Building Decks with Jumpstart

Bradley RoseStrategy

By now, you’ve probably played with Jumpstart, and maybe you’ve found a few cards or packs in particular that resonated with you. Maybe you want to build a deck with cards you opened, but you’re not sure where to begin. If you’re looking for some tips on how to transform your Jumpstart pack into a full-fledged deck, this article is …

Deathtouch – MTG Keywords Explained

Card KingdomStrategy

Games of Limited Magic are all about creature combat. The player with the biggest creature on the board – or the player who can beef up their creatures with combat tricks – will often gain advantages as their creatures survive combat with much smaller ones. But what if there were a way for small creatures to overpower even the biggest …

Cycling – MTG Keywords Explained

Card KingdomStrategy

Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths introduced three new mechanics – companion, mutate, and ability counters – that have fundamentally changed Magic: The Gathering gameplay. But it also included a returning mechanic that is making waves in Standard and beyond. Today, we’re going to learn how to cycle. What is Cycling? Do you ever draw a card that just isn’t right for …

Companion – MTG Keywords Explained

Card KingdomStrategy

The companion mechanic has been the talk of the Magic: The Gathering community for the last several months. It’s a mechanic that stretches the rules of Magic, and it’s so powerful that it resulted in a major ban decision a mere hour after it was announced. But if you’re brand-new to Magic, like many readers of this column, your main …

How Do Planeswalkers Work?

Hallie SantoStrategy

Jace, the Mind Sculptor. Liliana of the Veil. Oko, Thief of Crowns. Planeswalkers are some of the most powerful and recognizable cards in Magic: The Gathering history. They function differently than other types of Magic cards and essentially serve as additional players in the game. But the same qualities that make Planeswalkers so successful in the hands of experienced players …

What is a Mana Curve?

Bradley RoseStrategy

In your time playing Magic: The Gathering, you might’ve heard the term “mana curve.” Or perhaps “curve out” or “on-curve.” If you’re wondering what these words mean – or if this is your first time hearing them – you’re in luck! This article’s got you covered. I’ll be going over what a mana curve is and what a good one …

Trample – MTG Keywords Explained

Card KingdomStrategy

As you learn the rules of Magic: The Gathering, there’s plenty of game terminology you have to learn, too. Creatures have all kinds of abilities – but what do they do, and how do they interact with one another? We’re here to break it all down for you on the CK Blog! Today, we’re covering trample – an ability designed …

The Colors of Magic

Which Color of Magic Should You Play?

Tom AndersonDesign

Magic has a rare distinction among games, in that for many players it has become a lifelong preoccupation. The incredible depth and variety of the card pool is what supports this long-term interest. But for newcomers, that variety can be intimidating. There’s such a range of formats and play styles to choose from, each of which appeals to different kinds …

How to Play a Midrange Deck

Michael RappStrategy

Welcome back to Card Kingdom for another “How to Play” archetype breakdown. Today, we’ll be focusing on the most popular macro-archetype in current Standard: Midrange. Be sure to check out Tom Anderson’s guide on aggro decks, and be on the lookout for control and combo primers in the future.  What is Midrange? Magic decks exist on a spectrum, with fast, …