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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.

Six Lessons I’ve Learned From Ikoria Limited

Level up your Ikoria Limited game! Sam Black shares six key lessons he’s discovered, from curve construction to mistaken assumptions!

Welcome To Haymaker Magic: Why Card Advantage Is An Outdated Concept

Sam Black says it’s time to face facts: Ikoria Standard just isn’t about card advantage! How did he come to this startling conclusion?

The Many Ways To Draft Ikoria Beyond Cycling

There’s more to Ikoria Draft than one powerful archetype! Sam Black lays out the best options.

The Big-Picture Approach To Ikoria Limited

Sam Black offers an overview of Ikoria Limited, including five key archetypes and the deck to draft when you don’t know what else to do!

Introducing Lurrus Golgari To Ikoria Standard And Pioneer

What happens when Lurrus of the Dream-Den meets The Binding of the Titans? Sam Black is here to tell you all about it!

Yorion, Sky Nomad Means You’re Gonna Need A Bigger Deckbox For Modern

An 80-card maindeck? When Yorion, Sky Nomad is the payoff, why not? Sam Black explores the possibilities in Modern!

Companion Is The Worst Mechanic For The Health Of Magic Since Phyrexian Mana

Sam Black isn’t pulling any punches! Why does he think companion is the biggest mechanical mistake Magic has made in years?

Considerations For The Rebirth Of Paper Magic

When paper Magic returns, how will the competitive scene look? Sam Black sees an opportunity to correct what he believes are recent mistakes.

The Brewer’s Checklist

Don’t sabotage your deck idea before you’ve played a game! Sam Black shares his Brewer’s Checklist to give you a solid foundation for going wild.

Life On The Inside: Reviewing My Time Working For WotC

Sam Black shares what it’s like to work at Wizards of the Coast! Get a glimpse of life on the inside.

Could Essence Scatter Be The Secret To Pioneer?

With creature combos ruling the roost in Pioneer, is it Essence Scatter’s time to shine? Sam Black makes the case ahead of SCG Baltimore!

Is Jund Really The Best Modern Deck For Kroxa, Titan Of Death’s Hunger?

Uro gets more press, but Kroxa, Titan of Death’s Hunger could feast on Modern! Sam Black explores new shells for Kroxa ahead of SCG Regionals.

Temur Uro For Fun And Profit In Modern

Temur Uro isn’t just good in Modern. It’s fun! Sam Black shares his latest list and strategy insights.

How To Attack The Pioneer Metagame For SCG Indianapolis

Sam Black reviews the key decks of Pioneer and how to take them down ahead of SCG Indianapolis!

Building Rakdos To Beat Azorius Control

Sam Black isn’t joining Azorius Control players in Standard. He’s beating them! See how he reshaped his Rakdos build with Azorius Control in mind!