This is my favorite time of the year: the cusp of a new “large set” release and a major rotation in Standard. Decks are in flux, some dropping off into the harsh crucible of Extended, some changing with the times, and some brand new archetypes being born. If you could see me now I’m making rude and crude gestures to Umezawa’s Jitte and Heartbeat of Spring — don’t let the Standard doorknob hit ya where the good Wizards broke ya.
The saga of the Casual Framework continues as we explore individual Archetypes and peer more closely at their Subtypes. I even include some sample decks in order to illustrate the ideas that I am talking about…
Billy steps up to the plate with a fresh deck based on some of the more overlooked creatures of Ravnica block. Can you guess what they are? Hint: there’s a clue in the article title…
This week’s Battle Royale sees Sean McKeown pumped and ready for action. This comprehensive article introduces his interesting base-Green deck, and documents the lengthy process undergone to obtain the cards. You can’t doubt the prices of the cards in his deck – Sean has the receipts for each one.
After his nearly-man performance at the Swedish Nationals, Gadiel decided to give Grand Prix: Phoenix a miss. Then, after contemplating his pro statistics, he changed his mind… and it’s safe to say that he was glad he did. This entertaining report covers the highs and lows of the tournament, written in his usual acerbic and humorous style…
It’s Wednesday, and we all know what that means… another mailbag article from everyone’s favorite Rock-playing Pro, Jeroen Remie. Today’s reader-posed topics include the process behind preparation for Premier Event in a fledgling format, the proper place of rituals and luck in Magic, plus a grab-bag of miscellany to round it all out!
Dan Paskins, the Red mage personified, brings us an entertaining article on the noble art of swindling your opponent. Don’t worry, Dan hasn’t defected to the Dark Side… there’s no cheating here. Rather, Mr Paskins takes us step-by-step through the methods required to force your opponent into bad play.
Rich continues his excellent Draft series. The Canadian maestro turns his back on the cooling Coldsnap, and heads for the balmy waters of Ninth Edition. From now until the online release of Time Spiral, Rich will draft a number of formats, from RGD to 999 to CBS to CCC… whatever takes his fancy at the time. He’ll supply each pick, from pick one to pick forty-five, and pen a brief commentary on hs deck and performace. For more detailed comments, visit the forums!
Blisterguy gives us the low-down on the Magic Online Standard metagame, and an overview of the card prices available in the Marketplace. As usual, there’s the unmissable “blister-banter” (his words, not mine), including his personal opinion of Snakes on a Plane…
This week’s edition of The Magic Show – Magic’s only regular video-based article – takes a look at some of the less tangible aspects of our great game: Culture, Community, and Reaction. What makes up the Magic Culture? What importance should we place on the Community? All this, plus a discussion on some of the coming cards from TIme Spiral. There be spoilers here… you have been warned.
Josh continues his enlightening series on the Standard metagame both pre- and post-Time Spiral. Today, he tackles a number of the stronger archetypes in the current Standard, presenting updated non-Champions skeleton builds in preparation for the coming of the new set.
In his quest to reach the mystical Level 4 of the Pro Player Club, Raphael Levy was willing to venture forth to the sweltering climes of Phoenix, Arizona, for his first taste of a U.S. Grand Prix. His trip was worth it… This report takes a final glance at the passing of Ravnica, and shares each of Raphael’s Coldsnap drafts. The Hall of Fame Pro Tour stalwart proved to himself that he can still rumble with the best. The best players, the best writers… only at StarCityGames.com!
Craig “The Professor” Jones entered this year’s English Nationals as the probable favorite. Unfortunately for Mr Helix, things went very badly. Today’s article explores the nature of “Playing on Tilt,” with reference to his horrendous day at the office. Are you a player that succumbs to emotion? Are you a player that lets the heart override the head? Never fear. Craig Jones can help.
Zac has something he needs to get off his chest… why are some players such idiots? Today, he points out some of the fatal social flaws displayed by a segment of the Magic populous. Are you guilty of these sins?
After a hiatus caused by over-zealous falconry, the good doctor is back! As usual, he answers emails and questions from spell-slingers across the world. Today, he casts his medical eye over a few of Magic’s more casual formats, and has a little advice for a certain shuffle-shy Frenchman…
