Some of these cards are better than you think.
Some of these are worse.
Join me as we take a look.
Then we can disperse.
Underperformers
Demand Answers
I’m typically a fan of Thrill of Possibility in Limited, so I figured this “buffed” version would be a solid playable, especially when considering the collect evidence mechanic. In practice, however, Demand Answers is one of the worst-performing commons of the set. Not only is the pace of the format aggressive, it’s also extremely mana-hungry. It’s common for games to end with players having cards in hand, creatures to reveal, or Clues to sacrifice, which really takes the thrill out of this card.
Hustle // Bustle
I really like the design of Hustle, and with so many options within the card, it has to be good, right? The problem with Hustle is that it rarely allows you to pick off a worthwhile creature in the mid-game, and late-game, you’re typically trying to set up the one-dimensional Bustle.
Due Diligence
With face-down creatures in the mix (ward), I thought Due Diligence might have been a sleeper, and depending on how you interpret the term, I guess it is. The temporary +2/+2 doesn’t affect the game as much as I would have guessed. While powerful, the mid-game push feels very easy to stabilize against, and rarely converts to the snowball effect you hope from cards like this.
Thinking Cap
I’m still scratching my head (under my cap, of course) over why Thinking Cap as bad as it is. But I do know, even in the most Detective-y decks, it still falls short. In fact, almost every piece of Equipment in the set has underperformed to some extent, and I think it speaks to the mana demands of the format.
Murder
Don’t get me wrong, I still love Murder, and it’s still a fine piece of removal. But between you and me, it’s really not very good this set. When trading with a disguised creature, you’re either paying five mana or the creature has flipped, gaining some advantage in doing so. There are very few non-rare creatures Murder trades well with.
Overperformers
Museum Nightwatch
Museum Nightwatch often trades with a 2/2 while netting a replacement 2/2. I don’t know what a Night at the Museum equivalent would be, but imagine if I did.
Extract a Confession
By the time meaningless tokens start showing up, you are looking to get a confession with the kicker cost. The more common play pattern is Extract a Confession taking out your opponent’s first creature, likely a two-drop or Turn 3 disguised creature.
Snarling Gorehound
While Snarling Gorehound is a rather repulsive title, it doesn’t mean he’s not a good boy. Aside from smoothing out your draws throughout the game and enabling graveyard synergies, the Gorehound racks up a lot of damage via menace.
Goblin Maskmaker
Goblin Maskmaker is the biggest surprise for me among cards in this list, but after playing with and against it, I can confirm how it overperforms. My favorite trick to pair it with is Felonious Rage, as it’s cheap and upgrades your 1/2 into a 2/2, though Auspicious Arrival is another nice pump spell to enable Goblin Maskmaker to keep putting food on its (ironically) IKEA-built table.
A Killer Among Us
“This card has too much text to be good.” – my former self
“This card is really powerful.” – my current self
One A Killer Among Us play I don’t see often enough is attacking with all tokens to push damage through, as your opponent doesn’t want to guess who the killer is, even though it’s always Goblin.
Reasonable Doubt
It’s always fair to cast Reasonable Doubt on counterspells in any new Limited format, but call me Gwen Stefani when gauging my doubt now. Between Clues, disguise, and tricks, it’s very easy to keep two mana open, and Reasonable Doubt rarely ends up as a dead card.
Lose and Learn, Learn and Win!
