Premier Draft VOW 3 December 2021
3 December 01:42 - Pokmet 7 Wins - 1 Losses
Sideboard
Pack 1 Pick 1: Hiveheart Shaman
Hiveheart Shaman
4.0 4-mana for a ⅗ is actually a pretty decent rate, and everything else this card has going on is really nice. In a typical Limited deck, you may not be able to take advantage of the attack trigger, but if you’re splashing, there’s a good chance it will help you out. Most of the card’s value, though, comes from its ability to churn out insect tokens. They are going to be 3/3s or better most of the time, and while spending six on that isn’t incredible, the fact its repeatable does really matter, and a 3/3 is a very real body! If you are splashing, it will be making 4/4s, which is insane. It is too bad you can only use the ability at Sorcery speed, though, but still – a very nice card.
4.0 4-mana for a ⅗ is actually a pretty decent rate, and everything else this card has going on is really nice. In a typical Limited deck, you may not be able to take advantage of the attack trigger, but if you’re splashing, there’s a good chance it will help you out. Most of the card’s value, though, comes from its ability to churn out insect tokens. They are going to be 3/3s or better most of the time, and while spending six on that isn’t incredible, the fact its repeatable does really matter, and a 3/3 is a very real body! If you are splashing, it will be making 4/4s, which is insane. It is too bad you can only use the ability at Sorcery speed, though, but still – a very nice card.
Fell Stinger
4.0 This looks like a great uncommon to me. This is basically the Black Mulldrifter! Without Exploit, this is a card that always makes the cut. It has decent stats and the ability to trade with anything. With Exploit, it becomes a pretty high pick, as adding draw two to this is pretty massive. Giving up one creature for that still has you come out ahead, and that is even more true if you sacrifice something ideal. It can even sacrifice itself, and sometimes that will be worth doing. I think this is one of the best Uncommons in the set.
4.0 This looks like a great uncommon to me. This is basically the Black Mulldrifter! Without Exploit, this is a card that always makes the cut. It has decent stats and the ability to trade with anything. With Exploit, it becomes a pretty high pick, as adding draw two to this is pretty massive. Giving up one creature for that still has you come out ahead, and that is even more true if you sacrifice something ideal. It can even sacrifice itself, and sometimes that will be worth doing. I think this is one of the best Uncommons in the set.
Ollenbock Escort
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with Vigilance is kind of alright in this format, since there is an Aura deck and a +1/+1 counter deck, but it gets a lot better with its ability to make something gain lifelink and indestructibility. Those two keywords are huge, and this is going to have some serious impact on the board if you have a creature with a counter somewhere, as your opponent has to respect this ability or get completely wrecked.
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with Vigilance is kind of alright in this format, since there is an Aura deck and a +1/+1 counter deck, but it gets a lot better with its ability to make something gain lifelink and indestructibility. Those two keywords are huge, and this is going to have some serious impact on the board if you have a creature with a counter somewhere, as your opponent has to respect this ability or get completely wrecked.
Bloodsworn Squire
2.5 So, the front side of this would be a kind of playable card already, as being able to threaten indestructibility is a pretty big deal, and makes it hard for your opponent to interact with it. Mana AND a card is pretty real cost, though. Transforming this won’t be the easiest thing in the world, especially because a lot of the time, holding on to a creature in your hand will be worth way more than using this thing’s ability and trying to transform it. However, by the late game, it is likely to transform and be a pretty decent size, while still having that indestructible ability.
2.5 So, the front side of this would be a kind of playable card already, as being able to threaten indestructibility is a pretty big deal, and makes it hard for your opponent to interact with it. Mana AND a card is pretty real cost, though. Transforming this won’t be the easiest thing in the world, especially because a lot of the time, holding on to a creature in your hand will be worth way more than using this thing’s ability and trying to transform it. However, by the late game, it is likely to transform and be a pretty decent size, while still having that indestructible ability.
Snarling Wolf
1.5 This is another reprint from Midnight Hunt. It was solid there, as it could come down early and help set up Pack Tactics. It will probably be about the same here, except it will help set up Training. Still nothing special though, and not something you even always run. There are a lot of two drops that are just way better.
1.5 This is another reprint from Midnight Hunt. It was solid there, as it could come down early and help set up Pack Tactics. It will probably be about the same here, except it will help set up Training. Still nothing special though, and not something you even always run. There are a lot of two drops that are just way better.
Wedding Invitation
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
Nurturing Presence
1.5 This gives you a 1/1 Flyer no matter what, and that helps mitigate the risk of playing it. It’s too bad the rest of the card isn’t very good. The stats boost is situational and unimpressive. The turn you play it will giving +1/+1 to the thing, but still – you’re not really doing a great job with that.
1.5 This gives you a 1/1 Flyer no matter what, and that helps mitigate the risk of playing it. It’s too bad the rest of the card isn’t very good. The stats boost is situational and unimpressive. The turn you play it will giving +1/+1 to the thing, but still – you’re not really doing a great job with that.
Serpentine Ambush
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
Persistent Specimen
1.0 // 2.5 Like many Skeletons who came before it, the idea here is to recur this so that you can keep sacrificing it to exploit triggers and other stuff. I think that really makes this a build around, as you don’t want to play it at all in a deck that doesn’t really take advantage of its recursion, as getting back a 1/1 over and over again just isn’t very good for most decks.
1.0 // 2.5 Like many Skeletons who came before it, the idea here is to recur this so that you can keep sacrificing it to exploit triggers and other stuff. I think that really makes this a build around, as you don’t want to play it at all in a deck that doesn’t really take advantage of its recursion, as getting back a 1/1 over and over again just isn’t very good for most decks.
Drogskol Infantry
3.0 This looks like a nice Common to me! It is a bear on one side, and then can come back as a pretty nice Aura late. Look at it as a creature who can trade and leave an Aura behind, and that sounds pretty good.
3.0 This looks like a nice Common to me! It is a bear on one side, and then can come back as a pretty nice Aura late. Look at it as a creature who can trade and leave an Aura behind, and that sounds pretty good.
Wretched Throng
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
Rural Recruit
3.0 This is a pretty good Common. 4/2 worth of stats spread across two bodies isn’t too bad for 4 mana, and it comes with the means to train itself right away. This turning into a 2/2 isn’t exactly amazing, but it will definitely make your attacks on the turn after you play it feel pretty good.
3.0 This is a pretty good Common. 4/2 worth of stats spread across two bodies isn’t too bad for 4 mana, and it comes with the means to train itself right away. This turning into a 2/2 isn’t exactly amazing, but it will definitely make your attacks on the turn after you play it feel pretty good.
Kessig Flamebreather
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Pack 1 Pick 2: Sawblade Slinger
Wedding Security
3.5 This is quite the Blood payoff! Even if you can only trigger it once, chances are you’ll feel pretty good, as this will be a 5/5 that gets you a 2-for-1 pretty easily, and if you have more blood and he can attack more, he’ll really be doing it. It is likely that most Black decks find 3-5 ways to make Blood, so I don’t really think he needs a build around -- I think you can just take him pretty early, especially because the ceiling on the card is really high.
3.5 This is quite the Blood payoff! Even if you can only trigger it once, chances are you’ll feel pretty good, as this will be a 5/5 that gets you a 2-for-1 pretty easily, and if you have more blood and he can attack more, he’ll really be doing it. It is likely that most Black decks find 3-5 ways to make Blood, so I don’t really think he needs a build around -- I think you can just take him pretty early, especially because the ceiling on the card is really high.
Sawblade Slinger
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is a 1.0 or 1.5- these days, and the Slinger has a couple of narrow abilities that will sometimes give you a 2-for-1. The Fight part is the most exciting, but he won’t always have a Zombie to fight. The same is true for Artifacts. There’s a few nice ones around, but not really enough that this will always have a thing to hit. That said, I don’t think this is a sideboard card. It has a reasonable baseline already and will be able to do a thing often enough with the ETB trigger that you’ll definitely play the first of these in most Green decks.
2.5 A 4-mana 4/3 is a 1.0 or 1.5- these days, and the Slinger has a couple of narrow abilities that will sometimes give you a 2-for-1. The Fight part is the most exciting, but he won’t always have a Zombie to fight. The same is true for Artifacts. There’s a few nice ones around, but not really enough that this will always have a thing to hit. That said, I don’t think this is a sideboard card. It has a reasonable baseline already and will be able to do a thing often enough with the ETB trigger that you’ll definitely play the first of these in most Green decks.
Dormant Grove
3.5 This kind of Enchantment always feels pretty good, as it gives you value on the turn you play it and then can start to snowball. When we’ve seen this kind of Aura be really great it usually costs around 3 mana, so this is a bit more expensive than I’d like, but the upside that it can become a pretty nice creature when you really need one is nice. The GW deck also really likes +1/+1 counters, and can get some extra value out of it.
3.5 This kind of Enchantment always feels pretty good, as it gives you value on the turn you play it and then can start to snowball. When we’ve seen this kind of Aura be really great it usually costs around 3 mana, so this is a bit more expensive than I’d like, but the upside that it can become a pretty nice creature when you really need one is nice. The GW deck also really likes +1/+1 counters, and can get some extra value out of it.
Kessig Flamebreather
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
Lacerate Flesh
1.5 This is some pretty mediocre removal. 5 for 4 damage just isn’t much, and you’ll often be trading drown with it. Getting some Blood doesn’t really save it from mediocrity. It is still removal and brings some Blood and Spell synergy, so it’s something you’ll play sometimes.
1.5 This is some pretty mediocre removal. 5 for 4 damage just isn’t much, and you’ll often be trading drown with it. Getting some Blood doesn’t really save it from mediocrity. It is still removal and brings some Blood and Spell synergy, so it’s something you’ll play sometimes.
Lantern Bearer
3.5 This looks like a pretty good Common. A one mana 1/1 Flyer isn’t something that is worth it in a lot of formats all on its own, but it is a pretty decent play on turn one, as it can chip in for some real damage. Unlike most one mana 1/1 flyers though, once this become outclassed, you can just chump block with it and then Disturb it to get a pretty nice Aura! +1/+1 and Flying can turn almost any creature into a very real threat, and sure, 3 mana for that isn’t amazing, but remember that you also got a one mana 1/1 Flyer earlier in the game, and that sounds pretty good to me.
3.5 This looks like a pretty good Common. A one mana 1/1 Flyer isn’t something that is worth it in a lot of formats all on its own, but it is a pretty decent play on turn one, as it can chip in for some real damage. Unlike most one mana 1/1 flyers though, once this become outclassed, you can just chump block with it and then Disturb it to get a pretty nice Aura! +1/+1 and Flying can turn almost any creature into a very real threat, and sure, 3 mana for that isn’t amazing, but remember that you also got a one mana 1/1 Flyer earlier in the game, and that sounds pretty good to me.
Wedding Invitation
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
Nurturing Presence
1.5 This gives you a 1/1 Flyer no matter what, and that helps mitigate the risk of playing it. It’s too bad the rest of the card isn’t very good. The stats boost is situational and unimpressive. The turn you play it will giving +1/+1 to the thing, but still – you’re not really doing a great job with that.
1.5 This gives you a 1/1 Flyer no matter what, and that helps mitigate the risk of playing it. It’s too bad the rest of the card isn’t very good. The stats boost is situational and unimpressive. The turn you play it will giving +1/+1 to the thing, but still – you’re not really doing a great job with that.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
Falkenrath Celebrants
2.5 This is a decent 5-drop. A 5-mana 4/4 with Menace is A 2.0 at best, but the two blood tokens it gives you can fuel some stuff or improve your hand.
2.5 This is a decent 5-drop. A 5-mana 4/4 with Menace is A 2.0 at best, but the two blood tokens it gives you can fuel some stuff or improve your hand.
Nature's Embrace
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
Sure Strike
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
Wretched Throng
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
Pack 1 Pick 3: Apprentice Sharpshooter
Dreamroot Cascade
3.0 As usual, two color duals tend to be pretty nice fixing. You don’t really want to go after them hard, but you’ll always play them if you’re in their colors or you’re splashing something
3.0 As usual, two color duals tend to be pretty nice fixing. You don’t really want to go after them hard, but you’ll always play them if you’re in their colors or you’re splashing something
Lantern of the Lost
1.5 This does a real good job hating on the graveyard, and it also replaces itself with its activated ability. While this format feels a little less graveyard centric than Midnight Hunt -- after all, there’s no Flashback here -- graveyards are still a big enough deal in this format that I think you’ll main deck this sometimes. Because it replaces itself, the cost of doing so isn’t massive. I still think in an ideal world, you’re not playing it in your main deck though, as you’d rather have some other cards that have incidental graveyard hate than a card that only hates on graveyards. It will be the best in the UR deck, as it will trigger all your non-creature stuff and replace itself, which is exactly what that deck wants.
1.5 This does a real good job hating on the graveyard, and it also replaces itself with its activated ability. While this format feels a little less graveyard centric than Midnight Hunt -- after all, there’s no Flashback here -- graveyards are still a big enough deal in this format that I think you’ll main deck this sometimes. Because it replaces itself, the cost of doing so isn’t massive. I still think in an ideal world, you’re not playing it in your main deck though, as you’d rather have some other cards that have incidental graveyard hate than a card that only hates on graveyards. It will be the best in the UR deck, as it will trigger all your non-creature stuff and replace itself, which is exactly what that deck wants.
Sporeback Wolf
2.5 We’ve seen two mana 2/2s with this box of text before, and its fine. Being a 2/4 is decent enough upside on a bear.
2.5 We’ve seen two mana 2/2s with this box of text before, and its fine. Being a 2/4 is decent enough upside on a bear.
Fearful Villager
2.0 This has alright base stats and some decent upside, but its nothing special.
2.0 This has alright base stats and some decent upside, but its nothing special.
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Sanctify
0.5 This is good at destroying Artifacts and Enchantments, and I think there are enough of them that this might make your main deck sometimes. While there are lots of Auras, keep in mind, blowing up the disturbed side of a card isn’t really going to be a one-for-one and won’t feel that great, and I think that limits how good this is in your main deck. You mostly want this out of your sideboard.
0.5 This is good at destroying Artifacts and Enchantments, and I think there are enough of them that this might make your main deck sometimes. While there are lots of Auras, keep in mind, blowing up the disturbed side of a card isn’t really going to be a one-for-one and won’t feel that great, and I think that limits how good this is in your main deck. You mostly want this out of your sideboard.
Apprentice Sharpshooter
2.0 This seems decent. 3-mana 1/4s with Reach are always kind of alright, and this one’s Training upside is pretty real! If you end up playing this on turn three, you’ll often find that it isn’t that important you have a blocker, but attacking with a ¼ just isn’t worth it either, but now if you attack with almost anything else, it will become a ⅖, which is definitely more formidable.
2.0 This seems decent. 3-mana 1/4s with Reach are always kind of alright, and this one’s Training upside is pretty real! If you end up playing this on turn three, you’ll often find that it isn’t that important you have a blocker, but attacking with a ¼ just isn’t worth it either, but now if you attack with almost anything else, it will become a ⅖, which is definitely more formidable.
Wanderlight Spirit
2.5 This is a reasonably aggressive flyer. Not being able to block ground creatures isn’t a huge deal.
2.5 This is a reasonably aggressive flyer. Not being able to block ground creatures isn’t a huge deal.
Unholy Officiant
2.0 A one mana ½ with Vigilance is not a very good card. Its the kind of card people often overrate, because they think “One mana is only enough to get a 1/1 most of the time!” and while that’s sort of true, the problem in Limited is that this kind of card will get outclassed pretty quickly. That said, it comes with an ability that actually does something in the late game, even if 5 is a lot for a single counter. Its also a decent place to put counters thanks to its keyword ability. So, yeah. This is an alright one drop that you’ll play in your most aggressive GW decks, but it doesn’t look that great anywhere else.
2.0 A one mana ½ with Vigilance is not a very good card. Its the kind of card people often overrate, because they think “One mana is only enough to get a 1/1 most of the time!” and while that’s sort of true, the problem in Limited is that this kind of card will get outclassed pretty quickly. That said, it comes with an ability that actually does something in the late game, even if 5 is a lot for a single counter. Its also a decent place to put counters thanks to its keyword ability. So, yeah. This is an alright one drop that you’ll play in your most aggressive GW decks, but it doesn’t look that great anywhere else.
Stitched Assistant
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
End the Festivities
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
Pack 1 Pick 4: Resistance Squad
Curse of Hospitality
3.5 This is a very interesting curse. It effectively grants your whole board trample, and makes it so you get some serious card advantage any time you hit your opponent, which of course is more likely because of the trample thing. You do need some board state to really get this thing going most of the time, but the card advantage this thing will grant you in the long run is a pretty big deal, and its nice that it gives at least some bonus immediately.
3.5 This is a very interesting curse. It effectively grants your whole board trample, and makes it so you get some serious card advantage any time you hit your opponent, which of course is more likely because of the trample thing. You do need some board state to really get this thing going most of the time, but the card advantage this thing will grant you in the long run is a pretty big deal, and its nice that it gives at least some bonus immediately.
Resistance Squad
3.5 GW has the most humans, but every White deck in this format will have enough Humans for you to play this, and when you get to draw that card, you’re getting quite the 2-for-1, as this 3/2 can really effectively trade for stuff or attack.
3.5 GW has the most humans, but every White deck in this format will have enough Humans for you to play this, and when you get to draw that card, you’re getting quite the 2-for-1, as this 3/2 can really effectively trade for stuff or attack.
Catapult Fodder
3.0 A 3-mana ⅕ is a pretty reasonable defensive creature, and defensive creatures are especially welcome in the BG color pair, which has all kinds of toughness payoffs -- including this card, which will transform once you have enough creatures with higher toughness than power, and once it does, it can start loading their bodies into catapults and launching them at your opponents face. The ⅕ helps you find time to get there, too. Outside of the BG deck this won’t be very good though.
3.0 A 3-mana ⅕ is a pretty reasonable defensive creature, and defensive creatures are especially welcome in the BG color pair, which has all kinds of toughness payoffs -- including this card, which will transform once you have enough creatures with higher toughness than power, and once it does, it can start loading their bodies into catapults and launching them at your opponents face. The ⅕ helps you find time to get there, too. Outside of the BG deck this won’t be very good though.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 There are flyers and Enchantments in this set of course, but not really enough of either to main deck this in most cases. Even blowing up a disturb Aura isn’t great, as most of the time you’re trading a whole card for half of one.
0.5 There are flyers and Enchantments in this set of course, but not really enough of either to main deck this in most cases. Even blowing up a disturb Aura isn’t great, as most of the time you’re trading a whole card for half of one.
Scattered Thoughts
2.0 It is pretty funny to compare this card to Organ Hoarder from the last set, which was the same mana cost, but put a 3/2 body into play and only let you grab one card from the top three, but yeah, way better either way. Anyway, this might not be the best Common in the whole set like the Hoarder was, but it seems like a solid playable. Looking at 4 cards is pretty nice for the cost, and loading up the graveyard is worth doing too.
2.0 It is pretty funny to compare this card to Organ Hoarder from the last set, which was the same mana cost, but put a 3/2 body into play and only let you grab one card from the top three, but yeah, way better either way. Anyway, this might not be the best Common in the whole set like the Hoarder was, but it seems like a solid playable. Looking at 4 cards is pretty nice for the cost, and loading up the graveyard is worth doing too.
Nurturing Presence
1.5 This gives you a 1/1 Flyer no matter what, and that helps mitigate the risk of playing it. It’s too bad the rest of the card isn’t very good. The stats boost is situational and unimpressive. The turn you play it will giving +1/+1 to the thing, but still – you’re not really doing a great job with that.
1.5 This gives you a 1/1 Flyer no matter what, and that helps mitigate the risk of playing it. It’s too bad the rest of the card isn’t very good. The stats boost is situational and unimpressive. The turn you play it will giving +1/+1 to the thing, but still – you’re not really doing a great job with that.
Kessig Flamebreather
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
Adamant Will
1.5 We’ve seen this card a few times now, it’s a pretty reasonable trick. The boost it gives is enough to win just about any combat, and the indestructibility means you can even use it to save a creature from removal. It is still a trick and comes with all the inherent downsides those come with – like being situational and sometimes risky.
1.5 We’ve seen this card a few times now, it’s a pretty reasonable trick. The boost it gives is enough to win just about any combat, and the indestructibility means you can even use it to save a creature from removal. It is still a trick and comes with all the inherent downsides those come with – like being situational and sometimes risky.
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Vampire's Kiss
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
Pack 1 Pick 5: Apprentice Sharpshooter
Cobbled Lancer
3.0 Obviously, casting this on turn one is close to impossible in Limited, but if you just trade your two drop and then cast this on turn three plus another spell, that seems pretty spicy. Its also big enough that its decent all game long, so even if you don’t play it until turn 4 or something it will be okay, especially if you’re double spelling. The nice thing too is that if you’re milling yourself, you can cash it in for a card from your graveyard. And, if you trade with it and use the ability from the graveyard, you get a 2-for-1!
3.0 Obviously, casting this on turn one is close to impossible in Limited, but if you just trade your two drop and then cast this on turn three plus another spell, that seems pretty spicy. Its also big enough that its decent all game long, so even if you don’t play it until turn 4 or something it will be okay, especially if you’re double spelling. The nice thing too is that if you’re milling yourself, you can cash it in for a card from your graveyard. And, if you trade with it and use the ability from the graveyard, you get a 2-for-1!
Pyre Spawn
2.0 This doesn’t have good stats, but the fact it bolts a thing when it dies does usually mean you can get a 2-for-1, and if your opponent’s life is low they are going to be sweating this a ton. I think this is a decent top curve card.
2.0 This doesn’t have good stats, but the fact it bolts a thing when it dies does usually mean you can get a 2-for-1, and if your opponent’s life is low they are going to be sweating this a ton. I think this is a decent top curve card.
Sure Strike
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
Alchemist's Retrieval
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always kind of alright. This one is nice because if you want to bounce your own thing you can pay less, and paying two to bounce a nonland permanent either player controls is kind of what we expect. Its never anything special, but the first copy often makes the cut in Blue decks.
2.0 We see this card a lot, and its always kind of alright. This one is nice because if you want to bounce your own thing you can pay less, and paying two to bounce a nonland permanent either player controls is kind of what we expect. Its never anything special, but the first copy often makes the cut in Blue decks.
Apprentice Sharpshooter
2.0 This seems decent. 3-mana 1/4s with Reach are always kind of alright, and this one’s Training upside is pretty real! If you end up playing this on turn three, you’ll often find that it isn’t that important you have a blocker, but attacking with a ¼ just isn’t worth it either, but now if you attack with almost anything else, it will become a ⅖, which is definitely more formidable.
2.0 This seems decent. 3-mana 1/4s with Reach are always kind of alright, and this one’s Training upside is pretty real! If you end up playing this on turn three, you’ll often find that it isn’t that important you have a blocker, but attacking with a ¼ just isn’t worth it either, but now if you attack with almost anything else, it will become a ⅖, which is definitely more formidable.
Heron-Blessed Geist
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t very good, but the fact it can make 1/1 flyers from the graveyard is big, and will often feel like you’re getting a 2-for-1. You do need to have an Enchantment in play to use that ability, which is a little annoying, but seems doable enough.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t very good, but the fact it can make 1/1 flyers from the graveyard is big, and will often feel like you’re getting a 2-for-1. You do need to have an Enchantment in play to use that ability, which is a little annoying, but seems doable enough.
Grisly Ritual
2.5 A 6 mana sorcery that kills something is certainly not premium. You almost always spend more mana, and having to tap all of your mana on your own turn is pretty brutal. Still, it is unconditional and gives you a couple of Blood tokens, so it isn’t bad. It just isn’t good either.
2.5 A 6 mana sorcery that kills something is certainly not premium. You almost always spend more mana, and having to tap all of your mana on your own turn is pretty brutal. Still, it is unconditional and gives you a couple of Blood tokens, so it isn’t bad. It just isn’t good either.
Undying Malice
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
Lantern Bearer
3.5 This looks like a pretty good Common. A one mana 1/1 Flyer isn’t something that is worth it in a lot of formats all on its own, but it is a pretty decent play on turn one, as it can chip in for some real damage. Unlike most one mana 1/1 flyers though, once this become outclassed, you can just chump block with it and then Disturb it to get a pretty nice Aura! +1/+1 and Flying can turn almost any creature into a very real threat, and sure, 3 mana for that isn’t amazing, but remember that you also got a one mana 1/1 Flyer earlier in the game, and that sounds pretty good to me.
3.5 This looks like a pretty good Common. A one mana 1/1 Flyer isn’t something that is worth it in a lot of formats all on its own, but it is a pretty decent play on turn one, as it can chip in for some real damage. Unlike most one mana 1/1 flyers though, once this become outclassed, you can just chump block with it and then Disturb it to get a pretty nice Aura! +1/+1 and Flying can turn almost any creature into a very real threat, and sure, 3 mana for that isn’t amazing, but remember that you also got a one mana 1/1 Flyer earlier in the game, and that sounds pretty good to me.
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Pack 1 Pick 6: Dawnhart Disciple
Stormcarved Coast
3.0 As usual, two color duals tend to be pretty nice fixing. You don’t really want to go after them hard, but you’ll always play them if you’re in their colors or you’re splashing something
3.0 As usual, two color duals tend to be pretty nice fixing. You don’t really want to go after them hard, but you’ll always play them if you’re in their colors or you’re splashing something
Markov Retribution
3.5 This is quite the Vampire payoff. Keep in mind the effect is not a fight effect, the creature just does damage equal to its power to a creature, and the card will also give +1/+0 to the vampire, so its chances of taking things down go up considerably! If you’re in Red, you’re likely to end up with some vampires without even trying, so I don’t really think this needs a straight up build around grade, though obviously, it is at its best in BR, where you can have a real critical mas of Vampires. Overall, I think this looks like it has a pretty incredible ceiling, as punching a blocker out of the way and attacking with a board that is buffed up is pretty nice. Like always with this kind of thing, you have to pick your spot carefully, since if they destroy your target, you won’t be getting enough out of this card. Still, I think you can spend a high pick on this.
3.5 This is quite the Vampire payoff. Keep in mind the effect is not a fight effect, the creature just does damage equal to its power to a creature, and the card will also give +1/+0 to the vampire, so its chances of taking things down go up considerably! If you’re in Red, you’re likely to end up with some vampires without even trying, so I don’t really think this needs a straight up build around grade, though obviously, it is at its best in BR, where you can have a real critical mas of Vampires. Overall, I think this looks like it has a pretty incredible ceiling, as punching a blocker out of the way and attacking with a board that is buffed up is pretty nice. Like always with this kind of thing, you have to pick your spot carefully, since if they destroy your target, you won’t be getting enough out of this card. Still, I think you can spend a high pick on this.
Serpentine Ambush
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
Skywarp Skaab
2.5 If this always drew you a card, I’d be pretty pumped about this! It probably only ends up drawing you a card around half the time though, which is substantially worse, as a 5-mana 2/5 Flyer isn’t anything special.
2.5 If this always drew you a card, I’d be pretty pumped about this! It probably only ends up drawing you a card around half the time though, which is substantially worse, as a 5-mana 2/5 Flyer isn’t anything special.
Hungry Ridgewolf
2.5 This isn’t the most exciting payoff ever, but it has decent base stats and will sometimes be a 3/2 with Trample, which is especially nice.
2.5 This isn’t the most exciting payoff ever, but it has decent base stats and will sometimes be a 3/2 with Trample, which is especially nice.
Dawnhart Disciple
2.5 This is a nice two drop, one that will often be a 3/3 when you’re just curving out.
2.5 This is a nice two drop, one that will often be a 3/3 when you’re just curving out.
Steelclad Spirit
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
Bramble Armor
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
Undying Malice
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
Pack 1 Pick 7: Diver Skaab
Diver Skaab
3.5 This has a nice Exploit trigger, as it lets you trade whatever you Sacrifice for a full card, while still adding a 5-mana ⅗ body to the board, and that’s going to do a whole lot to stabilize you or pull you ahead.
3.5 This has a nice Exploit trigger, as it lets you trade whatever you Sacrifice for a full card, while still adding a 5-mana ⅗ body to the board, and that’s going to do a whole lot to stabilize you or pull you ahead.
Binding Geist
2.0 So, the attack trigger here won’t usually make it so the Geist won’t die in combat, but it does let you force your opponent into situations where the best they can do is trade, and that’s not too bad… though it isn’t great either. 1 toughness is a just a big hurdle on a 3-mana creature. Having that ability in Aura form isn’t exactly exciting either when you disturb it.
2.0 So, the attack trigger here won’t usually make it so the Geist won’t die in combat, but it does let you force your opponent into situations where the best they can do is trade, and that’s not too bad… though it isn’t great either. 1 toughness is a just a big hurdle on a 3-mana creature. Having that ability in Aura form isn’t exactly exciting either when you disturb it.
Adamant Will
1.5 We’ve seen this card a few times now, it’s a pretty reasonable trick. The boost it gives is enough to win just about any combat, and the indestructibility means you can even use it to save a creature from removal. It is still a trick and comes with all the inherent downsides those come with – like being situational and sometimes risky.
1.5 We’ve seen this card a few times now, it’s a pretty reasonable trick. The boost it gives is enough to win just about any combat, and the indestructibility means you can even use it to save a creature from removal. It is still a trick and comes with all the inherent downsides those come with – like being situational and sometimes risky.
Ancestral Anger
1.0 I like collect ‘em all cards, but just pumping power at Sorcery speed just isn’t that great, even with Trample. Now, I do think it has a little bit of value in the UR deck, since it is a spell that cantrips, but I’m still not very impressed.
1.0 I like collect ‘em all cards, but just pumping power at Sorcery speed just isn’t that great, even with Trample. Now, I do think it has a little bit of value in the UR deck, since it is a spell that cantrips, but I’m still not very impressed.
Bramble Armor
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
Stitched Assistant
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
End the Festivities
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
Toxic Scorpion
3.0 This looks nice. A two mana 1/1 with Deathtouch is probably already a 2.0 or 2.5, since it can trade for anything and really represent a problem all game long. So, being able to give death touch to another creature on the ETB is nice, and gives it even more utility in the later game.
3.0 This looks nice. A two mana 1/1 with Deathtouch is probably already a 2.0 or 2.5, since it can trade for anything and really represent a problem all game long. So, being able to give death touch to another creature on the ETB is nice, and gives it even more utility in the later game.
Pack 1 Pick 8: Wretched Throng
Rural Recruit
3.0 This is a pretty good Common. 4/2 worth of stats spread across two bodies isn’t too bad for 4 mana, and it comes with the means to train itself right away. This turning into a 2/2 isn’t exactly amazing, but it will definitely make your attacks on the turn after you play it feel pretty good.
3.0 This is a pretty good Common. 4/2 worth of stats spread across two bodies isn’t too bad for 4 mana, and it comes with the means to train itself right away. This turning into a 2/2 isn’t exactly amazing, but it will definitely make your attacks on the turn after you play it feel pretty good.
Kessig Flamebreather
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
Snarling Wolf
1.5 This is another reprint from Midnight Hunt. It was solid there, as it could come down early and help set up Pack Tactics. It will probably be about the same here, except it will help set up Training. Still nothing special though, and not something you even always run. There are a lot of two drops that are just way better.
1.5 This is another reprint from Midnight Hunt. It was solid there, as it could come down early and help set up Pack Tactics. It will probably be about the same here, except it will help set up Training. Still nothing special though, and not something you even always run. There are a lot of two drops that are just way better.
Reckless Impulse
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
Wretched Throng
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
Vampire's Kiss
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
Nurturing Presence
1.5 This gives you a 1/1 Flyer no matter what, and that helps mitigate the risk of playing it. It’s too bad the rest of the card isn’t very good. The stats boost is situational and unimpressive. The turn you play it will giving +1/+1 to the thing, but still – you’re not really doing a great job with that.
1.5 This gives you a 1/1 Flyer no matter what, and that helps mitigate the risk of playing it. It’s too bad the rest of the card isn’t very good. The stats boost is situational and unimpressive. The turn you play it will giving +1/+1 to the thing, but still – you’re not really doing a great job with that.
Pack 1 Pick 9: Wretched Throng
Ollenbock Escort
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with Vigilance is kind of alright in this format, since there is an Aura deck and a +1/+1 counter deck, but it gets a lot better with its ability to make something gain lifelink and indestructibility. Those two keywords are huge, and this is going to have some serious impact on the board if you have a creature with a counter somewhere, as your opponent has to respect this ability or get completely wrecked.
2.5 A one mana 1/1 with Vigilance is kind of alright in this format, since there is an Aura deck and a +1/+1 counter deck, but it gets a lot better with its ability to make something gain lifelink and indestructibility. Those two keywords are huge, and this is going to have some serious impact on the board if you have a creature with a counter somewhere, as your opponent has to respect this ability or get completely wrecked.
Wedding Invitation
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
Serpentine Ambush
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
Wretched Throng
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
Kessig Flamebreather
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Pack 1 Pick 10: Lacerate Flesh
Kessig Flamebreather
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
Lacerate Flesh
1.5 This is some pretty mediocre removal. 5 for 4 damage just isn’t much, and you’ll often be trading drown with it. Getting some Blood doesn’t really save it from mediocrity. It is still removal and brings some Blood and Spell synergy, so it’s something you’ll play sometimes.
1.5 This is some pretty mediocre removal. 5 for 4 damage just isn’t much, and you’ll often be trading drown with it. Getting some Blood doesn’t really save it from mediocrity. It is still removal and brings some Blood and Spell synergy, so it’s something you’ll play sometimes.
Wedding Invitation
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
Nature's Embrace
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
Sure Strike
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
Pack 1 Pick 11: Sporeback Wolf
Sporeback Wolf
2.5 We’ve seen two mana 2/2s with this box of text before, and its fine. Being a 2/4 is decent enough upside on a bear.
2.5 We’ve seen two mana 2/2s with this box of text before, and its fine. Being a 2/4 is decent enough upside on a bear.
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Sanctify
0.5 This is good at destroying Artifacts and Enchantments, and I think there are enough of them that this might make your main deck sometimes. While there are lots of Auras, keep in mind, blowing up the disturbed side of a card isn’t really going to be a one-for-one and won’t feel that great, and I think that limits how good this is in your main deck. You mostly want this out of your sideboard.
0.5 This is good at destroying Artifacts and Enchantments, and I think there are enough of them that this might make your main deck sometimes. While there are lots of Auras, keep in mind, blowing up the disturbed side of a card isn’t really going to be a one-for-one and won’t feel that great, and I think that limits how good this is in your main deck. You mostly want this out of your sideboard.
End the Festivities
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
Pack 1 Pick 12: Crushing Canopy
Crushing Canopy
0.5 There are flyers and Enchantments in this set of course, but not really enough of either to main deck this in most cases. Even blowing up a disturb Aura isn’t great, as most of the time you’re trading a whole card for half of one.
0.5 There are flyers and Enchantments in this set of course, but not really enough of either to main deck this in most cases. Even blowing up a disturb Aura isn’t great, as most of the time you’re trading a whole card for half of one.
Kessig Flamebreather
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Pack 1 Pick 13: Cobbled Lancer
Cobbled Lancer
3.0 Obviously, casting this on turn one is close to impossible in Limited, but if you just trade your two drop and then cast this on turn three plus another spell, that seems pretty spicy. Its also big enough that its decent all game long, so even if you don’t play it until turn 4 or something it will be okay, especially if you’re double spelling. The nice thing too is that if you’re milling yourself, you can cash it in for a card from your graveyard. And, if you trade with it and use the ability from the graveyard, you get a 2-for-1!
3.0 Obviously, casting this on turn one is close to impossible in Limited, but if you just trade your two drop and then cast this on turn three plus another spell, that seems pretty spicy. Its also big enough that its decent all game long, so even if you don’t play it until turn 4 or something it will be okay, especially if you’re double spelling. The nice thing too is that if you’re milling yourself, you can cash it in for a card from your graveyard. And, if you trade with it and use the ability from the graveyard, you get a 2-for-1!
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Pack 1 Pick 14: Bramble Armor
Bramble Armor
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
Pack 2 Pick 1: Panicked Bystander
Cultivator Colossus
3.0 In your typical game of Limited, this is likely to just be a big Trampler. In an ideal world, you would wait to play it until you can put a land into play with its ETB ability, because then it becomes a 2-for-1, but getting to 7 mana in Limited takes awhile -- so hoping you get that 8th is some wishful thinking. Obviously, the fact it CAN do that does give it some upside, so it isn’t just a big Trampler, but I think it will play out that way a lot.
3.0 In your typical game of Limited, this is likely to just be a big Trampler. In an ideal world, you would wait to play it until you can put a land into play with its ETB ability, because then it becomes a 2-for-1, but getting to 7 mana in Limited takes awhile -- so hoping you get that 8th is some wishful thinking. Obviously, the fact it CAN do that does give it some upside, so it isn’t just a big Trampler, but I think it will play out that way a lot.
Vilespawn Spider
4.0 This is an excellent signpost Uncommon, it has great vanilla stats, loads up the graveyard, and has a powerful graveyard-payoff effect. It does everything you want in UG.
4.0 This is an excellent signpost Uncommon, it has great vanilla stats, loads up the graveyard, and has a powerful graveyard-payoff effect. It does everything you want in UG.
Panicked Bystander
3.5 You would always play a two mana 2/2 that gains you life every time a creature you control dies, especially in a deck with a life gain archetype! I always loved Limited cards that help you do the thing and then pay off for the thing, because that means they can fuel themselves, and that’s certainly what we have here. Gaining 3 life and transforming this is a very doable thing once you add a little more life gain to the mix, and this thing is a pretty tough customer once its a ⅗ that can gain death touch.
3.5 You would always play a two mana 2/2 that gains you life every time a creature you control dies, especially in a deck with a life gain archetype! I always loved Limited cards that help you do the thing and then pay off for the thing, because that means they can fuel themselves, and that’s certainly what we have here. Gaining 3 life and transforming this is a very doable thing once you add a little more life gain to the mix, and this thing is a pretty tough customer once its a ⅗ that can gain death touch.
Blood Hypnotist
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
Rural Recruit
3.0 This is a pretty good Common. 4/2 worth of stats spread across two bodies isn’t too bad for 4 mana, and it comes with the means to train itself right away. This turning into a 2/2 isn’t exactly amazing, but it will definitely make your attacks on the turn after you play it feel pretty good.
3.0 This is a pretty good Common. 4/2 worth of stats spread across two bodies isn’t too bad for 4 mana, and it comes with the means to train itself right away. This turning into a 2/2 isn’t exactly amazing, but it will definitely make your attacks on the turn after you play it feel pretty good.
Falkenrath Celebrants
2.5 This is a decent 5-drop. A 5-mana 4/4 with Menace is A 2.0 at best, but the two blood tokens it gives you can fuel some stuff or improve your hand.
2.5 This is a decent 5-drop. A 5-mana 4/4 with Menace is A 2.0 at best, but the two blood tokens it gives you can fuel some stuff or improve your hand.
End the Festivities
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
Nature's Embrace
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
Lacerate Flesh
1.5 This is some pretty mediocre removal. 5 for 4 damage just isn’t much, and you’ll often be trading drown with it. Getting some Blood doesn’t really save it from mediocrity. It is still removal and brings some Blood and Spell synergy, so it’s something you’ll play sometimes.
1.5 This is some pretty mediocre removal. 5 for 4 damage just isn’t much, and you’ll often be trading drown with it. Getting some Blood doesn’t really save it from mediocrity. It is still removal and brings some Blood and Spell synergy, so it’s something you’ll play sometimes.
Selhoff Entomber
1.5 Forcing you to discard a specific card type really devalues the effectiveness of a rummage or loot effect. The idea here is to discard something you want in the graveyard, like if it has disturb, but a lot of the time you’d rather just cast both halves of the card.
1.5 Forcing you to discard a specific card type really devalues the effectiveness of a rummage or loot effect. The idea here is to discard something you want in the graveyard, like if it has disturb, but a lot of the time you’d rather just cast both halves of the card.
Weary Prisoner
1.5 This reminds me a whole lot of Tavern Brawler, a card that ended up being super underwhelming in Midnight Hunt. On one side it is a defensive creature, and on the other it is an aggressively costed big creature. Those two things are a bit awkward together, and if you played Midnight Hunt you know that completely controlling day and night how you want it isn’t always easy. This might end up being better than the Brawler -- Midnight Hunt did have an unusual amount of good common removal that made big vanilla creatures bad -- but for now I’m pretty skeptical.
1.5 This reminds me a whole lot of Tavern Brawler, a card that ended up being super underwhelming in Midnight Hunt. On one side it is a defensive creature, and on the other it is an aggressively costed big creature. Those two things are a bit awkward together, and if you played Midnight Hunt you know that completely controlling day and night how you want it isn’t always easy. This might end up being better than the Brawler -- Midnight Hunt did have an unusual amount of good common removal that made big vanilla creatures bad -- but for now I’m pretty skeptical.
Nebelgast Beguiler
2.0 Master Decoy-type effects tend to play pretty well in Limited, sort of becoming like removal in the late part of the game. The creature here is very clunky and unimpressive, though. Having a defensive creature who has to tap to use its ability is a bit annoying, and I think you’ll cut this a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 Master Decoy-type effects tend to play pretty well in Limited, sort of becoming like removal in the late part of the game. The creature here is very clunky and unimpressive, though. Having a defensive creature who has to tap to use its ability is a bit annoying, and I think you’ll cut this a decent chunk of the time.
Blood Fountain
2.5 I always like to have one copy of the the Black card that gets you two creatures back from the graveyard, and that’s what we have here. For 5 mana you get those two creatures and a blood token, and that’s a pretty reasonable rate, especially because you’re paying it in two installments, and can pay the larger part at instant speed! You don’t normally want to overdo it with copies of this kind of card because they tend to not be great early, but this offsets that a bit since it does give you Blood before the other part of the card becomes useful. But yeah, getting two creatures back late can often give you what you need to win the game. I think the first copy of this is a 2.5, with diminishing returns after that.
2.5 I always like to have one copy of the the Black card that gets you two creatures back from the graveyard, and that’s what we have here. For 5 mana you get those two creatures and a blood token, and that’s a pretty reasonable rate, especially because you’re paying it in two installments, and can pay the larger part at instant speed! You don’t normally want to overdo it with copies of this kind of card because they tend to not be great early, but this offsets that a bit since it does give you Blood before the other part of the card becomes useful. But yeah, getting two creatures back late can often give you what you need to win the game. I think the first copy of this is a 2.5, with diminishing returns after that.
Steelclad Spirit
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
Pack 2 Pick 2: Traveling Minister
Dreamroot Cascade
3.0 As usual, two color duals tend to be pretty nice fixing. You don’t really want to go after them hard, but you’ll always play them if you’re in their colors or you’re splashing something
3.0 As usual, two color duals tend to be pretty nice fixing. You don’t really want to go after them hard, but you’ll always play them if you’re in their colors or you’re splashing something
Markov Purifier
3.0 This is a nice signpost Uncommon that tells you BW is all about life gain, and its nice that on his own, he can gain you life thanks to lifelink, which means he can draw you cards. You won’t always be able to spend the mana of course, but once you reach a point in the game where you have the spare mana, this is going to be pretty powerful.
3.0 This is a nice signpost Uncommon that tells you BW is all about life gain, and its nice that on his own, he can gain you life thanks to lifelink, which means he can draw you cards. You won’t always be able to spend the mana of course, but once you reach a point in the game where you have the spare mana, this is going to be pretty powerful.
Distracting Geist
3.5 This kind of creature always overperforms. Tapping down a defending creature is a huge deal, and really alters how your opponent plays the game. Being a 2/1 is a bit of a bummer, but the fact that you can disturb this later in the game to give a more formidable creature that ability is pretty appealing. I think you can take this pretty early.
3.5 This kind of creature always overperforms. Tapping down a defending creature is a huge deal, and really alters how your opponent plays the game. Being a 2/1 is a bit of a bummer, but the fact that you can disturb this later in the game to give a more formidable creature that ability is pretty appealing. I think you can take this pretty early.
Wash Away
1.5 So, without Cleaving this, you will be able to counter things like Disturb, but that’s way too narrow and not worth a card. Even with Cleave, this is just Cancel, and that’s usually a card that’s not worth it in Limited. The Double Blue can be kind of rough, as it decreases the frequency with which you’ll be able to leave mana up to counter a thing, and that’s incredibly frustrating, as well as inefficient.
1.5 So, without Cleaving this, you will be able to counter things like Disturb, but that’s way too narrow and not worth a card. Even with Cleave, this is just Cancel, and that’s usually a card that’s not worth it in Limited. The Double Blue can be kind of rough, as it decreases the frequency with which you’ll be able to leave mana up to counter a thing, and that’s incredibly frustrating, as well as inefficient.
Wedding Invitation
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
Falkenrath Celebrants
2.5 This is a decent 5-drop. A 5-mana 4/4 with Menace is A 2.0 at best, but the two blood tokens it gives you can fuel some stuff or improve your hand.
2.5 This is a decent 5-drop. A 5-mana 4/4 with Menace is A 2.0 at best, but the two blood tokens it gives you can fuel some stuff or improve your hand.
Desperate Farmer
2.5 This starts out with a pretty ugly stat-line – a Gray Ogre with life link just isn’t worth three mana, but it has the ability to turn into a 4/3 with Lifelink, which is obviously pretty good for three mana! And transforming it isn’t’ super hard, something just has to die, so you can just play this and offer a trade for example. You can also exploit something to transform it.
2.5 This starts out with a pretty ugly stat-line – a Gray Ogre with life link just isn’t worth three mana, but it has the ability to turn into a 4/3 with Lifelink, which is obviously pretty good for three mana! And transforming it isn’t’ super hard, something just has to die, so you can just play this and offer a trade for example. You can also exploit something to transform it.
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Unhallowed Phalanx
1.0 // 2.5 The idea here is that you play this in the toughness matters deck, and I think you’ll play this reasonably often there, but you won’t really be playing it anywhere else. Sure, it can block well, but a 1/13 just isn’t that exciting -- it won’t be able to kill anything in combat, and the fact it can’t block right away is pretty brutal. There are some sweet combos to pull off with this in BG, like sacrificing this to the flipped Catapult creature.
1.0 // 2.5 The idea here is that you play this in the toughness matters deck, and I think you’ll play this reasonably often there, but you won’t really be playing it anywhere else. Sure, it can block well, but a 1/13 just isn’t that exciting -- it won’t be able to kill anything in combat, and the fact it can’t block right away is pretty brutal. There are some sweet combos to pull off with this in BG, like sacrificing this to the flipped Catapult creature.
Undying Malice
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
Cruel Witness
3.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Flyer always feels pretty good, and this lets you surveil every time you play a noncreature spell. That’s not the most exciting payoff ever, but it does improve your draws over time while also loading the graveyard, and the fact it starts out with such a good baseline is pretty nice.
3.5 A 4-mana 3/3 Flyer always feels pretty good, and this lets you surveil every time you play a noncreature spell. That’s not the most exciting payoff ever, but it does improve your draws over time while also loading the graveyard, and the fact it starts out with such a good baseline is pretty nice.
Reckless Impulse
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
Traveling Minister
1.5 This common gains life, which BW likes, and it can set up training a little better, which GW likes. But it doesn’t do either thing that well, and as a one mana 1/1 it isn’t exactly impactful. The Sorcery speed only thing is killer!
1.5 This common gains life, which BW likes, and it can set up training a little better, which GW likes. But it doesn’t do either thing that well, and as a one mana 1/1 it isn’t exactly impactful. The Sorcery speed only thing is killer!
Pack 2 Pick 3: Angelic Quartermaster
Angelic Quartermaster
4.0 This 5 mana to add 5/5 to the board, and at least 3/3 of that has an evasive key word ability. The Quartermaster will pretty regularly find a way to create attacks that just weren’t there before, and she gives you value even if she dies right away. It does need the two creatures to already be in play to get the full value but making that happen before you cast it shouldn’t be too challenging. Also, +1/+1 counters are a big theme in this set, especially in GW.
4.0 This 5 mana to add 5/5 to the board, and at least 3/3 of that has an evasive key word ability. The Quartermaster will pretty regularly find a way to create attacks that just weren’t there before, and she gives you value even if she dies right away. It does need the two creatures to already be in play to get the full value but making that happen before you cast it shouldn’t be too challenging. Also, +1/+1 counters are a big theme in this set, especially in GW.
Valorous Stance
3.0 This is a reprint, and it was pretty nice in Limited last time. We usually get an effect that costs 3 or 4 and kills big things, so having it at two mana is a huge upgrade, and if it doesn’t have a target, the other mode comes up sometimes. You can use it to save a creature, sometimes creating big blow outs. As a removal spell alone I don’t quite think its premium because it is conditional, but the additional mode does enough to give this the kind of grade a card in the lower ranger of “premium” would get.
3.0 This is a reprint, and it was pretty nice in Limited last time. We usually get an effect that costs 3 or 4 and kills big things, so having it at two mana is a huge upgrade, and if it doesn’t have a target, the other mode comes up sometimes. You can use it to save a creature, sometimes creating big blow outs. As a removal spell alone I don’t quite think its premium because it is conditional, but the additional mode does enough to give this the kind of grade a card in the lower ranger of “premium” would get.
Aim for the Head
1.5 It seems like we get a new take on Mind Rot every set, and this one is a bit interesting. 3 mana to get rid of two of your opponent’s cards is of course a 2-for-1 – but not impacting the board can be a pretty real cost, and an effect like this definitely has diminishing returns as the game goes on. It is a big deal that this exiles the cards though, because of the graveyard stuff in the format, and the alternate mode where it is a Zombie removal spell is nice too. That’s not to say this card is GOOD or anything, but it IS good as far as Mind Rots go.
1.5 It seems like we get a new take on Mind Rot every set, and this one is a bit interesting. 3 mana to get rid of two of your opponent’s cards is of course a 2-for-1 – but not impacting the board can be a pretty real cost, and an effect like this definitely has diminishing returns as the game goes on. It is a big deal that this exiles the cards though, because of the graveyard stuff in the format, and the alternate mode where it is a Zombie removal spell is nice too. That’s not to say this card is GOOD or anything, but it IS good as far as Mind Rots go.
Desperate Farmer
2.5 This starts out with a pretty ugly stat-line – a Gray Ogre with life link just isn’t worth three mana, but it has the ability to turn into a 4/3 with Lifelink, which is obviously pretty good for three mana! And transforming it isn’t’ super hard, something just has to die, so you can just play this and offer a trade for example. You can also exploit something to transform it.
2.5 This starts out with a pretty ugly stat-line – a Gray Ogre with life link just isn’t worth three mana, but it has the ability to turn into a 4/3 with Lifelink, which is obviously pretty good for three mana! And transforming it isn’t’ super hard, something just has to die, so you can just play this and offer a trade for example. You can also exploit something to transform it.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
Sure Strike
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
Chill of the Grave
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
Stitched Assistant
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
Fear of Death
2.5 This kind of removal is nowhere close to being premium. Only reducing a creature’s power just doesn’t do enough. The thing can still block with its full toughness and use abilities, so you don’t even get rid of a whole card with it on some creatures. That, combined with the necessary set up, makes this a fairly unimpressive card. It does mill you, which is important, but it isn’t anything more than a decent playable.
2.5 This kind of removal is nowhere close to being premium. Only reducing a creature’s power just doesn’t do enough. The thing can still block with its full toughness and use abilities, so you don’t even get rid of a whole card with it on some creatures. That, combined with the necessary set up, makes this a fairly unimpressive card. It does mill you, which is important, but it isn’t anything more than a decent playable.
Vampire's Kiss
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
Flourishing Hunter
2.5 It is pretty likely that this gains you 3 or more life, and that will feel pretty good if you’re trying to stabilize against an aggressive deck. . Seems like a solid card to have in the Colossal Dreadmaw/Honey Mammoth.
2.5 It is pretty likely that this gains you 3 or more life, and that will feel pretty good if you’re trying to stabilize against an aggressive deck. . Seems like a solid card to have in the Colossal Dreadmaw/Honey Mammoth.
Heron-Blessed Geist
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t very good, but the fact it can make 1/1 flyers from the graveyard is big, and will often feel like you’re getting a 2-for-1. You do need to have an Enchantment in play to use that ability, which is a little annoying, but seems doable enough.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t very good, but the fact it can make 1/1 flyers from the graveyard is big, and will often feel like you’re getting a 2-for-1. You do need to have an Enchantment in play to use that ability, which is a little annoying, but seems doable enough.
Pack 2 Pick 4: Arm the Cathars
Hopeful Initiate
2.5 A one mana ½ with Training is already kind of a decent card, and that’s mostly what this will feel like, though of course having the Disenchant effect as an option is nice.
2.5 A one mana ½ with Training is already kind of a decent card, and that’s mostly what this will feel like, though of course having the Disenchant effect as an option is nice.
Arm the Cathars
3.0 +6/+6 worth of stats spread across three creatures and Vigilance is going to be enough to enable attacks on a whole lot of boards, between the stats and the fact that you can still have the creatures hang back to block, which really matters in a race. Sure, you need a board state for this to do its thing, and you have to be a little cautious about when you use it, but it seems like this can bust a game wide open early, and break through a stalled board late, and that seems like a pretty nice overall.
3.0 +6/+6 worth of stats spread across three creatures and Vigilance is going to be enough to enable attacks on a whole lot of boards, between the stats and the fact that you can still have the creatures hang back to block, which really matters in a race. Sure, you need a board state for this to do its thing, and you have to be a little cautious about when you use it, but it seems like this can bust a game wide open early, and break through a stalled board late, and that seems like a pretty nice overall.
Infestation Expert
3.5 I would be pretty happy playing this card even if it didn’t transform. 5 mana for ⅘ worth of stats across two bodies is sort of the fail case, and it can of course churn out tokens. Then, being a werewolf, sometimes it will be significantly more impressive, attacking harder and making more tokens, and obviously as a ⅘, it is more likely to be able to rumble.
3.5 I would be pretty happy playing this card even if it didn’t transform. 5 mana for ⅘ worth of stats across two bodies is sort of the fail case, and it can of course churn out tokens. Then, being a werewolf, sometimes it will be significantly more impressive, attacking harder and making more tokens, and obviously as a ⅘, it is more likely to be able to rumble.
Boarded Window
2.5 This kind of effect always plays much better than you’d think. Decreasing the power of attacking creatures really results in a big downgrade for your opponent, and does have a pretty real impact on the board. It is a bit of a bummer -- albeit a flavrful bummer -- that it goes away if your opponent does 4 or more damage to you -- but it will be surprisingly hard for your opponent to find a way to do that, since their creatures will be significantly less potent attackers, something that is even more of a problem if you have blockers. Now you don’t really want this if you’re in the beat down, but if you’re in a more grindy control deck, this is going to be something that does a nice job for you.
2.5 This kind of effect always plays much better than you’d think. Decreasing the power of attacking creatures really results in a big downgrade for your opponent, and does have a pretty real impact on the board. It is a bit of a bummer -- albeit a flavrful bummer -- that it goes away if your opponent does 4 or more damage to you -- but it will be surprisingly hard for your opponent to find a way to do that, since their creatures will be significantly less potent attackers, something that is even more of a problem if you have blockers. Now you don’t really want this if you’re in the beat down, but if you’re in a more grindy control deck, this is going to be something that does a nice job for you.
Chill of the Grave
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
Traveling Minister
1.5 This common gains life, which BW likes, and it can set up training a little better, which GW likes. But it doesn’t do either thing that well, and as a one mana 1/1 it isn’t exactly impactful. The Sorcery speed only thing is killer!
1.5 This common gains life, which BW likes, and it can set up training a little better, which GW likes. But it doesn’t do either thing that well, and as a one mana 1/1 it isn’t exactly impactful. The Sorcery speed only thing is killer!
Cradle of Safety
2.0 This is functionally identical to Starlit Mantle, a card we saw fairly recently that overperformed. This Aura doesn’t give the most amazing boost for the cost, but hexproof can be used to counter spells and it will feel really swingy when you can do that. It will be especially nice in the UW deck, which pays you off for Auras. I think this will be a fine playable, just like the mantle was.
2.0 This is functionally identical to Starlit Mantle, a card we saw fairly recently that overperformed. This Aura doesn’t give the most amazing boost for the cost, but hexproof can be used to counter spells and it will feel really swingy when you can do that. It will be especially nice in the UW deck, which pays you off for Auras. I think this will be a fine playable, just like the mantle was.
Moldgraf Millipede
2.0 This is a decent payoff for the UG deck in the format, which likes milling. It is hard to overlook how bad this will feel if you only end up with one or two creatures, but I think if its at least a 4/4 you feel okay about it, and sometimes it will be much bigger. It is still just a big vanilla creature, though.
2.0 This is a decent payoff for the UG deck in the format, which likes milling. It is hard to overlook how bad this will feel if you only end up with one or two creatures, but I think if its at least a 4/4 you feel okay about it, and sometimes it will be much bigger. It is still just a big vanilla creature, though.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
Steelclad Spirit
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
Undying Malice
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
Pack 2 Pick 5: Heron-Blessed Geist
Brine Comber
3.5 This looks amazing, and kind of resembles Lingering Souls. Three mana a 1/1 and a 1/1 flyer isn’t bad, and you get at least one 1/1 flyer back from your graveyard, all from a single card! And that’s without taking into account the Aura upside. This is a great signpost Uncommon.
3.5 This looks amazing, and kind of resembles Lingering Souls. Three mana a 1/1 and a 1/1 flyer isn’t bad, and you get at least one 1/1 flyer back from your graveyard, all from a single card! And that’s without taking into account the Aura upside. This is a great signpost Uncommon.
Mulch
1.0 // 2.5 This is a reprint, and one that stands a good chance at impacting constructed! In Limited, it is probably only worth it in a deck that is interesting in loading the graveyard, which mostly seems to be UG this time around. It does give you a good shot at hitting a land drop or two, which is fine. Still, I think most decks won’t play this apart from UG.
1.0 // 2.5 This is a reprint, and one that stands a good chance at impacting constructed! In Limited, it is probably only worth it in a deck that is interesting in loading the graveyard, which mostly seems to be UG this time around. It does give you a good shot at hitting a land drop or two, which is fine. Still, I think most decks won’t play this apart from UG.
Vampire's Kiss
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
Ragged Recluse
2.5 This format has enough ways to discard – Blood tokens in particular – that transforming this thing into a witch is very doable, and once you do you have a pretty nice creature., although it isn’t exactly a world breaker.
2.5 This format has enough ways to discard – Blood tokens in particular – that transforming this thing into a witch is very doable, and once you do you have a pretty nice creature., although it isn’t exactly a world breaker.
Nebelgast Beguiler
2.0 Master Decoy-type effects tend to play pretty well in Limited, sort of becoming like removal in the late part of the game. The creature here is very clunky and unimpressive, though. Having a defensive creature who has to tap to use its ability is a bit annoying, and I think you’ll cut this a decent chunk of the time.
2.0 Master Decoy-type effects tend to play pretty well in Limited, sort of becoming like removal in the late part of the game. The creature here is very clunky and unimpressive, though. Having a defensive creature who has to tap to use its ability is a bit annoying, and I think you’ll cut this a decent chunk of the time.
Lacerate Flesh
1.5 This is some pretty mediocre removal. 5 for 4 damage just isn’t much, and you’ll often be trading drown with it. Getting some Blood doesn’t really save it from mediocrity. It is still removal and brings some Blood and Spell synergy, so it’s something you’ll play sometimes.
1.5 This is some pretty mediocre removal. 5 for 4 damage just isn’t much, and you’ll often be trading drown with it. Getting some Blood doesn’t really save it from mediocrity. It is still removal and brings some Blood and Spell synergy, so it’s something you’ll play sometimes.
Sporeback Wolf
2.5 We’ve seen two mana 2/2s with this box of text before, and its fine. Being a 2/4 is decent enough upside on a bear.
2.5 We’ve seen two mana 2/2s with this box of text before, and its fine. Being a 2/4 is decent enough upside on a bear.
Syncopate
2.5 This is a reprint, and actually a pretty reasonable counterspell. XU counterspells are nicely customizable, and you’ll find yourself able to counter a spell much more frequently without going out of your way to leave some amount of mana up as a result. Exiling the thing you counters certainly matters in this format too. Now, it is still a counterspell, and having to have the mana up at the exact right time just for this to trade 1-for-1 still isn’t awesome, but unlike a lot of counterspells, this one is worth it in Limited.
2.5 This is a reprint, and actually a pretty reasonable counterspell. XU counterspells are nicely customizable, and you’ll find yourself able to counter a spell much more frequently without going out of your way to leave some amount of mana up as a result. Exiling the thing you counters certainly matters in this format too. Now, it is still a counterspell, and having to have the mana up at the exact right time just for this to trade 1-for-1 still isn’t awesome, but unlike a lot of counterspells, this one is worth it in Limited.
Heron-Blessed Geist
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t very good, but the fact it can make 1/1 flyers from the graveyard is big, and will often feel like you’re getting a 2-for-1. You do need to have an Enchantment in play to use that ability, which is a little annoying, but seems doable enough.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t very good, but the fact it can make 1/1 flyers from the graveyard is big, and will often feel like you’re getting a 2-for-1. You do need to have an Enchantment in play to use that ability, which is a little annoying, but seems doable enough.
Falkenrath Celebrants
2.5 This is a decent 5-drop. A 5-mana 4/4 with Menace is A 2.0 at best, but the two blood tokens it gives you can fuel some stuff or improve your hand.
2.5 This is a decent 5-drop. A 5-mana 4/4 with Menace is A 2.0 at best, but the two blood tokens it gives you can fuel some stuff or improve your hand.
Pack 2 Pick 6: Sigarda's Imprisonment
Whispering Wizard
4.0 The trigger here is quite strong, even if you only get it going once a turn, as those Spirits can really cause a lot of problems to your opponent. Stapling them to every non-creature spell is really nice. I can see this being good in UR spells or UW Auras, as both of those decks will be casting a significant number of non-creature spells.
4.0 The trigger here is quite strong, even if you only get it going once a turn, as those Spirits can really cause a lot of problems to your opponent. Stapling them to every non-creature spell is really nice. I can see this being good in UR spells or UW Auras, as both of those decks will be casting a significant number of non-creature spells.
Sanguine Statuette
2.0 On its own, you’ll be able to activate this once -- and while that’s not amazing, it is nice that it can do a thing without any other help, unlike some payoffs. Plus, you can play this and sac the token for an additional mana, and rumble right away with it which will certainly come up. You do probably need a critical mass of Blood to really get it going, but I think most Red decks will have like 5 ways to make blood without trying super hard.
2.0 On its own, you’ll be able to activate this once -- and while that’s not amazing, it is nice that it can do a thing without any other help, unlike some payoffs. Plus, you can play this and sac the token for an additional mana, and rumble right away with it which will certainly come up. You do probably need a critical mass of Blood to really get it going, but I think most Red decks will have like 5 ways to make blood without trying super hard.
Scattered Thoughts
2.0 It is pretty funny to compare this card to Organ Hoarder from the last set, which was the same mana cost, but put a 3/2 body into play and only let you grab one card from the top three, but yeah, way better either way. Anyway, this might not be the best Common in the whole set like the Hoarder was, but it seems like a solid playable. Looking at 4 cards is pretty nice for the cost, and loading up the graveyard is worth doing too.
2.0 It is pretty funny to compare this card to Organ Hoarder from the last set, which was the same mana cost, but put a 3/2 body into play and only let you grab one card from the top three, but yeah, way better either way. Anyway, this might not be the best Common in the whole set like the Hoarder was, but it seems like a solid playable. Looking at 4 cards is pretty nice for the cost, and loading up the graveyard is worth doing too.
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Undying Malice
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
Piercing Light
2.5 This kills X/2s pretty efficiently, but its situational in two different ways, and I don’t love that. The creature has to be small and attacking or blocking. Scry is some minor additional value, but yeah, this falls well short of being premium removal. Its just a solid playable. I’m giving it 2.5.
2.5 This kills X/2s pretty efficiently, but its situational in two different ways, and I don’t love that. The creature has to be small and attacking or blocking. Scry is some minor additional value, but yeah, this falls well short of being premium removal. Its just a solid playable. I’m giving it 2.5.
Aim for the Head
1.5 It seems like we get a new take on Mind Rot every set, and this one is a bit interesting. 3 mana to get rid of two of your opponent’s cards is of course a 2-for-1 – but not impacting the board can be a pretty real cost, and an effect like this definitely has diminishing returns as the game goes on. It is a big deal that this exiles the cards though, because of the graveyard stuff in the format, and the alternate mode where it is a Zombie removal spell is nice too. That’s not to say this card is GOOD or anything, but it IS good as far as Mind Rots go.
1.5 It seems like we get a new take on Mind Rot every set, and this one is a bit interesting. 3 mana to get rid of two of your opponent’s cards is of course a 2-for-1 – but not impacting the board can be a pretty real cost, and an effect like this definitely has diminishing returns as the game goes on. It is a big deal that this exiles the cards though, because of the graveyard stuff in the format, and the alternate mode where it is a Zombie removal spell is nice too. That’s not to say this card is GOOD or anything, but it IS good as far as Mind Rots go.
Fear of Death
2.5 This kind of removal is nowhere close to being premium. Only reducing a creature’s power just doesn’t do enough. The thing can still block with its full toughness and use abilities, so you don’t even get rid of a whole card with it on some creatures. That, combined with the necessary set up, makes this a fairly unimpressive card. It does mill you, which is important, but it isn’t anything more than a decent playable.
2.5 This kind of removal is nowhere close to being premium. Only reducing a creature’s power just doesn’t do enough. The thing can still block with its full toughness and use abilities, so you don’t even get rid of a whole card with it on some creatures. That, combined with the necessary set up, makes this a fairly unimpressive card. It does mill you, which is important, but it isn’t anything more than a decent playable.
Sigarda's Imprisonment
3.0 This is White’s usual aura-based premium removal. Now, there’s a very real chance this is worse than normal, since Exploit is in the format, but I still think the efficiency of the card is worth it -- 3 mana completely removes the card from combat, allowing you to attack and take advantage right away, and its nice that in the late game you can get rid of the creature entirely and get a Blood token out of the deal.
3.0 This is White’s usual aura-based premium removal. Now, there’s a very real chance this is worse than normal, since Exploit is in the format, but I still think the efficiency of the card is worth it -- 3 mana completely removes the card from combat, allowing you to attack and take advantage right away, and its nice that in the late game you can get rid of the creature entirely and get a Blood token out of the deal.
Pack 2 Pick 7: Vampire Slayer
Cobbled Lancer
3.0 Obviously, casting this on turn one is close to impossible in Limited, but if you just trade your two drop and then cast this on turn three plus another spell, that seems pretty spicy. Its also big enough that its decent all game long, so even if you don’t play it until turn 4 or something it will be okay, especially if you’re double spelling. The nice thing too is that if you’re milling yourself, you can cash it in for a card from your graveyard. And, if you trade with it and use the ability from the graveyard, you get a 2-for-1!
3.0 Obviously, casting this on turn one is close to impossible in Limited, but if you just trade your two drop and then cast this on turn three plus another spell, that seems pretty spicy. Its also big enough that its decent all game long, so even if you don’t play it until turn 4 or something it will be okay, especially if you’re double spelling. The nice thing too is that if you’re milling yourself, you can cash it in for a card from your graveyard. And, if you trade with it and use the ability from the graveyard, you get a 2-for-1!
Blood Hypnotist
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
Voldaren Epicure
2.0 This does a bunch of little things, and I think they add up enough to make this a decent card. I don’t think you’ll always play it, but chances are good you’ll be interested in the Blood if yo’ure in Red, and especially Black/Red, and getting it on turn one seems like it will fuel some stuff.
2.0 This does a bunch of little things, and I think they add up enough to make this a decent card. I don’t think you’ll always play it, but chances are good you’ll be interested in the Blood if yo’ure in Red, and especially Black/Red, and getting it on turn one seems like it will fuel some stuff.
Vampire Slayer
1.5 This set has a lot of vampires, but not so many that a two mana 2/2 that kills Vampires in combat is that great. This is especially true because many vampires are already kind of small and this can trade with them.
1.5 This set has a lot of vampires, but not so many that a two mana 2/2 that kills Vampires in combat is that great. This is especially true because many vampires are already kind of small and this can trade with them.
Ancestral Anger
1.0 I like collect ‘em all cards, but just pumping power at Sorcery speed just isn’t that great, even with Trample. Now, I do think it has a little bit of value in the UR deck, since it is a spell that cantrips, but I’m still not very impressed.
1.0 I like collect ‘em all cards, but just pumping power at Sorcery speed just isn’t that great, even with Trample. Now, I do think it has a little bit of value in the UR deck, since it is a spell that cantrips, but I’m still not very impressed.
Ragged Recluse
2.5 This format has enough ways to discard – Blood tokens in particular – that transforming this thing into a witch is very doable, and once you do you have a pretty nice creature., although it isn’t exactly a world breaker.
2.5 This format has enough ways to discard – Blood tokens in particular – that transforming this thing into a witch is very doable, and once you do you have a pretty nice creature., although it isn’t exactly a world breaker.
Dreadlight Monstrosity
1.5 This doesn’t seem very good. A 6-mana 5/5 is an ugly rate, even with Ward 2, and yeah – it can become unblockable, but only for a huge chunk of mana, and only if you have a card in exile. Now, by the time you can use the ability it is reasonably likely you have something in exile because of Disturb, but there will be times where that just isn’t the case, and without that ability, this card is really not good. You’ll play it if you’re desperate for a finisher I guess, but you’re hoping for something better.
1.5 This doesn’t seem very good. A 6-mana 5/5 is an ugly rate, even with Ward 2, and yeah – it can become unblockable, but only for a huge chunk of mana, and only if you have a card in exile. Now, by the time you can use the ability it is reasonably likely you have something in exile because of Disturb, but there will be times where that just isn’t the case, and without that ability, this card is really not good. You’ll play it if you’re desperate for a finisher I guess, but you’re hoping for something better.
Blood Fountain
2.5 I always like to have one copy of the the Black card that gets you two creatures back from the graveyard, and that’s what we have here. For 5 mana you get those two creatures and a blood token, and that’s a pretty reasonable rate, especially because you’re paying it in two installments, and can pay the larger part at instant speed! You don’t normally want to overdo it with copies of this kind of card because they tend to not be great early, but this offsets that a bit since it does give you Blood before the other part of the card becomes useful. But yeah, getting two creatures back late can often give you what you need to win the game. I think the first copy of this is a 2.5, with diminishing returns after that.
2.5 I always like to have one copy of the the Black card that gets you two creatures back from the graveyard, and that’s what we have here. For 5 mana you get those two creatures and a blood token, and that’s a pretty reasonable rate, especially because you’re paying it in two installments, and can pay the larger part at instant speed! You don’t normally want to overdo it with copies of this kind of card because they tend to not be great early, but this offsets that a bit since it does give you Blood before the other part of the card becomes useful. But yeah, getting two creatures back late can often give you what you need to win the game. I think the first copy of this is a 2.5, with diminishing returns after that.
Pack 2 Pick 8: Gryff Rider
Crawling Infestation
1.0 // 3.5 This is very similar to a card from our last trip to Innistrad called Creeping Sensation. So similar that I thought it was a reprint at first! They are pretty similar, the main difference is that this checks for creatures that go to the graveyard and not lands, and it only triggers once each turn, but this is a pretty similar card. It really helps you out if you’re interested in milling, and it cranks out Insect tokens fairly often. Basically, you get to add to the board while also loading up your graveyard. And, your own creatures dying also will give you those tokens. There’s a bit of a risk of milling yourself out, but based on how it worked out last time, you usually end up winning with all the graveyard value before that happens. You don’t wanna play this if you’re an aggro deck of course, but if you’re any sort of grindy graveyard deck, this is a very impressive engine
1.0 // 3.5 This is very similar to a card from our last trip to Innistrad called Creeping Sensation. So similar that I thought it was a reprint at first! They are pretty similar, the main difference is that this checks for creatures that go to the graveyard and not lands, and it only triggers once each turn, but this is a pretty similar card. It really helps you out if you’re interested in milling, and it cranks out Insect tokens fairly often. Basically, you get to add to the board while also loading up your graveyard. And, your own creatures dying also will give you those tokens. There’s a bit of a risk of milling yourself out, but based on how it worked out last time, you usually end up winning with all the graveyard value before that happens. You don’t wanna play this if you’re an aggro deck of course, but if you’re any sort of grindy graveyard deck, this is a very impressive engine
Dread Fugue
0.0 // 1.0 Neither side of this card is very good in Limited. If you just cast it normally, there’s a good chance you hit nothing, and the 3-mana effect is just Coercion, a card that generally isn’t playable in Limited. You’ve got to be adding to the board meaningfully in most Limited formats, and this doesn’t do that, and it will often do nothing. It gets a little better as a sideboard card, but its probably still just a 1 there.
0.0 // 1.0 Neither side of this card is very good in Limited. If you just cast it normally, there’s a good chance you hit nothing, and the 3-mana effect is just Coercion, a card that generally isn’t playable in Limited. You’ve got to be adding to the board meaningfully in most Limited formats, and this doesn’t do that, and it will often do nothing. It gets a little better as a sideboard card, but its probably still just a 1 there.
Gryff Rider
3.0 This looks like a nice Common. Because it has Flying, it will often be able to attack with other creatures that are bigger than it, so it can grow throughout the game, and even just getting one counter on it will feel pretty good. This seems like the kind of Common that will be the bread and butter of aggressive decks in this format.
3.0 This looks like a nice Common. Because it has Flying, it will often be able to attack with other creatures that are bigger than it, so it can grow throughout the game, and even just getting one counter on it will feel pretty good. This seems like the kind of Common that will be the bread and butter of aggressive decks in this format.
Mulch
1.0 // 2.5 This is a reprint, and one that stands a good chance at impacting constructed! In Limited, it is probably only worth it in a deck that is interesting in loading the graveyard, which mostly seems to be UG this time around. It does give you a good shot at hitting a land drop or two, which is fine. Still, I think most decks won’t play this apart from UG.
1.0 // 2.5 This is a reprint, and one that stands a good chance at impacting constructed! In Limited, it is probably only worth it in a deck that is interesting in loading the graveyard, which mostly seems to be UG this time around. It does give you a good shot at hitting a land drop or two, which is fine. Still, I think most decks won’t play this apart from UG.
Evolving Wilds
3.0 We see this all the time, and its always a pretty nice land. It does an excellent job of fixing for you. If you’re splashing something, just a single Wilds and a basic land in that splash color is enough, and that’s pretty great! Its at pretty much the same level as the Rare dual lands we just saw.
3.0 We see this all the time, and its always a pretty nice land. It does an excellent job of fixing for you. If you’re splashing something, just a single Wilds and a basic land in that splash color is enough, and that’s pretty great! Its at pretty much the same level as the Rare dual lands we just saw.
Militia Rallier
2.5 This has efficient stats, even if it can’t attack alone. The good news is it can block alone, and it does a good job of that! And as long as he has some friends, he can rumble too, while untapping a creature, so it has pseudo-vigilance. On top of that, its a nice size for training other creatures.
2.5 This has efficient stats, even if it can’t attack alone. The good news is it can block alone, and it does a good job of that! And as long as he has some friends, he can rumble too, while untapping a creature, so it has pseudo-vigilance. On top of that, its a nice size for training other creatures.
Dawnhart Disciple
2.5 This is a nice two drop, one that will often be a 3/3 when you’re just curving out.
2.5 This is a nice two drop, one that will often be a 3/3 when you’re just curving out.
Pack 2 Pick 9: Rural Recruit
Vilespawn Spider
4.0 This is an excellent signpost Uncommon, it has great vanilla stats, loads up the graveyard, and has a powerful graveyard-payoff effect. It does everything you want in UG.
4.0 This is an excellent signpost Uncommon, it has great vanilla stats, loads up the graveyard, and has a powerful graveyard-payoff effect. It does everything you want in UG.
Rural Recruit
3.0 This is a pretty good Common. 4/2 worth of stats spread across two bodies isn’t too bad for 4 mana, and it comes with the means to train itself right away. This turning into a 2/2 isn’t exactly amazing, but it will definitely make your attacks on the turn after you play it feel pretty good.
3.0 This is a pretty good Common. 4/2 worth of stats spread across two bodies isn’t too bad for 4 mana, and it comes with the means to train itself right away. This turning into a 2/2 isn’t exactly amazing, but it will definitely make your attacks on the turn after you play it feel pretty good.
End the Festivities
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
Nature's Embrace
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
Blood Fountain
2.5 I always like to have one copy of the the Black card that gets you two creatures back from the graveyard, and that’s what we have here. For 5 mana you get those two creatures and a blood token, and that’s a pretty reasonable rate, especially because you’re paying it in two installments, and can pay the larger part at instant speed! You don’t normally want to overdo it with copies of this kind of card because they tend to not be great early, but this offsets that a bit since it does give you Blood before the other part of the card becomes useful. But yeah, getting two creatures back late can often give you what you need to win the game. I think the first copy of this is a 2.5, with diminishing returns after that.
2.5 I always like to have one copy of the the Black card that gets you two creatures back from the graveyard, and that’s what we have here. For 5 mana you get those two creatures and a blood token, and that’s a pretty reasonable rate, especially because you’re paying it in two installments, and can pay the larger part at instant speed! You don’t normally want to overdo it with copies of this kind of card because they tend to not be great early, but this offsets that a bit since it does give you Blood before the other part of the card becomes useful. But yeah, getting two creatures back late can often give you what you need to win the game. I think the first copy of this is a 2.5, with diminishing returns after that.
Steelclad Spirit
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
Pack 2 Pick 10: Distracting Geist
Distracting Geist
3.5 This kind of creature always overperforms. Tapping down a defending creature is a huge deal, and really alters how your opponent plays the game. Being a 2/1 is a bit of a bummer, but the fact that you can disturb this later in the game to give a more formidable creature that ability is pretty appealing. I think you can take this pretty early.
3.5 This kind of creature always overperforms. Tapping down a defending creature is a huge deal, and really alters how your opponent plays the game. Being a 2/1 is a bit of a bummer, but the fact that you can disturb this later in the game to give a more formidable creature that ability is pretty appealing. I think you can take this pretty early.
Wedding Invitation
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Undying Malice
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
Reckless Impulse
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
Pack 2 Pick 11: Chill of the Grave
Aim for the Head
1.5 It seems like we get a new take on Mind Rot every set, and this one is a bit interesting. 3 mana to get rid of two of your opponent’s cards is of course a 2-for-1 – but not impacting the board can be a pretty real cost, and an effect like this definitely has diminishing returns as the game goes on. It is a big deal that this exiles the cards though, because of the graveyard stuff in the format, and the alternate mode where it is a Zombie removal spell is nice too. That’s not to say this card is GOOD or anything, but it IS good as far as Mind Rots go.
1.5 It seems like we get a new take on Mind Rot every set, and this one is a bit interesting. 3 mana to get rid of two of your opponent’s cards is of course a 2-for-1 – but not impacting the board can be a pretty real cost, and an effect like this definitely has diminishing returns as the game goes on. It is a big deal that this exiles the cards though, because of the graveyard stuff in the format, and the alternate mode where it is a Zombie removal spell is nice too. That’s not to say this card is GOOD or anything, but it IS good as far as Mind Rots go.
Desperate Farmer
2.5 This starts out with a pretty ugly stat-line – a Gray Ogre with life link just isn’t worth three mana, but it has the ability to turn into a 4/3 with Lifelink, which is obviously pretty good for three mana! And transforming it isn’t’ super hard, something just has to die, so you can just play this and offer a trade for example. You can also exploit something to transform it.
2.5 This starts out with a pretty ugly stat-line – a Gray Ogre with life link just isn’t worth three mana, but it has the ability to turn into a 4/3 with Lifelink, which is obviously pretty good for three mana! And transforming it isn’t’ super hard, something just has to die, so you can just play this and offer a trade for example. You can also exploit something to transform it.
Chill of the Grave
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
Fear of Death
2.5 This kind of removal is nowhere close to being premium. Only reducing a creature’s power just doesn’t do enough. The thing can still block with its full toughness and use abilities, so you don’t even get rid of a whole card with it on some creatures. That, combined with the necessary set up, makes this a fairly unimpressive card. It does mill you, which is important, but it isn’t anything more than a decent playable.
2.5 This kind of removal is nowhere close to being premium. Only reducing a creature’s power just doesn’t do enough. The thing can still block with its full toughness and use abilities, so you don’t even get rid of a whole card with it on some creatures. That, combined with the necessary set up, makes this a fairly unimpressive card. It does mill you, which is important, but it isn’t anything more than a decent playable.
Pack 2 Pick 12: Chill of the Grave
Chill of the Grave
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
Steelclad Spirit
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
2.0 Two mana 3/3s with Defender are surprisingly not completely terrible. This is because they block pretty impressively early, and have enough size that your opponent is usually just going to have to trade. This has the nice upside of being an attacker sometimes.
Undying Malice
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
1.5 It seems like they give Black an Instant like this in every set these days, and they are always a little too situational and mediocre, especially if they don’t provide a stats boost up front to help the creature win combat. Supernatural Stamina, this is not. However, it does have some interesting applications in this set, especially alongside Exploit. You can use it to rebuy a creature you were sacrificing to Exploit, or to rebuy an Exploit trigger in the first place, and that seems like it might be worth doing. If you just have this in your deck as a way to save a creature from dying in combat or as way to counter removal, it probably won’t be worth it, but yeah – if ETBs and Exploit abound in your deck, it seems serviceable.
Pack 2 Pick 13: Vampire's Kiss
Mulch
1.0 // 2.5 This is a reprint, and one that stands a good chance at impacting constructed! In Limited, it is probably only worth it in a deck that is interesting in loading the graveyard, which mostly seems to be UG this time around. It does give you a good shot at hitting a land drop or two, which is fine. Still, I think most decks won’t play this apart from UG.
1.0 // 2.5 This is a reprint, and one that stands a good chance at impacting constructed! In Limited, it is probably only worth it in a deck that is interesting in loading the graveyard, which mostly seems to be UG this time around. It does give you a good shot at hitting a land drop or two, which is fine. Still, I think most decks won’t play this apart from UG.
Vampire's Kiss
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
1.0 I don’t like cards like this. Sure, it alters the race a little bit and gives you those blood tokens, which the BR deck is certainly interested in, but it just won’t feel like this is giving you a full card of value very often. It doesn’t impact the board meaningfully, and I can’t see myself wanting to jam something like it into my deck.
Pack 2 Pick 14: Fear of Death
Fear of Death
2.5 This kind of removal is nowhere close to being premium. Only reducing a creature’s power just doesn’t do enough. The thing can still block with its full toughness and use abilities, so you don’t even get rid of a whole card with it on some creatures. That, combined with the necessary set up, makes this a fairly unimpressive card. It does mill you, which is important, but it isn’t anything more than a decent playable.
2.5 This kind of removal is nowhere close to being premium. Only reducing a creature’s power just doesn’t do enough. The thing can still block with its full toughness and use abilities, so you don’t even get rid of a whole card with it on some creatures. That, combined with the necessary set up, makes this a fairly unimpressive card. It does mill you, which is important, but it isn’t anything more than a decent playable.
Pack 3 Pick 1: Voice of the Blessed
Voice of the Blessed
4.0 This is a really, really good life gain payoff, and this format has a legit life gain deck. It is, in most ways, a better Ajani’s Pridemate. It will be really great in a deck that goes hard on life gain, but it has a pretty good baseline as a two mana 2/2, and it also likes +1/+1 counters regardless of where they come from, which makes it a nice fit for GW too. It getting Flying and Vigilance is something that will happen reasonably often, but you should probably never expect it to be indestructible. I think most decks will get some nice performances out of this card. It has a reasonable floor and a very high ceiling.
4.0 This is a really, really good life gain payoff, and this format has a legit life gain deck. It is, in most ways, a better Ajani’s Pridemate. It will be really great in a deck that goes hard on life gain, but it has a pretty good baseline as a two mana 2/2, and it also likes +1/+1 counters regardless of where they come from, which makes it a nice fit for GW too. It getting Flying and Vigilance is something that will happen reasonably often, but you should probably never expect it to be indestructible. I think most decks will get some nice performances out of this card. It has a reasonable floor and a very high ceiling.
Wash Away
1.5 So, without Cleaving this, you will be able to counter things like Disturb, but that’s way too narrow and not worth a card. Even with Cleave, this is just Cancel, and that’s usually a card that’s not worth it in Limited. The Double Blue can be kind of rough, as it decreases the frequency with which you’ll be able to leave mana up to counter a thing, and that’s incredibly frustrating, as well as inefficient.
1.5 So, without Cleaving this, you will be able to counter things like Disturb, but that’s way too narrow and not worth a card. Even with Cleave, this is just Cancel, and that’s usually a card that’s not worth it in Limited. The Double Blue can be kind of rough, as it decreases the frequency with which you’ll be able to leave mana up to counter a thing, and that’s incredibly frustrating, as well as inefficient.
Hero's Downfall
4.0 This was a Rare last time we saw it, and that goes a long way towards explaining how removal has gone back to being really good at lower rarities lately! And yeah, this is. It is strictly better Murder coming with the occasionally useful upside of dealing with planeswalkers. The double black in the cost is something that matters, because it isn’t as splashable as some other premium removal, but its still incredibly good.
4.0 This was a Rare last time we saw it, and that goes a long way towards explaining how removal has gone back to being really good at lower rarities lately! And yeah, this is. It is strictly better Murder coming with the occasionally useful upside of dealing with planeswalkers. The double black in the cost is something that matters, because it isn’t as splashable as some other premium removal, but its still incredibly good.
Innocent Traveler
3.0 You start out with a creature that is terrible on the vanilla test, but it can transform into a creature that does quite well on the vanilla test. The only way it won’t transform is if your opponent is willing to give up creatures, and that’s a pretty real cost. Sure, the first couple of times they may have some expendable stuff, but it will ultimately become a pretty real problem. Now, the downside is that your opponent may be able to hold off it off long enough so that a 3/3 Flyer isn’t a big deal or something, but the fact is that it still whittled away the opponent’s board a bit, and that’s not bad value to have on your 4-mana 3/3 Flyer. It is definitely kind of rough the turn you play it, since it’s such a terrible blocker, but by your upkeep I think you’ll be reasonably happy with its performance.
3.0 You start out with a creature that is terrible on the vanilla test, but it can transform into a creature that does quite well on the vanilla test. The only way it won’t transform is if your opponent is willing to give up creatures, and that’s a pretty real cost. Sure, the first couple of times they may have some expendable stuff, but it will ultimately become a pretty real problem. Now, the downside is that your opponent may be able to hold off it off long enough so that a 3/3 Flyer isn’t a big deal or something, but the fact is that it still whittled away the opponent’s board a bit, and that’s not bad value to have on your 4-mana 3/3 Flyer. It is definitely kind of rough the turn you play it, since it’s such a terrible blocker, but by your upkeep I think you’ll be reasonably happy with its performance.
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Persistent Specimen
1.0 // 2.5 Like many Skeletons who came before it, the idea here is to recur this so that you can keep sacrificing it to exploit triggers and other stuff. I think that really makes this a build around, as you don’t want to play it at all in a deck that doesn’t really take advantage of its recursion, as getting back a 1/1 over and over again just isn’t very good for most decks.
1.0 // 2.5 Like many Skeletons who came before it, the idea here is to recur this so that you can keep sacrificing it to exploit triggers and other stuff. I think that really makes this a build around, as you don’t want to play it at all in a deck that doesn’t really take advantage of its recursion, as getting back a 1/1 over and over again just isn’t very good for most decks.
Sure Strike
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
Drogskol Infantry
3.0 This looks like a nice Common to me! It is a bear on one side, and then can come back as a pretty nice Aura late. Look at it as a creature who can trade and leave an Aura behind, and that sounds pretty good.
3.0 This looks like a nice Common to me! It is a bear on one side, and then can come back as a pretty nice Aura late. Look at it as a creature who can trade and leave an Aura behind, and that sounds pretty good.
Unholy Officiant
2.0 A one mana ½ with Vigilance is not a very good card. Its the kind of card people often overrate, because they think “One mana is only enough to get a 1/1 most of the time!” and while that’s sort of true, the problem in Limited is that this kind of card will get outclassed pretty quickly. That said, it comes with an ability that actually does something in the late game, even if 5 is a lot for a single counter. Its also a decent place to put counters thanks to its keyword ability. So, yeah. This is an alright one drop that you’ll play in your most aggressive GW decks, but it doesn’t look that great anywhere else.
2.0 A one mana ½ with Vigilance is not a very good card. Its the kind of card people often overrate, because they think “One mana is only enough to get a 1/1 most of the time!” and while that’s sort of true, the problem in Limited is that this kind of card will get outclassed pretty quickly. That said, it comes with an ability that actually does something in the late game, even if 5 is a lot for a single counter. Its also a decent place to put counters thanks to its keyword ability. So, yeah. This is an alright one drop that you’ll play in your most aggressive GW decks, but it doesn’t look that great anywhere else.
Pyre Spawn
2.0 This doesn’t have good stats, but the fact it bolts a thing when it dies does usually mean you can get a 2-for-1, and if your opponent’s life is low they are going to be sweating this a ton. I think this is a decent top curve card.
2.0 This doesn’t have good stats, but the fact it bolts a thing when it dies does usually mean you can get a 2-for-1, and if your opponent’s life is low they are going to be sweating this a ton. I think this is a decent top curve card.
Bramble Armor
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
Stitched Assistant
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
Honored Heirloom
1.5 3 mana mana rocks are very rarely good in Limited, even if they add mana of any color. This one luckily comes with some additional value, as exiling stuff from graveyards does legitimately matter in this format. Still, you probably don’t play this unless you’re splashing a third color, as it is still very low impact.
1.5 3 mana mana rocks are very rarely good in Limited, even if they add mana of any color. This one luckily comes with some additional value, as exiling stuff from graveyards does legitimately matter in this format. Still, you probably don’t play this unless you’re splashing a third color, as it is still very low impact.
Blood Petal Celebrant
3.0 This is a nice Common. We’ve seen two mana 2/1s who have first strike when they attack before, and they are always good two-drop aggro creatures, and this one gives you some Blood when it goes down. I don’t imagine you’ll cut this in Red decks.
3.0 This is a nice Common. We’ve seen two mana 2/1s who have first strike when they attack before, and they are always good two-drop aggro creatures, and this one gives you some Blood when it goes down. I don’t imagine you’ll cut this in Red decks.
Pack 3 Pick 2: Cemetery Desecrator
Cemetery Desecrator
5.0 This is kind of insane. It will frequently be a 6-mana 4/4 with Menace that kills a thing when it enters the battlefield and when it dies, and that’s really strong. Because you can exile any card from either graveyard, you’re likely to be able to take down a whole lot of creatures. This will usually end up giving you a 3-for-1. The counter side of things will come up very rarely, but its nice upside. This is a crazy good bomb.
5.0 This is kind of insane. It will frequently be a 6-mana 4/4 with Menace that kills a thing when it enters the battlefield and when it dies, and that’s really strong. Because you can exile any card from either graveyard, you’re likely to be able to take down a whole lot of creatures. This will usually end up giving you a 3-for-1. The counter side of things will come up very rarely, but its nice upside. This is a crazy good bomb.
Gutter Skulker
3.5 This looks quite good to me. An unblockable 4-mana 3/3 is nice, and that’s what this will usually be! Then, once it goes down, it can lend that powerful unblockability to one of your other creatures, essentially giving you two creatures that are must-kills over the course of a game. Now, ideally, the creature is big enough to really be a problem, and you won’t always be able to pull that off. It does get some bonus points too from being a great place to put Disturb Auras since...you know, it can’t be blocked a lot of the time.
3.5 This looks quite good to me. An unblockable 4-mana 3/3 is nice, and that’s what this will usually be! Then, once it goes down, it can lend that powerful unblockability to one of your other creatures, essentially giving you two creatures that are must-kills over the course of a game. Now, ideally, the creature is big enough to really be a problem, and you won’t always be able to pull that off. It does get some bonus points too from being a great place to put Disturb Auras since...you know, it can’t be blocked a lot of the time.
Blood Hypnotist
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
Witness the Future
1.5 This is interesting. It doesn’t add or subtract from the board at all, and in this day and age that is becoming more and more of a liability, but it does seem like a kind of reasonable late game play. Using it to remove graveyard stuff of your opponent’s, or to shuffle cards back in your deck that you would like to redraw, while also giving you some card selection, isn’t a terrible deal at 3 mana. It also isn’t a great one though and seems like something that will get cut a lot.
1.5 This is interesting. It doesn’t add or subtract from the board at all, and in this day and age that is becoming more and more of a liability, but it does seem like a kind of reasonable late game play. Using it to remove graveyard stuff of your opponent’s, or to shuffle cards back in your deck that you would like to redraw, while also giving you some card selection, isn’t a terrible deal at 3 mana. It also isn’t a great one though and seems like something that will get cut a lot.
Kessig Flamebreather
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
2.0 Every time we’ve seen a noncreature spell payoff that pings the opponent, it has ended up being better than it looks. It will tend to do enough incidental damage throughout the game that it ends up being a pretty nice payoff.
Voldaren Epicure
2.0 This does a bunch of little things, and I think they add up enough to make this a decent card. I don’t think you’ll always play it, but chances are good you’ll be interested in the Blood if yo’ure in Red, and especially Black/Red, and getting it on turn one seems like it will fuel some stuff.
2.0 This does a bunch of little things, and I think they add up enough to make this a decent card. I don’t think you’ll always play it, but chances are good you’ll be interested in the Blood if yo’ure in Red, and especially Black/Red, and getting it on turn one seems like it will fuel some stuff.
Vampire Slayer
1.5 This set has a lot of vampires, but not so many that a two mana 2/2 that kills Vampires in combat is that great. This is especially true because many vampires are already kind of small and this can trade with them.
1.5 This set has a lot of vampires, but not so many that a two mana 2/2 that kills Vampires in combat is that great. This is especially true because many vampires are already kind of small and this can trade with them.
Repository Skaab
3.0 A Hill Giant that sometimes rebuys you an Instant or Sorcery is decent. Obviously, you don’t really want to give up a real creature for the effect all the time, otherwise it is a roundabout way of rummaging, but recurring removal spells is especially potent, and giving up a creature for that is often going to be worth it, especially if you sacrifice a card that brings you some value when it dies.
3.0 A Hill Giant that sometimes rebuys you an Instant or Sorcery is decent. Obviously, you don’t really want to give up a real creature for the effect all the time, otherwise it is a roundabout way of rummaging, but recurring removal spells is especially potent, and giving up a creature for that is often going to be worth it, especially if you sacrifice a card that brings you some value when it dies.
Crushing Canopy
0.5 There are flyers and Enchantments in this set of course, but not really enough of either to main deck this in most cases. Even blowing up a disturb Aura isn’t great, as most of the time you’re trading a whole card for half of one.
0.5 There are flyers and Enchantments in this set of course, but not really enough of either to main deck this in most cases. Even blowing up a disturb Aura isn’t great, as most of the time you’re trading a whole card for half of one.
Evolving Wilds
3.0 We see this all the time, and its always a pretty nice land. It does an excellent job of fixing for you. If you’re splashing something, just a single Wilds and a basic land in that splash color is enough, and that’s pretty great! Its at pretty much the same level as the Rare dual lands we just saw.
3.0 We see this all the time, and its always a pretty nice land. It does an excellent job of fixing for you. If you’re splashing something, just a single Wilds and a basic land in that splash color is enough, and that’s pretty great! Its at pretty much the same level as the Rare dual lands we just saw.
Reckless Impulse
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
Serpentine Ambush
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
Pack 3 Pick 3: Traveling Minister
Distracting Geist
3.5 This kind of creature always overperforms. Tapping down a defending creature is a huge deal, and really alters how your opponent plays the game. Being a 2/1 is a bit of a bummer, but the fact that you can disturb this later in the game to give a more formidable creature that ability is pretty appealing. I think you can take this pretty early.
3.5 This kind of creature always overperforms. Tapping down a defending creature is a huge deal, and really alters how your opponent plays the game. Being a 2/1 is a bit of a bummer, but the fact that you can disturb this later in the game to give a more formidable creature that ability is pretty appealing. I think you can take this pretty early.
Blood Hypnotist
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
Traveling Minister
1.5 This common gains life, which BW likes, and it can set up training a little better, which GW likes. But it doesn’t do either thing that well, and as a one mana 1/1 it isn’t exactly impactful. The Sorcery speed only thing is killer!
1.5 This common gains life, which BW likes, and it can set up training a little better, which GW likes. But it doesn’t do either thing that well, and as a one mana 1/1 it isn’t exactly impactful. The Sorcery speed only thing is killer!
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Toxic Scorpion
3.0 This looks nice. A two mana 1/1 with Deathtouch is probably already a 2.0 or 2.5, since it can trade for anything and really represent a problem all game long. So, being able to give death touch to another creature on the ETB is nice, and gives it even more utility in the later game.
3.0 This looks nice. A two mana 1/1 with Deathtouch is probably already a 2.0 or 2.5, since it can trade for anything and really represent a problem all game long. So, being able to give death touch to another creature on the ETB is nice, and gives it even more utility in the later game.
Nature's Embrace
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
Repository Skaab
3.0 A Hill Giant that sometimes rebuys you an Instant or Sorcery is decent. Obviously, you don’t really want to give up a real creature for the effect all the time, otherwise it is a roundabout way of rummaging, but recurring removal spells is especially potent, and giving up a creature for that is often going to be worth it, especially if you sacrifice a card that brings you some value when it dies.
3.0 A Hill Giant that sometimes rebuys you an Instant or Sorcery is decent. Obviously, you don’t really want to give up a real creature for the effect all the time, otherwise it is a roundabout way of rummaging, but recurring removal spells is especially potent, and giving up a creature for that is often going to be worth it, especially if you sacrifice a card that brings you some value when it dies.
Militia Rallier
2.5 This has efficient stats, even if it can’t attack alone. The good news is it can block alone, and it does a good job of that! And as long as he has some friends, he can rumble too, while untapping a creature, so it has pseudo-vigilance. On top of that, its a nice size for training other creatures.
2.5 This has efficient stats, even if it can’t attack alone. The good news is it can block alone, and it does a good job of that! And as long as he has some friends, he can rumble too, while untapping a creature, so it has pseudo-vigilance. On top of that, its a nice size for training other creatures.
Courier Bat
3.0 This is a very nice Common. Early, its a Wind Drake, which is passable -- and then from the mid-game on, you’re going to be able to get a creature back reasonably often. Obviously, you’re going to want some life gain stuff going on, and that’s really a thing in BW, but there’s enough life gain around that I think this will be pretty much an auto-include in most Black decks, especially because it has such a good floor.
3.0 This is a very nice Common. Early, its a Wind Drake, which is passable -- and then from the mid-game on, you’re going to be able to get a creature back reasonably often. Obviously, you’re going to want some life gain stuff going on, and that’s really a thing in BW, but there’s enough life gain around that I think this will be pretty much an auto-include in most Black decks, especially because it has such a good floor.
Weaver of Blossoms
2.5 This is a nice source of fixing and ramp with decent stats, and sometimes those stats are more than decent and it ramps even more!
2.5 This is a nice source of fixing and ramp with decent stats, and sometimes those stats are more than decent and it ramps even more!
Blood Servitor
1.0 If you’re really interested in Blood, you might play this, but there are plenty of other cards in the set that make blood that are more efficient.
1.0 If you’re really interested in Blood, you might play this, but there are plenty of other cards in the set that make blood that are more efficient.
Sure Strike
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
1.5 This is a trick we see a lot. It can make almost any creature win combat which is nice, but because it doesn’t raise toughness it doesn’t have the additional value of helping you save a creature from removal – but the main purpose of tricks is using them in combat anyway. You’ll play this in aggro decks for sure, but probably not anywhere else.
Pack 3 Pick 4: Traveling Minister
Child of the Pack
3.5 A 4-mana 2/5 that can crank out 2/2s is a nice mana sink, and it actually combos pretty well with itself, since you can just choose to use that ability rather than cast spells, and that allows you to still add to the board while getting to transform the Child into its werewolf form, which will be making that same token into a 3/2 -- and pumping your whole board in generally is pretty nice!
3.5 A 4-mana 2/5 that can crank out 2/2s is a nice mana sink, and it actually combos pretty well with itself, since you can just choose to use that ability rather than cast spells, and that allows you to still add to the board while getting to transform the Child into its werewolf form, which will be making that same token into a 3/2 -- and pumping your whole board in generally is pretty nice!
Honeymoon Hearse
2.5 This Vehicle doesn’t need to be crewed exactly -- though tapping down two creatures isn’t that far off from crewing. For three mana, it brings some pretty nice stats and an evasive keyword ability, and it will definitely be nice to tap a couple of small creatures who couldn’t attack anyway to put this thing into action. You won’t always have those creatures, though, and sometimes you’ll just have some larger creatures where attacking with them just makes more sense.
2.5 This Vehicle doesn’t need to be crewed exactly -- though tapping down two creatures isn’t that far off from crewing. For three mana, it brings some pretty nice stats and an evasive keyword ability, and it will definitely be nice to tap a couple of small creatures who couldn’t attack anyway to put this thing into action. You won’t always have those creatures, though, and sometimes you’ll just have some larger creatures where attacking with them just makes more sense.
Scattered Thoughts
2.0 It is pretty funny to compare this card to Organ Hoarder from the last set, which was the same mana cost, but put a 3/2 body into play and only let you grab one card from the top three, but yeah, way better either way. Anyway, this might not be the best Common in the whole set like the Hoarder was, but it seems like a solid playable. Looking at 4 cards is pretty nice for the cost, and loading up the graveyard is worth doing too.
2.0 It is pretty funny to compare this card to Organ Hoarder from the last set, which was the same mana cost, but put a 3/2 body into play and only let you grab one card from the top three, but yeah, way better either way. Anyway, this might not be the best Common in the whole set like the Hoarder was, but it seems like a solid playable. Looking at 4 cards is pretty nice for the cost, and loading up the graveyard is worth doing too.
Massive Might
2.0 It feels like the last few sets have had some pretty legit tricks, and this is definitely another one. One mana tricks tend to be pretty nice in aggressive decks, as you get some serious tempo when you use them to win combat, and this one definitely gives you enough of a boost to be worth running in those decks. Now, it IS still a track, and those always come with significant risks, but I think this is one you’ll play the first copy of reasonably often, provided you’re aggro.
2.0 It feels like the last few sets have had some pretty legit tricks, and this is definitely another one. One mana tricks tend to be pretty nice in aggressive decks, as you get some serious tempo when you use them to win combat, and this one definitely gives you enough of a boost to be worth running in those decks. Now, it IS still a track, and those always come with significant risks, but I think this is one you’ll play the first copy of reasonably often, provided you’re aggro.
Hungry Ridgewolf
2.5 This isn’t the most exciting payoff ever, but it has decent base stats and will sometimes be a 3/2 with Trample, which is especially nice.
2.5 This isn’t the most exciting payoff ever, but it has decent base stats and will sometimes be a 3/2 with Trample, which is especially nice.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
Traveling Minister
1.5 This common gains life, which BW likes, and it can set up training a little better, which GW likes. But it doesn’t do either thing that well, and as a one mana 1/1 it isn’t exactly impactful. The Sorcery speed only thing is killer!
1.5 This common gains life, which BW likes, and it can set up training a little better, which GW likes. But it doesn’t do either thing that well, and as a one mana 1/1 it isn’t exactly impactful. The Sorcery speed only thing is killer!
Sheltering Boughs
1.0 This Aura replaces itself, which definitely upgrades it, but the stats boost isn’t pretty. I think you’ll cut this more than you play it.
1.0 This Aura replaces itself, which definitely upgrades it, but the stats boost isn’t pretty. I think you’ll cut this more than you play it.
Chill of the Grave
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
2.5 This sort of effect is always pretty decent when paired with a draw. If you can pay two for this consistently, it will feel especially good. It looks reasonably well suited for both the UB and UR decks, which are Zombies and spells respectively. You generally want to use this type of effect aggressively to alter the race, but it isn’t the worst thing defensively.
Sporeback Wolf
2.5 We’ve seen two mana 2/2s with this box of text before, and its fine. Being a 2/4 is decent enough upside on a bear.
2.5 We’ve seen two mana 2/2s with this box of text before, and its fine. Being a 2/4 is decent enough upside on a bear.
Blood Fountain
2.5 I always like to have one copy of the the Black card that gets you two creatures back from the graveyard, and that’s what we have here. For 5 mana you get those two creatures and a blood token, and that’s a pretty reasonable rate, especially because you’re paying it in two installments, and can pay the larger part at instant speed! You don’t normally want to overdo it with copies of this kind of card because they tend to not be great early, but this offsets that a bit since it does give you Blood before the other part of the card becomes useful. But yeah, getting two creatures back late can often give you what you need to win the game. I think the first copy of this is a 2.5, with diminishing returns after that.
2.5 I always like to have one copy of the the Black card that gets you two creatures back from the graveyard, and that’s what we have here. For 5 mana you get those two creatures and a blood token, and that’s a pretty reasonable rate, especially because you’re paying it in two installments, and can pay the larger part at instant speed! You don’t normally want to overdo it with copies of this kind of card because they tend to not be great early, but this offsets that a bit since it does give you Blood before the other part of the card becomes useful. But yeah, getting two creatures back late can often give you what you need to win the game. I think the first copy of this is a 2.5, with diminishing returns after that.
Pack 3 Pick 5: Apprentice Sharpshooter
Sanguine Statuette
2.0 On its own, you’ll be able to activate this once -- and while that’s not amazing, it is nice that it can do a thing without any other help, unlike some payoffs. Plus, you can play this and sac the token for an additional mana, and rumble right away with it which will certainly come up. You do probably need a critical mass of Blood to really get it going, but I think most Red decks will have like 5 ways to make blood without trying super hard.
2.0 On its own, you’ll be able to activate this once -- and while that’s not amazing, it is nice that it can do a thing without any other help, unlike some payoffs. Plus, you can play this and sac the token for an additional mana, and rumble right away with it which will certainly come up. You do probably need a critical mass of Blood to really get it going, but I think most Red decks will have like 5 ways to make blood without trying super hard.
Skull Skaab
3.5 So yeah, Skull Skaab is all about Exploit, and so is the UB color pair! This is a two mana 2/2 who can sac something to get a 2/2 Zombie. That on its own isn’t great, but giving up a 1/1 or something you want in the yard getting a 2/2 is pretty good. Where the value really adds up, though, is when you have other cards with Exploit. With those cards, you can sacrifice a thing to get another effect as well as the 2/2 Zombie, which itself is pretty good Exploit fodder. Like most of the signposts in this set, this looks quite good!
3.5 So yeah, Skull Skaab is all about Exploit, and so is the UB color pair! This is a two mana 2/2 who can sac something to get a 2/2 Zombie. That on its own isn’t great, but giving up a 1/1 or something you want in the yard getting a 2/2 is pretty good. Where the value really adds up, though, is when you have other cards with Exploit. With those cards, you can sacrifice a thing to get another effect as well as the 2/2 Zombie, which itself is pretty good Exploit fodder. Like most of the signposts in this set, this looks quite good!
Wretched Throng
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
0.0 // 3.5 I always really like collect ‘em all cards in Limited, they make for interesting picks, and this is a fun take on that. The main idea here is that you can keep getting Exploit fodder if you have multiple copies, but just the fact that it can block and trade and get you another Throng is actually pretty good too. A card like this always needs a range of grades. If you have one of these, you’re never going to play it, but as soon as you have two, you’re looking at a 2.5, if you have 3, it is 3.0, if you have 4 or more, it’s a 3.5.
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Fearful Villager
2.0 This has alright base stats and some decent upside, but its nothing special.
2.0 This has alright base stats and some decent upside, but its nothing special.
Bloodcrazed Socialite
3.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace isn’t amazing -- it is probably a 2.0 at best -- however -- this brings a blood token along with it, and I think I’d already be playing that card a reasonable chunk of the time, but it also has the impressive upside of making itself into a 5/5 when it attacks, provided you have blood. Because the Socialite brings a Blood token with it, you’ll get to do it at least once, and if you have other blood lying around, this will be a beating.
3.5 A 4-mana 3/3 with Menace isn’t amazing -- it is probably a 2.0 at best -- however -- this brings a blood token along with it, and I think I’d already be playing that card a reasonable chunk of the time, but it also has the impressive upside of making itself into a 5/5 when it attacks, provided you have blood. Because the Socialite brings a Blood token with it, you’ll get to do it at least once, and if you have other blood lying around, this will be a beating.
Sanctify
0.5 This is good at destroying Artifacts and Enchantments, and I think there are enough of them that this might make your main deck sometimes. While there are lots of Auras, keep in mind, blowing up the disturbed side of a card isn’t really going to be a one-for-one and won’t feel that great, and I think that limits how good this is in your main deck. You mostly want this out of your sideboard.
0.5 This is good at destroying Artifacts and Enchantments, and I think there are enough of them that this might make your main deck sometimes. While there are lots of Auras, keep in mind, blowing up the disturbed side of a card isn’t really going to be a one-for-one and won’t feel that great, and I think that limits how good this is in your main deck. You mostly want this out of your sideboard.
Skywarp Skaab
2.5 If this always drew you a card, I’d be pretty pumped about this! It probably only ends up drawing you a card around half the time though, which is substantially worse, as a 5-mana 2/5 Flyer isn’t anything special.
2.5 If this always drew you a card, I’d be pretty pumped about this! It probably only ends up drawing you a card around half the time though, which is substantially worse, as a 5-mana 2/5 Flyer isn’t anything special.
Sheltering Boughs
1.0 This Aura replaces itself, which definitely upgrades it, but the stats boost isn’t pretty. I think you’ll cut this more than you play it.
1.0 This Aura replaces itself, which definitely upgrades it, but the stats boost isn’t pretty. I think you’ll cut this more than you play it.
Apprentice Sharpshooter
2.0 This seems decent. 3-mana 1/4s with Reach are always kind of alright, and this one’s Training upside is pretty real! If you end up playing this on turn three, you’ll often find that it isn’t that important you have a blocker, but attacking with a ¼ just isn’t worth it either, but now if you attack with almost anything else, it will become a ⅖, which is definitely more formidable.
2.0 This seems decent. 3-mana 1/4s with Reach are always kind of alright, and this one’s Training upside is pretty real! If you end up playing this on turn three, you’ll often find that it isn’t that important you have a blocker, but attacking with a ¼ just isn’t worth it either, but now if you attack with almost anything else, it will become a ⅖, which is definitely more formidable.
Pack 3 Pick 6: Massive Might
Weary Prisoner
1.5 This reminds me a whole lot of Tavern Brawler, a card that ended up being super underwhelming in Midnight Hunt. On one side it is a defensive creature, and on the other it is an aggressively costed big creature. Those two things are a bit awkward together, and if you played Midnight Hunt you know that completely controlling day and night how you want it isn’t always easy. This might end up being better than the Brawler -- Midnight Hunt did have an unusual amount of good common removal that made big vanilla creatures bad -- but for now I’m pretty skeptical.
1.5 This reminds me a whole lot of Tavern Brawler, a card that ended up being super underwhelming in Midnight Hunt. On one side it is a defensive creature, and on the other it is an aggressively costed big creature. Those two things are a bit awkward together, and if you played Midnight Hunt you know that completely controlling day and night how you want it isn’t always easy. This might end up being better than the Brawler -- Midnight Hunt did have an unusual amount of good common removal that made big vanilla creatures bad -- but for now I’m pretty skeptical.
Syphon Essence
1.5 This not being able to counter noncreature nonplaneswalkers definitely matters, but it does counter the card type people tend to have the most of, and getting that Blood is nice upside. Still, it’s a narrow enough counterspell that you’ll cut it a lot.
1.5 This not being able to counter noncreature nonplaneswalkers definitely matters, but it does counter the card type people tend to have the most of, and getting that Blood is nice upside. Still, it’s a narrow enough counterspell that you’ll cut it a lot.
Massive Might
2.0 It feels like the last few sets have had some pretty legit tricks, and this is definitely another one. One mana tricks tend to be pretty nice in aggressive decks, as you get some serious tempo when you use them to win combat, and this one definitely gives you enough of a boost to be worth running in those decks. Now, it IS still a track, and those always come with significant risks, but I think this is one you’ll play the first copy of reasonably often, provided you’re aggro.
2.0 It feels like the last few sets have had some pretty legit tricks, and this is definitely another one. One mana tricks tend to be pretty nice in aggressive decks, as you get some serious tempo when you use them to win combat, and this one definitely gives you enough of a boost to be worth running in those decks. Now, it IS still a track, and those always come with significant risks, but I think this is one you’ll play the first copy of reasonably often, provided you’re aggro.
Unhallowed Phalanx
1.0 // 2.5 The idea here is that you play this in the toughness matters deck, and I think you’ll play this reasonably often there, but you won’t really be playing it anywhere else. Sure, it can block well, but a 1/13 just isn’t that exciting -- it won’t be able to kill anything in combat, and the fact it can’t block right away is pretty brutal. There are some sweet combos to pull off with this in BG, like sacrificing this to the flipped Catapult creature.
1.0 // 2.5 The idea here is that you play this in the toughness matters deck, and I think you’ll play this reasonably often there, but you won’t really be playing it anywhere else. Sure, it can block well, but a 1/13 just isn’t that exciting -- it won’t be able to kill anything in combat, and the fact it can’t block right away is pretty brutal. There are some sweet combos to pull off with this in BG, like sacrificing this to the flipped Catapult creature.
Lightning Wolf
1.5 This is pretty underwhelming. A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t a great place to start these days, and while its ability will make it harder to block, its also really frustrating its only Sorcery speed.
1.5 This is pretty underwhelming. A 4-mana 4/3 isn’t a great place to start these days, and while its ability will make it harder to block, its also really frustrating its only Sorcery speed.
Dawnhart Disciple
2.5 This is a nice two drop, one that will often be a 3/3 when you’re just curving out.
2.5 This is a nice two drop, one that will often be a 3/3 when you’re just curving out.
Heron-Blessed Geist
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t very good, but the fact it can make 1/1 flyers from the graveyard is big, and will often feel like you’re getting a 2-for-1. You do need to have an Enchantment in play to use that ability, which is a little annoying, but seems doable enough.
2.5 A 5-mana 3/3 Flyer isn’t very good, but the fact it can make 1/1 flyers from the graveyard is big, and will often feel like you’re getting a 2-for-1. You do need to have an Enchantment in play to use that ability, which is a little annoying, but seems doable enough.
Toxic Scorpion
3.0 This looks nice. A two mana 1/1 with Deathtouch is probably already a 2.0 or 2.5, since it can trade for anything and really represent a problem all game long. So, being able to give death touch to another creature on the ETB is nice, and gives it even more utility in the later game.
3.0 This looks nice. A two mana 1/1 with Deathtouch is probably already a 2.0 or 2.5, since it can trade for anything and really represent a problem all game long. So, being able to give death touch to another creature on the ETB is nice, and gives it even more utility in the later game.
End the Festivities
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
Pack 3 Pick 7: Spiked Ripsaw
Skull Skaab
3.5 So yeah, Skull Skaab is all about Exploit, and so is the UB color pair! This is a two mana 2/2 who can sac something to get a 2/2 Zombie. That on its own isn’t great, but giving up a 1/1 or something you want in the yard getting a 2/2 is pretty good. Where the value really adds up, though, is when you have other cards with Exploit. With those cards, you can sacrifice a thing to get another effect as well as the 2/2 Zombie, which itself is pretty good Exploit fodder. Like most of the signposts in this set, this looks quite good!
3.5 So yeah, Skull Skaab is all about Exploit, and so is the UB color pair! This is a two mana 2/2 who can sac something to get a 2/2 Zombie. That on its own isn’t great, but giving up a 1/1 or something you want in the yard getting a 2/2 is pretty good. Where the value really adds up, though, is when you have other cards with Exploit. With those cards, you can sacrifice a thing to get another effect as well as the 2/2 Zombie, which itself is pretty good Exploit fodder. Like most of the signposts in this set, this looks quite good!
Spiked Ripsaw
3.0 This reminds me a lot of Plate Armor, and that’s pretty good company to keep, because that was a very powerful piece of Equipment. It costs the same to play and equip and gives the same stats boost, though Plate Armor also granted Ward and could reduce its equip cost. In place of that, though, Spiked Ripjaw can make your creature have trample, which is pretty nice. But yeah, this big of a stats boost can make almost any creature into a threat, and that’s what makes this so nice.
3.0 This reminds me a lot of Plate Armor, and that’s pretty good company to keep, because that was a very powerful piece of Equipment. It costs the same to play and equip and gives the same stats boost, though Plate Armor also granted Ward and could reduce its equip cost. In place of that, though, Spiked Ripjaw can make your creature have trample, which is pretty nice. But yeah, this big of a stats boost can make almost any creature into a threat, and that’s what makes this so nice.
Diregraf Scavenger
2.5 This looks decent. Death touchers do tend to get a little less impressive the more mana you spend on them, because the fact they can trade with anything is less attractive when they are trading down, but the ETB ability here definitely does enough to make up for that. Draining your opponent 2 life with this will be fairly commonplace, and that means you get to hate on the opposing graveyard while also triggering your life gain stuff, and you are adding a pretty obnoxious creature to the board at the same time.
2.5 This looks decent. Death touchers do tend to get a little less impressive the more mana you spend on them, because the fact they can trade with anything is less attractive when they are trading down, but the ETB ability here definitely does enough to make up for that. Draining your opponent 2 life with this will be fairly commonplace, and that means you get to hate on the opposing graveyard while also triggering your life gain stuff, and you are adding a pretty obnoxious creature to the board at the same time.
Repository Skaab
3.0 A Hill Giant that sometimes rebuys you an Instant or Sorcery is decent. Obviously, you don’t really want to give up a real creature for the effect all the time, otherwise it is a roundabout way of rummaging, but recurring removal spells is especially potent, and giving up a creature for that is often going to be worth it, especially if you sacrifice a card that brings you some value when it dies.
3.0 A Hill Giant that sometimes rebuys you an Instant or Sorcery is decent. Obviously, you don’t really want to give up a real creature for the effect all the time, otherwise it is a roundabout way of rummaging, but recurring removal spells is especially potent, and giving up a creature for that is often going to be worth it, especially if you sacrifice a card that brings you some value when it dies.
Militia Rallier
2.5 This has efficient stats, even if it can’t attack alone. The good news is it can block alone, and it does a good job of that! And as long as he has some friends, he can rumble too, while untapping a creature, so it has pseudo-vigilance. On top of that, its a nice size for training other creatures.
2.5 This has efficient stats, even if it can’t attack alone. The good news is it can block alone, and it does a good job of that! And as long as he has some friends, he can rumble too, while untapping a creature, so it has pseudo-vigilance. On top of that, its a nice size for training other creatures.
Wedding Invitation
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
1.5 This replaces itself, and that’s good, because the effect it has wouldn’t be worth anywhere close to worth an entire card. But yeah, since it replaces itself, the effect is pretty decent, especially on a vampire, as lifelink can really alter races. Still isn’t a great card, though. It will be pretty easy to cut since it is so low impact.
Serpentine Ambush
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
Massive Might
2.0 It feels like the last few sets have had some pretty legit tricks, and this is definitely another one. One mana tricks tend to be pretty nice in aggressive decks, as you get some serious tempo when you use them to win combat, and this one definitely gives you enough of a boost to be worth running in those decks. Now, it IS still a track, and those always come with significant risks, but I think this is one you’ll play the first copy of reasonably often, provided you’re aggro.
2.0 It feels like the last few sets have had some pretty legit tricks, and this is definitely another one. One mana tricks tend to be pretty nice in aggressive decks, as you get some serious tempo when you use them to win combat, and this one definitely gives you enough of a boost to be worth running in those decks. Now, it IS still a track, and those always come with significant risks, but I think this is one you’ll play the first copy of reasonably often, provided you’re aggro.
Pack 3 Pick 8: Piercing Light
Ancestral Anger
1.0 I like collect ‘em all cards, but just pumping power at Sorcery speed just isn’t that great, even with Trample. Now, I do think it has a little bit of value in the UR deck, since it is a spell that cantrips, but I’m still not very impressed.
1.0 I like collect ‘em all cards, but just pumping power at Sorcery speed just isn’t that great, even with Trample. Now, I do think it has a little bit of value in the UR deck, since it is a spell that cantrips, but I’m still not very impressed.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
Piercing Light
2.5 This kills X/2s pretty efficiently, but its situational in two different ways, and I don’t love that. The creature has to be small and attacking or blocking. Scry is some minor additional value, but yeah, this falls well short of being premium removal. Its just a solid playable. I’m giving it 2.5.
2.5 This kills X/2s pretty efficiently, but its situational in two different ways, and I don’t love that. The creature has to be small and attacking or blocking. Scry is some minor additional value, but yeah, this falls well short of being premium removal. Its just a solid playable. I’m giving it 2.5.
Dawnhart Disciple
2.5 This is a nice two drop, one that will often be a 3/3 when you’re just curving out.
2.5 This is a nice two drop, one that will often be a 3/3 when you’re just curving out.
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Nature's Embrace
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
End the Festivities
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
0.5 Yeah. No thanks. This is a sideboard card, there aren’t enough X/1s in this format that you want to be doing this.
Pack 3 Pick 9: Stitched Assistant
Daybreak Combatants
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
2.5 This adds a pretty significant amount of power to the board out of nowhere, thanks to Haste. The boost is going to be enough to enable some attacks you may just not have had before, and the fact it can get in there too seems pretty nice. In a pinch, you can also make this into a 4/2 the turn it comes down, a 4/2 with Haste for three isn’t too shabby.
Pyre Spawn
2.0 This doesn’t have good stats, but the fact it bolts a thing when it dies does usually mean you can get a 2-for-1, and if your opponent’s life is low they are going to be sweating this a ton. I think this is a decent top curve card.
2.0 This doesn’t have good stats, but the fact it bolts a thing when it dies does usually mean you can get a 2-for-1, and if your opponent’s life is low they are going to be sweating this a ton. I think this is a decent top curve card.
Bramble Armor
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
1.0 We just saw this in the last set. It wasn’t very good last time around, even with the free Equip, and really kind of underperformed. While this format has Training, which this can help with, the last format had Coven, which this could have helped with, and it still wasn’t a card you ran very often.
Stitched Assistant
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
3.0 The exploit trigger lets you see two cards, and makes sure that the creature you sacrifice is instantly replaced. You won’t always want to sacrifice a thing, but the fact that you can is pretty nice, and there are enough decent sacrifice fodder type cards that this seems like a 3.
Honored Heirloom
1.5 3 mana mana rocks are very rarely good in Limited, even if they add mana of any color. This one luckily comes with some additional value, as exiling stuff from graveyards does legitimately matter in this format. Still, you probably don’t play this unless you’re splashing a third color, as it is still very low impact.
1.5 3 mana mana rocks are very rarely good in Limited, even if they add mana of any color. This one luckily comes with some additional value, as exiling stuff from graveyards does legitimately matter in this format. Still, you probably don’t play this unless you’re splashing a third color, as it is still very low impact.
Blood Petal Celebrant
3.0 This is a nice Common. We’ve seen two mana 2/1s who have first strike when they attack before, and they are always good two-drop aggro creatures, and this one gives you some Blood when it goes down. I don’t imagine you’ll cut this in Red decks.
3.0 This is a nice Common. We’ve seen two mana 2/1s who have first strike when they attack before, and they are always good two-drop aggro creatures, and this one gives you some Blood when it goes down. I don’t imagine you’ll cut this in Red decks.
Pack 3 Pick 10: Repository Skaab
Voldaren Epicure
2.0 This does a bunch of little things, and I think they add up enough to make this a decent card. I don’t think you’ll always play it, but chances are good you’ll be interested in the Blood if yo’ure in Red, and especially Black/Red, and getting it on turn one seems like it will fuel some stuff.
2.0 This does a bunch of little things, and I think they add up enough to make this a decent card. I don’t think you’ll always play it, but chances are good you’ll be interested in the Blood if yo’ure in Red, and especially Black/Red, and getting it on turn one seems like it will fuel some stuff.
Repository Skaab
3.0 A Hill Giant that sometimes rebuys you an Instant or Sorcery is decent. Obviously, you don’t really want to give up a real creature for the effect all the time, otherwise it is a roundabout way of rummaging, but recurring removal spells is especially potent, and giving up a creature for that is often going to be worth it, especially if you sacrifice a card that brings you some value when it dies.
3.0 A Hill Giant that sometimes rebuys you an Instant or Sorcery is decent. Obviously, you don’t really want to give up a real creature for the effect all the time, otherwise it is a roundabout way of rummaging, but recurring removal spells is especially potent, and giving up a creature for that is often going to be worth it, especially if you sacrifice a card that brings you some value when it dies.
Reckless Impulse
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
2.5 I like that we’re seeing more of these so-called “impulsive draw” effects, seeing one at Common is neat! Anyway, this can sometimes feel like two mana to draw 2, which is quite good. Other times, you’ll hit two lands, and that won’t feel so good, but I think most of the time getting two cards of value out of this is going to happen, especially if you don’t play a land before you play it -- and you pretty much never should.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
Serpentine Ambush
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
0.0 This kind of card is always awful in Limited. It is easy to imagine scenarios where it does what you want – like when you use it as a combat trick to ambush something, but situations where you actually get to trade this for a card are few and far between, and this is something we’ve seen repeatedly.
Pack 3 Pick 11: Toxic Scorpion
Blood Hypnotist
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
3.0 This looks pretty good to me. Sure, it can’t Block, but the fact it can make opposing things unable to block when you sacrifice Treasure is pretty big for aggressive decks. This can really be part of a pretty devastating curve out. Obviously, you need Blood, but if you’re in Red, you’ll have access to enough that this will be worth playing.
Toxic Scorpion
3.0 This looks nice. A two mana 1/1 with Deathtouch is probably already a 2.0 or 2.5, since it can trade for anything and really represent a problem all game long. So, being able to give death touch to another creature on the ETB is nice, and gives it even more utility in the later game.
3.0 This looks nice. A two mana 1/1 with Deathtouch is probably already a 2.0 or 2.5, since it can trade for anything and really represent a problem all game long. So, being able to give death touch to another creature on the ETB is nice, and gives it even more utility in the later game.
Nature's Embrace
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
1.5 This has a pretty interesting design. Its either a mediocre aura or a mediocre way to fix and ramp. Each card individually is probably a 1.0 at best – and you probably won’t play this at all if you don’t need fixing, so I think it’s a 1.5.
Militia Rallier
2.5 This has efficient stats, even if it can’t attack alone. The good news is it can block alone, and it does a good job of that! And as long as he has some friends, he can rumble too, while untapping a creature, so it has pseudo-vigilance. On top of that, its a nice size for training other creatures.
2.5 This has efficient stats, even if it can’t attack alone. The good news is it can block alone, and it does a good job of that! And as long as he has some friends, he can rumble too, while untapping a creature, so it has pseudo-vigilance. On top of that, its a nice size for training other creatures.
Pack 3 Pick 12: Massive Might
Massive Might
2.0 It feels like the last few sets have had some pretty legit tricks, and this is definitely another one. One mana tricks tend to be pretty nice in aggressive decks, as you get some serious tempo when you use them to win combat, and this one definitely gives you enough of a boost to be worth running in those decks. Now, it IS still a track, and those always come with significant risks, but I think this is one you’ll play the first copy of reasonably often, provided you’re aggro.
2.0 It feels like the last few sets have had some pretty legit tricks, and this is definitely another one. One mana tricks tend to be pretty nice in aggressive decks, as you get some serious tempo when you use them to win combat, and this one definitely gives you enough of a boost to be worth running in those decks. Now, it IS still a track, and those always come with significant risks, but I think this is one you’ll play the first copy of reasonably often, provided you’re aggro.
Gift of Fangs
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
3.0 So, this is basically Dead Weight that has both Vampire upside, and downside, depending on what you’re trying to do. If you really need to kill an opposing vampire, it will be pretty frustrating that this can’t do it – but +2/+2 on one of your vampires for only one mana is pretty nice upside on Dead Weight. Dead Weight is normally a 3.0, and I think this will still end up there. It kills a whole lot of things efficiently, after all.
Sheltering Boughs
1.0 This Aura replaces itself, which definitely upgrades it, but the stats boost isn’t pretty. I think you’ll cut this more than you play it.
1.0 This Aura replaces itself, which definitely upgrades it, but the stats boost isn’t pretty. I think you’ll cut this more than you play it.
Pack 3 Pick 13: Sheltering Boughs
Ceremonial Knife
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
1.5 This gives a very small boost, especially for an Equip cost of 2, and the fact you get Blood out of it isn’t really enough to make me excited about this.
Sheltering Boughs
1.0 This Aura replaces itself, which definitely upgrades it, but the stats boost isn’t pretty. I think you’ll cut this more than you play it.
1.0 This Aura replaces itself, which definitely upgrades it, but the stats boost isn’t pretty. I think you’ll cut this more than you play it.
Pack 3 Pick 14: Weary Prisoner
Weary Prisoner
1.5 This reminds me a whole lot of Tavern Brawler, a card that ended up being super underwhelming in Midnight Hunt. On one side it is a defensive creature, and on the other it is an aggressively costed big creature. Those two things are a bit awkward together, and if you played Midnight Hunt you know that completely controlling day and night how you want it isn’t always easy. This might end up being better than the Brawler -- Midnight Hunt did have an unusual amount of good common removal that made big vanilla creatures bad -- but for now I’m pretty skeptical.
1.5 This reminds me a whole lot of Tavern Brawler, a card that ended up being super underwhelming in Midnight Hunt. On one side it is a defensive creature, and on the other it is an aggressively costed big creature. Those two things are a bit awkward together, and if you played Midnight Hunt you know that completely controlling day and night how you want it isn’t always easy. This might end up being better than the Brawler -- Midnight Hunt did have an unusual amount of good common removal that made big vanilla creatures bad -- but for now I’m pretty skeptical.
Draft Pick Overview
- Pack 1 Pick 1: Hiveheart Shaman
- Pack 1 Pick 2: Sawblade Slinger
- Pack 1 Pick 3: Apprentice Sharpshooter
- Pack 1 Pick 4: Resistance Squad
- Pack 1 Pick 5: Apprentice Sharpshooter
- Pack 1 Pick 6: Dawnhart Disciple
- Pack 1 Pick 7: Diver Skaab
- Pack 1 Pick 8: Wretched Throng
- Pack 1 Pick 9: Wretched Throng
- Pack 1 Pick 10: Lacerate Flesh
- Pack 1 Pick 11: Sporeback Wolf
- Pack 1 Pick 12: Crushing Canopy
- Pack 1 Pick 13: Cobbled Lancer
- Pack 1 Pick 14: Bramble Armor
- Pack 2 Pick 1: Panicked Bystander
- Pack 2 Pick 2: Traveling Minister
- Pack 2 Pick 3: Angelic Quartermaster
- Pack 2 Pick 4: Arm the Cathars
- Pack 2 Pick 5: Heron-Blessed Geist
- Pack 2 Pick 6: Sigarda's Imprisonment
- Pack 2 Pick 7: Vampire Slayer
- Pack 2 Pick 8: Gryff Rider
- Pack 2 Pick 9: Rural Recruit
- Pack 2 Pick 10: Distracting Geist
- Pack 2 Pick 11: Chill of the Grave
- Pack 2 Pick 12: Chill of the Grave
- Pack 2 Pick 13: Vampire's Kiss
- Pack 2 Pick 14: Fear of Death
- Pack 3 Pick 1: Voice of the Blessed
- Pack 3 Pick 2: Cemetery Desecrator
- Pack 3 Pick 3: Traveling Minister
- Pack 3 Pick 4: Traveling Minister
- Pack 3 Pick 5: Apprentice Sharpshooter
- Pack 3 Pick 6: Massive Might
- Pack 3 Pick 7: Spiked Ripsaw
- Pack 3 Pick 8: Piercing Light
- Pack 3 Pick 9: Stitched Assistant
- Pack 3 Pick 10: Repository Skaab
- Pack 3 Pick 11: Toxic Scorpion
- Pack 3 Pick 12: Massive Might
- Pack 3 Pick 13: Sheltering Boughs
- Pack 3 Pick 14: Weary Prisoner
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