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AuthorMike Flores

Mike has written for The Duelist, The Sideboard, and MagicTheGathering.com and has returned to StarCityGames.com to continue his legacy. He is a championship deck designer and Magic theory pioneer.

Data Mining in Action: Could Dave Price be Wrong?

There are many universal truths held high in Magic Theory. One notable example is “there are no wrong threats, only wrong answers,” an idea put forth by the great Dave Price. In today’s Flores Friday, Mike scrutinizes this Sacred Cow under the white-heat of examination. Could Dave Price actually be wrong? Backed by extensive data mining, Mike vows to find out…

Deck Fundamentals – Paradigm Shift: When Attacking is a Bad Deal

Today, Mike explores the growth of Constructed Magic and the changing relevence Attacking With Monsters. With reference to Blocks both past and present, this comprehensive guide is an excellent primer for those wishing to construct playable Beatdown decks in the coming weeks and months.

DVD Extras

In an article full of special features, Mike takes us behind the scenes in the construction of a set review. This featurette acts as a director’s commentary to his recent Guildpact review, allowing scene-by-scene access to some of his hits and misses in Ravnica thus far. Click the interactive menu above, and head straight for the subtitles within…

Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part VII: Guild Mana and Artifacts

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In the final installment of this enlightening series, Mike shares his thoughts on guild mana spells, artifacts, and lands. He also outlines the varying strengths of each Ravnica Block mechanic thus far, and gives his view on the success of Guildpact as a whole.

[White][Blue][Black][Red][Green][Gold]

Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part VI: Gold Cards

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The moment we’ve all been waiting for, folks… Mike Flores tackles the Gold Cards of Guildpact. What are the strong cards? What are the weak? Are there any true Constructed contenders? With his usual wit and clarity, Mike spills a considerable amount of beans, and upsets a fair few applecarts.

[White][Blue][Black][Red][Green]

Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part V: Green Cards

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Today, Mike takes on Green, the “Big and Dumb Color of Sharing.” Ravnica was a set brimming with Green Constructed potential. Guildpact, while lacking a Green guild base, still promises much for the tree-hugging spellslingers among us. Does Guildpact Green deliver the goods?

[White][Blue][Black][Red]

Guildpact Constructed Review Part IV: Red Cards

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Another day, another color. The Red sector of Guildpact comes under the gimlet gaze of Mr Flores. As usual, Mike has strong views about the playability of certain cards… but what Guildpact offerings will shape our Constructed metagames? Read on to find out…

[Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part I: White]

[Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part II: Blue]

[Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part III: Black]

Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part III: Black

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Mike continues his enlightening look at Guildpact. Today, he sifts through the Black cards, separating wheat from chaff, sifting diamonds from dirt. He highlights the cards that will make an impact on Constructed Magic in the coming months… but do you agree with his choices?

[Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part I: White]

[Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part II: Blue]

Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part II: Blue

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Mike continues his in-depth Guildpact set review. Today, he focuses on the Blue cards. What are the stronger Blue cards in the set? Which will see Constructed play in the coming months? Mike reveals all…

[Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part I: White]

Guildpact Constructed Set Review Part I: White Cards

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Mike’s pedigree as a premier deck designer has never been in question. The Standard metagame shifts to his will time and time again. So, what does the maestro make of Guildpact? In the first of an expanding series, Mike examines the impact of the White cards on the Constructed playing-field.

Examining Red Deck Wins (and Wins and Wins) for Standard

Really, I think the title says it all. Except for the fact that, if you didn’t already know, this deck really does win and win and win…

Unified Constructed Part II: Modern Implementations and Looking at the Matchups

Mike continues his sterling work, examining the upcoming Team Constructed format with acute reference to the current card-pool and metagame. Serious stuff for those wanting a head-start on an exciting new format.

Bearing A Grudge

You think you’ve seen it all from Mike Flores. Brilliant theory. Fantastic decks. More hype than a Don King promoted boxer. But you have not seen this!

Swordmasters of the Imperium: A Homebrew Redux

We don’t know exactly what this deck is that Mike is writing about this week, but it’s certainly not a FLORES deck. I mean, this deck includes cards like Enduring Ideal and Confiscate and Faith’s Fetters and… say it ain’t so, Mike. Say it ain’t so! Has Flores turned casual, or is this really some deviously competitive deck that you all should run right out and start playing? You make the call!

Deck Fundamentals: Three-and-a-Half Models for Sideboarding

A complete decklist for the rogue deck Flores played in the last Extended PTQ of the season? Check. Detailed discussion as to how the sideboard for that deck was built and why? Check. Detailed discussion on how you should build sideboards for all future decks you build yourself and the thought process behind it? Check indeed. If you play Constructed Magic, this article is practically guaranteed to make you better.