Premier Draft GRN 05.januar 2021
5 January 04:38 - EnderWiggin 7 Wins - 0 Losses
Pack 1 Pick 1: Knight of Autumn
Knight of Autumn
4.0 This is quite good because of its modality. If you have an artifact or Enchantment to blow up with it, you’re basically casting Reclamation Sage. The other two options have somewhat lower ceilings than that one, but a 3-mana 4/3 or a 3-mana 2/1 that gains you 4 life are both cards you’d play – and you have a choice between 3 different cards here!
4.0 This is quite good because of its modality. If you have an artifact or Enchantment to blow up with it, you’re basically casting Reclamation Sage. The other two options have somewhat lower ceilings than that one, but a 3-mana 4/3 or a 3-mana 2/1 that gains you 4 life are both cards you’d play – and you have a choice between 3 different cards here!
Thoughtbound Phantasm
2.5 A one mana 2/2 with Defender is kind of an okay blocker in the early game that can at least trade, and then this is a pretty powerful Surveil payoff that can just get massive. Obviously, its at its best in UB, but it isn’t too bad in UW either.
2.5 A one mana 2/2 with Defender is kind of an okay blocker in the early game that can at least trade, and then this is a pretty powerful Surveil payoff that can just get massive. Obviously, its at its best in UB, but it isn’t too bad in UW either.
Pilfering Imp
2.0 If you play this early it does a good job of chipping in for some damage, and then it has a decent disruptive effect for later in the game.
2.0 If you play this early it does a good job of chipping in for some damage, and then it has a decent disruptive effect for later in the game.
Citywatch Sphinx
2.5 This card is a disappointment. I think in a lot of formats it would be quite good, but the aggro decks in this format really punish your plan of paying a 6-mana 5/4 Flyer. By the time you play this they can usually just swing into it with no real problem, and the fact you Surviel just doesn’t matter! It definitely isn’t bad, but at first glance it looks like a great Uncommon, and in reality its just a solid card.
2.5 This card is a disappointment. I think in a lot of formats it would be quite good, but the aggro decks in this format really punish your plan of paying a 6-mana 5/4 Flyer. By the time you play this they can usually just swing into it with no real problem, and the fact you Surviel just doesn’t matter! It definitely isn’t bad, but at first glance it looks like a great Uncommon, and in reality its just a solid card.
Wall of Mist
1.5 This is passable in the Blue control decks in the format, but you’re probably hoping for defensive creatures that are more impactful than this.
1.5 This is passable in the Blue control decks in the format, but you’re probably hoping for defensive creatures that are more impactful than this.
Unexplained Disappearance
2.5 Two mana instant bounce spells are always decent enough, especially when you can use them in response to a combat trick or something like that, and tacking on Surveil is pretty nice.
2.5 Two mana instant bounce spells are always decent enough, especially when you can use them in response to a combat trick or something like that, and tacking on Surveil is pretty nice.
Wishcoin Crab
1.5 This is passable if you need a defensive creature in your Blue decks, and blocks surprisingly well, even in the later part of the game.
1.5 This is passable if you need a defensive creature in your Blue decks, and blocks surprisingly well, even in the later part of the game.
Deadly Visit
3.5 This answers pretty much anything, and getting to Surveil on top of that is pretty sweet.
3.5 This answers pretty much anything, and getting to Surveil on top of that is pretty sweet.
Spinal Centipede
2.5 This has decent stats, and it leaves some value behind as long as you have another creature – and usually you do!
2.5 This has decent stats, and it leaves some value behind as long as you have another creature – and usually you do!
Dead Weight
3.5 This kills a whole lot of stuff in this format for only one mana – including significantly more expensive creatures, and that makes it pretty great.
3.5 This kills a whole lot of stuff in this format for only one mana – including significantly more expensive creatures, and that makes it pretty great.
Erstwhile Trooper
1.0 This only letting you discard creatures is a huge problem. The idea is to set up Undergrowth, but you’d much rather get a real effect out of your creatures before they go to the graveyard, and buffing this +2/+2 doesn’t really qualify as a “real” effect.
1.0 This only letting you discard creatures is a huge problem. The idea is to set up Undergrowth, but you’d much rather get a real effect out of your creatures before they go to the graveyard, and buffing this +2/+2 doesn’t really qualify as a “real” effect.
Torch Courier
1.5 This is a pretty mediocre one drop. A one mana 1/1 with Haste just doesn’t do enough these days – there are many boards where this is immediately irrelevant. The upside of giving Haste to something else is nice, but still not very impressive.
1.5 This is a pretty mediocre one drop. A one mana 1/1 with Haste just doesn’t do enough these days – there are many boards where this is immediately irrelevant. The upside of giving Haste to something else is nice, but still not very impressive.
Righteous Blow
2.0 This kills things fairly efficiently, but it is too situational to be anything special. You’ll run it if you’re desperate for removal.
2.0 This kills things fairly efficiently, but it is too situational to be anything special. You’ll run it if you’re desperate for removal.
Blade Instructor
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
Selesnya Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Kraul Harpooner
Thought Erasure
2.5 This is pretty efficient disruption – we usually see this effect for three mana - and adding Surveil 1 to the mix is pretty sweet.
2.5 This is pretty efficient disruption – we usually see this effect for three mana - and adding Surveil 1 to the mix is pretty sweet.
Kraul Harpooner
3.0 A two mana 3/2 with Reach is already a pretty darn good rate, so having the upside of just killing an opposing flyer right away is great – although keep in mind, as long as the creature it fights has 2 or more power, the Harpooner is going down too! But that’s okay – this is sort of like a card that is either an efficient creature or Plummet, and that’s a pretty nice modal card to have. If you get to kill something with 1 power and it sticks around, it feels really absurd.
3.0 A two mana 3/2 with Reach is already a pretty darn good rate, so having the upside of just killing an opposing flyer right away is great – although keep in mind, as long as the creature it fights has 2 or more power, the Harpooner is going down too! But that’s okay – this is sort of like a card that is either an efficient creature or Plummet, and that’s a pretty nice modal card to have. If you get to kill something with 1 power and it sticks around, it feels really absurd.
Beamsplitter Mage
2.0 There aren’t really enough good ways to abuse the Mage’s ability, though there are a few, and at worse it is a two mana 2/2.
2.0 There aren’t really enough good ways to abuse the Mage’s ability, though there are a few, and at worse it is a two mana 2/2.
Skyline Scout
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
Parhelion Patrol
2.5 Flying and Mentor go pretty well together, since it becomes easier for it to attack and survive. It can of course only Mentor 1 power creatures – at least at first – but that’s fine, and you can often end up training it too, in which case it can become a real monster.
2.5 Flying and Mentor go pretty well together, since it becomes easier for it to attack and survive. It can of course only Mentor 1 power creatures – at least at first – but that’s fine, and you can often end up training it too, in which case it can become a real monster.
Mephitic Vapors
2.0 This isn’t a bad card for countering the aggressive decks in the format, as it can often do some significant damage to their board, and getting to Surveil can help you find what you need.
2.0 This isn’t a bad card for countering the aggressive decks in the format, as it can often do some significant damage to their board, and getting to Surveil can help you find what you need.
Siege Wurm
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
Rhizome Lurcher
2.0 This is another pretty disappointing Common Undergrowth card. It isn’t bad, but the upside here usually isn’t all that great by turn 4 – getting a 3/3 or a 4/4 is what you can expect.
2.0 This is another pretty disappointing Common Undergrowth card. It isn’t bad, but the upside here usually isn’t all that great by turn 4 – getting a 3/3 or a 4/4 is what you can expect.
Vicious Rumors
1.0 This does a bunch of small stuff, but all of it is pretty irrelevant most of the time.
1.0 This does a bunch of small stuff, but all of it is pretty irrelevant most of the time.
Izzet Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Dimir Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Conclave Cavalier
Integrity
3.5 One side is a decent combat trick, and the other is Lightning Helix for twice the mana. The options here are pretty nice, with the Intervention half usually the more powerful one – but if the opportunity arises for you to use the trick effectively, don’t hesitate!
3.5 One side is a decent combat trick, and the other is Lightning Helix for twice the mana. The options here are pretty nice, with the Intervention half usually the more powerful one – but if the opportunity arises for you to use the trick effectively, don’t hesitate!
Conclave Cavalier
4.0 This whole cycle is very strong, and Conclave Cavalier is no exception! I mean, when all is said and done you pay 4 mana for 8/8 worth of stats across three bodies! This can very realistically generate a 3-for-1. The one downside is the mana cost, but the mana in this format is good enough that it isn’t that hard ot manage.
4.0 This whole cycle is very strong, and Conclave Cavalier is no exception! I mean, when all is said and done you pay 4 mana for 8/8 worth of stats across three bodies! This can very realistically generate a 3-for-1. The one downside is the mana cost, but the mana in this format is good enough that it isn’t that hard ot manage.
Nightveil Predator
4.0 This thing is incredibly difficult to deal with profitably. Hexproof means it can’t be removed for the most part, and Flying and Deathtouch make it a real pain to block. This can frequently just represent an inevitable clock on your opponent.
4.0 This thing is incredibly difficult to deal with profitably. Hexproof means it can’t be removed for the most part, and Flying and Deathtouch make it a real pain to block. This can frequently just represent an inevitable clock on your opponent.
Mephitic Vapors
2.0 This isn’t a bad card for countering the aggressive decks in the format, as it can often do some significant damage to their board, and getting to Surveil can help you find what you need.
2.0 This isn’t a bad card for countering the aggressive decks in the format, as it can often do some significant damage to their board, and getting to Surveil can help you find what you need.
Luminous Bonds
3.0 As it is most of the time, this is premium removal. Turning off attacking and blocking is pretty good for the cost.
3.0 As it is most of the time, this is premium removal. Turning off attacking and blocking is pretty good for the cost.
Child of Night
2.0 This has decent stats and lifelink. Not much more to say about it!
2.0 This has decent stats and lifelink. Not much more to say about it!
Pause for Reflection
0.0 As usual, Fog isn’t really worth playing in Limited.
0.0 As usual, Fog isn’t really worth playing in Limited.
Vigorspore Wurm
2.0 This is a passable Undergrowth payoff, as it usually gives a relevant stats boost. The fact it can’t be double blocked is pretty real too, and this creature is surprisingly difficult to stop in combat.
2.0 This is a passable Undergrowth payoff, as it usually gives a relevant stats boost. The fact it can’t be double blocked is pretty real too, and this creature is surprisingly difficult to stop in combat.
Sumala Woodshaper
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
Skyknight Legionnaire
3.0 This can do a lot of damage in the air in a hurry! And…that’s about all there is to say.
3.0 This can do a lot of damage in the air in a hurry! And…that’s about all there is to say.
Bartizan Bats
2.0 3 power on a flyer for 4 mana is a decent deal…but the one toughness is pretty rough, as it means your opponent can often trade up for this thing with cheap removal or 1/1 flying tokens.
2.0 3 power on a flyer for 4 mana is a decent deal…but the one toughness is pretty rough, as it means your opponent can often trade up for this thing with cheap removal or 1/1 flying tokens.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Izzet Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Affectionate Indrik
Connive
4.0 If you can target something with Connive, it is pretty dang powerful – even though the thing you steal has to be pretty small, you’re getting a big advantage! In a situation where you have something to reanimate though, Concoct can be pretty good too, and the Surveil helps you set that up sometimes.
4.0 If you can target something with Connive, it is pretty dang powerful – even though the thing you steal has to be pretty small, you’re getting a big advantage! In a situation where you have something to reanimate though, Concoct can be pretty good too, and the Surveil helps you set that up sometimes.
Affectionate Indrik
3.5 This can usually come down and kill something, while sticking around, and that’s a great way to stabilize after you’ve been behind early, making this a 6-drop that is definitely worth playing.
3.5 This can usually come down and kill something, while sticking around, and that’s a great way to stabilize after you’ve been behind early, making this a 6-drop that is definitely worth playing.
Blade Instructor
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Moodmark Painter
1.0 This Common is a big part of why Golgari decks in this format struggle, because it just isn’t very good, and its supposed to be a key Common for that deck! It has bad stats, and while the boost it offers can be nice, it usually isn’t enough for this card to be very good.
1.0 This Common is a big part of why Golgari decks in this format struggle, because it just isn’t very good, and its supposed to be a key Common for that deck! It has bad stats, and while the boost it offers can be nice, it usually isn’t enough for this card to be very good.
Centaur Peacemaker
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
Barrier of Bones
1.5 0-mana 0/3s with Defender are rarely very good in Limited, and that doesn’t really change here, even with Surveil 1.
1.5 0-mana 0/3s with Defender are rarely very good in Limited, and that doesn’t really change here, even with Surveil 1.
Siege Wurm
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
Sure Strike
2.0 As usual with this card that has been reprinted a ton, it is a reasonable trick that can help almost any creature win combat.
2.0 As usual with this card that has been reprinted a ton, it is a reasonable trick that can help almost any creature win combat.
Collar the Culprit
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
Deadly Visit
3.5 This answers pretty much anything, and getting to Surveil on top of that is pretty sweet.
3.5 This answers pretty much anything, and getting to Surveil on top of that is pretty sweet.
Wall of Mist
1.5 This is passable in the Blue control decks in the format, but you’re probably hoping for defensive creatures that are more impactful than this.
1.5 This is passable in the Blue control decks in the format, but you’re probably hoping for defensive creatures that are more impactful than this.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Urban Utopia
Capture Sphere
3.0 This is pretty nice, as far as Blue removal spells go. Locking down a creature for 4, and being able to do it at Instant speed is fine. Of course, not turning off activated abilities and stuff like that is a bummer, but this does a decent job.
3.0 This is pretty nice, as far as Blue removal spells go. Locking down a creature for 4, and being able to do it at Instant speed is fine. Of course, not turning off activated abilities and stuff like that is a bummer, but this does a decent job.
Urban Utopia
1.5 This fixes decently and replaces itself, but you just don’t really need it in this format, as Gates are pretty easy to come by.
1.5 This fixes decently and replaces itself, but you just don’t really need it in this format, as Gates are pretty easy to come by.
Direct Current
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Skyline Scout
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
Prey Upon
2.5 As usual, Green has plenty of beefy creatures around that can really take advantage of this. Just pick your spots with it carefully so you don’t get blown out.
2.5 As usual, Green has plenty of beefy creatures around that can really take advantage of this. Just pick your spots with it carefully so you don’t get blown out.
Boros Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Torch Courier
1.5 This is a pretty mediocre one drop. A one mana 1/1 with Haste just doesn’t do enough these days – there are many boards where this is immediately irrelevant. The upside of giving Haste to something else is nice, but still not very impressive.
1.5 This is a pretty mediocre one drop. A one mana 1/1 with Haste just doesn’t do enough these days – there are many boards where this is immediately irrelevant. The upside of giving Haste to something else is nice, but still not very impressive.
Loxodon Restorer
2.0 This is a decent way to stabilize against aggro decks, as the life gain and the body do a pretty good job of helping you hold on. If you’re a slower White deck, the first of these is usually going to make your deck. While, if you’re more aggressive you’re not going to have any reason to play it.
2.0 This is a decent way to stabilize against aggro decks, as the life gain and the body do a pretty good job of helping you hold on. If you’re a slower White deck, the first of these is usually going to make your deck. While, if you’re more aggressive you’re not going to have any reason to play it.
Never Happened
1.5 Coercion is very rarely good in Limited, but this format having some graveyard stuff does mean you often have something to go after in their graveyard too, in which case this can feel a bit like a 2-for-1.
1.5 Coercion is very rarely good in Limited, but this format having some graveyard stuff does mean you often have something to go after in their graveyard too, in which case this can feel a bit like a 2-for-1.
Maximize Velocity
2.0 This is a nice card in the aggressive Izzet decks, as you usually get some value out of just casting spells, so cheap ones like this are nice, especially because it can help you do more damage out of nowhere.
2.0 This is a nice card in the aggressive Izzet decks, as you usually get some value out of just casting spells, so cheap ones like this are nice, especially because it can help you do more damage out of nowhere.
Selesnya Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Prey Upon
Might of the Masses
2.0 This can give a pretty real boost for the cost, but the fact it is so reliant on the rest of your board is a problem.
2.0 This can give a pretty real boost for the cost, but the fact it is so reliant on the rest of your board is a problem.
Truefire Captain
3.5 This is a nice mentor creature, and doing damage to players any time it gets damaged is sweet too, because it means just trading for this in combat will also hurt your opponent – as will burn spells they point at it.
3.5 This is a nice mentor creature, and doing damage to players any time it gets damaged is sweet too, because it means just trading for this in combat will also hurt your opponent – as will burn spells they point at it.
Veiled Shade
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Child of Night
2.0 This has decent stats and lifelink. Not much more to say about it!
2.0 This has decent stats and lifelink. Not much more to say about it!
Ornery Goblin
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
Rhizome Lurcher
2.0 This is another pretty disappointing Common Undergrowth card. It isn’t bad, but the upside here usually isn’t all that great by turn 4 – getting a 3/3 or a 4/4 is what you can expect.
2.0 This is another pretty disappointing Common Undergrowth card. It isn’t bad, but the upside here usually isn’t all that great by turn 4 – getting a 3/3 or a 4/4 is what you can expect.
Candlelight Vigil
1.0 The boost this gives is significant, but the risk of a 2-for-1 is very real, and it generally isn’t worth the risk.
1.0 The boost this gives is significant, but the risk of a 2-for-1 is very real, and it generally isn’t worth the risk.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Prey Upon
2.5 As usual, Green has plenty of beefy creatures around that can really take advantage of this. Just pick your spots with it carefully so you don’t get blown out.
2.5 As usual, Green has plenty of beefy creatures around that can really take advantage of this. Just pick your spots with it carefully so you don’t get blown out.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Parhelion Patrol
Legion Guildmage
4.0 This can tap things down for a reasonable cost – an effect that is always nice! And in the late game it can also do 3 damage at a time to your opponent, which is something that is a very real late game win condition.
4.0 This can tap things down for a reasonable cost – an effect that is always nice! And in the late game it can also do 3 damage at a time to your opponent, which is something that is a very real late game win condition.
Veiled Shade
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Maniacal Rage
1.5 This is a big boost for the cost, and it has the upside of being able to turn off an opposing blocker, but its still an Aura that can really result in you getting blown out, and it doesn’t quite do enough to overcome that.
1.5 This is a big boost for the cost, and it has the upside of being able to turn off an opposing blocker, but its still an Aura that can really result in you getting blown out, and it doesn’t quite do enough to overcome that.
Bartizan Bats
2.0 3 power on a flyer for 4 mana is a decent deal…but the one toughness is pretty rough, as it means your opponent can often trade up for this thing with cheap removal or 1/1 flying tokens.
2.0 3 power on a flyer for 4 mana is a decent deal…but the one toughness is pretty rough, as it means your opponent can often trade up for this thing with cheap removal or 1/1 flying tokens.
Ironshell Beetle
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
Parhelion Patrol
2.5 Flying and Mentor go pretty well together, since it becomes easier for it to attack and survive. It can of course only Mentor 1 power creatures – at least at first – but that’s fine, and you can often end up training it too, in which case it can become a real monster.
2.5 Flying and Mentor go pretty well together, since it becomes easier for it to attack and survive. It can of course only Mentor 1 power creatures – at least at first – but that’s fine, and you can often end up training it too, in which case it can become a real monster.
Hitchclaw Recluse
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
Golgari Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Selesnya Locket
Blade Instructor
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
Selesnya Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Gravitic Punch
0.0 // 2.5 This is pretty much only playable in more aggressive Izzet decks that have various creatures whose power goes up when you cast spells. In those situations, this isn’t a bad way to do the last damage to your opponent. In all the other decks though, its unplayable. Cards that just do damage to an opponent usually aren’t great, and that’s still mostly true here.
0.0 // 2.5 This is pretty much only playable in more aggressive Izzet decks that have various creatures whose power goes up when you cast spells. In those situations, this isn’t a bad way to do the last damage to your opponent. In all the other decks though, its unplayable. Cards that just do damage to an opponent usually aren’t great, and that’s still mostly true here.
Pause for Reflection
0.0 As usual, Fog isn’t really worth playing in Limited.
0.0 As usual, Fog isn’t really worth playing in Limited.
Fearless Halberdier
1.0 If you are short on creatures, you’ll play this. Otherwise, not so much.
1.0 If you are short on creatures, you’ll play this. Otherwise, not so much.
Wishcoin Crab
1.5 This is passable if you need a defensive creature in your Blue decks, and blocks surprisingly well, even in the later part of the game.
1.5 This is passable if you need a defensive creature in your Blue decks, and blocks surprisingly well, even in the later part of the game.
Muse Drake
2.5 A 4-mana 1/3 with Flying isn’t the most impressive stat-line, but because it replaces itself right away it actually tends to be feel like a pretty decent card.
2.5 A 4-mana 1/3 with Flying isn’t the most impressive stat-line, but because it replaces itself right away it actually tends to be feel like a pretty decent card.
Izzet Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Selesnya Guildgate
Wishcoin Crab
1.5 This is passable if you need a defensive creature in your Blue decks, and blocks surprisingly well, even in the later part of the game.
1.5 This is passable if you need a defensive creature in your Blue decks, and blocks surprisingly well, even in the later part of the game.
Spinal Centipede
2.5 This has decent stats, and it leaves some value behind as long as you have another creature – and usually you do!
2.5 This has decent stats, and it leaves some value behind as long as you have another creature – and usually you do!
Erstwhile Trooper
1.0 This only letting you discard creatures is a huge problem. The idea is to set up Undergrowth, but you’d much rather get a real effect out of your creatures before they go to the graveyard, and buffing this +2/+2 doesn’t really qualify as a “real” effect.
1.0 This only letting you discard creatures is a huge problem. The idea is to set up Undergrowth, but you’d much rather get a real effect out of your creatures before they go to the graveyard, and buffing this +2/+2 doesn’t really qualify as a “real” effect.
Torch Courier
1.5 This is a pretty mediocre one drop. A one mana 1/1 with Haste just doesn’t do enough these days – there are many boards where this is immediately irrelevant. The upside of giving Haste to something else is nice, but still not very impressive.
1.5 This is a pretty mediocre one drop. A one mana 1/1 with Haste just doesn’t do enough these days – there are many boards where this is immediately irrelevant. The upside of giving Haste to something else is nice, but still not very impressive.
Righteous Blow
2.0 This kills things fairly efficiently, but it is too situational to be anything special. You’ll run it if you’re desperate for removal.
2.0 This kills things fairly efficiently, but it is too situational to be anything special. You’ll run it if you’re desperate for removal.
Blade Instructor
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
Selesnya Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Siege Wurm
Skyline Scout
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
Mephitic Vapors
2.0 This isn’t a bad card for countering the aggressive decks in the format, as it can often do some significant damage to their board, and getting to Surveil can help you find what you need.
2.0 This isn’t a bad card for countering the aggressive decks in the format, as it can often do some significant damage to their board, and getting to Surveil can help you find what you need.
Siege Wurm
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Sumala Woodshaper
Child of Night
2.0 This has decent stats and lifelink. Not much more to say about it!
2.0 This has decent stats and lifelink. Not much more to say about it!
Pause for Reflection
0.0 As usual, Fog isn’t really worth playing in Limited.
0.0 As usual, Fog isn’t really worth playing in Limited.
Sumala Woodshaper
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
Skyknight Legionnaire
3.0 This can do a lot of damage in the air in a hurry! And…that’s about all there is to say.
3.0 This can do a lot of damage in the air in a hurry! And…that’s about all there is to say.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Collar the Culprit
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Centaur Peacemaker
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
Siege Wurm
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
Collar the Culprit
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Loxodon Restorer
Skyline Scout
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
Boros Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Loxodon Restorer
2.0 This is a decent way to stabilize against aggro decks, as the life gain and the body do a pretty good job of helping you hold on. If you’re a slower White deck, the first of these is usually going to make your deck. While, if you’re more aggressive you’re not going to have any reason to play it.
2.0 This is a decent way to stabilize against aggro decks, as the life gain and the body do a pretty good job of helping you hold on. If you’re a slower White deck, the first of these is usually going to make your deck. While, if you’re more aggressive you’re not going to have any reason to play it.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Take Heart
Rhizome Lurcher
2.0 This is another pretty disappointing Common Undergrowth card. It isn’t bad, but the upside here usually isn’t all that great by turn 4 – getting a 3/3 or a 4/4 is what you can expect.
2.0 This is another pretty disappointing Common Undergrowth card. It isn’t bad, but the upside here usually isn’t all that great by turn 4 – getting a 3/3 or a 4/4 is what you can expect.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Pack 1 Pick 15: Crushing Canopy
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Assure
Assure
3.5 Split cards tend to be pretty nice in Limited, especially when you put two narrow but powerful effects on them, and that’s what we’ve got here. Assure is a combat trick that can blank removal, and Assemble gives you three 2/2 bodies at instant speed in the later part of the game.
3.5 Split cards tend to be pretty nice in Limited, especially when you put two narrow but powerful effects on them, and that’s what we’ve got here. Assure is a combat trick that can blank removal, and Assemble gives you three 2/2 bodies at instant speed in the later part of the game.
Ledev Champion
3.0 Tapping down a bunch of your stuff seems like it would be pretty bad – and, it is a downside, but it also means that this creature can often attack when your others can’t anyway. It is sort of like all of your creatures having exalted. That, coupled with the ability to make tokens, makes this a pretty nice card.
3.0 Tapping down a bunch of your stuff seems like it would be pretty bad – and, it is a downside, but it also means that this creature can often attack when your others can’t anyway. It is sort of like all of your creatures having exalted. That, coupled with the ability to make tokens, makes this a pretty nice card.
Glowspore Shaman
3.5 This is one of the best enablers for the Golgari deck, as it often stocks your graveyard to get undergrowth and other value stuff going.
3.5 This is one of the best enablers for the Golgari deck, as it often stocks your graveyard to get undergrowth and other value stuff going.
Enhanced Surveillance
1.0 Surveiling is pretty nice, but using a whole card to slightly improve all of your decks surveil effects isn’t a great plan, since that’s a pretty minor effect. Shuffling your graveyard into your library might be nice if your deck is the most insane Surveil deck ever, but most of the time it is best to steer clear of this.
1.0 Surveiling is pretty nice, but using a whole card to slightly improve all of your decks surveil effects isn’t a great plan, since that’s a pretty minor effect. Shuffling your graveyard into your library might be nice if your deck is the most insane Surveil deck ever, but most of the time it is best to steer clear of this.
Barrier of Bones
1.5 0-mana 0/3s with Defender are rarely very good in Limited, and that doesn’t really change here, even with Surveil 1.
1.5 0-mana 0/3s with Defender are rarely very good in Limited, and that doesn’t really change here, even with Surveil 1.
Ironshell Beetle
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
Direct Current
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Skyline Scout
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
Hypothesizzle
3.0 5 mana for 4 damage isn’t an amazing rate, but you also effectively get to loot. Now, you do have to discard a non-land which tends to mean you lose a very real card, but if you combine it with Jump-Start it doesn’t feel too bad.
3.0 5 mana for 4 damage isn’t an amazing rate, but you also effectively get to loot. Now, you do have to discard a non-land which tends to mean you lose a very real card, but if you combine it with Jump-Start it doesn’t feel too bad.
Dazzling Lights
1.5 This kind of effect is pretty underwhelming, as it just doesn’t accomplish enough most of the time. However, the fact that this format has a spell deck definitely upgrades it a bit, and Surveil isn’t too bad either.
1.5 This kind of effect is pretty underwhelming, as it just doesn’t accomplish enough most of the time. However, the fact that this format has a spell deck definitely upgrades it a bit, and Surveil isn’t too bad either.
Spinal Centipede
2.5 This has decent stats, and it leaves some value behind as long as you have another creature – and usually you do!
2.5 This has decent stats, and it leaves some value behind as long as you have another creature – and usually you do!
Goblin Electromancer
3.0 Reducing the cost of spells is a pretty big deal, so its nice that it comes in a two mana 2/2 package.
3.0 Reducing the cost of spells is a pretty big deal, so its nice that it comes in a two mana 2/2 package.
Healer's Hawk
3.0 This is a really nice one-drop, especially in Boros, since it is such a great creature to Mentor. Putting counters on this can quickly put the game out of reach for your opponent.
3.0 This is a really nice one-drop, especially in Boros, since it is such a great creature to Mentor. Putting counters on this can quickly put the game out of reach for your opponent.
Dimir Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Vivid Revival
Vivid Revival
3.0 You won’t always end up in a deck that can make use of this, but you will do it often enough that this is a pretty powerful card, and one that you can take pretty early. Getting three cards back will just win you the game in many situations. It is Sorcery speed and certainly pretty clunky, but the upside is often worth it.
3.0 You won’t always end up in a deck that can make use of this, but you will do it often enough that this is a pretty powerful card, and one that you can take pretty early. Getting three cards back will just win you the game in many situations. It is Sorcery speed and certainly pretty clunky, but the upside is often worth it.
Justice Strike
3.0 This ends up not being able to kill stuff a little too often, but it can still kill enough stuff for only two mana that it is certainly a quality card.
3.0 This ends up not being able to kill stuff a little too often, but it can still kill enough stuff for only two mana that it is certainly a quality card.
Gatekeeper Gargoyle
2.5 This is a decent payoff for decks with lots of gates in them.
2.5 This is a decent payoff for decks with lots of gates in them.
Capture Sphere
3.0 This is pretty nice, as far as Blue removal spells go. Locking down a creature for 4, and being able to do it at Instant speed is fine. Of course, not turning off activated abilities and stuff like that is a bummer, but this does a decent job.
3.0 This is pretty nice, as far as Blue removal spells go. Locking down a creature for 4, and being able to do it at Instant speed is fine. Of course, not turning off activated abilities and stuff like that is a bummer, but this does a decent job.
Ironshell Beetle
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
Hunted Witness
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
Vedalken Mesmerist
1.5 It isn’t a complete disaster if you play this as your two drop, but it isn’t something you should be happy about either. Its attack trigger rarely does enough.
1.5 It isn’t a complete disaster if you play this as your two drop, but it isn’t something you should be happy about either. Its attack trigger rarely does enough.
Severed Strands
2.0 Making Bone Splinters cost an additional mana is a bummer, and one that isn’t solved by the life gain effect. Still, it can kill stuff pretty efficiently, and if you have expendable creatures it feels pretty good.
2.0 Making Bone Splinters cost an additional mana is a bummer, and one that isn’t solved by the life gain effect. Still, it can kill stuff pretty efficiently, and if you have expendable creatures it feels pretty good.
Command the Storm
2.5 This has bad stats, and its combat damage trigger is only useful in very narrow situations.
2.5 This has bad stats, and its combat damage trigger is only useful in very narrow situations.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Douser of Lights
2.0 This might look like the usually mediocre vanilla creature that you’ll just never play…but it turns out that a 5-mana 4/5 is very reasonable in this format’s more controlling decks. It blocks a whole lot of stuff and even attacks surprisingly well.
2.0 This might look like the usually mediocre vanilla creature that you’ll just never play…but it turns out that a 5-mana 4/5 is very reasonable in this format’s more controlling decks. It blocks a whole lot of stuff and even attacks surprisingly well.
Wary Okapi
2.0 This is a decent French Vanilla creature, but not much else!
2.0 This is a decent French Vanilla creature, but not much else!
Siege Wurm
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
Dimir Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Haazda Marshal
Hellkite Whelp
2.5 This is definitely an underperformer. Basically any creature in this format that lags behind in stats for its cost is, and that’s what we have here with a 5-mana 3/3 Flyer. It is nice that it can pick off smaller creatures, and it isn’t bad, it just also isn’t good.
2.5 This is definitely an underperformer. Basically any creature in this format that lags behind in stats for its cost is, and that’s what we have here with a 5-mana 3/3 Flyer. It is nice that it can pick off smaller creatures, and it isn’t bad, it just also isn’t good.
District Guide
3.5 Being able to get a Gate with this is big, because you can play gates that are really great at fixing your mana – it is just way better than grabbing a basic most of the time, though even if this could only grab basics it would still be a nice card.
3.5 Being able to get a Gate with this is big, because you can play gates that are really great at fixing your mana – it is just way better than grabbing a basic most of the time, though even if this could only grab basics it would still be a nice card.
Haazda Marshal
2.5 This does some pretty nice work if you play it early, especially if you do it alongside creatures who can Mentor it, so that it can attack more effectively. If it attacks and trades while giving you a 1/1 token, you’re doing a pretty good job!
2.5 This does some pretty nice work if you play it early, especially if you do it alongside creatures who can Mentor it, so that it can attack more effectively. If it attacks and trades while giving you a 1/1 token, you’re doing a pretty good job!
Hunted Witness
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
Gravitic Punch
0.0 // 2.5 This is pretty much only playable in more aggressive Izzet decks that have various creatures whose power goes up when you cast spells. In those situations, this isn’t a bad way to do the last damage to your opponent. In all the other decks though, its unplayable. Cards that just do damage to an opponent usually aren’t great, and that’s still mostly true here.
0.0 // 2.5 This is pretty much only playable in more aggressive Izzet decks that have various creatures whose power goes up when you cast spells. In those situations, this isn’t a bad way to do the last damage to your opponent. In all the other decks though, its unplayable. Cards that just do damage to an opponent usually aren’t great, and that’s still mostly true here.
Boros Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Bartizan Bats
2.0 3 power on a flyer for 4 mana is a decent deal…but the one toughness is pretty rough, as it means your opponent can often trade up for this thing with cheap removal or 1/1 flying tokens.
2.0 3 power on a flyer for 4 mana is a decent deal…but the one toughness is pretty rough, as it means your opponent can often trade up for this thing with cheap removal or 1/1 flying tokens.
Devious Cover-Up
1.0 // 2.5 This is a pretty bad counterspell in most decks in the format. Four mana to counter something tends to be way too clunky, and shuffling cards into your deck isn’t that big of a deal. However, the UW decks in this format can sometimes end up in very real controlling builds where Devious Cover-Up is actually a quality card, especially if you have two of them to loop. You can just lock down the board and outvalue your opponent until their dead! So, this gets a build around grade. In the right deck, it is pretty legit – but don’t try to play it in any old Blue deck.
1.0 // 2.5 This is a pretty bad counterspell in most decks in the format. Four mana to counter something tends to be way too clunky, and shuffling cards into your deck isn’t that big of a deal. However, the UW decks in this format can sometimes end up in very real controlling builds where Devious Cover-Up is actually a quality card, especially if you have two of them to loop. You can just lock down the board and outvalue your opponent until their dead! So, this gets a build around grade. In the right deck, it is pretty legit – but don’t try to play it in any old Blue deck.
Cosmotronic Wave
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Pitiless Gorgon
2.0 Deathtouchers can trade with anything which is sweet – but the more they cost, the less impressive that becomes, since you won’t be getting a mana advantage out of a trade nearly as often.
2.0 Deathtouchers can trade with anything which is sweet – but the more they cost, the less impressive that becomes, since you won’t be getting a mana advantage out of a trade nearly as often.
Collar the Culprit
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
Boros Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Intrusive Packbeast
Runaway Steam-Kin
3.0 Your deck does need to be pretty Red to take full advantage of this, but that’s not hard, even in a two-color deck. This gets most of its value out of just getting large in a hurry, though the mana upside doesn’t hurt.
3.0 Your deck does need to be pretty Red to take full advantage of this, but that’s not hard, even in a two-color deck. This gets most of its value out of just getting large in a hurry, though the mana upside doesn’t hurt.
Beacon Bolt
3.5 This can be some nice removal in grindier decks, as it can often do significant amounts of damage for the cost, and being able to do it a second time is pretty sweet!
3.5 This can be some nice removal in grindier decks, as it can often do significant amounts of damage for the cost, and being able to do it a second time is pretty sweet!
Inescapable Blaze
3.0 This is pretty clunky in this format – 6 mana is just a ton, and doing 6 for that big investment isn’t amazing, though it is enough to kill most creatures. The fact you can go after the opponent is also pretty sweet.
3.0 This is pretty clunky in this format – 6 mana is just a ton, and doing 6 for that big investment isn’t amazing, though it is enough to kill most creatures. The fact you can go after the opponent is also pretty sweet.
Never Happened
1.5 Coercion is very rarely good in Limited, but this format having some graveyard stuff does mean you often have something to go after in their graveyard too, in which case this can feel a bit like a 2-for-1.
1.5 Coercion is very rarely good in Limited, but this format having some graveyard stuff does mean you often have something to go after in their graveyard too, in which case this can feel a bit like a 2-for-1.
Unexplained Disappearance
2.5 Two mana instant bounce spells are always decent enough, especially when you can use them in response to a combat trick or something like that, and tacking on Surveil is pretty nice.
2.5 Two mana instant bounce spells are always decent enough, especially when you can use them in response to a combat trick or something like that, and tacking on Surveil is pretty nice.
Intrusive Packbeast
2.0 Having one of these in aggressive decks isn’t too bad, as it can often allow you to swing for lethal if you’re curving out, but it is also a card you end up cutting pretty often, and certainly not something you need in those decks.
2.0 Having one of these in aggressive decks isn’t too bad, as it can often allow you to swing for lethal if you’re curving out, but it is also a card you end up cutting pretty often, and certainly not something you need in those decks.
Loxodon Restorer
2.0 This is a decent way to stabilize against aggro decks, as the life gain and the body do a pretty good job of helping you hold on. If you’re a slower White deck, the first of these is usually going to make your deck. While, if you’re more aggressive you’re not going to have any reason to play it.
2.0 This is a decent way to stabilize against aggro decks, as the life gain and the body do a pretty good job of helping you hold on. If you’re a slower White deck, the first of these is usually going to make your deck. While, if you’re more aggressive you’re not going to have any reason to play it.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Sure Strike
2.0 As usual with this card that has been reprinted a ton, it is a reasonable trick that can help almost any creature win combat.
2.0 As usual with this card that has been reprinted a ton, it is a reasonable trick that can help almost any creature win combat.
Hypothesizzle
3.0 5 mana for 4 damage isn’t an amazing rate, but you also effectively get to loot. Now, you do have to discard a non-land which tends to mean you lose a very real card, but if you combine it with Jump-Start it doesn’t feel too bad.
3.0 5 mana for 4 damage isn’t an amazing rate, but you also effectively get to loot. Now, you do have to discard a non-land which tends to mean you lose a very real card, but if you combine it with Jump-Start it doesn’t feel too bad.
Direct Current
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Golgari Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Knight of Autumn
Knight of Autumn
4.0 This is quite good because of its modality. If you have an artifact or Enchantment to blow up with it, you’re basically casting Reclamation Sage. The other two options have somewhat lower ceilings than that one, but a 3-mana 4/3 or a 3-mana 2/1 that gains you 4 life are both cards you’d play – and you have a choice between 3 different cards here!
4.0 This is quite good because of its modality. If you have an artifact or Enchantment to blow up with it, you’re basically casting Reclamation Sage. The other two options have somewhat lower ceilings than that one, but a 3-mana 4/3 or a 3-mana 2/1 that gains you 4 life are both cards you’d play – and you have a choice between 3 different cards here!
Rampaging Monument
3.5 This ends up growing a ton in this format, as you will just have a lot of multicolored cards, and this quickly turns into a threat with Trample in most decks.
3.5 This ends up growing a ton in this format, as you will just have a lot of multicolored cards, and this quickly turns into a threat with Trample in most decks.
Silent Dart
1.5 If you need removal, this can do it – though it isn’t exactly efficient.
1.5 If you need removal, this can do it – though it isn’t exactly efficient.
Izzet Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Erstwhile Trooper
1.0 This only letting you discard creatures is a huge problem. The idea is to set up Undergrowth, but you’d much rather get a real effect out of your creatures before they go to the graveyard, and buffing this +2/+2 doesn’t really qualify as a “real” effect.
1.0 This only letting you discard creatures is a huge problem. The idea is to set up Undergrowth, but you’d much rather get a real effect out of your creatures before they go to the graveyard, and buffing this +2/+2 doesn’t really qualify as a “real” effect.
Veiled Shade
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Sumala Woodshaper
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
Wall of Mist
1.5 This is passable in the Blue control decks in the format, but you’re probably hoping for defensive creatures that are more impactful than this.
1.5 This is passable in the Blue control decks in the format, but you’re probably hoping for defensive creatures that are more impactful than this.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
Kraul Foragers
2.5 This isn’t a terrible Undergrowth payoff. As long as you are gaining 2+ life with it, it feels pretty good, and it is often enough to help you stabilize against more aggressive decks.
2.5 This isn’t a terrible Undergrowth payoff. As long as you are gaining 2+ life with it, it feels pretty good, and it is often enough to help you stabilize against more aggressive decks.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Generous Stray
Arboretum Elemental
2.0 This is big and it has hexproof, but the cost is very real even with Convoke, and it isn’t like 5 toughness is impossible to take down in combat.
2.0 This is big and it has hexproof, but the cost is very real even with Convoke, and it isn’t like 5 toughness is impossible to take down in combat.
Barging Sergeant
2.5 This can add a ton of damage to the board in a hurry, as it is capable of Mentoring most creatures. Its usually going to die during the attack, but the value it gives you is incredibly good.
2.5 This can add a ton of damage to the board in a hurry, as it is capable of Mentoring most creatures. Its usually going to die during the attack, but the value it gives you is incredibly good.
Fire Urchin
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
Rosemane Centaur
2.5 This isn’t terrible if you just cast it normally, so the Convoke upside makes it a pretty nice Common.
2.5 This isn’t terrible if you just cast it normally, so the Convoke upside makes it a pretty nice Common.
Sonic Assault
3.0 This is a key card in aggressive Izzet decks, as it represents a ton of damage. Obviously there’s the two damage that it does, but because you also tap down a creature, you make it easier for your creatures to get in for damage – and because its an Instant, you often get some additional bonuses to trigger with the cards you have in play. So, casting this and Jump-Starting it in the same turn often means game over!
3.0 This is a key card in aggressive Izzet decks, as it represents a ton of damage. Obviously there’s the two damage that it does, but because you also tap down a creature, you make it easier for your creatures to get in for damage – and because its an Instant, you often get some additional bonuses to trigger with the cards you have in play. So, casting this and Jump-Starting it in the same turn often means game over!
Generous Stray
2.0 This isn’t a bad thing to sacrifice to various effects, but its stats are pretty disappointing.
2.0 This isn’t a bad thing to sacrifice to various effects, but its stats are pretty disappointing.
Selesnya Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Wojek Bodyguard
2.5 This needs friends to attack with, but that’s okay, because that’s usually what you’re going to be doing in a Boros deck that likes mentoring stuff, and this can train pretty much all the creatures that are one and two drops, making it a pretty nice Common.
2.5 This needs friends to attack with, but that’s okay, because that’s usually what you’re going to be doing in a Boros deck that likes mentoring stuff, and this can train pretty much all the creatures that are one and two drops, making it a pretty nice Common.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Izzet Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Rosemane Centaur
Sprouting Renewal
2.0 Neither mode here is exactly exciting, but they are both fine, and this is a nice way to have some artifact/enchantment hate in your main deck that doesn’t cost you a whole lot.
2.0 Neither mode here is exactly exciting, but they are both fine, and this is a nice way to have some artifact/enchantment hate in your main deck that doesn’t cost you a whole lot.
Collar the Culprit
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
Cosmotronic Wave
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Golgari Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Parhelion Patrol
2.5 Flying and Mentor go pretty well together, since it becomes easier for it to attack and survive. It can of course only Mentor 1 power creatures – at least at first – but that’s fine, and you can often end up training it too, in which case it can become a real monster.
2.5 Flying and Mentor go pretty well together, since it becomes easier for it to attack and survive. It can of course only Mentor 1 power creatures – at least at first – but that’s fine, and you can often end up training it too, in which case it can become a real monster.
Prey Upon
2.5 As usual, Green has plenty of beefy creatures around that can really take advantage of this. Just pick your spots with it carefully so you don’t get blown out.
2.5 As usual, Green has plenty of beefy creatures around that can really take advantage of this. Just pick your spots with it carefully so you don’t get blown out.
Centaur Peacemaker
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
Rosemane Centaur
2.5 This isn’t terrible if you just cast it normally, so the Convoke upside makes it a pretty nice Common.
2.5 This isn’t terrible if you just cast it normally, so the Convoke upside makes it a pretty nice Common.
Boros Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Vernadi Shieldmate
Unmoored Ego
0.0 This type of card is never good in Limited. They print these to counter combo decks in constructed, and that’s not a thing in Limited.
0.0 This type of card is never good in Limited. They print these to counter combo decks in constructed, and that’s not a thing in Limited.
Legion Guildmage
4.0 This can tap things down for a reasonable cost – an effect that is always nice! And in the late game it can also do 3 damage at a time to your opponent, which is something that is a very real late game win condition.
4.0 This can tap things down for a reasonable cost – an effect that is always nice! And in the late game it can also do 3 damage at a time to your opponent, which is something that is a very real late game win condition.
Fire Urchin
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
Muse Drake
2.5 A 4-mana 1/3 with Flying isn’t the most impressive stat-line, but because it replaces itself right away it actually tends to be feel like a pretty decent card.
2.5 A 4-mana 1/3 with Flying isn’t the most impressive stat-line, but because it replaces itself right away it actually tends to be feel like a pretty decent card.
Vernadi Shieldmate
2.5 This has fine stats for a two drop and slots nicely into many decks in the format.
2.5 This has fine stats for a two drop and slots nicely into many decks in the format.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Bartizan Bats
2.0 3 power on a flyer for 4 mana is a decent deal…but the one toughness is pretty rough, as it means your opponent can often trade up for this thing with cheap removal or 1/1 flying tokens.
2.0 3 power on a flyer for 4 mana is a decent deal…but the one toughness is pretty rough, as it means your opponent can often trade up for this thing with cheap removal or 1/1 flying tokens.
Boros Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Healer's Hawk
Barrier of Bones
1.5 0-mana 0/3s with Defender are rarely very good in Limited, and that doesn’t really change here, even with Surveil 1.
1.5 0-mana 0/3s with Defender are rarely very good in Limited, and that doesn’t really change here, even with Surveil 1.
Ironshell Beetle
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
3.0 This is a nice creature for aggressive decks who is a bit of a pain to block all game long, especially if you’re putting counters on him.
Direct Current
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Skyline Scout
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
Spinal Centipede
2.5 This has decent stats, and it leaves some value behind as long as you have another creature – and usually you do!
2.5 This has decent stats, and it leaves some value behind as long as you have another creature – and usually you do!
Healer's Hawk
3.0 This is a really nice one-drop, especially in Boros, since it is such a great creature to Mentor. Putting counters on this can quickly put the game out of reach for your opponent.
3.0 This is a really nice one-drop, especially in Boros, since it is such a great creature to Mentor. Putting counters on this can quickly put the game out of reach for your opponent.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Siege Wurm
Justice Strike
3.0 This ends up not being able to kill stuff a little too often, but it can still kill enough stuff for only two mana that it is certainly a quality card.
3.0 This ends up not being able to kill stuff a little too often, but it can still kill enough stuff for only two mana that it is certainly a quality card.
Ironshell Beetle
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
Hunted Witness
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Wary Okapi
2.0 This is a decent French Vanilla creature, but not much else!
2.0 This is a decent French Vanilla creature, but not much else!
Siege Wurm
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
3.0 This is pretty powerful if you can power it out on turn 5 and really, it is big enough to be relevant all game long. You definitely need to be good at going a little wide to take full advantage, but its well worth it.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Collar the Culprit
Hunted Witness
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
Boros Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Cosmotronic Wave
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Collar the Culprit
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
Boros Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Inescapable Blaze
Inescapable Blaze
3.0 This is pretty clunky in this format – 6 mana is just a ton, and doing 6 for that big investment isn’t amazing, though it is enough to kill most creatures. The fact you can go after the opponent is also pretty sweet.
3.0 This is pretty clunky in this format – 6 mana is just a ton, and doing 6 for that big investment isn’t amazing, though it is enough to kill most creatures. The fact you can go after the opponent is also pretty sweet.
Sure Strike
2.0 As usual with this card that has been reprinted a ton, it is a reasonable trick that can help almost any creature win combat.
2.0 As usual with this card that has been reprinted a ton, it is a reasonable trick that can help almost any creature win combat.
Hypothesizzle
3.0 5 mana for 4 damage isn’t an amazing rate, but you also effectively get to loot. Now, you do have to discard a non-land which tends to mean you lose a very real card, but if you combine it with Jump-Start it doesn’t feel too bad.
3.0 5 mana for 4 damage isn’t an amazing rate, but you also effectively get to loot. Now, you do have to discard a non-land which tends to mean you lose a very real card, but if you combine it with Jump-Start it doesn’t feel too bad.
Direct Current
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Kraul Foragers
Izzet Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Kraul Foragers
2.5 This isn’t a terrible Undergrowth payoff. As long as you are gaining 2+ life with it, it feels pretty good, and it is often enough to help you stabilize against more aggressive decks.
2.5 This isn’t a terrible Undergrowth payoff. As long as you are gaining 2+ life with it, it feels pretty good, and it is often enough to help you stabilize against more aggressive decks.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Fire Urchin
Barging Sergeant
2.5 This can add a ton of damage to the board in a hurry, as it is capable of Mentoring most creatures. Its usually going to die during the attack, but the value it gives you is incredibly good.
2.5 This can add a ton of damage to the board in a hurry, as it is capable of Mentoring most creatures. Its usually going to die during the attack, but the value it gives you is incredibly good.
Fire Urchin
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
Pack 2 Pick 15: Centaur Peacemaker
Centaur Peacemaker
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Conclave Tribunal
Niv-Mizzet, Parun
5.0 Don’t be put off by the somewhat challenging mana cost here – Niv-Mizzet is a bomb. You do need to have basically all of the lands in your deck produce either Blue or Red, but that’s pretty doable and well worth it, since you get a massive Flyer who gives you all kinds of value. Pinging something every time you draw is pretty powerful, and you get to draw extra any time a player cast an instant or sorcery. This means that if your opponent kills Niv right away, you get a card and a damage out of it, and that’s a pretty good fail case!
5.0 Don’t be put off by the somewhat challenging mana cost here – Niv-Mizzet is a bomb. You do need to have basically all of the lands in your deck produce either Blue or Red, but that’s pretty doable and well worth it, since you get a massive Flyer who gives you all kinds of value. Pinging something every time you draw is pretty powerful, and you get to draw extra any time a player cast an instant or sorcery. This means that if your opponent kills Niv right away, you get a card and a damage out of it, and that’s a pretty good fail case!
Crush Contraband
0.5 This is sideboard material. There aren’t enough artifacts and enchantments that do stuff to main deck this. When you do get to blow up one of each it feels pretty awesome, though!
0.5 This is sideboard material. There aren’t enough artifacts and enchantments that do stuff to main deck this. When you do get to blow up one of each it feels pretty awesome, though!
Conclave Tribunal
4.0 This answer pretty much anything and it does it very efficiently. Your opponent can get their permanent back of course, but most of the time they don’t, and even if they eventually do you usually come out ahead.
4.0 This answer pretty much anything and it does it very efficiently. Your opponent can get their permanent back of course, but most of the time they don’t, and even if they eventually do you usually come out ahead.
Guild Summit
0.0 // 3.0 Guildgate decks are pretty legit in this format, and Guild Summit can be a powerhouse in the right deck, as turning your land drops into cantrips is pretty sweet. However, you need a lot of gates to make this work, and you can’t really play it otherwise.
0.0 // 3.0 Guildgate decks are pretty legit in this format, and Guild Summit can be a powerhouse in the right deck, as turning your land drops into cantrips is pretty sweet. However, you need a lot of gates to make this work, and you can’t really play it otherwise.
Sumala Woodshaper
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
Centaur Peacemaker
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
Hitchclaw Recluse
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
Maniacal Rage
1.5 This is a big boost for the cost, and it has the upside of being able to turn off an opposing blocker, but its still an Aura that can really result in you getting blown out, and it doesn’t quite do enough to overcome that.
1.5 This is a big boost for the cost, and it has the upside of being able to turn off an opposing blocker, but its still an Aura that can really result in you getting blown out, and it doesn’t quite do enough to overcome that.
Burglar Rat
2.0 We see two mana 1/1s that make an opponent discard reasonably often, and they are always decent, though your opponent discarding a Jump-Start card to this can be a little painful.
2.0 We see two mana 1/1s that make an opponent discard reasonably often, and they are always decent, though your opponent discarding a Jump-Start card to this can be a little painful.
Skyknight Legionnaire
3.0 This can do a lot of damage in the air in a hurry! And…that’s about all there is to say.
3.0 This can do a lot of damage in the air in a hurry! And…that’s about all there is to say.
Selesnya Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Unexplained Disappearance
2.5 Two mana instant bounce spells are always decent enough, especially when you can use them in response to a combat trick or something like that, and tacking on Surveil is pretty nice.
2.5 Two mana instant bounce spells are always decent enough, especially when you can use them in response to a combat trick or something like that, and tacking on Surveil is pretty nice.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Selesnya Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Ral, Izzet Viceroy
Ral, Izzet Viceroy
4.0 Ral is strong, but he isn’t quite a bomb. His +1 lets you draw cards and load the graveyard, and loading the graveyard is pretty nice because of his -3, which is a removal spell that is dependent on instants and sorceries ending up in the graveyard or in exile. The awkward thing is sometimes you play him and his -3 just doesn’t do enough damage, even in an Izzet deck! Still, he gives you tons of value, and sometimes he can even get to his ultimate, which pretty much means he wins you the game.
4.0 Ral is strong, but he isn’t quite a bomb. His +1 lets you draw cards and load the graveyard, and loading the graveyard is pretty nice because of his -3, which is a removal spell that is dependent on instants and sorceries ending up in the graveyard or in exile. The awkward thing is sometimes you play him and his -3 just doesn’t do enough damage, even in an Izzet deck! Still, he gives you tons of value, and sometimes he can even get to his ultimate, which pretty much means he wins you the game.
Discovery
3.0 The Discovery half of this is generally the better one, since it can be used in so many situations and it gives you some pretty good card selection. Dispersal can be pretty sweet though, especially if your opponent has an empty hand when you cast it.
3.0 The Discovery half of this is generally the better one, since it can be used in so many situations and it gives you some pretty good card selection. Dispersal can be pretty sweet though, especially if your opponent has an empty hand when you cast it.
Ochran Assassin
2.5 This can create some nasty situations, since it draws the attention of all opposing blockers, which means you can get a pretty nice attack through. Because it has death touch, it also lets you kill at least one blocking creature. Still, this has horrible stats and can be dealt with very cheaply by your opponent.
2.5 This can create some nasty situations, since it draws the attention of all opposing blockers, which means you can get a pretty nice attack through. Because it has death touch, it also lets you kill at least one blocking creature. Still, this has horrible stats and can be dealt with very cheaply by your opponent.
Veiled Shade
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
Hunted Witness
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
Luminous Bonds
3.0 As it is most of the time, this is premium removal. Turning off attacking and blocking is pretty good for the cost.
3.0 As it is most of the time, this is premium removal. Turning off attacking and blocking is pretty good for the cost.
Wojek Bodyguard
2.5 This needs friends to attack with, but that’s okay, because that’s usually what you’re going to be doing in a Boros deck that likes mentoring stuff, and this can train pretty much all the creatures that are one and two drops, making it a pretty nice Common.
2.5 This needs friends to attack with, but that’s okay, because that’s usually what you’re going to be doing in a Boros deck that likes mentoring stuff, and this can train pretty much all the creatures that are one and two drops, making it a pretty nice Common.
Pack's Favor
1.5 This is a decent trick, and it is sweet that sometimes you can cast it when you seemingly have no mana.
1.5 This is a decent trick, and it is sweet that sometimes you can cast it when you seemingly have no mana.
Disdainful Stroke
1.5 This is mostly a sideboard card, though it isn’t a complete disaster to have one in your main deck, as most decks in this format have enough targets for it. The real problem is running into a RW deck, which doesn’t tend to have many targets.
1.5 This is mostly a sideboard card, though it isn’t a complete disaster to have one in your main deck, as most decks in this format have enough targets for it. The real problem is running into a RW deck, which doesn’t tend to have many targets.
Centaur Peacemaker
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
Command the Storm
2.5 This has bad stats, and its combat damage trigger is only useful in very narrow situations.
2.5 This has bad stats, and its combat damage trigger is only useful in very narrow situations.
Wall of Mist
1.5 This is passable in the Blue control decks in the format, but you’re probably hoping for defensive creatures that are more impactful than this.
1.5 This is passable in the Blue control decks in the format, but you’re probably hoping for defensive creatures that are more impactful than this.
Selesnya Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Demotion
Lotleth Giant
2.0 This is decent top-curve to have in any deck with lots of creatures and graveyard stuff going on, as if it can do 3+ damage you don’t feel terrible about your investment, and it can often do far more than that. It is unfortunately pretty clunky in a format where there are very real aggro decks, and the Golgari decks come together the least consistently.
2.0 This is decent top-curve to have in any deck with lots of creatures and graveyard stuff going on, as if it can do 3+ damage you don’t feel terrible about your investment, and it can often do far more than that. It is unfortunately pretty clunky in a format where there are very real aggro decks, and the Golgari decks come together the least consistently.
Goblin Cratermaker
3.5 This is a bear with great upside – being able to Shock a creature or destroy an Artifact is very nice utility.
3.5 This is a bear with great upside – being able to Shock a creature or destroy an Artifact is very nice utility.
Demotion
2.0 RW decks in this format can be really aggressive, and this tends to be a solid inclusion in those decks, as turning off blocking and activated abilities is usually enough for you to keep on attacking, and the fact it costs one mana probably also means you still have mana to play another creature or use a combat trick. Outside of that deck, it isn’t nearly as good.
2.0 RW decks in this format can be really aggressive, and this tends to be a solid inclusion in those decks, as turning off blocking and activated abilities is usually enough for you to keep on attacking, and the fact it costs one mana probably also means you still have mana to play another creature or use a combat trick. Outside of that deck, it isn’t nearly as good.
Kraul Foragers
2.5 This isn’t a terrible Undergrowth payoff. As long as you are gaining 2+ life with it, it feels pretty good, and it is often enough to help you stabilize against more aggressive decks.
2.5 This isn’t a terrible Undergrowth payoff. As long as you are gaining 2+ life with it, it feels pretty good, and it is often enough to help you stabilize against more aggressive decks.
Hired Poisoner
2.5 One mana 1/1s with Deathtouch are pretty much always a 2.5. They are cheap and they can trade for anything, which is nice.
2.5 One mana 1/1s with Deathtouch are pretty much always a 2.5. They are cheap and they can trade for anything, which is nice.
Collar the Culprit
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
Dimir Informant
2.5 This has decent defensive stats, and Surveil 2 is some pretty nice card selection, even independent of the various payoffs in the format.
2.5 This has decent defensive stats, and Surveil 2 is some pretty nice card selection, even independent of the various payoffs in the format.
Sworn Companions
2.0 If you’re interested in going wide, this does a decent job of it. You’re more likely to want to do that in GW.
2.0 If you’re interested in going wide, this does a decent job of it. You’re more likely to want to do that in GW.
Hitchclaw Recluse
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
Undercity Uprising
1.5 This is a pretty big underperformer. Deathtouch + Fight seems like a good idea, and your whole board even gets Deathtouch! But it turns out there are many board states where you can’t really do anything profitable with this. Sure, your creature you fight with can kill anything, but you’re frequently 2-for-1ing yourself when you do it, and death touch on your board isn’t a big help, though it does help you attack better sometimes. This being clunky and sorcery speed also sets you up to get blown out.
1.5 This is a pretty big underperformer. Deathtouch + Fight seems like a good idea, and your whole board even gets Deathtouch! But it turns out there are many board states where you can’t really do anything profitable with this. Sure, your creature you fight with can kill anything, but you’re frequently 2-for-1ing yourself when you do it, and death touch on your board isn’t a big help, though it does help you attack better sometimes. This being clunky and sorcery speed also sets you up to get blown out.
Fire Urchin
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
Ornery Goblin
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
Selesnya Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Take Heart
Guild Summit
0.0 // 3.0 Guildgate decks are pretty legit in this format, and Guild Summit can be a powerhouse in the right deck, as turning your land drops into cantrips is pretty sweet. However, you need a lot of gates to make this work, and you can’t really play it otherwise.
0.0 // 3.0 Guildgate decks are pretty legit in this format, and Guild Summit can be a powerhouse in the right deck, as turning your land drops into cantrips is pretty sweet. However, you need a lot of gates to make this work, and you can’t really play it otherwise.
Wee Dragonauts
4.0 This is a great signpost Uncommon. It hits hard in the air pretty often in the Izzet decks in the format, doing a ton of damage in only a few swings.
4.0 This is a great signpost Uncommon. It hits hard in the air pretty often in the Izzet decks in the format, doing a ton of damage in only a few swings.
Garrison Sergeant
1.5 In a deck with a lot of Gates this is a decent playable, though a 5-mana 3/3 with Double Strike isn’t exactly amazing either.
1.5 In a deck with a lot of Gates this is a decent playable, though a 5-mana 3/3 with Double Strike isn’t exactly amazing either.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Disdainful Stroke
1.5 This is mostly a sideboard card, though it isn’t a complete disaster to have one in your main deck, as most decks in this format have enough targets for it. The real problem is running into a RW deck, which doesn’t tend to have many targets.
1.5 This is mostly a sideboard card, though it isn’t a complete disaster to have one in your main deck, as most decks in this format have enough targets for it. The real problem is running into a RW deck, which doesn’t tend to have many targets.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Pack's Favor
1.5 This is a decent trick, and it is sweet that sometimes you can cast it when you seemingly have no mana.
1.5 This is a decent trick, and it is sweet that sometimes you can cast it when you seemingly have no mana.
Capture Sphere
3.0 This is pretty nice, as far as Blue removal spells go. Locking down a creature for 4, and being able to do it at Instant speed is fine. Of course, not turning off activated abilities and stuff like that is a bummer, but this does a decent job.
3.0 This is pretty nice, as far as Blue removal spells go. Locking down a creature for 4, and being able to do it at Instant speed is fine. Of course, not turning off activated abilities and stuff like that is a bummer, but this does a decent job.
Darkblade Agent
2.5 This isn’t a bad surveil payoff, as it can be really obnoxious as an attacker. Your opponent basically never wants to give you a free card, so they often have to block, and the best they’ll be able to do is trade.
2.5 This isn’t a bad surveil payoff, as it can be really obnoxious as an attacker. Your opponent basically never wants to give you a free card, so they often have to block, and the best they’ll be able to do is trade.
Prey Upon
2.5 As usual, Green has plenty of beefy creatures around that can really take advantage of this. Just pick your spots with it carefully so you don’t get blown out.
2.5 As usual, Green has plenty of beefy creatures around that can really take advantage of this. Just pick your spots with it carefully so you don’t get blown out.
Fearless Halberdier
1.0 If you are short on creatures, you’ll play this. Otherwise, not so much.
1.0 If you are short on creatures, you’ll play this. Otherwise, not so much.
Dimir Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Ironshell Beetle
Creeping Chill
0.0 Even with surveil, there isn’t a way to build around this enough for it to be worth it – unless you end up with 3+ copies, in which case things start to get interesting. However, ending up with enough Surveil and other self-mill to power it and 3+ copies of this just won’t happen.
0.0 Even with surveil, there isn’t a way to build around this enough for it to be worth it – unless you end up with 3+ copies, in which case things start to get interesting. However, ending up with enough Surveil and other self-mill to power it and 3+ copies of this just won’t happen.
Smelt-Ward Minotaur
2.5 This is pretty nice in either of the Red aggressive decks (Izzet and Boros), as turning off a blocker is a big deal! Izzet will have more spells to enable it than Boros, but it has decent stats and solid upside, so its definitely nice in both.
2.5 This is pretty nice in either of the Red aggressive decks (Izzet and Boros), as turning off a blocker is a big deal! Izzet will have more spells to enable it than Boros, but it has decent stats and solid upside, so its definitely nice in both.
Dimir Informant
2.5 This has decent defensive stats, and Surveil 2 is some pretty nice card selection, even independent of the various payoffs in the format.
2.5 This has decent defensive stats, and Surveil 2 is some pretty nice card selection, even independent of the various payoffs in the format.
Ironshell Beetle
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
Ornery Goblin
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
Gravitic Punch
0.0 // 2.5 This is pretty much only playable in more aggressive Izzet decks that have various creatures whose power goes up when you cast spells. In those situations, this isn’t a bad way to do the last damage to your opponent. In all the other decks though, its unplayable. Cards that just do damage to an opponent usually aren’t great, and that’s still mostly true here.
0.0 // 2.5 This is pretty much only playable in more aggressive Izzet decks that have various creatures whose power goes up when you cast spells. In those situations, this isn’t a bad way to do the last damage to your opponent. In all the other decks though, its unplayable. Cards that just do damage to an opponent usually aren’t great, and that’s still mostly true here.
Wary Okapi
2.0 This is a decent French Vanilla creature, but not much else!
2.0 This is a decent French Vanilla creature, but not much else!
Blade Instructor
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
Sonic Assault
3.0 This is a key card in aggressive Izzet decks, as it represents a ton of damage. Obviously there’s the two damage that it does, but because you also tap down a creature, you make it easier for your creatures to get in for damage – and because its an Instant, you often get some additional bonuses to trigger with the cards you have in play. So, casting this and Jump-Starting it in the same turn often means game over!
3.0 This is a key card in aggressive Izzet decks, as it represents a ton of damage. Obviously there’s the two damage that it does, but because you also tap down a creature, you make it easier for your creatures to get in for damage – and because its an Instant, you often get some additional bonuses to trigger with the cards you have in play. So, casting this and Jump-Starting it in the same turn often means game over!
Maximize Velocity
2.0 This is a nice card in the aggressive Izzet decks, as you usually get some value out of just casting spells, so cheap ones like this are nice, especially because it can help you do more damage out of nowhere.
2.0 This is a nice card in the aggressive Izzet decks, as you usually get some value out of just casting spells, so cheap ones like this are nice, especially because it can help you do more damage out of nowhere.
Dimir Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Urban Utopia
Invert
1.0 Most of the split cards in this format are pretty nice in Limited…but not this one. Invert’s effect is way too situational and hard to make matter, while Invent is a super expensive tutor for spells. And sure, you do get two spells, which means you’re netting cards, but I’m still not impressed.
1.0 Most of the split cards in this format are pretty nice in Limited…but not this one. Invert’s effect is way too situational and hard to make matter, while Invent is a super expensive tutor for spells. And sure, you do get two spells, which means you’re netting cards, but I’m still not impressed.
Glaive of the Guildpact
2.5 This is a surprisingly effective Equipment. It is a bit clunky to Equip, but if your deck has some Gates in it, the boost it gives is well worth it, especially since it is combined with Menace, which makes the creature into a pretty formidable attacker.
2.5 This is a surprisingly effective Equipment. It is a bit clunky to Equip, but if your deck has some Gates in it, the boost it gives is well worth it, especially since it is combined with Menace, which makes the creature into a pretty formidable attacker.
Vedalken Mesmerist
1.5 It isn’t a complete disaster if you play this as your two drop, but it isn’t something you should be happy about either. Its attack trigger rarely does enough.
1.5 It isn’t a complete disaster if you play this as your two drop, but it isn’t something you should be happy about either. Its attack trigger rarely does enough.
Direct Current
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
3.0 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Maximize Altitude
2.0 This is a nice tool for aggressive Izzet decks, as it can trigger your spell payoffs while also allowing you to attack pretty hard with one of your creatures in the air.
2.0 This is a nice tool for aggressive Izzet decks, as it can trigger your spell payoffs while also allowing you to attack pretty hard with one of your creatures in the air.
Skyline Scout
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
2.0 Its nice that this can start going to sky once it can’t get in on the ground, but it isn’t exactly efficient as a creature, and paying two mana to make it Fly isn’t always something you’ll have the mana for.
Urban Utopia
1.5 This fixes decently and replaces itself, but you just don’t really need it in this format, as Gates are pretty easy to come by.
1.5 This fixes decently and replaces itself, but you just don’t really need it in this format, as Gates are pretty easy to come by.
Cosmotronic Wave
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Passwall Adept
1.5 The Adept’s ability can definitely lead you to victory late in the right situation, but in the early game it is not a very impressive card.
1.5 The Adept’s ability can definitely lead you to victory late in the right situation, but in the early game it is not a very impressive card.
Hitchclaw Recluse
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Pilfering Imp
Pilfering Imp
2.0 If you play this early it does a good job of chipping in for some damage, and then it has a decent disruptive effect for later in the game.
2.0 If you play this early it does a good job of chipping in for some damage, and then it has a decent disruptive effect for later in the game.
Douser of Lights
2.0 This might look like the usually mediocre vanilla creature that you’ll just never play…but it turns out that a 5-mana 4/5 is very reasonable in this format’s more controlling decks. It blocks a whole lot of stuff and even attacks surprisingly well.
2.0 This might look like the usually mediocre vanilla creature that you’ll just never play…but it turns out that a 5-mana 4/5 is very reasonable in this format’s more controlling decks. It blocks a whole lot of stuff and even attacks surprisingly well.
Dimir Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Wishcoin Crab
1.5 This is passable if you need a defensive creature in your Blue decks, and blocks surprisingly well, even in the later part of the game.
1.5 This is passable if you need a defensive creature in your Blue decks, and blocks surprisingly well, even in the later part of the game.
Boros Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Erstwhile Trooper
1.0 This only letting you discard creatures is a huge problem. The idea is to set up Undergrowth, but you’d much rather get a real effect out of your creatures before they go to the graveyard, and buffing this +2/+2 doesn’t really qualify as a “real” effect.
1.0 This only letting you discard creatures is a huge problem. The idea is to set up Undergrowth, but you’d much rather get a real effect out of your creatures before they go to the graveyard, and buffing this +2/+2 doesn’t really qualify as a “real” effect.
Fire Urchin
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
2.0 Not too bad of a payoff if you’re in the aggressive Izzet deck, but certainly not one you go after very aggressively.
Passwall Adept
1.5 The Adept’s ability can definitely lead you to victory late in the right situation, but in the early game it is not a very impressive card.
1.5 The Adept’s ability can definitely lead you to victory late in the right situation, but in the early game it is not a very impressive card.
Dimir Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Vernadi Shieldmate
Undercity Necrolisk
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 feels kinda rough in this format, but this has a pretty nice ability – gobbling up other creatures to make this evasive and bigger feels good, especially if you have some good fodder.
2.5 A 4-mana 3/3 feels kinda rough in this format, but this has a pretty nice ability – gobbling up other creatures to make this evasive and bigger feels good, especially if you have some good fodder.
Ironshell Beetle
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
2.5 This kind of card is always pretty nice. Early, it can just be the two mana 2/2 you need, and late it can come down and put the counter on something better.
Generous Stray
2.0 This isn’t a bad thing to sacrifice to various effects, but its stats are pretty disappointing.
2.0 This isn’t a bad thing to sacrifice to various effects, but its stats are pretty disappointing.
Vernadi Shieldmate
2.5 This has fine stats for a two drop and slots nicely into many decks in the format.
2.5 This has fine stats for a two drop and slots nicely into many decks in the format.
Barrier of Bones
1.5 0-mana 0/3s with Defender are rarely very good in Limited, and that doesn’t really change here, even with Surveil 1.
1.5 0-mana 0/3s with Defender are rarely very good in Limited, and that doesn’t really change here, even with Surveil 1.
Goblin Locksmith
1.0 This isn’t that far from just being Goblin Piker, a card you really hope you don’t play in Limited.
1.0 This isn’t that far from just being Goblin Piker, a card you really hope you don’t play in Limited.
Blade Instructor
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
2.0 This can pretty frequently attack and put a counter on something, and because of its 3 power your opponent often can’t do anything but trade with it. Which…if they have a 1/1 token doesn’t feel great, but you still get a counter out of the deal.
Golgari Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Selesnya Locket
Crush Contraband
0.5 This is sideboard material. There aren’t enough artifacts and enchantments that do stuff to main deck this. When you do get to blow up one of each it feels pretty awesome, though!
0.5 This is sideboard material. There aren’t enough artifacts and enchantments that do stuff to main deck this. When you do get to blow up one of each it feels pretty awesome, though!
Sumala Woodshaper
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
3.0 This will usually draw you a card, and that means it typically represents a 2-for-1, which goes a long way towards making up for its bad stats. You do want to make sure you have like 18 cards in your deck it can hit, but that’s not a big challenge.
Centaur Peacemaker
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
Skyknight Legionnaire
3.0 This can do a lot of damage in the air in a hurry! And…that’s about all there is to say.
3.0 This can do a lot of damage in the air in a hurry! And…that’s about all there is to say.
Selesnya Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Take Heart
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
2.0 This trick is fine. One mana for +2/+2 tends to be solid in Limited, and the life gain tacked on is nice.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Selesnya Guildgate
Veiled Shade
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
2.0 A Gray Ogre isn’t very good, but this being able to pump its stats does make it into a pretty interesting attacker.
Hunted Witness
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
2.5 One mana 1/1s that leave behind 1/1s tend to be pretty decent in Limited, and that’s certainly the case here, especially with White aggro decks being so real in the format.
Wojek Bodyguard
2.5 This needs friends to attack with, but that’s okay, because that’s usually what you’re going to be doing in a Boros deck that likes mentoring stuff, and this can train pretty much all the creatures that are one and two drops, making it a pretty nice Common.
2.5 This needs friends to attack with, but that’s okay, because that’s usually what you’re going to be doing in a Boros deck that likes mentoring stuff, and this can train pretty much all the creatures that are one and two drops, making it a pretty nice Common.
Centaur Peacemaker
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
2.0 While it isn’t great giving your opponent life, the fact that you both get it does mean you are coming out ahead from this card since..you know, you’re also getting this creature, so it isn’t as bad as it might seem.
Selesnya Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Selesnya Guildgate
Kraul Foragers
2.5 This isn’t a terrible Undergrowth payoff. As long as you are gaining 2+ life with it, it feels pretty good, and it is often enough to help you stabilize against more aggressive decks.
2.5 This isn’t a terrible Undergrowth payoff. As long as you are gaining 2+ life with it, it feels pretty good, and it is often enough to help you stabilize against more aggressive decks.
Collar the Culprit
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
1.5 This is clunky for how situational it is. Being an instant is nice, though.
Hitchclaw Recluse
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always pretty decent. Green can’t always deal with flyers very effectively, and this can help in that regard.
Ornery Goblin
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
Selesnya Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Crushing Canopy
Guild Summit
0.0 // 3.0 Guildgate decks are pretty legit in this format, and Guild Summit can be a powerhouse in the right deck, as turning your land drops into cantrips is pretty sweet. However, you need a lot of gates to make this work, and you can’t really play it otherwise.
0.0 // 3.0 Guildgate decks are pretty legit in this format, and Guild Summit can be a powerhouse in the right deck, as turning your land drops into cantrips is pretty sweet. However, you need a lot of gates to make this work, and you can’t really play it otherwise.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
0.5 This is mostly sideboard material.
Fearless Halberdier
1.0 If you are short on creatures, you’ll play this. Otherwise, not so much.
1.0 If you are short on creatures, you’ll play this. Otherwise, not so much.
Dimir Guildgate
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
2.5 These are good fixing, but they get bonus points because there are several cards in the set that pay you off for playing Gates.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Ornery Goblin
Ornery Goblin
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
2.5 This is a surprisingly pesky two-drop that is pretty difficult to attack through or block profitably in the early game, and that’s pretty nice.
Gravitic Punch
0.0 // 2.5 This is pretty much only playable in more aggressive Izzet decks that have various creatures whose power goes up when you cast spells. In those situations, this isn’t a bad way to do the last damage to your opponent. In all the other decks though, its unplayable. Cards that just do damage to an opponent usually aren’t great, and that’s still mostly true here.
0.0 // 2.5 This is pretty much only playable in more aggressive Izzet decks that have various creatures whose power goes up when you cast spells. In those situations, this isn’t a bad way to do the last damage to your opponent. In all the other decks though, its unplayable. Cards that just do damage to an opponent usually aren’t great, and that’s still mostly true here.
Maximize Velocity
2.0 This is a nice card in the aggressive Izzet decks, as you usually get some value out of just casting spells, so cheap ones like this are nice, especially because it can help you do more damage out of nowhere.
2.0 This is a nice card in the aggressive Izzet decks, as you usually get some value out of just casting spells, so cheap ones like this are nice, especially because it can help you do more damage out of nowhere.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Invert
Invert
1.0 Most of the split cards in this format are pretty nice in Limited…but not this one. Invert’s effect is way too situational and hard to make matter, while Invent is a super expensive tutor for spells. And sure, you do get two spells, which means you’re netting cards, but I’m still not impressed.
1.0 Most of the split cards in this format are pretty nice in Limited…but not this one. Invert’s effect is way too situational and hard to make matter, while Invent is a super expensive tutor for spells. And sure, you do get two spells, which means you’re netting cards, but I’m still not impressed.
Cosmotronic Wave
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
2.5 This is a really nice card for aggressive Izzet and Boros decks, as it often wins you the game. It is a key card in those decks, but also not something you want to go after super early, since it is pretty much only good in those decks – where you’ll always want 1-2 copies of it.
Pack 3 Pick 15: Boros Locket
Boros Locket
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
2.0 These are all fine. They can help you splash a color, they ramp you a bit, and you can cash them in for cards in the late game, which is good – because drawing mana rocks great is pretty bad.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Knight of Autumn
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Kraul Harpooner
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Conclave Cavalier
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Affectionate Indrik
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Urban Utopia
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Prey Upon
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Parhelion Patrol
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Selesnya Locket
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Selesnya Guildgate
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Siege Wurm
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Sumala Woodshaper
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Collar the Culprit
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Loxodon Restorer
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Take Heart
- Pack 1 Pick 15: Crushing Canopy
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Assure
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Vivid Revival
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Haazda Marshal
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Intrusive Packbeast
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Knight of Autumn
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Generous Stray
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Rosemane Centaur
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Vernadi Shieldmate
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Healer's Hawk
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Siege Wurm
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Collar the Culprit
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Inescapable Blaze
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Kraul Foragers
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Fire Urchin
- Pack 2 Pick 15: Centaur Peacemaker
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Conclave Tribunal
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Ral, Izzet Viceroy
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Demotion
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Take Heart
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Ironshell Beetle
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Urban Utopia
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Pilfering Imp
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Vernadi Shieldmate
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Selesnya Locket
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Selesnya Guildgate
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Selesnya Guildgate
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Crushing Canopy
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Ornery Goblin
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Invert
- Pack 3 Pick 15: Boros Locket
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