Saturday Morning Magic of Hixson

Dark Ascension Post-Release Information

2012-02-06T11:23:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that this weekend's the DARK ASCENSION POST-RELEASE!!!

I have 10 of each promo card thanks to Morgan Hardy over at Organized Play in Knoxville. So here's how promo distribution will go:

1) Those who pre-paid (of which I have 8-9 people listed) will get first crack at the promos. Of these people, those who did not get to a Pre-Release will have the first crack at the Ravenous Demon//Archdemon of Greed Pre-Release promo. Those who did will at worst get a Mondronen Shaman//Tovolar's Magehunter Launch Party promo. However, if I get through all the non-Pre-Release people and have leftover Ravenous Demon//Archdemon of Greed cards, it'll be your pick of which you'd rather have.

2) Those who did not pre-pay will then do the same: Those who did not go to a Pre-Release get first crack at any leftover Ravenous Demon//Archdemon of Greed promos. Then, those who did get to a Pre-Release will at worst get a Mondronen Shaman//Tovolar's Magehunter Launch Party promo.

3) Any leftover promos will be used as prizes in the Innistrad League at various points in the remainder of the run.

Some other information for those who may not be familiar with how we do our Post-Releases:

1) Entry fee is $9. START TIME IS 11:00, NO LATER!
2) Format is Dark Ascension x3 Draft. (We'll do a draft with each person getting 3x Dark Ascension packs)
3) When you open each pack, write down the Rares, Mythic Rares, and Foils that are in your pack.
4) After you write down those cards, draft the pack as normal: On the first pack, pick a card and pass all remaining cards to your left. On the second pack, pass to your right. Then on the third pack, pass to your left again.
5) You will have at least 20 minutes to build your deck (though if we need more time we can go up to 30 IF needed, but I'd like to start actual play as soon as possible)
6) Deck MINIMUM is 40 cards.
7) Tournament in a way is double elimination. Everyone plays Round 1 in the same bracket. After results are in, the winners and the losers are divided up. Then, each round the winner's bracket's losers are put into a separate losers' bracket and their play continues. Once a player hits their round's loser's bracket, if he/she loses 1 match from there on he/she is done with the tournament. (If anyone knows the TYPE of tournament format this is, please let me know. Thanks!)
8) At the end of the tournament. prizes will consist of AT MINIMUM the Rares, Mythic Rares, and Foils pulled from the packs. (There may be more available as the entry fee is a bit higher than just the price of the packs you get)
9) FOR EVERYONE, their first pick can be 1 (one) of the cards they listed as the Rares, Mythic Rares, and Foils that came out of their packs. This is called the "reserve pick." For example, if you pull a Sorin, you are in NO danger of losing it in the prizes! :)
10) Once everyone who's "reserved" a card in this manner has picked their reserve out of the pool, those who did NOT choose to reserve a card get first crack at whatever prizes are left on the table until everyone has 1 (one) prize.
11) Then, going from the winner down to last place and repeating as often as necessary, every player gets to pick 1 (one) prize that's left on the table until all are gone or everyone has as many prizes as they wish to pick.

That should do it for now. If you have any questions about ANYTHING, don't feel afraid to ask. I'm happy to help. :)

(PS: To make sure it's seen...START TIME IS 11:00, NO LATER!)

A Few Innistrad League Announcements

2012-01-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hey guys!
I have a few announcements that I'll go over in the morning, but if you happen to catch this E-mail/post (or the post on Facebook) you'll be up to speed before then. :)

1. Sign-ups for League are now CLOSED! I'm out of product and barely have enough to go around for prizes and the next pack distribution. Thanks to everyone's support for making this such a big success! We have 11 players! I hope everyone's having as much fun with it as I am. :)

2. OVERALL POINTS MODIFICATION(S)/CLARIFICATION(S): Remember we started out with a "5 match minimum" to get your points counted toward a period. What's been in question in part, though, is do those points "disappear" as if they never happened if you don't get to your 5 match minimum?

The answer is NO! If you don't get your 5 matches in, while it means it won't count for the period (the way things stand now, which I'll explain later), it's still matches you played in the overall standings.

Which leads to another question (one we'll think about possibly now but definitely for the next upcoming league, which I've already heard rumbles of interest to do after Avacyn Restored is out): Do we keep a match number minimum in order to be counted for prizes each period? Points would still go into the overall numbers (up to your best 5 matches of a period), but do we deny prizes because someone couldn't get their 5 matches in? The idea is to encourage play, and I'm wondering if this won't eventually do the opposite and discouraging play if it seems like a person can't get to 5 matches.

Maybe a 5-match limit to what's counted in a period instead? Maybe a rule that says "While there's no minimum number of matches to complete in a given period, you may only count your best 5 matches toward your period's point total (which if you play in 5 or fewer matches is all of your matches)."?

And would we want to consider changing this rule ASAP instead of waiting for the next League?

3. RULE ABOLISHED: No longer will you be keeping up with your League pool. At least, it's not mandated any more. It became too much of a hassle and now that school's started back up and going on all 8 cylinders I just don't have the time to track everything. So don't worry about recording your new packs or trades unless you want to keep a personal record of what all's in your pool.

4. RULE ADDED: This is mostly to cover the times when people have their 5+ matches in and are waiting around for prizes on the Saturday that ends each period. If you wish, you can go ahead and get your new pack and start making trades or modifying your decks using the new pack's contents. However, I ask you keep track of what new stuff you got/traded for/put in your deck due to the new cards you got. If we need people to play in order to get someone to 5 matches, I want them to be able to face anyone in the room with their decks being based on the same pack number their opponent's on. The best way to do this is to open your pack and as you modify your deck note what you took out and put in so you can change quickly back to your pre-new pack deck.

EXAMPLE: You open your 8th Innistrad pack and find a Heartless Summoning that could help out some of your more expensive black creatures and a Bloodline Keeper, so you add them in as two of the cards you need to reach the new 50 card minimum along with 4 basic lands and 4 cards you already had from your first 7 packs' contents/trades done with cards from the first 7 packs. Later, someone still on their 7th pack still needs 1 more match to complete their 5 match minimum. Take at least the Heartless Summoning and Bloodline Keeper out so you're using a deck that only uses your first 7 packs' contents/trades. (whether you want to get rid of the other cards that got you to 50 cards is up to you; the key is to have only cards that came from those first 7 packs' contents/trades).

5. PRIZES: The prizes for this period will come from:

1) 3 sealed Innistrad packs, split as a pile of 2 packs and a lone pack.
2) 2 packs of Innistrad to crack open and display for picking cards from them.
3) 1 Angelic Overseer
4) 1 Verdant Force from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
5) 1 Duress from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
6) 1 Exhume from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
7) 1 Dread Return from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn

Hopefully this gives everyone something good to look forward to. :) And it puts $1.75 into the overall, end-of-League prize pool to help with a BIIIGGGG Innistrad card and the big cards from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn. ;)

6. BONUS PERIOD: Here are the rules I'm thinking of implementing for the Bonus Period coming up (the time from 1/28 through 2/11):

a) We have 2 players who are 1 period behind (5 matches disadvantaged) at least. To help them make up the time and for me having not enough product to get them started sooner, however many periods they weren't in League they'll be able to play up to 5 matches each to make up ground in the overall standings. For example, someone who hasn't been able to play in the first 2 periods will get the chance to play 10 matches in the next two weeks, while someone who wasn't in it for 1 period will get to play 5 matches.

b) Players who have been in the League since the end of the 1st Period (which should be everyone except for 2 players) may play in as many matches as they wish, but they may only take their best 3 matches and replace them in the overall points standings.

c) Matches played during the Bonus Period for those of us going for replacement points will not change your overall win percentage; they will only change your overall points score. So in essence, if you ever finished a period below 15 points, I literally go back and say "Oh, a loss/tie? Nah...it's a win now. +3 points. "

d) You are still bound by the "no more than 2 matches per person" rule. I may make an exception if the new players need points but can't find people to play easily, but that will be the only exceptions given.

I'll go over all this tomorrow morning and/or afternoon to get everyone's feedback and see where we go from here on some of the discussion questions. I suggest you read up on this and form your opinions if you're on the computer before coming to SMM.

Thanks for your attention and putting up with some messy first-run issues with the League system. :)

POLL: Keep Track of League Pools: Abolish?

2012-01-23T12:11:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!
Just getting a feel if anyone would be soooo heartbroken if I didn't keep track of new packs entering the League pool and all that. Right now we have 9 players (should be 11 by the end of the week) and the idea of just entering cards is becoming a chore. I think we can trust each other to not add cards that shouldn't be in the pool.

But still, I want to make sure it's not gonna interrupt your enjoyment of League to not keep track of what you open. :)

Last-Minute Cancellation of League Today, 1/21

2012-01-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late notice, but I only got it late this morning myself.

Because of the threat of severe weather, Rachel thought it best to cancel League for today.

Northgate Mall's food court is usually our backup option, but I won't be there. I share the same concerns she and others have expressed about the conditions today.

We'll be back next week, 1/28, with the run-up to the end of Period 2 and the start of our Bonus Period! :)

(And I'll have this week's prizes posted sometime next week, probably Wednesday)

Innistrad Points Update: Final Period 1 and Current Period 2

2012-01-19T11:31:00.000-05:00

We're into a new 2-week period in our Innistrad League! Yay! Congrats to everyone who played. And we didn't just play, we played hard. We had 29 total matches played last period. Consider that each match had to be a minimum of 2 games and we have at least 58 games played in 2 weeks. Whew! That's a lot of card playing!

I feel everyone got something good, so at least you know your entry fee goes toward something nice and useful. :)

The final results for Period 1 were:

1. David McKnight, with 15 points and a 100% win percentage for his 5 best matches.
2. Shaun Walker, with 15 points and a 83.3% win percentage
3. Danny Mullinax, with 12 points
4. Wayne Eanes, with 10 points
5. Preston Hamill, with 9 points and a 61.54% win percentage.
6. Jonathan Taylor, with 9 points and a 60% win percentage.
7. Marcus, with 9 points and a 50% win percentage (I mis-recorded his match totals)
8. Jenn, with 3 points
9. Tiff Higgins, with 0 points. :(

These points will go into the overall placings total, so what you see here is the current overall placings as well. :)

On to this period though! Already we have 8 matches completed in the last 6 days. For some, the extra pack changed their decks up in a big way. Right now only David has not played any games (that I have on record, anyway).

CURRENT PERIOD 2 POINTS TOTALS:
1st: Shaun, with 6 points
2nd: Tiff, with 3 points and a 100% win percentage
3rd: TIE, Jonathan and Wayne with 3 points each and 2-1 game records.
5th: Jenn, with 3 points and 60% win percentage
6th: Preston, with 3 points and a 50% win percentage.
7th: Danny, with 0 points but a 20% win percentage.
8th: Marcus, with 0 points and a 0% win percentage
9th: David, with no matches played yet.

These points standings and win percentages can change DRASTICALLY, though! We still have a week and a half in the period. Today's 9th place player may be Saturday's commanding #1 player. :)

We also may have 1-2 more player starting Saturday, so we could see a HUUUGE shake-up!

I have a box of Innistrad on the way. If you want to play in the League, I'm taking sign-ups as late as next Saturday (January 28th). The price will be $21.50 total. This gets you 7 packs of Innistrad and puts $2.25 into the prize pool for this period. If you're local enough and want to meet during the week to get your pool together, we can arrange that so you won't have to worry about doing so much the first Saturday you're here. :)

I'll catch you all later! :)

Vote Needed for INN League End Date

2012-01-16T21:16:00.000-05:00

hey all!

i wanted to get everyone's idea on when to end the Innistrad League.

I'm wanting to go at least to the end of March. This way we have roughly 1 month of us running decks on a 40-card minimum, 1 month on 50, and 1 month on 60.

the original idea was to run through Avacyn Restored in May, but that may be too long.

So here are a few ideas. Feel free to vote on one of these or suggest one of your own. :)

1) March 24th
2) April 14th
3) May 26th (allowing one pack of Avacyn Restored to enter the pool)

Please respond when you get a chance. Thanks! :)

Feedback Needed: Change in Tiebreaker Rules Needed?

2012-01-13T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

I'll update points later tonight, but I wanted to get some feedback on something that might need to change.

As it stands right now, 2-way ties in points would be dealt with by a match at SMM before prizes are distributed.

However, we now have 9 people in the League. This opens the possibility more and more for 3 or more people to tie on points. We are also usually short on time at SMM, so a tiebreaker match may draw the league time out a bit because it would delay prize distribution.

I wanted to see how everyone felt about using each player's win percentage each period as the tiebreakers instead, THEN if it's still a tie do a match.

If we do that, do we want to base the win percentages on ALL the games a person plays, or do we pick out their best 5 matches like we do for the points themselves and count the win percentages from there?

I've tested both ways (count all matches vs. only count the best 5) and so far there's not much difference because hardly anyone can get more than 5 matches in (I think 4 of us COULD on Saturday, and 2 of us are already there).

What do you all think?

A Few More Dark Ascension Previews for the Internet Infrequent!

2012-01-12T12:10:00.002-05:00

Hey guys!
A few more days have passed and we have even more preview cards to go through. Oh, the joys of preview season! lol.

Here are a few hints before we get started:

1) This block's Giant Growth effect can be permanent...or you can get a smaller but still permanent boost off it.

2) A new Werewolf "Lord"...that can help keep your transformed Werewolves out a little longer.

3) A new ability word helps super-anthem your creatures...if you're about to die.

4) Sorin gets a new version, and his intentions, though dark, have a little more purity to them. That doesn't mean he won't steal your stuff, though.

Alright, that's one of every rarity, in order (Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Mythic Rare). Wanna see the cards? Then here we go! (NOTE: All images are used from MTGSalvation.com)

1) Here's our Giant Growth of the Innistrad block. Announcing...Hunger of the Howlpack!

How's that for a boost? Get your First Striker to kill something, then get a permanent +3/+3 boost on a regular attacker! Probably more of a Limited bomb and casual Constructed card, I doubt we'll see it in tournament play. Modern possibly? Maybe. That would be the only venue I'd see it in, and only if it's in either a Persist deck (to get rid of the -1/-1 counter) or a Doubling Season deck to get upwards of +6/+6 on a creature dying. But even then, I feel the kitchen table is where this will stay. (Still...the potential is nice. ;) )

2) Alright, bear with me as this is a foreign-language preview. But I'll post the translation below the picture. This is the 2nd Werewolf "lord" for Innistrad block. But this one doesn't require a Transform. In fact, the name is indicative of how much help he can be to your Double-Faced Werewolves.

Presenting...Everwolf! (NOTE: Name may change once the English version is known.)

The translation (also from MTGSalvation):

Everwolf
1RG
Creature - Wolf
Intimidate (This creature can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or creatures that share a color with it.)
Other Wolf and Werewolf creatures you control get +1/+1.
Werewolf creatures you control that aren't Humans can't transform.
2/2
Uncommon

Nice! This gives Werewolves "lords" (creatures that give +1/+1 to others of their type) a bit of a mana curve at 2 mana (Mayor of Avabruck//Howlpack Alpha) and 3 mana (Everwolf). And it helps your transformed Werewolves stay transformed too! So if you combine this with Howlpack Alpha, you've got a 3/3 Intimidator and you're making 4/4 Wolf tokens every end of your turn.

Not...too...shabby. :)

Will this allow Werewolves to gain some strength? I think so. Two "lord" effects at some low mana costs and the ability to keep Werewolves like Holwpack Alpha, Wildblood Pack, and Terror of Kruin Pass in their transformed states can really help you out. Not to mention the pseudo-Fog Moonmist provides your Werewolves so they can deal combat damage but not take it and...yeah, I'd be surprised if Werewolves are never attempted at an SCG.

3) Who doesn't love getting +2/+2 on all your creatures, eh? Well...if you want it, a new ability word will give it to you.

Introducing...Thraben Doomsayer and the Fateful Hour ability word!

This will be nice in a token deck. A recurable 1/1 creature is nice, and it works well with the Pre-Release card in helping to ensure you have a steady stream of Humans to sacrifice.

What's especially interesting about Thraben Doomasyer, though, is the new Fateful Hour ability word.

Fateful Hour creates or replaces abilities and effects on cards. Fateful Hour always happens when your life total is 5 or less. Then, you either get additional benefits or replacement effects.

Thraben Doomsayer is an example of getting additional effects at 5 or less life. When you're that low, all your other creatures get +2/+2. So while the Sentry won't be 4/4, your Human tokens you created will be 3/3s late in the game. Or the pre-release promo will be an 11/11 Flying Trampler. If that doesn't win the game, I dont' know what will.

Will Thraben Sentry see play? Oh heck yes! He'll be a kitchen table favorite, and at best he'll see play in G/W Tokens as a constant token creator. Not being Legendary will help you become a token factory with 2 of these and a Parallel Lives. And thanks to Isolated Chapel, I'll bet that Demon pre-release card could see some serious play as a 1- or 2-of. (At least, I hope. I want that card to be sooooo good because it has the potential to be soooo powerful!)

There are other Fateful Hour preview cards out. I'll preview a few of those before the set releases.

And finally!!!...
4) It was obvious by the ads for Dark Ascension that at some point we'd get a new Sorin. You don't advertise a Planeswalker character without having a Planeswalker card to go with it.

We got our answer yesterday...in the form of Sorin, Lord of Innistrad!

WHEW!!!! Let's break this bad boy down!

+1: 1/1 Vampire with Lifelink!? Sweet! I can make chump blockers that gain me life. That can only HELP Sorin. :)

-2: Permanent +1/+0? Heck yes! Nothing you can do to that emblem once it's made. And if you can hold out long enough, guess what? Emblems (as best as I remember) aren't Legendary. So if you can afford at least one turn to make a 1/1 token, you can use up Sorin to get a permanent +2/+0. With some good fliers or even mediocre attackers, that's a huge permanent bonus!

-6: Alright, let me get this straight...all your base are belong to us!? Oh heck yes! "Only" getting 3 permanents may be horrible, but if you can get your opponent's best stuff it can be downright brutal.

I'll bet we'll see him being used. Maybe not as heavily as, say, Elspeth Tirel or any of the Garruks, but with the ability to give a permanent Battle Cry and make Lifelinking tokens, it's kind of hard to ignore. Plus, with all the "dual" lands in Scars of Mirrodin and Innistrad combined, I wouldn't doubt seeing a Parallel Lives deck splashing some Isolated Chapels to run him.

Of course, also remember this comes from a non-competitive player so take this advice for what you will. lol.

That's all I have time for today. We'll be continuing our Innistrad League Saturday! Come down and join us, play some non-League games if you're not in it or (unfortunately) can't get in it. We welcome all kinds of players! :)

Also feel free to leave comments on any of these preview recaps and start a discussion on what cards will and won't see major play. :)

League Standings Updates, Heading Into Home Stretch of Period 1!

2012-01-11T14:57:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!
I thought you'd all like an update on how the standings are going for Innistrad League.

Right now we have 6 players: myself, David "Ducky" McKnight, Marcus, Jenn, Wayne Eanes, and Tiff Higgins.

We started off strong with 5 of those 6 players starting 2 Saturdays ago. We have since added Tiff and she's got a League match and some trades under her belt.

Since the last update, we've had the following happen:

* Marcus completed one more match against Ducky, winning it 2-1.
* Wayne and I have completed 2 league matches (the most we can do against each other). He won both, taking one 2-1 and the other 2-0.
* I beat Tiff today, going 2-0.

The updated standings are as follows:

Marcus: 12 Points (UNDEFEATED! And needing 1 more match to count for points)
Wayne: 9 Points (Needing to complete 1 match to count his points)
Preston: 6 Points (and completed all my matches. :) I'm going for replacement points now.)
Jenn: 0 Points (2 Completed and 3 remaining)
Ducky: 0 Points (1 completed, 1 in progress against Wayne, and 3 more needed after)
Tiff: 0 Points (1 completed, needs 4 more)

I've also run into a snafu with new player additions. I only have enough boosters left to add 1 more person this weekend, then I have to wait until I get a new box. What this means is that some players are gonna start further behind than they already are if they start within the next 2 weeks just because of a supply issue.

So we're fixing that (and I'll make a separate post about it here as well).

Since we have our quarterly Post-Release on February 11th, which is usually a League Saturday (where we finish up our Period matches, do prizes, and distribute the next pack), instead of counting for a new points period from January 28th through February 11th we'll do a "Bonus Period." You'll still get your pack on the 28th, but there will be no prizes on the line. You'll only pay $2.75 to get your next pack. Then, during those 2 weeks, you can complete up to 3 total matches (total may change based on feedback) to replace previous bad match scores with improved new ones. Then, after the Dark Ascension Post-Release, we'll start back on a normal schedule: you'll get 1 pack of Dark Ascension to add to your League pool and $5 will cover your entry for that period.

Again, I apologize for what may be some forced delays in getting started. I'm hoping the Bonus Period helps make up for it.

If you have any questions, let me know! I'd be happy to help. :)

IMPORTANT: Dark Ascension Post-Release. MUST READ!

2012-01-09T17:26:00.000-05:00

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING DARK ASCENSION POST-RELEASE

Okay, guys, I have a situation on my hands.

Thanks to my prolonged schooling, I'm running out of cash...FAST!

After I buy my book for this semester (yes, BOOK! I only have one class. Yay! :) ), I'm dangerously low on funds.

MEANING...this is gonna affect my Dark Ascension booster box ordering.

Here's the deal: In order for me to ensure I have the cash to buy our Dark Ascension boxes, I kinda NEED to have pre-signups and pre-pays.

It also means I can't take "IOUs" like I've done in the past. I've GOTTA have cash this time around.

So what's the entry fee?

Same as always: $9. I'm not greedy here! lol! I just need an influx of cash quickly!

What I'd LIKE to get, though, is the number of people interested in the Post-Release and a Pre-Pay from them before Release Day. That'll help me pay for at least 1 box, maybe 2 depending on how many pre-pays I get.

You can also Pre-Pay for loose packs, too. That'll also go toward box buying if you Pre-Pay.

Here's how it'll work: You Pre-Pay for the Post-Release, I'll guarantee you a choice of if you want the Pre-Release promo (if I get any) or the Release Promo...even if you've already been to one! (Remember, in the past I've restricted it to "If you've been to a Pre-Release, you don't get a Pre-Release card unless I have enough to go around." Now you have the option of doubling up on a promo!). It'll still be one promo per person (the rest will be used throughout Innistrad League as part of the prize pools), but it's free choice of which one you want (if I get Pre-Release promos AND While Supplies Last)

You can choose not to pre-pay and just show up on the day of the Post-Release and pay there. But I warn you, if I don't get a lot of pre-pays then I can only afford 1 box. And at that point, you're risking I don't already have 12 people who are ONLY drafting. If I get only 1 box, there's a chance I won't have loose boosters available until 1-2 weeks later.

SO TO SUM THIS UP...

1) I'm low on cash, meaning I can't GUARANTEE I can afford enough Dark Ascension to last through the Post-Release for both the event AND loose pack buying.

2) To help ensure I can afford to get enough, I'm asking people who already know they'll be doing our Post-Release to please pre-sign up and pre-pay. The more pre-pays I get, the more I can guarantee enough boxes (and therefore boosters) to go around.

3) You can pre-pay for loose packs, too. This will help TREMENDOUSLY!

4) If you don't pre-pay, and if my pre-pays are few and far between, I'm only gonna guarantee one box, which means at most 12 entrants for the Post-Release draft AND possibly no loose packs for 1-2 weeks while I resupply.

If you're interested in the Post-Release (February 10th, the week after Release Weekend as always) and KNOW you'll play in it, please Facebook message me, E-mail me (CardGameNut@gmail.com), and pay ASAP. Let me know 1) If you're playing in the Post-Releaes ($9) and 2) how many loose packs you want ($2.75 per pack, as always). (I ask you keep those separate so I can make sure I prioritize Post-Release players from loose pack buyers)

Priorities will go to Post-Release players first, and only for draft entry. Loose packs will be sold after the Post-Release draft starts.

Thanks for your understanding and cooperation! :)

Dark Ascension Previews for the Internet Infrequent, Part 1!

2012-01-09T12:29:00.001-05:00

Hey guys!
Those hints I posted last night about Dark Ascension? I want to go ahead and share the cards that fit with the hints. So in the order of those hints, here's the start of our Dark Ascension Previews for the Internet Infrequent! :)

(Yes, I now put that to let everyone know these are not exclusives. This is mainly done for a couple reasons: 1) I have friends in the League who don't learn about new cards except through here and the links I provide, and 2) I just like ranting and seeing if I can guess the good cards correctly. lol.)

1) "There are only 13 new Double-Faced cards. Yep...13. And not all of them are creature-to-creature or Planeswalker-to-Planeswalker."

So the first preview isn't really a preview of a card. It's the Checklist Card that will be in most Dark Ascension packs. (And I'll assume it's the same ratio as Innistrad: In 75% of the packs, the basic land is replaced with a Checklist Card)

And here it is!

Picture from MTGSalvation.com

Already we can see a few things:

A) There are only 13 new Double-Faced Cards. This may explain why you can see the card names a little easier. :p

B) There is a multi-colored Double-Faced Card. It's a guess this will be a Legendary Creature because the name fits with what you'd expect to be a Legendary.

C) There are 2 Double-Faced Artifacts! And I'll preview one here in the next day or two.

D) There's a 1-mana Double-Faced Card.

These ought to be very interesting cards, especially the artifacts and the 1-drop transformer.

To go along with these previews, I'll be showing the Pre-Release and Release Double-Faced Cards later in this post, so watch out for those in just a bit. :)

2) "Reverse Persist, anyone? Yep, it's here. :)"
So you remember Persist, right? If the creature died and did not have a -1/-1 counter on it, it came back with a -1/-1 counter.

So what's the opposite?

Introducing Undying! Undying is a new Keyword, but the form of it isn't new. Undying effectively works just like Persist, but it mentions +1/+1 counters instead of -1/-1 counters. So while this mechanic wouldn't work in a Gavony Township-based deck, it might be interesting in other areas.

Like, for example, a green beatdown deck maybe? Maybe in Zoo in Modern? How about taking a look at this card before judging?

Introducing Strangleroot Geist!

From MTGSalvation.com

Holy cow! A 2-mana 2-power creature with haste that if blocked comes back as a 3/2 ready to block!? I thought this was part of the reason Wild Nacatl got banned in Modern. Now they're gonna give it back? *facepalm*

And this creature doesn't even need other specific lands. Just cast it, swing for 2, and if they block you get a 3/2. If not, you just got your 2 points of damage in.

On the plus side, there's really no other upside to this. It's not an Elf, it's not a Wizard, and it's not a Faerie or a Goblin, so we're safe from absurd brokenness. lol. But this little fella's powerful, I can guarantee that now. :)

3) "The Pre-Release and Release cards are still Double-Faced Cards...and they are creatures. They come from 2 colors not used in the last go-around in Innistrad's Pre-Release and Release promos."

Here we go! This will either be the reason you play in Pre-Release or Release events or the reason you'll just wait these cards out in the dollar bin. lol.

Like Innistrad, these promos are Double-Faced Cards, and they're both Rares. (Yeah, it's not fun that the Pre-Release isn't a Mythic again, but considering they're going with DFCs as the promos you can't really pull your only Mythic DFC to be the promo, can you?)

So without further ado, here are your reasons to go to Pre-Release and Release!

The first card is the Pre-Release promo. Remember Lord of the Pit? How about Time Spiral's Liege of the Pit? This DFC is sort of similar...but a lot more powerful and a lot cheaper on the mana cost!

I am proud to introduce Ravenous Demon/Archdemon of Greed!!

Image from MTGSalvation.com

WHEW! Okay, let's break it down...

For 5 mana, you get a 4/4 creature. Not good, right? Eh...maybe...

But here's one of the good things about this card...the turn you play him, you can Transform him! That's right! Just sac a human and all of a sudden you just paid 5 mana and a creature (beh! Worthless Humans!) to get a 9/9 flier that tramples!

Here's the big downside, though: You've gotta keep a Human in play in order to not take damage from the Demon. Even worse, if you don't sac a Human, you have to tap your big ol' 9/9 flier. So that definitely can suck. :( However, if he's in an otherwise Human-centered deck, it may not be that hard to keep going. ;)

The other Double-Faced Card is your traditional Werewolf DFC. It has the same Werewolf transform triggers and starts off as an otherwise vanilla human...but when he transforms, it's gonna cost your opponents to transform him back!

Presenting...Mondronen Shaman/Tovolar's Magehunter!

Okay, so a 3/2 for 4 mana isn't too good for staying power, but what if you got a lot more out of that? Say, 2-4 damage?

That's what Magehunter is there for! Let's say they don't draw anything to help them get rid of your Werewolf. You transform into Magehunter, maybe attack, and say "go." Now if they can't deal with it, they're gonna take 2 damage for every spell they cast, and if their intent is to re-Transform it they'll have to take 4 damage to do it.

Is it Constructed playable? I'd say barely. I think enough 1-to-1 removal exists to take care of this before it's a threat. But you may say if it takes a removal spell out of your opponent's hand, it's worth it already. :)

4) "A new mill card comes around...and if you Flashback it, it's twice as potent. :)"

Oh yes! Mill could be a decent archetype in either Standard or Modern now.

In one of last week's flavor columns, WotC hinted that Flashback'd cards may be more powerful than when they're cast normally. And in this preview, we see just how sick they can get.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's introduce a double-miller, Increasing Confusion!

Image from MTGSalvation

Whew! Okay, so let's get this straight...in Modern, I could combo this with Urzatron to help power out a huuuuge mill run...then next turn I could Flashback it for the same cost and get double the cards!?

What about Standard? If you run a Ramp deck, all you need is a single Blue so Hinterland Harbor in 4s would help along with just a few Islands.

I've always loved mill as a theme. Why worry about your or your opponent's life when you can just keep their cards from them? But I'd say to be Standard good decks would have to be able to produce more than 1 mana per land or keep mana birds and Pristine Talismans on the table long enough for it to count. In Modern or even casual, I'd love to mix this with Primeval Titan and the Urzatron. :)

5) "A 1-mana 2/1 that has its own form of Flashback."
Alright, let me set the record straight: Creatures do not have a Flashback-like mechanic. This is an individual card in the set that does this...at least, so far.

Let's give a few more hints. It's a Zombie, and it's the second 1-mana 2-power creature its had this block (the first being Diregraf Ghoul).

How good could it be? Well, let's find out.

Introducing our Goblin Guide-like creature of the block...Gravecrawler!

From MTGSalvation

Not too shabby for a 1-mana creature! Okay, so it can't block. Big whoop! It's a beater anyway!

Some are already talking about using him in MartyrProc decks (decks running the Martyr of Sands/Proclamation of Rebirth combo to gain insane amounts of life each turn) as a recurring beater/blocker. I see this as being the new low-end go-to creature for any Black deck that wants to try and get in for early damage. In a way, it's this block's Goblin Guide. While it won't see huge use in eternal formats (no Haste), I have no doubt he'll be a Standard superstar before the year's out and may eventually be a Modern star if MartyrProc goes aggro more than controlish.

And we're down to our final card of the day. You know how people always kid about the coming zombie apocalypse? Well...

6) "A card that says "destroy all Humans." No, I'm not putting words into this card's metaphorical mouth. It doesn't say "Choose a creature type, then destroy all creatures of that type." It says "destroy all Humans." :)"

Here we are, ladies and gentlemen. If you've made it this far, it's only fair that I give you what I think is the most flavorful and fun card in this set of previews. Will it be good? It depends on if Human decks keep it up as the SCG events or if something in Dark Ascension supplants them. But considering what's in the format now, maybe it's not unreasonable to play...Zombie Apocalypse!

From MTGSalvation

Yes, I can see the tagline now. "Zombie Apocalypse, it's coming! February 3rd, 2012. Are you ready?" lol.

But seriously, I like this card. I don't know if it'll be any good. It's a tribal board wiper, so unless you can guarantee a bunch of Humans gets caught up in this or that you have a lot of Zombies ready to come back from the dead, I don't know how much good this will be.

I could see a self-milling strategy with this and a full playset of Snapcaster Mage. It'll eventually cost you 8, but when you can get stuff like Geth, Lord of the Vault; Skaab Goliath; Skaab Ruinator; or Unbreathing Horde; or perhaps a strong Zombie comes out in Dark Ascension, this may be worth it from a reanimator standpoint.

On the negative sides, it brings the creatures back tapped, only affects one creature type, and is a Sorcery so you can't play end-of-turn shenanigans with it. So for its Constructed playability, I'll say again that it just depends on how big a threat Humans are. If they're a big enough threat, 6 for a board wiper may be worth it. If they're not, this will remain a strictly casual card until self-milling and better Zombies come along.

Still, though, this will be a cool card to have. It's one of those that could even get people who normally aren't into card games to try Magic. And if it can do that, I think it's a good card overall. :)

That's it for this round of previews...and there's still more! Did you know Ray of Revelation is coming back? Yep! So if Modern needed a Flashback-able enchantment kill spell, it has it now! There are also other new cards that'll preview tomorrow on DailyMTG.com and on Twitter and various other social media websites, so stay tuned to those for updates that I can't get out. :)

Also remember, our Innistrad League runs long enough to put a few packs of Dark Ascension into the League pool, so start watching out for cards you may want for your League decks.

We hope to see you all Saturday, but if not I hope you enjoyed the previews here.

Dark Ascension Hints and Insights

2012-01-09T00:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!
If you're not on the internet a lot, just to check on here mostly, there are a ton of Dark Ascension previews that went up today!

But for now, instead of doing a rundown of some interesting cards, I'm gonna give you a few hints about what's in the previews:

1) There are only 13 new Double-Faced cards. Yep...13. And not all of them are creature-to-creature or Planeswalker-to-Planeswalker.

2) Reverse Persist, anyone? Yep, it's here. :)

3) The Pre-Release and Release cards are still Double-Faced Cards...and they are creatures. They come from 2 colors not used in the last go-around in Innistrad's Pre-Release and Release promos.

4) A new mill card comes around...and if you Flashback it, it's twice as potent. :)

5) A 1-mana 2/1 that has its own form of Flashback.

6) A card that says "destroy all Humans." No, I'm not putting words into this card's metaphorical mouth. It doesn't say "Choose a creature type, then destroy all creatures of that type." It says "destroy all Humans." :)

Have fun thinking about these! :)

Innistrad League, Week 1 Update!

2012-01-01T01:24:00.000-05:00

Hey all! A few things to update you all on the Innistrad League:

1) Because deck building took so long today, I'm extending the time to earn points for the opening 2-week period to 1:30 PM on January 14th. At 1:30, I'll calculate the totals, we'll do prizes, and then add a new pack to our League pools.

2) From the 14th until the end of the League, you'll have until 1:30 PM 2 weeks later to earn your points for a certain 2-week period. This should allow time without having to worry about deck building/modifying time.

3) To be eligible for overall prizes, I'll keep registration open until the morning of January 28th. By that point we'll have 1 pack added to our pools with a second one coming at the end of the day.

4) Do you want me to get score pads for you to keep track of your matches and match records more easily?

5) We're looking to shorten up the League total run time from May to April, possibly sooner. What do you all think?

Remember, you can still get in on this first round of Innistrad League up through the start of the day January 14th. After that you'll be running for the second 2-week stint between the 14th and 28th. After the 28th, no new entries will be accepted.

As for how things ran today, we got 5 people initially signed up (and plenty of room for more! :) ). We also got 5 full matches done and here are the results so far:

Marcus: 9 points
Wayne: 3 points
Preston: 3 points
David: 0 points
Jenn: 0 points

I know I've already changed my deck around quite radically due to some unexpected variances in how a few of our players are running their decks. This sets up for an interesting League moving forward. :)

Don't Forget, Innistrad League Starts THIS SATURDAY (12/31)!

2011-12-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

It's the moment we've all been waiting for...for months, literally!

We're set to start out Innistrad League this upcoming Saturday, 12/31!

Initial entry fee is $18.50. This gets you 6 packs of Innistrad to use in a Sealed Deck that will be used in part during the duration of the League, which runs through May unless we decide to shorten it (which we'll talk about Saturday).

The $2 over the normal entry fee goes to prizes. Here's what we'll have in the first 2-week prize pool:

* 1 pack of Innistrad
* 1 Animate Dead from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
* 1 Exhume from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
* 1 Buried Alive from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
* Cards from 2 packs of Innistrad and/or Magic 2012

These cards will be placed on a table after the 2-week period is over and, starting with the player with the most points and working down and back around, each player will pick 1 thing from the prize table until everyone is either happy with what they have or prizes run out.

Also remember, you get a free Tormented Soul promo card just for playing the League!

If you have any questions, the rules are a few posts down from this one. Feel free to leave feedback or E-mail me directly (CardGameNut@gmail.com).

We hope to see you Saturday! :)

First Prize Pack for Innistrad League (Mostly) Decided

2011-12-22T18:27:00.001-05:00

Here's what I'm looking to put into the first prize pool of Innistrad League for splitting, to be given out January 14th for the 2 weeks running December 31st through January 13th (assuming 6 players minimum):

* 1 full pack of Innistrad
* 1 Buried Alive from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
* 1 Exhume from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
* 1 Animate Dead from Premium Deck Series: Graveborn
* Contents of 2 packs of M12 and/or Innistrad, to be picked one card at a time

The 2 packs will be opened and their contents splayed out before the winner has to make any choices on whether they'd pick a single card or the full pack of Innistrad. So the prize table will have 33 single cards plus a full pack of Innistrad on it to be picked, starting with the winner of the 2-week period and working our way down and back around until all the prizes are picked or everyone is happy with what they have.

This leaves $2.25 left over if we have 6 players, so I'm thinking of storing that as "extra" toward more prizes into the overall prize pool at the end of League. What do you all think?

Updated Innistrad League Rules: Feedback Needed Still

2011-12-20T17:17:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!

I have a new version of the Innistrad League rules up on Google Docs. Go here to view it:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BTJZZCZbTDOq2FkqvlnH81TjqbzZp9KHFao7Gikny8I/edit?hl=en_US

If you have any feedback on any aspect of the League or feel some rules could be clarified better, whatever the feedback is, feel free to leave it here or contact me directly (CardGameNut@gmail.com).

We will start on December 31. That's one week from this upcoming Saturday. Whatever I get no feedback on, I'm going to keep, so I encourage you to let me know if you disagree with any aspect of these rules.

Thank you for your time and effort to help ensure a fun League for everyone! :)

Newest Banned/Restricted List Updates: Modern Affected

2011-12-20T13:50:00.000-05:00

(The announcement of the updated Ban/Restricted lists can be found here; if you click on this link you'll see the official explanation for the updates)

Hey guys!
Earlier this morning Wizards of the Coast posted their December 20th Banned/Restricted List update to take effect January 1, 2012.

No formats were touched...except Modern.

NEW BANNINGS IN MODERN
Punishing Fire
Wild Nacatl

Wild Nacatl and Punishing Fire were both featured in Zoo builds.

Punishing Fire would be combined with Grove of the Burnwillows to either do a net of 1 damage to the opponent that's reuseable or to get a reuseable 2 damage hit to creatures. And with enough mana and Punishing Fires, that turns into 4, 6, or 8 to a creature in exchange for some life gain the opponent will end up losing because you're re-re-reusing your Punishing Fires.

Wild Nacatl has a lot in common with Kird Ape. Kird Ape was popular in the then-new Extended format. It could easily be a 2/3 creature on Turn 1 thanks to Taiga being legal in the format then. Because it was so efficient, it got banned. And in later years, everyone laughed that a potential 2/3 for 1 mana ever got banned in Extended.

Flashforward to Modern. Wild Nacatl has a little more going for it. We have the Modern equivalent of Dual Lands in the form of "shock lands". As well, Wild Nacatl has a friend Kird Ape never had :"Fetch lands." Yes, on Turn 1 Wild Nacatl could easily be a 2/2 for 1 mana, then next turn a 3/3 for 1 mana with little chance for an opponent to answer until a few turns later. Here's all it takes:

Turn 1: Arid Mesa, "crack" the Fetchland to get a Temple Garden/Stomping Ground, cast Wild Nacatl. Now that you control a Plains/Mountain (whichever of those lands you got), you have a 1-mana 2/2.

Turn 2: If your opponent didn't have a Lightning Bolt, you play any of the other Plains and/or Mountain "shocklands" and Wild Nacatl becomes a 3/3. Add Noble Hierarch to the mix and you have a 4/4 when attacking on Turn 2.

And it seems this kind of play happened more often than not. With fetchlands and Exalted triggers, it's easy to make Nacatl much more powerful than it was for Kird Ape to ever be and much faster too.

For these reasons, the DCI felt that the variety of the format was being threatened. Zoo decks are too prominent, in part because of Wild Nacatl and in part because of the Grove of the Burnwillows/Punishing Fire combo. As well, the Grove/Fire combo was being used as a win condition in other decks that could afford to run the combo.

And because deck variety was being threatened, the DCI felt the need to ban these 2 cards.

On the plus side...this is the fewest bannings that have happened to Modern since the format sprang up earlier this year. Last update had 6 cards banned, and the initial announcement (on August 12th) had a whopping 21 cards on it. With 29 cards on the list, I have a sneaky suspicion we'll see at least a couple cards come off the list next update (scheduled for March 20th to be effective April 1, 2012).

What do you all think? Are these bans the correct move? Should something have been unbanned? What about in other formats? Feel free to leave your comments here and share and discuss! :)

Innistrad Initial Rules Posted

2011-12-08T18:51:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!
Follow the link below for the initial Innistrad League details. Feel free to post any feedback here.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BTJZZCZbTDOq2FkqvlnH81TjqbzZp9KHFao7Gikny8I/edit?hl=en_US

Any and all feedback is welcome! :)

Preliminary Innistrad League Details (FINALLY!)

2011-12-06T17:14:00.005-05:00

Okay, guys. Preliminary information about Innistrad League! (FINALLY! lol!)

Start date: December 31st

Run time: Roughly 14 weeks, give or take depending on feedback.

Basic Prize Support: Everyone gets a free promo Tormented Soul for playing (while supplies last). Devil's Play promos will be included at random periods as part of a bi-weekly further prize split. Other basic prize support TBD.

Entry Fee: $16.50 will get you 6 packs of Innistrad to use in constructing a minimum 40-card deck. Trades within the League will be allowed (details TBA). Also, add $2 to help with further prize support every 2 weeks (details TBA).

Pack Additions: Packs will be added every 2 weeks at $2.75 per pack, 1 pack at a time. This means on Week 3 you'll be at 7 packs, Week 5 up to 9 packs, etc.

Further Prize Support: I wish to incorporate the Graveborn pre-con deck somewhere in here (Premium Deck Series: Graveborn list link is about 4 posts below this). Also, I'll throw in packs of Innistrad either to the winner and/or to split among all the players.

EXACT details are still TBA, most likely tomorrow or Thursday. But I wanted to give a basic run-down and get some feedback before we get official details out.

Who's interested? Who would want to play?

PS: You WILL be able to use your League cards outside of the League. We'll have everyone type out their pack openings and any trades made so each player can have a record of what cards should go back into their League piles when playing for League games. Exact details on how this will work will be posted in the next few days.

SMM Not At Church Saturday, 11/26

2011-11-25T13:57:00.000-05:00

We will not meet at the church for SMM this Saturday, 11/26. Rachel is hosting a family Thanksgiving meal that she does every Saturday after Thanksgiving.

We can meet at the Northgate Mall food court area instead.

Premium Deck Series: Graveborn DECK LIST SPOILER!

2011-11-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

Alright, guys. The moment we've been waiting for! (Or at least, I have been waiting for)

Premium Deck Series: Graveborn comes out November 18th, a week from today. But someone's already leaked the spoiler to MTGSalvation.com.

Wanna know more? Of course you do! I mean, who wouldn't want a blinged-out Reanimator deck? :)

The list is taken straight from this MTGSalvation thread on the deck.

That's not too bad now! Just think of some of the heavily-weighted cards based on either price or popularity or use in a traditional Reanimator deck:

Reanimate
Dread Return
Blazing Archon
Sphinx of the Steel Wind
Reanimate
Entomb
Exhume (and 3 copies! :) )
Animate Dead (with the current oracle wording, new art, and 3 copies! :) )
Inkwell Leviathan
Duress (and 3 copies! :) )
Putrid Imp
And most importantly of all...Swamp! (What, did you expect to pay those black costs without swamps? :p )

TCGPlayer has the low end of these contents being $70+. The MSRP for this deck? $35, plus tax. That's not a bad chunk of change cut from the price, considering at one point Entomb was around $30-$35 all by its lonesome.

If you've been wanting to get in on the Reanimator deck type but didn't have the staples of the deck, or you want to bling out your current Reanimator cards, or you're just looking for a fun all-foil deck to play, consider picking this up. I'm getting 3: one to hold on to and 2 to bust open, combine, and use.

I've already done some sample hand draws online and I'll just say, turn 2 Sphinx of the Steel Wind after Turn 1 Entomb and Turn 2 Exhume or Animate Dead is very hard to come back from. ;)

Some (Long Overdue) Updates

2011-11-09T11:52:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!
It's been a while since I've done any updates. I apologize for that. School's been so hectic that I haven't had much time for anything else.

1) Innistrad League: I will have some preliminary procedures for Innistrad League this Friday, 11/11.

2) A bit of release news, we've had the front cover for Premium Deck Series: Graveborn. It confirms Entomb as a reprint alongside Buried Alive, Crosis, the Purger, Avatar of Woe (for its 5th reprinting and its 4th in about 2 years' time), and even an alternate art Animate Dead!

Image from DailyMTG.com

Also, on MTGSalvation.com, it's rumored that there will indeed be 1 Mythic Rare and it will be from Shards of Alara block. (Like we need any more foil Alara reprints??) The big contenders for that spot are Thraximundar, Sedris, the Traitor King, Sphinx of the Steel Wind, and Empyrial Archangel.

We'll see which Mythic gets the nod, along with possibly the full decklist, this upcoming Monday. I'll post the list when it goes up, so stay tuned!

3) Next Saturday, November 19th, we will not be meeting at the church for SMM.

4) I need tournament ideas. If you've got something you want to try, let me know and I'll see where I can fit it into the schedule. Remember, though, that you need to have at minimum rules and tournament procedures ready 2 weeks before the tournament date minimum. If you want something to go up for a vote, let me know and I'll post a poll here and on Facebook.

5) Personal request more than anything: I'm looking to pick up a Tundra (yeah, I know, that's ironic considering I traded my then-"extra" one. lol!). I'll take it in any condition, language, etc. as long as it's sleeve-playable. Cheapest tournament-playable versions are much more preferable. lol! I can trade toward it or mix cash and trades. E-mail me (CardGameNut@gmail.com) if you can help out.

That does it for me for now. Any comments or questions feel free to post them here or E-mail me.

Take care all! :)

Who's Interested: Innistrad League?

2011-10-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!
Nathaniel and I want to get a preliminary count of who would be interested in doing an Innistrad league.

Here's the basics of how it will work: When we start the league, you'll get 6 packs of Innistrad and you'll build a Sealed Deck from your 6 packs and any trades you make from your league stuff only (ie: You can't use cards you didn't open in those 6 packs to trade for league stuff to use for your league deck). You'll play other people in the league each week to earn points. Every so often (time frame still TBD), you'll add 1 pack to your league collection and can modify your deck even more. (And at a certain point, we may up the minimum deck count, but that detail is still TBD). We'll continue battling and adding packs until a certain cutoff (still TBD). We'll figure out what we'll do, if anything, for prizes then.

While we don't have specifics, we would like to get what the interest level is. Entry fee would be a minimum of $16.50 to get in (the price of 6 Innistrad packs) and $2.75 for each additional pack until we hit our cutoff date.

Is there any interest so far? Nathaniel is working on details and hopefully we'll have those soon. I know he, I, Wayne, and one other are interested, so we have 4 so far. We'd like to get as many people as we can, though. But do note that telling us of your interest does not obligate you to play. It's just to gauge how many we can expect so we'll know if we need to buy additional product, know what kind of prizes (if any) we could do, etc.

Thanks! :)

Promo Distribution for Post-Release Determined

2011-10-04T22:22:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!
So considering I only got two Mayor of Avabruck promos, I decided to re-think how the promo distribution would be done. On the plus side, I have ten Ludevic's Test Subject promos as well. So here's what we'll do for promo distribution:

1) We won't distribute the promos until after the tournament ends.
2) The top 2 players who did not attend a Pre-Release will each get a Mayor of Avabruck promo.
3) Everyone else will receive Ludevic's Test Subject promos in the order in which they sign up on Saturday while quantities last.

I hated to limit the Mayors this way, but considering I only have 2 I'd rather not just give them out to the fastest 2 people to sign up. Considering their "rarity" (as I usually get at least 5-7 Pre-Release promos), I thought it best to treat them more like prizes.

What does everyone think? Do you think this is a fair way to handle the distribution of such a low-quantity promo?

Who's Interested in Post-Release?

2011-10-04T11:05:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!
The Post-Release for Innistrad is coming up soon! But to help get things running smoothly Saturday, I'd like to know about how many people to expect for Saturday. If you're planning on attending, please either post here or send me an E-mail (CardGameNut@gmail.com) and let me know if you and/or any of your friends are planning on attending and how many people to expect from your "group".

Thanks!

I Will Not Be At SMM Saturday, October 1st

2011-09-29T11:41:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!
I will not be at league Saturday. Rachel is in charge as far as behavioral issues are concerned. Technically, she always is, but considering I won't be there it's even more important that you follow any instructions she gives. You'll be meeting in the upstairs library; the church will be using the downstairs area for an even they're doing. Everyone have fun and I'll see you for the Post-Release next Saturday, October 8th. :)

UPDATED: Necessary Policy Document Version 2

2011-09-28T10:39:00.000-04:00

I've updated our policy document for the lead-up to the Post-Release next Saturday, October 8th. Please review it and print it off. I'll only have one more adjustment to it that I need to add in but I need to get some opinions on it first (the Draft Pod cutoff).

Let me know what you think.

Thanks!

LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m5i_x-BI3n78sCbdpwCc6HBAu77uyibTceOyRL-Wprw/edit?hl=en_US (or click on the title of this post)

POLL: Draft Pod Cutoff Number

2011-09-20T14:41:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!
I was wondering what you all felt would be a good number of people to start making draft pod cutoffs (that is, when we reach X number of people we'll add another drafting circle rather than expanding the current one(s)). I've also posted this on Facebook, so if you respond there you don't need to do anything else.

I figured 8 people (then no pod is above 8 people max), I've heard 12 a couple times, and I've also heard "TO's discretion." But I'd like to have a policy ready so we'll know what to expect for any draft.

Let me know in the comments below, on Facebook, or E-mail me at CardGameNut@gmail.com.

Thanks! :)

October Banned/Restricted List Update: Heavy Hits for Blue and Modern

2011-09-20T00:52:00.001-04:00

(The following information is from this article detaliing the Banned/Restricted List Changes and this forum post on MTGCommander.net)

Hey all!
Today's another Banned/Restricted announcement, this time a normally scheduled one. All normaly Banned/Restricted updates happen on the 20th of ever 3rd month (so there are 4 regularly scheduled updates in a year). This is the first Banned/Restricted announcement since Jace, the Mind Sculptor got banned in Standard, Stoneforge got semi-banned in Standard, and the Modern official Banned list was released.

And today sees more changes than are normally seen out of a Banned/Restricted Update. Let me put it this way...the only formats NOT hit seemed to be Scars of Mirrodin block and Standard. Everything else that has sanctioned play at least once a year got a Banned/Restricted List update.

So let's go ahead and get started off with the first rotating format to get updates...EXTENDED!

Extended Ban List Update

NEWLY BANNED:
Jace, the Mind Sculptor
Mental Misstep
Ponder
Preordain
Stoneforge Mystic

REASON: Basically, every card banned here was a big player in too many successful decks over the last 3 years in Standard. Players seemed to complain about how the format was shaping up, so these new bans are a means to help revitalize interest in Extended.

NOTE: There is no partial banning of Stoneforge Mystic. She is completely banned in Extended.

Now let's move on to our most recent Eternal format, MODERN!

Modern Ban List Update

NEWLY BANNED:
Blazing Shoal
Cloudpost
Green Sun's Zenith
Ponder
Preordain
Rite of Flame

REASONS:
Blazing Shoal delivered too consistent of a quick kill: Turn 1-2, throw out Blighted Agent or Inkmoth Nexus, Turn 2-3 cast Blazing Shoal and ditch a Dragonstorm/Reaper King/Progenitus to get lethal Infect damage.

Cloudpost was dominating, allowing very quick mana acceleration in combination with Vesuva and Glimmerpost. Supposedly, these decks could hit 15 mana by Turn 4. This was deemed unhealthy.

Green Sun's Zenith: Early or late game, it's just too efficient at what it does. It can either act as early mana acceleration by getting a Dryad Arbor or get a late-game beater like Primeval Titan. It was getting to a point where all Green decks were going the Green Sun's Zenith route and no other way.

Ponder and Preordain: Like Brainstorm and Ponder in Vintage, they're too good at what they do. In some combo decks, it became too easy to find combo pieces...just like Brainstorm.

Rite of Flame: Combo enabler that was seen way to often. One of the highest finishing decks at the latest Pro Tour won 9 out of 10 games with it and the games ended VERY quickly.

Next up, we're moving to the more restrictive format...LEGACY!

Legacy Ban List Update

NEWLY BANNED:
Mental Misstep

REASON: Mental Misstep was a mistake...a BAD mistake. Printed to help non-blue decks have access to a Force of Will-type card, instead blue deck adopted Mental Misstep ALONGSIDE Force of Will. What happened to the Legacy metagame was exactly the opposite of what they intended. They planned to ban the card if the results were poor, and, well, they were.

So congratulations! Unless you're playing Standard, Scars of Mirrodin block constructed, or Vintage, you have no opportunity to play Mental Misstep.

And almost finally, we get some good news with an unrestriction in the most open format for legalities, VINTAGE!

Vintage Restricted List Update

NEWLY RESTRICTED:
None

NEWLY UNRESTRICTED (4-of):
Fact or Fiction

REASON: Fact or Fiction was powerful long ago, and the time seems to have come to unban it and see if it's as big a powerhouse now as it was then. This goes along with unbannings like Grim Monolith and Time Spiral in Legacy where each proved to be not overpowered in the present day.

ULTIMATELY LASTLY AND FINALLY...finally (:p)...we have a COMMANDER update with one unbanning and 1 banning as a Commander.

Commander Ban List Update

UNBANNED:
Lion's Eye Diamond

BANNED AS A COMMANDER (still okay in the other 99 cards of your deck):
Erayo, Soratami Ascendant

BANNED:
Shahrazad

REASONS
Lion's Eye Diamond: Sheldon Menery, basically the internet leader for EDH, and his rules committee feel that while Lion's Eye Diamond COULD have potential issues, the benefits of letting newer players explore "non-scummy" ways to use it seems to be worth unbanning. Or something like that? But they'll keep a close eye on it and see if it ends up hurting the format.

Shahrazad: Meant to let newer players have some fun with subgames, the rules committee was finding that people were building Shahrazad-based decks just to annoy players. That's never good for the game. Whatever exception allowed Shahrazad to be played was removed and it's not completely banned.

Erayo, Soratami Ascendant as a Commander: Simply put, he effectively ends games as soon as he hits the board. Sheldon and the rules committee don't like Commanders that do that. Players learn the hard way that, unless they have a very narrow set of answers, they can't deal with Erayo once it flips.

All of these changes except Commander take effect on October 1st, so enjoy your Ponders, Preordains, Mental Misstepts, and Rite of Flames a little while longer. For Commander, the changes are immediate, as best I can tell.

That is all for tonight. Comments? Suggestions? Feel free to post here. :)

Innistrad Post-Release October 8th! Details Here

2011-09-16T17:39:00.002-04:00

Hey guys!

We're coming up on yet another new set. I can't believe how fast these things fly! But that's okay. It's just more Magic fun and goodness we get to have, right?

INNISTRAD POST-RELEASE TOURNAMENT

WHEN: Saturday, October 8th.

START TIME: 10:30 for announcements, 10:45 for actual drafting.
NEW: I will take Pre-Registrations for the Post-Release. You do not have to pre-pay. This will help me determine how many people I can expect and plan out how the day will go roughly. Also, if you are Pre-Registered and running late due to traffic or unforseen circumstances, contact me and I might be able to extend the start time by a few minutes to allow you time to get here.

FORMAT: Innistrad Draft utilizing 3 packs of the new set Innistrad.

DRAFTING RULES: When you open a pack, write down any and all Rares and Foils you see in your pack. Then, pick one card and pass the rest to your left. Once everyone is done picking a card, reach for the next pack coming around, pick a card, and pass to the left again. Do this until everyone has 14 cards (I'll explain this later). Then, after everyone's had a few moments to review what they picked, do the same process for the second pack but pass to the right this time. Finally, open the 3rd pack and repeat the process, going back to the left for this final pack.

DRAFTING PODS: Should we have 9 or fewer people in the tournament, we will put everyone into a single "draft pod", or circle of people drafting. At 10-18 people, we will do 2 pods of ~5-9 people each (depending on what half of our total attendance is), and so on.

DECK CONSTRUCTION: You will build a minimum 40-card deck utilizing the cards you drafted PLUS any basic lands you may need. We will provide basic lands.
NOTE: In Limited-type events, you are not limited by the "4-of maximum" rule. If you draft 8 copies of a card you really like and want to use all 8, nothing's stopping you from using all 8 in your main deck.

PRIZES:

1) While supplies last, everyone will receive...

A) Mayor of Avabruck/Howlpack Alpha Double-Faced Card Pre-Release Promo

Both Images from Epic Puzzles & Games

B) Ludevic's Test Subject/Ludevic's Abomination Double-Faced Card Release Promo

Images from Epic Puzzles & Games

So new or returning players may be wondering "wait...Double-Faced Cards? What in the world??" Yes, you read that right. Double-Faced Cards are cards that are useable on either side of a Magic card, thus they don't have a traditional Magic: The Gathering card back. It's an experiment from Wizards of the Coast to try and make Werewolves, Vampires, and other horror tribes feel the way you'd expect them to: small and innocuous at first, but when the moon rises they turn into fierce creatures!

You can read the rules on Double-Faced Cards here: Double-Faced Rules from Wizards of the Coast. As well, I'll go over all this before the draft starts.

2) In addition, depending on how many people sign up, I may give out 1-3 booster packs as prizes to the top couple of players.

3) In addition, everyone gets to reserve 1 (one) Rare/Mythic Rare or foil card from the packs they open themselves.
Example: You open pack 1 and get a Rooftop Storm (a Rare). After all the cards are drafted from the first pack, you open the second pack and get a Garruk Relentless/Garruk, the Veil-Cursed double-faced card (a Mythic Rare). After the second pack is completely drafted and you open the 3rd pack, you see a Sulfur Falls (a Rare) and a foil Traben Sentry/Thraben Militia (a Common). You may choose only from among those 4 cards which 1 (one) you want to keep without worrying about it going into the prize pool.
NOTE: You may wait to see what all goes into the prize pool before deciding if you want to reserve a card.

4) Further in addition, after the tournament is over, all players will put all Rares/Mythic Rares and foils into a big prize pool (except for the ones that were reserved). We may also add the contents of an opened Innistrad pack to the pile if money allows. Starting in finishing order, anyone who did not reserve a card from their packs will choose one card that's left and take it. The process continues down the finishing order until everyone has 1 (one) card. Then, starting back in finishing order and going until all cards are taken, each player will take 1 (one) card at a time.

INNISTRAD-SPECIFIC ISSUES
Because of Double-Faced Cards and their Checklist Cards, we will modify a few things about the drafting procedure based on the nature of such cards.

A) Exclusion of Basic Lands from Packs: Because Checklist Cards take the place of Basic Lands, we will for the first time in SMM history exclude the Basic Land from packs. The Checklist Card, used essentially as a legal proxy for Double-Faced Cards, are not playable in and of themselves so must be removed. And since they take the place of Basic Land cards in 75% of Innistrad packs, I figure the fairest thing to do is to not only knock the Checklist Cards out of the pack but also the Basic Lands so that everyone has 14 cards with which to start drafting in their pack.

B) Distribution of Checklist Cards: This will depend entirely on how many Double-Faced Cards some people drafted into their main deck. Because there's 1 Double-Faced Card per pack but not necessarily 1 Checklist Card per pack, we may have to ration everyone to a certain number of Checklist Cards. I will give first priority on Checklist Cards to those who are not using opaque sleeves, then anyone else who wants to use Checklist Cards in place of their Double-Faced Cards will be able to while the Checklist Cards last.

C) Double-Faced Cards Themselves: Wizards of the Coast had a policy ready to go...then tweaked it last night. Here's the rules for drafting with Double-Faced Cards in general:
1) Every pack has 1 (one) Double-Faced Card, so everyone will have to draft with them.
2) While the card is in the pack, you may attempt to conceal it as best as you can.
3) Changed from previous Wizards of the Coats policy: If you pick a Double-Faced Card, it goes on top of your draft pile and cannot be concealed until you pick another card and put it on top of the Double-Faced Card.
4) If you are not using opaque sleeves, be sure to let me know so I can give you first priority on Checklist Cards. Then, as supplies from the packs last, it's first-come first-served on Checklist Cards. Finally, I'll have some available for $.05 each if we run out of the ones from the packs.

If you have any other questions or any concerns or suggestions, feel free to comment or E-mail me at CardGameNut@gmail.com

We hope to see you on the 8th! :)

NEW and IMPORTANT: Policy Document for SMM Effective 9/10

2011-09-08T00:48:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

Since some major confusion during a tournament that was run while I could not be in attendance, it became clear that a policy document of some kind was needed so that everyone knows what everyone's roles and expectations are at SMM.

So if you follow the link in the headline of this blog post or just click right here, you will see Version 1 of the SMM Policy Document.

Outlined in this policy document are, in general:
1) "Chain of Command": Who's in charge of disciplinary actions, Tournament Organizer chain of command, Judge/Rules Manager chain, and Socrekeeper chain.

2) "General Expecations at Saturday Morning Magic (SMM)": This outlines the expectations of you, the player, at all times and specifically during games.

3) "Tournament Policies: Introduction": This basically lays the groundwork for the policies guiding the Tournament Organizer.

4) "Tournament Policies: Specifics": Start Times, Formats, Overtime rules, Types of Tournaments, Rules Questions, and Penalties are all covered here. NOTE: A section on prizes is missing. For the moment, this is at TO's discretion.

This policy is to go into effect this Saturday, 9/10. Of course, with all new policies it'll take us a while to get acclimated to the changes so I don't expect perfect adherence the first few times out. Please work on things that are mentioned in this document with which you know you will have problems.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Preston

New Modern Tech from Pro Tour Philadelphia

2011-09-07T11:19:00.000-04:00

The first official Modern tournament has come and gone, and already there's one HUGE obstacle to playing in the format.

You've gotta get around Combo decks in order to have a chance.

Yes, Pro Tour Philadelphia featured a metagame very short on Control, very high on Combo, and few aggressive decks to be seen.

That's not to say combo didn't attack. By all means, the combo decks I saw must attack to win the game. But that's usually for a one-hit kill. Opponents usually concede if they have no answers to the combo as it's being played.

That said, what may or may not reach the top of the value charts after Pro Tour - Philadelphia?

1) Shadowmoor/Eventide "Filter Lands"
These innocuous lands were seen in some of the big combo decks, including the one that ended up taking the Championship title for the Pro Tour. Splinter Twin seems to run not only the Ravnica shock land Steam Vents but also Cascade Bluffs, the U/R "Filter Land" that lets you turn a Blue or Red mana into 2 Reds, 2 Blues, or 1 of each.

However, some of the others have been going up too without notice. Sunken Ruins (U/B) is up to nearly $7. Cascade Bluffs (U/R) is at $9. Fetid Heath is at $7, while Flooded Grove is around $6. If you can find these kinds of lands cheap, I'd suggest you pick them up, because in place of actual Ravnica Shock Lands these are the next best thing.

Keep an eye on him and some of his friends. Ravnica shocklands aren't cheap anymore. ;)

2) Blazing Shoal and Disrupting Shoal
Anyone remember a cycle of Instants from Betrayers of Kamigawa that let you pay X plus 2 of a certain color or exile a card in your hand with converted mana cost X in order to get some potentially large benefit? Like Nourishing Shoal was either XGG or exile a green card from your hand with converted mana cost X in order to gain X life.

It seems the 2 big ones now thanks to Modern are Blazing Shoal and Disrupting Shoal, the Red and Blue Shoals.

Sensing a Theme Yet? Well, R U? ;)

So you're wondering "Okay, I can see the filter lands since they're an alternative to Ravnica lands and aren't as bad as the original Painlands. But how in the WORLD did these pop up!?"

Blazing Shoal is actually found in a U/R Infect deck, utilizing Blighted Agent as the Poison dealer of choice.

"Wait...I still don't get it. So you pitch, what, a Searing Wind? Seems a bit slow to me."

Well, first of all, remember you have 4x Ponders, 4x Preordains, and 4x Slight of Hands you could use for extremely cheap Sensei's Divining Top-type of effects.

But then you also have Summoner's Pact.

"Okay, I'm lost. Just spell it out."

Okay. Look at Reaper King and Progenitus. What do they both have in common? They're Green creatures and can be searched for by Summoner's Pact, and they're Red cards to be pitched with Blazing Shoal.

Get it now? :) :)

So anything that's associated with this form of the combo deck is probably on the rise. Right now Blazing Shoal can't be had at retailers for less than $13 before shipping while Disrupting Shoal and Summoner's Pact are around $8 each.

Will the bubble on them burst? We'll see...

3) Bridge From Below
Dredge may be dead due to some of the Modern bannings, but that's not stopping people from speculating on Bridge from Below.

Innistrad seems to be providing a viable self-Mill strategy. If that strategy works just as well as Dredging in Legacy, expect Bridge from Below to possibly maintain its currently $18+ value. However, this is purely speculative, in my humble opinion. There have been no tournament results I've seen suggesting that Bridge from Below got another lease on life thanks to Modern. Back on life support? Maybe. But as a competitive strategy? Only Innistrad will tell for the near future.

4) Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
By now you know about the Standard combo involving Splinter Twin and Deceiver Exarch. It was born out of the Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker and Pestermite combo.

So what would be better than either combo?

Try BOTH in the same deck.

I don't know if anyone was expecting Splinter Twin's father to show up in Modern.

The deck that won Pro Tour Philadelphia featured 2 Kiki-Jikis along with 4 Splinter Twins to copy either infinite Pestermites or infinite Deceiver Exarchs. Kiki-Jiki wasn't the main plan, he was actually the backup and there for redundancy (what's better than 4 Splinter Twins? How about "6"?)

Kiki-Jiki is around $8 right now, but if Control doesn't come back after a ban list update I wouldn't be surprised to see him higher.

5) Storm and Through the Breach Combos
Remember the days of Dragonstorm? Of a player trying to use Ignite Memories, like, 7 times to kill their opponent off just to wind up just short of the goal?

Anyone remember an attempted Legacy deck that tried to use Through the Breach combined with Protean Hulk to pull out 3-4 Hedron Crabs, 1-2 Sakura Tribe-Elders, and a few Dryad Arbors to mill your opponent down to 0?

Both are back with a vengeance. :)

Have any Rite of Flame? You're looking at a $2.50 or so Common. Seething Song? Working on $1. Desperate Ritual? $.50, and I wouldn't be surprised to see $1 if either of these decks stays hot in Modern.

On the storm side, you're seeing a pairing up of Grapeshot and Pyromancer's Swath or Empty the Warrens with Pyromancer's Ascension. The Swath is running around $4 now, while Pyromancer's Ascension hasn't come much above its $2 Standard format price. Grapeshot and Empty the Warrens are so easy to get they're still just regular Commons.

The BIG winner on price gains, though, is Through the Breach.

WINNER: Sleeper Hit of Modern

Through the Breach has seen a radical price hike. Once a dollar bin Rare from Champions of Kamigawa, now it's a legitimate force in the Modern metagame.

Is it being used with Protean Hulk? Possibly. But that wasn't the focus.

How about getting some cheap Eldrazi Titans or 3 Beast Withins on a creature?

Of course, this deck is Blue/Red, so it gets some help from another friend in Champions of Kamigawa, Peer Through Depths, giving Through the Breach upwards of 16 spells to dig for the right combination of cards.

Other cards that could have been mentioned were left out because they'd already gained so much and will most likely hold where they are. Noble Hierarch, Vesuva, Ravnica block Shocklands, Vendillion Clique, etc. are some of the most obvious from the announcement, either leading up to it or pretty immediately after the fact.

What do you think? Are there any cards that are undervalued in your opinion? Overvalued? Will the ban list change on the first Banned/Restricted List announcement since Modern became legal? Leave your opinions below. I look forward to seeing them.

Organized Play Changes: Planeswalker Points!

2011-09-06T13:25:00.001-04:00

One of the most significant changes in the history of the DCI has come around today. The change affects how points are awarded for playing in sanctioned tournaments.

Before, the DCI granted or took away points based on wins and losses in tournaments, and those gains or losses were relative to the ranking of the person you were playing. If you played a lower-ranked player and lost a match, your loss would be small compared to if you faced someone a lot higher in the rankings, for example.

This led some pros to hit a certain threshold of points and "sit on them" in order to qualify for certain tournaments. "What's the point in playing," they'd say, "if we can lose our byes by having bad rounds in relatively small events?"

Today, that all changes.

The DCI has put together a new points system for Magic called "Planeswalker Points."

This is the gist of how it works (and the article is linked in the title of this post): Players will receive points not only for their match records in tournaments, but also just for attending. And the bright part of this system is NO POINTS CAN BE LOST FOR MATCH LOSSES.

That's right! The system does NOT penalize you for losing in Magic.

Players will automatically get points just for attending a tournament. Casual events (which have no specific tie-in like FNM, Grand Prix, etc.) will net a player 1 point just for playing and will not have math records affect their total in any way (so wins are just as good as losses as they're both worth 0 Planeswalker Points at Casual events).

At competitive events, the attendance points are based on how many people play. The more that play in the event, the more points you get just for playing! Match wins then award 3 points toward your Planeswalker Points, Ties award 1, and Losses 0.

Planeswalker Points will be divided into a few categories like Lifetime Points, Competitive Total, and Friday Night Magic Total. Byes and other rewards will be available from time to time depending on the category. For example, Grand Prixs will be divided into seasons now, and having a certain Competitive Total for a season gives you a certain amount of Byes for Grand Prixs in that season!

Competitive Events will have Multipliers built in to help raise your total quickly. For example, let's say after all your matches and attendance points at Grand Prix - MakeUpaCity, you earn 100 points. Grand Prixs have a multiplier of x8, so you earned 800 points!

What does this mean for the Pro Tour, then?

Grand Prixs will no longer directly offer invites into the Pro Tour. But because of their Multiplier values, attending them is strongly recommended to quickly raise your Competitive and Lifetime Points rating so you can play in the now-Invite Only Pro Tours.

I know this can all be confusing. I wanted to get this out as fast as I could. For more information, click the link on this headline.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to post below! :)

Going Forward with Reverse Modern. Feedback Needed.

2011-08-31T12:26:00.000-04:00

After some thinking about running Reverse Modern a week from this upcoming Saturday, I've decided to go ahead and run it.

However, I'll need some feedback. I had a few issues with people saying they didn't like the idea of the format, but I don't know what's wrong with it inherently. I'm not the DCI or WotC. Formats I think up may not be fully thought out. That's why I need input and advice to help make any format we try the most successful it can be.

I do know we'll do the following:

1) Reverse Modern will allow only those cards originally printed before the current card frames existed (so anything before Mirrodin and 8th Edition)

2) You may use any version of card that was originally printed in the older frames (so a M12 Birds of Paradise is just as legal as an Alpha one).

3) Ban list currently is following the Legacy ban list. Any input into additions is greatly appreciated.

4) Despite what I originally posted, I'm stripping any bonuses for using exclusively older cards. This seemed to be a point of contention when the issue came up, so I'll heed the feedback and will give no bonuses. That way an M12 Birds of Paradise, for example, means exactly the same as an Alpha one, for example.

5) Entry Fee is $2. The prizes will come from leftover promos, leftover April Charity Tournament prizes, and a prize pack split of however many packs the entry fee will buy from M12.

6) Minimum entry level is 3 people. The tournament style will be swiss in the sense that everyone will play each other one time before either ending the tournament or cutting to the finals/semi-finals (as time allows).

Is there any feedback anyone could provide to help make this format enjoyable? I appreciate any insights.

Some Updates on Double-Faced Cards and Checklist Cards

2011-08-28T19:27:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!
I don't know if you've quite absorbed the Double-Faced Card (DFC) stuff from last night yet. If you haven't, be sure to read the post right below this one.

Now, since last night a few clarifications have come up as to how often Checklist Cards will come out of packs and how Double-Faced Cards will be treated in gameplay and tournaments. I have no links for this stuff, unfortunately, but I'm sure once the set is released more of it will be officially posted.

1) (At least?) One Double-Faced Card will be in each Innistrad pack.
One of the questions that came up overnight was due to the fact that Double-Faced Cards are in a way open information and that a player is not required to hide any facet of it.

So the question came up, "Then how do you overcome some of the inherent disadvantages in drafting?" One of those disadvantages came as this: "If I and 2 others open a pack and have a Double-Faced Card, while 5 others at my Pod don't, that gives those 5 a HUGE advantage, doesn't it?"

Some of that disadvantage was offset by the (extended) ruling that you CAN hide your Double-Faced Card using reasonable methods. But the fact that you're going to extra lengths just to hide a card shows you're looking at a Double-Faced Card.

Well, now everyone at the table will be hiding cards. For Innistrad (and I presume the rest of the block), everyone who opens packs will have at least one Double-Faced Card. That way everyone will be scurrying to find a way to hide their card, so just doing that doesn't tip off anyone.

2) Converted Mana Costs of Night Side Up Cards
Someone gets a Mayor of Avabruck (casting cost 1G) out and it has transformed into Howlpack Alpha. You get an Engineered Explosives sitting with 2 charge counters on it.

Question: Can you use the Engineered Explosives to destroy the Howlpack Alpha?

Answer: NO!!!

Matt Tabak, head of the rulings side of Magic, posted on Twitter that the Converted Mana Cost of a Double-Faced Card showing the Dark part is 0.

So by extension, this means if you wanna get rid of Howlpack Alpha by way of Engineered Explosives, you'll have to force it to transform back into Mayor of Avabruck and then use the Explosives.

3) Face-Down Double-Faced Cards?
A question came up about how Ixidron would work with Double-Faced Cards.

The answer: It doesn't. Double-Faced Cards have no "face-down" side. Both parts of the card are considered to be face-up at all times, thus they can never be turned face-down.

This also means you can't use Illusionary Mask with Double-Faced Cards either.

"What about using Checklist Cards?" Checklist Cards are effectively legal proxies. They behave exactly the same as any Double-Faced Card. So, while that idea is clever, it won't work.

4) Checklist Card Frequency
Another issue that came up was this: "So we can use Checklist Cards if we're not using opaque sleeves or just prefer all our cards to have the regular card backing. But how often will I come across these in packs?"

The answer came from Mark Rosewater on Twitter. Roughly 3/4ths (75%) of Innistrad packs will have a Checklist Card in place of the land for the pack.

Does this mean the Checklist Card is a draftable card? I don't know. What I'd assume is we'd start putting Checklist Cards and land cards in with the Tokens/Tips & Tricks when we draft. We'd have to ditch the Checklist Cards because they have no value unless you're using them in place of a Double-Faced Card. At that point, they're not additional cards for your decks but rather more like proxies. Then, to even out the pack count for everyone, since Checklist Cards take the place of Innistrad basic land cards we'd probably just also ditch the basic land for Innistrad block only.

Of course, more official details will come as to how to deal with drafting and what to do with the Checklist Cards. I'm just speculating on how I'd expect things to go.

What do you think? Do you like Double-Faced Cards from a casual perspective? Tournament perspective? In general? How about these new rules about them?

The Big Mystery of Innistrad: Day/Night Mechanic EXPLAINED!

2011-08-28T01:16:00.000-04:00

(All information comes from here: http://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/feature/157b)

A funny thing happened a few days ago. A promo image came up on MTGSalvation.com, seemingly showing two sides of the same creature.

Image from MTGSalvation.com Forums

It looks like this is a Mayor of Avabruck that can somehow become Howlpack Alpha. Notice the "3/3" and the arrow-like direction signaler pointing to the right side of the card. One part of the card appears to have a sun symbol and the other a moon symbol, seemingly depicting a Day and Night side.

"Wait...what does this mean?" people asked. They examined the card picture. "It's gotta be 2 sides of the same creature. I wonder how they'll pull that off..."

"Are we sure it's the same creature and not 2 different cards?" Answer: "It's 193a for the Mayor side and 193b for the Howlpack side."

"Maybe they'll use tokens for the Night side?" "Maybe they'll put the Night side on the back of the card's Day side." "Fools! They never printed an alternate card back BECAUSE of problems playing with different card backs."

Well...tonight we got our answer.

It's PAX Prime this weekend, and since at least last year Wizards of the Coast throws a party to celebrate the upcoming new set.

They revealed 3 Night/Day cards...but didn't reveal HOW they'd work.

Then we got our answer at Midnight.

DAY/NIGHT MECHANIC RULES

1) The Basics
Day/Night cards will be double-sided cards. That's correct! For the first time in a tournament-legal Magic release, some cards will not have a traditional "Deckmasters" card back.

Day and most Night cards will have a "transform" ability. This will be a condition that, when met, forces you to flip the card from one face to the other.

FOR EXAMPLE...

From MTGSalvation.com

So let's say it's your turn. On your upkeep, you check to see if anyone cast any spells in the previous turn. If they did not, you get to transform (flip over) Gatstaf Shepherd into this...

Image from MTGSalvation.com

So if you can somehow keep your opponent from casting spells, you'll get this guy on your next upkeep. Not bad, eh? 2 mana potentially nets a 3/3 Green Werewolf creature with Intimidate.

"Wait...it's got no mana symbols. Do you know it's green because of the border?"

Nope! There's an official way to tell the color. See the green dot right directly to the left of the word "Creature" in the type line (just below the illustration)? That dot denotes the creature's color(s). So Gatstaf Howler is green because the colored dot next to "Creature" is green, not because the frame is green.

But now we see another Transform Trigger: At the beginning of each upkeep, if a player cast two or more spells last turn, transform Gatstaf Howler. So on ANY upkeep, if ANY player cast two or more spells during the last turn, guess what you get back?

And on your turn, in order to get your 3/3 back, you'll have to cast nothing so on your opponent's upkeep you can transform into the Howler.

Easy as mud? lol!

Let's try this again. Pay attention to Screeching Bat in this 3-card picture.

Image from MTGSalvation.com

Screeching Bat is normally a 2/2 black Bat creature with Flying and a Transform Trigger. You may pay 2BB on your upkeep to transform the bat. What does it transform into? Just FLIP THE CARD OVER!

Image from MTGSalvation.com

It now becomes a black 5/5 Vampire creature named Stalking Vampire with ANOTHER Transform Trigger. (Quiz question: How do I know it's a black creature? If you said "because of the black dot next to 'Creature'", you've got the hang of it!) If you pay 2BB again during your upkeep, you transform Stalking Vampire. What does it transform into?

If you guessed the Screeching Bat, you're right! You would just flip the card back over.

NOW, then, here's the million dollar question...HOW THE HELL DOES DECK-BUILDING WORK WITH THESE DOUBLE-SIDED CARDS!?!?!?

2) Deck Construction with Double-Sided Cards

Since Double-Sided Cards don't have a normal Magic "Deckmaster" card back, if left unsleeved they'd be marked cards and you'd get penalized.

Wizards of the Coast thought of 2 solutions to this.

A) Play with Opaque Sleeves
The easiest way for a player to solve the problem is to just get opaque sleeves. Then the sleeves' backs will be showing and you'll have no problems. If you need to Transform a card, just take it out of its sleeves, flip the card over, and put it back in the sleeve.

If you do use opaque sleeves, be sure that the DAY side is the one that's showing initially face-up at all times except when in the transformed state, which can only happen on the Battlefield. The day side is the side with the mana cost, making it the default position.

B) Play with Checklist Cards
In most packs of Innistrad, you'll find what's called a "Checklist Card" and looks like this...

Image from MTGSalvation.com

Checklist Cards have a normal Magic back side. If you are not using sleeves or do not wish to use the actual double-faced cards in deck construction, you can replace them with these Checklist Cards and use them to stand in for the double-faced card on a 1-to-1 basis (that is, for every one double-sided card you take out, you use exactly 1 Checklist Card to replace it).

To properly use a Checklist Card, first take a double-faced card from your deck and set it off to the side. Then, take a Checklist Card and fill in the bubble next to the DAY SIDE'S CARD NAME. Then put the Checklist Card into your deck. There, it'll act as the double-faced card you said it'll represent until you're ready to actually use the double-faced card in play.

If you use a Checklist Card to replace at least one double-faced card, all other double-faced cards MUST be replaced by Checklist Cards. Also, a single Checklist Card replaces exactly one double-faced card.

So lets say you have no sleeves but want to use a Gatstaf Shepherd/Gatstaf Howler and a Screeching Bat/Stalking Vampire.

First, take out the Gatstaf Shepherd/Gatstaf Howler. Set it off to the side.
Next, take a Checklist Card and fill in the bubble next to Gatstaf Shepherd. Remember, only the DAY names are listed, so don't go looking for Gatstaf Howler anywhere on the Checklist Card.
Finally, put the Checklist Card in your deck face-down like a regular Magic card.

Repeat that process to replace your Screeching Bat/Stalking Vampire, but instead fill in the bubble next to Screeching Bat instead of Gatstaf Shepherd.

BE SURE TO USE A WRITING UTENSIL THAT WILL NOT SHOW UP ON THE BACK OF THE CARD. Any issues with that will result in your card being considered marked.

Clear as mud? GOOD! Play Magic Online. It'll be a lot easier, I'm sure. lol!!!

Now here's yet another question...what about drafting!?!?!?!?

3) Drafting with Double-Faced Cards
Drafting can get pretty tricky with double-sided cards. While they're still in their packs (as in, not yet picked), they are OPEN INFORMATION. A player may choose to show either side of a double-faced card and is not required to hide any information on it. However, players may take reasonable steps to conceal the identity of any double-faced cards. Regular-faced cards still follow the same hidden information rules: No player can look at a single-sided card except the person who's currently picking from among cards in that pack.

As for when you do pick a Double-Sided Card, you have a few options. Universally, as of Innistrad, you are not required to keep your drafted cards in the same pick order as how you picked them. While we do things more casually at SMM and already follow this new rule, keep in mind for the next few weeks at DCI-sanctioned events that technically you should not be putting cards out of order from how you picked them.

What this now allows is for you to be able to hide more effectively any double-sided cards you pick (though it's not just double-faced cards that can be put in out of order). For example, if your 5th pick is a double-faced card, you could grab a Checklist Card, put it on the bottom of your draft pile, and start piling up your double-faced cards right above it however you wish ("face up"/Day version showing once you go through your pile, or "face down"/Night version showing as you go through your pile).

Other than that, there's no change in how they're drafted.

And to wrap up, we have a mechanics issue...WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COPY A DOUBLE-FACED CARD?

4) Copying Double-Faced Cards
This one actually gets pretty simple. See, cards that make copies don't have a double face. So if they were to "transform", they'd just turn face-down...if they transformed.

There's a new rule to take care of this, mostly for "copy" cards.

Any non Double-Faced Card that would transform instead does not.

So let's say you have Clone copy a Gatstaf Howler, the Night version of Gatstaf Shepherd. Then a player casts 2 spells after you copy the Howler. On the very next upkeep, you check. A player DID cast 2 or more spells, so Gatstaf Howler transforms back into Gatstaf Shepherd. BUT CLONE, on the other hand, has no back side to transform into. Therefore, Clone just sits there, still as a copy of Gatstaf Howler. :)

I hope that was all clear as mud for you all. lol! I'm sure there will be lots of questions. Feel free to post them here or E-mail me.

I'll be back later today with more reveals from Innistrad...including some enemy-paired dual lands, a new keyword, and a new Aura supbtype. :)

$2 Booster Sale Update: Booster List

2011-08-26T17:51:00.003-04:00

(This is a copy-and-paste from Facebook, so pardon the odd formatting)

My final count of $2 boosters is this: Zendikar, 36 packs (1 sealed box); Worldwake, 0; Rise of the

Eldrazi, 0; Scars of Mirrodin, 1; Mirrodin Beseiged, 1; New Phyrexia, 15. Limits will be in place of

3 packs of New Phyrexia and 6 packs of Zendikar per person until 2:00 PM. After that, I have some

priorities before they'll open up for anyone to buy me out. Scars and Mirrodin Beseiged will be first-

come, first-served as of 10:00 tomorrow.

Card Releases Coming Soon to a Hobby or Retail Store Near You!

2011-08-25T12:46:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!
I haven't posted about upcoming new releases in a while, so let's jump right into it, eh?

From the Vault: Legends
This year's installment of From the Vault releases tomorrow (August 26th). From the Vault: Legends contains 14 Legendary Creatures throughout most of Magic's last 11 years along with a couple of Portal: Three Kingdoms Legendary creatures.

Also included is one Innistrad preview, similar to how they previewed Hellkite Overlord in FtV: Dragons before Shards of Alara or last year's Scars of Mirrodin preview Sword of Body and Mind in FtV: Relics.

Here is a link to the article showing all 15 cards in the set: http://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/arcana/774

For those too lazy to hit the link, here are the 14 reprints:
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir (new art)
Kresh the Bloodbraided (new art)
Progenitus (new art)
Doran, the Siege Tower
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker (new art)
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu
Cao Cao, Lord of Wei
Captain Sisay
Omnath, Locus of Mana
Oona, Queen of the Fae
Rafiq of the Many (new art)
Sharuum the Hegemon (new art)
Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre
Visara the Dreadful (new art)

And finally, we have the Innistrad preview, which I'll just post right...down...here...NOW!

Image from DailyMTG Article on FtV: Legends

Mikaeus is interesting, I think. I don't know if it'll ever see competitive play, but I like the idea. You put a certain amount of +1/+1 counters on him, then you can start semi-Proliferating more +1/+1's on each other creature you control. And when you start running low? You can either tap Mikaeus himself to put another counter on or you could use cards like Contagion Clasp or Tezzeret's Gambit to refuel him AND add more +1/+1 counters to every other creature you have.

I like him for casual play, but we'll see how he does competitively. I doubt he'll make much of a splash, but those +1/+1's add up pretty quickly...just sayin'.

From the Vault: Legends is another all-foil mini-set. All 15 cards, including Sun Quan, Cao Cao, and Mikaeus, have the usual From the Vault foiling on them. The set's MSRP is $35, but you know most stores are jacking the price up because 1) it's a very limited release (like all other From the Vault sets) and 2) Sun Quan and Cao Cao are seeing print for the first time in years and in foil. I was able to snag a couple at $60, but if you can get them for MSRP I'm sure you can turn a profit just on Sun Quan, Cao Cao, and Progenitus.

Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas
The next release coming up, this time for regular buying (as in Wal-Mart or Target kind of regular) is the next in the Duel Decks line, Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas.

Set on the plane of Alara, this Duel Deck is meant to chronicle a struggle between Ajani Vengeant against Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker.

Ajani's deck is more tuned to be a beatdown theme, utilizing Naya's shard to its fullest extent. Ajani's deck also includes new artworks for Ajani Vengeant himself (in foil, as all Planeswalkers in these decks are), Lightning Helix, and Behemoth Sledge.

Nicol Bolas' deck is more of a control deck, meant to stall the field and accelerate his mana until he can get his biggest weapons on the battlefield, namely himself. New artworks are included for Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker himself (in foil, as all Planeswalkers in these decks are), Counterquall, and Deep Analysis (which, btw, will be Deep Analysis' first time in the current frame non-foiled).

Deep Analysis brings up an interesting speculation for Innistrad. When Deep Analysis first appeared in Torment, it was a Common. It's had a promo printing since then, but there's no official rarity for promos. Normally, when a card is re-released in a deck, it gets its most recent rarity attached to it. Deep Analysis, though, is marked as an Uncommon in the deck.

Why is that big news?

Innistrad is known to be bringing back Flashback (thanks to some Duels of the Planeswalker game leaks). And the decks were known last year to have preview cards (Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret gave us Kemba Skyguard and Contagion Clasp as early preivews for Scars of Mirrodin). It's suggested this is a bit of a sneaky "preview card" without being so obvious that it's a preview.

These deck lists don't look like you'll get too much of a return on investment, but seeing as how Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker is now hitting $17 for a regular one, it may be worth the $20 to pick up the decks just to get Nicol Bolas. :)

The deck lists can be found here in this Arcana: http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/arcana/783

The decks release September 2nd. If you're a fan of either Planeswalker, I'd suggest picking these up just for the Planeswalkers. If not, and you're looking at the financial aspect, I'd either pick one up and keep it sealed or just skip over it.

Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth
Not much is known about the next Duel Decks to be released after Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas. What is known is they're switching up the order of how they do Duel Decks.

Instead of getting a tribal- or otherwise-themed Duel Deck in the Spring and a Planeswalker deck in the Fall, they're switching up the order starting next year. A Planeswalker Duel Deck will release in the Spring, while a Tribal- or otherwise-themed Duel Deck will release in the Fall close to the next new block to come out.

Why is WotC changing this up? With tribal-like themes in each set, WotC feels a tribal-themed Duel Deck will bring more energy to the release of a new block. This way, players can get a feel for certain tribes before they're released in the upcoming block.

As for the actual Duel Deck in question, not much is known aside from the story aspect. Venser and Koth are both trying to save the plane of Mirrodin from the Phyrexians. However, they have their own ways of saving the plane. Venser wants to find Karn, knowing the plane is doomed without him; but Koth won't abandon the Mirrans and would rather die in battle than seemingly give up on them.

This Duel Decks set will release on March 30, 2012, and retail for $20. The Arcana announcing it can be found here: http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/arcana/779

BOOSTER SALE! Pre-M12 Boosters for $2 each!

2011-08-25T11:31:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love a sale, eh?

I'm selling any regular boosters from before M12 that I have left over for $2 a piece. I'm just trying to move inventory out the door, thus the low price.

I'm not exactly sure of what all I have, though, so it's up to the mercy of whatever leftover stock I have on hand to what you'll get. It doesn't go back past Zendikar, though, and doesn't include any Worldwake, I can safely say that much.

M12 will still be the regular $2.75. But at the prices some Rares are going for, that may not be such a bad deal. ;)

WHOOPS! Just realized...no banned/restricted list for Reverse Modern

2011-08-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!
Lookie here! I forgot to post a banned/restricted list for Reverse Modern. I apologize. I don't think you wanna risk someone Time Walking you for the win, do you? lol!

So give me until Saturday to determine a proper Banned/Restricted list. I will go ahead and say anything banned in Legacy will be banned in Reverse Modern. It's a matter of looking at decks that highly rely on old cards and seeing if any of them might could warp the format.

Talk to you all later! :)

Next Tournament: Reverse Modern! September 10th

2011-08-22T16:37:00.000-04:00

I think I'm gonna go ahead and pull the trigger.

Saturday, September 10th (roughly 2 weeks from this upcoming Saturday) is the debut of REVERSE MODERN for Saturday Morning Magic!

What exactly will Reverse Modern be, anyway, you may be asking.

Well, take Wizards of the Coast's Modern format...and reverse the legalities.

That's right! If a card was originally printed in the old card frame (used from Alpha through 7th Edition for Core Sets and Arabian Nights through Scourge for Expansions/Blocks), you can use any version of it in Reverse Modern. So a Core Set 2012 Llanowar Elves will work just as well as an Alpha one...well, in most cases.

I'm going to propose (ie: It's not a final decision) that we allow the following bonus: Anyone using all old framed, black bordered versions of cards legal in Reverse Modern will be eligible for some kind of bonus. What this bonus is, or whether it will stick around, is TBD. But essentially, you can't use white-bordered cards or newer-framed black-bordered cards to count in this bonus. If you're going to use a Llaonwar Elves in your deck and want this bonus, it's gotta be either Alpha, Beta, or a 7th Edition foil. ANY old-framed black-bordered version would be okay, so long as it's old-framed, black-bordered, and originally printed as such. (So sorry, but the judge promos Sword of Fire and Ice and Dark Confidant will not be legal).

The tournament will be Swiss, and each person will play each other player once. Once everyone has played everyone else once, the highest 2-4 players (depending on how many people enter) will face off in a Finals/Semi-Finals to determine the Top 2 or Top 4 placings (again, depending on how many people enter.

We will not, repeat not solely rely on the DCI software. The first round or 2 I feel confident that the DCI software can suit our needs. From there on, I'll need to consult with Nathaniel on how to get it to handle the type of Swiss I want us to have.

Any feedback or comments are greatly appreciated.

Entry fee will be $2, and that will go to adding packs of M12 to the prize pool. With enough entrants, we can do at least 1 booster pack to the winner and the rest of us will split a booster or 2. But the actual prizes and distribution will depend on the total number of entrants.

We'll start at 11:00 AM. This should provide us ample time to get some 30-minute rounds in. However, we need to be done by 2:30 so we'll adjust as needed to fit within the time frame.

Thanks! And I hope to see a lot of people for Reverse Modern. :)

It's Official: MODERN is a Supported Tournament Format!

2011-08-12T18:10:00.011-04:00

I had a longer post here, but Blogger decided to erase it so I'm just going to post the link.

WotC announced today that Modern will be a supported Eternal format ("eternal" meaning no sets rotate out, similar to Legacy or Vintage). You may remember Modern was one of the Constructed formats for the Magic Online Community Cup.

Modern basically allows cards from Core Sets and expansions starting with 8th Edition and Mirrodin through the present. The oldest cutoff is 8th Edition for Core Sets and Mirrodin for expansions.

Modern also has a ban list associated with it.

You can find the ban list and announcement and reasonings for the changes here: http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/ld/155

Feel free to leave comments here. Thanks for reading! :)

Tournament Idea: Reverse Modern?

2011-08-08T13:33:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!
I want everyone's input on an idea I had for our next tournament: Reverse Modern. One of our players suggested something about playing JUST older cards but had it restricted all the way to Alpha/Beta and having to use Alpha/Beta versions of cards. Well, that's not only extremely limiting but it depends on what Alpha/Beta you can get without spending an arm and a leg.

However, I liked the idea: Take cards not "from X year onward" but "from X year backward".

The trouble I'd have is, how far back would we want to go for this "Reverse Modern"?

Here's the idea: Take all the sets from 19XX on back and those are the only cards allowed. To make playing easier, you may use current versions of cards that were allowed back then (so for example, you don't have to have an Antiquities Mishra's Factory in order to play it. You can use the ones from Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret).

We could also give bonuses for using all/almost all older versions: For example, if your deck is entirely black border without using newer-framed cards (Mirrodin and 8th Edition onward, or the current frames) or alterations (coloring in the white border, for example), you get +10 life or +1 to maximum hand size or some bonus.

What does everyone think? What would you suggest be the cutoff for "Reverse Modern" (either by year or by block/Core Set).

Impressions from M12 Post-Release, Plus How To Keep Attendance Up?

2011-08-03T17:40:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!
I know it's taken me a good bit longer than I'd have liked to get a new blog post up. However, I'm hoping this one will open some dialog as to what we can do better at SMM.

Overall, I loved the Post-Release we had for M12. We had, what, 13 players? And I ran out of promos for the first time in ages! (Well, okay, I had 1 promo left over, but that's compared to having 5-10 promos from one event left. :) ).

I didn't hear anyone have any problems with how anything went except for some pairing issues late in the running. I apologize for that. It was the first weekend where I'd had a separate scorekeeper (Nathaniel) and we changed tournament systems mid-stream (from a single winner's/loser's bracket to having at least one loser's bracket per round). That caused a lot of confusion for Nathaniel and myself. We're thinking of keeping that system, but as time goes on I'm sure we'll have it more perfected so we can avoid future confusion.

I also enjoyed being able to sit back and enjoy the tournament for once! lol! I may separate out the rulings duties too so I'm doing most of my work on the front end of the tournament (gathering entry fees, making sure I've written down who all is in the tournament, prize management, etc.). I'm thinking of appointing 3 people to be judges with one stipulation: Those who judge cannot make rulings on their own match in progress. Would everyone be okay with this?

If you have any questions or comments about the M12 Post-Release or any other questions concerning policy, let me know. I'll try to get a policy document typed up and made available on Facebook (or E-mail for those who don't do Facebook) so we'll have a specified way to run tournaments.

I also want to ask you how can we keep attendance up? I know one way would be to do tournament formats that might interest most people who come around and may seem interesting for those who don't normally. This is where I need your help. If you have a tournament suggestion, feel free to post it here or E-mail me (CardGameNut@gmail.com) and I'll look over it. Just keep in mind you'll be the Tournament Organizer and Head Judge of that tournament (though I'll have booster packs to use for prizes, so you just need to let me know how many and in what assortment you want them in).

Again, any questions or comments, please leave them here or E-mail me. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you Saturday! :)

Some Rules Reminders and Updates as of M12, plus Procedures Update Reminder

2011-07-22T23:55:00.000-04:00

Hello all!
With our M12 Post-Release coming up Saturday, I just wanted to make sure a few updates got through to those who don't keep up with the sets as much as others.

1) NEW TERMINOLOGY: "Dies"
"Dies" is a new shorthand that means "When this creature is put into a graveyard from the battlefield." This change is similar to changing "play" to "cast" or "remove from play" to "exile" in that it doesn't change any rulings currently out there. It's simply a terminology change (one that we almost all use anyway in casual shorthand).

"Dies" will usually apply to creatures only, though enchantments can reference when the enchanted creature dies.

Images from MagicCards.info

As you can see from Archon of Justice, nothing changes. It'll just bring the text from 3 lines to 2 in Archon's case.

2) NEW KEYWORD: "Hexproof"
This isn't a NEW new keyword. It's more similar to when "You may play this at instant speed" became "Flash" or when "This can't be the target of spells or abilities" became "Shroud".

"Hexproof" means "This creature cannot be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control." Anything can have or gain Hexproof.

As an interesting note, Mark Rosewater has already confirmed that any new cards printed will use Hexproof and that Shroud will not be considered on new cards. however, the additional bonus of being able to target your own stuff will be costed appropriately. For example, look at Lightning Greaves vs. Swiftfoot Boots.

Images from MagicCards.info

The difference between Lightning Greaves and Swiftfoot Boots, aside from the "Shroud vs. Hexproof" keywords, is the Equip cost. Swiftfoot Boots is not a strictly better upgrade. While before you COULD cast Lightning Greaves and equip it on Turn 2 to a 1-mana creature, now you must wait until Turn 3 to equip anything with the Swiftfoot Boots. (assuming you had a 1-mana creature and either Greaves or Boots in your hand at the start of the game)

3) RETURNING KEYWORD: Bloodthirst
Wizards of the Coast returns one old keyword per Core Set now. Scry had its day in the sun last Core Set. Now it's time for Bloodthirst from Guildpact.

Bloodthirst applies to creatures and has some number attached to it. When you cast a creature with Bloodthirst 3, for example, if an opponent was dealt damage this turn it enters the battlefield with 3 additonal +1/+1 counters on it. If it were Bloodthirst 1, it'd only get 1 +1/+1 counter, and so on.

It does not require combat damage. Bloodthirst applies for ANY damage dealt to an opponent.

And for multi-player play, Bloodthirst doesn't even require YOU did the damage. Just as long as an opponent was dealt damage, your creature will get the extra +1/+1 counter(s).

4) CHANGES IN PROCEDURE: Non-Swiss Event Overtime Rules for SMM
This is a repost of something posted earlier in the week.

As many players at SMM have raised a concern over fairness to certain decks over others with the overtime rules I have posted for the M12 Post-Release, the following will be the procedure for non-swiss events starting Saturday (NOTE: This I feel covers the vast majority of all cases we'll have crop up. All other scenarios brought up will be addressed at a later date as they come up, either in actual tournament scenarios or as "what if" questions):

Assume you're in your 5-turn overtime.

GAME 1 or GAME 3, CLEAR WINNER (a player has lost all their life, a player had tried to draw from an empty library, a player has 10 or more Poison counters, etc.): A Game win, thus a Match win, for the winner.

GAME 2, CLEAR WINNER: If the winner of Game 2 causes the Match to tie (1-1-0 for both players), go to a Sudden Death 3rd Game. Go to the first life change where one player ends up with a higher life total than the other. The player with the higher life points wins the Game and thus the Match.

GAME 1 or GAME 3, NO CLEAR WINNER AFTER 5 TURNS (neither player is at 0 life, a player isn't drawing from an empty library, etc.): Whoever is ahead on Life Points gets a Game win, thus the Match win. While Life Points normally aren't used to determine a game winner like this, since there MUST be a winner it's the only alternative to use.

GAME 2, NO CLEAR WINNER AFTER 5 TURNS: The game ends in a TIE. THEN, if that does not tie the match results, most of the time whoever won Game 1 will win the Match. If the MATCH ends in a tie because of the tie for Game 2, do a Sudden Death 3rd Game and go to the first life point change where one player ends up with higher life points than the other.

5) UPDATED COMBAT RULES: Legality of Damage Assignments When Multiple Blockers Share the Same Attackers (as in when a creature can block any number of creatures)

Nothing major has changed with this update. It covers mostly corner cases where it MIGHT matter how attacking creatures deal combat damage to blockers.

Let's say you have a Necroskitter with 3 +1/+1 counters on it (so now it's a 4/7) and 2 Runeclaw Bears (2/2 each). Your opponent has 2 4/5 creatures that are able to block any number of attackers. You attack with your 4/7 Necroskitter and both Runeclaw Bears. Your opponent blocks all 3 with their 4/5 Creatures. You prioritize the blockers as Blocker A and Blocker B.

Before, it wasn't clear that you could do the following: Assign 1 combat damage to Blocker A with Nekroskitter, then use the Runeclaw Bears to assign a combined 4 damage and have enough damage assigned for Blocker A to have lethal damage. Then you can assign Necroskitter's remaining 3 damage to Blocker B.

Before, it was assumed that if you used a certain creature to assign damage it had to do all of ITS damage to the first one in line. In this example, going by the assumption based on how combat normally works (1 attacker vs. many blockers), most players assumed Necroskitter would have to assign all 4 of its damage before you could move on to your Runeclaw Bears for damage assignment.

Now, you can split up the damage done from multiple attackers onto multiple blockers (in instances where blockers can block more than 1 creature) as you see fit; HOWEVER, if there is not enough damage assigned to the first blocker in line you have to redistribute your damage assignments until the blockers have enough damage on them to kill them until you can't deal enough to kill any more.

ATTENTION: Change to Overtime Rules for M12 Post-Release AND ALL NON-SWISS EVENTS AT SMM

2011-07-19T16:16:00.001-04:00

ATTENTION: I have a change to how the overtime rules will work for Saturday AND FOR NON-SWISS TOURNAMENTS at SMM.

As many players at SMM have raised a concern over fairness to certain decks over others with the overtime rules I have posted for the M12 Post-Release, the following will be the procedure for non-swiss events starting Saturday (NOTE: This I feel covers the vast majority of all cases we'll have crop up. All other scenarios brought up will be addressed at a later date as they come up, either in actual tournament scenarios or as "what if" questions):

Assume you're in your 5-turn overtime.

GAME 1 or GAME 3, CLEAR WINNER (a player has lost all their life, a player had tried to draw from an empty library, a player has 10 or more Poison counters, etc.): A Game win, thus a Match win, for the winner.

GAME 2, CLEAR WINNER: If the winner of Game 2 causes the Match to tie (1-1-0 for both players), go to a Sudden Death 3rd Game. Go to the first life change where one player ends up with a higher life total than the other. The player with the higher life points wins the Game and thus the Match.

GAME 1 or GAME 3, NO CLEAR WINNER AFTER 5 TURNS (neither player is at 0 life, a player isn't drawing from an empty library, etc.): Whoever is ahead on Life Points gets a Game win, thus the Match win. While Life Points normally aren't used to determine a game winner like this, since there MUST be a winner it's the only alternative to use.

GAME 2, NO CLEAR WINNER AFTER 5 TURNS: The game ends in a TIE. THEN, if that does not tie the match results, most of the time whoever won Game 1 will win the Match. If the MATCH ends in a tie because of the tie for Game 2, do a Sudden Death 3rd Game and go to the first life point change where one player ends up with higher life points than the other.

I'll also post reminders Friday. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to post here or E-mail me.

Thanks for reading! We hope to see a lot of you for the M12 Post-Release Saturday! :)

M12 Post-Release Next Saturday!

2011-07-14T23:59:00.001-04:00

Hey guys!

M12 releases Friday, and with it we'll have new Planeswalkers, new combo cards, and some nice casual cards that'll be sure to keep us going with new ideas. :)

But it brings soething else with it too. We'll be holding our M12 Post-Release next Saturday!

M12 Post-Release Details
COST: $9

WHAT YOU GET: 3 packs of M12 with which to draft.

DRAFT FORMAT: At the start of each pack, write down any Rares/Foils you see in your packs. Then, on the first pack, pick a card and pass the remainder to the left. Keep doing this until you have 15 cards. Repeat the process for the second pack, but pass to the right. On the third pack, pass to the left.

PRIZES: The majority of our prizes will come from the Rares and Foils from the packs you draft with except your RESERVED CARD. Those cards you wrote down at the start of each pack? You may pick 1 (one) of those cards to keep free and clear of the prize pool. The remaining cards will go into the prize pool, along with an opening of 1-2 M12 boosters to put their contents into the prize pool. Then going in finishing order, anyone who did not reserve a card gets to pick 1 (one) card from the remainder until everyone has 1 (one) card. Then in full finishing order (so from the winner down to last place), everyone picks 1 (one) card from the pool at a time until either all cards or gone or no one wants any of the remaining cards.
-->PARTICIPATION CARD: I should be getting enough Bloodlord of Vaasgoths and Garruk's Hordes to give everyone one. HOWEVER, priority on the Bloodlords will go to those who did NOT make a Pre-Release event. Then, if any remain, they'll be the first given out until they run out and I'm forced to switch over to Garruk's Horde.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT: Winner's/Loser's Bracket to be decided after the first round (the bye, if it exists, goes into the winner's bracket), then single elimination from there on. 1st through the last placing in the winner's bracket will be played for in the Winner's Bracket, while the next highest available spot through last will come from the loser's bracket.

TIME: To be determined. We will try to start at 10:30, however we may start no later than 11:00 with announcements and a rules refresher, especially for new keywords and terminology. We'll try to aim for 10:30 start with announcements, no later than 10:45 to get everyone registered, sat down and ready to draft. If we start with announcements at 11:00, we'll go for 11:15 to start actually drafting. Deck building will take 30 minutes or until everyone's done, whichever is sooner.

DECK CONSTRUCTION: MINIMUM 40 cards, including any basic lands you decide to put into your deck from the community land pile.

ROUND TIME: 30 minutes for a best-of-3 match.

RULES QUESTIONS: I'll be the "head judge", with Nathaniel Bass and Andrew Neff being 2nd and 3rd on that list. If you ask Nathaniel or Andrew a rulings question and either they're not sure or you don't agree with them, feel free to ask me.

SCOREKEEPER: There's not much true "scorekeeping" except for who's where in the tournament structure. However, you'll report all your match records to Nathaniel Bass. He will keep track of who won during the rounds and will be in charge of setting up pairings for all the rounds per my procedures.

OVERTIME RULES: Should a match run over the allotted 30 minutes, here's the procedure we'll use:

1) Finish up whoever's turn you're currently on.
2) There will then be an additional 5 TOTAL turns starting with the start of the next turn.
3) Check life points at the end of the 5 turns if neither player has won before then.
a) Whoever is ahead on life points is the game winner. In Games 1 and 3, this determines the match winner. In game 2, if the match score is tied, go to a "sudden death" 3rd game. The first life change in the 3rd game determines the game, and thus match, winner.
c) Should a clear and decisive winner (ie: one player's life is 0 or less) come about in extra turns in Game 2 and the match becomes tied (both players have won 1 game and lost 1 game), a "sudden death" Game 3 is started. The first life total change determines the winner.

That SHOULD get everything of relevance. If you have any questions or comments, leave them here.

We hope to see you next Saturday!

Reminder about Standard and Extended Set Legalities on M12 Release

2011-07-12T23:34:00.000-04:00

Hey all!

For those who are still getting used to how Standard and Extended rotates in and out sets since their changes a year or two ago, I'll remind you about certain sets' legalities as of M12 and when Innistrad releases in the Fall.

M12 Release Set Legalities: Standard
Remember, unlike the pre-M10 Core Sets, the release of a new Core Set does not automatically knock out the previous Core Set.

When M12 officially releases Friday, M11 will still be legal. Yes, for example that gives Goblin decks access to 4x Goblin Guide (from Zendikar), 4x Goblin Grenade (from M12), and 4x Lightning Bolt.

At least, for a little while.

Each Core Set is now tied to the block that immediately preceded it. For example, M11 ties to Zendikar block for rotation purposes, and M12 will tie to Scars of Mirrodin block.

What does this mean for when rotation happens?

Well, remember that Standard is a 2-year format. A block only stays legal for 2 years counting from when the first set in that block released. (So for example, even though we just finished up Scars of Mirrodin block, it rotates out in full in Fall 2012 when the block after Innistrad starts).

SO...all of THAT was to say...M11 will rotate at the same time as Zendikar block. That is, when Innistrad releases on September 24th. So at the same time we lose Goblin Guide, we'll also lose Lightning Bolt (for example).

So here are all the Standard-legal sets as of M12's release Friday (in chronological order):
Zendikar
Worldwake (except for Jace, the Mind Sculptor and 99.999999% of the time Stoneforge Mystic)
Rise of the Eldrazi
M11
Scars of Mirrodin
Mirrodin Beseiged
New Phyrexia
M12

When Innistrad releases on September 30th, though, here's our (much more shortened) list:

Scars of Mirrodin

Mirrodin Beseiged

New Phyrexia

M12

Innistrad

M12 Release Set Legalities: Extended

Extended is like a "double Standard" in that the oldest block is 4 years old instead of Standard's 2. (This took effect a year ago, I believe). So when Innistrad releases in the fall, Lorwyn/Shadowmoor "mega-block" will rotate out of Extended.

What does this mean for the Core Sets, though?

The same rotation plan will happen.

M10 seems to tie to Shards of Alara block, M11 still to Zendikar, and M12 to Scars of Mirrodin.

So what happens when Friday hits? Nothing except for M12 being added to the format, just like Standard. :) Your Extended list will look like this on Friday:

Lorwyn

Morningtide

Shadowmoor

Eventide

Shards of Alara

Conflux

Alara Reborn

M10

Zendikar

Worldwake

Rise of the Eldrazi

M11

Scars of Mirrodin

Mirrodin Beseiged

New Phyrexia

M12

Once Innistrad hits on September 30th, though, Extended will lose its oldest block, in this case Lorwyn/Shadowmoor "mega-block" and Extended will look like this:

Shards of Alara

Conflux

Alara Reborn

M10

Zendikar

Worldwake

Rise of the Eldrazi

M11

Scars of Mirrodin

Mirrodin Beseiged

New Phyrexia

M12

Innistrad

"So when does the next Core Set rotate out, then?" Well, if I'm right, M10 ties to Shards of Alara block, so when the block after Innistrad starts and every year thereafter, the oldest Core Set will rotate out with the oldest block in the format just like it does now with Standard.

...

That is, unless they change format rotation strategies again. :p

More M12 Previews: White's Answer to Blue, New "Ancestral Recall", New Chandra!

2011-07-03T18:06:00.000-04:00

Hello all, and we're back with a few more Magic Core Set 2012 previews! Today we have a White "bear" that keeps Blue off your back, a new Blue Instant that could act like an Ancestral Recall, and a new Chandra that might see some play in Standard. Ready to get going?

We have the first preview card, Grand Abolisher!

Image from StarCityGames.com

Wow...if you ever feared removal on your turn, you don't have to any more. White Weenie could easily use this to fend of some Lightning Bolts, Volt Charges, and Vapor Snags that would prevent you from winning. But this also means you can't be counterspelled on your turn! WHOAH! That could be a HUGE deal! And for only WW? I think I'd take it, especially if I'm running some kind of combo deck that can't afford to be countered or disrupted in any way on your turn. I have a feeling he'll be a casual favorite if Blue or Red are heavy colors at your casual tables, otherwise I could see it in tournament decks while Red is popular and possibly when/if Blue steps in its place one Zendikar block rotates out.

Next up we have Wizards of the Coast's newest take on Ancestral Recall. Remember back in Time Spiral we got Ancestral Vision, a Suspend-enabled version and a direct descendent of Ancestral Recall. In Magic 2012, with milling being a popular theme, we get a situationally similar card in Visions of Beyond.

Image courtesy DailyMTG.com Visual Spoiler

The speculation is heating up that Innistrad, the next block to come out, will be a Graveyard-themed block thanks to some leaked cards found in the code of Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012. With the previously spoiled Jace, Memory Adept allowing you to mill 10 cards for just 5 mana on the first hit, it's hard to NOT get a graveyard to have 20 or more cards in it. And if Innistrad block is a graveyard-themed block, I'd say this will act more like Ancestral Recall than a 1-mana draw-a-card Instant.

Of course, early game you could use it as a deck thinner, in essence making your deck 56 cards instead of 60. But I think milling a player would be a bit better. ;)

Finally, we have another new Planeswalker version. We've had as many as 2 different versions of any Planeswalker character up until Magic 2012 which sees Jace's 3rd version. Now, we have another 3rd-version Planeswalker. Let me introduce you to Chandra, the Firebrand!

Image courtesy of DailyMTG.com Visual Spoiler

Yes, you read the mana cost correctly. 3R is the mana cost. This marks the first Planeswalker to not use at least 2 colored mana symbols in its mana cost. This should allow some decks to splash Red to run her. Hmm...I kinda like that idea. Let me think how I can abuse her...

Her +1 is an improvement on the original Chandra. Instead of just hitting a player, you can use it to hit a creature. Not bad. 4 mana and we already have her +1 ability being better than Chandra Nalaar's.

Her -2 ability is very intriguing. She sets up a Twincast on your next instant or sorcery. Now surely, at -2 you can't do that for long, right? He he he...WRONG!! Remember we have some nice Proliferate spells that work nicely with that -2. Volt Charge is an instant that deals 3 damage and Proliferates, so copying it lets you get back both counters you used to copy Volt Charge. How about refilling your hand? Tezzeret's Gambit literally goes into any deck, and when copied you're spending 3 mana and 2 life to draw 4 and make Chandra's -2 mean nothing. NOW...combine it with other Planeswalkers. Use her -2, Volt Charge a Titan to kill it, and Proliferate 2 counters onto the new Jace. Now he's within a turn of "going ultimate", drawing everyone 20 cards and potentially killing them at that.

Chandra's "ultimate" is a nice bonus if you stick with building her up. At -6 (so most likely 4 turns after you cast her), you get to do 6 damage to EACH of UP TO SIX target creatures and/or players. SIX!!!!! And it's not "split evenly", it's TO EACH OF. Whoah! I like the original Chandra's ultimate better, but for Multiplayer, this will rock just like Jace 3.0's ultimate could if it hits at the right time. And in single player, it might just clear the board for an alpha strike for the win.

What do you think about these previews? Anything that's too strong? Not strong enough? Overly hyped? Not hyped enough? Feel free to give me your thoughts! :)

Our Modern Format: Help with Older But Legal Cards

2011-06-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone!
I got to thinking and realized even in my own deck making I forgot a lot of cards that were reprinted in new borders just because they were judge promos or released in some other fashion.

So I'm going to provide links here to at least most cards that that had new frame reprints made. As usual, it's your responsibility to make sure the cards you decide to run are legal in Vintage and that you don't end up using something banned on our Modern-format list.

JUDGE PROMOS

FRIDAY NIGHT MAGICS, SUPER JUNIOR SERIES, AND VARIOUS OTHER PROMOS

DUEL DECKS, FROM THE VAULT, AND OTHER SPECIAL RELEASES

PRO TOURS AND GRAND PRIXS

I'm not including stuff from set releases (Core Sets and any set from Mirrodin onward) since those cards would be legal under Wizards of the Coast's version of Modern anyway.

As a reminder, here are our rules for our Modern format tournament Saturday:

1) Any card with a release date of 2003 onward in the newer card frame (compared to anything pre-Mirrodin). The intent is that if you look through your cards and find something in the card frame used from Mirrodin onward you can use it (granted it follows rules #2 and #3).

2) Follow the official Vintage Banned/Restricted List. Most of what we'll use that's Restricted should be:
Balance (Judge Promo and a From the Vault set)
Brainstorm (Commander deck)
Burning Wish (Judge promo)
Channel (From the Vault set)
Demonic Tutor (Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic)
Fact or Fiction (Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra and Commander deck)
Lotus Petal (From the Vault set)
Memory Jar (From the Vault set)
Mind's Desire (Judge promo)
Mystical Tutor (From the Vault set)
Necropotence (From the Vault set)
Regrowth (Judge Promo)
Sol Ring (Commander deck and various other outlets)
Strip Mine (From the Vault set)
Tinker (From the Vault set)
Wheel of Fortune (Judge Promo)
Windfall (Commander deck)

3) Follow the Banned list below:

Ancient Den
Bloodbraid Elf
Chrome Mox
Dark Depths
Golgari Grave-Troll
Great Furnace
Hypergenesis
Seat of the Synod
Sensei's Divining Top
Skullclamp
Sword of the Meek
Tree of Tales
Umezawa's Jitte
Vault of Whispers

We'll have the tournament this upcoming Saturday, so go and run with any ideas you may have. You've got a pretty wide cardpool, made bigger by the Duel Decks, promos, etc. I hope to see some level of variety Saturday. :)

New M12 Jace Spoiled on G4TV. Mill Runs Rampant.

2011-06-24T09:25:00.000-04:00

Welcome back, everyone!

Today we'll be looking at the newest Mythic Rare to be previewed from Magic 2012. We knew last week that Jace, Chandra, and Garruk would probably be getting new versions (thanks to some Japanese semi-spoilers of different artwork and different Japanese names compared to their Lorwyn brethren).

What we didn't now was what any of them would do...until now.

We saw with Belltower Sphinx yesterday that Milling would make its presence known in Magic 2012. But we didn't know how much until now.

Let me introduce you to Jace, Memory Adept!!!!

Courtesy MTGSalvation.com

The image may not be clear enough on what exactly this new version of Jace does, so I'll type it all out.

Jace, Memory Adept
3UU
Planeswalker - Jace
+1: Draw a card. Target player puts the top card of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
+0: Target player puts the top ten cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
-7: Any number of target players each draw twenty cards.
4 Starting Loyalty
Mythic Rare

O.O Can you say "OMG"? This Jace is a miller's dream! For the same cost as Traumatize you get repeated milling of 10 cards a turn!

"But he can't protect himself! (see Garruk's "make a 3/3 creature" or Jace, the Mind Sculptor's "bounce a creature" abilities for examples)"

Well, no. This Jace definitely needs to be used in combination with some protectors. (Hmm...you know, Gideon Jura was wondering if he'd ever protect a Jace again. ;) ).

So let's break down how useful his abilities are:

"+1": Finally, a Jace that draws you a card without going "-1" and builds itself up! AND it mills the top card of a player's library. How can you argue with that? Is it super powerful? Well, if players were doing "-1" on Jace Beleren to draw cards without giving their opponent anything, I think they'll happily "+1" to get the same thing and deny their opponent.

"+0": Mill 10? Seriously? Beleren had "-10" to mill twenty! And now we're getting "mill 10" for free? Can you say "Heck yeah"? This alone will make it a casual player's dream, and for tournaments if he can be protected and proliferated enough to keep living I can imagine Jace, Memory Adept being the centerpiece of a competitive Mill deck and winning games.

"-7:" Seriously?! DRAW 20? Okay, so for a mill player they basically got Jace Beleren's ultimate at 3 fewer loyalty needed and an extra loyalty already tacked on (Memory Adept starts at 4 vs. Beleren starting at 3). That and they no longer would need to worry about dumping a big Eldrazi titan and losing all that work. But what gets me is the multiplayer application. "Any number of target players"? So at worst I could help all my teammates and myself by drawing 20 cards each, and if we're smart enough to be running Reliquary Tower we'll never have to worry about discarding? While we get all the answers we probably could ever need? I'll happily pay 7 loyalty to do that. Now where did I put my Doubling Seasons so I could do this first turn out? :) :)

Where do I see Jace? If players can protect him enough and/or Proliferate him up enough, I think Mental Adept could be seen in competitive Magic. If Innistrad is a Graveyard-based block like some are expecting, you can mill yourself for advantage so he'll still see competitive play. Casually, EDH/Commander, and the like I can definitely see him getting play value. If I could pick these up for $10-$15 each, I'd do it. He'll be very popular, and we've seen that the casual market can make prices higher than cards may deserve (take Doubling Season, for example. $18 on the low end for NM copies? But it's not in competitive decks.)

What do you think? Too powerful? Not powerful enough? Are you approaching those conclusions from a competitive or casual standpoint (or both)? Let us know what you think!

M12 Previews 2! Blue Goes Hexproof, Favorite 1-Cost Red Creature Returns

2011-06-23T12:11:00.000-04:00

Good morning, Magic nuts! Today I'll be looking at some surprises that came from the posting of the M12 Card Gallery spoiling some already-known cards and, apparently, some Duels of the Planeswalkers new cards meant for dual use in Duels of the Planeswalkers and M12.

(NOTE: All scans/pics come from the DailyMTG website's Card Gallery for M12)

First off, how would you like for a Blue creature to be untargetable instead of "When this is targeted, destroy it"? We have our answer now in a brand-new card, Aven Fleetwing!!

I don't know about you, but I'm kinda happy to finally have a Blue creature in M12 that doesn't die just because it's targeted. ha ha! Instead, this little birdy does quite the opposite: your opponents can't target him! I can see this being a casual favorite and possibly even a Commander near-staple if Hexproof has enough love, but in competitive Magic it may be a toss-up. Hexproof flying is good, but 4 mana for a 2/2? It may be too slow, and there may be better stuff to do at 3 mana (Jace, maybe? ;) )

Next up is a surprising reprint at Uncommon. I don't know if anyone ever thought about it coming back since it was released in Ravnica, but I guess blue Mill is the flavor of the decade for WotC. Re-introducing Belltower Sphinx!!

I was so unfamiliar with this card, I thought it was new when I first looked at it. For 5 mana you get a 2/5 flier that mills whenever an opponent's source deals damage to it (similar to how Phyrexian Obliterator does for permanents in general). I'd guess mill decks wouldn't mind this for a blocker so when your opponent DOES alpha strike you he can mill a good chunk of cards on the block. Hopefully by then you'll be able to survive and mill out the rest of their deck with no problem. Again, casual ground maybe but I don't see much more than that except as a Limited format good flier.

And finally in the Rare slot we have a true surprise. He's a 1-casting-cost Red creature and iconic in a number of Legacy decks. He's making his Standard return in about little over a month. Please welcome back with open arms GRIM LAVAMANCER!!!

Yes, folks, we have Grim Lavamancer making his Core Set debut and his re-introduction into Standard and Extended since the days Torment was legal. And with Lightning Bolt, Goblin Grenade, and other cheap burn being in Standard for even the smallest of time with him, I feel confident Grim Lavamancer will be a force to be reckoned with as a finisher in Mono-Red.

Clarification to Modern Format Policy: Time Spiral Block "Shifted" Cards

2011-06-21T09:30:00.001-04:00

Hello again! As I was looking back over the Commander deck lists, I realized something that I omitted in my "new border" policy for the Modern Format.

What happens to all the "Timeshifted", "Colorshifted", and "Futureshifted" cards, since they don't use the exact modern-framed design (again, think anything from Mirrodin through the present day)?

Here's the clarification: "Timeshifted' (Time Spiral), "Colorshifted" (Planar Chaos), and "Futureshifted" (Future Sight) cards are also legal in Modern along with any older-framed (pre-Mirrodin) versions of them.

(images from MagicCards.info)

Time Spiral's "Timeshifted" Example

Planar Chaos' "Colorshifted" Example

Future Sight's "Futureshifted" Example

For those who may have joined the game after Time Spiral block, a bit of a Magic history lesson:

When WotC put together Time Sprial block, they wanted a mix of nostalgia (Time Spiral), shake-ups (Planar Chaos), and future "sneak peaks" (Future Sight). They came up with 3 ways to help identify their special cards:

Time Spiral: Along with the purple-looking expansion symbol on each card, all these cards are direct reprints of pre-Mirrodin classic cards. The card frames are done in the pre-Mirrodin style, thus making it easier to identify them as reprints when you pulled them from packs of Time Spiral.

Planar Chaos: To mix things up a bit compared to how they normally design cards color-wise, they moved some effects into different colors just for Planar Chaos (for example, even though Wrath of God was the normal white mass removal card, to mix things up they gave black a "Wrath" effect in Damnation). These cards had normal rarity denotations (Gold = Rare, Silver = Uncommon, Black = Common) but moved some pre-Mirrodin cards into different colors and changed nothing else but the name and casting cost (example: Pestilence, a black card, was changed to Pyrohemia, a red card that does the exact same thing but is Red instead of Black). The card frame is a bit different from normal post-Mirrodin borders but it's the same basic frame design.

Future Sight: The final set kept the running theme of "cards from different pieces of Magic's history" by introducing cards and mechanics and card types that could be used in future sets. However, some were gags (see Steamflogger Boss). All cards that were like this used a brand-new card frame that may or may not see future use. The card frame has the mana symbols on the left side of the illustration along with a symbol on the top-left corner denoting what kind of card it is (a claw means "Creature", for example). Some examples of cards and/or mechanics that have seen actual use since Future Sight are Phosphorescent Feast (printed 1 year later), Bloodshot Trainee (printed in Scars of Mirrodin), Planeswalkers (previewed on Tarmogoyf and printed in the very next set, Lorwyn), and Shadowmoor/Eventide's cycle of "filter lands" similar to Graven Cairns.

I hope you found this as a moment of clarity for Modern and as an interesting historical piece if you are fairly new to the game. Let me know what you think below. Thanks for reading, and enjoy building for Modern! :)

Modified Modern Format Tournament July 2nd!

2011-06-20T23:51:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!

How about for some good format news, eh?

On July 2nd we're going to try a modified version of the proposed "Modern format".

Modern format basically says anything released in a set from Mirrodin through the present day is legal along with cards from any Core Set from 8th Edition through the present.

But while Wizards of the Coast's version doesn't take into account the various pre-constructed decks and promos that have been released in modern frames (think 8th Edition and Mirrodin, thus how they came at that cut-off), mine will.

So here's how we'll determine card legality:

MODERN FORMAT CARD LEGALITY: GENERAL GUIDELINES
1) Any tournament-legal card with a copyright of 2003 starting with the Mirrodin set and 8th Edition Core Set is legal to play in our version of Modern.

2) Old versions of tournament-legal cards reprinted since 2003 in the newer frames (compared to pre-2003) are allowed as long as you can prove it has a release in the post-2003 card frames.

"BUT," I hear, "what about stuff like Sol Ring, Demonic Tutor, etc. that are Vintage legal but are otherwise illegal in practically all other formats?"

That's where we get to our Banned/Restricted List for our version of Modern format.

MODERN FORMAT CARD LEGALITY: BANNED/RESTRICTED LISTS

1) BANNED
In addition to any "ante" or "subgame" cards, the following will be banned in our Modern:

2) RESTRICTED: Follow the Vintage restricted list here: http://www.wizards.com/Magic/TCG/Resources.aspx?x=judge/resources/sfrvintage

I've gone through the Restricted list and I think I've pulled out all the cards that were not reprinted in sets from 2003 onward (in other words, they were only in decks or released as Promos). Those cards are:

Balance (Judge Promo and a From the Vault set)
Brainstorm (Commander deck)
Burning Wish (Judge promo)
Channel (From the Vault set)
Demonic Tutor (Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic)
Fact or Fiction (Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra and Commander deck)
Lotus Petal (From the Vault set)
Memory Jar (From the Vault set)
Mind's Desire (Judge promo)
Mystical Tutor (From the Vault set)
Necropotence (From the Vault set)
Regrowth (Judge Promo)
Sol Ring (Commander deck and various other outlets)
Strip Mine (From the Vault set)
Tinker (From the Vault set)
Wheel of Fortune (Judge Promo)
Windfall (Commander deck)

However, you are responsible for making sure your cards do fit the Vintage restricted list, regardless of what I post here. Our official Restricted list for this tournament is based on the WotC list; my mini-list above is a help guide and is not authoritative (as in, you can't come to me and say "But you didn't post [insert card name here]. I'll just say "Did you check the Vintage Restricted list?")

Entry fee will be $2, with packs of Scars of Mirrodin and/or New Phyrexia to split for prizes.

If you have any questions, feel free to E-mail me or post a comment here. We hope to see you for Modern on July 2nd! :)

The Banning Explanation

2011-06-20T11:55:00.000-04:00

So you've seen by now that Stoneforge Mystic and Jace, the Mind Sculptor have been banned in Standard. (If you haven't, I suggest reading the post below this one, and pay very careful attention to the 1 circumstance where Stoneforge Mystic is legal to play).

What you may not have read is why they banned these two, along with why the War of Attrition Event Deck decklist was allowed to stay Standard legal (the one exception to Stoneforge Mystic's ban).

Stoneforge Mystic
Stoneforge Mystic was no mistake..at least, not initially. In Worldwake and Zendikar block in general, Equipment played a very small part of the set that Stoneforge Mystic was just a nice Equipment tutor. And, they figured, it'd help the Equipment subtheme in Scars of Mirrodin block.

The problems started in Mirrodin Beseiged. The design and FFL (Future Future League testing) teams didn't realize the impact of Sword of Feast and Famine to be as strong as it ended up being. However, Wizards of the Coast decided to let it go for now and see how people would react to the power level in Standard. Then New Phyrexia came and screwed things up majorly.

The design teams for Scars of Mirrodin block knew they wanted Living Weapon to play an integral part in the Equipments of the block starting in Mirrodin Beseiged. They tried to make stuff like Lashwrithe or Bonehoard that were great to search for but weren't necessarily at their best when cheated into play early from Stoneforge Mystic's second ability.

Unfortunately, they printed Batterskull after a chance in direction from the guys who made the cards. Instead of its last effect being as printed (3: Bounce Batterskull, essentially), they had it as "8: Put a 0/0 Germ token onto the battlefield with Batterskull attached." The bounce effect, while being powerful, has proven too powerful: For 5 total mana, you can block a creature, let damage go through, lose your Germ, then pay 3 to bounce it back to your hand and 2 to replay it thanks to Stoneforge Mystic's second ability.

As the format got more and more Stoneforge Mystic-based, WotC decided that, even with a few months left in Standard, damage was already being done (drops in attendance, general player hate for Mystic-based decks) and a ban was warranted.

Jace, the Mind Sculptor
Jace ended up being a design and development AND R&D AND testing mistake all the way around the table. As they were getting Zendikar off the ground, they realized its Planeswalkers may be too weak in a general sense (and really, aside from Nissa in Elf decks have you seen the Zendikar set's 'walkers anywhere in competitive Magic?).

WotC decided to take a big swing at how Planeswalkers were designed and they needed a big draw for Worldwake, so the basic ideas of Jace, the Mind Sculptor (4-ability Planeswalker, new, super powerful) were born.

At the same time, WotC was trying to give Blue some of its power back. Back in Lorwyn block, Faeries was the dominant deck in the metagame. Most of those Faeries were Blue, leading to a lot of U/x decks (Decks primarily with Blue and some other color). It didn't help that Cryptic command was in the same set as those Faeries, giving Blue a lot of god weapons for a Faerie-based deck.

WotC intentionally cut Blue's power level in Shards of Alara block and Magic 2010. Blue had fallen off, so with Zendikar block they wanted to give Blue some of its power back.

They were going to make its abilities these instead (and I'm shorthanding the abilities):
+2: Mill the top 2 cards of target player's library.
+0: Brainstorm
-1: Unsommon
-8: (the final ability that ended up on the printed card)

Thought to be too powerful, the ultimate ability was raised to -12.
UNFORTUNATELY, they also felt milling 2 cards was too powerful for a +2 ability, so they changed it to "+2: Scry 1 or Fateseal 1" (again, not the exact templating but a shorthand using known mechanics that do the same thing). They didn't realize how powerful it was to keep players off their most needed cards on a regular basis. (Fateseal on a spell is one thing; Fateseal repeatable from a permanent is dangerous)

Wizards of the Coast tried to print answers. Phyrexian Revoker, Despise, Hex Parasite. Unfortunately, the answers were too low on power and didn't matter. Jace, the Mind Sculptor was still Planeswalker #1, and its play amount in Legacy and Vintage has helped cement its popularity and power level.

In their defense, it was only the 14th different Planeswalker to exist and the 2nd to be the headline Planeswalker of a set.

But now they'll be judged based on their admitted mistakes. They no longer have an excuse to make a super-powerful Planeswalker. And now they have no excuse for making Tinker-like effects on cheap creatures.

Why Is Stoneforge Mystic Banned Except for 1 VERY SPECIFIC Deck?
This is fairly easy. Wizards of the Coast had Stoneforge Mystic penned for the War of Attrition deck while it was still a relatively meaningless $6 card. They had no idea at the time how powerful it'd be. Seeing as the Event Decks are meant to be FNM-legal, the best way to satiate both concerns (it's too powerful, but it's in a product intended for use at FNM), they allowed the exact War of Attrition decklist to be legal so players can play War of Attrition straight out of the box.

Hopefully that goes a ways to explaining the reasons for banning. What are your opinions? Did WotC need to do anything? Could they have done anything differently?

It's Official: Stoneforge Mystic AND Jace, the Mind Sculptor BANNED IN STANDARD!!!

2011-06-20T00:42:00.000-04:00

Say goodbye to your Jace, the Mind Sculptors and Stoneforge Mystics (well...mostly on Stoneforge Mystic) in Standard.

Wizards of the Coast announced today the next set of Banned/Restricted List changes.

No formats had changes, as was expected...except Standard.

EFFECTIVE JULY 1st, THE FOLLOWING BANNINGS TAKE PLACE IN STANDARD:
Jace, the Mind Sculptor
Stoneforge Mystic*

*The problem with banning Stoneforge Mystic is that there's an otherwise-Standard legal preconstructed deck with her in it, War of Attrition (scroll down a little bit on that link to see the decklist). To keep her FNM legal (because the Event Decks are meant to be bought at FNM and played straight out of the box), Stoneforge Mystic is allowed as long as the contents match exactly to the War of Attrition event deck decklist. ANY deviation (even as minor as adding an additional Puresteel Paladin or replacing Sword of Vengeance with Sword of War and Peace or changing out the Side Deck) will force you to take out both Stoneforge Mystics.

I'll post WotC's explanations later, but for now you're on notice that 11 days from now you can no longer use Jace, the Mind Sculptor and can very rarely use Stoneforge Mystic in Standard.

M12 Previews! New Lightning Greaves. New Old Planeswalkers? More!

2011-06-17T11:29:00.002-04:00

Hello and welcome again for spoiler season! It's a quick turnaround this time, going quickly from Commander to Magic 2012. Thankfully, Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 has helped us a little bit in what we know about the set. So with a video game and some sample decks to help us out, let's get rolling!

When Duels of the Planeswalkers came out for XBox 360 a couple years ago, WotC put out small 30-card "sample decks" for new players to run and get to feel out the game quickly. They've done the same for the relase of Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012. Each deck has cards mostly from M12. A majority of cards are reprints, but a few took people by surprise. Like, oh, I don't know, Goblin Grenade!?!?!?

Image from MTGSalvation.com

You'll have to look on the very bottom row to the left, but it's there. We lost Lightning Bolt, but we gained Goblin Grenade. I'd say in the fast burn department, that's a decent tradeoff. And with some pretty decent Goblins still in Standard, it may not be a bad time to trade out those Lightning Bolts for Goblin Grenades to get a few extra points through.

Hmm...still not amazed? Alright...how about a Lightning Greaves remake? I'm pleased to announce SWIFTFOOT BOOTS!

Image from MTGSalvation.com

Yes, folks, we have a Lightning Greaves upgrade. It's still 2 mana to cast, it still gives haste, but it has 2 important distinctions. For one, it has an actual equip cost now of 1. That may be bad...or it may be good. Look at the next difference. Notice the new keyword Hexproof? That's right! No longer do you need to leave your creature exposed to targeted removal when you're trying to do something to your otherwise Lightning Graved creature! Just leave the boots on and target away with your own stuff while being protected from your opponent.

I have a feeling that as long as this is in Standard it'll be the equivalent of Lightning Greaves is in casual: VERY fast, VERY efficient, and VERY worth the mana.

And finally, we have confirmation that both Sorin Markov and Gideon Jura are being reprinted. (Gideon's confirmation came from a WotC preview session during Pro Tour - Nagoya this past weekend.) So we assumed the other original Planeswalker characters would also be getting reprinted: Jace Beleren, Chandra Nalaar, and Garruk Wildspeaker.

HOWEVER, a video in Japan apparently talking about Gideon's story has revealed something interesting about the 3 Lorwyn 'walker characters still around: Their names in Japanese writing don't match up to their Lorwyn equivalents. (For example, Garruk has no symbols above his name in the Lorwyn version, but for M12 it seems it does).

So potentially, we could have new Planeswalker cards for the 3 "surviving" Planeswalkers from Lorwyn! Woo-hoo!

That's all for today. Tune in next week when I start doing preview posts for 1 card in each rarity per post. Until then, take care, and we hope to see you at the SOM block draft tomorrow!

Commander Deck Lists! And Patterns in the Decklists

2011-06-12T23:46:00.000-04:00

Hello, hello!

With the Commander decks releasing this upcoming Friday (June 17th, MSRP of $30 each), some stores have already gotten their shipments...and unfortunately for WotC busted them open for deck lists and singles.

But thank goodness for the community they did, because they've shown what a deal these decks can be!

Before I get to the actual deck lists, though, I want to point out a few common themes among them.

COMMON THEMES IN COMMANDER THEME DECKS
1) Each deck comes with a Sol Ring and a Lightning Greaves. Yes, every single Commander theme deck comes with nearly $15 worth of cards right off the bat!

2) Each deck comes with one of the 5 Planar Chaos Legendary Dragons, each of which is from one of the "wedges". This gives you a familiar card to start using as your Commander.

3) Each deck comes with 2 new tri-color "wedge" Legendary Creatures to also potentially serve as your Commander.

4) All decks have a new 2-color "enemy pair" Legendary Creature as a Rare.

5) All but 1 of the decks have 3 of the old Ravnica Signets (2, Artifact, EFFECT: 1, TAP: Add [insert allied color pair mana symbols here] to your mana pool.). The only one to not have them? Political Puppets.

6) Each deck has only 1 new card in common between all 5 of them: Command Tower.

Yep, you read that right! A card that's only good in one format, Commander, and is inherently limited to one per deck. Hey, look on the bright side of it: A playset only consists of 1, and you'll get it in any deck you buy! :) And on another bright side, we finally have a card that's strictly better than Reflecting Pool. ha ha!

7) Every deck has 3 of the new "Vow of [something]" Enchantments. What are these "Vows"? Well, for example...

All the Vows have some common themes:
a. They are all mono-colored Enchantments.
b. They all cost 2C (2 plus their color).
c. They all provide a power/toughness boost (usually +2/+2, but green love beatdown!).
d. They all provide an on-color ability addition (green is Trample, white is Vigilance, etc.)
e. They all have Pacifism-like abilities in that the creature can't attack you or a Planeswalker you control.

These could be good in regular casual, I think! Here are all 5 Vows for their Power/Toughness boosts and granted abilities:
1) WHITE: +2/+2, Vigilance
2) BLUE: +2/+2, Flying
3) BLACK: +2/+2, Intimidate
4) RED: +2/+2, First Strike
5) GREEN: +3/+3, Trample

Each Commander theme deck will have the 3 Vows for their colors (so for example, Political Puppets, a RWU deck, will get the Red, White, and Blue Vows)

I've tried to hunt for more similarities, but I can't find a lot where every deck had the same theme. Feel free to point out more as you find them in the lists.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...the actual lists!

(These lists are taken from this post on the MTGSalvation forums.)

Mirror Mastery

Commanders:
1 Riku of Two Reflections
1 Animar, Soul of Elements
1 Intet, the Dreamer

Creatures:
1 Magus of the Vineyard
1 Veteran Explorer
1 Fierce Empath
1 Edric, Spymaster of Trest
1 Conundrum Sphinx
1 AEthersnipe
1 Chartooth Cougar
1 Rapacious One
1 Spitebellows
1 Deadwood Treefolk
1 Elvish Aberration
1 Baloth Woodcrasher
1 Hydra Omnivore
1 Nucklavee
1 Valley Rannet
1 Faultgrinder
1 Krosan Tusker
1 Simic Sky Swallower
1 Trench Gorger
1 Avatar of Fury
1 Magmatic force
1 Artisan of Kozilek

Planeswalkers:
1 Garruk Wildspeaker

Artifacts:
1 Sol Ring
1 Armillary Sphere
1 Gruul Signet
1 Izzet Signet
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Prophetic Prism
1 Simic Signet

Enchantments:
1 Vow of Flight
1 Vow of Lightning
1 Vow of Wildness

Instants:
1 Brainstorm
1 Fire/Ice
1 Tribute to the Wild
1 Colossal Might
1 Invigorate
1 Spell Crumple
1 Electrolyze
1 Ray of Command
1 Prophetic Bolt
1 Hunting Pack

Sorceries:
1 Collective Voyage
1 Hull Breach
1 Cultivate
1 Kodama's Reach
1 Firespout
1 Ruination
1 Explosive Vegetation
1 Chain Reaction
1 Death by Dragons
1 Vengeful Rebirth
1 Disaster Radius
1 Call the Skybreaker
1 Savage Twister

Lands:
1 Command Tower
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Fungal Reaches
1 Gruul Turf
1 Homeward Path
1 Izzet Boilerworks
1 Kazandu Refuge
1 Rupture Spire
1 Simic Growth Chamber
1 Temple of the False God
1 Vivid Crag
1 Vivid Creek
1 Vivid Grove
7 Island
8 Mountain
13 Fores

Devour for Power

Commanders:
1 The Mimeoplasm
1 Damia, Sage of Stone
1 Vorosh, the Hunter

Creatures:
1 Nezumi Graverobber
1 Skullbriar, the Walking Grave
1 Riddlekeeper
1 Fleshbag Marauder
1 Eternal Witness
1 Troll Ascetic
1 Yavimaya Elder
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Brawn
1 Wonder
1 Sewer Nemesis
1 Gravedigger
1 Lhurgoyf
1 Dreamborn Muse
1 Mortivore
1 Desecrator Hag
1 Mulldrifter
1 Acidic Slime
1 Vulturous Zombie
1 Dark Hatchling
1 Extractor Demon
1 Scythe Spector
1 Wrexial, the Risen Deep
1 Triskelavus
1 Slipstream Eel
1 Butcher of Malakir
1 Patron of the Nezumi
1 Szadek, Lord of Secrets
1 Avatar of Woe
1 Artisan of Kozilek

Artifacts:
1 Sol Ring
1 Dimir Signet
1 Golgari Signet
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Simic Signet
1 Oblivion Stone

Enchantments:
1 Vow of Wildness
1 Vow of Flight
1 Vow of Malice
1 Memory Erosion
1 Grave Pact

Instants:
1 Tribute to the Wild
1 Spell Crumple
1 Fact or Fiction
1 Relic Crush

Sorceries:
1 Minds Aglow
1 Shared Trauma
1 Sign in Blood
1 Stitch Together
1 Cultivate
1 Windfall
1 Buried Alive
1 Syphon Mind
1 Unnerve
1 Rise from the Grave
1 Syphon Flesh
1 Living Death

Lands:
1 Barren Moor
1 Command Tower
1 Dimir Aqueduct
1 Dreadship Reef
1 Golgari Rot Farm
1 Jwar Isle Refuge
1 Lonely Sandbar
1 Rupture Spire
1 Simic Growth Chamber
1 Svogthos, the Restless Tomb
1 Temple of the False God
1 Terramorphic Expanse
1 Tranquil Thicket
8 Forest
8 Island
11 Swamp

Heavenly Inferno (Personal Note: This is the one I'm picking up.)

Commanders:
1 Kaalia of the Vast
1 Tariel, Reekoner of Souls
1 Oros, the Avenger

Creatures:
1 Mother Of Runes
1 Orzhov Guildmage
1 Boros Guildmage
1 Gwyllion Hedge-Mage
1 Duergar Hedge-Mage
1 Lightkeeper of Emeria
1 Razorjaw Oni
1 Anger
1 Voice Of All
1 Dragon Whelp
1 Furnace Whelp
1 Serra Angel
1 Shattered Angel
1 Fallen Angel
1 Bassandra, Battle Seraph
1 Oni of Wild Places
1 Mana-Charged Dragon
1 Malfegor
1 Angelic Arbiter
1 Archangel of Strife
1 Angel of Despair
1 Bladewing the Risen
1 Avatar of Slaughter
1 Akroma, Angel Of Fury
1 Reiver Demon
1 Dream Cacademon

Artifacts:
1 Sol Ring
1 Armillary Sphere
1 Boros Signet
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Orzhov Signet
1 Rakdos Signet
1 Darksteel Ingot

Enchantments:
1 Soul Snare
1 Vow Of Duty
1 Vow of Malice
1 Vow of Lightning
1 Stranglehold
1 Pyrohemia
1 Righteous Cause

Instants:
1 Path to Exile
1 Bathe In Light
1 Terminate
1 Orim's Thunder
1 Mortify
1 Congregate
1 Return To Dust
1 Sulfurous Blast
1 Wrecking Ball
1 Master Warcraft
1 Cleansing Beam
1 Comet Storm

Sorceries:
1 Syphon Mind
1 Diabolic Tutor
1 Evincar's Justice
1 Syphon Flesh
1 Akroma's Vengeance
1 Death By Dragons
1 Earthquake

Lands:
1 Akoum Refuge
1 Barren Moor
1 Bojuka Bog
1 Boros Garrison
1 Command Tower
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Forgotten Cave
1 Molten Slagheap
1 Orzhov Basilica
1 Rakdos Carnarium
1 Rupture Spire
1 Secluded Steppe
1 Vivid Meadow
1 Zoetic Cavern
8 Plains
8 Swamp
8 Mountain

Political Puppets

Commanders:
1 Zedruu the Greathearted
1 Ruhan of the Fomori
1 Numot, the Devastator

Creatures:
1 Goblin Cadets
1 Spurnmage Advocate
1 Jotun Grunt
1 Wall Of Omens
1 Fog Bank
1 Nin, The Pain Artist
1 Azorius Guildmage
1 Court Hussar
1 Gomazoa
1 Guard Gomazoa
1 Vedalken Plotter
1 Wall Of Denial
1 Plumeveil
1 Flametongue Kavu
1 Windborn Muse
1 False Prophet
1 Brion Stoutarm
1 Chromeshell Crab
1 Izzet Chronarch
1 Dominus of Fealty
1 Rapacious One
1 Arbiter of Knollridge

Artifacts:
1 Sol Ring
1 Armillary Sphere
1 Fellwar Stone
1 Howling Mine
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Prophetic Prism
1 Champion's Helm
1 Darksteel Ingot
1 Dreamstone Hedron

Enchantments:
1 Soul Snare
1 Journey to nowhere
1 Vow Of Lightning
1 Ghostly Prison
1 Vow Of Duty
1 Propaganda
1 Vow Of Flight
1 Prison Term
1 Crescendo of War
1 Martyr's Bond

Instants:
1 Brainstorm
1 Flusterstorm
1 Lash out
1 Punishing Fire
1 Pollen Lullaby
1 Perilous Research
1 Vision Skeins
1 Whirlpool Whelm
1 Chaos Warp
1 Oblation
1 Murmurs from Beyond
1 Repulse
1 Spell Crumple
1 Wild Ricochet
1 Reins Of Power
1 Scattering Stroke

Sorceries:
1 Breath of Darigaaz
1 Trade Secrets
1 Death By Dragons
1 Austere Command
1 Insurrection
1 Skyscribing

Lands:
1 Azorius Chancery
1 Boros Garrison
1 Command Tower
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Izzet Boilerworks
1 Terramorphic Expanse
8 Mountain
8 Plains
12 Island

Counter Punch

Commanders:
1 Teneb, the Harvester
1 Karador, Ghost Chieftain
1 Ghave, Guru of Spores

Creatures:
1 Aquastrand spider
1 Deadly Recluse
1 Sakura-Tribe Elder
1 Scavenging Ooze
1 Monk Realist
1 Selesnya Evangel
1 Golgari Guildmage
1 Selesnya Guildmage
1 Nantuko Husk
1 Fertilid
1 Spawnwrithe
1 Vampire Nighthawk
1 Spike Feeder
1 Yavimaya Elder
1 Squallmonger
1 Penumbra Spider
1 Sigil Captain
1 Shriekmaw
1 Dark hatchling
1 Hornet Queen
1 Vish Kal, Blood Arbiter
1 Symbiotic Wurm
1 Celestial Force
1 Chorus of the Conclave

Artifacts:
1 Skullclamp
1 Sol Ring
1 Golgari Signet
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Orzhov Signet
1 Selesnya Signet
1 Darksteel Ingot
1 Acorn Catapult

Enchantments:
1 Soul Snare
1 Fists of Ironwood
1 Necrogenesis
1 Vow of Malice
1 Awakening Zone
1 Vow of Wildness
1 Oblivion Ring
1 Vow of Duty

Instants:
1 Attrition
1 Aura Shards
1 Doom Blade
1 Tribute to the Wild
1 Footbottom Feast
1 Afterlife
1 Mortify
1 Nemesis Trap
1 Cobra Trap

Sorceries:
1 Alliance of Arms
1 Cultivate
1 Harmonize
1 Syphon Flesh
1 Bestial Menace
1 Hex
1 Hour of Reckoning
1 Death Mutation
1 Storm Herd

Lands:
1 Barren Moor
1 Command Tower
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Golgari Rot Farm
1 Orzhov Basilica
1 Rupture Spire
1 Secluded Steppe
1 Selesnya Sanctuary
1 Temple of the False God
1 Tranquil Thicket
1 Vivid Grove
1 Vivid Marsh
1 Vivid Meadow
8 Swamp
10 Forest
8 Plains

Well, what do you think? Are these decks worth the $30 MSRP? Are any of them just utter crap? Remember, these decks are meant for multiplayer Commander use, so judge their inclusion in the decks accordingly. Though feel free to judge the new cards in more of a regular 60-card idea for Legacy and Vintage only.

I hope you've enjoyed the (few) previews here. This week I'll start tackling M12 for its release on July 15th (and Pre-Release the weekend before that, July 9-10). Look for more posts this week on the new Core Set! Until then, take care.

More Commander Previews! New Commander, New "Mechanic"

2011-06-10T09:40:00.001-04:00

(NOTE: All images from MTGSalvation.com Commander spoiler)

Today's a BIIIIIG spoiler day for the Commander decks!

Not only do we have a lot of Commanders and new cards being spoiled left and right, we now also have the deck lists for each deck! So starting today, I'll preview one new Commander and the Decklist they go with.

But first, let's start off with a preview of the new "mechanic" in the Commander theme decks. While its roots are in multiplayer, I wouldn't be surprised to see this mechanic used in duels to give the person casting these an advantage.

Let me introduce you to the new mechanic by previewing one of the new spells. Introducing the new ability word JOIN FORCES!

Join Forces is an ability word, which means that not all Join Forces work EXACTLY the same every time but they do share a common theme. Any card with "Join Forces" basically allows all players to pay any amount of mana, then all players get some effect for every time the mana was paid.

For example, we see Collective Voyage. Let's say in a 5-player game, I cast it and pay 3 mana. The next player pays 2 mana, the next 4, and the final 2 players pay 0 mana. ALL players will get 3 + 2 + 4 = 9 basic lands into play straight form the library!

That's one advantage to Join Forces: If you're the last player to decide to pay in, you don't have to spend a dime (so to speak) to reap the rewards. If you think 9 basics is enough for you, go get 'em without paying anything else in!

That's also a disadvantage to Join Forces: If you pay in, you're allowing everyone to get the same effect effectively that many times.

Be wise in how you use it and you should get some good mileage out of what would seem like a fair ability word. :)

Our next preview is one of the new "wedge" Commanders. And in my opinion, it's one of the strongest. We know how bad 4-mana fliers can be on opponents. So how about one that dumps more fliers onto the battlefield? Announcing...Kaalia of the Vast!

I've gotta say, I don't mind paying 4 mana for this. A 2/2 Flier may not be as good on the cost-to-mana curve, but I'm looking at that second ability. Do you know what kinds of Angels, Demons, and Dragons there are that you COULD drop just by attacking? Let's look at just what's in the deck!

Serra Angel
Malfegor
Angel of Despair
Akorma, Angel of Fury

Need I go on? How about one more preview card today that combines with the 2 shown here: It's a Dragon and has Join Forces on it! Give a big round of applause for Mana-Charged Dragon!

I know, the text can be hard to read. So I'll short-hand what it does.

For 4RR, you get a 5/5 Flier with Trample that has a Join forces ability. When it attacks or blocks, any players may pay any amount of mana. Then, the total amount gives Mana-Charged Dragon +X/+0 until end of turn.

O.O

Did I read that right? Okay, if you think in the normal context it's pretty nice that you can be the hero by taking out an opponent and everyone else contributing to their downfall.

But I'm looking more at this being a splashable dragon, similar to Moltensteel Dragon in New Phyrexia.

You see, ANY amount of players may pay ANY amount of life, starting with you. One of the problems with Firebreathing-like abilities has been "But I've gotta pay Red to get the +1/+0!" Well, Mana-Charged Dragon changes that. If you're Red/Green, for example, guess what? You can now use those otherwise useless Llanowar Elves to help pump your dragon. I've gotta say, that's pretty darn nice. :)

That's all I have for today. There are a TON of spoilers, so feel free to check out MTGSalvation.com's Commander spoilers. M12 is starting to spoil at a pretty nice rate, so I'll probably do one more Commander preview update and call it a wrap and get ready for M12.

I hope you've all enjoyed some of these previews. Please leave comments and E-mails with feedback and I'll see what I can do to switch things up in the near future.

Thanks again for reading!