Premium Header

Premium

Statistics, Drafting, and Pride

When drafting with a group of experienced Magic veterans, it pays to play for something more than mere bragging rights. This entertaining article tackles the subject of playing for something more… By collating the statistics behind each draft, and by introducing an interesting system of “pride-bucks,” it is possible to support any bragging with cold, hard facts. Paul also shares some drafting wisdom, with comments on what it’s like to be fed by one Jon Finkel…

Forcing Green at Grand Prix: Hiroshima

When Julien made the Top 8 of Grand Prix: Hiroshima, many were surprised to see his name at the final table. Not because of his skill at the game – we all know he’s one of the best – but because of the location. His triple-Coldsnap draft strategy is undoubtedly a strong one, as Green is perhaps the strongest color in the set. Today’s article sheds some light on his performance at the event, and shares some tips and tricks for beating down with the wobbly monsters.

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #8

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!

A PTQ Scenario Examined

Dan Paskins returns to the pages of StarCityGames.com after a brief hiatus. His article today concerns a recent Coldsnap conundrum faced in a recent PTQ Top 8. Given the details Dan had, would you have made the right choice? He also shares his thoughts on the triple-Coldsnap draft format. A fine return from Mr Paskins… long may it continue.

Jeroen’s Hall of Fame

Jeroen turns his attention to the Hall of Fame, explaininghis five picks for this year’s ballot. He supplies the reasoning behind each choice, and shares some amusing anecdotes concerning the players in question. As usual, he answers reader-submitted queries, and sends out a plea for more! You can ask your question by sending an email to [email protected].

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #7

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!

The Vintage Mailbag

Stephen dives into a sack of correspondence, answering letters from Vintage experts and beginners alike! He shares his view on a couple of decks that are currently off the radar, talks about the processes he uses when preparing for a large event, shows us the importance of the testing team structure, and tells us his favorite archetypes and decks!

Better Lucky Than Good: Seven Ways to Get Lucky

This week, Patrick takes a break from intensive deck testing to bring us a more theoretical article dealing with the nature of luck. Is luck something we’re reliant on? Are we at the fickle whim of an angry Fate? Or is it largely mythical, a crutch used to bolster the flagging egos of substandard players? The debate, plus some excellent practical tips on improving your luck… all available within!

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #6

Rounding out today’s triple-whammy of Coldsnap Draft goodness, we have the latest installment of the fantastic Drafting With Rich series! As usual, the Canadian pro shares a complete draft, from pick one to pick forty-five, sharing some thoughts on the deck and his performance. For a more detailed breakdown, visit the forums!

Coldsnap Limited: Drafting Snow

It seems that Coldsnap has caught the imagination of the Pros! With Billy (above) toiling away in the MTGO queues, Benjamin Peebles-Mundy – author of the excellent Definitive Coldsnap Draft Primer, gives us a step-by-step walkthrough of a successful U/R Snow draft. The format is proving to be more complex than it first appeared… is U/R Snow the best way to bring down the mighty Green Machine?

My Magical Life: Drafting With Billy

Billy Moreno has a problem – Triple Coldsnap Draft. Today’s excellent installment of Billy’s weekly column sees the self-confessed Constructed addict power through a number of triple Coldsnap drafts on MTGO, sharing each and evey pick along the way. In this one article, we have not one, not two, but eight complete drafts… one disected fully, the other seven offered as a lengthy bonus. Enjoy this one – it may take you some time…

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #5

Rich moves from the mean streets of Ravnica to the icy tundra of Coldsnap! Today’s installment of Drafting With Rich sees the Canadian maestro share a full triple-Coldsnap draft, from pick one to pick forty-five, with brief commentary on strong cards and deck performance. For a more detailed analysis, come join the forums! And, for another take on this draft, check out Josh Ravitz above!

The Ravitz PTQ

Today, Josh takes us through a mock PTQ for Pro Tour: Kobe. He shares an RGD Sealed cardpool, explaining his personal methods of card choice and deck construction. Then he moves onto a triple-Coldsnap draft, and shares his picks from one to forty-five. Indeed, the draft he presents is an alternate look at today’s Drafting With Rich! This is an excellent article with some interesting Limited tips…

One Man’s Ballot

Mike takes a break from high strategy to discuss the intricacies of the Hall of Fame. He shares his voting thoughts for this year’s ballot, drawing comparisons from a number of surprising places. The writing is evocative, giving us a fine example of the thrill and excitement that dwells within our hobby of choice…

Drafting With Rich – Coldsnap #4

Rich moves from the mean streets of Ravnica to the icy tundra of Coldsnap! Today’s installment of Drafting With Rich sees the Canadian maestro share a full triple-Coldsnap draft, from pick one to pick forty-five, with brief commentary on strong cards and deck performance. For a more detailed analysis, come join the forums!