Premium Header

Premium

Drafting Icefall

According to Josh, Coldsnap is “a Constructed format in which you have to draft your decks.” With many broken strategies made possible by the odd slanting of card numbers, it is hard to disagree with his convictions. Today, he examines one such Constructed Draft archetype – the Icefall deck. This strategy has reaped rewards on Magic Online… can it do the same for you?

Designing Cards for Fun and Profit

Wizards of the Coast are currently searching for a new designer. They’re holding a competition, in which the winner earns the right to an intern position at the Magic Mothership. Paul, along with countless others, longed for a shot at the big time… today, he shares his design questionnaire answers with candor and humor. An off-beat article, but one that should inspire debate.

Gifts Rock in Extended

It’s a strange time for Magic writers. Topics and ideas are thin on the ground. Coldsnap Limited? It’s been said already. Ravnica Block? Been there, done that. Standard? We’re waiting for Time Spiral. And Time Spiral itself? Not enough to write about. So, what is a writer to do… Luis steps into the breach with a fine piece on Gifts Rock in Extended. Matchups, decklists, strategies… it’s all here. Looking for a break from the norm? Look no further!

My Magical Life: Scrubbing Out at Grand Prix: Phoenix

Billy’s experience at Grand Prix: Phoenix was a good one. Not for the playing – he performed hideously – but for the company, the side events, and the good times. Today’s rollercoaster article chronicles each high and each low in the customary Moreno style, and shares his GP cardpool for those who wish to play along at home. “Moreno Monday” comes two days late this week… but we forgive him!

The Intricacies of Improvement, and Dissecting the Counterbalance Deck

Last week, facing down a lack of questions, Jeroen sent out a cry for help. It seems that people responded kindly, and Jeroen’s inbox is bursting at the seams once more! This week, Jeroen looks at how a player can improve from adequate to exceptional, and gives a nod to the Japanese deckbuilding masters with a fan’s-eye look at the Conterbalance deck thet destroyed the field at Japanese Nationals.

Avoiding the Obvious – A Non-R/G Coldsnap Draft

Triple Coldsnap draft continues to divide the community in equal measure. Some love it, some hate it… but no-one can ignore it. Today, Nick takes us through a sample draft, one in which he eschews his usual strategy of “force Red/Green,” with mixed (and interesting) results. Do you agree with his choices and evaluations?

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #12

Rich continues his excellent series of Coldsnap Draft walkthroughs, presenting each pick as it happened and highlighting each card chosen. He shares his final decklist, and gives us a brief overview of his results and processes. As usual, for more detailed draft deconstruction, come visit us in the forums!

I Heart Rimerunner: Drafting Mono-Red in Coldsnap

Martin Dingler, winner of Grand Prix: Cardiff, turns his attentions to the icy wastelands of Coldsnap… and injects a little fire into game! The notorious “draft the Big Green Monsters” guy has turned his back on the high-cost goliaths, favoring instead a mono-Red draft strategy that is both powerful and fun. Full pick orders, strategies, and sample builds, all available with a single click…

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #11

Rich continues his excellent series of Coldsnap Draft walkthroughs, presenting each pick as it happened and highlighting each card chosen. He shares his final decklist, and gives us a brief overview of his results and processes. As usual, for more detailed draft deconstruction, come visit us in the forums!

An Introduction to Competitive Vintage

Curious about Vintage? Confused by all the crazy terminology? Overwhelmed by the enormous card pool? Stephen has written this article for you. He’s put together, in a single place, a concise description of the top six decks in Vintage. An excellent primer for those looking to compete in Magic’s broken format. Take a look…

My Foreign Nationals – A Swedish Nationals Report

This year, for reasons he explains in the article, Gadiel took part in the Swedish National Championships. His story is as strange as they come, and his performance was strong… but did he make it to the hallowed Top 8? As usual, Gadiel’s writing is prickly, intelligent, and funny. The best players, and writers, only at StarCityGames.com!

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #10

Rich continues his excellent series of Coldsnap Draft walkthroughs, presenting each pick as it happened and highlighting each card chosen. He shares his final decklist, and gives us a brief overview of his results and processes. As usual, for more detailed draft deconstruction, come visit us in the forums!

Japanese Deck-Testing – From the Other Side of the Table

With RGD Sealed entering its dying days, Josh turns his eye to the decks from the Japanese Nationals. His article research led him into duel after duel with Mike Flores, throwing the Top 8 decks against the strong 8StoneRain.dec. While Mike makes some bold claims for the metagame, Josh’s agreement isn’t absolute. Read on to find out how the matches progressed…

Fox versus Hedgehog – 8StoneRain.dec

Mike and Josh collaborate on a pair of articles with a single topic: the investigation of the deck that Mike believes may be the best deck in the current Coldsnap metagame. While the online meta is lightning fast, there are packs and matches to be won… could this Standard offering be the New Deck To Beat?

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #9

Rich continues his excellent series of Coldsnap Draft walkthroughs, presenting each pick as it happened and highlighting each card chosen. He shares his final decklist, and gives us a brief overview of his results and processes. As usual, for more detailed draft deconstruction, come visit us in the forums!