Invitation Voting — A Possible Overhaul
Last year’s voting process for the Magic Invitational was rife with controversy. In order to streamline the process and initiate a fairer system, Julien Nuijten has a few changes that he’d like to see…
Feature Article — Drafting With Planar Chaos
Julien Nuijten, part of the team that won this years Limited World Championship crown, brings us his thoughts on drafting with Planar Chaos. He outlines his favorite strategies, highlights some overdrafted and underdrafted cards, and shares a few tips and tricks for the coming Two-Headed Giant tournaments.
U/G Beats at Dutch Nationals *3rd*
Julien Nuijten makes up a vital part of the Dutch National team this year, a team that many are heralding as the pre-tournament favorites. Today’s article looks at the process behind the creation of his Constructed deck, and takes us through the changes he’d make and the sideboarding plan for anyone planning on running the U/G powerhouse in an upcoming Standard tournament. All this, plus Nationals tournament game reports!
Forcing Green at Grand Prix: Hiroshima
When Julien made the Top 8 of Grand Prix: Hiroshima, many were surprised to see his name at the final table. Not because of his skill at the game – we all know he’s one of the best – but because of the location. His triple-Coldsnap draft strategy is undoubtedly a strong one, as Green is perhaps the strongest color in the set. Today’s article sheds some light on his performance at the event, and shares some tips and tricks for beating down with the wobbly monsters.
Coldsnap In Limited: Artifacts and Draft Archetypes
Julien completes his look at the Limited application of Coldsnap with an examination of the Artifacts. He also runs through a number of the more powerful two-color combinations, supplying some excellent advice on picks and play strategies. While U.S. and English Nationals have been and gone (and believe me, you’ll be hearing about English Nats a lot from me…), others have still to sample the vagaries of the triple Coldsnap format. Julien’s article is a fine primer for those wishing to improve their chances.
Coldsnap In Limited: The Green Cards
Fresh from tackling the Red cards, Julien forges deep into the pine-forests of Coldsnap Green. Sure, we all know that Ohran Viper is strong for Constructed, but does it pack a Limited punch? Does the Ronom Hulk actually smash? And are Into the North and Boreal Druid really high picks in triple Coldsnap draft? Julien reveals all…
Coldsnap In Limited: The Red Cards
Yesterday saw the Black cards take a pounding… today, it’s Red’s turn under the spotlight. It seems that the color of fire packs the removal suite of choice… but do the anaemic creatures bolster a burn-happy strategy and lead to success? Julien shares his views on the Coldsnap color of chaos…
Coldsnap In Limited: The Black Cards
After waxing lyrical on the Blue cards from Coldsnap, Julien turns his attention to the Black selection. He reveals his current favorite triple-Coldsnap draft strategy, and presents a handy table that uncovers the math behind the ripple mechanic. Wanna know the probability of hitting your ripple spells at any time in the game? Look no further…
Coldsnap In Limited: The Blue Cards
While Jeff dallies with the goblins and the machines, Julien dives straight into the Blue. Does Magic’s trickiest color have the stamina to stand up to the Reds and Greens of the Coldsnap killing fields? There are fliers, and removal spells, and a plethora of Snow Matters cards… but is this enough to shine?
Coldsnap In Limited: The White Cards
With ffeJ examining Coldsnap with a mainly Constructed eye, we’ve tasked Julien with the job of examining the set from a Limited standpoint. Today he tackles the White cards, with particular reference to the triple Coldsnap draft format that features in the majority of the approaching Nationals tournaments. He identifies two clear directions a White drafter can take, and rates the cards accordingly.
My Favorite Archetype: RUG in RGD
It seems that the Holy Grail of RGD Draft is to take the Red, Green, and Blue cards. With so many of the Pros believing the RUG archetype to be the powerhouse in the evolving format, Magic’s wonder-kid Julien Nuijten wades into the battle and shares his tips and strategies for success. Julien loves the RUG offensive… maybe the color combination will work for you!
Drafting R/G Gruul
In Ravnica/Guildpact Draft, common wisdom leads people down a three-color road. Coupling two or more Guilds – one or more from Ravnica, and another from Guildpact – seems to hold quite the value. Julien, however, believes that forcing a straight two-color combination from the outset can bear delicious fruit. He shares his ideas in this detailed analysis of an exciting Draft strategy.
The 2006 Magic Invitational Ballot: Julien Nuijten’s Votes
Julien Nuijten, one of the hottest young pros in the game today, casts his votes for the 2006 Magic Invitational Writer’s Ballot. In this, we learn Frank Karsten loves Hilary Duff, and that Neil Reeves is a bully.
Guildpact Limited Review Part V: New Color Combinations
In the final installment of this comprehensive series, Julien takes a look at some of the new three-color combinations available in the Rav-Rav-Guildpact Draft environment. He also touches on Sealed Deck building strategy, and provides a handy table for setting out your cards in a proactive fashion.
Guildpact Limited Review Part IV: First Thoughts on RRG Draft
The single-card evaluations are over, folks. We now move onto the compatibility of color. Julien examines the new guild layout with particular emphasis on the Rav-Rav-Guildpact Draft format. How can you optimize each and every pick? An excellent primer on a burgeoning format.