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AuthorSam Black

Sam Black is professional Magic player who's known for his love of building decks that attack formats from unexpected angles. He's made the Top 8 of sixteen GPs covering every format as well as three Pro Tours, but he's particularly proud of his less common accomplishments, including a Top 4 at the World Championship, a win in the Team World Championship in 2008, and winning a car in 2007.

Colorless Mana And Conventional Wisdom

We’re all wrong sometimes. What makes a lot of players so great and so dangerous is that they’re willing to consider new things. Sam Black is one such player, and today, he’s examining the changing world of Standard mana and the strange incident of a successful 64-card deck!

Video: Mirrodin Draft

As fun as it is to play Magic in Constructed events every weekend, sometimes you just have to take a break and have a little fun! Sam Black knows the feeling, and he’s getting his draft on in his latest video effort!

Video: Five-Color Midrange In Standard

Why limit your powerful options when the mana is this good? Sam Black puts the entire kitchen sink into this one so you can see it in action before you select your weapon for #SCGCHAR’s Standard Classic!

Modern Game-Changers In Oath Of The Gatewatch

Sam Black is a dangerous combination of experienced player and experienced designer. So which cards is he looking at for Oath of the Gatewatch Modern? It may not be the ones you’re thinking! See how Sam Black is looking outside the box!

Video: Mono-Black Eldrazi In Modern

After its rising popularity on MTGO and its top 10 finish at #SCGCIN in the hands of Matthew Dilks, the Eldrazi are ready for the big-time! Sam Black shows you the way to operate this new Modern star as we approach #SCGCHAR!

Metagaming

If you ever wanted a deeper understanding of how Magic formats work, Sam Black has pinpointed it in every conceivable way in this absolute must-read for any would-be tournament victor.

Mindful Cube Design

Cubes are often just an assembly of the most powerful cards in Magic, but is that really the best and most fun way to go? Sam Black discusses the merits and processes of how he designs his very own Cube in order to give it a unique feel!

Video: Jeskai Black In Modern

Sam Black’s Standard Warriors deck is up to snuff, but he’s still seeking a Modern deck that strikes his fancy. He’s putting his own spin on the old Jeskai standby and taking it through the ringer in this new video!

Why B/W Warriors?

Sam Black piloted the latest addition to the Standard aggro section of the metagame to a strong finish at #SCGINVI last weekend! Here, he gives you a complete analysis of the deck with a reliable and consistent sideboard guide!

Video: Mardu Blue In Standard

The line where Jeskai Black and Mardu Blue begins and ends is not important. What’s important is that Sam Black is all about showing you how it works before #SCGINVI!

Preparing For #SCGINVI

Sam Black is willing to play any deck that gives him the edge at #SCGINVI. So which decks is he considering? He gives a rundown of the candidates and their strengths and weaknesses!

Video: W/B Warriors In Standard

It took some time, but the Warriors are finally out in full Standard swing! Check this deck out to see if it’s your best shot for conquering #SCGDEN this weekend!

Savannah Lions And Other 2/1s In Standard

It’s the return of the 2/1 for one mana! Sam Black is excited to be experimenting with new aggro decks based on recent Grand Prix successes, so get your Savannah Lions out for a run at #SCGDEN glory!

Video: Token Burn In Standard

As long as Standard still exists, Sam Black will keep innovating! See if his latest rogue effort has what it takes to become a contender at #SCGNJ’s $5,000 Standard Premier IQ!

Lantern Control At #GPPitt

What are this crazy deck’s good and bad matchups? Is finishing within the time limit a concern? The answer to these questions and more lie within Sam Black’s guide to the Lantern lock! Study up and play quickly at #SCGNJ’s $5,000 Modern Premier IQ!