Melee – MTG Mechanics Explained

Card KingdomStrategy

Melee is a combat mechanic that appears on creatures. Whenever a creature with Melee attacks, it gets +1/+1 until the end of the turn for each different opponent being attacked that turn. So in one-on-one Magic, this will always be +1/+1. In a four-player Commander game, this could be +3/+3 if you send attackers at each opponent. It is possible …

The five best aggro decks in Modern

The Five Best Aggro Decks in Modern

Michael RappModern

Aggression has always been a common play style in Modern, but it has outgrown hyper-linear decks that “try to kill your opponent as fast as possible without interacting” — decks like Burn. That’s why you won’t see the famous archetype on this list of the best Aggro decks in Modern despite the fact that it’s still around and seeing play. …

Why is Lutri banned in Commander?

Why is Lutri 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 Lutri, …

Escalate – MTG Mechanics Explained

Card KingdomStrategy

Escalate appears on Instants and Sorceries. Specifically, modal instants and sorceries, where you have a choice of several possible effects when you cast the spell. When you cast a spell with the mechanic, you chose a mode for its normal cost. You could then choose additional modes by paying the Escalate cost, adding another effect each time you paid that …

5 Planeswalkers Who Finally Have a Home as Oathbreakers

Tom AndersonCommunity, Oathbreaker

With WotC’s surprise adoption of Oathbreaker last week, we’ve entered a boom time for experimentation and brewing in the Planeswalker-centric format. But what possible playstyles does the format offer – and how should you decide on your first deck to start figuring it out? The easiest thing to latch onto is the Oathbreakers themselves, the Planeswalker-commanders which go a long …

20 Essential Black Commander Cards

20 Essential Black Commander Cards

Kristen GregoryCommander

So you want to build a Black Commander deck? Ultimate power awaits, for those who seek it. We’ve prepared a list of 20 Essential Black Commander cards to get you started on your brewing journey.  Black has access to oodles of card draw, removal, life drain and reanimator effects. It’s the best color at using the graveyard – both at …

Pioneer Challenger Decks Upgrades

Michael RappPioneer

With Pioneer RCQ season coming up in a couple of months, players unfamiliar with the format may be looking to get their feet wet beforehand. In order to practice and play, you’ll need a deck, but buying into a deck before you know if you like it could be a pricey endeavor.  Luckily, the two rounds of Pioneer challenger decks …