However you look at it, 2020 has been one hell of a ride. I’m glad that the Magic release schedule slowed down a little over this month — we needed time to reflect. No single facet of Magic illustrates the 2020 approach to Magic releases quite like promo cards. The number and range of alternate-art and alternate-frame printings exploded compared …
The Best of White Card Design 2020: Part 2
As 2020 draws to a close, white’s relevancy continues to be a sticking point for Magic players in most formats. Last year, I put together an evaluation of the year’s cards over at Hipsters of the Coast. The conclusion last year? Well, though white did get some better cards, the rising tide was still threatening to sink white’s ship; for …
How To Choose a Protection Spell for Commander
Protection spells come in many varieties, with nuanced differences between them. How do you choose which one is best for your deck? Kristen has some tips to share. Ah, protection spells. The favored tool of those who run creature heavy combat decks to protect from boardwipes, and a great option in the toolbox of combo decks too. They can protect …
10 Underrated Combat Tricks for Commander
Combat Tricks are an integral part of Limited Magic and even find their way into 60-card Constructed formats. While they have a little less impact in Commander, they can still be great. Here are 10 combat tricks we’re really high on right now. The pervading philosophy is that Commander isn’t the best place for Combat Tricks. The argument is roughly …
Commander Archetype Inspection: Lands
Magic has been around for long enough to spin off hundreds of unique mechanics, each with its own unique advantages, dedicated support cards and memorable payoffs. But when you throw them all together in the grand melting pot that is Commander, a few mechanics clearly stand out from the pack. They offer versatile deck building options, consistent performance in different …
10 Three-Mana Mana Rocks You Should Be Playing, Actually
Three mana Mana Rocks have a bad rap in Commander. We think they’re excellent, so here are 10 of the best three mana rocks that you should be playing. Mana in Commander is important. Usually the one who spends the most of it wins the game. Curving out is important too, but being able to boost your mana and land …
Murders at Karlov Manor Commander Precon Highlights
Murders at Karlov Manor has four Commander precons: Blame Game, Deep Clue Sea, Revenant Recon, and Deadly Disguise. What manner of exciting Commander playables abound? Kristen has the lowdown on the more attractive pickups if you’re after some singles – or an excuse to pick up a precon. MURDERS AT KARLOV MANOR PRECON CARDS Let’s not break with tradition and …
Doctor Who Commander Set Review
Doctor Who arrives in the Commander format with four preconstructed decks. Each is flush with reprints, but also dozens of novel designs. With 200 new Doctor Who cards available for Commander brewing, it’s time to review the best of the set. Chances are you’re going to pick up the precons for some planechase Doctor Who action, or you’re going to …
How to get the Most Out of White Removal in Commander
White is the color with some of the best removal. There are so many options that sometimes it’s challenging finding the one that’s right for your deck. Kristen takes us through how to pick the white removal that works for you in Commander. The premier white removal spells are Swords to Plowshares and Path to Exile. For some reason, debate …
Stop Wasting Removal and Play Blockers in Commander
Commander players love firing off removal, but removal has a finite supply. Kristen is here this week to argue that there’s a simple solution: playing more blockers. Most points of contention in a game of Commander center around what to do with removal. “Why did you target X, instead of Y?” “If you didn’t remove, X, you would have had …