When playtesting, it’s easy to fall into the “Playing, Not Testing” trap. How can we maximize our testing to ensure an improvement in our game? How does our sideboarding strategy relate to our overall gameplan? In this excellent and enlightening article, Chad offers some sage advice on planning for success.
The Dissension Prerelease tournaments kick off this weekend… and Ben is here to help! In his traditional “new set” address, he spills the beans on the hottest Dissension cards, giving advice on what to trade for, and what to trade away. His hit rate for Guildpact was phenomenal… His Dissension advice is invaluable! A must-read article for anyone attending a prerelease this weekend!
Today, Mike’s article is packed with different topics. Standard decklists, Limited advice, tales from the Deckade signing tournament, MTGO hints and tips… and much, much more. Looking to improve your odds when drafting Ravnica/Guildpact/Dissension? Mike has the early draft metagame, planned out and dissected. A perfect primer for this weekend’s Dissension prereleases!
The Vintage game can be daunting to the casual observer. Powerful cards, insane plays, games won and lost on the very first turn… Luckily, Stephen is here to help. By running through, play by play, four actual matches featuring Meandeck Ichorid versus Brassman Gifts, he dissects each and every possible twist, and the thought process behind every move. An excellent article, destined to spawn many others…
As the world waits for Dissension, Nick branches away from his usual Ravnica/Guildpact play to take part in the Visions Release Events on Magic Online. Are you tired of drafting RRG? Do you fancy shaking your booty with the older cards? If so, Nick has the low-down on the format, and the results to prove it. A break from the norm, before the Dissension madness hits town this weekend…
In the second of his weekly columns, Jeroen answers some strategic questions on Ravnica Limited. We all know that a strong manabase is important… but how can we maximize our color-producing potential? Also, when is the optimal time to start thinking about our splash options? All this, plus a Team Standard decklist!
Raphael returns with another edition of Hidden Gems. As with his previous article, Raph examines a number of supposedly weak cards in the Ravnica Limited arena, and talks us through the pros and cons of each. His recent form on the Limited GP circuit is second to none… his advice will help improve your game. Plus drafting tips from Olivier Ruel and Anton Jonsson!
The forums clamored for it… and Richard obliged! A comprehensive primer article on the entertaining Enduring Ideal deck in Standard. Cards dissected, sideboards analysed, plays and strategies shared for all… can this unsung archetype be a force in the Standard metagame? Can it make waves in the murky waters of Team Standard? Read on to find out…
In a few weeks, Rizzo turns 37. As a popular elder statesman of our wonderful game, it’s only right and proper that we should sup deep from the well of his knowledge. So, what’s this article about? Let’s see… it touches on the future of Magic… I think. He shares his thoughs on Dissension… somewhere. And there’s a decklist… almost. Classic JFR: Rizzo being Rizzo, as only Rizzo can…
Terry Soh’s Invitational card, Rakdos Augermage, has recently been revealed on MagictheGathering.com. Previous Invitational cards have sometimes been stellar – take Meddling Mage, for example – while others have been received with a little less enthusiasm. So, what does Terry himself think of the R&D spin on his creation? What strategic impications does it have on the upcoming Standard? And just how did Terry come up with his original submission? The answers are a simple click away…
Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that Heartbeat is the must-have deck in Team Standard. It’s the strongest deck in the field, or so we’re told. Chad, however, has a different opinion. With Aggro on the decline, what’s the best way to combat mid-game sorcery-speed shenanigans? That’s right… Control. Looking for a deck that crucifies Heartbeat? Look no further…
Even though Mike has qualified for PT Charleston on ranking, his Team Standard testing and strategy continues unabated. So far, he’d brought us the apparent optimal builds for a number of powerful decks, and an innovative Green/White deck that abuses Chord of Calling. Today, he offers up fresh meat. Are you a fan of attacking? Do you enjoy the phrase “to the dome?” If so, Mike’s new offering is the deck for you…
The incomparable BDM returns with the fourth in his alphabetical journey through Magic’s finer strategies. Today, instead of bringing play scenarios to the table, he warns us of the dangers in our card evaluation methods. When all is said and done, who’s to say that any card is good or bad?
Grim Long is arguably the most skill-intensive deck in the current Vintage metagame. Thankfully, Stephen is here to put us through our Type 1 paces. Armed with a gaggle of sample hands and game scenarios, he shares his extensive technical knowledge and informs us of the correct plays. Wanna play Grim Long like a champion? The information is a mouseclick away…
At Grand Prix Cardiff, Martin took the crown by gobbling up all the unloved Green spells. Today, he shares with us the finer points of this strategy, with pick orders and strengths applicable to everyone attempting a DingleDraft. Do you love your 5/5 Wurms? If so, then this is the article for you…
