not adding to the board is rough.
2.0 This tends to be a little bit too clunky in this format to be great. It is nice drawing cards, but tapping and not adding to the board is rough.
Khalni Ambush
3.5 This is one of the better uncommon modal DFCs in this set. That’s because one side of it is a removal spell. Sure, it is Pounce for one more mana -- but the fact it can be removal when that works out for you, or a land when that’s what you need is just super good. Being an Instant also means that the Fight side of the card will find more windows than Sorcery speed versions of that effect.
3.5 This is one of the better uncommon modal DFCs in this set. That’s because one side of it is a removal spell. Sure, it is Pounce for one more mana -- but the fact it can be removal when that works out for you, or a land when that’s what you need is just super good. Being an Instant also means that the Fight side of the card will find more windows than Sorcery speed versions of that effect.
Grotag Bug-Catcher
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
Expedition Healer
3.0 This just turns out to have lifelink a significant chunk of the time, and with the powerful lifegain payoffs around, that feels pretty good.
3.0 This just turns out to have lifelink a significant chunk of the time, and with the powerful lifegain payoffs around, that feels pretty good.
Reclaim the Wastes
2.5 This is a nice card for fixing if you’re a base Green deck. Any time we see this type of card in Limited it is always something you go after if you need fixing, but you probably don’t go after it otherwise. But, having the ability to splash things is inherently powerful in Limited -- provided you’re splashing something that is WORTH splashing -- so I think this should be valued as at least an average card.
2.5 This is a nice card for fixing if you’re a base Green deck. Any time we see this type of card in Limited it is always something you go after if you need fixing, but you probably don’t go after it otherwise. But, having the ability to splash things is inherently powerful in Limited -- provided you’re splashing something that is WORTH splashing -- so I think this should be valued as at least an average card.
Joraga Visionary
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
Oblivion's Hunger
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
Subtle Strike
2.5 Because you can both weaken a creature and make yours bigger, it has two-for-one potential, and that can’t be overlooked. That situation won’t always be how it works out -- but sometimes, you’ll be able to kill an X/1 and pump your creature to win combat against something else, and it is great that the boost is permanent. Even if that doesn’t line up, the flexibility of this card does usually mean it will help your creatures win combat one way or another.
2.5 Because you can both weaken a creature and make yours bigger, it has two-for-one potential, and that can’t be overlooked. That situation won’t always be how it works out -- but sometimes, you’ll be able to kill an X/1 and pump your creature to win combat against something else, and it is great that the boost is permanent. Even if that doesn’t line up, the flexibility of this card does usually mean it will help your creatures win combat one way or another.
Dauntless Survivor
2.5 We have seen this card a lot, and it is always solid. At worst, it is a two mana 2/2 -- and it has the upside of being able to make some other more relevant creature get a +1/+1 counter in the later part of the game. The BG deck in this format also has +1/+1 counter synergies, AND it has a creature type relevant for partying, so it will be a nice two drop in multiple decks in this format.
2.5 We have seen this card a lot, and it is always solid. At worst, it is a two mana 2/2 -- and it has the upside of being able to make some other more relevant creature get a +1/+1 counter in the later part of the game. The BG deck in this format also has +1/+1 counter synergies, AND it has a creature type relevant for partying, so it will be a nice two drop in multiple decks in this format.
Glacial Grasp
2.0 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
2.0 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
Drana's Silencer
1.0 This doesn’t line up well very often, and just tends to be expensive and not have much of an impact.
1.0 This doesn’t line up well very often, and just tends to be expensive and not have much of an impact.
Highborn Vampire
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Lullmage's Domination
Lullmage's Domination
4.5 Mind control effects are always great in Limited, as they add to your board and subtract from your opponents. Even if this didn’t have the const reduction effect, it would be good, and with it, its great!
4.5 Mind control effects are always great in Limited, as they add to your board and subtract from your opponents. Even if this didn’t have the const reduction effect, it would be good, and with it, its great!
Oblivion's Hunger
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
1.0 This doesn’t even seem to be worth it in +1/+1 counter decks, as it is still too situational.
Adventure Awaits
1.0 We see a Green card like this in most sets, and they are always kind of meh. They give you some nice card selection, and it is also kind of nice that if you wiff on a creature, you still get a card out of it. Whiffing on a creature is unlikely in most limited decks, but it DOES happen sometimes, so having protection from this doing absolutely nothing is nice. That said, this type of card, especially at two mana, generally feels like it is easy to cut in most decks.
1.0 We see a Green card like this in most sets, and they are always kind of meh. They give you some nice card selection, and it is also kind of nice that if you wiff on a creature, you still get a card out of it. Whiffing on a creature is unlikely in most limited decks, but it DOES happen sometimes, so having protection from this doing absolutely nothing is nice. That said, this type of card, especially at two mana, generally feels like it is easy to cut in most decks.
Cunning Geysermage
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
2.5 This isn’t quite Roaming Ghostlight, but it seems alright. Early it can be a not completely horrible 3-mana 3/2, and in the later part of the game you can pay 6 for a 3/2 that bounces something That rate is admittedly not great, but any time you can add to the board while subtracting from your opponents’ feels pretty great.
Akoum Hellhound
1.5 This is going to be decent in really aggressive decks in this format, since it will usually attack on turn two as a ⅔ with no problem. But it isn’t going to be easy to trigger landfall multiple times a turn in this format, and that means that the Hellhound is going to become irrelevant somewhere around turn three in most cases. That means that less aggressive decks won’t want it at all, and even in the aggro decks it isn’t going to be incredible.
1.5 This is going to be decent in really aggressive decks in this format, since it will usually attack on turn two as a ⅔ with no problem. But it isn’t going to be easy to trigger landfall multiple times a turn in this format, and that means that the Hellhound is going to become irrelevant somewhere around turn three in most cases. That means that less aggressive decks won’t want it at all, and even in the aggro decks it isn’t going to be incredible.
Kazandu Stomper
2.0 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
2.0 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
Broken Wings
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
Sneaking Guide
1.5 There are definitely some sweet creatures you can make unblockable with this, and maybe if you get some of those it will be worth it. But you cut this a lot.
1.5 There are definitely some sweet creatures you can make unblockable with this, and maybe if you get some of those it will be worth it. But you cut this a lot.
Angelheart Protector
2.0 Decent stats and a decent ETB trigger here. It won’t always do something -- but I think more often than not, it will give you an attack you didn’t have before you played the Protector. That, plus okayish stats make this a fine inclusion in White decks.
2.0 Decent stats and a decent ETB trigger here. It won’t always do something -- but I think more often than not, it will give you an attack you didn’t have before you played the Protector. That, plus okayish stats make this a fine inclusion in White decks.
Blood Beckoning
2.0 Black gets a card like this in every set -- one that returns two creatures from the graveyard -- and it is always a decent card to have one of, since in the late game it often does enough to pull you ahead -- it is of course balanced out by being pretty useless early though. 4 mana for that effect is a bit steep, but the fact that it can cost one in situations where that is worthwhile does enough to keep this as a solid playable.
2.0 Black gets a card like this in every set -- one that returns two creatures from the graveyard -- and it is always a decent card to have one of, since in the late game it often does enough to pull you ahead -- it is of course balanced out by being pretty useless early though. 4 mana for that effect is a bit steep, but the fact that it can cost one in situations where that is worthwhile does enough to keep this as a solid playable.
Skyclave Squid
1.5 So, a two mana 3/2 – even if it could attack all the time – isn’t actually super incredible in Limited. Don’t get me wrong, that’s obviously better than a 2-mana 2/2 – but in this day and age a vanilla grizzly bear just isn’t good. Adding one power is better, but it isn’t so efficient that it doesn’t still die to pretty much all the two drops in combat.
1.5 So, a two mana 3/2 – even if it could attack all the time – isn’t actually super incredible in Limited. Don’t get me wrong, that’s obviously better than a 2-mana 2/2 – but in this day and age a vanilla grizzly bear just isn’t good. Adding one power is better, but it isn’t so efficient that it doesn’t still die to pretty much all the two drops in combat.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Bubble Snare
Windrider Wizard
3.5 This has decent stats and a pretty good Wizard payoff, looting is always a good way to improve your draws.
3.5 This has decent stats and a pretty good Wizard payoff, looting is always a good way to improve your draws.
Disenchant
0.5 Look everyone, Disenchant is back! This format has a reasonable number of Enchantments and Artifacts, but probably not enough that you feel ok about mainboarding this. This is a sideboard card, and if you are playing it in your deck, you are probably pretty desperate.
0.5 Look everyone, Disenchant is back! This format has a reasonable number of Enchantments and Artifacts, but probably not enough that you feel ok about mainboarding this. This is a sideboard card, and if you are playing it in your deck, you are probably pretty desperate.
Blood Price
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
1.5 Black always gets a draw spell like this one, and this one is a little overcosted. Two cards for two life and four mana just doesn’t seem worth it to me for the most part.
Molten Blast
1.5 3-mana to do two damage at instant speed is not so good – I mean, it is removal, but it is not efficient – you’ll basically always be trading down with it. But the modality here really matters. This set has plenty of good artifacts – not like, a million of them or anything – but enough that this will be blowing up artifacts on occasion too, and being able to have that in your main deck is real upside.
1.5 3-mana to do two damage at instant speed is not so good – I mean, it is removal, but it is not efficient – you’ll basically always be trading down with it. But the modality here really matters. This set has plenty of good artifacts – not like, a million of them or anything – but enough that this will be blowing up artifacts on occasion too, and being able to have that in your main deck is real upside.
Territorial Scythecat
3.0 This will get large without a whole lot of effort, and that is really nice because it also happens to have Trample! It does die to just about everything initially, and sometimes it will be better to play it and then a land in the same turn to make it so fewer spells can take it down.
3.0 This will get large without a whole lot of effort, and that is really nice because it also happens to have Trample! It does die to just about everything initially, and sometimes it will be better to play it and then a land in the same turn to make it so fewer spells can take it down.
Kazandu Nectarpot
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
Tajuru Blightblade
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
Bubble Snare
3.5 Getting away with just paying one for this on a creature that is already tapped is going to feel great, and when you are the more defensive player, that is probably often how you’ll use it, since it will enable you to do some other things on your turn. Sometimes, you need to just be able to lock down an opposing creature, and you can pay the Kicker when that’s necessary to get a blocker out of the way, or a creature your opponent just won’t attack with that is cause you all kinds of problems.
3.5 Getting away with just paying one for this on a creature that is already tapped is going to feel great, and when you are the more defensive player, that is probably often how you’ll use it, since it will enable you to do some other things on your turn. Sometimes, you need to just be able to lock down an opposing creature, and you can pay the Kicker when that’s necessary to get a blocker out of the way, or a creature your opponent just won’t attack with that is cause you all kinds of problems.
Murasa Brute
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
Field Research
2.5 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
2.5 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Merfolk Windrobber
Merfolk Windrobber
3.0 This is a nice one drop, especially for the Rogue deck, because it lets you get in some damage early and start stocking up the graveyard. Then, in the late game, you can cash it in to draw a card, which gives it utility even when it can no longer attack.
3.0 This is a nice one drop, especially for the Rogue deck, because it lets you get in some damage early and start stocking up the graveyard. Then, in the late game, you can cash it in to draw a card, which gives it utility even when it can no longer attack.
Deliberate
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
Expedition Skulker
2.5 This is a decent little two drop. It has a relevant creature type for the format, and it will have deathtouch pretty often.
2.5 This is a decent little two drop. It has a relevant creature type for the format, and it will have deathtouch pretty often.
Farsight Adept
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
2.5 This kind of card is usually better than it looks. You and your opponent are both drawing cards, which means you are breaking even -- but you are adding to the board as well with this 3-mana 3/3, so you really are the one coming out ahead for the most part. Your opponent will often have the first crack at using that new card, but that’s a fair trade overall.
Field Research
2.5 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
2.5 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
Pressure Point
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
0.5 We have seen this before, and it was not very impressive. Tapping a creature is sometimes a useful effect, but it is very rarely worth a whole card, and it is quite situational. Adding a cantrip does keep this from being completely dismal, but I think you don’t play this very often.
Grotag Bug-Catcher
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
3.0 This is a key common for aggressive Party decks. It often attacks as a 3/2 on turn two, and in the later game can big enough to just keep swinging.
Ghastly Gloomhunter
2.0 This isn’t very efficient cast normally OR with Kicker, but the flexibility to choose either is enough to make that inefficiency matter less, as is the fact that it can gain you some life, which the BW deck really cares about.
2.0 This isn’t very efficient cast normally OR with Kicker, but the flexibility to choose either is enough to make that inefficiency matter less, as is the fact that it can gain you some life, which the BW deck really cares about.
Murasa Brute
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Cleric of Chill Depths
Kargan Warleader
3.5 Lords are always good if they have enough things to pump – and Kargan Warleader definitely does. RW is obviously the Warrior archetype, as this signpost uncommon is telling you, so much of your board will get a boost out of this creature which is also already a 3-mana 3/3.
3.5 Lords are always good if they have enough things to pump – and Kargan Warleader definitely does. RW is obviously the Warrior archetype, as this signpost uncommon is telling you, so much of your board will get a boost out of this creature which is also already a 3-mana 3/3.
Cleric of Chill Depths
1.5 Look it is a creature that is a really good chump blocker! Unfortunately, that’s not really the kind of card you’ll want most of the time. If you need a two drop, and you’re trying to get there on party, you’ll play it.
1.5 Look it is a creature that is a really good chump blocker! Unfortunately, that’s not really the kind of card you’ll want most of the time. If you need a two drop, and you’re trying to get there on party, you’ll play it.
Cascade Seer
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
Sea Gate Banneret
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
2.0 This is a one drop with a Party creature type, and that has some nice value in this set. Additionally, in the late game it has an ability that can have a significant impact.
Chilling Trap
0.0 // 2.0 If you can’t consistently turn this into a cantrip it is unplayable. But, if you’re a UR deck that is interested in both spells and Wizards, this is a solid playable.
0.0 // 2.0 If you can’t consistently turn this into a cantrip it is unplayable. But, if you’re a UR deck that is interested in both spells and Wizards, this is a solid playable.
Angelheart Protector
2.0 Decent stats and a decent ETB trigger here. It won’t always do something -- but I think more often than not, it will give you an attack you didn’t have before you played the Protector. That, plus okayish stats make this a fine inclusion in White decks.
2.0 Decent stats and a decent ETB trigger here. It won’t always do something -- but I think more often than not, it will give you an attack you didn’t have before you played the Protector. That, plus okayish stats make this a fine inclusion in White decks.
Disenchant
0.5 Look everyone, Disenchant is back! This format has a reasonable number of Enchantments and Artifacts, but probably not enough that you feel ok about mainboarding this. This is a sideboard card, and if you are playing it in your deck, you are probably pretty desperate.
0.5 Look everyone, Disenchant is back! This format has a reasonable number of Enchantments and Artifacts, but probably not enough that you feel ok about mainboarding this. This is a sideboard card, and if you are playing it in your deck, you are probably pretty desperate.
Joraga Visionary
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
3.5 Cantrip creatures are always good when they are reasonably costed, and a 3/2 body is big enough that it can represent something that is actually relevant on the board, and is perfectly capable of trading, and it’s a 2-for-1 when you can make that happen.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Glacial Grasp
Deliberate
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
Seafloor Stalker
2.5 A 3-mana ⅔ isn’t good, and paying 4 to make it unblockable and give it a power boost does mean it stays relevant in the late game. And obviously you can end up paying even less -- paying 3 or 2 for the boost is much better, and obviously turning this into Blue firebreathing with a full party is kind of funny. This isn’t a bad way to close out games in this format.
2.5 A 3-mana ⅔ isn’t good, and paying 4 to make it unblockable and give it a power boost does mean it stays relevant in the late game. And obviously you can end up paying even less -- paying 3 or 2 for the boost is much better, and obviously turning this into Blue firebreathing with a full party is kind of funny. This isn’t a bad way to close out games in this format.
Gnarlid Colony
3.0 This is a nice Common. Having a Grizzly Bear with a +1/+1 counter payoff as a base form isn’t bad when you have other late game option of paying 5-mana for a 4/4 with Trample. Neither side of this is especially efficient -- but that often doesn’t matter with creatures who have Kicker, as we’ve seen in the past. Just having an alternate option in the late game to make this a more imposing creature is nice, even if the rate isn’t great.
3.0 This is a nice Common. Having a Grizzly Bear with a +1/+1 counter payoff as a base form isn’t bad when you have other late game option of paying 5-mana for a 4/4 with Trample. Neither side of this is especially efficient -- but that often doesn’t matter with creatures who have Kicker, as we’ve seen in the past. Just having an alternate option in the late game to make this a more imposing creature is nice, even if the rate isn’t great.
Kabira Outrider
2.0 Those Hill Giant stats aren’t pretty, and that ETB isn’t super impressive either, though it can often enable an attack you just didn’t have before. But the Party upside here is nice, if you can get +2/+2 out of the trigger you end up with a much nicer card, and obviously, there’s a chance you can go even bigger. I think this is decent enough for White decks to play the first copy most of the time.
2.0 Those Hill Giant stats aren’t pretty, and that ETB isn’t super impressive either, though it can often enable an attack you just didn’t have before. But the Party upside here is nice, if you can get +2/+2 out of the trigger you end up with a much nicer card, and obviously, there’s a chance you can go even bigger. I think this is decent enough for White decks to play the first copy most of the time.
Nissa's Zendikon
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
Glacial Grasp
2.0 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
2.0 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
Tajuru Blightblade
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
2.5 We see this card in lots of sets, and it is always fine. It can trade for anything, giving it relevance all game long, but it is never particularly impactful.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Skyclave Plunder
Skyclave Plunder
2.0 This tends to be a little bit too clunky in this format to be great. It is nice drawing cards, but tapping and not adding to the board is rough.
2.0 This tends to be a little bit too clunky in this format to be great. It is nice drawing cards, but tapping and not adding to the board is rough.
Anticognition
0.0 // 2.5 This ends up being a hard counter a significant chunk of the time, especially in UB which does a good job of milling. If you can’t consistently get this to be a hard counter, you probably don’t play it, but if you can it ends being a pretty nice card to have around.
0.0 // 2.5 This ends up being a hard counter a significant chunk of the time, especially in UB which does a good job of milling. If you can’t consistently get this to be a hard counter, you probably don’t play it, but if you can it ends being a pretty nice card to have around.
Teeterpeak Ambusher
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
2.0 This has decent starting stats, a party creature type, and an ability that can keep it relevant. Seems fine.
Utility Knife
1.0 Even with an Equipment deck in this format, Utility Knife isn’t really worth it. It gives an okay boost to start with, but the equip cost after that is just exorbitant.
1.0 Even with an Equipment deck in this format, Utility Knife isn’t really worth it. It gives an okay boost to start with, but the equip cost after that is just exorbitant.
Cascade Seer
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
1.5 I think this is fine. A 4-mana 3/3 that scries 1 would probably be a C-. We recently had Octoprophet, which was a 4-mana 3/3 that always Scried 2, and that was definitely a solid C -- and that’s what this will be a decent chunk of the time. Obviously with a full party it gets better, but you shouldn’t really look at this as doing that very often, because it won’t.
Highborn Vampire
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Shell Shield
Lithoform Blight
1.0 If you’re desperate for fixing, this does the job. If you’re not, don’t play it.
1.0 If you’re desperate for fixing, this does the job. If you’re not, don’t play it.
Shell Shield
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
2.5 Because of all the kicker payoffs in this format, Shell Shield really overperforms. It allows you to save your creatures fairly cheaply, and it can sometimes also work more as a combat trick.
Canopy Baloth
2.5 This has decent starting stats and attacks pretty hard when you trigger landfall. It is a solid Common.
2.5 This has decent starting stats and attacks pretty hard when you trigger landfall. It is a solid Common.
Nissa's Zendikon
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
1.0 These types of Auras always underperform. It seems like it would be really efficient to put this on a land, but it doesn’t generally pan out that way. The land does come back, which in a roundabout way can help you trigger landfall, but this just asks for too much effort.
Deliberate
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
1.5 So, this is pretty similar to Anticipate – though it is likely a bit better. It is an Instant speed Preordain that costs twice as much. You get to see up to 3 cards when you use it, and if you happen to have two things on top of your library you really want, you can leave them both there, which is nice. And if you don’t want either, well, you can smooth out your draws – you get the picture. This kind of card often just feel very replaceable.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Skyclave Plunder
Skyclave Plunder
2.0 This tends to be a little bit too clunky in this format to be great. It is nice drawing cards, but tapping and not adding to the board is rough.
2.0 This tends to be a little bit too clunky in this format to be great. It is nice drawing cards, but tapping and not adding to the board is rough.
Dauntless Survivor
2.5 We have seen this card a lot, and it is always solid. At worst, it is a two mana 2/2 -- and it has the upside of being able to make some other more relevant creature get a +1/+1 counter in the later part of the game. The BG deck in this format also has +1/+1 counter synergies, AND it has a creature type relevant for partying, so it will be a nice two drop in multiple decks in this format.
2.5 We have seen this card a lot, and it is always solid. At worst, it is a two mana 2/2 -- and it has the upside of being able to make some other more relevant creature get a +1/+1 counter in the later part of the game. The BG deck in this format also has +1/+1 counter synergies, AND it has a creature type relevant for partying, so it will be a nice two drop in multiple decks in this format.
Glacial Grasp
2.0 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
2.0 So, on a base level, this is Divination, a card that is a decent playable in most Limited formats -- somewhere between a C- and a C. But, this becomes more powerful in the late game, drawing you three cards if you have the spare mana around to do it. Now, 6-mana at Sorcery speed to draw 3 cards is pretty clunky, but it is attached to what is already a reasonable card, which means being able to cast it with Kicker is all upside.
Highborn Vampire
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
1.5 So yeah, this is a vanilla creature, who comes with some upside because he has a creature type that fits into a “party.” A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t the worst rate for Limited, and I think the Warrior upside does enough to make this a card you’ll play a little more than you won’t.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Broken Wings
Adventure Awaits
1.0 We see a Green card like this in most sets, and they are always kind of meh. They give you some nice card selection, and it is also kind of nice that if you wiff on a creature, you still get a card out of it. Whiffing on a creature is unlikely in most limited decks, but it DOES happen sometimes, so having protection from this doing absolutely nothing is nice. That said, this type of card, especially at two mana, generally feels like it is easy to cut in most decks.
1.0 We see a Green card like this in most sets, and they are always kind of meh. They give you some nice card selection, and it is also kind of nice that if you wiff on a creature, you still get a card out of it. Whiffing on a creature is unlikely in most limited decks, but it DOES happen sometimes, so having protection from this doing absolutely nothing is nice. That said, this type of card, especially at two mana, generally feels like it is easy to cut in most decks.
Kazandu Stomper
2.0 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
2.0 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
Broken Wings
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
1.5 This seems like it can target enough things that it is a reasonable main deck inclusion, though if you are playing Best of 3, you would probably much rather bring it in out of the sideboard.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Kazandu Nectarpot
Kazandu Nectarpot
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
1.5 This is a surprisingly decent card for stalling if you’re in a controlling deck, as the statline and the life help make you harder to kill.
Murasa Brute
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Murasa Brute
Murasa Brute
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
1.5 This has decent stats and a party creature type, so it will make the cut sometimes.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Soaring Thought-Thief
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Roost of Drakes
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Bubble Snare
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Nimana Skydancer
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Cunning Geysermage
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Shell Shield
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Stonework Packbeast
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Subtle Strike
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Risen Riptide
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Cunning Geysermage
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Zulaport Duelist
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Anticognition
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Tuktuk Rubblefort
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Strength of Solidarity
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Feed the Swarm
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Bloodchief's Thirst
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Cunning Geysermage
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Sure-Footed Infiltrator
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Feed the Swarm
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Seafloor Stalker
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Nimana Skydancer
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Cunning Geysermage
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Skyclave Sentinel
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Scavenged Blade
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Pressure Point
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Shell Shield
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Cascade Seer
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Broken Wings
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Inscription of Ruin
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Expedition Skulker
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Subtle Strike
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Lullmage's Domination
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Bubble Snare
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Merfolk Windrobber
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Cleric of Chill Depths
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Glacial Grasp
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Skyclave Plunder
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Shell Shield
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Skyclave Plunder
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Broken Wings
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Kazandu Nectarpot
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Murasa Brute
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