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The Legacy Metagame, Part I: Format Overview and the “Big Three”

And lo! the Powers That Be decreed that the small yet vocal Legacy community be given a third Grand Prix with which to test their deck construction and metagaming prowess. Things couldn’t be better.

In preparation for GP: Columbus, I’ll be examining the current Legacy metagame and summarizing the decks that define it. This article is primarily written for Legacy novices, but I’ll be sure to add enough detailed analysis to make it worth the time of format regulars. You know who you are.

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Tsunami Warning – Bringing High Tide to Vintage

With the StarCityGames.com Power 9 weekend kicking off tomorrow, Stephen brings a fresh new deck to the Vintage table! Of course, the title of the article gives up a main component of this combo-tastic build – High Tide. Is this new deck a powerhouse capable of taking the top prizes this weekend… read on to find out!

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Gauntlet of Power in Extended

With everyone’s focus pulled toward Standard, Patrick “The Innovator” Chapin takes us through a humorous look at a new Extended creation… one that harnesses the strength of the Gauntlet of Power! Extended is currently powered by the Time Spiral goodies we have on offer, but does this mana-producing artifact cut the proverbial mustard? The author offers insight and laughs in equal measure, and rounds out with another impressive edition of (Tune) Drafting With Patrick.

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Magical Hack: Drafting With Rich, the Live-Action Edition

Read Sean McKeown... every Friday at StarCityGames.com!

If there’s one thing New Jersey showed, it’s that it’s a beautiful thing when a plan comes together. All too frequently, one will see forum posters responding to the “Drafting With Rich” columns in a derogatory and negative way, even going so far as to say “Have you ever even drafted this format before!?!” Rich Hoaen is considered by most to be the best Limited player in the world, a title of respect not given out lightly amongst the highly-contentious Pro Tour players’ community… and has held this title, in ever-widening circles of recognition, for several years now.

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States 2006: Top 8 Overview, Going Undefeated, Getting Disqualified, and Rogue Highlights

States is my favorite time of the year in Magic. New cards, new possibilities, and rogue decklists that may not be so rogue anymore by the time the champions are crowned – what’s not to like? I can’t help but obsessively review the results, studying the different archetypes, identifying new sideboard tech, and searching for rogue decklists. By rogue, I mean different, unexpected, or underrepresented. Anything outside the norm.

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Prismatic Lens – Green

This week’s offering has to do with a format known online as Prismatic, of which I have long been a fan. Prismatic is a format of wild draws, crazy interactions, and big, flashy cards. It’s a slower format than most others, and lends itself to control strategies. Most interestingly, all those seven to ten mana cards like Myojins and Time Stretch you long ago dismissed as junk? Chances are, they have a chance to shine here.

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Deal of the Week: Adopt-A-Pro!

Have you noticed that this week’s Deal of the Week? We’re selling all Pro Player cards for only $.10 each. That’s right, you can buy a Pro for just a shiny dime! Don’t you want to bring love to an unloved Pro? If so, read inside!

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Snow-Covered Reasoning, and the Colors of Time Spiral Draft

Jeroen reaches edition number 25 of his popular column, the series in which YOU supply the questions! Today’s quarter-century milestone deals with the usual plethora of Magical topics, including Snow-Covered Lands, drafting triple Time Spiral, and Remie’s personal picks for songs of seduction…

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A Different Take on Stormbind in Standard

Earlier this week, Nick Eisel weighed in with some interesting thoughts on the use of Stormbind in Time Spiral Standard. Today we have Stuart Wright, one of the premier deckbuilders in the UK, sharing his personal take on the card. He brings two decklists to the table, and takes us through other ideas and directions with which we can explore the synergies presented by the current Standard cardpool…

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Analyzing and Dissecting Yomi #2

You have a lot of free time in MTG to make your decisions. Use it to break down decision trees and variable options before your opponent has a chance to truly think about his own board plan. Try to avoid going into a “muscle memory” mode like some fighting game players do… always consider your actions before making them.

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The Kitchen Table #157: The Casual Metagame #9

Read Abe Sargent... every Thursday at StarCityGames.com!
Good day! Welcome back to the series that investigates Magic Taxonomy. In today’s entry in the series, I’d like to investigate how to maximize your own deck’s ability to respond to various decks in the Magic Deck Framework.

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Levelling Up: From Athens to Kobe, Part 2

Tiago continues his excellent series of reports from major events around the globe. Today is the story of Pro Tour: Kobe Day 1, in which Tiago posted an excellent record that set him up for a serious charge on the Top 8. Each draft is analyzed in depth, and each match is examined for play tips and strategy. Tiago is one of the most consistent players on the Pro Tour… his words will help your game immensely.

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Going for the Gamble – A Pro Tour: Kobe Experience Through the Eyes of The Cak

The Cak and his cohorts had an unusual tactic gong into Pro Tour: Kobe… Go Tribal. Yes, Slivers was the order of the day, but sadly it failed to light up the tournament with its synergy and power. Nevertheless, it is a potent strategy when handled correctly. Mr Pelcak discusses his time in Japan, and imparts a spot of wisdom for those looking to draft the Little Guys Who Share the Love.

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Magic Online Musings: This Week on MTGO #39

Read The Blisterguy... every Wednesday at StarCityGames.com!

Blisterguy takes on the Extended scene (sadly without corresponding Magic Online Premier Events), and presents a couple of lists for our perusal. He also shares the current marketplace prices for Time Spiral cards, for those looking to improve their electronic collections.

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Battle Royale Round 12 – Son of NiceDraft

StarCityGames.com - Battle Royale!

As Rich Hoaen abdicated the Battle Royale crown, we have two new contenders today! The first? Bennie Smith. Can you guess what he’s bringing to the table? Let’s face it, everyone knew it would be a dredge deck… but is it enough to go all the way?

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