Premier Draft AKR 14 August 2021
14 August 12:55 - Mike_Reyes 7 Wins - 2 LossesMaindeck
| Creature (13) | |||
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| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (10) | |||
| Land (17) | |||
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2
Swamp
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7
Mountain
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7
Forest
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Sideboard
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1
By Force
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Pack 1 Pick 1: Majestic Myriarch
Majestic Myriarch
4.0 So, if you have at least two more creatures in play, this is a 5-mana 6/6, and it might even be gaining some keywords, which is pretty sweet. And sometimes you’ll have way more creatures than that! The bad news is, sometimes you just don’t have those creatures, and the Myriarch is a pretty big dud if it isn’t at least a 6/6.
4.0 So, if you have at least two more creatures in play, this is a 5-mana 6/6, and it might even be gaining some keywords, which is pretty sweet. And sometimes you’ll have way more creatures than that! The bad news is, sometimes you just don’t have those creatures, and the Myriarch is a pretty big dud if it isn’t at least a 6/6.
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.
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.
Steward of Solidarity
3.5 In the early game, this can just attack as a two mana 2/2, and in the late game in can give you a 1/1 token every other turn, which is a very relevant ability.
3.5 In the early game, this can just attack as a two mana 2/2, and in the late game in can give you a 1/1 token every other turn, which is a very relevant ability.
Stinging Shot
1.5 This is good at hating on flyers, and because it has cycling, you can get away with in your main deck.
1.5 This is good at hating on flyers, and because it has cycling, you can get away with in your main deck.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
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.
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.
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.
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 2: Sweltering Suns
Sweltering Suns
4.0 This is another cheap sweeper that can take down a huge chunk of the creatures in this format. And, when you get it in a situation where you’re the one who is ahead, you can just cycle it away!
4.0 This is another cheap sweeper that can take down a huge chunk of the creatures in this format. And, when you get it in a situation where you’re the one who is ahead, you can just cycle it away!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3: Khenra Scrapper
New Perspectives
1.0 This is mostly just a 6-mana draw 3 in Limited, and that’s pretty clunky when it isn’t on an instant. Tapping out to not add to the board just isn’t a great idea. It is tempting to look at the Cycling part of the card and just imagine cycling through your whole deck, but it just won’t happen.
1.0 This is mostly just a 6-mana draw 3 in Limited, and that’s pretty clunky when it isn’t on an instant. Tapping out to not add to the board just isn’t a great idea. It is tempting to look at the Cycling part of the card and just imagine cycling through your whole deck, but it just won’t happen.
By Force
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
Farm
3.5 This is a pretty impressive card. Neither half of these are exactly efficiently costed, but the fact that this card does both of these things is great. Farm lets you kill any attacking or blocking creature, and while htat’s somewhat restrictive, it does deal with anything that decides to enter combat in one way or another, and there’s a whole lot of that in this format. The Farm part likely would be a solid playable all on its own, so the Market half giving you a double loot effect in the later part of the game is really nice, and will improve your card quality.
3.5 This is a pretty impressive card. Neither half of these are exactly efficiently costed, but the fact that this card does both of these things is great. Farm lets you kill any attacking or blocking creature, and while htat’s somewhat restrictive, it does deal with anything that decides to enter combat in one way or another, and there’s a whole lot of that in this format. The Farm part likely would be a solid playable all on its own, so the Market half giving you a double loot effect in the later part of the game is really nice, and will improve your card quality.
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.
Khenra Eternal
2.5 This has okay stats, an okay keyword ability, and it’s a Zombie, so its perfectly fine.
2.5 This has okay stats, an okay keyword ability, and it’s a Zombie, so its perfectly fine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hekma Sentinels
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Cartouche of Strength
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
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.
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.
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 5: Nef-Crop Entangler
Fervent Paincaster
2.5 A 3-mana 3/1 that can ping the opponent is kind of okay, and adding the ability to exert to ping anything is pretty nice, and certainly a problem for any deck with lots of X/1s.
2.5 A 3-mana 3/1 that can ping the opponent is kind of okay, and adding the ability to exert to ping anything is pretty nice, and certainly a problem for any deck with lots of X/1s.
Shadowstorm Vizier
3.0 This can do some decent damage in the air when combined with discard and cycling effects, and there are certainly enough of those in this format for the Vizier to be pretty good – though it may be the most underwhelming of this cycle of signpost uncommons.
3.0 This can do some decent damage in the air when combined with discard and cycling effects, and there are certainly enough of those in this format for the Vizier to be pretty good – though it may be the most underwhelming of this cycle of signpost uncommons.
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.
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 1 Pick 6: Oasis Ritualist
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.
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 Cerodon
2.5 Like a lot of creatures with cycling, this doesn’t have great stats, but the fact you can throw it away for a new card when the 6/4 isn’t worth it makes it pretty solid.
2.5 Like a lot of creatures with cycling, this doesn’t have great stats, but the fact you can throw it away for a new card when the 6/4 isn’t worth it makes it pretty solid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Desert of the Fervent
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Wall of Forgotten Pharaohs
2.0 As a 0/4, this can actually block many of the exerters in the format, and its Desert payoff ability isn’t the worst way to slowly win a game, either. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t great, but if you’re in a slower deck, this often ends up being a pretty solid card for you.
2.0 As a 0/4, this can actually block many of the exerters in the format, and its Desert payoff ability isn’t the worst way to slowly win a game, either. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t great, but if you’re in a slower deck, this often ends up being a pretty solid card for you.
Ancient Crab
1.0 This format has lots of cheap creature who can gain evasion or stats boosts as a result of exerting or other effects, and that makes Ancient Crab pretty unimpressive here.
1.0 This format has lots of cheap creature who can gain evasion or stats boosts as a result of exerting or other effects, and that makes Ancient Crab pretty unimpressive here.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Claim
Shefet Monitor
3.5 This card is really good. In the early game, you can cycle it away, and you get to draw two cards in the process! One will be a basic land of course, but that’s fine, it is still giving you a 2-for-1 off of a Cycle, which is pretty awesome – and good for your mana! Then, in the late game, Shefet Monitor towers over many board states, and can be a passable finisher.
3.5 This card is really good. In the early game, you can cycle it away, and you get to draw two cards in the process! One will be a basic land of course, but that’s fine, it is still giving you a 2-for-1 off of a Cycle, which is pretty awesome – and good for your mana! Then, in the late game, Shefet Monitor towers over many board states, and can be a passable finisher.
Claim
1.5 Reanimating a small creature for only Black mana is kind of okay, though it is pretty darn restrictive on the mana cost. If you cast both halves in the same turn, you can reanimate a thing, and then also give it +2/+0 and Haste, which is kind of alright, but the reanimation being as restrictive as it is really limits how good this card can be.
1.5 Reanimating a small creature for only Black mana is kind of okay, though it is pretty darn restrictive on the mana cost. If you cast both halves in the same turn, you can reanimate a thing, and then also give it +2/+0 and Haste, which is kind of alright, but the reanimation being as restrictive as it is really limits how good this card can be.
Ruthless Sniper
2.0 This is a solid Cycle/Discard payoff, as sticking -1/-1 counters on things can really cause problems for your opponent.
2.0 This is a solid Cycle/Discard payoff, as sticking -1/-1 counters on things can really cause problems for your opponent.
Khenra Eternal
2.5 This has okay stats, an okay keyword ability, and it’s a Zombie, so its perfectly fine.
2.5 This has okay stats, an okay keyword ability, and it’s a Zombie, so its perfectly fine.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Initiate's Companion
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.
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.
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.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
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.
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 10: Cartouche of Zeal
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 11: Aven Initiate
By Force
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
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.
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.
Hekma Sentinels
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Brute Strength
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.
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
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 13: Desert of the Mindful
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Dune Beetle
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.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Hooded Brawler
Vizier of Many Faces
4.0 At 4 mana, this comes down as a copy of whatever the best creature on the table is, and that’s often going to feel like a pretty reasonable deal for 4 mana. Then, it can of course Embalm and do it all over again, and for only 5 mana! Like other Embalm/Eternalize creatures, you really have to look at the fact that you get two very real bodies out of only a single card, and that is some pretty great value.
4.0 At 4 mana, this comes down as a copy of whatever the best creature on the table is, and that’s often going to feel like a pretty reasonable deal for 4 mana. Then, it can of course Embalm and do it all over again, and for only 5 mana! Like other Embalm/Eternalize creatures, you really have to look at the fact that you get two very real bodies out of only a single card, and that is some pretty great value.
Start
3.5 Three mana for two 1/1 tokens with Vigilance isn’t a bad deal, and having an expensive Bone Splinters sitting around in your graveyard isn’t too shabby either. Because the Start half is an Instant, you can also pretty easily cast this on your opponent’s turn, and then untap and use Finish to give up one of those tokens and kill their best creature.
3.5 Three mana for two 1/1 tokens with Vigilance isn’t a bad deal, and having an expensive Bone Splinters sitting around in your graveyard isn’t too shabby either. Because the Start half is an Instant, you can also pretty easily cast this on your opponent’s turn, and then untap and use Finish to give up one of those tokens and kill their best creature.
Censor
2.5 Counterspells that only ask the opponent to pay 1 to ignore them usually aren’t very good except for in the very early game. The nice thing here, is that once you get to the late game and Censor doesn’t look so good, you can just Cycle it away and get another card.
2.5 Counterspells that only ask the opponent to pay 1 to ignore them usually aren’t very good except for in the very early game. The nice thing here, is that once you get to the late game and Censor doesn’t look so good, you can just Cycle it away and get another card.
Shadowstorm Vizier
3.0 This can do some decent damage in the air when combined with discard and cycling effects, and there are certainly enough of those in this format for the Vizier to be pretty good – though it may be the most underwhelming of this cycle of signpost uncommons.
3.0 This can do some decent damage in the air when combined with discard and cycling effects, and there are certainly enough of those in this format for the Vizier to be pretty good – though it may be the most underwhelming of this cycle of signpost uncommons.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quarry Hauler
3.0 Quarry Hauler brings a decent body to the table, and its ETB trigger will be useful a surprising chunk of the time. You can use it to add -1/-1 counters to opposing things, subtract them from yours, add +1/+1 counters, and so forth.
3.0 Quarry Hauler brings a decent body to the table, and its ETB trigger will be useful a surprising chunk of the time. You can use it to add -1/-1 counters to opposing things, subtract them from yours, add +1/+1 counters, and so forth.
Pack 2 Pick 2: 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.
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.
Riddleform
0.0 // 3.0 If you’re in a spell deck, Riddleform can do some pretty serious work. If you’re not, it is pretty terrible.
0.0 // 3.0 If you’re in a spell deck, Riddleform can do some pretty serious work. If you’re not, it is pretty terrible.
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.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
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.
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Cartouche of Strength
Nimble Obstructionist
3.5 A 3-mana 3/1 with Flash and Flying is already something you’d always play, so adding Cycling to the mix is nice, especially because sometimes it will le you counter an activated or triggered ability. Still, because this is so cheap and aggressive, you’ll usually just cast it.
3.5 A 3-mana 3/1 with Flash and Flying is already something you’d always play, so adding Cycling to the mix is nice, especially because sometimes it will le you counter an activated or triggered ability. Still, because this is so cheap and aggressive, you’ll usually just cast it.
Hashep Oasis
3.0 These Desert utility lands are all pretty nice! In addition to counting as deserts for several cards in the set, they come into play completely untapped and can give you colored mana – even if you do have to pay life for it. If you don’t want that mana, it can also just tap for cololorless. Then, they can all do a thing by giving up a Desert. In this case, you get to pump a creature. And sure, it is only at Sorcery speed, but keep in mind that this thing has been a nice land for you all game, and in the late game it is having a very real impact! If you have enough deserts, you can do these effects repeatedly, which is sometimes nice.
3.0 These Desert utility lands are all pretty nice! In addition to counting as deserts for several cards in the set, they come into play completely untapped and can give you colored mana – even if you do have to pay life for it. If you don’t want that mana, it can also just tap for cololorless. Then, they can all do a thing by giving up a Desert. In this case, you get to pump a creature. And sure, it is only at Sorcery speed, but keep in mind that this thing has been a nice land for you all game, and in the late game it is having a very real impact! If you have enough deserts, you can do these effects repeatedly, which is sometimes nice.
Shefet Dunes
3.0 Pumping your whole board is a pretty nice thing for a nice unassuming land to do, and if you have multiple deserts, you can do it on back to back turns, which is pretty awesome.
3.0 Pumping your whole board is a pretty nice thing for a nice unassuming land to do, and if you have multiple deserts, you can do it on back to back turns, which is pretty awesome.
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.
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.
Splendid Agony
2.5 This is pretty solid, though not premium. There are enough small creatures in this set that it sometimes give you a 2-for-1, but it isn’t that impressive against larger creatures, though weakening them still has some value.
2.5 This is pretty solid, though not premium. There are enough small creatures in this set that it sometimes give you a 2-for-1, but it isn’t that impressive against larger creatures, though weakening them still has some value.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Resilient Khenra
Resilient Khenra
4.0 When this comes down early, it will immediately impact the board, often enabling an attack you didn’t have without it. Even without Eternalize, a two mana 2/2 with that effect would be a pretty high quality card! Then, you add Eternalize to the mix, and you get something pretty amazing, since it can come back in the later game is a 4/4 that gives +4/+4 to something. Those are two pretty powerful cards, and you only have to use up one card to get them!
4.0 When this comes down early, it will immediately impact the board, often enabling an attack you didn’t have without it. Even without Eternalize, a two mana 2/2 with that effect would be a pretty high quality card! Then, you add Eternalize to the mix, and you get something pretty amazing, since it can come back in the later game is a 4/4 that gives +4/+4 to something. Those are two pretty powerful cards, and you only have to use up one card to get them!
Defiant Greatmaw
3.0 On its own, this is a 3-mana 2/3..which isn’t great, but the fact it can also remove other -1/-1 counters actually makes it pretty good in the BG deck.
3.0 On its own, this is a 3-mana 2/3..which isn’t great, but the fact it can also remove other -1/-1 counters actually makes it pretty good in the BG deck.
Baleful Ammit
3.0 On its own, the Ammit is a 3-mana 3/2 with Lifelink, which is acceptable. In many situations, you’ll have somewhere else to put the counter though, and when that’s possible and you have somewhere good to put it, the Ammit can be quite the beating for your opponent.
3.0 On its own, the Ammit is a 3-mana 3/2 with Lifelink, which is acceptable. In many situations, you’ll have somewhere else to put the counter though, and when that’s possible and you have somewhere good to put it, the Ammit can be quite the beating for your opponent.
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.
Desert of the Glorified
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Beneath the Sands
By Force
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
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.
Hieroglyphic Illumination
2.5 4 mana to draw 2 at instant speed isn’t the greatest thing ever, but this has an alternate mode where you pay a single Blue to draw a card, and having both of those options is pretty nice.
2.5 4 mana to draw 2 at instant speed isn’t the greatest thing ever, but this has an alternate mode where you pay a single Blue to draw a card, and having both of those options is pretty nice.
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.
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.
Desert of the Glorified
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.
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.
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Zealot of the God-Pharaoh
Baleful Ammit
3.0 On its own, the Ammit is a 3-mana 3/2 with Lifelink, which is acceptable. In many situations, you’ll have somewhere else to put the counter though, and when that’s possible and you have somewhere good to put it, the Ammit can be quite the beating for your opponent.
3.0 On its own, the Ammit is a 3-mana 3/2 with Lifelink, which is acceptable. In many situations, you’ll have somewhere else to put the counter though, and when that’s possible and you have somewhere good to put it, the Ammit can be quite the beating for your opponent.
Hekma Sentinels
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
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.
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.
Cartouche of Ambition
3.5 Sticking a -1/-1 counter somewhere, +1/+1 and lifelink is a pretty good deal for three mana, and the whole package usually makes it so one of your creatures can rumble that just couldn’t before. Sometimes the counter part of the card will outright kill something too, in which case you’re going to feel pretty great about things.
3.5 Sticking a -1/-1 counter somewhere, +1/+1 and lifelink is a pretty good deal for three mana, and the whole package usually makes it so one of your creatures can rumble that just couldn’t before. Sometimes the counter part of the card will outright kill something too, in which case you’re going to feel pretty great about things.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Crocodile of the Crossing
Crocodile of the Crossing
3.0 On its own, this is basically a 4-mana 4/3 with Haste, something quite reasonable! And of course, like all of these -1/-1 counter cards, you can put the counter on a different creature to make the Crocodile even larger.
3.0 On its own, this is basically a 4-mana 4/3 with Haste, something quite reasonable! And of course, like all of these -1/-1 counter cards, you can put the counter on a different creature to make the Crocodile even larger.
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!
Hekma Sentinels
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2 Pick 8: Magma Spray
Fervent Paincaster
2.5 A 3-mana 3/1 that can ping the opponent is kind of okay, and adding the ability to exert to ping anything is pretty nice, and certainly a problem for any deck with lots of X/1s.
2.5 A 3-mana 3/1 that can ping the opponent is kind of okay, and adding the ability to exert to ping anything is pretty nice, and certainly a problem for any deck with lots of X/1s.
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.
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.
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.
Magma Spray
3.5 One mana for 2 damage is pretty much always premium, and Magma Spray can even deal with pesky embalm creatures permanently.
3.5 One mana for 2 damage is pretty much always premium, and Magma Spray can even deal with pesky embalm creatures permanently.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Initiate's Companion
Shadowstorm Vizier
3.0 This can do some decent damage in the air when combined with discard and cycling effects, and there are certainly enough of those in this format for the Vizier to be pretty good – though it may be the most underwhelming of this cycle of signpost uncommons.
3.0 This can do some decent damage in the air when combined with discard and cycling effects, and there are certainly enough of those in this format for the Vizier to be pretty good – though it may be the most underwhelming of this cycle of signpost uncommons.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Fan Bearer
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.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
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.
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Khenra Scrapper
Splendid Agony
2.5 This is pretty solid, though not premium. There are enough small creatures in this set that it sometimes give you a 2-for-1, but it isn’t that impressive against larger creatures, though weakening them still has some value.
2.5 This is pretty solid, though not premium. There are enough small creatures in this set that it sometimes give you a 2-for-1, but it isn’t that impressive against larger creatures, though weakening them still has some value.
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.
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.
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 2 Pick 12: Crash Through
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.
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.
Desert of the Glorified
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 13: By Force
By Force
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
0.5 There aren’t enough artifacts in this set for this to be remotely worth putting in your main deck.
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Hekma Sentinels
Hekma Sentinels
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Champion of Rhonas
Champion of Rhonas
2.0 This does have a powerful Exert ability, but you’d be surprised how often you just dno’t have anything worth putting into play with it, especially in scenarios where you the Champion will die in combat – which will be a lot of them.
2.0 This does have a powerful Exert ability, but you’d be surprised how often you just dno’t have anything worth putting into play with it, especially in scenarios where you the Champion will die in combat – which will be a lot of them.
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.
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.
Desert's Hold
4.0 This is a premium removal spell, and one that it isn’t that hard to trigger the “Desert” clause on. This shuts down most creatures entirely and will gain you life like half the time, and that’s pretty great.
4.0 This is a premium removal spell, and one that it isn’t that hard to trigger the “Desert” clause on. This shuts down most creatures entirely and will gain you life like half the time, and that’s pretty great.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
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.
Magma Spray
3.5 One mana for 2 damage is pretty much always premium, and Magma Spray can even deal with pesky embalm creatures permanently.
3.5 One mana for 2 damage is pretty much always premium, and Magma Spray can even deal with pesky embalm creatures permanently.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Ahn-Crop Crasher
Hour of Promise
3.0 Most of the desert payoffs in this set are fairly doable, but this one is a bit more of a challenge, since you need to have at least three deserts to make it worth playing. Five mana for ramp just isn’t great in this format, and is a good way to get run over. However, if you can ramp and get those 2/2 zombies, then you’re in business, since you’re actually impacting the board. The good news is, as long as you get one of those three deserts in play before you cast it, you’ll be getting those Zombies. So, basically, value deserts a little higher if you have this – and that’s true of a lot of Desert cards in the set!
3.0 Most of the desert payoffs in this set are fairly doable, but this one is a bit more of a challenge, since you need to have at least three deserts to make it worth playing. Five mana for ramp just isn’t great in this format, and is a good way to get run over. However, if you can ramp and get those 2/2 zombies, then you’re in business, since you’re actually impacting the board. The good news is, as long as you get one of those three deserts in play before you cast it, you’ll be getting those Zombies. So, basically, value deserts a little higher if you have this – and that’s true of a lot of Desert cards in the set!
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.
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.
Cartouche of Solidarity
3.0 The whole Cartouche cycle is quite nice. +1/+1 and First Strike is already the kind of boost that makes a creature significantly more formidable, and this also makes sure to give you a spare 1/1 body, which helps the threat of a 2-for-1 not loom quite as large.
3.0 The whole Cartouche cycle is quite nice. +1/+1 and First Strike is already the kind of boost that makes a creature significantly more formidable, and this also makes sure to give you a spare 1/1 body, which helps the threat of a 2-for-1 not loom quite as large.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
Desert of the Glorified
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.
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.
Stinging Shot
1.5 This is good at hating on flyers, and because it has cycling, you can get away with in your main deck.
1.5 This is good at hating on flyers, and because it has cycling, you can get away with in your main deck.
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 3: Feral Prowler
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.
Censor
2.5 Counterspells that only ask the opponent to pay 1 to ignore them usually aren’t very good except for in the very early game. The nice thing here, is that once you get to the late game and Censor doesn’t look so good, you can just Cycle it away and get another card.
2.5 Counterspells that only ask the opponent to pay 1 to ignore them usually aren’t very good except for in the very early game. The nice thing here, is that once you get to the late game and Censor doesn’t look so good, you can just Cycle it away and get another card.
Vile Manifestation
2.0 This underwhelms as a Cycling payoff for the most part. This is largely because it doesn’t have any evasion to speak of. It will often start life as a two mana 0/4 and slowly grow, which isn’t terrible of course, but it is a pretty intense build around with a pretty mediocre ceiling.
2.0 This underwhelms as a Cycling payoff for the most part. This is largely because it doesn’t have any evasion to speak of. It will often start life as a two mana 0/4 and slowly grow, which isn’t terrible of course, but it is a pretty intense build around with a pretty mediocre ceiling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Splendid Agony
2.5 This is pretty solid, though not premium. There are enough small creatures in this set that it sometimes give you a 2-for-1, but it isn’t that impressive against larger creatures, though weakening them still has some value.
2.5 This is pretty solid, though not premium. There are enough small creatures in this set that it sometimes give you a 2-for-1, but it isn’t that impressive against larger creatures, though weakening them still has some value.
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.
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 3 Pick 4: Bitterbow Sharpshooters
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.
Wayward Servant
3.0 Draining an opponent every time you have a Zombie ETB is pretty nice, and keep in mind it includes embalmed and eternalized creatures!
3.0 Draining an opponent every time you have a Zombie ETB is pretty nice, and keep in mind it includes embalmed and eternalized creatures!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 5: Thresher Lizard
Eternal of Harsh Truths
2.0 The idea here is that your opponent would rather leave this unblocked than take two damage, but it just doesn’t pan out that way very often. A 1/3 is quickly outclassed, and you just won’t find this drawing you cards all that often.
2.0 The idea here is that your opponent would rather leave this unblocked than take two damage, but it just doesn’t pan out that way very often. A 1/3 is quickly outclassed, and you just won’t find this drawing you cards all that often.
Watchers of the Dead
2.0 This is a two-mana 2/2 that can hate on the graveyard a bit in a set that has graveyard stuff, so its fine.
2.0 This is a two-mana 2/2 that can hate on the graveyard a bit in a set that has graveyard stuff, so its fine.
Stinging Shot
1.5 This is good at hating on flyers, and because it has cycling, you can get away with in your main deck.
1.5 This is good at hating on flyers, and because it has cycling, you can get away with in your main deck.
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.
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.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Haze of Pollen
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.
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.
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.
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.
Evolving Wilds
3.0 As usual, the Wilds provides some nice fixing for you, and is even quite good for your mana in a two-color deck.
3.0 As usual, the Wilds provides some nice fixing for you, and is even quite good for your mana in a two-color deck.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Shed Weakness
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.
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.
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.
Hekma Sentinels
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
2.0 Opponents do have to respect that this might turn into a ¾ out of nowhere, but it isn’t exactly like a ¾ is a world beater to begin with.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Khenra Scrapper
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!
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.
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.
Scarab Feast
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
1.0 This format has a lot of graveyard stuff, but you still mostly won’t play this. The only reason it isn’t just a sideboard card is because of Cycling.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 9: 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.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
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.
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.
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.
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 10: Thorned Moloch
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.
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.
Disposal Mummy
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This set has a graveyard sub-theme, but Disposal Mummy is too inefficient and situational with its effect to really be worth it most of the time.
Desert of the Glorified
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Ipnu Rivulet
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Bloodlust Inciter
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.
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.
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: Watchers of the Dead
Watchers of the Dead
2.0 This is a two-mana 2/2 that can hate on the graveyard a bit in a set that has graveyard stuff, so its fine.
2.0 This is a two-mana 2/2 that can hate on the graveyard a bit in a set that has graveyard stuff, so its 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.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Brute Strength
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.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Majestic Myriarch
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Sweltering Suns
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Khenra Scrapper
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Cartouche of Strength
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Nef-Crop Entangler
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Oasis Ritualist
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Desert of the Fervent
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Claim
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Initiate's Companion
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Cartouche of Zeal
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Aven Initiate
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Brute Strength
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Desert of the Mindful
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Dune Beetle
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Hooded Brawler
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Trial of Zeal
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Cartouche of Strength
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Resilient Khenra
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Beneath the Sands
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Zealot of the God-Pharaoh
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Crocodile of the Crossing
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Magma Spray
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Initiate's Companion
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Fan Bearer
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Khenra Scrapper
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Crash Through
- Pack 2 Pick 13: By Force
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Hekma Sentinels
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Champion of Rhonas
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Ahn-Crop Crasher
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Feral Prowler
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Bitterbow Sharpshooters
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Thresher Lizard
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Haze of Pollen
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Shed Weakness
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Khenra Scrapper
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Trial of Zeal
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Thorned Moloch
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Ipnu Rivulet
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Bloodlust Inciter
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Watchers of the Dead
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Brute Strength
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