Premier Draft KLR 16 August 2021
16 August 10:51 - PartyNator23 7 Wins - 2 Losses
Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Thriving Rhino
Merchant's Dockhand
2.0 This has a solid mana sink ability that can draw you cards, but is pretty irrelevant in the early and mid game.
2.0 This has a solid mana sink ability that can draw you cards, but is pretty irrelevant in the early and mid game.
Restoration Specialist
2.5 Even in a set with this many Artifacts, you don’t often have one in your graveyard that is worth paying 4 mana to reanimate.
2.5 Even in a set with this many Artifacts, you don’t often have one in your graveyard that is worth paying 4 mana to reanimate.
Cloudblazer
4.0 This is quite the signpost uncommon! It basically gives you a 3-for-1 and gains you some life to give you a better chance of surviving long enough to use those cards, which is great.
4.0 This is quite the signpost uncommon! It basically gives you a 3-for-1 and gains you some life to give you a better chance of surviving long enough to use those cards, which is great.
Demolition Stomper
1.0 Most of the vehicles in this set are solid or better. This isn’t one of them. Yeah, its huge when it gets going, but Crew 5 is massive and even if really small creatures can’t block it, its still very chumpable, and takes a lot of set up.
1.0 Most of the vehicles in this set are solid or better. This isn’t one of them. Yeah, its huge when it gets going, but Crew 5 is massive and even if really small creatures can’t block it, its still very chumpable, and takes a lot of set up.
Subtle Strike
2.5 This can often give you a 2-for-1 for only two mana, and that’s great! It won’t always line up that way, but even when it doesn’t it tends to do a pretty good job of making combat go your way.
2.5 This can often give you a 2-for-1 for only two mana, and that’s great! It won’t always line up that way, but even when it doesn’t it tends to do a pretty good job of making combat go your way.
Welding Sparks
4.0 This is a great Common, one that would be really good even if it always does 3, but will be doing 4+ pretty often.
4.0 This is a great Common, one that would be really good even if it always does 3, but will be doing 4+ pretty often.
Revolutionary Rebuff
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Inspired Charge
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Shipwreck Moray
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
Aether Theorist
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
Thriving Rhino
3.0 This is the best card in the “Thriving” cycle. The first time it attacks it becomes a ¾, and that’s a pretty real body – especially on turn 4, but even in the later part of the game.
3.0 This is the best card in the “Thriving” cycle. The first time it attacks it becomes a ¾, and that’s a pretty real body – especially on turn 4, but even in the later part of the game.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Druid of the Cowl
Outland Boar
3.5 This definitely isn’t exciting but it has good stats and is hard to block, and that’s a nice thing to have in RG.
3.5 This definitely isn’t exciting but it has good stats and is hard to block, and that’s a nice thing to have in RG.
Gearshift Ace
3.5 This has really good base stats, and being able to give Vehicles first strike is very real upside.
3.5 This has really good base stats, and being able to give Vehicles first strike is very real upside.
Daredevil Dragster
2.0 This is fairly easy to crew and decently sized, but the fact it has to give itself up after its second attack is a little bit of a bummer, as there are definitely times where you’d prefer to keep it in play.
2.0 This is fairly easy to crew and decently sized, but the fact it has to give itself up after its second attack is a little bit of a bummer, as there are definitely times where you’d prefer to keep it in play.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Ruinous Gremlin
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
Aviary Mechanic
2.5 This has a solid baseline as a bear, and its ETB ability actually does something like half the time, and that’s pretty nice.
2.5 This has a solid baseline as a bear, and its ETB ability actually does something like half the time, and that’s pretty nice.
Reservoir Walker
1.5 3 life and 3 energy isn’t really enough to offset the bad stats this has. It isn’t unplayable, but you won’t play it very often.
1.5 3 life and 3 energy isn’t really enough to offset the bad stats this has. It isn’t unplayable, but you won’t play it very often.
Weldfast Wingsmith
2.0 This has mediocre starting stats, but it does gain Flying often enough to be a decent inclusion in artifact-heavy decks.
2.0 This has mediocre starting stats, but it does gain Flying often enough to be a decent inclusion in artifact-heavy decks.
Chandra's Pyrohelix
3.0 At worst, this kills an X/2 for two mana, which is fine – and sometimes you can take out 2 X/1s, which will feel amazing. It can also go after your opponent when necessary.
3.0 At worst, this kills an X/2 for two mana, which is fine – and sometimes you can take out 2 X/1s, which will feel amazing. It can also go after your opponent when necessary.
Consulate Skygate
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
Druid of the Cowl
2.5 This has decent stats and ramps your mana, which makes it a solid card.
2.5 This has decent stats and ramps your mana, which makes it a solid card.
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Prophetic Prism
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Daring Demolition
Midnight Oil
4.0 The downside here might look big, but in reality it just ends up being a card advantage engine. Now, you do need to have a reasonably low curve and be pretty aggressive to get full value out of Midnight Oil, but once you do, it will be pretty incredible. Your opponent just won’t be able to keep up with all the extra cards you draw, and even once you run out of counters, you’ll find yourself able to stay away from being damage much by it.
4.0 The downside here might look big, but in reality it just ends up being a card advantage engine. Now, you do need to have a reasonably low curve and be pretty aggressive to get full value out of Midnight Oil, but once you do, it will be pretty incredible. Your opponent just won’t be able to keep up with all the extra cards you draw, and even once you run out of counters, you’ll find yourself able to stay away from being damage much by it.
Invigorated Rampage
2.0 In really aggressive decks, this trick can really be a beating, as it can add a ton of damage to the board out of nowhere. Now, its rough that it doesn’t increase your creature’s toughness at all, but that just doesn’t really matter if the card lets you run over a couple of your opponent’s creatures while doing a bunch of damage.
2.0 In really aggressive decks, this trick can really be a beating, as it can add a ton of damage to the board out of nowhere. Now, its rough that it doesn’t increase your creature’s toughness at all, but that just doesn’t really matter if the card lets you run over a couple of your opponent’s creatures while doing a bunch of damage.
Barricade Breaker
2.5 Powering this out with Improvise on turn 5 is pretty doable, and it is a real problem when that’s the case, though it does usually eventually meet its end since it won’t stop attacking.
2.5 Powering this out with Improvise on turn 5 is pretty doable, and it is a real problem when that’s the case, though it does usually eventually meet its end since it won’t stop attacking.
Aether Theorist
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
Mind Rot
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
Frontline Rebel
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
Foundry Screecher
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
Inspired Charge
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
Cathartic Reunion
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
Daring Demolition
4.0 4 mana to kill any creature or artifact is great in this format, even at Sorcery speed. This is premium removal.
4.0 4 mana to kill any creature or artifact is great in this format, even at Sorcery speed. This is premium removal.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Aether Inspector
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Thriving Rhino
Ornithopter
1.0 There aren’t really any shenanigans you can do with Ornithopter in this format, so you mostly don’t play it.
1.0 There aren’t really any shenanigans you can do with Ornithopter in this format, so you mostly don’t play it.
Select for Inspection
2.0 One mana to bounce a creature is a really good deal, even if it can only go after tapped creatures. It can give you some very nice tempo, and tacking on the Scry is nice additional upside.
2.0 One mana to bounce a creature is a really good deal, even if it can only go after tapped creatures. It can give you some very nice tempo, and tacking on the Scry is nice additional upside.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Thriving Rhino
3.0 This is the best card in the “Thriving” cycle. The first time it attacks it becomes a ¾, and that’s a pretty real body – especially on turn 4, but even in the later part of the game.
3.0 This is the best card in the “Thriving” cycle. The first time it attacks it becomes a ¾, and that’s a pretty real body – especially on turn 4, but even in the later part of the game.
Impeccable Timing
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
2.5 This is situational, but the format does have a significant number of small creatures, and people will inevitably be attacking or blocking, so you’ll find yourself playing this a decent chunk of the time.
Fen Hauler
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
Lathnu Sailback
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Welding Sparks
4.0 This is a great Common, one that would be really good even if it always does 3, but will be doing 4+ pretty often.
4.0 This is a great Common, one that would be really good even if it always does 3, but will be doing 4+ pretty often.
Hijack
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Foundry Hornet
Foundry Hornet
2.5 A 4-mana 2/3 Flyer isn’t great, but it is kind of passable. You have to be able to give your opponent’s creatures -1/-1 with this a decent chunk of the time to really get there, but that’s not especially hard to do in Black.
2.5 A 4-mana 2/3 Flyer isn’t great, but it is kind of passable. You have to be able to give your opponent’s creatures -1/-1 with this a decent chunk of the time to really get there, but that’s not especially hard to do in Black.
Foundry Screecher
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
Riparian Tiger
2.0 This isn’t the greatest finisher ever for Green energy decks, but you could do worse too. Even without any other help, it is a 5-mana 4/4 Trampler that attacks as a 6/6 the first time it attacks, and that’s a creature that is very difficult to effectively block.
2.0 This isn’t the greatest finisher ever for Green energy decks, but you could do worse too. Even without any other help, it is a 5-mana 4/4 Trampler that attacks as a 6/6 the first time it attacks, and that’s a creature that is very difficult to effectively block.
Aether Chaser
3.5 This has great stats to begin with, so adding the ability to make Servo tokens is great. A 2/1 first striker is often relevant pretty much all game, whether you’re the one attacking or blocking, so having that Energy/servo upside is great, especially because going wide is very viable in this set.
3.5 This has great stats to begin with, so adding the ability to make Servo tokens is great. A 2/1 first striker is often relevant pretty much all game, whether you’re the one attacking or blocking, so having that Energy/servo upside is great, especially because going wide is very viable in this set.
Gearseeker Serpent
3.0 This is a very nice Common for Blue decks in this format, which really like Artifacts. It often costs 4 or 5 mana, and is a great finisher in this format thanks to its bulk and potential evasiveness.
3.0 This is a very nice Common for Blue decks in this format, which really like Artifacts. It often costs 4 or 5 mana, and is a great finisher in this format thanks to its bulk and potential evasiveness.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Metallic Rebuke
1.0 Even in an artifact deck, this isn’t great. Not being a hard counter gives it diminishing returns as the game goes on.
1.0 Even in an artifact deck, this isn’t great. Not being a hard counter gives it diminishing returns as the game goes on.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Prophetic Prism
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
Shipwreck Moray
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Appetite for the Unnatural
Aether Hub
3.5 This gives you really good fixing, especially because having more energy to use on it really isn’t that hard.
3.5 This gives you really good fixing, especially because having more energy to use on it really isn’t that hard.
Built to Last
2.0 This is a decent trick that gets even better if you’re rumbling with artifact creatures. It is a decent inclusion in aggro decks.
2.0 This is a decent trick that gets even better if you’re rumbling with artifact creatures. It is a decent inclusion in aggro decks.
Nimble Innovator
1.5 4-mana for a 2/2 is pretty ugly, but at least it draws you a card. It can give you a 2-for-1 often enough to make the cut sometimes.
1.5 4-mana for a 2/2 is pretty ugly, but at least it draws you a card. It can give you a 2-for-1 often enough to make the cut sometimes.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Chandra's Pyrohelix
3.0 At worst, this kills an X/2 for two mana, which is fine – and sometimes you can take out 2 X/1s, which will feel amazing. It can also go after your opponent when necessary.
3.0 At worst, this kills an X/2 for two mana, which is fine – and sometimes you can take out 2 X/1s, which will feel amazing. It can also go after your opponent when necessary.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Workshop Assistant
2.0 It isn’t super difficult to have an Artifact in your graveyard for this to return, but because of its mediocre stats, it will mostly just be chump blocking and returning an artifact, which isn’t amazing.
2.0 It isn’t super difficult to have an Artifact in your graveyard for this to return, but because of its mediocre stats, it will mostly just be chump blocking and returning an artifact, which isn’t amazing.
Prophetic Prism
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
Propeller Pioneer
3.0 This is another nice card that really gets you going wide, and having the option to make it a 4-mana 3/2 Flyer when that’s what you need is pretty nice.
3.0 This is another nice card that really gets you going wide, and having the option to make it a 4-mana 3/2 Flyer when that’s what you need is pretty nice.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Hunt the Weak
Creeping Mold
1.0 This does kill a lot of Artifacts, but as a 4 mana Sorcery, it is too clunky to be worth it most of the time.
1.0 This does kill a lot of Artifacts, but as a 4 mana Sorcery, it is too clunky to be worth it most of the time.
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Attune with Aether
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Hunt the Weak
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
Weldfast Wingsmith
2.0 This has mediocre starting stats, but it does gain Flying often enough to be a decent inclusion in artifact-heavy decks.
2.0 This has mediocre starting stats, but it does gain Flying often enough to be a decent inclusion in artifact-heavy decks.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Die Young
Tezzeret's Touch
3.0 Making any ol’ artifact into a 5/5 for three mana wouldn’t be that good, because it would set you up for a 2-for-1 without that much of a payoff. However, Tezzeret’s touch gets around that by giving you the artifact back when it dies, and that makes it pretty nice. However, it is kind of awkward that it doesn’t work with Servos, which are one of the more attractive targets for an effect like this.
3.0 Making any ol’ artifact into a 5/5 for three mana wouldn’t be that good, because it would set you up for a 2-for-1 without that much of a payoff. However, Tezzeret’s touch gets around that by giving you the artifact back when it dies, and that makes it pretty nice. However, it is kind of awkward that it doesn’t work with Servos, which are one of the more attractive targets for an effect like this.
Malfunction
3.0 4 mana is a little clunky, but this shuts down most creatures and artifacts in the format.
3.0 4 mana is a little clunky, but this shuts down most creatures and artifacts in the format.
Nimble Innovator
1.5 4-mana for a 2/2 is pretty ugly, but at least it draws you a card. It can give you a 2-for-1 often enough to make the cut sometimes.
1.5 4-mana for a 2/2 is pretty ugly, but at least it draws you a card. It can give you a 2-for-1 often enough to make the cut sometimes.
Precise Strike
1.5 This is one mana, and can help enough creatures win combat that it is a semi-reasonable inclusion in aggro decks.
1.5 This is one mana, and can help enough creatures win combat that it is a semi-reasonable inclusion in aggro decks.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Audacious Infiltrator
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
Lathnu Sailback
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Narnam Cobra
Revolutionary Rebuff
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Shipwreck Moray
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
Aether Theorist
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Prophetic Prism
Outland Boar
3.5 This definitely isn’t exciting but it has good stats and is hard to block, and that’s a nice thing to have in RG.
3.5 This definitely isn’t exciting but it has good stats and is hard to block, and that’s a nice thing to have in RG.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Ruinous Gremlin
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
Consulate Skygate
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
Prophetic Prism
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Sage of Shaila's Claim
Invigorated Rampage
2.0 In really aggressive decks, this trick can really be a beating, as it can add a ton of damage to the board out of nowhere. Now, its rough that it doesn’t increase your creature’s toughness at all, but that just doesn’t really matter if the card lets you run over a couple of your opponent’s creatures while doing a bunch of damage.
2.0 In really aggressive decks, this trick can really be a beating, as it can add a ton of damage to the board out of nowhere. Now, its rough that it doesn’t increase your creature’s toughness at all, but that just doesn’t really matter if the card lets you run over a couple of your opponent’s creatures while doing a bunch of damage.
Mind Rot
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
Cathartic Reunion
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Narnam Cobra
Lathnu Sailback
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
0.5 You’re almost never desperate enough to stick this in your deck. A 5-mana 5/4 just doesn’t do anything in this format.
Hijack
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Shipwreck Moray
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Nimble Innovator
Nimble Innovator
1.5 4-mana for a 2/2 is pretty ugly, but at least it draws you a card. It can give you a 2-for-1 often enough to make the cut sometimes.
1.5 4-mana for a 2/2 is pretty ugly, but at least it draws you a card. It can give you a 2-for-1 often enough to make the cut sometimes.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Ridgescale Tusker
Confiscation Coup
4.5 Mind Control effects are crazy strong in Limited, since they effectively destroy an opposing creature and you get a copy of it, and Confiscation Coup can’t be dealt with as easily as Aura-based versions of the effect. Sure, it is somewhat limited on what it can steal since you need Energy, but paying 5 to steal a 4-mana card is great, and if you have enough spare energy, it can steal pretty much anything! This is a bomb.
4.5 Mind Control effects are crazy strong in Limited, since they effectively destroy an opposing creature and you get a copy of it, and Confiscation Coup can’t be dealt with as easily as Aura-based versions of the effect. Sure, it is somewhat limited on what it can steal since you need Energy, but paying 5 to steal a 4-mana card is great, and if you have enough spare energy, it can steal pretty much anything! This is a bomb.
Ridgescale Tusker
4.5 Yeah, this is an Uncommon, but it just feels like a bomb in this format. It isn’t hard to go wide, it is a 5-mana 5/5, and it has an immediate and large impact on just about every board it can come down on.
4.5 Yeah, this is an Uncommon, but it just feels like a bomb in this format. It isn’t hard to go wide, it is a 5-mana 5/5, and it has an immediate and large impact on just about every board it can come down on.
Ravenous Intruder
2.0 This is a pretty threatening attacker even with just a single artifact on the table, and if you have more, it can be a real problem for the opponent. Problem is, you don’t always have artifacts you want to give up to pump the Intruder.
2.0 This is a pretty threatening attacker even with just a single artifact on the table, and if you have more, it can be a real problem for the opponent. Problem is, you don’t always have artifacts you want to give up to pump the Intruder.
Siege Modification
1.0 So, this is a crazy swingy card. If you get a vehicle down early and slap this on it, your opponent just dies if they don’t have an answer. Problem is, if they do have that answer, you probably lose as a result of the devastating 2-for-1 you just endured that probably left you with almost no board state. That’s generally too risky for me.
1.0 So, this is a crazy swingy card. If you get a vehicle down early and slap this on it, your opponent just dies if they don’t have an answer. Problem is, if they do have that answer, you probably lose as a result of the devastating 2-for-1 you just endured that probably left you with almost no board state. That’s generally too risky for me.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Self-Assembler
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Hinterland Drake
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
Aviary Mechanic
2.5 This has a solid baseline as a bear, and its ETB ability actually does something like half the time, and that’s pretty nice.
2.5 This has a solid baseline as a bear, and its ETB ability actually does something like half the time, and that’s pretty nice.
Reckless Fireweaver
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
Thriving Rhino
3.0 This is the best card in the “Thriving” cycle. The first time it attacks it becomes a ¾, and that’s a pretty real body – especially on turn 4, but even in the later part of the game.
3.0 This is the best card in the “Thriving” cycle. The first time it attacks it becomes a ¾, and that’s a pretty real body – especially on turn 4, but even in the later part of the game.
Aether Theorist
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Spireside Infiltrator
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Thriving Rhino
Disallow
1.5 This is an alright counterspell for Limited since it can deal with so many different things, but you still won’t play it that often.
1.5 This is an alright counterspell for Limited since it can deal with so many different things, but you still won’t play it that often.
Ovalchase Dragster
2.5 This has huge power for only 4 mana and crew 1, and can often get in for 6 the first time without being blocked. It doesn’t always happen – especially in a format with a bunch of Servos – but even if they lose a servo and take 5, it doesn’t feel too bad. If you do get in that first time though, the Dragster is pretty incredible.
2.5 This has huge power for only 4 mana and crew 1, and can often get in for 6 the first time without being blocked. It doesn’t always happen – especially in a format with a bunch of Servos – but even if they lose a servo and take 5, it doesn’t feel too bad. If you do get in that first time though, the Dragster is pretty incredible.
Underhanded Designs
3.0 Most of the value here comes from this turning into a removal spell, but being able to drain the opponent from time to time is nice additional upside. Not every deck will be able to consistently make it into a removal spell, but it isn’t that hard to accomplish either.
3.0 Most of the value here comes from this turning into a removal spell, but being able to drain the opponent from time to time is nice additional upside. Not every deck will be able to consistently make it into a removal spell, but it isn’t that hard to accomplish either.
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Live Fast
2.0 Drawing some cards and getting some energy is something you’ll want in some Black decks, but not all of them.
2.0 Drawing some cards and getting some energy is something you’ll want in some Black decks, but not all of them.
Mind Rot
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Thriving Rhino
3.0 This is the best card in the “Thriving” cycle. The first time it attacks it becomes a ¾, and that’s a pretty real body – especially on turn 4, but even in the later part of the game.
3.0 This is the best card in the “Thriving” cycle. The first time it attacks it becomes a ¾, and that’s a pretty real body – especially on turn 4, but even in the later part of the game.
Conviction
1.0 This Aura just isn’t worth it. The stats boost isn’t great, and being able to return it to your hand doesn’t really help make it much better.
1.0 This Aura just isn’t worth it. The stats boost isn’t great, and being able to return it to your hand doesn’t really help make it much better.
Hinterland Drake
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
2.5 This has pretty aggressive flying stats, and that’s enough to offset the fact that it can’t block Artifact creatures – it will mostly be attacking anyway.
Lifecraft Cavalry
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
Aether Inspector
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
2.0 This whole cycle is pretty nice, but the Inspector is probably the worst of the bunch. It starts out with worse stats and feels a little bit overcosted. But still, it’s a reasonable playable.
Highspire Artisan
2.5 The two choices you have here are pretty nice. A 3-mana ¼ with Reach can block a lot of stuff all game long while also turning on +1/+1 counter synergies, and a 3-mana 0/3 with Reach that also gives you a 1/1 token isn’t too shabby either.
2.5 The two choices you have here are pretty nice. A 3-mana ¼ with Reach can block a lot of stuff all game long while also turning on +1/+1 counter synergies, and a 3-mana 0/3 with Reach that also gives you a 1/1 token isn’t too shabby either.
Pack 2 Pick 3: Ridgescale Tusker
Kambal, Consul of Allocation
3.0 Kambal’s ability punishes enough cards for him to be something you play most of the time in BW. Just triggering it once is pretty good, and if he does any more than that, you’ll really be in business.
3.0 Kambal’s ability punishes enough cards for him to be something you play most of the time in BW. Just triggering it once is pretty good, and if he does any more than that, you’ll really be in business.
Ridgescale Tusker
4.5 Yeah, this is an Uncommon, but it just feels like a bomb in this format. It isn’t hard to go wide, it is a 5-mana 5/5, and it has an immediate and large impact on just about every board it can come down on.
4.5 Yeah, this is an Uncommon, but it just feels like a bomb in this format. It isn’t hard to go wide, it is a 5-mana 5/5, and it has an immediate and large impact on just about every board it can come down on.
Invigorated Rampage
2.0 In really aggressive decks, this trick can really be a beating, as it can add a ton of damage to the board out of nowhere. Now, its rough that it doesn’t increase your creature’s toughness at all, but that just doesn’t really matter if the card lets you run over a couple of your opponent’s creatures while doing a bunch of damage.
2.0 In really aggressive decks, this trick can really be a beating, as it can add a ton of damage to the board out of nowhere. Now, its rough that it doesn’t increase your creature’s toughness at all, but that just doesn’t really matter if the card lets you run over a couple of your opponent’s creatures while doing a bunch of damage.
Winding Constrictor
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
Eddytrail Hawk
2.5 Giving other stuff flying can have a pretty big impact, and the Hawk can do it twice without any outside help, making it a decent card.
2.5 Giving other stuff flying can have a pretty big impact, and the Hawk can do it twice without any outside help, making it a decent card.
Hijack
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
Foundry Screecher
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
Sky Skiff
2.5 The mana and crew cost here are both quite low, and thanks to Flying this can attack pretty much all game long.
2.5 The mana and crew cost here are both quite low, and thanks to Flying this can attack pretty much all game long.
Malfunction
3.0 4 mana is a little clunky, but this shuts down most creatures and artifacts in the format.
3.0 4 mana is a little clunky, but this shuts down most creatures and artifacts in the format.
Cogworker's Puzzleknot
2.5 This can really help you go wide in a hurry, which is useful for White decks, and it also gives you two artifacts on turn two, which can really help out cards with Improvise.
2.5 This can really help you go wide in a hurry, which is useful for White decks, and it also gives you two artifacts on turn two, which can really help out cards with Improvise.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Gifted Aetherborn
Gifted Aetherborn
3.5 This has great stats, gains you life, and can trade with anything. Not much more to say about it!
3.5 This has great stats, gains you life, and can trade with anything. Not much more to say about it!
Whirler Virtuoso
4.0 This is, at worst, a 3-mana 2/3 that makes a 1/1 Thopter – that’s a card you’d always play, and obviously it has the potential to churn out more than one Thopter token.
4.0 This is, at worst, a 3-mana 2/3 that makes a 1/1 Thopter – that’s a card you’d always play, and obviously it has the potential to churn out more than one Thopter token.
Empyreal Voyager
3.5 This has solid stats and can supply you with Energy, which you’re very interested in UG, so it’s a pretty nice card to have.
3.5 This has solid stats and can supply you with Energy, which you’re very interested in UG, so it’s a pretty nice card to have.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Spireside Infiltrator
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
2.5 This can crew most of the vehicles worth playing in the format while also doing 1 damage to your opponent, and even if it isn’t crewing, it is a 3-mana 3/2 that does 1 to the opponent every time it attacks. It does surprisingly well in aggressive decks.
Tezzeret's Ambition
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
Metallic Rebuke
1.0 Even in an artifact deck, this isn’t great. Not being a hard counter gives it diminishing returns as the game goes on.
1.0 Even in an artifact deck, this isn’t great. Not being a hard counter gives it diminishing returns as the game goes on.
Shipwreck Moray
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
Aether Poisoner
3.5 This is another very good Common in this cycle. With death touch, it is a real pain to block or attack through, and that means it often has no problem making that 1/1 token. Attacking with it into a block and making that 1/1 feels pretty good, and it can obviously get even more out of hand!
3.5 This is another very good Common in this cycle. With death touch, it is a real pain to block or attack through, and that means it often has no problem making that 1/1 token. Attacking with it into a block and making that 1/1 feels pretty good, and it can obviously get even more out of hand!
Weldfast Monitor
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is a pretty solid creature to have in your Red decks.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is a pretty solid creature to have in your Red decks.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Attune with Aether
Padeem, Consul of Innovation
3.5 Padeem is quite good in this set thanks to the large number of Artifacts. Granting them hexproof on its own actually matters a fair bit in the format, but the real value comes from Padeem’s ability to draw you cards. It doesn’t really take building around to take advantage of that. She’ll draw you a decent number of cards just in a regular Limited deck in this format.
3.5 Padeem is quite good in this set thanks to the large number of Artifacts. Granting them hexproof on its own actually matters a fair bit in the format, but the real value comes from Padeem’s ability to draw you cards. It doesn’t really take building around to take advantage of that. She’ll draw you a decent number of cards just in a regular Limited deck in this format.
Cathartic Reunion
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Thriving Turtle
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
2.5 If you play this on turn one, it can become a very real creature on the board. It generally won’t be able to attack forever because its power starts so low, but by the time it has to stop attacking, it has the kind of size that isn’t easy to attack through.
Aether Theorist
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
Implement of Examination
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
Attune with Aether
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
Night Market Aeronaut
1.5 There is a big difference between a 4-mana 2/2 flyer and a 4-mana 3/3 flyer, and Revolt can be difficult enough to get going that this isn’t that great.
1.5 There is a big difference between a 4-mana 2/2 flyer and a 4-mana 3/3 flyer, and Revolt can be difficult enough to get going that this isn’t that great.
Frontline Rebel
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
2.0 The aggressive decks in the format tend to feel fine about including this in their deck, even if it is a 3-mana 3/3 with downside.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Peema Outrider
Live Fast
2.0 Drawing some cards and getting some energy is something you’ll want in some Black decks, but not all of them.
2.0 Drawing some cards and getting some energy is something you’ll want in some Black decks, but not all of them.
Cogworker's Puzzleknot
2.5 This can really help you go wide in a hurry, which is useful for White decks, and it also gives you two artifacts on turn two, which can really help out cards with Improvise.
2.5 This can really help you go wide in a hurry, which is useful for White decks, and it also gives you two artifacts on turn two, which can really help out cards with Improvise.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Alley Evasion
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
1.0 This set does have lots of ETB abilities, but this card is still mostly just a dud. Both modes are underpowered and situational.
Peema Outrider
3.5 The choice between a 4-mana 4/4 Trample and a 4-mana 3/3 Trample with a 1/1 Servo token is a good decision to have to make, because either option is giving you a great deal.
3.5 The choice between a 4-mana 4/4 Trample and a 4-mana 3/3 Trample with a 1/1 Servo token is a good decision to have to make, because either option is giving you a great deal.
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Audacious Infiltrator
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
2.5 This ability comes up more than you might think with all the thopters and servos running around. One of the big downsides about being an X/1 is usually that you die to something like a token, but that’s not a problem here, so it is just a creature with a decent aggressive statline.
Revolutionary Rebuff
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
1.0 This is cheap, but it also isn’t anywhere close to a hard counter, and the fact that it can’t counter artifacts definitely matters in this set.
Prophetic Prism
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
3.0 The fac this replaces itself is a pretty big deal. Most of the time filter artifacts aren’t worth a card, but this is literally worth a card and then some because of that. And, this format really cares about artifacts.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Arborback Stomper
Arborback Stomper
4.0 It is kind of amazing how much this does for you. The fairly efficient trampling body coupled with +5 life is just a big deal, and often enough to get you back at parity from behind. It really helps you stabilize against the format’s aggro decks.
4.0 It is kind of amazing how much this does for you. The fairly efficient trampling body coupled with +5 life is just a big deal, and often enough to get you back at parity from behind. It really helps you stabilize against the format’s aggro decks.
Speedway Fanatic
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
2.0 Giving Vehicles haste is nice, and a two mana 2/1 with Haste isn’t the worst thing ever, either.
Contraband Kingpin
3.0 The Kingpin has a very annoying body for aggressive decks to deal with since it can block a ton of stuff and survive while also gaining you life. Then, in the mean time, you get to Scry any time an Artifact ETBs, and that’s some nice additional upside.
3.0 The Kingpin has a very annoying body for aggressive decks to deal with since it can block a ton of stuff and survive while also gaining you life. Then, in the mean time, you get to Scry any time an Artifact ETBs, and that’s some nice additional upside.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Attune with Aether
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
3.0 This card is sneaky good. It is basically one mana to draw a card and gain two energy, and that’s a great deal. And sure, the card you draw is a land, but that’s fine! It basically lets you play fewer lands in your deck, gives you energy for all the cards that care about that and fixes your mana. It just does so much for only one Green.
Tezzeret's Ambition
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
Fen Hauler
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
2.5 This is a solid finisher for Black decks with a decent number of Artifacts. It is quite large, paying 5 for it is pretty realistic, and it can’t be blacked by a ton of creatures in the format, including most of the creature tokens.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Riparian Tiger
Hijack
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
Aether Theorist
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Fireforger's Puzzleknot
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
1.5 So, this can kill a couple of X/1s or an X/2 for 4 mana. That’s not exactly incredible, but hey – its an artifact, and that helps elevate it a bit.
Highspire Infusion
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
Conviction
1.0 This Aura just isn’t worth it. The stats boost isn’t great, and being able to return it to your hand doesn’t really help make it much better.
1.0 This Aura just isn’t worth it. The stats boost isn’t great, and being able to return it to your hand doesn’t really help make it much better.
Riparian Tiger
2.0 This isn’t the greatest finisher ever for Green energy decks, but you could do worse too. Even without any other help, it is a 5-mana 4/4 Trampler that attacks as a 6/6 the first time it attacks, and that’s a creature that is very difficult to effectively block.
2.0 This isn’t the greatest finisher ever for Green energy decks, but you could do worse too. Even without any other help, it is a 5-mana 4/4 Trampler that attacks as a 6/6 the first time it attacks, and that’s a creature that is very difficult to effectively block.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Die Young
Ravenous Intruder
2.0 This is a pretty threatening attacker even with just a single artifact on the table, and if you have more, it can be a real problem for the opponent. Problem is, you don’t always have artifacts you want to give up to pump the Intruder.
2.0 This is a pretty threatening attacker even with just a single artifact on the table, and if you have more, it can be a real problem for the opponent. Problem is, you don’t always have artifacts you want to give up to pump the Intruder.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Reckless Fireweaver
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
Aether Theorist
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Lifecraft Cavalry
Defiant Salvager
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
1.5 Only being able to sacrifice things at Sorcery speed is rough, even in a format that has a lot of Servos to gobble up.
Mind Rot
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
1.0 This is basically never good in Limited, and that’s not different here!
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Lifecraft Cavalry
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
Highspire Artisan
2.5 The two choices you have here are pretty nice. A 3-mana ¼ with Reach can block a lot of stuff all game long while also turning on +1/+1 counter synergies, and a 3-mana 0/3 with Reach that also gives you a 1/1 token isn’t too shabby either.
2.5 The two choices you have here are pretty nice. A 3-mana ¼ with Reach can block a lot of stuff all game long while also turning on +1/+1 counter synergies, and a 3-mana 0/3 with Reach that also gives you a 1/1 token isn’t too shabby either.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Winding Constrictor
Winding Constrictor
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
Foundry Screecher
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
2.5 This has passable stats to begin with, and becomes a 3/1 flyer for 3 if you have an Artifact, and that’s a pretty legitimate threat in the air.
Die Young
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
3.0 This is a nice removal spell. At worst, it is two mana to give something -2/-2, and if you have other energy around, it can take down larger things.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Ornamental Courage
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Tezzeret's Ambition
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
Shipwreck Moray
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
1.0 This probably isn’t the Energy payoff you were looking for. It has really mediocre starting stats, and takes a ton of energy to ever actually do anything.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Aether Theorist
Cathartic Reunion
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
1.0 This mostly isn’t worth it. It is just some clunky card selection that asks for significant set up. There isn’t enough of a graveyard theme in the format for it to be more than that.
Aether Theorist
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
2.0 This has decent stats and can improve your draws for no mana – in addition to the fact that it might give you energy to use elsewhere. Its pretty decent.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Live Fast
Live Fast
2.0 Drawing some cards and getting some energy is something you’ll want in some Black decks, but not all of them.
2.0 Drawing some cards and getting some energy is something you’ll want in some Black decks, but not all of them.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Longtusk Cub
Dynavolt Tower
1.0 // 3.5 So, even if you end up with a ton of spells, you have to cast three before this can use its ability the first time. That’s way too slow. The good news is, if you have other Energy sources, you can get it going a little more effectively – but your deck has to have both a lot of energy and a lot of instants and sorceries to get this going, and that just won’t be most decks.
1.0 // 3.5 So, even if you end up with a ton of spells, you have to cast three before this can use its ability the first time. That’s way too slow. The good news is, if you have other Energy sources, you can get it going a little more effectively – but your deck has to have both a lot of energy and a lot of instants and sorceries to get this going, and that just won’t be most decks.
Enraged Giant
3.0 If you can cast this for either 4 or 5 mana, you generally feel pretty good about it. 4/4 is pretty nice size in this format.
3.0 If you can cast this for either 4 or 5 mana, you generally feel pretty good about it. 4/4 is pretty nice size in this format.
Longtusk Cub
3.5 If you play this on turn two, it can just run away with the game, since it will just keep making Energy and making itself larger. Later in the game, it isn’t quite as imposing, but it still represents a very real threat that has to be accounted for.
3.5 If you play this on turn two, it can just run away with the game, since it will just keep making Energy and making itself larger. Later in the game, it isn’t quite as imposing, but it still represents a very real threat that has to be accounted for.
Nature's Way
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get a stats boost from this, so it has to already be decently sized for this to be worth it – but the good news is, you’re in Green, and that’s just going to be the case most of the time! Also, it doesn’t “fight.” The damage it does is one-sided, so your creature’s toughness doesn’t matter! And the keywords it gives are pretty nice too, especially since you probably just got rid of a blocker.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get a stats boost from this, so it has to already be decently sized for this to be worth it – but the good news is, you’re in Green, and that’s just going to be the case most of the time! Also, it doesn’t “fight.” The damage it does is one-sided, so your creature’s toughness doesn’t matter! And the keywords it gives are pretty nice too, especially since you probably just got rid of a blocker.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Salivating Gremlins
2.5 This will be a 4/3 with Trample on lots of turns, and that’s a relevant body all game long. If you’re really good at making servos, sometimes it will be even bigger!
2.5 This will be a 4/3 with Trample on lots of turns, and that’s a relevant body all game long. If you’re really good at making servos, sometimes it will be even bigger!
Metallic Rebuke
1.0 Even in an artifact deck, this isn’t great. Not being a hard counter gives it diminishing returns as the game goes on.
1.0 Even in an artifact deck, this isn’t great. Not being a hard counter gives it diminishing returns as the game goes on.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Consulate Skygate
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
Herald of the Fair
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but an ETB ability that often lets you attack more effectively. Still, it is pretty replaceable and not remotely impressive.
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but an ETB ability that often lets you attack more effectively. Still, it is pretty replaceable and not remotely impressive.
Inspired Charge
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
0.5 // 2.5 You would definitely prefer to get Dawnfeather Eagle, but with all of the Servos in White, you end up going wide enough to make this work in a decent chunk of decks, and it can definitely sub in for the eagle in those decks. If you aren’t good at going wide, it is pretty unplayable.
Aether Poisoner
3.5 This is another very good Common in this cycle. With death touch, it is a real pain to block or attack through, and that means it often has no problem making that 1/1 token. Attacking with it into a block and making that 1/1 feels pretty good, and it can obviously get even more out of hand!
3.5 This is another very good Common in this cycle. With death touch, it is a real pain to block or attack through, and that means it often has no problem making that 1/1 token. Attacking with it into a block and making that 1/1 feels pretty good, and it can obviously get even more out of hand!
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Longtusk Cub
Kambal, Consul of Allocation
3.0 Kambal’s ability punishes enough cards for him to be something you play most of the time in BW. Just triggering it once is pretty good, and if he does any more than that, you’ll really be in business.
3.0 Kambal’s ability punishes enough cards for him to be something you play most of the time in BW. Just triggering it once is pretty good, and if he does any more than that, you’ll really be in business.
Longtusk Cub
3.5 If you play this on turn two, it can just run away with the game, since it will just keep making Energy and making itself larger. Later in the game, it isn’t quite as imposing, but it still represents a very real threat that has to be accounted for.
3.5 If you play this on turn two, it can just run away with the game, since it will just keep making Energy and making itself larger. Later in the game, it isn’t quite as imposing, but it still represents a very real threat that has to be accounted for.
Aeronaut Admiral
3.0 This has almost passable stats, and the ability to give Vehicles flying is pretty relevant in the format.
3.0 This has almost passable stats, and the ability to give Vehicles flying is pretty relevant in the format.
Engineered Might
2.5 This card is such a bummer as far as signposts go. Luckily, GW has other ways to pump the whole board that are better, because if this was the card that you were counting on to win you the game when you go wide, you’d be in trouble! Being a sorcery for 5 mana is just really rough, and gives your opponent way more information than you’d like. Pumping one creature as a secondary option is alright I guess, but its still a sorcery that can be easily responded to. I don’t think you even always play this in your GW decks, and that’s pretty sad.
2.5 This card is such a bummer as far as signposts go. Luckily, GW has other ways to pump the whole board that are better, because if this was the card that you were counting on to win you the game when you go wide, you’d be in trouble! Being a sorcery for 5 mana is just really rough, and gives your opponent way more information than you’d like. Pumping one creature as a secondary option is alright I guess, but its still a sorcery that can be easily responded to. I don’t think you even always play this in your GW decks, and that’s pretty sad.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
Precise Strike
1.5 This is one mana, and can help enough creatures win combat that it is a semi-reasonable inclusion in aggro decks.
1.5 This is one mana, and can help enough creatures win combat that it is a semi-reasonable inclusion in aggro decks.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Implement of Examination
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
2.0 So, you basically pay a total of 4 mana for two cards, which isn’t completely terrible – and you can spread it out over a couple of turns. It is also an artifact, and one that can get Revolt going.
Hijack
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
1.0 While there are aggressive decks in this format, I haven’t really found that Hijack is worth it most of the time, even in them. It is basically a blank card until you can use it to do lethal, and that’s too inconsistent.
Tezzeret's Ambition
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Kujar Seedsculptor
Lost Legacy
0.0 As always, these type of “Lobotomy” or “Cranial Extraction” effects are unplayable in Limited.
0.0 As always, these type of “Lobotomy” or “Cranial Extraction” effects are unplayable in Limited.
Tezzeret's Touch
3.0 Making any ol’ artifact into a 5/5 for three mana wouldn’t be that good, because it would set you up for a 2-for-1 without that much of a payoff. However, Tezzeret’s touch gets around that by giving you the artifact back when it dies, and that makes it pretty nice. However, it is kind of awkward that it doesn’t work with Servos, which are one of the more attractive targets for an effect like this.
3.0 Making any ol’ artifact into a 5/5 for three mana wouldn’t be that good, because it would set you up for a 2-for-1 without that much of a payoff. However, Tezzeret’s touch gets around that by giving you the artifact back when it dies, and that makes it pretty nice. However, it is kind of awkward that it doesn’t work with Servos, which are one of the more attractive targets for an effect like this.
Monstrous Onslaught
3.0 This is super clunky as a 5-mana Sorcery, but being able to divide damage is big, and doing 4 or so with it isn’t that far-fetched. You can often get a 2-for-1 if you are doing 4+, and sometimes this will do a lot more than that.
3.0 This is super clunky as a 5-mana Sorcery, but being able to divide damage is big, and doing 4 or so with it isn’t that far-fetched. You can often get a 2-for-1 if you are doing 4+, and sometimes this will do a lot more than that.
Aether Tradewinds
1.0 This effect is supposed to be here to help you abuse ETB abilities, but it often just isn’t worth going down a card to do this.
1.0 This effect is supposed to be here to help you abuse ETB abilities, but it often just isn’t worth going down a card to do this.
Maulfist Squad
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
Lifecraft Cavalry
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
2.0 This is kind of alright even when you don’t revolt, and pretty scary when you can. It isn’t terrible top curve.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
Ruinous Gremlin
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
1.5 This is passable in your main deck because there are enough Artifacts it can target, but you sort of hope you have some better artifact hate.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
Kujar Seedsculptor
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
Prakhata Pillar-Bug
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
2.5 Yet another efficient artifact creature that can gain a useful keyword, and yet another 2.5.
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Hunt the Weak
Winding Constrictor
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
Inventor's Apprentice
1.5 If your deck can have this be a 2/3 reasonably consistently, it is a sort of alright card, as a 2/3 body is at least somewhat relevant even late, but it isn’t exactly blowing your opponent away either.
1.5 If your deck can have this be a 2/3 reasonably consistently, it is a sort of alright card, as a 2/3 body is at least somewhat relevant even late, but it isn’t exactly blowing your opponent away either.
Aether Hub
3.5 This gives you really good fixing, especially because having more energy to use on it really isn’t that hard.
3.5 This gives you really good fixing, especially because having more energy to use on it really isn’t that hard.
Hunt the Weak
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
3.0 You have to be careful with this, because your opponent killing the creature you put the counter on will just blow you out of the game. However, when the coast is clear, permanently pumping a creature and killing an opposing creature is quite strong, especially in a set that has +1/+1 counter payoffs.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Consulate Turret
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
1.0 This format has some nice Energy payoffs. This isn’t one of them. Only hitting players is a big problem, and even though it can just tap to give you energy, it usually doesn’t feel like its worth a card.
Built to Smash
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
2.0 This is a really nice trick for aggro decks, as +3/+3 for one mana is enough to win just about any combat. When you can give an artifact creature Trample, it feels especially absurd! Obviously, since the trick only works on attackers, you’ve really gotta be the beatdown to take advantage of it.
Unbridled Growth
1.0 This is something you’ll play if you’re really hard up for fixing, but will avoid most of the time.
1.0 This is something you’ll play if you’re really hard up for fixing, but will avoid most of the time.
Fortuitous Find
2.0 If your deck has a good mix of artifacts and creatures – and ideally, artifact creatures, this feels pretty good, since you can pay 3 to get two creatures back, and that’s a nice little play in the late game. Pretty much a dead card early, and if your graveyard doesn’t have the right composition, its pretty bad.
2.0 If your deck has a good mix of artifacts and creatures – and ideally, artifact creatures, this feels pretty good, since you can pay 3 to get two creatures back, and that’s a nice little play in the late game. Pretty much a dead card early, and if your graveyard doesn’t have the right composition, its pretty bad.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Aether Poisoner
Ballista Charger
2.5 This isn’t as exciting as some of the other vehicles in the set, but it is big and can pick off small creatures or damage the opponent when it attacks.
2.5 This isn’t as exciting as some of the other vehicles in the set, but it is big and can pick off small creatures or damage the opponent when it attacks.
Glint-Sleeve Artisan
3.0 This is one of White’s best commons. A 3-mana 3/3 or a 3-mana 2/2 and a 1/1 is quite nice, especially because White has lots of ways to pay you off for going wide.
3.0 This is one of White’s best commons. A 3-mana 3/3 or a 3-mana 2/2 and a 1/1 is quite nice, especially because White has lots of ways to pay you off for going wide.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Aether Poisoner
3.5 This is another very good Common in this cycle. With death touch, it is a real pain to block or attack through, and that means it often has no problem making that 1/1 token. Attacking with it into a block and making that 1/1 feels pretty good, and it can obviously get even more out of hand!
3.5 This is another very good Common in this cycle. With death touch, it is a real pain to block or attack through, and that means it often has no problem making that 1/1 token. Attacking with it into a block and making that 1/1 feels pretty good, and it can obviously get even more out of hand!
Reckless Fireweaver
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
2.5 This has alright stats and does often chip in a few damage with its ability, especially if you’re making servos.
Eddytrail Hawk
2.5 Giving other stuff flying can have a pretty big impact, and the Hawk can do it twice without any outside help, making it a decent card.
2.5 Giving other stuff flying can have a pretty big impact, and the Hawk can do it twice without any outside help, making it a decent card.
Consulate Skygate
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
Self-Assembler
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
0.5 // 3.0 If you have one Self Assembler, don’t play it. If you manage to get a second one, you’re actually kind of in business. A 5-mana 4/4 isn’t good, but it does draw you another one, and making sure you have those plays on back to back turns is pretty nice. Because of the mana cost running more than 3 probably isn’t a great idea, but chaining those three together is pretty nice, even with mediocre stats.
Reservoir Walker
1.5 3 life and 3 energy isn’t really enough to offset the bad stats this has. It isn’t unplayable, but you won’t play it very often.
1.5 3 life and 3 energy isn’t really enough to offset the bad stats this has. It isn’t unplayable, but you won’t play it very often.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Rishkar's Expertise
Rishkar's Expertise
3.5 This is expensive as well as conditional, and I don’t love that combination. Counting on drawing more than 4 with this is probably a bad idea – but there’s some really good news here. Unlike the other “Expertise” cards, which drop off in the late game because you just won’t have a thing to cast for free, with Rishkar’s Expertise you are drawing cards, and you can cast one of the cards that you draw with the effect. In other words, as long as you manage to draw at least 3 cards with it, you’re pretty likely to add something else to the board too. So, yeah, sometimes this will suck because you don’t have a big creature around, but most of the time? You’ll get a few cards and do something else on your turn, so it isn’t like you’re paying 6 and not doing anything but drawing cards.
3.5 This is expensive as well as conditional, and I don’t love that combination. Counting on drawing more than 4 with this is probably a bad idea – but there’s some really good news here. Unlike the other “Expertise” cards, which drop off in the late game because you just won’t have a thing to cast for free, with Rishkar’s Expertise you are drawing cards, and you can cast one of the cards that you draw with the effect. In other words, as long as you manage to draw at least 3 cards with it, you’re pretty likely to add something else to the board too. So, yeah, sometimes this will suck because you don’t have a big creature around, but most of the time? You’ll get a few cards and do something else on your turn, so it isn’t like you’re paying 6 and not doing anything but drawing cards.
Irontread Crusher
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
2.0 This vehicle isn’t as exciting as some of the others, but it can do the job.
Maulfist Squad
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
2.5 Like most of the Fabricate creatures, this is pretty solid, as both options are pretty reasonable. A 4-mana 4/2 with Menace is nice on boards where you are the beat down and your opponent won’t be blocking it any time soon, and 4 mana for a 3/1 and a 1/1 is pretty good when you’re behind.
Night Market Lookout
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
Reservoir Walker
1.5 3 life and 3 energy isn’t really enough to offset the bad stats this has. It isn’t unplayable, but you won’t play it very often.
1.5 3 life and 3 energy isn’t really enough to offset the bad stats this has. It isn’t unplayable, but you won’t play it very often.
Leave in the Dust
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
2.5 Bounce + Draw a card is pretty solid, since it actually lets you go 1-for-1 with your opponent in addition to the tempo.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Highspire Infusion
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
1.5 Even with the Energy, this is a pretty mediocre trick.
Fragmentize
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
2.0 This is actually mainboardable in this format, as there are plenty of targets for it. In an ideal world, you probably start it in your sideboard in best of 3, though.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Armorcraft Judge
Maulfist Revolutionary
4.0 This has great stats + trample, and also gives you extra +1/+1 counters and energy, both things Green decks are interested in.
4.0 This has great stats + trample, and also gives you extra +1/+1 counters and energy, both things Green decks are interested in.
Armorcraft Judge
3.5 This draws you one card often enough to be a reasonably high pick. And, while sometimes it will just be a Hill Giant, it will also draw you 2+ cards sometimes too!
3.5 This draws you one card often enough to be a reasonably high pick. And, while sometimes it will just be a Hill Giant, it will also draw you 2+ cards sometimes too!
Aether Meltdown
3.0 This can pretty much shut down a lot of creatures – and vehicles – in the format for only two mana, while also giving you a bit of Energy to use with other cards. It is of course frustrating that things can still block once you use this, and that keeps it from being amazing, but it does a pretty good job.
3.0 This can pretty much shut down a lot of creatures – and vehicles – in the format for only two mana, while also giving you a bit of Energy to use with other cards. It is of course frustrating that things can still block once you use this, and that keeps it from being amazing, but it does a pretty good job.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Destructive Tampering
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
0.5 // 2.5 This looks like something you’d never play in most formats, but two things make this actually an okay card in really aggressive decks. One of these is simply the fact that it often has targets to destroy with the first option, the other is just that turning off (almost) all blockers is often enough for the aggro decks to finish off an opponent who has stabilized. You really only want it in that one deck, but you’re kind of always on the look out for that one copy if that’s what your deck looks like.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Dukhara Peafowl
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
2.5 This is an artifact in a set that cares about that, and has decent stats and the ability to gain flying. You’ll play this pretty often in Blue.
Night Market Lookout
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Blossoming Defense
Blossoming Defense
2.0 This is a nice trick that has additional utility against removal spells thanks to Hexproof.
2.0 This is a nice trick that has additional utility against removal spells thanks to Hexproof.
Monstrous Onslaught
3.0 This is super clunky as a 5-mana Sorcery, but being able to divide damage is big, and doing 4 or so with it isn’t that far-fetched. You can often get a 2-for-1 if you are doing 4+, and sometimes this will do a lot more than that.
3.0 This is super clunky as a 5-mana Sorcery, but being able to divide damage is big, and doing 4 or so with it isn’t that far-fetched. You can often get a 2-for-1 if you are doing 4+, and sometimes this will do a lot more than that.
Alley Strangler
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
1.5 This has alright stats and an evasive keyword ability. You’ll play it sometimes.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Precise Strike
1.5 This is one mana, and can help enough creatures win combat that it is a semi-reasonable inclusion in aggro decks.
1.5 This is one mana, and can help enough creatures win combat that it is a semi-reasonable inclusion in aggro decks.
Eager Construct
1.5 If you need a two drop or an Artifact, you could do worse.
1.5 If you need a two drop or an Artifact, you could do worse.
Conviction
1.0 This Aura just isn’t worth it. The stats boost isn’t great, and being able to return it to your hand doesn’t really help make it much better.
1.0 This Aura just isn’t worth it. The stats boost isn’t great, and being able to return it to your hand doesn’t really help make it much better.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Nature's Way
Nature's Way
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get a stats boost from this, so it has to already be decently sized for this to be worth it – but the good news is, you’re in Green, and that’s just going to be the case most of the time! Also, it doesn’t “fight.” The damage it does is one-sided, so your creature’s toughness doesn’t matter! And the keywords it gives are pretty nice too, especially since you probably just got rid of a blocker.
3.5 Your creature doesn’t get a stats boost from this, so it has to already be decently sized for this to be worth it – but the good news is, you’re in Green, and that’s just going to be the case most of the time! Also, it doesn’t “fight.” The damage it does is one-sided, so your creature’s toughness doesn’t matter! And the keywords it gives are pretty nice too, especially since you probably just got rid of a blocker.
Inventor's Goggles
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
3.0 This gives a kind of passable boost for the casting and Equip cost, but what really makes it a nice card is the fact that it equips for free to an Artificer when it enters the battlefield, and this format has a ton of them. Playing this on turn one and an Artificer on turn two happens all the time in this format, and is a pretty amazing start.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Consulate Skygate
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
0.5 Yeah, you mostly won’t play this. It just doesn’t do anything but block, and it doesn’t even do that very well.
Herald of the Fair
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but an ETB ability that often lets you attack more effectively. Still, it is pretty replaceable and not remotely impressive.
2.0 This has mediocre stats, but an ETB ability that often lets you attack more effectively. Still, it is pretty replaceable and not remotely impressive.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
Engineered Might
2.5 This card is such a bummer as far as signposts go. Luckily, GW has other ways to pump the whole board that are better, because if this was the card that you were counting on to win you the game when you go wide, you’d be in trouble! Being a sorcery for 5 mana is just really rough, and gives your opponent way more information than you’d like. Pumping one creature as a secondary option is alright I guess, but its still a sorcery that can be easily responded to. I don’t think you even always play this in your GW decks, and that’s pretty sad.
2.5 This card is such a bummer as far as signposts go. Luckily, GW has other ways to pump the whole board that are better, because if this was the card that you were counting on to win you the game when you go wide, you’d be in trouble! Being a sorcery for 5 mana is just really rough, and gives your opponent way more information than you’d like. Pumping one creature as a secondary option is alright I guess, but its still a sorcery that can be easily responded to. I don’t think you even always play this in your GW decks, and that’s pretty sad.
Ornamental Courage
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
1.0 This isn’t a great trick. The small power boost doesn’t help you win very many combats.
Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
1.5 If you’re interested in energy, this can give you 6 all on its own while also gaining you 6 life. That life gain actually matters too, because playing this and sacrificing this is pretty slow, but the life gain does offset that a bit. You won’t play this in any but the most all-in energy decks.
Sage of Shaila's Claim
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
1.5 Energy is important in this format and all, but this two drop still doesn’t usually feel like its worth the card.
Tezzeret's Ambition
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
1.5 This is a really clunky draw spell, but some decks will be interested in paying 5 to draw 3 with this.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Monstrous Onslaught
Lost Legacy
0.0 As always, these type of “Lobotomy” or “Cranial Extraction” effects are unplayable in Limited.
0.0 As always, these type of “Lobotomy” or “Cranial Extraction” effects are unplayable in Limited.
Monstrous Onslaught
3.0 This is super clunky as a 5-mana Sorcery, but being able to divide damage is big, and doing 4 or so with it isn’t that far-fetched. You can often get a 2-for-1 if you are doing 4+, and sometimes this will do a lot more than that.
3.0 This is super clunky as a 5-mana Sorcery, but being able to divide damage is big, and doing 4 or so with it isn’t that far-fetched. You can often get a 2-for-1 if you are doing 4+, and sometimes this will do a lot more than that.
Aether Tradewinds
1.0 This effect is supposed to be here to help you abuse ETB abilities, but it often just isn’t worth going down a card to do this.
1.0 This effect is supposed to be here to help you abuse ETB abilities, but it often just isn’t worth going down a card to do this.
Pendulum of Patterns
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
0.5 Yeah, this isn’t really worth it. Early on it gains you some life, but that doesn’t matter a whole lot in this format. Then, later, you can cash it in for a card for a wopping 5 mana. Even in a format that loves artifacts, there isn’t much of a reason to play this thing.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Winding Constrictor
Winding Constrictor
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
3.5 This has great stats, and giving you extra energy and extra +1/+1 counters comes up a whole lot in this format.
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Unbridled Growth
1.0 This is something you’ll play if you’re really hard up for fixing, but will avoid most of the time.
1.0 This is something you’ll play if you’re really hard up for fixing, but will avoid most of the time.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Appetite for the Unnatural
Narnam Cobra
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
2.5 Like the rest of this cycle, this is reasonably costed, is an artifact, and can gain a useful keyword. In this case, it can trade.
Appetite for the Unnatural
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
2.0 This is a passable main deck card in this format since there are plenty of targets.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Night Market Lookout
Night Market Lookout
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
1.5 If you’re really aggressive or plan on crewing vehicles a lot – or both – this can be an alright inclusion, but most of the time you’ll stay away from it.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Thriving Rhino
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Druid of the Cowl
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Daring Demolition
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Thriving Rhino
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Foundry Hornet
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Appetite for the Unnatural
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Hunt the Weak
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Die Young
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Narnam Cobra
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Prophetic Prism
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Sage of Shaila's Claim
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Narnam Cobra
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Nimble Innovator
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Ridgescale Tusker
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Thriving Rhino
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Ridgescale Tusker
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Gifted Aetherborn
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Attune with Aether
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Peema Outrider
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Arborback Stomper
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Riparian Tiger
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Die Young
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Lifecraft Cavalry
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Winding Constrictor
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Ornamental Courage
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Aether Theorist
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Live Fast
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Longtusk Cub
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Longtusk Cub
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Kujar Seedsculptor
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Hunt the Weak
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Aether Poisoner
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Rishkar's Expertise
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Armorcraft Judge
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Blossoming Defense
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Nature's Way
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Woodweaver's Puzzleknot
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Monstrous Onslaught
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Winding Constrictor
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Appetite for the Unnatural
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Night Market Lookout
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