Sullivan Library – Standard: Changing of the Guard
Friday, August 13th – With new National Championship results appearing all the time, the Standard format is constantly shifting. Let’s investigate archetypes poised for prominence.
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The Dragonmaster’s Lair – Naya Shaman, Extended, and the Hall of Fame
Friday, August 13th – In today’s edition of The Dragonmaster’s Lair, Brian Kibler discusses the power of Naya Shaman in the current Standard metagame. He also touches on M11 Limited and Extended before rounding things out with his personal take on this year’s Hall of Fame Ballot!
Innovations – Standard Going Into Nationals
Friday, August 13th – U.S. Nationals and the StarCityGames.com Standard Open in Denver are fast approaching, and Patrick Chapin believes the current format is excellent. Today, he examines a collection of strategies that are primed to make an impact in the coming weeks!
Pro Perspective – Blue/Black in M11 Draft
Friday, August 13th – Hall of Famer Raphael Levy has a few rules in M11 draft. The first is: avoid drafting Green and White cards. Today, he shares this thoughts on his favorite draft archetype in the format: Blue/Black. If you’re looking to gain an edge on your Nationals opponents, Raph has the key!
Black Magic – How to Beat a Standard Deck
Friday, August 13th – The Standard format is awash with a multitude of strategies, so everyone can find a deck to enjoy. With such a vast metagame, there will always be a foil to your strategy… and Sam Black is here to help!
Duel with Ruel – UW Control versus Naya Shaman: The UW Control Perspective
Thursday, August 12th – U.S. Nationals and the StarCityGames.com Standard Open in Denver are almost upon is, and Standard testing is on everyone’s mind. Today, Hall of Famer Antoine Ruel pits Wafo-Tapa UW Control vs Naya Shaman piloted by Manuel Bucher. Who has the upper hand?
The Wescoe Connection – Is Green Beatable in Standard?
Thursday, August 12th – Green, much maligned through the history of Magic, is currently taking a stranglehold. A host of Tier 1 decks call on the color of nature in order to form the spine of their strategy. Can Green be defeated? A dedicated U/W Control mage believes that all is not lost…
One Step Ahead – Ascending in Standard
Wednesday, August 11th – Pyromancer’s Ascension is setting a legitimate claim to the title of Best Combo Deck in Standard. Gerry Thompson took the popular strategy from French Nationals and tweaked it play at GenCon. While he didn’t make Top 8, the deck saw some success in the hands of others. With Nationals competition and the StarCityGames.com Standard Open in Denver looming large, Gerry takes us through the strategy today.
Going Infinite – The Fundamentals of Trading
Wednesday, August 11th – In the first of a new financial column, Jonathan Medina discusses the fundamentals of trading. He explores how to think with a trader’s mindset, how to go about maximizing your binder real estate, and presents the three main outlets for making money via cardboard. All this, and some Magic stock tips too!
Drafting With Olivier – M11 #1
Wednesday, August 11th – Hall of Famer Olivier Ruel takes us through an 8-4 draft queue on Magic Online. He shares some comprehensive thoughts about both the picks and the games, and talks us through each step of the way! If you’re looking to improve your Limited game, this is the article series for you!
Duel with Ruel – Blue/White Control versus Pyromancer’s Ascension: The Blue/White Control Perspective
Tuesday, August 10th – In this week’s edition of Duel With Ruel, Hall of Famer Antoine Ruel takes the role of Guillaume Wafo-Tapa, recreating the French Nationals semifinal non-event with his brother Oli taking the role of Guillaume Matignon. Blue/White versus Pyromancer’s Ascension. Control versus Combo. Both decks will likely feature at U.S. Nationals and the StarCityGames.com Standard Open in Denver… Who will be victorious?
Wesconomics – Hoarding versus Liquidating
Tuesday, August 10th – In this week’s insightful edition of Wesconomics, Craig discusses the difference between hoarding and liquidating your card collection at any given time. When is the best time to hide your cards away in a binder, and when is the best time to trade away your hot mythics? Craig reveals all…
The Nose Knows – The Talk About Blue/White Control
Tuesday, August 10th – With U.S. Nationals and the StarCityGames.com Standard Open in Denver approaching fast, Kyle Boggemes returns to the deck he loves: Blue/White Control. Controversially, he is not enamored with the current popular Magic Online builds of the strategy… He presents his reasoning – and decklist – here today.
Insider Information – Columbus Blues
Monday, August 9th – Cedric Phillips felt well prepared for Grand Prix: Columbus. Armed with a transformational Aluren combo deck, wth which he’d posted some success online, Ced hoped to go one better than his ninth-place finish in Oakland. Sadly, things didn’t go to plan…
Reflecting Ruel – My French Nationals
Monday, August 9th – Hall of Famer Olivier Ruel played Polymorph at French Nationals. While he wasn’t as successful as his brother Antoine, he certainly gave it a good effort. In his report today, he outlines his preparation for the tournament, and shares the highs and lows from the tournament floor.