Premier Draft AKR 15 August 2021
15 August 03:01 - natsu4612 7 Wins - 2 Losses
Pack 1 Pick 1: As Foretold
As Foretold
0.0 This is far too difficult to set up in Limited.
0.0 This is far too difficult to set up in Limited.
Sunscourge Champion
4.0 A 3-mana 2/3 that gains you 2 life is a decent card. Adding Eternalize to the mix is what really makes this a nice card, since it will come back as a 4/4 that gains you 4 life. And sure, you do have to discard a card unlike most Eternalize Effects, but you also pay only 4 mana for that copy, and that’s actually pretty incredible. All these Embalm/Eternalize effects just give you great value over the course of the game.
4.0 A 3-mana 2/3 that gains you 2 life is a decent card. Adding Eternalize to the mix is what really makes this a nice card, since it will come back as a 4/4 that gains you 4 life. And sure, you do have to discard a card unlike most Eternalize Effects, but you also pay only 4 mana for that copy, and that’s actually pretty incredible. All these Embalm/Eternalize effects just give you great value over the course of the game.
Watchful Naga
1.5 This has sub-par stats but a pretty nice Exert ability. Even if the Naga is dead to blockers when it attacks, you do at least get a card. The most ideal scenario, of course, is to attack when your opponent can only trade with it at best, in which case they find themselves having to just take the hit or get 2-for-1’d, but that situation isn’t around for a super long time in most games.
1.5 This has sub-par stats but a pretty nice Exert ability. Even if the Naga is dead to blockers when it attacks, you do at least get a card. The most ideal scenario, of course, is to attack when your opponent can only trade with it at best, in which case they find themselves having to just take the hit or get 2-for-1’d, but that situation isn’t around for a super long time in most games.
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.
Slither Blade
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
1.5 This is a great place to put Cartouches and stuff like that since its unblockable, but it is pretty unimpressive in most other decks.
Dauntless Aven
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
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.
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.
Aven of Enduring Hope
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
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.
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.
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.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Aerial Guide
Consign
3.0 Thing thing really over performs. In the early game, you can bounce a problem permanent to slow your opponent down, or maybe blow them out when they try to use a trick or something, and then in the late game you have a Mind Rot sitting around in your graveyard. Basically, the consign half of this is already a solid playable, and the Oblivion half gives you some nice late game value. Now, your opponent won’t always have the cards to discard, but they do often enough that this card often feels like a steal.
3.0 Thing thing really over performs. In the early game, you can bounce a problem permanent to slow your opponent down, or maybe blow them out when they try to use a trick or something, and then in the late game you have a Mind Rot sitting around in your graveyard. Basically, the consign half of this is already a solid playable, and the Oblivion half gives you some nice late game value. Now, your opponent won’t always have the cards to discard, but they do often enough that this card often feels like a steal.
Oketra's Attendant
3.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t great, but this one has both Cycling and Embalm, and that makes it way better. Embalm tends to be pretty nice because it effectively gives you two cards worth of value over the course of the game, and the fact you can cycle this away early to find a land drop, and then still Embalm it late is pretty nice.
3.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t great, but this one has both Cycling and Embalm, and that makes it way better. Embalm tends to be pretty nice because it effectively gives you two cards worth of value over the course of the game, and the fact you can cycle this away early to find a land drop, and then still Embalm it late is pretty nice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dissenter's Deliverance
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Oketra's Attendant
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!
Oketra's Attendant
3.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t great, but this one has both Cycling and Embalm, and that makes it way better. Embalm tends to be pretty nice because it effectively gives you two cards worth of value over the course of the game, and the fact you can cycle this away early to find a land drop, and then still Embalm it late is pretty nice.
3.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t great, but this one has both Cycling and Embalm, and that makes it way better. Embalm tends to be pretty nice because it effectively gives you two cards worth of value over the course of the game, and the fact you can cycle this away early to find a land drop, and then still Embalm it late is pretty nice.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Aven of Enduring Hope
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Edifice of Authority
Edifice of Authority
4.0 This is great, and one of the better non-rare first picks in the format since it is colorless and powerful. At first, it can only stop a creature from attacking, but it does for only one mana, so that’s not too bad! Eventually, it gets enough brick counters to reach the point where you can just completely shut down a creature until your next turn, and that’s pretty awesome. You can use it offensively or defensively, and it is basically removal that can move from creature to creature as needed, and that’s awesome.
4.0 This is great, and one of the better non-rare first picks in the format since it is colorless and powerful. At first, it can only stop a creature from attacking, but it does for only one mana, so that’s not too bad! Eventually, it gets enough brick counters to reach the point where you can just completely shut down a creature until your next turn, and that’s pretty awesome. You can use it offensively or defensively, and it is basically removal that can move from creature to creature as needed, and that’s awesome.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oketra's Avenger
3.5 When this is Exerted, it is pretty darn hard to block – and that’s true pretty much all game long, making this an excellent two drop.
3.5 When this is Exerted, it is pretty darn hard to block – and that’s true pretty much all game long, making this an excellent two drop.
Greater Sandwurm
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
Puncturing Blow
3.5 This is definitely a clunky sorcery, but it also kills almost everything in the format, and the “Exile” clause actually matters in this format. This gets into the lower range of “premium” removal for me.
3.5 This is definitely a clunky sorcery, but it also kills almost everything in the format, and the “Exile” clause actually matters in this format. This gets into the lower range of “premium” removal for me.
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.
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 1 Pick 5: Fan Bearer
Lord of Extinction
2.5 This is kind of a weird card for them to include in this Remastered set. Yes, this set has a graveyard theme, but all the embalm/eternalize cards exile themselves, so they won’t be contributing to the Lord’s power and toughness. Most of the time, this will be a really efficient vanilla creature, but not much else.
2.5 This is kind of a weird card for them to include in this Remastered set. Yes, this set has a graveyard theme, but all the embalm/eternalize cards exile themselves, so they won’t be contributing to the Lord’s power and toughness. Most of the time, this will be a really efficient vanilla creature, but not much else.
Khenra Charioteer
3.0 This kind is a little underwhelming as far as signpost uncommons go, but he is very efficient and grants your creatures a nice keyword, so its still a pretty nice card.
3.0 This kind is a little underwhelming as far as signpost uncommons go, but he is very efficient and grants your creatures a nice keyword, so its still a pretty nice card.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shed Weakness
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
1.5 This is an alright trick. One mana for +2/+2 is fairly passable, and sometimes you’ll also get rid of a -1/-1 counter, which will make it feel like Giant Growth!
Pack 1 Pick 6: Oketra's Avenger
Merciless Javelineer
3.0 This card is a little bit disappointing. It seems like it would be able to make your aggro deck do all kinds of awesome stuff, and sometimes it does – but both the mana and the card are very real costs, and you’ll find yourself in situations where you just don’t want to be doing that.
3.0 This card is a little bit disappointing. It seems like it would be able to make your aggro deck do all kinds of awesome stuff, and sometimes it does – but both the mana and the card are very real costs, and you’ll find yourself in situations where you just don’t want to be doing that.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oketra's Avenger
3.5 When this is Exerted, it is pretty darn hard to block – and that’s true pretty much all game long, making this an excellent two drop.
3.5 When this is Exerted, it is pretty darn hard to block – and that’s true pretty much all game long, making this an excellent two drop.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Aven of Enduring Hope
Merciless Javelineer
3.0 This card is a little bit disappointing. It seems like it would be able to make your aggro deck do all kinds of awesome stuff, and sometimes it does – but both the mana and the card are very real costs, and you’ll find yourself in situations where you just don’t want to be doing that.
3.0 This card is a little bit disappointing. It seems like it would be able to make your aggro deck do all kinds of awesome stuff, and sometimes it does – but both the mana and the card are very real costs, and you’ll find yourself in situations where you just don’t want to be doing that.
Synchronized Strike
2.5 Tricks with 2-for-1 potential are always nice, and that’s certainly what you have here. When you have this in your hand, you’ll be surprised how often you can just attack with everything and then use the Strike to blow up blockers and save your creatures. Because the creatures untap, it can also be used defensively, though that’s generally the sub-optimal use of the card.
2.5 Tricks with 2-for-1 potential are always nice, and that’s certainly what you have here. When you have this in your hand, you’ll be surprised how often you can just attack with everything and then use the Strike to blow up blockers and save your creatures. Because the creatures untap, it can also be used defensively, though that’s generally the sub-optimal use of the card.
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.
Dissenter's Deliverance
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
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.
Aven of Enduring Hope
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
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 1 Pick 8: Evolving Wilds
Synchronized Strike
2.5 Tricks with 2-for-1 potential are always nice, and that’s certainly what you have here. When you have this in your hand, you’ll be surprised how often you can just attack with everything and then use the Strike to blow up blockers and save your creatures. Because the creatures untap, it can also be used defensively, though that’s generally the sub-optimal use of the card.
2.5 Tricks with 2-for-1 potential are always nice, and that’s certainly what you have here. When you have this in your hand, you’ll be surprised how often you can just attack with everything and then use the Strike to blow up blockers and save your creatures. Because the creatures untap, it can also be used defensively, though that’s generally the sub-optimal use of the card.
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.
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.
Spellweaver Eternal
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Slither Blade
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.
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.
Aven of Enduring Hope
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Pitiless Vizier
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dissenter's Deliverance
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Aven of Enduring Hope
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.
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.
Aven of Enduring Hope
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
In Oketra's Name
1.5 This just doesn’t pan out most of the time. Sure, if you have a bunch of Zombies and you’re going wide, it gives a nice boost for the cost, but having both of those things happen isn’t guaranteed.
1.5 This just doesn’t pan out most of the time. Sure, if you have a bunch of Zombies and you’re going wide, it gives a nice boost for the cost, but having both of those things happen isn’t guaranteed.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Pouncing Cheetah
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.
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.
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 1 Pick 13: Thorned Moloch
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.
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 1 Pick 14: Oashra Cultivator
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.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Oketra's Monument
Irrigated Farmland
3.0 These all add two colors mana, which is great fixing, and if you get them at a point in the game where you no longer need lands, you can just Cycle them away. Don’t underestimate how good that is. Just imagine every time you’ve flooded out in a game of Magic, now imagine you can just throw away some of those lands for new cards, and you’ll know what I mean.
3.0 These all add two colors mana, which is great fixing, and if you get them at a point in the game where you no longer need lands, you can just Cycle them away. Don’t underestimate how good that is. Just imagine every time you’ve flooded out in a game of Magic, now imagine you can just throw away some of those lands for new cards, and you’ll know what I mean.
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.
Oketra's Monument
3.5 This is the only card in this cycle that is actively good in Limited. The cost reduction is nice, but the power here really comes from the ability to make 1/1 tokens. One kind of funny thing about this card is that you can actually play it pretty effectively in any deck that has lots of creature spells, and not just White ones, since adding a 1/1 to every creature spell you play is great! Obviously, it is better in White, since it will allow you to more efficiently cast spells, but yeah, it slots into most decks in the format as a pretty powerful card.
3.5 This is the only card in this cycle that is actively good in Limited. The cost reduction is nice, but the power here really comes from the ability to make 1/1 tokens. One kind of funny thing about this card is that you can actually play it pretty effectively in any deck that has lots of creature spells, and not just White ones, since adding a 1/1 to every creature spell you play is great! Obviously, it is better in White, since it will allow you to more efficiently cast spells, but yeah, it slots into most decks in the format as a pretty powerful card.
Destined
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
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.
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.
Soulstinger
2.5 All on its own, Soulstinger is a 4-mana 2/3 that puts two -1/-1 counters on something when it dies. That’s the kind of card that can really create 2-for-1s, and that’s sort of the baseline here. You can also just play the Soulstinger as a larger creature if that’s what you need, and put the counters somewhere else.
2.5 All on its own, Soulstinger is a 4-mana 2/3 that puts two -1/-1 counters on something when it dies. That’s the kind of card that can really create 2-for-1s, and that’s sort of the baseline here. You can also just play the Soulstinger as a larger creature if that’s what you need, and put the counters somewhere else.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Gust Walker
3.5 This is an excellent two drop. It can simply attack as a two mana 2/2 early, and then once its necessary, it can start Exerting itself to continue attacking in the air. This two drop is relevant all game long, and is very nice in aggressive decks.
3.5 This is an excellent two drop. It can simply attack as a two mana 2/2 early, and then once its necessary, it can start Exerting itself to continue attacking in the air. This two drop is relevant all game long, and is very nice in aggressive decks.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Countervailing Winds
Manglehorn
0.5 There aren’t really enough artifacts in this set for it to be worth it.
0.5 There aren’t really enough artifacts in this set for it to be worth it.
Nest of Scarabs
0.0 // 3.0 Obviously, this is a build around, and one that will mostly only work in the BG deck, which is all about -1/-1 counters. If you have few or no ways to make counters, Nest of Scarabs is terrible. However, if you get there on a critical mass of -1/-1 counter cards, and it is doable in this format, Nest of Scarabs gets pretty crazy, since it will start spitting out a significant number of tokens.
0.0 // 3.0 Obviously, this is a build around, and one that will mostly only work in the BG deck, which is all about -1/-1 counters. If you have few or no ways to make counters, Nest of Scarabs is terrible. However, if you get there on a critical mass of -1/-1 counter cards, and it is doable in this format, Nest of Scarabs gets pretty crazy, since it will start spitting out a significant number of tokens.
Vizier of Remedies
1.0 This is a two mana 2/1 with some very minor upside for the format. You’ll play it if you really need a two drop, but that’s about it.
1.0 This is a two mana 2/1 with some very minor upside for the format. You’ll play it if you really need a two drop, but that’s about it.
Countervailing Winds
2.0 This will sometimes perform quite well as a counterspell, and if you’re in a situation where it doesn’t, you can just Cycle it away.
2.0 This will sometimes perform quite well as a counterspell, and if you’re in a situation where it doesn’t, you can just Cycle it away.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
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.
Dissenter's Deliverance
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 3: Cartouche of Solidarity
Pride Sovereign
4.0 Obviously you have to be GW to get the most out of Pride Sovereign, but if you are, he gets out of hand in a hurry. He can very cheaply make 1/1 white cat tokens with lifelink, and when he does, he also buffs himself! This means you can assign him to block and then exert him, at which point he will grow to at least a 4/4. The Sovereign gets huge in the hurry and really makes you go wide. It is a bit fragile at first, and I think that makes it fall a bit short of being a bomb.
4.0 Obviously you have to be GW to get the most out of Pride Sovereign, but if you are, he gets out of hand in a hurry. He can very cheaply make 1/1 white cat tokens with lifelink, and when he does, he also buffs himself! This means you can assign him to block and then exert him, at which point he will grow to at least a 4/4. The Sovereign gets huge in the hurry and really makes you go wide. It is a bit fragile at first, and I think that makes it fall a bit short of being a bomb.
Gate to the Afterlife
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
Greater Sandwurm
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
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.
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 2 Pick 4: Binding Mummy
Trial of Solidarity
3.0 Cards that pump your whole board and give it Vigilance tend to be quite nice, since they drastically alter the state of a race. You’re suddenly doing way more damage, your creatures are harder to block, and your creatures can hang back to block. The Cartouche clause comes up more often than you’d think here too!
3.0 Cards that pump your whole board and give it Vigilance tend to be quite nice, since they drastically alter the state of a race. You’re suddenly doing way more damage, your creatures are harder to block, and your creatures can hang back to block. The Cartouche clause comes up more often than you’d think here too!
Bitterbow Sharpshooters
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
2.5 This thing has pretty good size to stop many of the creatures in this format, and also attacks pretty well.
Firebrand Archer
2.5 This performs surprisingly well as a spell payoff, and can really chip in a ton of additional damage, while also providing pretty good reach in the later part of the game.
2.5 This performs surprisingly well as a spell payoff, and can really chip in a ton of additional damage, while also providing pretty good reach in the later part of the game.
Binding Mummy
3.0 This has a baseline of a 2-mana 2/2 and it has some very real upside. This set is loaded up with Zombies – and remember, anything that is Embalmed comes back as a zombie too, so the Binding Mummy tends to be quite good at tapping down blockers and letting you go all out.
3.0 This has a baseline of a 2-mana 2/2 and it has some very real upside. This set is loaded up with Zombies – and remember, anything that is Embalmed comes back as a zombie too, so the Binding Mummy tends to be quite good at tapping down blockers and letting you go all out.
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.
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.
Spellweaver Eternal
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
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.
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.
Gust Walker
3.5 This is an excellent two drop. It can simply attack as a two mana 2/2 early, and then once its necessary, it can start Exerting itself to continue attacking in the air. This two drop is relevant all game long, and is very nice in aggressive decks.
3.5 This is an excellent two drop. It can simply attack as a two mana 2/2 early, and then once its necessary, it can start Exerting itself to continue attacking in the air. This two drop is relevant all game long, and is very nice in aggressive decks.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Ominous Sphinx
Neheb, the Worthy
3.0 This set has a decent number of Minotaurs, so granting First Strike to other cards isn’t exactly far-fetched. But, even if your deck has 0 other minotaurs, Neheb is a 3-mana 2/2 with First Strike that becomes a 4/2 when you have few enough cards and it makes the opponent discard every time it hits them, and that’s pretty sweet.
3.0 This set has a decent number of Minotaurs, so granting First Strike to other cards isn’t exactly far-fetched. But, even if your deck has 0 other minotaurs, Neheb is a 3-mana 2/2 with First Strike that becomes a 4/2 when you have few enough cards and it makes the opponent discard every time it hits them, and that’s pretty sweet.
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.
Ominous Sphinx
3.5 This has nice stats and a pretty decent Cycling payoff effect that can really wreak havoc on your opponent, especially during combat.
3.5 This has nice stats and a pretty decent Cycling payoff effect that can really wreak havoc on your opponent, especially during combat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2 Pick 6: Aerial Guide
Destined
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
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.
Ramunap Ruins
3.0 The Ruins make it so you have some serious reach in the late game, especially if you have multiple deserts.
3.0 The Ruins make it so you have some serious reach in the late game, especially if you have multiple deserts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 7: Solitary Camel
Liliana's Defeat
0.5 This will be great against Black and terrible against everyone else. Leave this in your sideboard.
0.5 This will be great against Black and terrible against everyone else. Leave this in your sideboard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blur of Blades
1.5 Sometimes this will get a blocker out of the way and damage your opponent, and suddenly their dead to an Alpha strike. That makes it a reasonable inclusion in aggressive decks, especially because it will always have a pretty decent effect in those decks.
1.5 Sometimes this will get a blocker out of the way and damage your opponent, and suddenly their dead to an Alpha strike. That makes it a reasonable inclusion in aggressive decks, especially because it will always have a pretty decent effect in those decks.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Binding Mummy
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.
Binding Mummy
3.0 This has a baseline of a 2-mana 2/2 and it has some very real upside. This set is loaded up with Zombies – and remember, anything that is Embalmed comes back as a zombie too, so the Binding Mummy tends to be quite good at tapping down blockers and letting you go all out.
3.0 This has a baseline of a 2-mana 2/2 and it has some very real upside. This set is loaded up with Zombies – and remember, anything that is Embalmed comes back as a zombie too, so the Binding Mummy tends to be quite good at tapping down blockers and letting you go all out.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Striped Riverwinder
Destined
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
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.
Soulstinger
2.5 All on its own, Soulstinger is a 4-mana 2/3 that puts two -1/-1 counters on something when it dies. That’s the kind of card that can really create 2-for-1s, and that’s sort of the baseline here. You can also just play the Soulstinger as a larger creature if that’s what you need, and put the counters somewhere else.
2.5 All on its own, Soulstinger is a 4-mana 2/3 that puts two -1/-1 counters on something when it dies. That’s the kind of card that can really create 2-for-1s, and that’s sort of the baseline here. You can also just play the Soulstinger as a larger creature if that’s what you need, and put the counters somewhere else.
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!
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.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Vizier of Remedies
Vizier of Remedies
1.0 This is a two mana 2/1 with some very minor upside for the format. You’ll play it if you really need a two drop, but that’s about it.
1.0 This is a two mana 2/1 with some very minor upside for the format. You’ll play it if you really need a two drop, but that’s about it.
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.
Dissenter's Deliverance
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
1.0 There aren’t a ton of Artifacts in this set, but this does Cycle, so you’ll put it in your main deck some.
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Greater Sandwurm
Gate to the Afterlife
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
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.
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.
Greater Sandwurm
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
2.5 This is a solid finisher, and when he’s not what you’re looking for, you can just cycle him away.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Trial of Solidarity
Trial of Solidarity
3.0 Cards that pump your whole board and give it Vigilance tend to be quite nice, since they drastically alter the state of a race. You’re suddenly doing way more damage, your creatures are harder to block, and your creatures can hang back to block. The Cartouche clause comes up more often than you’d think here too!
3.0 Cards that pump your whole board and give it Vigilance tend to be quite nice, since they drastically alter the state of a race. You’re suddenly doing way more damage, your creatures are harder to block, and your creatures can hang back to block. The Cartouche clause comes up more often than you’d think here too!
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.
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.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Hekma Sentinels
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.
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 2 Pick 14: Destined
Destined
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Compulsory Rest
Scattered Groves
3.0 These all add two colors mana, which is great fixing, and if you get them at a point in the game where you no longer need lands, you can just Cycle them away. Don’t underestimate how good that is. Just imagine every time you’ve flooded out in a game of Magic, now imagine you can just throw away some of those lands for new cards, and you’ll know what I mean.
3.0 These all add two colors mana, which is great fixing, and if you get them at a point in the game where you no longer need lands, you can just Cycle them away. Don’t underestimate how good that is. Just imagine every time you’ve flooded out in a game of Magic, now imagine you can just throw away some of those lands for new cards, and you’ll know what I mean.
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.
Hope Tender
3.0 If you’re not exerting this, it doesn’t do a whole lot other than be a 2-mana 2/2. Simply untapping a single land just isn’t that big of a deal, you’re essentially just filtering mana. Still, it can ramp for you when it exerts and it has fine base line stats.
3.0 If you’re not exerting this, it doesn’t do a whole lot other than be a 2-mana 2/2. Simply untapping a single land just isn’t that big of a deal, you’re essentially just filtering mana. Still, it can ramp for you when it exerts and it has fine base line stats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Naga Oracle
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
1.0 This isn’t very good. A 4-mana 2/4 needs to do something pretty relevant to be good, and it just doesn’t. It gives you a bit of card selection/graveyard stocking, but that’s not really enough.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Crested Sunmare
Crested Sunmare
2.5 // 4.5 This is a 5-mana 5/5 all on its own, which is decently playable anyway, but if you end up with any life gain at all, he comes with the insane upside of making more Horse tokens, and all you need is that single Horse token to feel like you’re getting there. If you get anything more than that, you’ll be unstoppable. It has a very reasonable baseline and an insane ceiling, so I think taking it early is usually a good idea. It will make your White deck no matter what, and with like 4+ ways to gain life, it will become a bomb.
2.5 // 4.5 This is a 5-mana 5/5 all on its own, which is decently playable anyway, but if you end up with any life gain at all, he comes with the insane upside of making more Horse tokens, and all you need is that single Horse token to feel like you’re getting there. If you get anything more than that, you’ll be unstoppable. It has a very reasonable baseline and an insane ceiling, so I think taking it early is usually a good idea. It will make your White deck no matter what, and with like 4+ ways to gain life, it will become a bomb.
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.
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.
Spellweaver Eternal
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
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.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
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.
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.
Puncturing Blow
3.5 This is definitely a clunky sorcery, but it also kills almost everything in the format, and the “Exile” clause actually matters in this format. This gets into the lower range of “premium” removal for me.
3.5 This is definitely a clunky sorcery, but it also kills almost everything in the format, and the “Exile” clause actually matters in this format. This gets into the lower range of “premium” removal for me.
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.
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.
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.
Soulstinger
2.5 All on its own, Soulstinger is a 4-mana 2/3 that puts two -1/-1 counters on something when it dies. That’s the kind of card that can really create 2-for-1s, and that’s sort of the baseline here. You can also just play the Soulstinger as a larger creature if that’s what you need, and put the counters somewhere else.
2.5 All on its own, Soulstinger is a 4-mana 2/3 that puts two -1/-1 counters on something when it dies. That’s the kind of card that can really create 2-for-1s, and that’s sort of the baseline here. You can also just play the Soulstinger as a larger creature if that’s what you need, and put the counters somewhere else.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Disposal Mummy
Destined
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
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.
Ahn-Crop Champion
3.0 This has nice stats as a 4-mana 4/4, and its exert ability has some nice uses. One can simply use it to grant the other creatures something akin to vigilance, or more ideally, you can use it to untap exerted creatures, who will then be able to exert themselves and become better attackers on a subsequent turn.
3.0 This has nice stats as a 4-mana 4/4, and its exert ability has some nice uses. One can simply use it to grant the other creatures something akin to vigilance, or more ideally, you can use it to untap exerted creatures, who will then be able to exert themselves and become better attackers on a subsequent turn.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lethal Sting
2.5 This is a cheap way to kill any creature, and the downside can turn into upside in some situations. Still, the set up is real, and that makes it hard for it to be premium.
2.5 This is a cheap way to kill any creature, and the downside can turn into upside in some situations. Still, the set up is real, and that makes it hard for it to be premium.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Floodwaters
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.
Obelisk Spider
3.5 This X-costed planeswalker can come down whenever you want her too, and she packs some pretty nice abilities. Her +2 doesn’t net you a card or anything, but it does Scry 2, which is some nice selection. Her 0 ability does net you cards, and can even put some into play for free! Meanwhile, her ultimate is quite easy to reach, and it can do 10 damage to your opponent out of nowhere, which is often enough to just end the game. She is challenging to take over the game with all alone though, and for that reason I don’t think she’s quite a bomb.
3.5 This X-costed planeswalker can come down whenever you want her too, and she packs some pretty nice abilities. Her +2 doesn’t net you a card or anything, but it does Scry 2, which is some nice selection. Her 0 ability does net you cards, and can even put some into play for free! Meanwhile, her ultimate is quite easy to reach, and it can do 10 damage to your opponent out of nowhere, which is often enough to just end the game. She is challenging to take over the game with all alone though, and for that reason I don’t think she’s quite a bomb.
Open Fire
4.0 This kills a ton of creatures in this format, and it can even go to the dome, so its definitely premium removal.
4.0 This kills a ton of creatures in this format, and it can even go to the dome, so its definitely premium removal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Desert of the True
Gate to the Afterlife
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
Reduce
1.5 On one side, you have a mediocre counterspell. On the other, you have a card that can deprive your opponent of mana for a single turn. While some of these cards overcome being inefficient or situational by being split cards, that doesn’t really happen here. Both sides are quite situational and expensive, with Rubble especially being useless a huge chunk of the time.
1.5 On one side, you have a mediocre counterspell. On the other, you have a card that can deprive your opponent of mana for a single turn. While some of these cards overcome being inefficient or situational by being split cards, that doesn’t really happen here. Both sides are quite situational and expensive, with Rubble especially being useless a huge chunk of the time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Appeal
Heaven
2.5 One card being both Hurricane and Earthquake is a neat design, and it seems like a pretty solid card. You might not always be able to go after flying creatures, but the Earth half will almost always make an impact on the board in one way or another.
2.5 One card being both Hurricane and Earthquake is a neat design, and it seems like a pretty solid card. You might not always be able to go after flying creatures, but the Earth half will almost always make an impact on the board in one way or another.
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.
Battlefield Scavenger
2.5 On its own, this is a two mana 2/2 that can Exert itself to Rummage. If you have more Exert creatures, it will rummage even more! It isn’t exactly the biggest payoff for exerting, but its fine.
2.5 On its own, this is a two mana 2/2 that can Exert itself to Rummage. If you have more Exert creatures, it will rummage even more! It isn’t exactly the biggest payoff for exerting, but its fine.
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.
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.
Puncturing Blow
3.5 This is definitely a clunky sorcery, but it also kills almost everything in the format, and the “Exile” clause actually matters in this format. This gets into the lower range of “premium” removal for me.
3.5 This is definitely a clunky sorcery, but it also kills almost everything in the format, and the “Exile” clause actually matters in this format. This gets into the lower range of “premium” removal for me.
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.
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.
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 3 Pick 7: Tah-Crop Elite
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.
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.
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.
Shimmerscale Drake
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
3.0 A 5-mana ¾ flyer is solid, and you can cycle this one away in situations where that doesn’t help you.
Sidewinder Naga
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
2.0 This will sometimes be a 4/2 with Trample, which is fine, but it wouldn’t be an incredible card even if it was always a 4/2 with trample.
Wasteland Scorpion
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
2.5 Deathtouchers can trade with anything, and that’s pretty nice! That does mostly make this a defensive card, though. And, like a lot of cards in the set, you can also cycle this away when it isn’t very good.
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.
Initiate's Companion
2.0 Thing is fine. A two mana 3/1 is, as usual, a decent aggro creature, and its combat damage to a player effect kind of matters. Its most notable use is untapping an exerted creature.
2.0 Thing is fine. A two mana 3/1 is, as usual, a decent aggro creature, and its combat damage to a player effect kind of matters. Its most notable use is untapping an exerted creature.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Dauntless Aven
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!
Dauntless Aven
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
2.5 A 3-mana 2/1 flyer is reasonably playable already, so adding the ability to untap something definitely matters. You can use this on the Aven itself, or more ideally, use it on an Exert creature so it can attack and Exert again on the very next turn.
Aven of Enduring Hope
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 flyer isn’t great, but the +3 life effect plays surprisingly well in this format, and can help you stabilize while adding a flying threat to the board.
Mighty Leap
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
1.5 This is always a decent trick that has the upside of giving you some reach in the late game.
Desert of the 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.
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.
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 9: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3 Pick 10: Anointer Priest
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.
Spellweaver Eternal
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
3.0 Afflict and Prowess on a two mana 2/1 is a pretty good deal. The Eternal will make sure it does damage to the opponent one way or another in most scenarios, and because of Prowess your opponent has to be pretty careful about how they block. This is yet another impressive two drop in a format that is loaded up with them!
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Sacred Cat
Destined
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
2.5 The Destined side of this is a decent combat trick, though it isn’t quite as good as Supernatural Stamina. +1/+0 won’t win that many combats, but because of indestructibility, your creature will likely survive combat at least, and you can use it in response to removal, too. The Lead side also has some pretty nice uses, as Lure effects often do in very specific situations. Forcing everything to block one of your creatures means all of your other creatures will get through that turn, and that can often be game-ending. Obviously, casting both of these on the same turn on the same creature is also pretty powerful, but you’ll often find a use for Destined earlier in the game.
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Winds of Rebuke
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.
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.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Gate to the Afterlife
Gate to the Afterlife
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
1.0 Gaining 1 life and looting every time a creature dies is decent, though probably not something you would play very often. I think the only one this becomes worth playing is if you also have God-Pharaoh’s Gift, since it can search it up.
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.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Life Goes On
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.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: As Foretold
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Aerial Guide
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Oketra's Attendant
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Edifice of Authority
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Fan Bearer
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Oketra's Avenger
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Aven of Enduring Hope
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Evolving Wilds
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Slither Blade
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Pitiless Vizier
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Aven of Enduring Hope
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Pouncing Cheetah
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Thorned Moloch
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Oashra Cultivator
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Oketra's Monument
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Countervailing Winds
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Cartouche of Solidarity
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Binding Mummy
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Ominous Sphinx
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Aerial Guide
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Solitary Camel
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Binding Mummy
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Striped Riverwinder
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Vizier of Remedies
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Greater Sandwurm
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Trial of Solidarity
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Hekma Sentinels
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Destined
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Compulsory Rest
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Crested Sunmare
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Disposal Mummy
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Floodwaters
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Desert of the True
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Appeal
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Tah-Crop Elite
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Dauntless Aven
- Pack 3 Pick 9: By Force
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Anointer Priest
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Sacred Cat
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Winds of Rebuke
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Gate to the Afterlife
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Life Goes On
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