What IS Ascend?!

Ascend – MTG Mechanics Explained

Card KingdomStrategy

Ascend is…odd. It can exist on any card type, but works a little differently if it’s on an instant or sorcery as opposed to a permanent. On a permanent, it’s a static ability, while on an instant or sorcery, it’s a spell ability that check the game state upon resolution. In either case, Ascend means if you control ten or …

Erayo, Soratamai Ascendant's Ban in Commander

Why is Erayo, Soratami Ascendant Banned in Commander?

Jacob LacknerCommander

While Commander’s grassroots origins make it different from many other Magic formats, it still has a ban list like the rest of them. However, since Commander is not a format with tons of tournament data to back up banning certain cards, some players are unsure why certain offenders end up on the list. Today, we’re going to look at Erayo, …

Sultai Battle Shadow in Modern

Sultai Battle Shadow in Modern

Michael RappModern

Death’s Shadow decks haven’t had a meaningful addition in some time, which contributes to a decline in both play rate and success, as of late. However, I’m not here today to bemoan the performance of Shadow — I actually have good news! Not only did Death’s Shadow win an MTGO challenge last week, piloted by xfile, but it is a …

The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth sealed product shipping early

The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth sealed product shipping early

Jason KrellProducts, Standard

The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth is the latest adventure into Universes Beyond, and the first one to receive a full Magic: The Gathering set. At the same time, this is also the first time Card Kingdom plans to ship sealed preorders early, on June 16, giving players a head start at exploring everything Middle-earth has to offer. …

Afflict – MTG Mechanics Explained

Card KingdomStrategy

Afflict is a triggered ability that appears on creatures, and is always written with a number, like “Afflict N.” Whenever a creature with it becomes blocked, the defending player loses N life. Multiple instances of the mechanic on a single creature each trigger separately (which is something made possible by equipping Dagger of the Worthy to a creature that already …

Essential Blue Commander Cards

20 Essential Blue Commander Cards

Kristen GregoryCommander

Blue is one of the best control colors in Commander. If you’re looking for some tips on what blue cards will enhance your Commander collection, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our 20 essential blue cards — cards that will be great in any number of blue decks. Blue, more than any color, has an abundance of control and …

Planeswalkers changing for the better

Planeswalkers Changing for the Better

Tom AndersonCommander, Legacy, Strategy

With March of the Machine and its Aftermath now both revealed, 2023 looks very much like the end of an era for Magic’s Planeswalkers. Many were casualties of the struggle against Phyrexia, including some who lost their spark and were demoted to mere legendary creatures. But even the survivors can tell their role in the multiverse has changed. In fact, …