Premier Draft AKR 12 August 2021
12 August 02:02 - SlaineTower 7 Wins - 2 Losses
Pack 1 Pick 1: Cut
Cut
4.0 The Cut half of this card is premium removal, and the fact that you can, in the later game, cast Ribbons from the graveyard is awesome, as it will often help you finish off your opponent. This is another one of these where the part you cast from your hand is already really good, so the additional upside is amazing.
4.0 The Cut half of this card is premium removal, and the fact that you can, in the later game, cast Ribbons from the graveyard is awesome, as it will often help you finish off your opponent. This is another one of these where the part you cast from your hand is already really good, so the additional upside is amazing.
Sifter Wurm
3.0 This is expensive, but it does enough stuff when it ETBs to help you stabilize, and that’s great! You not only get a huge creature that can likely block your opponent’s board effectively and start attacking for a ton the next turn, you also get some serious card selection and life gain in the process.
3.0 This is expensive, but it does enough stuff when it ETBs to help you stabilize, and that’s great! You not only get a huge creature that can likely block your opponent’s board effectively and start attacking for a ton the next turn, you also get some serious card selection and life gain in the process.
Wasp of the Bitter End
3.0 So, the “Bolas” part here will basically never matter, but that’s okay, because a two mana 2/1 Flyer is a pretty serious stat-line in Limited, and can really do a ton of damage in the air before your opponent can get their shields up.
3.0 So, the “Bolas” part here will basically never matter, but that’s okay, because a two mana 2/1 Flyer is a pretty serious stat-line in Limited, and can really do a ton of damage in the air before your opponent can get their shields up.
Appeal
2.0 If you can cast both halves of this in the same turn, this can have a pretty big impact, since one of your creatures will get a decent boost and trample, two opposing blockers will be tapped, and your creatures will have vigilance. Still, you did not some decent set up for this to do that ideal thing, including a decent number of creatures. And, in the end, you use up a card here for temporary effects that don’t permanently add to the board in any way, and I don’t love that.
2.0 If you can cast both halves of this in the same turn, this can have a pretty big impact, since one of your creatures will get a decent boost and trample, two opposing blockers will be tapped, and your creatures will have vigilance. Still, you did not some decent set up for this to do that ideal thing, including a decent number of creatures. And, in the end, you use up a card here for temporary effects that don’t permanently add to the board in any way, and I don’t love that.
Bitterbow Sharpshooters
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is too situational to be “premium” removal, but it does a pretty nice job in a format with lots of small creatures.
2.5 This is too situational to be “premium” removal, but it does a pretty nice job in a format with lots of small creatures.
Trespasser's Curse
0.5 This doesn’t do anything apart from the life drain effect, and that just isn’t going to be worth a card most of the time.
0.5 This doesn’t do anything apart from the life drain effect, and that just isn’t going to be worth a card most of the time.
Sacred Cat
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with lifelink isn’t usually anything special, but this effectively ends up being two mana for 2 1/1s with Lifelink, and that’s actually quite nice.
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with lifelink isn’t usually anything special, but this effectively ends up being two mana for 2 1/1s with Lifelink, and that’s actually quite nice.
Firebrand Archer
2.5 This performs surprisingly well as a spell payoff, and can really chip in a ton of additional damage, while also providing pretty good reach in the later part of the game.
2.5 This performs surprisingly well as a spell payoff, and can really chip in a ton of additional damage, while also providing pretty good reach in the later part of the game.
Floodwaters
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
In Oketra's Name
1.5 This just doesn’t pan out most of the time. Sure, if you have a bunch of Zombies and you’re going wide, it gives a nice boost for the cost, but having both of those things happen isn’t guaranteed.
1.5 This just doesn’t pan out most of the time. Sure, if you have a bunch of Zombies and you’re going wide, it gives a nice boost for the cost, but having both of those things happen isn’t guaranteed.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Pitiless Vizier
2.5 This guy has a very real threat of activation. A 4/2 hits hard, and there aren’t that many creatuers that can block this and survive, and in those situations your opponent has to gauge whether or not you have the Cycling card that just blows them out entirely.
2.5 This guy has a very real threat of activation. A 4/2 hits hard, and there aren’t that many creatuers that can block this and survive, and in those situations your opponent has to gauge whether or not you have the Cycling card that just blows them out entirely.
Supply Caravan
2.0 A 5-mana 3/5 isn’t something you want, but this will give you a 1/1 token like half of the time, and that makes it decent.
2.0 A 5-mana 3/5 isn’t something you want, but this will give you a 1/1 token like half of the time, and that makes it decent.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Compulsory Rest
Pact of Negation
1.5 Being able to counter any spell without leaving mana up can definitely feel pretty good, but of course this isn’t quite as flexible as that sounds, since you’d better have 5 mana in play on your next turn, or you risk losing the game.
1.5 Being able to counter any spell without leaving mana up can definitely feel pretty good, but of course this isn’t quite as flexible as that sounds, since you’d better have 5 mana in play on your next turn, or you risk losing the game.
Renewed Faith
2.0 You will almost always end up cycling this. Two mana for 2 life and a card is pretty decent. Three mana for six life and no card isn’t, but you do have the option to do that, and sometimes you’ll want to – like if you’ll die without doing it.
2.0 You will almost always end up cycling this. Two mana for 2 life and a card is pretty decent. Three mana for six life and no card isn’t, but you do have the option to do that, and sometimes you’ll want to – like if you’ll die without doing it.
Chandra's Defeat
0.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is great out of your sideboard, but terrible too often to put anywhere else.
0.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is great out of your sideboard, but terrible too often to put anywhere else.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
Lethal Sting
2.5 This is a cheap way to kill any creature, and the downside can turn into upside in some situations. Still, the set up is real, and that makes it hard for it to be premium.
2.5 This is a cheap way to kill any creature, and the downside can turn into upside in some situations. Still, the set up is real, and that makes it hard for it to be premium.
Rhonas's Stalwart
3.5 Look, yet another really good common two-drop with Exert! Like the others, this has a fine baseline that can attack reasonably well, and then in the later game in can start exerting to make itself larger and more evasive.
3.5 Look, yet another really good common two-drop with Exert! Like the others, this has a fine baseline that can attack reasonably well, and then in the later game in can start exerting to make itself larger and more evasive.
Compelling Argument
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
Desert of the Indomitable
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Unburden
2.0 Mind Rot usually isn’t very good in Limited, but you can use that part of the card when its good, and Cycle it away when its not, which makes it somewhat playable.
2.0 Mind Rot usually isn’t very good in Limited, but you can use that part of the card when its good, and Cycle it away when its not, which makes it somewhat playable.
Compulsory Rest
3.5 This is a premium removal spell. It is a little bit worse than Pacifism, since you do give your opponent the option of sacrificing the creature and gaining life, but that’s mostly negligible. This shuts down most creatures very effectively.
3.5 This is a premium removal spell. It is a little bit worse than Pacifism, since you do give your opponent the option of sacrificing the creature and gaining life, but that’s mostly negligible. This shuts down most creatures very effectively.
Pursue Glory
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
Feral Prowler
2.0 It is unfortunately pretty hard to trade Feral Prowler for anything, since basically all the best small creatures in the format can evade it or get to big when they are exerted. That doesn’t make it terrible, but it is definitely worse here than in most sets.
2.0 It is unfortunately pretty hard to trade Feral Prowler for anything, since basically all the best small creatures in the format can evade it or get to big when they are exerted. That doesn’t make it terrible, but it is definitely worse here than in most sets.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Impeccable Timing
Leave
0.5 This is incredibly difficult to set up in Limited, and should mostly be avoided.
0.5 This is incredibly difficult to set up in Limited, and should mostly be avoided.
Watchful Naga
1.5 This has sub-par stats but a pretty nice Exert ability. Even if the Naga is dead to blockers when it attacks, you do at least get a card. The most ideal scenario, of course, is to attack when your opponent can only trade with it at best, in which case they find themselves having to just take the hit or get 2-for-1’d, but that situation isn’t around for a super long time in most games.
1.5 This has sub-par stats but a pretty nice Exert ability. Even if the Naga is dead to blockers when it attacks, you do at least get a card. The most ideal scenario, of course, is to attack when your opponent can only trade with it at best, in which case they find themselves having to just take the hit or get 2-for-1’d, but that situation isn’t around for a super long time in most games.
Magmaroth
2.5 Keeping this a 4-mana 5/5 or 4/4, even in a spell deck, isn’t always the easiest thing to do. And, even when you can, the card isn’t exactly a worldbeater.
2.5 Keeping this a 4-mana 5/5 or 4/4, even in a spell deck, isn’t always the easiest thing to do. And, even when you can, the card isn’t exactly a worldbeater.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
Solitary Camel
2.0 A 3-mana 3/2 that will have lifelink a decent chunk of the time is fine.
2.0 A 3-mana 3/2 that will have lifelink a decent chunk of the time is fine.
Brute Strength
1.5 This is a decent trick. The small toughness boost is a bit of a bummer, and means that sometimes you won’t be able to avert a 2-for-1 when you use it, but it can also result in a ton of unexpected damage for your opponent.
1.5 This is a decent trick. The small toughness boost is a bit of a bummer, and means that sometimes you won’t be able to avert a 2-for-1 when you use it, but it can also result in a ton of unexpected damage for your opponent.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is too situational to be “premium” removal, but it does a pretty nice job in a format with lots of small creatures.
2.5 This is too situational to be “premium” removal, but it does a pretty nice job in a format with lots of small creatures.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Dauntless Aven
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
Aven Initiate
2.5 4-mana 3/2 flyers are okayish. Adding Embalm here is quite nice, since it will give you another copy of the Initiate in the late game, albeit at a very steep price.
2.5 4-mana 3/2 flyers are okayish. Adding Embalm here is quite nice, since it will give you another copy of the Initiate in the late game, albeit at a very steep price.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Trial of Zeal
Trial of Zeal
4.0 3 mana for 3 damage to anything is great, and with the Cartouche upside here, Trial of Zeal can get completely insane.
4.0 3 mana for 3 damage to anything is great, and with the Cartouche upside here, Trial of Zeal can get completely insane.
Appeal
2.0 If you can cast both halves of this in the same turn, this can have a pretty big impact, since one of your creatures will get a decent boost and trample, two opposing blockers will be tapped, and your creatures will have vigilance. Still, you did not some decent set up for this to do that ideal thing, including a decent number of creatures. And, in the end, you use up a card here for temporary effects that don’t permanently add to the board in any way, and I don’t love that.
2.0 If you can cast both halves of this in the same turn, this can have a pretty big impact, since one of your creatures will get a decent boost and trample, two opposing blockers will be tapped, and your creatures will have vigilance. Still, you did not some decent set up for this to do that ideal thing, including a decent number of creatures. And, in the end, you use up a card here for temporary effects that don’t permanently add to the board in any way, and I don’t love that.
Pitiless Vizier
2.5 This guy has a very real threat of activation. A 4/2 hits hard, and there aren’t that many creatuers that can block this and survive, and in those situations your opponent has to gauge whether or not you have the Cycling card that just blows them out entirely.
2.5 This guy has a very real threat of activation. A 4/2 hits hard, and there aren’t that many creatuers that can block this and survive, and in those situations your opponent has to gauge whether or not you have the Cycling card that just blows them out entirely.
Anointer Priest
2.5 This is a solid little token/embalm payoff. A two mana 1/3 isn’t great, but the bit of life gain it gets + the fact it comes back from the graveyard in the late game is pretty nice.
2.5 This is a solid little token/embalm payoff. A two mana 1/3 isn’t great, but the bit of life gain it gets + the fact it comes back from the graveyard in the late game is pretty nice.
Khenra Scrapper
3.0 Like a lot of these Exert creatures, once this starts Exerting itself, it is difficult to block effectively, and a 4/3 with Menace can do a ton of damage in a hurry.
3.0 Like a lot of these Exert creatures, once this starts Exerting itself, it is difficult to block effectively, and a 4/3 with Menace can do a ton of damage in a hurry.
Those Who Serve
1.0 You’ll play this if you have enough Zombie synergies, but that’s pretty much it.
1.0 You’ll play this if you have enough Zombie synergies, but that’s pretty much it.
Hooded Brawler
2.5 This 3-mana 3/2 can swing as a 5/4 once his base stats aren’t doing it for you anymore, and that’s enough size to be relevant all game long.
2.5 This 3-mana 3/2 can swing as a 5/4 once his base stats aren’t doing it for you anymore, and that’s enough size to be relevant all game long.
In Oketra's Name
1.5 This just doesn’t pan out most of the time. Sure, if you have a bunch of Zombies and you’re going wide, it gives a nice boost for the cost, but having both of those things happen isn’t guaranteed.
1.5 This just doesn’t pan out most of the time. Sure, if you have a bunch of Zombies and you’re going wide, it gives a nice boost for the cost, but having both of those things happen isn’t guaranteed.
Floodwaters
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
Pathmaker Initiate
2.0 Making small creatures unblockable definitely has a place in this format, especially when you can exert them to make them bigger after you make them unblockable.
2.0 Making small creatures unblockable definitely has a place in this format, especially when you can exert them to make them bigger after you make them unblockable.
Shed Weakness
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
Pack 1 Pick 5: Sand Strangler
Kefnet's Monument
1.5 This isn’t that good. The cost reduction can help sometimes, but the “whenever you cast a creature” part of the card is super underwhelming, in large part because it doesn’t actually tap the creature. It has to already be tapped or the effect does nothing!
1.5 This isn’t that good. The cost reduction can help sometimes, but the “whenever you cast a creature” part of the card is super underwhelming, in large part because it doesn’t actually tap the creature. It has to already be tapped or the effect does nothing!
Sand Strangler
4.0 This feels like Flame-Tongue Kavu most of the time in this format. It adds to your board while subtracting from your opponent’s, and that is always a big deal. Getting 2-3 deserts really isn’t that much of a challenge here, though if you have Sand Strangler and some other awesome Desert payoffs, you should probably try to get even more than that.
4.0 This feels like Flame-Tongue Kavu most of the time in this format. It adds to your board while subtracting from your opponent’s, and that is always a big deal. Getting 2-3 deserts really isn’t that much of a challenge here, though if you have Sand Strangler and some other awesome Desert payoffs, you should probably try to get even more than that.
Liliana's Defeat
0.5 This will be great against Black and terrible against everyone else. Leave this in your sideboard.
0.5 This will be great against Black and terrible against everyone else. Leave this in your sideboard.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is too situational to be “premium” removal, but it does a pretty nice job in a format with lots of small creatures.
2.5 This is too situational to be “premium” removal, but it does a pretty nice job in a format with lots of small creatures.
Seer of the Last Tomorrow
1.0 Not really a mill deck in this format, and that makes this pretty bad.
1.0 Not really a mill deck in this format, and that makes this pretty bad.
Cartouche of Strength
4.0 The whole Cartouche cycle is good, but Cartouche of Strength is the best of the bunch. Giving a creature +1/+1 and trample, and punching an opposing creature is amazing, and often enough to really change the complection of a game.
4.0 The whole Cartouche cycle is good, but Cartouche of Strength is the best of the bunch. Giving a creature +1/+1 and trample, and punching an opposing creature is amazing, and often enough to really change the complection of a game.
Djeru's Resolve
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
Pathmaker Initiate
2.0 Making small creatures unblockable definitely has a place in this format, especially when you can exert them to make them bigger after you make them unblockable.
2.0 Making small creatures unblockable definitely has a place in this format, especially when you can exert them to make them bigger after you make them unblockable.
Festering Mummy
1.5 This can create 2-for-1 situations on some board states – like when your opponent has two X/1s, and it has both Zombie and -1/-1 counter upside.
1.5 This can create 2-for-1 situations on some board states – like when your opponent has two X/1s, and it has both Zombie and -1/-1 counter upside.
Life Goes On
0.5 This is sideboard material that you might bring in against a really aggressive deck, where the life gain legitimately makes it hard for them to win. That’s not going to go down very often, though.
0.5 This is sideboard material that you might bring in against a really aggressive deck, where the life gain legitimately makes it hard for them to win. That’s not going to go down very often, though.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Desert of the Fervent
Ipnu Rivulet
2.5 This is the weakest of the cycle, mostly because milling isn’t that relevant in the format, but it is still a desert with some upside.
2.5 This is the weakest of the cycle, mostly because milling isn’t that relevant in the format, but it is still a desert with some upside.
Greater Sandwurm
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
Beneath the Sands
2.0 This can help you fix and ramp, which some decks wants, and unlike a lot of ramp spells – which are terrible late game top decks – you can Cycle away Beneath the Sands.
2.0 This can help you fix and ramp, which some decks wants, and unlike a lot of ramp spells – which are terrible late game top decks – you can Cycle away Beneath the Sands.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is too situational to be “premium” removal, but it does a pretty nice job in a format with lots of small creatures.
2.5 This is too situational to be “premium” removal, but it does a pretty nice job in a format with lots of small creatures.
Oasis Ritualist
3.5 This card is really nice. It has enough toughness to stand up to most common Exert creatures, and it provides significant fixing and ramp.
3.5 This card is really nice. It has enough toughness to stand up to most common Exert creatures, and it provides significant fixing and ramp.
Desert of the Fervent
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Compulsory Rest
3.5 This is a premium removal spell. It is a little bit worse than Pacifism, since you do give your opponent the option of sacrificing the creature and gaining life, but that’s mostly negligible. This shuts down most creatures very effectively.
3.5 This is a premium removal spell. It is a little bit worse than Pacifism, since you do give your opponent the option of sacrificing the creature and gaining life, but that’s mostly negligible. This shuts down most creatures very effectively.
Naga Oracle
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Thresher Lizard
Sixth Sense
1.0 This kind of Aura is always sort of hard to get behind. Because it gives no stats boost, the creature you put it on has to already be capable of getting in to draw you the card, and you’ll find yourself unable to create that situation pretty frequently.
1.0 This kind of Aura is always sort of hard to get behind. Because it gives no stats boost, the creature you put it on has to already be capable of getting in to draw you the card, and you’ll find yourself unable to create that situation pretty frequently.
Zealot of the God-Pharaoh
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is reasonable, and this has an ability that is a solid enough mana sink.
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is reasonable, and this has an ability that is a solid enough mana sink.
Djeru's Resolve
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
Brute Strength
1.5 This is a decent trick. The small toughness boost is a bit of a bummer, and means that sometimes you won’t be able to avert a 2-for-1 when you use it, but it can also result in a ton of unexpected damage for your opponent.
1.5 This is a decent trick. The small toughness boost is a bit of a bummer, and means that sometimes you won’t be able to avert a 2-for-1 when you use it, but it can also result in a ton of unexpected damage for your opponent.
Thresher Lizard
2.0 This is a 3-mana 3/2 in the early game, and it becomes a 4/4 late. That’s fine, though not something you’ll always be playing in your red decks.
2.0 This is a 3-mana 3/2 in the early game, and it becomes a 4/4 late. That’s fine, though not something you’ll always be playing in your red decks.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Ornery Kudu
2.0 On its own, this is a 3-mana 2/3, which isn’t very good. If you put the -1/-1 counter somewhere else, especially somewhere where you get some nice value, it will feel pretty good.
2.0 On its own, this is a 3-mana 2/3, which isn’t very good. If you put the -1/-1 counter somewhere else, especially somewhere where you get some nice value, it will feel pretty good.
Seeker of Insight
2.0 This doesn’t have the most impressive spell payoff effect there is, but looting with this sometimes is solid.
2.0 This doesn’t have the most impressive spell payoff effect there is, but looting with this sometimes is solid.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Aven of Enduring Hope
Nef-Crop Entangler
3.0 This is yet another Exert two-drop who, once it starts exerting itself, can attack pretty much all game long.
3.0 This is yet another Exert two-drop who, once it starts exerting itself, can attack pretty much all game long.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Countervailing Winds
2.0 This will sometimes perform quite well as a counterspell, and if you’re in a situation where it doesn’t, you can just Cycle it away.
2.0 This will sometimes perform quite well as a counterspell, and if you’re in a situation where it doesn’t, you can just Cycle it away.
Oashra Cultivator
1.0 This isn’t very good. An 0/3 body just doesn’t stand up very well in this format, since all the Exert creatures can just manhandle it, and its ability to search up a basic land is clunky and slow. Sure, if you need fixing and/or ramp, you’ll play the cultivator, but you kind of hope you end up with some of the better ramp in the set, like Oasis Ritualist.
1.0 This isn’t very good. An 0/3 body just doesn’t stand up very well in this format, since all the Exert creatures can just manhandle it, and its ability to search up a basic land is clunky and slow. Sure, if you need fixing and/or ramp, you’ll play the cultivator, but you kind of hope you end up with some of the better ramp in the set, like Oasis Ritualist.
Gilded Cerodon
1.5 While effects that make something unable to block play pretty well in this format, the Cerodon is a little too expensive to be in the same class as something like Ahn-Crop Crasher.
1.5 While effects that make something unable to block play pretty well in this format, the Cerodon is a little too expensive to be in the same class as something like Ahn-Crop Crasher.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Aven of Enduring Hope
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Firebrand Archer
Bitterbow Sharpshooters
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
Firebrand Archer
2.5 This performs surprisingly well as a spell payoff, and can really chip in a ton of additional damage, while also providing pretty good reach in the later part of the game.
2.5 This performs surprisingly well as a spell payoff, and can really chip in a ton of additional damage, while also providing pretty good reach in the later part of the game.
Floodwaters
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Pitiless Vizier
2.5 This guy has a very real threat of activation. A 4/2 hits hard, and there aren’t that many creatuers that can block this and survive, and in those situations your opponent has to gauge whether or not you have the Cycling card that just blows them out entirely.
2.5 This guy has a very real threat of activation. A 4/2 hits hard, and there aren’t that many creatuers that can block this and survive, and in those situations your opponent has to gauge whether or not you have the Cycling card that just blows them out entirely.
Supply Caravan
2.0 A 5-mana 3/5 isn’t something you want, but this will give you a 1/1 token like half of the time, and that makes it decent.
2.0 A 5-mana 3/5 isn’t something you want, but this will give you a 1/1 token like half of the time, and that makes it decent.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Chandra's Defeat
Chandra's Defeat
0.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is great out of your sideboard, but terrible too often to put anywhere else.
0.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is great out of your sideboard, but terrible too often to put anywhere else.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
Compelling Argument
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
Pursue Glory
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Brute Strength
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
Brute Strength
1.5 This is a decent trick. The small toughness boost is a bit of a bummer, and means that sometimes you won’t be able to avert a 2-for-1 when you use it, but it can also result in a ton of unexpected damage for your opponent.
1.5 This is a decent trick. The small toughness boost is a bit of a bummer, and means that sometimes you won’t be able to avert a 2-for-1 when you use it, but it can also result in a ton of unexpected damage for your opponent.
Aven Initiate
2.5 4-mana 3/2 flyers are okayish. Adding Embalm here is quite nice, since it will give you another copy of the Initiate in the late game, albeit at a very steep price.
2.5 4-mana 3/2 flyers are okayish. Adding Embalm here is quite nice, since it will give you another copy of the Initiate in the late game, albeit at a very steep price.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Pathmaker Initiate
Hooded Brawler
2.5 This 3-mana 3/2 can swing as a 5/4 once his base stats aren’t doing it for you anymore, and that’s enough size to be relevant all game long.
2.5 This 3-mana 3/2 can swing as a 5/4 once his base stats aren’t doing it for you anymore, and that’s enough size to be relevant all game long.
Floodwaters
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
Pathmaker Initiate
2.0 Making small creatures unblockable definitely has a place in this format, especially when you can exert them to make them bigger after you make them unblockable.
2.0 Making small creatures unblockable definitely has a place in this format, especially when you can exert them to make them bigger after you make them unblockable.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Pathmaker Initiate
Pathmaker Initiate
2.0 Making small creatures unblockable definitely has a place in this format, especially when you can exert them to make them bigger after you make them unblockable.
2.0 Making small creatures unblockable definitely has a place in this format, especially when you can exert them to make them bigger after you make them unblockable.
Life Goes On
0.5 This is sideboard material that you might bring in against a really aggressive deck, where the life gain legitimately makes it hard for them to win. That’s not going to go down very often, though.
0.5 This is sideboard material that you might bring in against a really aggressive deck, where the life gain legitimately makes it hard for them to win. That’s not going to go down very often, though.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Naga Oracle
Pull from Tomorrow
2.5 This is an Instant speed draw spell that can scale all game long, and that’s pretty nice, even if it is a pretty dead card in the early game.
2.5 This is an Instant speed draw spell that can scale all game long, and that’s pretty nice, even if it is a pretty dead card in the early game.
Magmaroth
2.5 Keeping this a 4-mana 5/5 or 4/4, even in a spell deck, isn’t always the easiest thing to do. And, even when you can, the card isn’t exactly a worldbeater.
2.5 Keeping this a 4-mana 5/5 or 4/4, even in a spell deck, isn’t always the easiest thing to do. And, even when you can, the card isn’t exactly a worldbeater.
Sunset Pyramid
1.0 This can slowly draw you some cards, and then start Scrying, but cards that don’t impact the board in any way ever are a pretty big liability in this format.
1.0 This can slowly draw you some cards, and then start Scrying, but cards that don’t impact the board in any way ever are a pretty big liability in this format.
Trial of Solidarity
3.0 Cards that pump your whole board and give it Vigilance tend to be quite nice, since they drastically alter the state of a race. You’re suddenly doing way more damage, your creatures are harder to block, and your creatures can hang back to block. The Cartouche clause comes up more often than you’d think here too!
3.0 Cards that pump your whole board and give it Vigilance tend to be quite nice, since they drastically alter the state of a race. You’re suddenly doing way more damage, your creatures are harder to block, and your creatures can hang back to block. The Cartouche clause comes up more often than you’d think here too!
Wasteland Scorpion
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
Zealot of the God-Pharaoh
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is reasonable, and this has an ability that is a solid enough mana sink.
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is reasonable, and this has an ability that is a solid enough mana sink.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Khenra Scrapper
3.0 Like a lot of these Exert creatures, once this starts Exerting itself, it is difficult to block effectively, and a 4/3 with Menace can do a ton of damage in a hurry.
3.0 Like a lot of these Exert creatures, once this starts Exerting itself, it is difficult to block effectively, and a 4/3 with Menace can do a ton of damage in a hurry.
Shed Weakness
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
Rhonas's Stalwart
3.5 Look, yet another really good common two-drop with Exert! Like the others, this has a fine baseline that can attack reasonably well, and then in the later game in can start exerting to make itself larger and more evasive.
3.5 Look, yet another really good common two-drop with Exert! Like the others, this has a fine baseline that can attack reasonably well, and then in the later game in can start exerting to make itself larger and more evasive.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Doomed Dissenter
2.5 On the face of it, Doomed Dissenter is a solid little card – he gives you a 1/1 and a 2/2 for only two mana, and that’s quite the deal, even if you don’t get them both at the same time. In addition to that, he has some added utility in this format. First, he makes a Zombie – that means BW likes him. Second, he gives you value when you dies, and that makes him an awesome place to stick -1/-1 counters in the BG deck, where you’ll effectively get to ignore that downside on those creatures.
2.5 On the face of it, Doomed Dissenter is a solid little card – he gives you a 1/1 and a 2/2 for only two mana, and that’s quite the deal, even if you don’t get them both at the same time. In addition to that, he has some added utility in this format. First, he makes a Zombie – that means BW likes him. Second, he gives you value when you dies, and that makes him an awesome place to stick -1/-1 counters in the BG deck, where you’ll effectively get to ignore that downside on those creatures.
Djeru's Resolve
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
Marauding Boneslasher
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Khenra Scrapper
Pull from Tomorrow
2.5 This is an Instant speed draw spell that can scale all game long, and that’s pretty nice, even if it is a pretty dead card in the early game.
2.5 This is an Instant speed draw spell that can scale all game long, and that’s pretty nice, even if it is a pretty dead card in the early game.
Magmaroth
2.5 Keeping this a 4-mana 5/5 or 4/4, even in a spell deck, isn’t always the easiest thing to do. And, even when you can, the card isn’t exactly a worldbeater.
2.5 Keeping this a 4-mana 5/5 or 4/4, even in a spell deck, isn’t always the easiest thing to do. And, even when you can, the card isn’t exactly a worldbeater.
Sunset Pyramid
1.0 This can slowly draw you some cards, and then start Scrying, but cards that don’t impact the board in any way ever are a pretty big liability in this format.
1.0 This can slowly draw you some cards, and then start Scrying, but cards that don’t impact the board in any way ever are a pretty big liability in this format.
Trial of Solidarity
3.0 Cards that pump your whole board and give it Vigilance tend to be quite nice, since they drastically alter the state of a race. You’re suddenly doing way more damage, your creatures are harder to block, and your creatures can hang back to block. The Cartouche clause comes up more often than you’d think here too!
3.0 Cards that pump your whole board and give it Vigilance tend to be quite nice, since they drastically alter the state of a race. You’re suddenly doing way more damage, your creatures are harder to block, and your creatures can hang back to block. The Cartouche clause comes up more often than you’d think here too!
Wasteland Scorpion
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
Zealot of the God-Pharaoh
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is reasonable, and this has an ability that is a solid enough mana sink.
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is reasonable, and this has an ability that is a solid enough mana sink.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Khenra Scrapper
3.0 Like a lot of these Exert creatures, once this starts Exerting itself, it is difficult to block effectively, and a 4/3 with Menace can do a ton of damage in a hurry.
3.0 Like a lot of these Exert creatures, once this starts Exerting itself, it is difficult to block effectively, and a 4/3 with Menace can do a ton of damage in a hurry.
Shed Weakness
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
Rhonas's Stalwart
3.5 Look, yet another really good common two-drop with Exert! Like the others, this has a fine baseline that can attack reasonably well, and then in the later game in can start exerting to make itself larger and more evasive.
3.5 Look, yet another really good common two-drop with Exert! Like the others, this has a fine baseline that can attack reasonably well, and then in the later game in can start exerting to make itself larger and more evasive.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Doomed Dissenter
2.5 On the face of it, Doomed Dissenter is a solid little card – he gives you a 1/1 and a 2/2 for only two mana, and that’s quite the deal, even if you don’t get them both at the same time. In addition to that, he has some added utility in this format. First, he makes a Zombie – that means BW likes him. Second, he gives you value when you dies, and that makes him an awesome place to stick -1/-1 counters in the BG deck, where you’ll effectively get to ignore that downside on those creatures.
2.5 On the face of it, Doomed Dissenter is a solid little card – he gives you a 1/1 and a 2/2 for only two mana, and that’s quite the deal, even if you don’t get them both at the same time. In addition to that, he has some added utility in this format. First, he makes a Zombie – that means BW likes him. Second, he gives you value when you dies, and that makes him an awesome place to stick -1/-1 counters in the BG deck, where you’ll effectively get to ignore that downside on those creatures.
Djeru's Resolve
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
Marauding Boneslasher
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Onward
Onward
1.0 It is temping to look at this thing as a card that will just end the game on the spot, but the sad thing is – it really won’t very often. Just pumping power a bunch isn’t that impressive – your creature already has to get through for damage or be able to win combat for it do anything, and then the Victory half is only a Sorcery, and that means you can’t also use it in the same turn unless you do everything pre-combat, and that’s pretty ugly.
1.0 It is temping to look at this thing as a card that will just end the game on the spot, but the sad thing is – it really won’t very often. Just pumping power a bunch isn’t that impressive – your creature already has to get through for damage or be able to win combat for it do anything, and then the Victory half is only a Sorcery, and that means you can’t also use it in the same turn unless you do everything pre-combat, and that’s pretty ugly.
Doomfall
2.5 This is either an overcasted edict effect or Coercion. While neither side is great on its own, there is some real value in putting both on the same card, since you can always choose the best option.
2.5 This is either an overcasted edict effect or Coercion. While neither side is great on its own, there is some real value in putting both on the same card, since you can always choose the best option.
Bontu's Monument
1.5 Reducing the cost of your black creature spells and draining your opponent for every creature spell you cast isn’t too bad, though sometimes it won’t really add up enough to feel like you’re getting a full card worth of value.
1.5 Reducing the cost of your black creature spells and draining your opponent for every creature spell you cast isn’t too bad, though sometimes it won’t really add up enough to feel like you’re getting a full card worth of value.
Pursue Glory
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
Tah-Crop Elite
2.5 This has an Exert trigger that can be quite impressive on the right board. The downside is that the board won’t always be right for it. The fact it dies to pretty much all the removal in the set despite costing 4 mana is also pretty rough.
2.5 This has an Exert trigger that can be quite impressive on the right board. The downside is that the board won’t always be right for it. The fact it dies to pretty much all the removal in the set despite costing 4 mana is also pretty rough.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Pouncing Cheetah
1.5 This is kind of okay. It can flash in and ambush block stuff, but there’s not much that it can survive blocking because of its mediocre stats.
1.5 This is kind of okay. It can flash in and ambush block stuff, but there’s not much that it can survive blocking because of its mediocre stats.
Essence Scatter
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
Trespasser's Curse
0.5 This doesn’t do anything apart from the life drain effect, and that just isn’t going to be worth a card most of the time.
0.5 This doesn’t do anything apart from the life drain effect, and that just isn’t going to be worth a card most of the time.
Anointer Priest
2.5 This is a solid little token/embalm payoff. A two mana 1/3 isn’t great, but the bit of life gain it gets + the fact it comes back from the graveyard in the late game is pretty nice.
2.5 This is a solid little token/embalm payoff. A two mana 1/3 isn’t great, but the bit of life gain it gets + the fact it comes back from the graveyard in the late game is pretty nice.
Compulsory Rest
3.5 This is a premium removal spell. It is a little bit worse than Pacifism, since you do give your opponent the option of sacrificing the creature and gaining life, but that’s mostly negligible. This shuts down most creatures very effectively.
3.5 This is a premium removal spell. It is a little bit worse than Pacifism, since you do give your opponent the option of sacrificing the creature and gaining life, but that’s mostly negligible. This shuts down most creatures very effectively.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
Crash Through
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Bloodlust Inciter
Cryptic Serpent
3.0 Lowering the cost of this to around 5 isn’t too difficult, and sometimes you’ll be able to go even lower. Still, it isn’t like you’ll be slamming this on turn three or four or anything like that.
3.0 Lowering the cost of this to around 5 isn’t too difficult, and sometimes you’ll be able to go even lower. Still, it isn’t like you’ll be slamming this on turn three or four or anything like that.
Unconventional Tactics
1.5 +3/+3 and flying for three mana isn’t that great at Sorcery speed. It is tempting to look at this as giving you that effect every turn or something, but even with all the Zombies around, it just won’t happen that often. Plus, it isn’t that hard for your opponent to respond to.
1.5 +3/+3 and flying for three mana isn’t that great at Sorcery speed. It is tempting to look at this as giving you that effect every turn or something, but even with all the Zombies around, it just won’t happen that often. Plus, it isn’t that hard for your opponent to respond to.
Unburden
2.0 Mind Rot usually isn’t very good in Limited, but you can use that part of the card when its good, and Cycle it away when its not, which makes it somewhat playable.
2.0 Mind Rot usually isn’t very good in Limited, but you can use that part of the card when its good, and Cycle it away when its not, which makes it somewhat playable.
Desert of the Indomitable
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Solitary Camel
2.0 A 3-mana 3/2 that will have lifelink a decent chunk of the time is fine.
2.0 A 3-mana 3/2 that will have lifelink a decent chunk of the time is fine.
Essence Scatter
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
Desert of the True
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Hooded Brawler
2.5 This 3-mana 3/2 can swing as a 5/4 once his base stats aren’t doing it for you anymore, and that’s enough size to be relevant all game long.
2.5 This 3-mana 3/2 can swing as a 5/4 once his base stats aren’t doing it for you anymore, and that’s enough size to be relevant all game long.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Shed Weakness
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
Forsake the Worldly
1.5 Because of Cycling you can main deck this and have it be kind of okay. In an ideal world, you probably still start in your sideboard.
1.5 Because of Cycling you can main deck this and have it be kind of okay. In an ideal world, you probably still start in your sideboard.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Honored Crop-Captain
Honored Crop-Captain
3.5 RW is very aggressive int his format, and Honored Crop-Captain is a big part of that! It has great stats as a two mana 3/2, and pumping the power of your whole board is quite potent, especially in combination with exert.
3.5 RW is very aggressive int his format, and Honored Crop-Captain is a big part of that! It has great stats as a two mana 3/2, and pumping the power of your whole board is quite potent, especially in combination with exert.
Ominous Sphinx
3.5 This has nice stats and a pretty decent Cycling payoff effect that can really wreak havoc on your opponent, especially during combat.
3.5 This has nice stats and a pretty decent Cycling payoff effect that can really wreak havoc on your opponent, especially during combat.
Aerial Guide
3.5 This is a great Common. Wind Drake stats are kind of passable, and giving another attacker Flying is a pretty big deal, and Aerial Guide can quickly account for a ton of damage as a result of that ability.
3.5 This is a great Common. Wind Drake stats are kind of passable, and giving another attacker Flying is a pretty big deal, and Aerial Guide can quickly account for a ton of damage as a result of that ability.
Thorned Moloch
2.5 When this attacks, it isn’t very hard for it to be a 3/3 with First Strike, and that’s not an easy creature to block.
2.5 When this attacks, it isn’t very hard for it to be a 3/3 with First Strike, and that’s not an easy creature to block.
Dauntless Aven
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
Fan Bearer
3.5 Master Decoy-type creatures are good in most Limited formats, and this one comes with a relevant creature type.
3.5 Master Decoy-type creatures are good in most Limited formats, and this one comes with a relevant creature type.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
Anointer Priest
2.5 This is a solid little token/embalm payoff. A two mana 1/3 isn’t great, but the bit of life gain it gets + the fact it comes back from the graveyard in the late game is pretty nice.
2.5 This is a solid little token/embalm payoff. A two mana 1/3 isn’t great, but the bit of life gain it gets + the fact it comes back from the graveyard in the late game is pretty nice.
Compelling Argument
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
Unquenchable Thirst
3.0 It isn’t that difficult to get enough deserts for this to do the more powerful thing. Not tapping the creature when you don’t have a desert definitely isn’t great, but that is a pretty reasonable floor on a card that can shut down most creatures in the format for only two mana.
3.0 It isn’t that difficult to get enough deserts for this to do the more powerful thing. Not tapping the creature when you don’t have a desert definitely isn’t great, but that is a pretty reasonable floor on a card that can shut down most creatures in the format for only two mana.
Supply Caravan
2.0 A 5-mana 3/5 isn’t something you want, but this will give you a 1/1 token like half of the time, and that makes it decent.
2.0 A 5-mana 3/5 isn’t something you want, but this will give you a 1/1 token like half of the time, and that makes it decent.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Blur of Blades
Merciless Javelineer
3.0 This card is a little bit disappointing. It seems like it would be able to make your aggro deck do all kinds of awesome stuff, and sometimes it does – but both the mana and the card are very real costs, and you’ll find yourself in situations where you just don’t want to be doing that.
3.0 This card is a little bit disappointing. It seems like it would be able to make your aggro deck do all kinds of awesome stuff, and sometimes it does – but both the mana and the card are very real costs, and you’ll find yourself in situations where you just don’t want to be doing that.
Gate to the Afterlife
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
Sunscorched Desert
1.0 So, you mostly don’t play this Desert, since it isn’t good for your mana at all. However, sometimes you might end up in a mono-colored deck, and if its an aggressive mono-colored deck that has a few Desert payoffs, Sunscorched Desert actually makes the cut. That doesn’t happen a ton, but I’ve seen it happen a few times.
1.0 So, you mostly don’t play this Desert, since it isn’t good for your mana at all. However, sometimes you might end up in a mono-colored deck, and if its an aggressive mono-colored deck that has a few Desert payoffs, Sunscorched Desert actually makes the cut. That doesn’t happen a ton, but I’ve seen it happen a few times.
Rhonas's Stalwart
3.5 Look, yet another really good common two-drop with Exert! Like the others, this has a fine baseline that can attack reasonably well, and then in the later game in can start exerting to make itself larger and more evasive.
3.5 Look, yet another really good common two-drop with Exert! Like the others, this has a fine baseline that can attack reasonably well, and then in the later game in can start exerting to make itself larger and more evasive.
Blur of Blades
1.5 Sometimes this will get a blocker out of the way and damage your opponent, and suddenly their dead to an Alpha strike. That makes it a reasonable inclusion in aggressive decks, especially because it will always have a pretty decent effect in those decks.
1.5 Sometimes this will get a blocker out of the way and damage your opponent, and suddenly their dead to an Alpha strike. That makes it a reasonable inclusion in aggressive decks, especially because it will always have a pretty decent effect in those decks.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
Dune Beetle
1.0 If you need a defensive two drop, you could do worse than this I guess.
1.0 If you need a defensive two drop, you could do worse than this I guess.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Compelling Argument
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
Desert of the True
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Ahn-Crop Crasher
Struggle
4.0 The Struggle half is where almost all the value for this card comes from. It is a premium removal spell that scales all game long. The Survive half rarely comes up, but hey, sometimes you need to not draw the last card in your library.
4.0 The Struggle half is where almost all the value for this card comes from. It is a premium removal spell that scales all game long. The Survive half rarely comes up, but hey, sometimes you need to not draw the last card in your library.
Trial of Knowledge
2.5 Paying four mana for an effect that doesn’t immediately impact the board isn’t great in this format, but this does give you a pretty nice effect.
2.5 Paying four mana for an effect that doesn’t immediately impact the board isn’t great in this format, but this does give you a pretty nice effect.
Ahn-Crop Crasher
4.0 This guy is a beating, and will lead to a whole lot of games ending quickly. A 3-mana 3/2 with Haste is already fine, but his Exert trigger is where things really get silly. Making your opponent’s best blocker unable to block out of nowhere can just completely alter a game a huge chunk of the time, and if you ever get to attack with the Crasher again, its probably game over for your opponent.
4.0 This guy is a beating, and will lead to a whole lot of games ending quickly. A 3-mana 3/2 with Haste is already fine, but his Exert trigger is where things really get silly. Making your opponent’s best blocker unable to block out of nowhere can just completely alter a game a huge chunk of the time, and if you ever get to attack with the Crasher again, its probably game over for your opponent.
Strategic Planning
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
Countervailing Winds
2.0 This will sometimes perform quite well as a counterspell, and if you’re in a situation where it doesn’t, you can just Cycle it away.
2.0 This will sometimes perform quite well as a counterspell, and if you’re in a situation where it doesn’t, you can just Cycle it away.
Blighted Bat
2.0 A 3-mana 2/1 that can gain Haste is alright, and it comes with a useful creature type!
2.0 A 3-mana 2/1 that can gain Haste is alright, and it comes with a useful creature type!
Striped Riverwinder
2.5 A 7-mana 5/5 isn’t great, even with Hexproof, but the fact you can Cycle this away early is pretty awesome. Then, in the late game, it is pretty difficult to interact with and not the worst finisher ever.
2.5 A 7-mana 5/5 isn’t great, even with Hexproof, but the fact you can Cycle this away early is pretty awesome. Then, in the late game, it is pretty difficult to interact with and not the worst finisher ever.
Brute Strength
1.5 This is a decent trick. The small toughness boost is a bit of a bummer, and means that sometimes you won’t be able to avert a 2-for-1 when you use it, but it can also result in a ton of unexpected damage for your opponent.
1.5 This is a decent trick. The small toughness boost is a bit of a bummer, and means that sometimes you won’t be able to avert a 2-for-1 when you use it, but it can also result in a ton of unexpected damage for your opponent.
Solitary Camel
2.0 A 3-mana 3/2 that will have lifelink a decent chunk of the time is fine.
2.0 A 3-mana 3/2 that will have lifelink a decent chunk of the time is fine.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Djeru's Resolve
Lay Claim
4.0 Mind Control effects are hugely powerful in Limited, since they effectively kill your opponent’s best creature and give you a copy of it. 7 mana is a little steep to be sure, but since you can Cycle this away in a game where you need to find some more immediate action, it really overcomes that downside.
4.0 Mind Control effects are hugely powerful in Limited, since they effectively kill your opponent’s best creature and give you a copy of it. 7 mana is a little steep to be sure, but since you can Cycle this away in a game where you need to find some more immediate action, it really overcomes that downside.
Aven Wind Guide
3.5 A 4-mana 2/3 with Flying and Vigilance is already a decent thing to have, so granting those keywords to all of your tokens is pretty nice – especially because embalmed and Eternalized things are creature tokens! And of course, the Wind Guide itself comes with Embalm too.
3.5 A 4-mana 2/3 with Flying and Vigilance is already a decent thing to have, so granting those keywords to all of your tokens is pretty nice – especially because embalmed and Eternalized things are creature tokens! And of course, the Wind Guide itself comes with Embalm too.
Initiate's Companion
2.0 Thing is fine. A two mana 3/1 is, as usual, a decent aggro creature, and its combat damage to a player effect kind of matters. Its most notable use is untapping an exerted creature.
2.0 Thing is fine. A two mana 3/1 is, as usual, a decent aggro creature, and its combat damage to a player effect kind of matters. Its most notable use is untapping an exerted creature.
Haze of Pollen
0.5 Fog effects are bad in Limited – usually unplayable. Even adding cycling doesn’t help that out a whole lot.
0.5 Fog effects are bad in Limited – usually unplayable. Even adding cycling doesn’t help that out a whole lot.
Djeru's Resolve
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
1.0 Without Cycling, this would pretty much be unplayable. With cycling…well, you’ll play it on really rare occasions.
Aerial Guide
3.5 This is a great Common. Wind Drake stats are kind of passable, and giving another attacker Flying is a pretty big deal, and Aerial Guide can quickly account for a ton of damage as a result of that ability.
3.5 This is a great Common. Wind Drake stats are kind of passable, and giving another attacker Flying is a pretty big deal, and Aerial Guide can quickly account for a ton of damage as a result of that ability.
Desert of the Mindful
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Wasteland Scorpion
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Tormenting Voice
Labyrinth Guardian
3.0 This dies to everything, but it gives you two pretty relevant bodies and its only one card, so if your opponent wants to use spells to kill both copies, you aren’t exactly going to be broken up about it.
3.0 This dies to everything, but it gives you two pretty relevant bodies and its only one card, so if your opponent wants to use spells to kill both copies, you aren’t exactly going to be broken up about it.
Essence Scatter
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
Cartouche of Knowledge
3.5 This Cartouche draws you a card to get around the risk of getting 2-for-1’d, and I’m all for that. This actually gives you a lot for only two mana, as Flying and +1/+1 is no joke.
3.5 This Cartouche draws you a card to get around the risk of getting 2-for-1’d, and I’m all for that. This actually gives you a lot for only two mana, as Flying and +1/+1 is no joke.
Floodwaters
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
1.5 This kind of card is always kind of unimpressive. Sure, it can really enable a great attack, but until the extreme late game it won’t really do anything, and even then bouncing two creatures just won’t matter often enough. However, because this has Cycling, you can utilize this card when it is at its best, and just Cycle it away when it isn’t.
Tormenting Voice
1.5 This kind of effect is always very replaceable, as you’re just getting some card selection and not impacting the board. It can be at its best, though, in UR spells, as it can trigger your spell payoffs while also hopefully finding you more spells.
1.5 This kind of effect is always very replaceable, as you’re just getting some card selection and not impacting the board. It can be at its best, though, in UR spells, as it can trigger your spell payoffs while also hopefully finding you more spells.
Crash Through
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
Bitterbow Sharpshooters
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Zealot of the God-Pharaoh
Wasteland Scorpion
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
Zealot of the God-Pharaoh
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is reasonable, and this has an ability that is a solid enough mana sink.
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is reasonable, and this has an ability that is a solid enough mana sink.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Doomed Dissenter
2.5 On the face of it, Doomed Dissenter is a solid little card – he gives you a 1/1 and a 2/2 for only two mana, and that’s quite the deal, even if you don’t get them both at the same time. In addition to that, he has some added utility in this format. First, he makes a Zombie – that means BW likes him. Second, he gives you value when you dies, and that makes him an awesome place to stick -1/-1 counters in the BG deck, where you’ll effectively get to ignore that downside on those creatures.
2.5 On the face of it, Doomed Dissenter is a solid little card – he gives you a 1/1 and a 2/2 for only two mana, and that’s quite the deal, even if you don’t get them both at the same time. In addition to that, he has some added utility in this format. First, he makes a Zombie – that means BW likes him. Second, he gives you value when you dies, and that makes him an awesome place to stick -1/-1 counters in the BG deck, where you’ll effectively get to ignore that downside on those creatures.
Marauding Boneslasher
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Bloodlust Inciter
Pursue Glory
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Essence Scatter
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
Crash Through
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Mighty Leap
Solitary Camel
2.0 A 3-mana 3/2 that will have lifelink a decent chunk of the time is fine.
2.0 A 3-mana 3/2 that will have lifelink a decent chunk of the time is fine.
Essence Scatter
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
2.5 Creature spells are the most common type of spell in Magic, so Essence Scatter always tends to be a pretty solid playable in Limited. Its easy to cast and has lots of targets.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
Forsake the Worldly
1.5 Because of Cycling you can main deck this and have it be kind of okay. In an ideal world, you probably still start in your sideboard.
1.5 Because of Cycling you can main deck this and have it be kind of okay. In an ideal world, you probably still start in your sideboard.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Compelling Argument
Aerial Guide
3.5 This is a great Common. Wind Drake stats are kind of passable, and giving another attacker Flying is a pretty big deal, and Aerial Guide can quickly account for a ton of damage as a result of that ability.
3.5 This is a great Common. Wind Drake stats are kind of passable, and giving another attacker Flying is a pretty big deal, and Aerial Guide can quickly account for a ton of damage as a result of that ability.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
Compelling Argument
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Compelling Argument
Dune Beetle
1.0 If you need a defensive two drop, you could do worse than this I guess.
1.0 If you need a defensive two drop, you could do worse than this I guess.
Compelling Argument
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
1.0 There’s not really a mill deck in this format, but this does cycle for only one Blue mana, so you’ll play it sometimes.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Cartouche of Zeal
Neheb, the Worthy
3.0 This set has a decent number of Minotaurs, so granting First Strike to other cards isn’t exactly far-fetched. But, even if your deck has 0 other minotaurs, Neheb is a 3-mana 2/2 with First Strike that becomes a 4/2 when you have few enough cards and it makes the opponent discard every time it hits them, and that’s pretty sweet.
3.0 This set has a decent number of Minotaurs, so granting First Strike to other cards isn’t exactly far-fetched. But, even if your deck has 0 other minotaurs, Neheb is a 3-mana 2/2 with First Strike that becomes a 4/2 when you have few enough cards and it makes the opponent discard every time it hits them, and that’s pretty sweet.
Rhonas's Monument
2.5 This is pretty decent, especially compared to the non-Oketra monuments. +2/+2 and trample is a pretty real boost, and often enough to make a creature able to attack that just couldn’t before.
2.5 This is pretty decent, especially compared to the non-Oketra monuments. +2/+2 and trample is a pretty real boost, and often enough to make a creature able to attack that just couldn’t before.
Sifter Wurm
3.0 This is expensive, but it does enough stuff when it ETBs to help you stabilize, and that’s great! You not only get a huge creature that can likely block your opponent’s board effectively and start attacking for a ton the next turn, you also get some serious card selection and life gain in the process.
3.0 This is expensive, but it does enough stuff when it ETBs to help you stabilize, and that’s great! You not only get a huge creature that can likely block your opponent’s board effectively and start attacking for a ton the next turn, you also get some serious card selection and life gain in the process.
Edifice of Authority
4.0 This is great, and one of the better non-rare first picks in the format since it is colorless and powerful. At first, it can only stop a creature from attacking, but it does for only one mana, so that’s not too bad! Eventually, it gets enough brick counters to reach the point where you can just completely shut down a creature until your next turn, and that’s pretty awesome. You can use it offensively or defensively, and it is basically removal that can move from creature to creature as needed, and that’s awesome.
4.0 This is great, and one of the better non-rare first picks in the format since it is colorless and powerful. At first, it can only stop a creature from attacking, but it does for only one mana, so that’s not too bad! Eventually, it gets enough brick counters to reach the point where you can just completely shut down a creature until your next turn, and that’s pretty awesome. You can use it offensively or defensively, and it is basically removal that can move from creature to creature as needed, and that’s awesome.
Nef-Crop Entangler
3.0 This is yet another Exert two-drop who, once it starts exerting itself, can attack pretty much all game long.
3.0 This is yet another Exert two-drop who, once it starts exerting itself, can attack pretty much all game long.
Sunscorched Desert
1.0 So, you mostly don’t play this Desert, since it isn’t good for your mana at all. However, sometimes you might end up in a mono-colored deck, and if its an aggressive mono-colored deck that has a few Desert payoffs, Sunscorched Desert actually makes the cut. That doesn’t happen a ton, but I’ve seen it happen a few times.
1.0 So, you mostly don’t play this Desert, since it isn’t good for your mana at all. However, sometimes you might end up in a mono-colored deck, and if its an aggressive mono-colored deck that has a few Desert payoffs, Sunscorched Desert actually makes the cut. That doesn’t happen a ton, but I’ve seen it happen a few times.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
Forsake the Worldly
1.5 Because of Cycling you can main deck this and have it be kind of okay. In an ideal world, you probably still start in your sideboard.
1.5 Because of Cycling you can main deck this and have it be kind of okay. In an ideal world, you probably still start in your sideboard.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Pouncing Cheetah
1.5 This is kind of okay. It can flash in and ambush block stuff, but there’s not much that it can survive blocking because of its mediocre stats.
1.5 This is kind of okay. It can flash in and ambush block stuff, but there’s not much that it can survive blocking because of its mediocre stats.
Miasmic Mummy
1.5 The symmetrical discard isn’t something you’re all that interested in in the format, and this is just a 2/2. It is a Zombie, so that matters, but you won’t play this all that often.
1.5 The symmetrical discard isn’t something you’re all that interested in in the format, and this is just a 2/2. It is a Zombie, so that matters, but you won’t play this all that often.
Marauding Boneslasher
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Cartouche of Zeal
3.0 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
3.0 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Khenra Scrapper
Aven Mindcensor
3.0 You aren’t normally going to be getting anyone with the “If an opponent would search their library” clause, so this is mostly just a 3-mana 2/1 with Flying and Flash – but the good news is, that’s a pretty good rate!
3.0 You aren’t normally going to be getting anyone with the “If an opponent would search their library” clause, so this is mostly just a 3-mana 2/1 with Flying and Flash – but the good news is, that’s a pretty good rate!
Onward
1.0 It is temping to look at this thing as a card that will just end the game on the spot, but the sad thing is – it really won’t very often. Just pumping power a bunch isn’t that impressive – your creature already has to get through for damage or be able to win combat for it do anything, and then the Victory half is only a Sorcery, and that means you can’t also use it in the same turn unless you do everything pre-combat, and that’s pretty ugly.
1.0 It is temping to look at this thing as a card that will just end the game on the spot, but the sad thing is – it really won’t very often. Just pumping power a bunch isn’t that impressive – your creature already has to get through for damage or be able to win combat for it do anything, and then the Victory half is only a Sorcery, and that means you can’t also use it in the same turn unless you do everything pre-combat, and that’s pretty ugly.
Ipnu Rivulet
2.5 This is the weakest of the cycle, mostly because milling isn’t that relevant in the format, but it is still a desert with some upside.
2.5 This is the weakest of the cycle, mostly because milling isn’t that relevant in the format, but it is still a desert with some upside.
Abrade
4.0 Two mana for 3 damage at Instant speed is always premium, and the added upside of hitting an Artifact with it sometimes is nice.
4.0 Two mana for 3 damage at Instant speed is always premium, and the added upside of hitting an Artifact with it sometimes is nice.
Spellweaver Eternal
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
Greater Sandwurm
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
Wasteland Scorpion
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
Sacred Cat
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with lifelink isn’t usually anything special, but this effectively ends up being two mana for 2 1/1s with Lifelink, and that’s actually quite nice.
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with lifelink isn’t usually anything special, but this effectively ends up being two mana for 2 1/1s with Lifelink, and that’s actually quite nice.
Naga Vitalist
2.5 This is pretty decent at ramping you, and sometimes you’ll be interested in that.
2.5 This is pretty decent at ramping you, and sometimes you’ll be interested in that.
Festering Mummy
1.5 This can create 2-for-1 situations on some board states – like when your opponent has two X/1s, and it has both Zombie and -1/-1 counter upside.
1.5 This can create 2-for-1 situations on some board states – like when your opponent has two X/1s, and it has both Zombie and -1/-1 counter upside.
Seeker of Insight
2.0 This doesn’t have the most impressive spell payoff effect there is, but looting with this sometimes is solid.
2.0 This doesn’t have the most impressive spell payoff effect there is, but looting with this sometimes is solid.
Desert of the Fervent
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Khenra Scrapper
3.0 Like a lot of these Exert creatures, once this starts Exerting itself, it is difficult to block effectively, and a 4/3 with Menace can do a ton of damage in a hurry.
3.0 Like a lot of these Exert creatures, once this starts Exerting itself, it is difficult to block effectively, and a 4/3 with Menace can do a ton of damage in a hurry.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Nimble-Blade Khenra
Dispossess
0.0 These kinds of “Cranial Extractoin” effects are always terrible in Limited, and this one is even worse than usual, since it can only hit Artifacts!
0.0 These kinds of “Cranial Extractoin” effects are always terrible in Limited, and this one is even worse than usual, since it can only hit Artifacts!
Reduce
1.5 On one side, you have a mediocre counterspell. On the other, you have a card that can deprive your opponent of mana for a single turn. While some of these cards overcome being inefficient or situational by being split cards, that doesn’t really happen here. Both sides are quite situational and expensive, with Rubble especially being useless a huge chunk of the time.
1.5 On one side, you have a mediocre counterspell. On the other, you have a card that can deprive your opponent of mana for a single turn. While some of these cards overcome being inefficient or situational by being split cards, that doesn’t really happen here. Both sides are quite situational and expensive, with Rubble especially being useless a huge chunk of the time.
Sixth Sense
1.0 This kind of Aura is always sort of hard to get behind. Because it gives no stats boost, the creature you put it on has to already be capable of getting in to draw you the card, and you’ll find yourself unable to create that situation pretty frequently.
1.0 This kind of Aura is always sort of hard to get behind. Because it gives no stats boost, the creature you put it on has to already be capable of getting in to draw you the card, and you’ll find yourself unable to create that situation pretty frequently.
Consign
3.0 Thing thing really over performs. In the early game, you can bounce a problem permanent to slow your opponent down, or maybe blow them out when they try to use a trick or something, and then in the late game you have a Mind Rot sitting around in your graveyard. Basically, the consign half of this is already a solid playable, and the Oblivion half gives you some nice late game value. Now, your opponent won’t always have the cards to discard, but they do often enough that this card often feels like a steal.
3.0 Thing thing really over performs. In the early game, you can bounce a problem permanent to slow your opponent down, or maybe blow them out when they try to use a trick or something, and then in the late game you have a Mind Rot sitting around in your graveyard. Basically, the consign half of this is already a solid playable, and the Oblivion half gives you some nice late game value. Now, your opponent won’t always have the cards to discard, but they do often enough that this card often feels like a steal.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Dauntless Aven
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
Aven Initiate
2.5 4-mana 3/2 flyers are okayish. Adding Embalm here is quite nice, since it will give you another copy of the Initiate in the late game, albeit at a very steep price.
2.5 4-mana 3/2 flyers are okayish. Adding Embalm here is quite nice, since it will give you another copy of the Initiate in the late game, albeit at a very steep price.
Naga Oracle
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
Nimble-Blade Khenra
2.0 This is fine if you have enough spells, but even when you do, it isn’t exactly the most incredible prowess creature.
2.0 This is fine if you have enough spells, but even when you do, it isn’t exactly the most incredible prowess creature.
Life Goes On
0.5 This is sideboard material that you might bring in against a really aggressive deck, where the life gain legitimately makes it hard for them to win. That’s not going to go down very often, though.
0.5 This is sideboard material that you might bring in against a really aggressive deck, where the life gain legitimately makes it hard for them to win. That’s not going to go down very often, though.
Strategic Planning
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Sand Strangler
Liliana's Defeat
0.5 This will be great against Black and terrible against everyone else. Leave this in your sideboard.
0.5 This will be great against Black and terrible against everyone else. Leave this in your sideboard.
Sand Strangler
4.0 This feels like Flame-Tongue Kavu most of the time in this format. It adds to your board while subtracting from your opponent’s, and that is always a big deal. Getting 2-3 deserts really isn’t that much of a challenge here, though if you have Sand Strangler and some other awesome Desert payoffs, you should probably try to get even more than that.
4.0 This feels like Flame-Tongue Kavu most of the time in this format. It adds to your board while subtracting from your opponent’s, and that is always a big deal. Getting 2-3 deserts really isn’t that much of a challenge here, though if you have Sand Strangler and some other awesome Desert payoffs, you should probably try to get even more than that.
Sacred Cat
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with lifelink isn’t usually anything special, but this effectively ends up being two mana for 2 1/1s with Lifelink, and that’s actually quite nice.
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with lifelink isn’t usually anything special, but this effectively ends up being two mana for 2 1/1s with Lifelink, and that’s actually quite nice.
Wander in Death
2.5 The first copy of this type of effect is solid in virtually every Limited format. This is because they give you some serious gas in the later part of the game. And, the nice thing here, is that you can cycle it when its useless in the earlier part of the game. There are some serious diminishing returns after that first copy though, even with Cycling.
2.5 The first copy of this type of effect is solid in virtually every Limited format. This is because they give you some serious gas in the later part of the game. And, the nice thing here, is that you can cycle it when its useless in the earlier part of the game. There are some serious diminishing returns after that first copy though, even with Cycling.
Winds of Rebuke
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
Pursue Glory
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Marauding Boneslasher
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
2.0 This has decent stats and a useful creature type, so you’ll play it a decent amount of the time.
Countervailing Winds
2.0 This will sometimes perform quite well as a counterspell, and if you’re in a situation where it doesn’t, you can just Cycle it away.
2.0 This will sometimes perform quite well as a counterspell, and if you’re in a situation where it doesn’t, you can just Cycle it away.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
Initiate's Companion
2.0 Thing is fine. A two mana 3/1 is, as usual, a decent aggro creature, and its combat damage to a player effect kind of matters. Its most notable use is untapping an exerted creature.
2.0 Thing is fine. A two mana 3/1 is, as usual, a decent aggro creature, and its combat damage to a player effect kind of matters. Its most notable use is untapping an exerted creature.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Firebrand Archer
Crypt of the Eternals
1.0 Filter lands very rarely impress me, and this one can only filter into the Grixis colors, making it worse than most versions of this we’ve seen before! Gaining 1 life doesn’t make enough of a difference. If you need fixing in these colors, you might play this, but otherwise, steer clear.
1.0 Filter lands very rarely impress me, and this one can only filter into the Grixis colors, making it worse than most versions of this we’ve seen before! Gaining 1 life doesn’t make enough of a difference. If you need fixing in these colors, you might play this, but otherwise, steer clear.
Deem Worthy
3.5 If you cast this normally, it can deal with just about any creature in the format, and if you cycle it, you can kill a small creature and get a 2-for-1. This is definitely premium removal.
3.5 If you cast this normally, it can deal with just about any creature in the format, and if you cycle it, you can kill a small creature and get a 2-for-1. This is definitely premium removal.
Naga Oracle
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
Horror of the Broken Lands
3.0 In the early game, you can cycle this away, and in the late game it can be a very legitimate finisher in a deck with a reasonable amount of Cycling. It has a very reasonable floor, and a decent enough ceiling.
3.0 In the early game, you can cycle this away, and in the late game it can be a very legitimate finisher in a deck with a reasonable amount of Cycling. It has a very reasonable floor, and a decent enough ceiling.
Final Reward
3.0 This is expensive, but it also answers any creature – and because it exiles them, it can even shut down annoying cards with Embalm. This is premium removal.
3.0 This is expensive, but it also answers any creature – and because it exiles them, it can even shut down annoying cards with Embalm. This is premium removal.
Bitterbow Sharpshooters
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
Unquenchable Thirst
3.0 It isn’t that difficult to get enough deserts for this to do the more powerful thing. Not tapping the creature when you don’t have a desert definitely isn’t great, but that is a pretty reasonable floor on a card that can shut down most creatures in the format for only two mana.
3.0 It isn’t that difficult to get enough deserts for this to do the more powerful thing. Not tapping the creature when you don’t have a desert definitely isn’t great, but that is a pretty reasonable floor on a card that can shut down most creatures in the format for only two mana.
Winds of Rebuke
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
Cartouche of Knowledge
3.5 This Cartouche draws you a card to get around the risk of getting 2-for-1’d, and I’m all for that. This actually gives you a lot for only two mana, as Flying and +1/+1 is no joke.
3.5 This Cartouche draws you a card to get around the risk of getting 2-for-1’d, and I’m all for that. This actually gives you a lot for only two mana, as Flying and +1/+1 is no joke.
Firebrand Archer
2.5 This performs surprisingly well as a spell payoff, and can really chip in a ton of additional damage, while also providing pretty good reach in the later part of the game.
2.5 This performs surprisingly well as a spell payoff, and can really chip in a ton of additional damage, while also providing pretty good reach in the later part of the game.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Nef-Crop Entangler
Kefnet's Monument
1.5 This isn’t that good. The cost reduction can help sometimes, but the “whenever you cast a creature” part of the card is super underwhelming, in large part because it doesn’t actually tap the creature. It has to already be tapped or the effect does nothing!
1.5 This isn’t that good. The cost reduction can help sometimes, but the “whenever you cast a creature” part of the card is super underwhelming, in large part because it doesn’t actually tap the creature. It has to already be tapped or the effect does nothing!
Enigma Drake
3.0 This is a nice payoff for the UR spells deck, as it can become quite the threat in the air.
3.0 This is a nice payoff for the UR spells deck, as it can become quite the threat in the air.
Nef-Crop Entangler
3.0 This is yet another Exert two-drop who, once it starts exerting itself, can attack pretty much all game long.
3.0 This is yet another Exert two-drop who, once it starts exerting itself, can attack pretty much all game long.
Strategic Planning
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Naga Vitalist
2.5 This is pretty decent at ramping you, and sometimes you’ll be interested in that.
2.5 This is pretty decent at ramping you, and sometimes you’ll be interested in that.
Aerial Guide
3.5 This is a great Common. Wind Drake stats are kind of passable, and giving another attacker Flying is a pretty big deal, and Aerial Guide can quickly account for a ton of damage as a result of that ability.
3.5 This is a great Common. Wind Drake stats are kind of passable, and giving another attacker Flying is a pretty big deal, and Aerial Guide can quickly account for a ton of damage as a result of that ability.
Ornery Kudu
2.0 On its own, this is a 3-mana 2/3, which isn’t very good. If you put the -1/-1 counter somewhere else, especially somewhere where you get some nice value, it will feel pretty good.
2.0 On its own, this is a 3-mana 2/3, which isn’t very good. If you put the -1/-1 counter somewhere else, especially somewhere where you get some nice value, it will feel pretty good.
Wasteland Scorpion
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Desert of the True
Dauntless Aven
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
Desert of the True
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Supernatural Stamina
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
2.5 This is a pretty impressive combat trigger. The +2/+0 is enough to make many creatures capable of trading when they couldn’t before, and the additional effect on the card makes it so you get that creature back anyway. This can feel especially powerful on an ETB creature. The low cost here is great, and can really accomplish a lot.
Seer of the Last Tomorrow
1.0 Not really a mill deck in this format, and that makes this pretty bad.
1.0 Not really a mill deck in this format, and that makes this pretty bad.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Wasteland Scorpion
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
Crash Through
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
In Oketra's Name
1.5 This just doesn’t pan out most of the time. Sure, if you have a bunch of Zombies and you’re going wide, it gives a nice boost for the cost, but having both of those things happen isn’t guaranteed.
1.5 This just doesn’t pan out most of the time. Sure, if you have a bunch of Zombies and you’re going wide, it gives a nice boost for the cost, but having both of those things happen isn’t guaranteed.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Tah-Crop Elite
Winds of Rebuke
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
Dune Beetle
1.0 If you need a defensive two drop, you could do worse than this I guess.
1.0 If you need a defensive two drop, you could do worse than this I guess.
Anointer Priest
2.5 This is a solid little token/embalm payoff. A two mana 1/3 isn’t great, but the bit of life gain it gets + the fact it comes back from the graveyard in the late game is pretty nice.
2.5 This is a solid little token/embalm payoff. A two mana 1/3 isn’t great, but the bit of life gain it gets + the fact it comes back from the graveyard in the late game is pretty nice.
Pouncing Cheetah
1.5 This is kind of okay. It can flash in and ambush block stuff, but there’s not much that it can survive blocking because of its mediocre stats.
1.5 This is kind of okay. It can flash in and ambush block stuff, but there’s not much that it can survive blocking because of its mediocre stats.
Tah-Crop Elite
2.5 This has an Exert trigger that can be quite impressive on the right board. The downside is that the board won’t always be right for it. The fact it dies to pretty much all the removal in the set despite costing 4 mana is also pretty rough.
2.5 This has an Exert trigger that can be quite impressive on the right board. The downside is that the board won’t always be right for it. The fact it dies to pretty much all the removal in the set despite costing 4 mana is also pretty rough.
Hooded Brawler
2.5 This 3-mana 3/2 can swing as a 5/4 once his base stats aren’t doing it for you anymore, and that’s enough size to be relevant all game long.
2.5 This 3-mana 3/2 can swing as a 5/4 once his base stats aren’t doing it for you anymore, and that’s enough size to be relevant all game long.
Crash Through
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
1.5 In the UR spell deck this is okay, as just triggering all your Prowess stuff and drawing a card, AND giving trample to your board is worth the one mana.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Sunscorched Desert
Onward
1.0 It is temping to look at this thing as a card that will just end the game on the spot, but the sad thing is – it really won’t very often. Just pumping power a bunch isn’t that impressive – your creature already has to get through for damage or be able to win combat for it do anything, and then the Victory half is only a Sorcery, and that means you can’t also use it in the same turn unless you do everything pre-combat, and that’s pretty ugly.
1.0 It is temping to look at this thing as a card that will just end the game on the spot, but the sad thing is – it really won’t very often. Just pumping power a bunch isn’t that impressive – your creature already has to get through for damage or be able to win combat for it do anything, and then the Victory half is only a Sorcery, and that means you can’t also use it in the same turn unless you do everything pre-combat, and that’s pretty ugly.
Spellweaver Eternal
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
Greater Sandwurm
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
Seeker of Insight
2.0 This doesn’t have the most impressive spell payoff effect there is, but looting with this sometimes is solid.
2.0 This doesn’t have the most impressive spell payoff effect there is, but looting with this sometimes is solid.
Desert of the Fervent
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Desert of the Fervent
Onward
1.0 It is temping to look at this thing as a card that will just end the game on the spot, but the sad thing is – it really won’t very often. Just pumping power a bunch isn’t that impressive – your creature already has to get through for damage or be able to win combat for it do anything, and then the Victory half is only a Sorcery, and that means you can’t also use it in the same turn unless you do everything pre-combat, and that’s pretty ugly.
1.0 It is temping to look at this thing as a card that will just end the game on the spot, but the sad thing is – it really won’t very often. Just pumping power a bunch isn’t that impressive – your creature already has to get through for damage or be able to win combat for it do anything, and then the Victory half is only a Sorcery, and that means you can’t also use it in the same turn unless you do everything pre-combat, and that’s pretty ugly.
Spellweaver Eternal
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
Greater Sandwurm
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
Seeker of Insight
2.0 This doesn’t have the most impressive spell payoff effect there is, but looting with this sometimes is solid.
2.0 This doesn’t have the most impressive spell payoff effect there is, but looting with this sometimes is solid.
Desert of the Fervent
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
3.0 Deserts are pretty important in this format. Not only do they provide some significant flood insurance thanks to Cycling, they also power up several cards in the format that pay you off for having Deserts. As a result, you should actually value them relatively highly, taking them over most medium cards.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Strategic Planning
Reduce
1.5 On one side, you have a mediocre counterspell. On the other, you have a card that can deprive your opponent of mana for a single turn. While some of these cards overcome being inefficient or situational by being split cards, that doesn’t really happen here. Both sides are quite situational and expensive, with Rubble especially being useless a huge chunk of the time.
1.5 On one side, you have a mediocre counterspell. On the other, you have a card that can deprive your opponent of mana for a single turn. While some of these cards overcome being inefficient or situational by being split cards, that doesn’t really happen here. Both sides are quite situational and expensive, with Rubble especially being useless a huge chunk of the time.
Naga Oracle
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
Life Goes On
0.5 This is sideboard material that you might bring in against a really aggressive deck, where the life gain legitimately makes it hard for them to win. That’s not going to go down very often, though.
0.5 This is sideboard material that you might bring in against a really aggressive deck, where the life gain legitimately makes it hard for them to win. That’s not going to go down very often, though.
Strategic Planning
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
1.0 You just won’t want to do this most of the time. It has a very minimal effect that doesn’t impact on the board, and it is very replaceable.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Pursue Glory
Winds of Rebuke
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
Pursue Glory
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
2.0 This is a very inefficient Trumpet Blast, but unlike Trumpet Blast it can actually do something even when you aren’t able to do lethal with it! You can cycle it away.
Bloodlust Inciter
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
2.5 This kind of card isn’t always very good, but this format is fast enough that the Inciter is actually pretty decent. Giving Haste to every creature you play is quite nice, especially the ones that have scary Exert effects.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Winds of Rebuke
Winds of Rebuke
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
2.5 Two mana to bounce a nonland permanent is always an okay card in Limited. It doesn’t let you trade 1-for-1 all the time, but the tempo is sometimes worth it. On occasion, you may also mill something useful into your graveyard.
Cartouche of Knowledge
3.5 This Cartouche draws you a card to get around the risk of getting 2-for-1’d, and I’m all for that. This actually gives you a lot for only two mana, as Flying and +1/+1 is no joke.
3.5 This Cartouche draws you a card to get around the risk of getting 2-for-1’d, and I’m all for that. This actually gives you a lot for only two mana, as Flying and +1/+1 is no joke.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Sidewinder Naga
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Cut
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Compulsory Rest
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Impeccable Timing
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Trial of Zeal
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Sand Strangler
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Desert of the Fervent
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Thresher Lizard
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Aven of Enduring Hope
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Firebrand Archer
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Chandra's Defeat
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Brute Strength
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Pathmaker Initiate
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Pathmaker Initiate
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Naga Oracle
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Khenra Scrapper
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Onward
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Bloodlust Inciter
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Honored Crop-Captain
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Blur of Blades
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Ahn-Crop Crasher
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Djeru's Resolve
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Tormenting Voice
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Zealot of the God-Pharaoh
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Bloodlust Inciter
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Mighty Leap
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Compelling Argument
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Compelling Argument
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Strategic Planning
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Cartouche of Zeal
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Khenra Scrapper
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Nimble-Blade Khenra
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Sand Strangler
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Firebrand Archer
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Nef-Crop Entangler
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Desert of the True
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Tah-Crop Elite
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Sunscorched Desert
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Desert of the Fervent
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Strategic Planning
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Pursue Glory
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Winds of Rebuke
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Sidewinder Naga
Card name
Find decks with this card: