Nick drafts a four-color pile of awfulness in his latest Champions of Kamigawa Draft Walkthrough. Think I'm kidding or wondering how he ended up with the deck? See for yourself.
The debate raged for days over whether we should allow Nick Eisel to continue to write for us. There were a lot of heated debates on both sides, both pro and con, and the end result was that while a majority of people favored Nick's return, a majority of our hardcore and most reliable customers - the ones who actually, you know, bought cards - were against it. So what could we do? Well, we offered Nick perhaps the most unusual choice ever offered in the history of Magic writing.
BudLeiser writes:"You know, I think I've come around. As soon I read Kurt's article, I wanted to smack someone upside their friggin head with a juice bottle!... I am a victim of SCG; it is because of their arrogance violent maniacs can get paid for writing articles, thereby promoting assault!"
Nevyn writes:"Publishing Kurt Hahn tacitly promotes assault. People are going to read this article and realise the vast wealth they can accrue in StarCity money by hitting people in the heads with bottles."
Gary Wise says:"Truth be told, I have some real issues with a player who was suspended for tournamnet infractions being allowed to benefit from the game financially. If Nick wants to write without payment, his love of the game suggesting he may want to do so, I'm all for it, but don't give him the cash."
The Ferrett says:"Tell you what: If you (or any other reasonably proficient pro/close-to-gravy-trainer) writes for us on a regular basis in an attempt to replace Nick and send me five articles (one for each color) on Legions drafting that are of his quality, I will have no need to publish Nick Eisel. If ethics are really that important to you or anyone else, then really, it shouldn't be any problem taking the time to step up to the plate."
Both Nick Eisel and Trey Van Cleave have been suspended! Nick's gone for three years; Trey's only gone for two, which seems a little strange since he just hopped off the +b train and they had that lovely picture of him in the draft.
Still, as Toby Wachter says:"I think the real story from [the picture] isn't Trey's peeking. The issue everyone seems to be forgetting is that you see me thinking about whether to take Vitality Charm or Swat first pick. Had I taken the Charm, the draft would have gone much better for me."
So the question has arisen as to whether I should have posted the Nick Eisel news at all, seeing as it led to a lot of rampant speculation and character assassination. Now, there are three parts to this:
1) Is it ethical to publish a rumor?
2) Should we stay silent until the DCI renders judgement, lest we risk smearing an innocent man?
3) Should it be a topic of discussion?
Former writing partner Ken Krouner says:"I was friends with Nick, but sadly I don't think he is interested in maintaining that relationship as I firmly believe he did cheat. I don't want to perpetuate rumors by recounting what I have been told; it is hearsay. If you want my opinion, he added the card."
Brian"Won The GP" Kibler says:"The argument 'he's good enough that he doesn't need to cheat' is absolutely absurd. Casey McCarrell, Mike Long, and Ryan Fuller were all leagues better than Nick Eisel, and yet they all got banned for attempting to gain a further advantage in some way. Appealing to a player's abilty as explanation for why he or she cannot have cheated is simply a faulty argument."
Former Mindripper/Brainburst editor Scott Johns says:"Nick was recently 'stolen away' from Star City to instead write for Sideboard.com, an online site owned by Wizards of the Coast and run by Thomas Panell (DCI judge) and Jeff Donais (DCI Official). Does anyone see a problem here? Can you honestly tell me there isn't an obvious conflict of interest in the DCI choosing how to discipline one of its members which it clearly stands to benefit from?"
Wednesday, November 18th - Standard is proving to be an open format, and creative deckbuilders can gain a significant edge on their opponents with some wise rogue choices. Today, Nick Eisel shares a couple of interesting rogue strategies that offer a lot of bang for your buck…
Friday, October 16th - Nick Eisel returns to the pages of StarCityGames.com with a spicy Combo deck for Zendikar Standard! If you’re tired of beating down with Vampires, or you can’t make your Control deck shine without Reflecting Pool, Nick has the fresh tech for you!
Friday, December 19th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Thursday, December 18th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Tuesday, December 16th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Monday, December 15th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Thursday, December 4th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Wednesday, December 3rd - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Tuesday, December 2nd - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Monday, December 1st - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Thursday, November 27th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Wednesday, November 26th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Tuesday, November 25th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Monday, November 24th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Friday, November 21st - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Thursday, November 20th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Wednesday, November 19th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Tuesday, November 18th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Monday, November 17th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Friday, November 14th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Thursday, November 13th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Tuesday, November 11th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Monday, November 10th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Friday, November 7th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Thursday, November 6th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Wednesday, November 5th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Tuesday, November 4th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Monday, November 3rd - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Friday, October 31st - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Friday, October 31st - Shards of Alara Draft is proving to be a fabulous format. The various shards offer the discerning drafter with a myriad of options, with both Control and Aggro strategies represented in the metagame. Today, Nick Eisel shows us some of the current under-appreciated gems that you can pick up late in your drafts to great effect.
Thursday, October 30th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Wednesday, October 29th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Tuesday, October 28th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Monday, October 27th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Wednesday, October 22nd - With Shards of Alara Draft going live online this coming Friday, Nick Eisel brings us a breakdown of one of the fastest archetypes in the format: Aggro Black/Red. Drafting With Nick, and Drafting With Rich, returns this coming Monday, when Nick will be putting all this theory into practice!
Tuesday, October 14th - Perceived wisdom suggests that triple Shards of Alara Draft is a blisteringly fast format, with great aggressive options across numerous archetypes. However, what if you fly in the face of this... is it possible to best the quick beats with a greedier strategy? Nick Eisel brings us a primer on a wonderful new draft archetype, powered by obscene amounts of mana fixing. If you’re after a strategy that’s powerful, rogue, and fun, look no further!
Friday, October 3rd - In the final draft before the pre-Shards break, Nick Eisel takes on Rich Hoaen in an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide draft on Magic Online. Read on to discover Nick's view on the table... Rich's evaluation is above!
Thursday, October 2nd - In the first of two head to head drafts, Nick Eisel takes on Rich Hoaen in an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide draft on Magic Online. Read on to discover Nick's view on the table... Rich's evaluation is above!
Wednesday, October 1st - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Tuesday, September 30th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Monday, September 29th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Friday, September 26th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Thursday, September 25th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Wednesday, September 24th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Tuesday, September 23rd - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Monday, September 22nd - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Friday, September 19th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums! [Editor's Note: Rich is taking another day off today... he'll be back on Monday!]
Thursday, September 18th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums! [Editor's Note: Rich is taking a day off today... he'll be back tomorrow!]
Wednesday, September 17th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Tuesday, September 16th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Monday, September 15th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Friday, September 12th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Thursday, September 11th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Wednesday, September 10th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Tuesday, September 9th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Monday, September 8th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Friday, September 5th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Thursday, September 4th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Wednesday, September 3rd - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Tuesday, September 2nd - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Monday, September 1st - In the first of a new StarCityGames.com daily column, Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Tuesday, August 26th - According to those in the know, drafting mono-color decks is quite the cat’s whiskers in Shadowmoor / Eventide draft. While the whole world knows about the power of Mono-Red, and Mono-Black has always been a favorite, it seems that Mono-Blue Aggro is a strong contender. Nick takes us through the finer points of the strategy...
Tuesday, August 19th - With Eventide now in the draft mix both online and off, Limited players around the world are learning the subtleties of the SSE format. Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick take us through an almost mono-colored draft walkthrough, sharing his thoughts and insights on the cards and format every step of the way...
Tuesday, August 12th - Eventide is now available online, and the drafters are gathered to wait for queues to fire in a few days… with an Eventide pack in the mix, things have definitely changed! Today, Nick examines some of the star players and also-rans from triple-Shadowmoor, and re-evaluates them in the Brave New World of SSE…
Tuesday, August 5th - Drafting with Eventide allows a plethora of options and opinions, and the debate over the strongest available archetype rages across the world. Many of the top players at U.S. Nationals enjoy drafting White… if that’s your own view, you’ll enjoy today’s draft walkthrough. Is drafting to your preference a key to the new format? Read on to find out!
Tuesday, July 29th - In triple-Shadowmoor Draft, the Black options was rather unappetizing. Many a first-pick Incremental Blight or Corrupt lay languishing in the sideboard of Red/Green and Blue/White decks. However, Eventide has powered up the color to a new level… today, Nick shows us how to make the most of this oft-ignored color.
Tuesday, July 22nd - With 180 fresh new cards entering the Limited cardpool this coming weekend, Nick Eisel is here to help! Eventide is nearly upon us, and the existing Draft archetypes in triple-Shadowmoor need updating with new tech. Let Nick lead the way…
Tuesday, July 15th - We all had fun at the Eventide prerelease this past weekend, but now it’s time to knuckle down to the serious work of evaluating the new cards for Limited play. Nick Eisel brings us his preliminary impressions on single cards and new strategies for forty-card Magic. If you’re looking for an edge in your next draft, look no further!
Tuesday, July 1st - With Magic Online throwing up server and lag issues, Nick has been working hard to bring us a tricky Shadowmoor Draft walkthrough, and today’s offering doesn’t disappoint. While it seems that Mono-Red is the current deck of choice for the discerning drafter, sometimes it’s best to stick with the devil you know…
Tuesday, June 24th - We’ve all heard of Red Deck Wins… variations on the theme have shaken up formats from Legacy to Block Constructed. In triple Shadowmoor Draft, Nick Eisel believes that such an aggressive archetype is ripe for the big time. With many of the key components going late, this is an archetype that bears close examination…
Tuesday, June 10th - While Shadowmoor has been the draft delicacy of choice for some months now, it appears it’s only just being brought to the sumptuous Magic Online table. With a menu of options so mouth-watering, how does a discerning mage judge the first fifteen cards in any given draft? Today, Nick Eisel takes us through three Pack 1 Pick 1 dilemmas, and highlights the analysis and the flexibility required for success in this tempestuous format.
Monday, June 2nd - Nick continues his breakdown of the triple Shadowmooor Draft archetypes. Having covered Blue/White and Red/Green in previous articles, today it’s the turn of the aggressive Green/White strategy. With excellent creatures and a smidgeon of removal, swinging for two has never been so much fun!
Monday, May 26th - Patrick Chapin is busy recovering from Pro Tour: Hollywood, and thus his article will appear later this week. In his place, we have Nick Eisel’s take on the innovative Milling draft strategy available in triple Shadowmoor. If attacking for two just ain’t your thing, look no further…
Tuesday, May 20th - Triple Shadowmoor Draft offers up a variety of exciting strategies for the more discerning Limited player. There are the usual strategies, like Blue/White Aggro or Black/Red Heavy Removal. There are the fringe strategies, like The Gun and the Mill archetype. And there’s Green/Red, which requires an unhealthy reliance on mana acceleration…
Tuesday, May 13th - With Shadowmoor draft being the current Limited format of choice, Nick Eisel has been experimenting with some more off-the-wall strategies in order to gain an edge on the field. One of his more successful strategies involves Power of Fire and everyone’s favorite untapper, Pili-Pala…
Tuesday, May 6th - Last week, Nick Eisel brought us his thoughts on the strongest color pairing in triple-Shadowmoor Limited – Blue/White Aggro. This week, it’s the turn of the flip-side of that particularly powerful coin – Black/Red. Is drafting the under-drafted a viable Shadowmoor strategy?
Tuesday, April 29th - Triple Shadowmoor is, or soon will be, the draft beverage of choice across the globe… yet even before the set sees its official release, Nick Eisel believes he’s found the Best Draft Archetype. Backed with numerous drafts and the opinions of some of the best drafters alive, Nick presents a comprehensive examination of Blue/White. Is it all that Nick claims it to be?
Tuesday, April 22nd - It seems that the Shadowmoor prerelease was a great success across the globe, with eager players casting a myriad of hybrid monsters with glee. Nick Eisel, originally skeptical about Shadowmoor Limited, has changed his mind after a weekend of intense play. Today, he shares his preliminary thoughts on some of the more overlooked synergies in the card pool…
Tuesday, April 15th - With Shadowmoor just around the corner, and the prerelease mere days away, Nick Eisel says farewell to the Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide draft experience. Today's Limited Lessons takes us through an LLM draft online, using DraftCap and the now-defunct MTGO Version 2.5... Nick brings us each pack and pick, and walks us through the draft process step by step.
Tuesday, April 8th - One of the trickier skills to master in Limited Magic is the creation of the perfect manabase. How many second-color lands should you run? How does curve alter the ratio? When should you splash, and how? Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick Eisel break down this arduous task into friendly bite-sized chunks...
Tuesday, April 1st - A few weeks back, Patrick "The Innovator" Chapin walked us through some of the Jedi Mind Tricks available to the Constructed Magician looking to gain an edge via the mental game and the bluff. Today, Limited guru Nick Eisel spills the beans on running the bluff in the forty-card formats… Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 25th - As you can see below, we’re maxing out the LLM walkthrough love with the return of Drafting With Rich. Of course, this doesn’t mean we’ve no more room for other Limited opinions... Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick walk us through an 8-4 draft of his own, opting for the road less traveled when it comes to conventional archetypes: Black/Red Giants.
Monday, March 17th - Whenever a new set is added to a well-explored draft format, there are a number of things up for consideration. One of the most overlooked aspects of exploration is the need to re-evaluate the cards of the first set in context with the cards from the second. Today, Nick brings us some of the overrated and underrated hits and misses now that Morningtide is in the mix…
[Editor's Note: Patrick Chapin will be appearing later in the week. Stay tuned!]
Tuesday, March 11th - Drafting with Morningtide is now available on Magic Online, every other day at least. In celebration, Nick brings us a Lor/Lor/Mor Draft walkthrough, and demonstrates how remaining flexible in the early stages of the draft can reap considerable rewards later…
Tuesday, March 4th - Morningtide has finally emerged into the light on Magic Online, and Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide drafts begin later this week. Today, Nick takes us through six of the more popular tribal archetypes and examines the tricks and traps each deck may spring. If you’re looking to maximize your online draft potential, look no further!
Monday, February 25th - The Limited Pro Tour is over, and Morningtide is due for its online release. People across the world are diving head-first into Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide Draft. In the first of a series of updated tribal articles, Nick brings us the lowdown on the Elementals, and how they’ve improved with a change in the third pack…
Tuesday, February 19th - On Sunday, Magic legend Jon Finkel rolled back the years to remind us exactly how good at the game he can be. With a 16-1-1 record across three days, he simply demolished the field. Today, Nick Eisel stands over his shoulder and reviews Jon’s wonderful Top 8 draft in depth. Believe me, it’s an eye-opener. Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 12th - Last week we had part 1 of our Morningtide Limited Review, with Portuguese Pro Tiago Chan taking us through the White, Blue, and Black offerings in the new set, with Limited guru Nick Eisel chipping in his own comments. Today, we have the reverse fixture: Nick walks us through the Red, Green, Articfact, and Land cards, and Tiago weighs in with his opinions!
With one pack of Morningtide replacing the third pack of Lorwyn, all of the tribal archetypes take a hit. Some tribes get a boost, while some get a kick in the teeth. Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick Eisel break down both the Faerie and Merfolk tribes, looking for that elusive edge in LLM draft.
With the release of Morningtide mere days away, we’re all looking forward to some hardcore Lor-Lor-Mor drafting. But how do the tribes shape up now we’ve one less pack of Lorwyn in the mix? Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick Eisel take a look at the improvements made to both the Kithkin and Elves strategy. If you’re a dedicated follower of aggression, this is the article for you!
The Morningtide Prerelease has come and gone… I hope you all had fun! In today’s Limited Lessons, Nick shares his initial thoughts on the newest set. Kinship, Prowl, Reinforce… just how good are they for Limited play?
With mere days until the Morningtide prerelease, Nick Eisel rounds out his Lorwyn-only Limited articles with an insightful piece on signaling. In triple Lorwyn drafts, there are a number of ways to signal intent to your neighbors, and Nick runs us through a bevy of examples from the Drafting With Tiago series. If you’re looking to improve your Limited game, this is the article for you!
As promised last week, today’s Limited Lessons opens the door on an intriguing power-packed Lorwyn draft archetype, as Nick walks us through an 8-4 draft that forces the issue. From first pick to last, with game descriptions… is this the format that could lead you to triple-Lorwyn success?
Last week, Nick promised us a draft walkthrough for hi powerful Fertile Ground strategy. Sadly, technical issues mean that this is impossible today… but never fear! For fans of fringe strategies, Nick has a new plan! Today he brings us the inside scoop on the blistering Green/White non-tribal Aggro strategy, a strategy that has won a PTQ or two. Intrigued? Then read on!
In a change from the advertized tribal drafting program, Nick branches out this week into a more experimental and irreverent archetype. Instead of basing your picks on tribal lines, grab the bustiest and best piece of cardboard and hang the consequences! Of course, there’s much more to it than that… let Nick show you how it’s done!
With the aftermath of Worlds playing havoc with the schedule, Nick Eisel moves up to Monday with another tribal archetype strategy guide! Thus far, he’s fed us Elementals, Kithkin, Giants, Merfolk, and Goblins. Next up, it’s the pro’s favorite – Faeries! If you’re looking to draft a control archetype in triple Lorwyn, let Nick show you how…
Nick, it seems, is in love with the wacky decks of Lorwyn draft. Today’s Limited Lessons is a pick-by-pick walkthrough that sees nick pilot a multicolored Elemental deck against the players in an 8-4 queue on Magic Online. It’s true that, if drafted correctly, the archetype is capable of some astounding plays… but was Nick correct to force the issue early? Click here to find out!
Lorwyn drafting, both online and in real life, are now in full swing. We’ve had many a primer article here on StarCityGames.com, including a number of informative tribal articles. Today, Nick Eisel brings us a look at some of the overvalued and underappreciated cards on offer in triple Lorwyn… which of these cards do you rate too highly, and which should you be slamming into your pile?
The tribal primers are coming thick and fast… we’ve brought you Faeries, Elementals, Elves, Giants, and more. Today is the turn of one of the more underappreciated tribes in triple Lorwyn draft – the White-heavy Kithkin. White Weenie is a popular strategy in Constructed, and has been so for many years. Can the little White menace make a splash in Lorwyn Draft? Nick reveals all…
Lorwyn Drafts on Magic Online are now in full swing… well, half swing at least. Despite the downtime and the hideous lag, Nick has managed to compile a few drafts for walkthroughs. Today’s walkthrough contains a number of tricky decisions, and highlights the importance of rating cards for both power and tribal concerns…
It’s another Limited day, and another Lorwyn tribe receives the full Eisel treatment! After dealing with Merfolk, Goblins, and Elementals, we move onto the flabbiest monsters in the set – the Giants. Most folk believe that these mana-hungry behemoths are easily swarmed by the quicker tribes on offer… but with a little forethought their synergies are strong. And what’s not to love about swinging with 6/6 monsters?
Nick Eisel, after bringing us the Lorwyn lowdown on Goblins and Merfolk in Lorwyn draft, turns his eye toward perhaps the most underrated tribe that the new set has to offer: Elementals. At the lower end of the curve, the guys sure look anemic... but their abilities can power up some insane plays. If you’re looking for a draft strategy with both power and guile, maybe the Elementals are for you...
So, you’ve scrubbed out at States and hit the side events... what now? It’s draft time! So far, We’ve touched on drafting with Elves, Goblins, and Faeries... today, Nick touches base with the nominally strongest tribe on offer in Lorwyn: Merfolk. Sure, we all know that Silvergill Douser is a first-pick bomb, and that this deck tends to play the control role. However, there are more intricate choices and decisions to be made when piloting our fishy friends. Let Nick lead the way!
Lorwyn is here, and drafting decks that adhere to strict tribal guidelines is obviously the key to success. But in a format awash with tribal options, which tribe is the correct way to go? While early wisdom suggests Merfolk or Faeries as the Lorwyn powerhouses, it’s clear that the Goblin tribe has a lot to offer. Removal, efficient guys, evasion, finishers... it’s all here! Let Nick show us how it’s done...
Drafting triple Lorwyn is proving to be a somewhat tricky affair. There are color concerns to consider as usual, alongside the complicated drafting-by-tribe problems posed. Signaling seems especially difficult, and people disagree on the power of cards, colors, and creature types. Nick takes a look at a variety of Limited questions, and takes us through some of the harder decisions he made in a recent LLL draft...
After a brief delay due to unforeseen circumstances, today we have Nick Eisel’s first look at Lorwyn! He walks us through his prerelease experience, sharing his card pool and thoughts on his eventual Top 8 build. He also highlights a few of the stronger cards in draft, and touches on the importance of the tribal theme, which will be a surefire cog in the Limited machine for weeks and months to come...
This weekend, we finally get our hands on Lorwyn! The prerelease is one of the most eagerly awaited weekends in the Magic calendar... but how can we maximize our chances of success? Without experience in playing the cards, we must rely on our evaluation techniques when faced with all-new pristine cardboard. Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick Eisel present us with some fine advice on card evaluation...
Masters Edition has been released, and MTGO folk everywhere are waiting for the lag to end in order to get their old-fashioned fix. MXX drafts MMM drafts, everyone praying they’ll open a foil Force of Will... it’s a retro maelstrom! Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick walk us through some of the finer points of MMX draft, bringing us the lowdown on the format and the skills required to max out our Masters profits.
It seems that Nick Eisel’s week off has lasted less than three days! In this late edition of Limited Lessons, Nick returns to his popular Draft Situations article series, and today’s tricky troubles are from the top drawer. Our Limited expert touches on choosing bombs over consistency, how to correctly analyze a draft cardpool, and when to gleefully ignore the cool plays when going for the throat...
Nick takes a break from his excellent Draft Situation series in order to bring us the lowdown on the fun and powerful U/B Control archetype in Time Spiral Draft. He takes us through the more powerful commons on offer for this archetype, and brings us a couple of interesting decklists that can be used as templates for success. Lorwyn is coming, and TPF is losing its shine... so if you’re looking at drafting something as little different, this is the article for you!
Limited expert Nick Eisel continues his excellent Draft Situations series with an in-depth look at a couple of interesting forty-card dilemmas. He brings us another tough pick in a TPF 8-4 draft, some tricky draft build considerations for a strong-looking pool, and a powerful pack from a three-on-three team draft at his local store. If you’re looking to improve your Limited game, this is the article series for you!
Last week, Nick asked the forum folk a question: would they like to see a Tenth Edition Draft walkthrough. The answer was a resounding yes, and today Nick makes good on his promise. He takes us through each difficult pick, and gives us some food for thought with intricate game scenarios. If you’re looking to improve your Limited game, this is the article for you!
Today marks the opening of the Tenth Edition Draft queues on Magic Online... and Nick Eisel is here to help. In this illuminating article, Nick breaks down the top commons in each of the colors, and looks at some of the stronger draft archetypes. Is U/W the way to go with White? Is Four-Color Green, or even Five-Color Green, viable in a format bursting with mana fixing? Nick reveals all...
Forty-card Magic is considered by some to be the true test of a player’s talent and skill. Tricky draft choices and complicated in-game decisions go a long way towards proving that Magic is the most challenging game ever devised. Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick share a pair of difficult Limited decisions — one draft pick, one in-game scenario — in an attempt to clarify the best move available, and in turn open our minds to new avenues of strategic thought. If you’re serious about improving your Limited game, it’s articles like this that will prove invaluable.
In a change to our usual schedule, Nick Eisel brings us the latest edition of Limited Lessons a day early. Today's article takes us through a TPF draft... but this is not your run-of-the-mill walkthrough. Instead, Nick zooms in on the trickier picks in the draft, and finishes with some intricate in-game decisions that are invaluable tools for those looking to increase their Limited prowess.
Last week's Limited Lessons saw Nick take us through a TPF draft walkthrough pick by pick. One particular early choice saw Nick take an on-color Gemhide Sliver over the more powerful Griffin Guide... and he faced some heat for this in the forums. Such picks, however, are definitely worth examining with the overall draft dynamic in mind. Today's excellent article begins to explain why abstract picks such as these are never cut and dried, and touches on why parroting picks from ordered lists and published walkthroughs is by no means the path to success...
Last week, Nick Eisel broke down the picks and tricks required in order for us to draft the popular Green/Red archetype in Time Spiral Limited. Today, he takes us through a sample Green/Red draft pick-by-pick, and examines a fair few difficult choices in some detail. He rounds out with the deck itself, and a rundown of the games played. If you're looking for a new way to beat down with a forty-card deck, maybe Nick has the answers for you...
Drafting TPF is a peculiar thing... Future Sight, it seems, has definitely thrown the cat amongst the pigeons. One of the classic Limited aggro strategies, Green/Red is proving both popular and powerful, but the marquee cards such as Sprout Swarm appear to be of a controlling bent. So what do we do? Thankfully, Nick Eisel is here today to bring us the lowdown on the archetype. Pack-by-pack pick orders, card analysis, sample decklists... it's all here!
After sunning it up in San Diego this past weekend, Nick Eisel returns to bring us a full Time Spiral / Planar Chaos / Future Sight draft walkthrough, from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. The early picks in particular bear close examination, as Nick himself had doubts while selecting the cards. Was he right? Read on to find out!
In this article, Nick Eisel brings us a truly desperate Time Spiral Sealed cardpool. Yes, it has powerful options... but which way should you turn? Nick takes us through a number of prospective builds, and asks for our input in the forums. If you fancy yourself as a Sealed Deck expert, then now is your chance to shine!
Nick kick-starts his new Tuesday slot with a comprehensive TPF 8-4 Draft walkthrough from Magic Online. While his final deck is packed with power, there are a number of very close picks, and Nick is still unsure that he made the right calls at certain times. Do you agree with all his choices? Come debate them in the forums!
After posting a mediocre result in Regionals, Nick returns to the format he knows best: Limited. Today's Limited Lessons sees Mr Eisel examine some of the under- and over-appreciated cards from Time Spiral and Planar Chaos, cards whose value has changed with the inclusion of Future Sight. With the format now legal on Magic Online, it's the perfect time to brush up on your forty-card strategy!
The Road to Regionals series continues all this week, and Nick is on the case! Today he tackles the popular fringe strategy Mono Black Rack, and offers some advice for the decks you're likely to face this weekend. A lot of Magic pundits advocate storming with the Dragons at Regionals: does the heavy discard available to the Black mage offer hope against the Four Hellkites of the Apocalypse?
Grand Prix: Strasbourg helped set the metagame for the approaching Block Constructed PTQ season. Mono Red and U/B/x control seem to be the order of the day. Today's Limited Lessons forgoes the 40-card piles in favor of a sixty-card setup that has a fair matchup against both of the format's main contenders. Looking for the latest tech? Look no further!
Once upon a time, not so long ago, there was a popular TTT draft strategy called U/R. It was the biggest and strongest draft strategy in the kingdom. Then, suddenly, along came Planar Chaos, and the strategy got a little weaker. Then came Future Sight, and the strategy fell to pieces. What went wrong? Nick answers that question, and provides an excellent breakdown of all the U/x color parings for TPF draft!
Nick climbs aboard the Draft Express this week, taking us through our paces in a Time Spiral / Planar Chaos / Future Sight draft. Each pick is dissected in detail, and each success and failure is discussed at length. The three-set format is always a major jolt when we emigrate from the two-set game, and the addition of Future Sight throws some industrial-strength spanners in the works. If you're looking to improve your 40-card game, then this is a fine place to start!
Nick takes a break from top-end Limited strategy to talk about the Constructed deck that’s on everyone’s lips at the moment... Hulk Flash! With Grand Prix: Columbus mere weeks away, Nick shares all the info he has on this most promising of broken concoctions. He also compiles all the available data in one handy place! If you’re planning on running — or beating — this deck at the upcoming Grand Prix, this article is invaluable!
With the Future Sight prerelease behind us, and the official release around the corner, it’s time to take a week-long in-depth look at the new set! In the first of our “Spotlight on Future Sight” series, Nick Eisel takes a look at a couple of draft archetypes that have been affected be the new cards. One of the archetypes discussed has become rather confusing, but the other is a new strategy that appears to be stone cold insane...
We’ve all laid our greedy little fingers on the new cards from Future Sight... so what do you guys think? Is the set a hit or a miss? Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick share his first impressions of the Marty McFly set, with particular reference to a common card that he believes will change the format beyond recognition. Intrigued? Then read on!
Nick takes a break from archetype breakdowns and card evaluations in order to break down some of the more nebulous aspects of draft strategy. Playing to your subconscious, controlling the pace of play, and the understanding the draft tendencies of your own game (and those of others)... it’s all here in this thought-provoking and masterful article.
With Time Spiral Draft (TTP) being the eight-man Limited format of choice, any new information is paramount if you’re looking to rock your next MTGO 8-4 or Friday Night Magic session. Nick wades into the constant debate with a few new ideas and card evaluations based on extensive play. He also shares his cardpool from the recent Two-Headed Giant Limited Grand Prix in Fitchburg.
Before setting out for Grand Prix: Boston, Nick played an IPA Qualifying event on Magic Online. He walks us through his Sealed cardpool and deckbuilding choices, and brings us a game-by-game rundown of his journey toward the Top 8. Did he qualify for the chance to rip a foil Pernicious Deed? Read on to find out!
Nick takes a well-deserved break from Limited writing today, and instead concentrates on an intriguing deck for Time Spiral Block Constructed: Green/Red Wild Pair. Since the arrival of Planar Chaos, it seems that everyone is looking for a way to break this powerful enchantment in half... is this the deck that does it?
It’s a running joke here at Chez Craig that whenever my friends watch me draft, I inevitably open a Pulmonic Sliver. Now, thanks to this comprehensive guide to drafting the U/W Sliver archetype, I feel happy to slam the 3/3 flyer and ride him to victory! If you’re looking to draft a deck with the ultimate synergy, then this is the article for you!
This week, I decided to take a break from talking about Two-Headed Giant. I haven’t done a regular draft walkthrough in a while - and with the recent release of Planar Chaos on Magic Online, I thought it’d be a good change of pace.
Last week, Nick took us through a Two-Headed Giant Draft pick-by-pick. Today’s Limited Lessons takes us through the crucial deckbuilding process. How do card considerations differ in the slower and trickier format? Is it wise to take the stronger cards and be greedy over building once the draft is over? Nick reveals all...
The forums demanded, and Nick delivers! Today’s Limited Lessons examines a complete Two-Headed Giant Draft from picks 1 and 2 to the very end. Nick leads us by the hand through the rocky waters of bizarre pick orders and differing card evaluations. There is some strange fruit to be sampled in this format... don’t be left behind!
With the Top 8s of the approaching Two-Headed Giant Champs events being 2HG Draft, and with a Pro Tour looming that shares the format, Nick takes a timely look at the basics of the game. It's safe to say that you can take your Time Spiral and Planar Chaos pick orders and throw them out of the window! Urborg Syphon-Mage over Errant Ephemeron? Cancel over Lightning Axe? It's a strange new world, to be sure...
It's safe to say that Kenji Tsumura is on a roll. Multiple tournament wins, many more high-placed finishes... topped off yesterday with a Top 8 performance at Pro Tour: Geneva. However, our Limited expert Nick Eisel has a few things to say about some of Kenji's picks during the Pro Tour... while he doesn't question Kenji's ability, he certainly raises some interesting points about his draft choices. Do you agree?
In the first of a week-long five-part series that investigates Planar Chaos, Nick Eisel examines the new cards in detail. Instead of a "normal" card-by-card set review, we'll be looking at the impact that Planar Chaos will have across a number of formats. Nick's agenda? Planar Chaos in TTP draft. Stay tuned this week for more Impact articles!
Nick Eisel has now played - and won - a fair number of TTP Drafts (Time Spiral / Time Spiral / Planar Chaos). Of course, he's picked up a few tricks along the way. Today's Limited Lessons sees Mr Eisel share his thoughts on the ever-popular Green/Red archetype, plus some new ideas on the up-and-coming Green/Blue color pairing. Is this traditionally tempo-reliant pairing really the new aggro weapon of choice?
With the Prerelease weekend now officially behind us, Nick takes a look at how the new cards will change Time Spiral draft. Triple Time Spiral was a format with many flaws and virtues... Will the removal options present open up new tactics and strategies? Which color combinations promise to excel, when we consider that the third pack messes with the color pie? All this, and more, available within...
In the first of his regular weekly columns on Limited Magic, Nick Eisel examines some of the unsung heroes of Time Spiral draft. Those thirteenth- and fourteenth-pick cards that wing their way around the table time and again? Maybe they should be in your final forty. Nick also takes a baseball bat to some of the overblown cards of the format, busting their hype bubbles and sending them packing. Are you still picking Durkwood Baloth over Penumbra Spider? Then this is the article for you!
Bastien Perez made the Top 8 of Pro Tour: Kobe with an innovative Green/Red "swarm" strategy based around suspend, storm, and Strength in Numbers. Since that fateful Sunday, little has been written about this powerful archetype - the major players have instead been scrabbling like truffle-pigs for the Blue cards. Nick attempts to redress the balance with this article, penning a comprehensive primer for those looking to first-pick an Empty the Warrens...
What follows are some situations I’ve encountered recently where I lost the game due to a poor judgment call on my part. All of my plays are justifiable, but in this format the smallest thing can cost you a game - and you need to constantly be re-examining your play if you want to do well. Let's take a look at what I did wrong.
While the majority of the pro community are notoriously tight-lipped with tech come Worlds, Nick is here to spread the Extended love. Today he shares an intriguing deck that has definite power... is it strong enough to make waves in the coming Worlds metagame?
Early in the season, it seemed the pros all knew one thing... that Blue and Red were the colors to be! Of course, differing results cast doubt over that assertion, but Nick is back to lay down the law! Today's article is a comprehensive guide to the archetype, with common pick orders, uncommons and rares of note, and a strong sample decklist. U/R is Nick's weapon of choice... can it work for you?
Limited expert Nick Eisel turns his eye to the Standard metagame, bringing us a tasty Life from the Loam / Stormbind deck that has definite power and potential. While Standard is currently packed with a number of strong strategies, and all manner of decks can mix it up on the top tables, there is no denying that Time Sprial brings a plethora of untapped power to the format. Want the edge in your next Standard tournament? Then read on...
Nick rounds out his entertaining Pro Tour: Kobe report, covering each round of play from the second day. His drafts show that even Limited experts can come unstuck at the highest level - winning decks can fall by the wayside, and apparent "steaming piles" can go all the way. While Nick didn't quite make the bright lights of Sunday play, his money finish proves that his take on the format bears close examination...
Nick jetted to Japan with a clear vision in mind. His preparation for the event was successful, and his confidence was high. With fair fortune and tight play, maybe he could crack the Top 8... Today he presents the first part of his report, dealing with the first day of play. He shares each of his draft decks, perfect timing for the online Time Spiral release week...
After a dose of draft and a slice of Sealed deck, Nick delivers his preliminary verdict on the highs and lows of the new set. He theorizes that play skill is currently more important than deckbuilding considerations, and gives us a brief lowdown of each color's strength for triple Time Spiral draft. Nick is practicing hard for Pro Tour: Kobe... expect future articles to break the format wide open!
Triple Coldsnap draft continues to divide the community in equal measure. Some love it, some hate it... but no-one can ignore it. Today, Nick takes us through a sample draft, one in which he eschews his usual strategy of "force Red/Green," with mixed (and interesting) results. Do you agree with his choices and evaluations?
With the PTQs for Pro Tour: Kobe continuing apace, Nick Eisel presents his Ravnica Cardpool and Coldsnap Drafts from GP: St. Louis. He chronicles his performance in the event with detailed match data, and shares some handy tips for those hoping to do well in their upcoming Limited tournaments. Looking for an edge in your PTQ field? Nick can help...
Nick took a methodical, structured approach to Standard testing for the 2006 U.S. Nationals. His article today shares his process, step-by-step, with his thoughts behind a number of decks in the current metagame. He shares his test decks, and the list of his final weapon of choice, alongside some practical tips on preparing for large events. Invaluable advice for those working toward upcoming Constructed tournaments.
Nick brings us the stories from his recent PTQ win, qualifying him for Pro Tour: Kobe. After receiving a fine RGD pool, the first he's received in some time, he highlights the cards that brought home the metaphorical bacon. With detailed match walkthroughs and some interesting Limited insights, Nick's report is a fine primer for those attending RGD Limited PTQs in the future.
With two Grand Prix tournaments, in Malmo and St Louis, happening this weekend, and both featuring triple Coldsnap drafting for their Day 2 play, Nick Eisel brings us a timely article examining some of the tricks and traps of Magic's newest Limited format. By now, of course, we're pretty sure that Snow does, in fact, Matter... but what other information do we need to break through the ice?
The qualifiers for Pro Tour: Kobe are in full swing, and Nick Eisel is here to help! While Ravnica Block Sealed is a well-travelled format, there are still a few twists and turns that can catch an unsuspecting Mage unawares. Nick shares a recent MTGO cardpool which brings up a few interesting choices, and sheds new light on some of the cards that you may not be playing... I mean, Bronze Bombshell?!
With Ravnica Limited finally becoming a little clearer, it's time to dust off our walkthrough shoes and watch Nick go though the paces. In today's informative article, Mr Eisel presents every twist and turn from a successful RGD Draft. He examines each pick in detail, discusses some of the trickier deckbuilding decisions, and shares the plays and pitfalls from the resultant games.
While conventional wisdom tells us that a three-color deck is the RGD Draft path of choice, there is merit in ignoring such advice. Nick believes that utilizing a two-color strategy, while sacrificing power, can reap considerable benefits in tempo and consistancy. He breaks down two of the more successful two-color archetypes, providing pick choices and sample decklists, and does so without touching a drop of Blue mana!
Limited maestro Nick Eisel rounds off this excellent three-part series by examining the original Heavy Metal guild: Rakdos. Hellbent flies in the face of all accepted Magic theories... can it be powerful if utilized as demanded? What are the best colors to pair with the hardcore beatdown of Ravnica's true madmen? Sample decklists, card evaluations, archetype discussion, and more, all available a click away!
While Nick is primarily known for his forty-card prowess, it wasn't always that way... Constructed Magic played a big part in his development. Today, he gives us the lowdown on the base-Green Dovescape deck that propelled him to second place at Pennsylvania Regionals! In-depth game-by-game analysis, sideboarding tips, and a full matchup breakdown... what more do you need?
With Regionals now behind us, it's time to turn to our Limited game. Qualifiers for Pro Tour Kobe are looming large, and the RGD Draft format is still a confusing miasma of ideas and themes. Today, Nick attempts to shine a torch through the fog, and shows us the strengths - and weaknesses - of basing your drafts in the traditionally control-crazy Blue White Azorius guild. Can the White guys live up to the crushing R/U/G archetype? Nick reveals all...
Limited specialist Nick Eisel takes us through the many options presented when drafting the Simic guild in RGD. While conventional wisdom shows us that doing so leaves us with a lack of guild picks from one of the first two boosters, PT Prague proved that the Green and Blue guild delivers strength in depth. What are the cards you need to succeed? Which picks have now risen in value? All this, and more, just a click away...
With the Dissension release now mere days away, and Pro Tour Prague just around the corner, eyes are turning to RGD Draft. The recent prerelease was the first time us mere mortals laid our hands on the cards. Today, Nick shares his prerelease experience, and runs through some of the strong (and weak) cards that'll see Limited play in the weeks and months to come.
As the world waits for Dissension, Nick branches away from his usual Ravnica/Guildpact play to take part in the Visions Release Events on Magic Online. Are you tired of drafting RRG? Do you fancy shaking your booty with the older cards? If so, Nick has the low-down on the format, and the results to prove it. A break from the norm, before the Dissension madness hits town this weekend...
By his own admission, Nick is a fan of the Blue spells. Ravnica/Guildpact Draft is no exception to this... however, Nick has lately been dabbling in the murky waters of Green and Black, with strong results. Today, he presents a comprehensive Draft walkthrough, with each pick examined and each match replayed. Want to draft like the pros? Here's how...
The Limited maestro returns, with tips and tricks on drafting the most powerful color-combination in RRG Draft. With Guildpact making the format one of the most skill-testing in years, Nick cuts a swathe through the mystery and sets out his tips for Limited success.
Can Nick transform his Magic Online success into a PTQ victory? The answer to that question... plus tips, tricks, and tech from one of the most feared Limited players in the game... is just one click away!
Following his excellent article on the Undervalued Gems of Guildpact, Nick takes us through a Ravnica/Ravnica/Guildpact draft, with each pick examined under a microscope. It's all here: strengths and weaknesses, pick choices, draft summary, match reports and more! Whether you're looking to qualify for Pro Tour Prague or just improve your understanding of the Ravnica/Ravnica/Guildpact draft format, you won't want to miss this one!
Nick shares his views on the new Rav-Rav-Guildpact Draft environment, spilling the metaphorical beans on some underrated cards you may have missed. Cards that perform well, cards that fail to live up to the hype... cards you should, and should not, be playing.
With Guildpact finally upon us, a whole new world of Draft has been opened up. No longer are you constrained to play one of four or five possible archetypes in a Limited format, as was the case in triple Ravnica. If you can’t already tell, I’m excited.
As far as rogue archetypes in this format, Ken Krouner did an interesting piece on the Cloudstone Curio and Savra archetypes, and there has been some other writing out there as well. Triple Ravnica just doesn't have the room for innovation that other stand-alone sets have had in the past. Yet there are still a few underdrafted archetype out there if you know where to look. Today I'll discuss one such archetype that is probably a lot better than you think.
It's that time again, the time where Nick gives you his take on over and underdrafted cards in the environment as well as discussing one of the better off-guild archetypes you can draft. Check it out!
What happens when you stick to the wrong colors during a draft and it all goes wrong? Nick deconstructs one of his drafts and shows you why it fell apart and how you can avoid certain Ravnica draft pitfalls. Plus, which cards are key to a successful Selesnya draft? Eisel's got the answers!
Like many of you, Nick has been dreaming about cards games lately, and after a great deal of play with The City of Guilds, he's come up witha set of rules for Limited play that you would do well to know, even if you don't follow them. What's the best card in the set for Limited? The best guild in draft? The answers to these questions and more are but a click away.
Lately my draft results have been showing that the best two decks by far in Ravnica Limited are R/W and U/B. Since I've already said my peace about the U/B Mill deck, I figured it was time to discuss the fastest archetype in Ravnica Limited.
I know I promised in my last article that I was going to do a draft guide for the R/W Boros archetype in Ravnica Limited this week, but I simply didn't get to draft the deck enough yet to know all of the inner workings. While doing my usual weekly barrage of drafts though, I did come upon another archetype that has turned out to be much better than I'd ever expected from just looking at the spoiler. That archetype is the Dimir Guild's Mill deck.
This series is going to be a slight departure from my usual card valuations articles (though I will still do some of those in the coming weeks) in that I am going to give you guys an inside look at the drafts I do, mistakes I make, and especially the important insights and conclusions I come to about the new Limited environment. What I'm going for here is a deeper approach to helping my readers understand the format and how I go about evaluating cards and archetypes through actual draft experience.
While most of the Magical world was off enjoying their Ravnica prerelease experience, Nick Eisel was at home battling Ken Krouner and others for digital glory.
Just as Ravnica Beta e-mails are showing up in Magic Online inboxes, Nick gets nostalgic takes the world of Kamigawa for one last spin around the block before she retires to second-tier status.
It's only a month now until Kamigawa Block draft fades away leaving Ravnica in its place, but the format will still be present on Magic Online for considerably longer than that. I figured today would be a perfect time to give you my final thoughts on playing or drawing in the format, and adjust some minor pick orders in the earlier sets to correspond with what Saviors has done to the format.
In the past Nick Eisel has produced some of the most creative and interesting Limited articles around as part of his Snapping Thragg series. That series is back today, as Nick takes a chance to examine one particular matchup in full block Limited at a very detailed level to see which archetype is clearly superior.
A couple of weeks ago, I did a drafting guide for the 5-Color Green archetype in Champions/Betrayers/Saviors. This week, I want to provide you with an actual Walkthrough, along with plenty of commentary that should help anyone trying to learn how to draft the deck better.... because there's an important lesson in today's draft on not compromising your mana base.
I’ve always been of the opinion that many otherwise solid drafters don’t take the necessary time to re-evaluate the older cards whenever a new set enters the format. Just because something was great in CCB doesn’t mean it’s still going to be amazing in CBS. Fortunately, I’m very interested in the subject and ready to help those of you that feel like slacking off.
It seems like at least once a block, Five-Color Green turns into not only a decent strategy, but a dominant one. Today Nick provides the details on how to draft the latest rendition of what can be a very powerful archetype.
Last time, I took an early look of some Saviors cards that I thought would prove to be influential in the new format. I want to pick up where I left off and also talk about a favorite archetype of mine, while discussing some Champions and Betrayers cards to keep an eye on.
Nick's been drafting the new set a lot since the prerelease and has compiled a solid list of cards that are either falling well short of the hype, or that are absolutely dominating some drafts. Which ones are which? Now that would be cheating... Regardless, this article should give a nice boost to your Saviors Limited learning curve.
Sometimes you can find that pivotal moment in a draft where one choice - usually a choice that goes with conventional wisdom - leads you to drafting a deck slightly worse than if you had chosen a different path. In a strong article today, Nick highlights one such moment in a recent draft and furthers the debate on the "Best Card vs. Best Pick" dilemma.
Champions/Betrayers draft is fully mature now and Nick has reevaluated some of the cards he has written about previously, particularly from Champions. What cards does he feel are over and underrated at the draft tables? The details are inside.
In this article, Nick covers all of the best archetypes in Betrayers Limited, detailing the cards that make the decks tick and then pointing out some over and underrated cards in each archetype that you might not be playing right now.
With his set review now complete, Nick steps directly into a draft walkthrough that contains a few interesting twists and turns along the way. Where did Nick go wrong and what would you have done differently? Enquiring minds want to know!
What does Nick have to say about the best card in the set and why does he compare it to Skullclamp? What Champions cards have made a big jump in playability since the introduction of Betrayers? What clever pictures has Yawgatog worked up this week? The answers to all these questions and more are just a click away!
A lot of people have said that Green is the deepest color in Betrayers Limited and noted pundits like Tim Aten put Matsu-Tribe Sniper at the top of the commons heap. Nick respectfully disagrees with both sentiments today, but to find out what the best common, uncommon, and rares are in Green, you'll have to check inside.
If you've read any of Nick's articles recently, you know that unlike most pros, he hates Black. Well Betrayers of Kamigawa is out now, but were there enough good commons and uncommons to change Nick's mind, or is Black still so bad that even the totally sweet power of rat ninjas isn't enough to sway his opinion?
Usually when a new set comes out it's pretty clear which color came out on top with all of the new goodies. This time it didn't seem so clear at first, but after playing a bit, I think I have the answer to the question: Which color got the biggest boost from Betrayers?
My vote goes to Red, and this week I'll tell you why.
I can't remember a time when Blue wasn't my favorite color in Magic. I've heard a number of top-notch players say it is one of the worst colors in triple Champions draft, and while I believe they have some good arguments to back this statement, I simply cannot agree with it. It could be a matter of personal preference, my extreme dislike for Black, or a number of other things, but I still draft Blue quite often in CCC (on MTGO) and believe it to be one of the top colors in the format. With that in mind, it's time to look at the impact that Betrayers will have on my beloved color.
I'm going to separate by rarities instead of just doing one big list, since I don't think there's a huge amount of value in ranking the rares among each other, though I will specify if an uncommon is generally better than the rest of the commons in the color. I also want to include decklists, pick orders, and tough picks when possible to show where a certain card will be valuable, though this won't happen until the later colors when I have more experience with the set. My point is that I don't want this to be a usual boring series of set reviews - I plan to spice it up as much as possible.
Nick weighs in with his initial thoughts on drafting with Betrayers of Kamigawa, then shares some of the ideas that have already been popping up at CMU!
With Betrayers coming out soon, I think this week is a good time to take a look back at some of the initial reviews of CoK Limited and see what we can learn from the mistakes that were made in initial evaluation of the new cards as well as how the format turned out as a whole. I do realize that this format will still be legal on MTGO for some time, but I think it’s still worth analyzing what has changed over the past few months of drafting in comparison to the initial insights on the set.
Everybody and their brother wants to draft Dampen.dec these days because... well, because it's both powerful and stylish. But what happens when you don't get the Dampen Thoughts that make the deck work? Is there a way to draft this type of deck and still win without the namesake card? Nick shares his thoughts today on how to keep winning even when you are a hopeless Dampen.dec addict like he is.
Today Nick throws down his thoughts about Jabberwocky, Mystic Restraints (overplayed), Reverse the Sands (a potential bomb), and a particularly tough pack he faced recently. He also muses about a potential new draft archetype he stumbled upon recently while drafting a bad Dampen.dec.
Nick drafts a four-color pile of awfulness in his latest Champions of Kamigawa Draft Walkthrough. Think I'm kidding or wondering how he ended up with the deck? See for yourself.
Nick Eisel has done it again. He's the only Limited writer on the planet willing to construct his own experiments, find subjects to test them on, and then write thirty-page articles on the entire process, complete with analysis of all the hard picks, commentary on draft mistakes, and coverage of every match from the draft. In short, this article is awesome.
I've got a piece of "Limited Information" for you guys to analyze from one of our regular drafts at CMU. I ended up arriving a little bit late this week since I had to give my best friend Jeremy Darling a ride down to CMU. We got there just as the first draft was starting as a result of his sluggishness, and I decided that it would be better to help Dr. Martel draft than to just sit around and do nothing until another draft started up. In doing so, a very interesting pick came up and I'd like to get input from you guys on it, since Martel and I didn't agree initially.
This is probably my favorite subject to write on, since I love talking about over and underrated cards and helping people figure out the format. What cards are you overlooking, and which ones should you be drafting higher? The Eisel knows...
When I first read that one of the new mechanics in Champions was the addition of the Arcane subtype to a select group of Instants and Sorceries, I was pretty sure the impact was going to be minimal. Boy, was I wrong.
Nick goes over some of his first impressions of the new format after a week-and-a-half of drafting it and gives you insight on some hidden gems that you may not have noticed when you played at the prerelease. If you think Devouring Greed is unplayable or Mystic Restraint is the best Blue common, then you might want to see what Nick has to say before you play this weekend...
This week I decided to do one last MD5 Walkthrough since the format will still be up and running on Magic Online for quite some time. This time I used a different approach to the draft though, since some people have been claiming that I’m “handpicking” drafts that are too powerful or something. For this draft, I decided that it’d be more of a “Live” draft, since I’m just sitting down on MTGO, covering the draft, and then writing about it.
Let's begin with one of the more difficult draft decks I've had to build in the past few weeks from MTGO. I was constantly getting good cards late, but the problem was that they were all heavy on the mana requirements and in three different colors to boot. I'm going to list all of the relevant picks in order first and then go over some of the builds I went through during deck construction after some discussion about the draft.
In my last article I went over the basic guidelines for drafting what I consider to be the most powerful archetype in MD5 Limited. This week I'm going more in depth with a step by step approach to drafting and then building one of these monsters.
In the past month of playing at least a draft a day, I’m fairly certain that I’ve broken the MD5 draft format wide open with a single archetype. I basically go into every draft with the idea of forcing this deck in some shape or form, since the deck is extremely flexible and maximizes the power level you can obtain, while still keeping up with the tempo of the format.
Class is almost out for the year, and I've had more time to start playing regular Magic again, so I thought I'd take some time today and share some of my ideas on some"terrible" cards that I think are actually good, as well as one of my favorite archetypes in the format. Tim Aten did a nice article last week on some of the underrated Darksteel cards, so I'll try not to overlap anything with what he said, and I do have some goodies of my own.
The overall opinion on the format seems to be that Black is the dominating color, and Green is pretty bad unless you can get in a position where you're one of two drafters at the table pulling for it. The pick here seems to be Spikeshot Goblin without a question, though you could make a case for the Den-Guard or Trolls if you want to fight strongly for either color.
Jerry, the pilot of this draft, explained that he wanted the Glimmervoid for a Standard Affinity deck and didn't think the pick affected the overall result of his draft.
Honestly, I've searched and searched for some sort of strategy to write about, but if I haven't said already, somebody else has. Call it writer's block if you will, but I really don't think Darksteel has affected the format as much as many of the sets have in the past. So I guess I'm gonna have to reach into the old file cabinet and pull out one of my old ideas for an article that I never got around to writing since there was always more important things to talk about.
Sometimes the best advice you can give someone is the last thing you'd ever think of. I found this out pretty quick when I received an absolutely overwhelming response to my article last week on stepping up your game. Most of the things I addressed in that piece are things that are second nature to me, and what I consider to be the ground level attributes of any winning player. While they are very basic, they are also essential to winning play.
Anyway, since I only touched the tip of the iceberg last week and got a huge response from you guys, I figure it would only be fitting to go a little deeper into the topic this week.
What I am offering up is a list of points that you should think about if you ever want to improve your game. While I realize this type of thing has been done many times before, I think I have a number of things to hit on that many people haven't covered, and that I find very important to anyone looking to get better at Magic, especially Limited. These are things that changed me from a mediocre player into a pro player years ago, and they are general enough that they can work for everyone.
Ah, Black. The color of Witches, Evil, and Darkness. Ken Ho proved one of my initial thoughts last weekend when he took down GP Oakland with a mono-Black draft deck in Mirrodin Limited. The moment I saw the spoiler for Darksteel, I decided that this deck would finally have enough firepower to exist prominently in the draft metagame.
When Mirrodin first came out I constantly joked about finding a way to break this card. Apparently, I've come close to doing it, as I've drafted"The Hysteria Deck" three times with a total record of 8-1 in matches. Basically the only constraint here is that you need lots of large Green men and you can basically count the Hysteria as a"trick" of sorts, since there's no way your opponent is going to be playing around it right off the bat. I've stolen games with a surprise Malachite Golem or Clockwork Condor before, even when my opponent knew the awful Red rare was lurking in my deck.
Honestly, I thought we'd seen the end of broken Mirrodin Limited uncommons with Loxodon Warhammer, Grab the Reins, and Crystal Shard. Skullclamp is likely as big a mistake as Wild Mongrel, even if it isn't as obvious at first.
This week at CMU I was lucky enough to get shipped two copies of the degenerate piece of cardboard, right into my near mono-White deck. I didn't come close to losing a game, and especially not those games where I dropped the Clamp. One game I drew sixteen additional cards by turn 6 off of my Raise the Alarms and 1/1 dorks.
As you've probably read on Sideboard.com, seventeen land in Mirrodin Limited is a thing of the past. I've wanted to write this article for weeks, but was asked to hold off by my friends on team CMU since they wanted to keep the information secret until after PT Amsterdam. With that in mind, even though Sideboard let the information out of the bag, there are a lot of things to talk about regarding this"Spellbomb" archetype.
The experiment works like this. I build the packs for an entire 8-man booster draft (twenty-four packs). I then build the same set of packs again, making two copies of the exact same draft. I have my CMU cohorts sit down and draft once, and then for the second run of the same draft, I move the packs back three seats so that different people are drafting different packs even though both of the drafts are identical. The object, of course, is to see how different people draft the same exact set of packs.
In the past, playing four or five colors in a forty card deck usually meant that you had a base color of Green so that you could find the mana of your splash colors. Invasion block and Urza's block stand out in my mind specifically, since this strategy was not only viable, but also one of the defining archetypes of the format.
The times have changed, however, and here we are smack dab in the middle of triple Mirrodin Limited. While the above statement remains true, as Green's common list contains Journey of Discovery, a new race of dorks has arrived to give every color the opportunity to splash: The Myr.
Wizards has apparently taken a liking to the Blue/Red color combination in the last two blocks, as it has been completely dominant in the format before either of the small expansions are released. Last year it was Sparksmith, Lavamancer's Skill, and Mistform Wall. This year it's Electrostatic Bolt, Spikeshot Goblin, and Neurok Spy. Go figure.
While I wouldn't go as far to say the U/R is absolutely unbeatable in triple Mirrodin Limited, I'll say that there have been very few times when I've had a solid version of the archetype that I've actually lost.
Thinking about Equipment tends to make me all nostalgic with regard to the medieval era. The time where donning a sword and six hundred pounds of plate mail was the cool thing to do. The artwork on the Equipment cards themselves only pushes this statement to the next level, as they actually look like medieval weaponry.
This new card type has had a huge impact on the Limited format and since no one else has stepped up to the plate to address the issue, I'm more than happy to offer my thoughts.
Just a couple days ago, Tim Aten posted his Red pick order for Mirrodin and I was absolutely shocked at how different it was when compared to mine. Now don't get me wrong, Tim can certainly play with the best of em' and I've always had lots of respect for his game. Heck, we even ran a team PTQ together a while back with Kenny the Shungfather. I just can't understand how his pick order could be so different than mine and I feel inclined to share my own findings.
With Mirrodin almost ready to be released on Magic Online, I've received a number of emails regarding the makeup of a successful draft deck in the new format. How many Lands? Spells? Creatures? Equipment? As with most things in Magic, the number of Spells and Equipment tends to vary from deck to deck. Two important constants that I've found though are the amount Creatures and Land you want to have. Usually I'd never want to run less than twelve creatures, and fourteen or more is gravy.
Now let's talk about Land. For those of you who have been unable to get a good amount of experience in the format as of yet, you need to know that the standard rule has just been thrown out the window...
Is it possible to get passed a fourth pick Skeleton Shard, fourth and fifth pick Betrayals of the Flesh, plus a fifth pick Plated Slagwurm and not win?
If this draft teaches you anything, it should be that choosing the right path early in the draft is incredibly important if you plan on sticking to it. Oscar chose a less-than-optimal route during the draft and then refused to switch out of it despite being given numerous opportunities. If you do happen to make a bad judgment call early in the draft and realize it, you can still salvage it by switching out later when you’re given the opportunity.
When a card exists that a five-year-old kid could use to win a Limited tournament full of pros with, and that card isn't even a rare, you know we've got problems on our hands... And this single uncommon is better than every single rare in the set. Glissa Sunseeker? Molder Slug? Oblivion Stone? Megatog? It's no contest... And if you don't think that this is the best card, then you're not playing it right.
When I first saw that Annul was coming back, I was a little worried that it might actually be good this time around. Thankfully, though, my fears have been partially assuaged as the card is simply too unreliable. The problem with Annul is that none of us want to be stuck with it in our hand. This leads to the usual eagerness to cast it, and often on the first decent artifact that goes on the stack. This is obviously a big problem with the card, as anybody with a brain is going to cast their worst spells first if at all possible. If you sit on Annul too long, they'll just beat you with the garbage creatures that you didn't counter and you can sit and look at the artwork all day while it goes to waste in your hand.
Nick wanted to follow one of his own drafts, but he couldn't keep up in real life... So he decided to follow Mike Turian, who's the man the pros turn to when trying to figure out how to break Limited formats. Walk with Mike Turian, as Nick goes over the picks in detail and talks about what cards are strong in Mirrodin draft!
Basically, what happened was that I was sure I was running red for most of the draft, and my second color continued to evade me as I was continually passed high picks in other colors. In the end, I accumulated an excellent set of cards to compliment my red - thirty-seven playables - with the problem being that I had about an equal number for each of the other four colors. Quite a predicament! So how would you build it?
Now that we've got our weapon of choice assembled, we can move into battle. Since it would take entirely too long (as if this article wasn't long enough already) to cover each and every game of the draft, I decided right away that I would outline the games in which a critical mass of important and difficult decisions was not achieved, and go in detail on the games where I could have possibly made a small misplay due to tough calls.
Piemaster wrote an article a few weeks back about how he believes a lot of the older walkthrough articles were pretty much null in terms of benefits that a player could glean from reading them. A lot of the time, this was simply because the draft required little skill to navigate, or stupid bombs were dropped into the player's lap and he easily won. For this walkthrough, I decided that I wouldn't be satisfied with a draft that could be classified in any of these ways and I would continue covering my drafts until I found a suitable entry for this article. Thirteen drafts later, here I am - and let me tell you how sick of Eighth Edition I am.
Since the release of Mirrodin, I've overheard a number of conversations focusing on the topic of Spikeshot Goblin and its power level in comparison to the Limited wrecking ball from Onslaught that we all know as Sparksmith. Every one of these discussions has been concluded with statements like"While Spikeshot is clearly very good, he's nowhere near as powerful or dominant as Sparksmith was." Let me give you many reasons why those people are wrong.
If you've ever lost a game and then thought to yourself:"I really feel like I should've won that game but I can't pinpoint exactly what I did wrong. I'm sure if a better player like Kai was in my shoes, he would've succeeded where I failed"... .Well, believe me when I say that you're not alone.
But what is the difference between a good player and a bad player? And so I set out to create two Limited decks, each stacked so we'd know what the cards were and what they'd draw, and give them to two sets of players. The results were surprising.
Nick's back with his series on the tiny decisions in Magic, and this one's a doozy: You have a base-black deck. What should your splash be? A very in-depth analysis of how you should look at Limited decks, and how a bad choice can lead to cards that have no synergy with the base color's plan of attack...
Lots of matches are decided by a single turn - or even a single play! Most of the time, we are too lazy to look back and see where we could have played differently to achieve a better result. Things that seem so irrelevant in the progression of a duel could actually be the most important aspect in determining its eventual winner. Casting the wrong creature on a given turn can lead to a loss in a game that was otherwise impossible to lose. So what happens if we start analyzing the plays as closely as possible?
Conventional wisdom says that while forcing a certain deck may work out some of the time, the numbers say that the important cards for the deck will not show up frequently enough to reliably force it. This is simply not so with Goblins in Onslaught draft because of the huge number of cards that the deck can key off of. Cards that aren't even playable in other decks become powerhouses, simply because they belong to the Goblin tribe. So despite the protests of a couple close friends who have made a good bit of profit off of the Goblins draft strategy on Magic Online, I'm here to share it with you today.
It is clear that Monoblack decks are here to stay in Onslaught Block Limited. The combination of fast aggressive creatures and large amounts of life drain from Shepherd of Rot, Gempalm Polluter, and Vengeful Dead create a very scary combination to play against. Throw this in with the fact that the Black deck can easily splash most bomb rares since it is only one color to begin with and you have one of the top two archetypes in the block to contend with.
Zombies aren't forgiving towards the unprepared. I can only hope that you're ready for them.
With all of the strategy articles written in tired and repetitive formats, how are we even sure we're gaining anything by reading them anymore? I mean c'mon - you can read a million columns on pick orders, and if you still can't grasp why something is better than something else or when you should stray from the pick order, then you're nothing but a machine implementing data that may or may not be correct depending on the situation. You're like the high school student, cramming for a Calculus final; you've memorized a bunch of numbers, but you still have absolutely no idea what they mean. So how can you learn the meaning behind the numbers?
I'm not going to dwell on the annoying fact that these two colors seem to be able to overcome any set of obstacles in draft formats. Instead, I'll give a complete guide to drafting one of what I believe is the format's top two archetypes. The pros are forcing it for a reason - and it's not because they like the artwork on Islands and Plains better than the rest of the lands.
The concept is very fundamental and doesn't come into effect until you are drafting a full block - good cases in point being the past two blocks, Odyssey and Onslaught. The idea is that pack two is extremely favorable to one color (or possibly one color combo), and if you force the color and cut it hard enough in pack one, you should be able to reap the rewards of the higher card quality of that color in pack two. But should you try to force a color that ultimately, you may have no control over?
I can't say enough good about this card, as I have actually started drafting white again because of it. Before Scourge, I would only touch white for a bomb Onslaught rare, and now I draft white whenever I feel I have a good chance of getting this card in pack three... And it's not Zombie Cutthroat, Frontline Strategist, Zealous Inquisitor, Noble Templar, or an Aven.
If there's one thing Magic players hate, it's landscrew. Both morph and cycling greatly decrease the luck factor involved in Limited Magic, and give drafters plenty of ways to make their deck more versatile in the late and early game respectively. Unfortunately everything cannot be completely good news in terms of set design, and as always, a certain something managed to sneak through the cracks. We're all overly familiar with this illustrious evil - a piece of cardboard known as Sparksmith.
The two key components of the archetype are mana and explosive effects. This is very important to keep in mind during the draft, because some of the picks are not immediately identifiable. The basic premise behind the deck is to ramp mana quickly and cast large splashable or in-color threats. The deck has an extremely powerful late game, considering that you take Invokers higher and splash a lot of giant creatures - so if you get all of the tools, it is simply too powerful for regular two-color decks.
Well, it's about time that I set the record straight on the recent events regarding what happened to me at GP Boston. The fact of the matter is that nothing I can say can really affect anyone's opinion on the issue, and I gave up on doing so early on when I realized this. Anybody can believe whatever they want, and I'm not going to be the one wasting my time trying to convince people to believe my side over hearsay....
I think the real issue at hand is whether or not Mistform Wall is better than the Mistform Dreamer. For quite some time up to (and possibly including) Pro Tour Chicago, it was the general consensus that the 2/1 flier was better, and I was also under this impression.
The real reason Skirk is better than Craghorn is that people just don't block that much nowadays. From my experience, I'd say about 65% of the time or so I'm able to get a Skirk through... And looking ahead, Legions offers absolutely zero reasons to block a face down creature.
For most Limited tournaments in the past, the preparation has been just that: Limited. But Chicago is different from many of the major Limited tournaments I've participated in during my Magic career, because I have a very solid and defined plan. And I'm going to allow you guys to take a look at the terms of my complete and actual plan for Pro Tour: Chicago. We can argue about White another day - if it still sucks after Legions.
I feel it's time to write another Dilemma article in response to the last segment by my partner in crime, Ken Krouner. I think KK mistitled his article, as it should have been"The Swat Dilemma," instead of the"The Screeching Buzzard Dilemma" - and once again, I'm on the opposing side of this dilemma.
I received a number of drafts that needed analyzing. Unfortunately, I can only do one at a time if I wanna do 'em right, so we might as well start with one of the more interesting ones I received... A draft where someone got lured away by powerful cards that left him relying on luck to salvage his mana base.
There are a number of cards in Onslaught Limited that I do not believe are getting the proper appreciation - so I've created a list of them, and I'll also delve into the reasons why I think they're going unappreciated. These are cards that are going really late in the draft, or just not seeing the amount of play that they should be - but in one way or another, I feel they are definitely underrated.
Onslaught Limited is not a piece of cake format, and there are a lot of things you need to have done if you want to have any hopes of doing well at Pro Tour: Chicago. And there is one card in particular that has sparked many an argument as of late among the pros regarding its worth - and, in fact, the entire approach that you should take to Onslaught drafting. That card is Elvish Warrior, and it's been the constant subject of many debates and arguments in recent chats and drafts both in real life, and online.
Watch as Nick goes through a draft, showing you the cards and his draft picks. Once again, Nick opened some ridiculous bombs - but the choices between bombs presented him with some truly astounding strategical decisions. All that, and Nick asks for your feedback!
I wouldn't advise playing Weird Harvest in every deck... But when you luck out and get the strongest sealed you've ever seen with Rorix, Butcher Orgg, Starstorm, AND Slice And Dice, you know your critters will be better than theirs. And let me tell you how the Top 8 Draft would have been entirely different IF one of the players had known how to play Magic...
This week, I thought it would be cool to do a sort of"looking over my shoulder" perspective during one of my drafts. I wrote down the relevant cards in each pack, and discuss my thought process as I create a solid draft deck.
Pick orders are a thing of fluctuation - they are not a Bible of absolute truth that you live by, but rather a page in your mind's notebook that you can refer back to during a draft. The more pages full of knowledge in your notebook, the better you're gonna do on the test - or in this case, the draft. That said, these are the top 5 commons for each color in overall value... And if there is no specific need to accommodate some aspect of your deck that is lacking, this is the order that you should pick them in.
Nick Eisel, the #1 ranked Magic Online Limited player and recent 5th-place finisher at Grand Prix - Philadelphia, encountered three separate Turn 4 Exalted Angels in his Sealed deck matches at Philly, and beat two of them - despite the fact that he couldn't remove them from the board. So how do YOU beat the bombs when you have nothing? Nick's willing to share his secrets on breaking Onslaught Limited....
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Feature Article – Exploring Standard by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2009-11-18 Wednesday, November 18th - Standard is proving to be an open format, and creative deckbuilders can gain a significant edge on their opponents with some wise rogue choices. Today, Nick Eisel shares a couple of interesting rogue strategies that offer a lot of bang for your buck…
Feature Article – Combo in the New Standard by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2009-10-16 Friday, October 16th - Nick Eisel returns to the pages of StarCityGames.com with a spicy Combo deck for Zendikar Standard! If you’re tired of beating down with Vampires, or you can’t make your Control deck shine without Reflecting Pool, Nick has the fresh tech for you!
Feature Article – Five-Color Control in Triple Shards Draft by Quentin Martin, originally published on 2008-11-27 Thursday, November 27th - Nick Eisel was an early adopter of Five-Color Control in Shards draft, but he moved to new archetypes when the strategy began to fail him. Today, Quentin Martin revisits the archetype with his own personal spin on things, including pick orders and mana requirements. He’s had phenomenal success with the strategy... will it work for you?
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #10 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-11-07 Friday, November 7th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #9 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-11-06 Thursday, November 6th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #8 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-11-05 Wednesday, November 5th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #7 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-11-04 Tuesday, November 4th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #6 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-11-03 Monday, November 3rd - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #5 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-31 Friday, October 31st - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Feature Article – Underrated Cards in Triple Shards Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-31 Friday, October 31st - Shards of Alara Draft is proving to be a fabulous format. The various shards offer the discerning drafter with a myriad of options, with both Control and Aggro strategies represented in the metagame. Today, Nick Eisel shows us some of the current under-appreciated gems that you can pick up late in your drafts to great effect.
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #4 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-30 Thursday, October 30th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #3 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-29 Wednesday, October 29th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #2 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-28 Tuesday, October 28th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Drafting With Nick - Shards of Alara #1 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-27 Monday, October 27th - That's right, folks... it's back! While Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen battles it out at Pro Tour: Berlin, we have Nick Eisel bringing us a Shards of Alara 8-4 draft walkthrough each day, from pick 1 to pick 45. Nick supplies draft analysis in the forums! Rich Hoaen returns soon, to battle Nick head to head... watch this space!
Limited Lessons – Aggro Black/Red in Shards of Alara Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-22 Wednesday, October 22nd - With Shards of Alara Draft going live online this coming Friday, Nick Eisel brings us a breakdown of one of the fastest archetypes in the format: Aggro Black/Red. Drafting With Nick, and Drafting With Rich, returns this coming Monday, when Nick will be putting all this theory into practice!
Limited Lessons – Drafting Greedy in Triple Shards by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-14 Tuesday, October 14th - Perceived wisdom suggests that triple Shards of Alara Draft is a blisteringly fast format, with great aggressive options across numerous archetypes. However, what if you fly in the face of this... is it possible to best the quick beats with a greedier strategy? Nick Eisel brings us a primer on a wonderful new draft archetype, powered by obscene amounts of mana fixing. If you’re after a strategy that’s powerful, rogue, and fun, look no further!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide Head to Head #2 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-03 Friday, October 3rd - In the final draft before the pre-Shards break, Nick Eisel takes on Rich Hoaen in an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide draft on Magic Online. Read on to discover Nick's view on the table... Rich's evaluation is above!
Drafting With Rich - Shadowmoor / Eventide Head to Head #2 by Rich Hoaen, originally published on 2008-10-03 Friday, October 3rd - In the final draft before the pre-Shards break, Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen takes on Nick Eisel in an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide draft on Magic Online. Read on to discover Rich's view on the table... Nick's evaluation is below!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide Head to Head #1 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-02 Thursday, October 2nd - In the first of two head to head drafts, Nick Eisel takes on Rich Hoaen in an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide draft on Magic Online. Read on to discover Nick's view on the table... Rich's evaluation is above!
Drafting With Rich - Shadowmoor / Eventide Head to Head #1 by Rich Hoaen, originally published on 2008-10-02 Thursday, October 2nd - In the first of two head to head drafts, Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen takes on Nick Eisel in an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide draft on Magic Online. Read on to discover Rich's view on the table... Nick's evaluation is below!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #23 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-10-01 Wednesday, October 1st - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #22 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-30 Tuesday, September 30th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Peebles Primers – Drafting With Ben and Nick: Shards of Alara by Benjamin Peebles-Mundy, originally published on 2008-09-30 Tuesday, September 30th - Shards of Alara is here, and it’s time to crack the fresh Limited format! Today, Benjamin Peebles-Mundy drafts along with Nick Eisel in a triple-Shards draft, notating and commenting on each pick and displaying the draft in the popular “Drafting With” format. If you’re looking for the heads-up before your first sanctioned Shards of Alara draft, look no further!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #21 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-29 Monday, September 29th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #20 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-26 Friday, September 26th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #19 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-25 Thursday, September 25th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #18 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-24 Wednesday, September 24th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #17 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-23 Tuesday, September 23rd - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #16 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-22 Monday, September 22nd - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #15 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-19 Friday, September 19th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums! [Editor's Note: Rich is taking another day off today... he'll be back on Monday!]
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #14 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-18 Thursday, September 18th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums! [Editor's Note: Rich is taking a day off today... he'll be back tomorrow!]
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #13 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-17 Wednesday, September 17th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #12 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-16 Tuesday, September 16th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #11 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-15 Monday, September 15th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #10 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-12 Friday, September 12th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #9 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-11 Thursday, September 11th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #8 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-10 Wednesday, September 10th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #7 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-09 Tuesday, September 9th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Peebles Primers – Mono-Red in Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft by Benjamin Peebles-Mundy, originally published on 2008-09-09 Tuesday, September 9th - With Nick Eisel constantly forcing the archetype over in Drafting With Nick, it seems the Red spells are pretty popular right now. Nick himself brought us a Mono-Red primer pre-Eventide, and now BPM brings his take on the strategy with Eventide in the mix. [Editor’s Note – Ben Bleiweiss, currently in Italy, will be appearing later in the week!]
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #6 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-08 Monday, September 8th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #5 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-05 Friday, September 5th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #4 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-04 Thursday, September 4th - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #3 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-03 Wednesday, September 3rd - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #2 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-02 Tuesday, September 2nd - Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Drafting With Nick - Shadowmoor / Eventide #1 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-09-01 Monday, September 1st - In the first of a new StarCityGames.com daily column, Nick Eisel goes head-to-head with Canada's finest drafter in his very own Drafting With Nick series! Like Rich, Nick takes us through an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft on Magic Online, and shares his thoughts in the article and the forums!
Limited Lessons – Mono-Blue in Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-08-26 Tuesday, August 26th - According to those in the know, drafting mono-color decks is quite the cat’s whiskers in Shadowmoor / Eventide draft. While the whole world knows about the power of Mono-Red, and Mono-Black has always been a favorite, it seems that Mono-Blue Aggro is a strong contender. Nick takes us through the finer points of the strategy...
Limited Lessons – A Mono-Black Draft Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-08-19 Tuesday, August 19th - With Eventide now in the draft mix both online and off, Limited players around the world are learning the subtleties of the SSE format. Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick take us through an almost mono-colored draft walkthrough, sharing his thoughts and insights on the cards and format every step of the way...
Limited Lessons – A Shadowmoor / Eventide Over-Under by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-08-12 Tuesday, August 12th - Eventide is now available online, and the drafters are gathered to wait for queues to fire in a few days… with an Eventide pack in the mix, things have definitely changed! Today, Nick examines some of the star players and also-rans from triple-Shadowmoor, and re-evaluates them in the Brave New World of SSE…
Limited Lessons – A Shadowmoor / Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-08-05 Tuesday, August 5th - Drafting with Eventide allows a plethora of options and opinions, and the debate over the strongest available archetype rages across the world. Many of the top players at U.S. Nationals enjoy drafting White… if that’s your own view, you’ll enjoy today’s draft walkthrough. Is drafting to your preference a key to the new format? Read on to find out!
Limited Lessons – Black in Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-07-29 Tuesday, July 29th - In triple-Shadowmoor Draft, the Black options was rather unappetizing. Many a first-pick Incremental Blight or Corrupt lay languishing in the sideboard of Red/Green and Blue/White decks. However, Eventide has powered up the color to a new level… today, Nick shows us how to make the most of this oft-ignored color.
Limited Lessons – Updating Existing Archetypes in Shadowmoor / Eventide Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-07-22 Tuesday, July 22nd - With 180 fresh new cards entering the Limited cardpool this coming weekend, Nick Eisel is here to help! Eventide is nearly upon us, and the existing Draft archetypes in triple-Shadowmoor need updating with new tech. Let Nick lead the way…
Limited Lessons – Eventide First Impressions by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-07-15 Tuesday, July 15th - We all had fun at the Eventide prerelease this past weekend, but now it’s time to knuckle down to the serious work of evaluating the new cards for Limited play. Nick Eisel brings us his preliminary impressions on single cards and new strategies for forty-card Magic. If you’re looking for an edge in your next draft, look no further!
Limited Lessons – A Shadowmoor Draft Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-07-01 Tuesday, July 1st - With Magic Online throwing up server and lag issues, Nick has been working hard to bring us a tricky Shadowmoor Draft walkthrough, and today’s offering doesn’t disappoint. While it seems that Mono-Red is the current deck of choice for the discerning drafter, sometimes it’s best to stick with the devil you know…
Limited Lessons – Red Deck Wins in Shadowmoor Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-06-24 Tuesday, June 24th - We’ve all heard of Red Deck Wins… variations on the theme have shaken up formats from Legacy to Block Constructed. In triple Shadowmoor Draft, Nick Eisel believes that such an aggressive archetype is ripe for the big time. With many of the key components going late, this is an archetype that bears close examination…
Limited Lessons – Shadowmoor Drafting: Where To Begin by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-06-10 Tuesday, June 10th - While Shadowmoor has been the draft delicacy of choice for some months now, it appears it’s only just being brought to the sumptuous Magic Online table. With a menu of options so mouth-watering, how does a discerning mage judge the first fifteen cards in any given draft? Today, Nick Eisel takes us through three Pack 1 Pick 1 dilemmas, and highlights the analysis and the flexibility required for success in this tempestuous format.
Limited Lessons – The Mill Deck in Triple Shadowmoor Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-05-26 Monday, May 26th - Patrick Chapin is busy recovering from Pro Tour: Hollywood, and thus his article will appear later this week. In his place, we have Nick Eisel’s take on the innovative Milling draft strategy available in triple Shadowmoor. If attacking for two just ain’t your thing, look no further…
Limited Lessons – The Gun in Shadowoor Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-05-13 Tuesday, May 13th - With Shadowmoor draft being the current Limited format of choice, Nick Eisel has been experimenting with some more off-the-wall strategies in order to gain an edge on the field. One of his more successful strategies involves Power of Fire and everyone’s favorite untapper, Pili-Pala…
Limited Lessons – Black/Red in Shadowmoor Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-05-06 Tuesday, May 6th - Last week, Nick Eisel brought us his thoughts on the strongest color pairing in triple-Shadowmoor Limited – Blue/White Aggro. This week, it’s the turn of the flip-side of that particularly powerful coin – Black/Red. Is drafting the under-drafted a viable Shadowmoor strategy?
Arcane Teachings - Tackling Triple Shadowmoor: Blue/White Aggression by Tom LaPille, originally published on 2008-04-29 Tuesday, April 29th - Today’s Nick Eisel article saw Nick sharing his thoughts on the powerful U/W decks available when drafting triple Shadowmoor. Not to be outdone, Tom wades into the fray and brings us his own thoughts on the newly proclaimed Best Archetype In The Format. Where do you agree with Tom, and where does Tom disagree with Nick? Read on to find out!
Limited Lessons – Blue/White in Shadowmoor Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-04-29 Tuesday, April 29th - Triple Shadowmoor is, or soon will be, the draft beverage of choice across the globe… yet even before the set sees its official release, Nick Eisel believes he’s found the Best Draft Archetype. Backed with numerous drafts and the opinions of some of the best drafters alive, Nick presents a comprehensive examination of Blue/White. Is it all that Nick claims it to be?
Limited Lessons – First Pass at Shadowmoor Limited by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-04-22 Tuesday, April 22nd - It seems that the Shadowmoor prerelease was a great success across the globe, with eager players casting a myriad of hybrid monsters with glee. Nick Eisel, originally skeptical about Shadowmoor Limited, has changed his mind after a weekend of intense play. Today, he shares his preliminary thoughts on some of the more overlooked synergies in the card pool…
Limited Lessons - So Long to Lorwyn-Lorwyn-Morningtide by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-04-15 Tuesday, April 15th - With Shadowmoor just around the corner, and the prerelease mere days away, Nick Eisel says farewell to the Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide draft experience. Today's Limited Lessons takes us through an LLM draft online, using DraftCap and the now-defunct MTGO Version 2.5... Nick brings us each pack and pick, and walks us through the draft process step by step.
Limited Lessons – Manabases in Limited by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-04-08 Tuesday, April 8th - One of the trickier skills to master in Limited Magic is the creation of the perfect manabase. How many second-color lands should you run? How does curve alter the ratio? When should you splash, and how? Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick Eisel break down this arduous task into friendly bite-sized chunks...
Limited Lessons – Bluffing in Limited by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-04-01 Tuesday, April 1st - A few weeks back, Patrick "The Innovator" Chapin walked us through some of the Jedi Mind Tricks available to the Constructed Magician looking to gain an edge via the mental game and the bluff. Today, Limited guru Nick Eisel spills the beans on running the bluff in the forty-card formats… Enjoy!
Limited Lessons – A Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-03-25 Tuesday, March 25th - As you can see below, we’re maxing out the LLM walkthrough love with the return of Drafting With Rich. Of course, this doesn’t mean we’ve no more room for other Limited opinions... Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick walk us through an 8-4 draft of his own, opting for the road less traveled when it comes to conventional archetypes: Black/Red Giants.
Limited Lessons – The Over/Under of Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-03-17 Monday, March 17th - Whenever a new set is added to a well-explored draft format, there are a number of things up for consideration. One of the most overlooked aspects of exploration is the need to re-evaluate the cards of the first set in context with the cards from the second. Today, Nick brings us some of the overrated and underrated hits and misses now that Morningtide is in the mix…
[Editor's Note: Patrick Chapin will be appearing later in the week. Stay tuned!]
Limited Lessons – A Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide Draft Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-03-11 Tuesday, March 11th - Drafting with Morningtide is now available on Magic Online, every other day at least. In celebration, Nick brings us a Lor/Lor/Mor Draft walkthrough, and demonstrates how remaining flexible in the early stages of the draft can reap considerable rewards later…
Limited Lessons – Dangers in Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-03-04 Tuesday, March 4th - Morningtide has finally emerged into the light on Magic Online, and Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide drafts begin later this week. Today, Nick takes us through six of the more popular tribal archetypes and examines the tricks and traps each deck may spring. If you’re looking to maximize your online draft potential, look no further!
Limited Lessons – Elementals With Morningtide by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-02-25 Monday, February 25th - The Limited Pro Tour is over, and Morningtide is due for its online release. People across the world are diving head-first into Lorwyn/Lorwyn/Morningtide Draft. In the first of a series of updated tribal articles, Nick brings us the lowdown on the Elementals, and how they’ve improved with a change in the third pack…
Limited Lessons – Drafting With Finkel by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-02-19 Tuesday, February 19th - On Sunday, Magic legend Jon Finkel rolled back the years to remind us exactly how good at the game he can be. With a 16-1-1 record across three days, he simply demolished the field. Today, Nick Eisel stands over his shoulder and reviews Jon’s wonderful Top 8 draft in depth. Believe me, it’s an eye-opener. Enjoy!
Limited Lessons – Morningtide Limited Review, Part 2 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-02-12 Tuesday, February 12th - Last week we had part 1 of our Morningtide Limited Review, with Portuguese Pro Tiago Chan taking us through the White, Blue, and Black offerings in the new set, with Limited guru Nick Eisel chipping in his own comments. Today, we have the reverse fixture: Nick walks us through the Red, Green, Articfact, and Land cards, and Tiago weighs in with his opinions!
Levelling Up – Morningtide Limited Review, Part 1 by Tiago Chan, originally published on 2008-02-08
Mike and Patrick brought us the Standard set review. Richard and Zac brought us the Extended set review. Stephen brought us Vintage, and Abe brought us Casual play. Today, we have the start of the Limited set review! Join Tiago Chan and Nick Eisel as they rank each Morningtide card for Draft and Sealed play, starting with White, Blue, and Black. Part 2, hosted by Nick, is on Tuesday!
Limited Lessons – Faeries and Merfolk in Morningtide Limited by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-02-05
With one pack of Morningtide replacing the third pack of Lorwyn, all of the tribal archetypes take a hit. Some tribes get a boost, while some get a kick in the teeth. Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick Eisel break down both the Faerie and Merfolk tribes, looking for that elusive edge in LLM draft.
Limited Lessons – Kithkin And Elves With Morningtide by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-01-29 With the release of Morningtide mere days away, we’re all looking forward to some hardcore Lor-Lor-Mor drafting. But how do the tribes shape up now we’ve one less pack of Lorwyn in the mix? Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick Eisel take a look at the improvements made to both the Kithkin and Elves strategy. If you’re a dedicated follower of aggression, this is the article for you!
Limited Lessons – Morningtide First Impressions by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-01-22
The Morningtide Prerelease has come and gone… I hope you all had fun! In today’s Limited Lessons, Nick shares his initial thoughts on the newest set. Kinship, Prowl, Reinforce… just how good are they for Limited play?
Limited Lessons – Signaling by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-01-15
With mere days until the Morningtide prerelease, Nick Eisel rounds out his Lorwyn-only Limited articles with an insightful piece on signaling. In triple Lorwyn drafts, there are a number of ways to signal intent to your neighbors, and Nick runs us through a bevy of examples from the Drafting With Tiago series. If you’re looking to improve your Limited game, this is the article for you!
Limited Lessons – A Fertile Ground Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2008-01-08
As promised last week, today’s Limited Lessons opens the door on an intriguing power-packed Lorwyn draft archetype, as Nick walks us through an 8-4 draft that forces the issue. From first pick to last, with game descriptions… is this the format that could lead you to triple-Lorwyn success?
Limited Lessons – Drafting Green/White Aggro by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-12-31
Last week, Nick promised us a draft walkthrough for hi powerful Fertile Ground strategy. Sadly, technical issues mean that this is impossible today… but never fear! For fans of fringe strategies, Nick has a new plan! Today he brings us the inside scoop on the blistering Green/White non-tribal Aggro strategy, a strategy that has won a PTQ or two. Intrigued? Then read on!
Limited Lessons – Drafting Fertile Ground by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-12-18
In a change from the advertized tribal drafting program, Nick branches out this week into a more experimental and irreverent archetype. Instead of basing your picks on tribal lines, grab the bustiest and best piece of cardboard and hang the consequences! Of course, there’s much more to it than that… let Nick show you how it’s done!
Limited Lessons – Faeries in Lorwyn by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-12-10
With the aftermath of Worlds playing havoc with the schedule, Nick Eisel moves up to Monday with another tribal archetype strategy guide! Thus far, he’s fed us Elementals, Kithkin, Giants, Merfolk, and Goblins. Next up, it’s the pro’s favorite – Faeries! If you’re looking to draft a control archetype in triple Lorwyn, let Nick show you how…
Limited Lessons – Walking With Elementals by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-12-04
Nick, it seems, is in love with the wacky decks of Lorwyn draft. Today’s Limited Lessons is a pick-by-pick walkthrough that sees nick pilot a multicolored Elemental deck against the players in an 8-4 queue on Magic Online. It’s true that, if drafted correctly, the archetype is capable of some astounding plays… but was Nick correct to force the issue early? Click here to find out!
Limited Lessons – Lorwyn Over and Under by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-11-27
Lorwyn drafting, both online and in real life, are now in full swing. We’ve had many a primer article here on StarCityGames.com, including a number of informative tribal articles. Today, Nick Eisel brings us a look at some of the overvalued and underappreciated cards on offer in triple Lorwyn… which of these cards do you rate too highly, and which should you be slamming into your pile?
Limited Lessons – Kithkin in Lorwyn by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-11-20
The tribal primers are coming thick and fast… we’ve brought you Faeries, Elementals, Elves, Giants, and more. Today is the turn of one of the more underappreciated tribes in triple Lorwyn draft – the White-heavy Kithkin. White Weenie is a popular strategy in Constructed, and has been so for many years. Can the little White menace make a splash in Lorwyn Draft? Nick reveals all…
You Lika The Juice? - The Amateur Spark (and the Problem with City Champs) by Bennie Smith, originally published on 2007-11-14
Last week I was reading various articles on Lorwyn Limited in order to bone up for my first foray into LOR draft at FNM, so of course I checked out Nick Eisel’s Limited Lessons columns on this here site here. In his first article on Lorwyn (Approaching Lorwyn) there was a paragraph he wrote that really got under my skin…
Limited Lessons — Elementals in Lorwyn by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-10-30
Nick Eisel, after bringing us the Lorwyn lowdown on Goblins and Merfolk in Lorwyn draft, turns his eye toward perhaps the most underrated tribe that the new set has to offer: Elementals. At the lower end of the curve, the guys sure look anemic... but their abilities can power up some insane plays. If you’re looking for a draft strategy with both power and guile, maybe the Elementals are for you...
Peebles Primers Faeries in Lorwyn by Benjamin Peebles-Mundy, originally published on 2007-10-17
Tribes, tribes, tribes... in Lorwyn Draft, you must pledge your allegiance early. Yesterday saw Nick Eisel walk us through some of the finer points of Goblin drafting. Today, it’s the turn of Benjamin Peebles-Mundy, championing the Faerie tribe. While their synergies may not be as eye-pokingly obvious as some of the other tribes, their raw power when combined cannot be denied. Removal, evasion, and trickery... it’s all here!
Limited Lessons — Approaching Lorwyn by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-10-04
After a brief delay due to unforeseen circumstances, today we have Nick Eisel’s first look at Lorwyn! He walks us through his prerelease experience, sharing his card pool and thoughts on his eventual Top 8 build. He also highlights a few of the stronger cards in draft, and touches on the importance of the tribal theme, which will be a surefire cog in the Limited machine for weeks and months to come...
Deep Analysis — Resilient Ichorid Play-by-Play by Richard Feldman, originally published on 2007-10-02
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nick Eisel’s article will be appearing on Friday... in its place, we’ve brought Richard Feldman’s article forward from Thursday! Today’s Deep Analysis concentrates on Extended, with exhaustive play-by-play coverage of many games featuring Ichorid against NarcoBridge and Gaea’s Might Get There. The Pro Tour is mere days away... get all the relevant tech right here!
Limited Lessons - Evaluating New Cards for Limited Magic by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-09-25
This weekend, we finally get our hands on Lorwyn! The prerelease is one of the most eagerly awaited weekends in the Magic calendar... but how can we maximize our chances of success? Without experience in playing the cards, we must rely on our evaluation techniques when faced with all-new pristine cardboard. Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick Eisel present us with some fine advice on card evaluation...
Limited Lessons — Draft Situations #3 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-09-13
It seems that Nick Eisel’s week off has lasted less than three days! In this late edition of Limited Lessons, Nick returns to his popular Draft Situations article series, and today’s tricky troubles are from the top drawer. Our Limited expert touches on choosing bombs over consistency, how to correctly analyze a draft cardpool, and when to gleefully ignore the cool plays when going for the throat...
Feature Article — Planeshifted Paskins: Blue Deck Wins by Dan Paskins, originally published on 2007-09-11
Nick Eisel is taking a well-earned vacation, so in his place we have an article by the King of the Blue Mages, Planeshifted Dan Paskins. He brings us his Time Spiral Block Constructed deck of choice — Blue Deck Wins — that he played in the recent Grand Prix: Florence. He also looks at some of the reasons that Tomoharu Saitou is almost certainly a better player than you.
Limited Lessons — Draft Situations #2 by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-08-28
Limited expert Nick Eisel continues his excellent Draft Situations series with an in-depth look at a couple of interesting forty-card dilemmas. He brings us another tough pick in a TPF 8-4 draft, some tricky draft build considerations for a strong-looking pool, and a powerful pack from a three-on-three team draft at his local store. If you’re looking to improve your Limited game, this is the article series for you!
Limited Lessons — A Tenth Edition Draft Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-08-21
Last week, Nick asked the forum folk a question: would they like to see a Tenth Edition Draft walkthrough. The answer was a resounding yes, and today Nick makes good on his promise. He takes us through each difficult pick, and gives us some food for thought with intricate game scenarios. If you’re looking to improve your Limited game, this is the article for you!
Limited Lessons — X Marks The Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-08-14
Today marks the opening of the Tenth Edition Draft queues on Magic Online... and Nick Eisel is here to help. In this illuminating article, Nick breaks down the top commons in each of the colors, and looks at some of the stronger draft archetypes. Is U/W the way to go with White? Is Four-Color Green, or even Five-Color Green, viable in a format bursting with mana fixing? Nick reveals all...
Limited Lessons — Draft Situations by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-08-07
Forty-card Magic is considered by some to be the true test of a player’s talent and skill. Tricky draft choices and complicated in-game decisions go a long way towards proving that Magic is the most challenging game ever devised. Today’s Limited Lessons sees Nick share a pair of difficult Limited decisions — one draft pick, one in-game scenario — in an attempt to clarify the best move available, and in turn open our minds to new avenues of strategic thought. If you’re serious about improving your Limited game, it’s articles like this that will prove invaluable.
Limited Lessons — A Closer Look by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-07-30
In a change to our usual schedule, Nick Eisel brings us the latest edition of Limited Lessons a day early. Today's article takes us through a TPF draft... but this is not your run-of-the-mill walkthrough. Instead, Nick zooms in on the trickier picks in the draft, and finishes with some intricate in-game decisions that are invaluable tools for those looking to increase their Limited prowess.
Limited Lessons — The Dynamics of a Draft Pick by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-07-24
Last week's Limited Lessons saw Nick take us through a TPF draft walkthrough pick by pick. One particular early choice saw Nick take an on-color Gemhide Sliver over the more powerful Griffin Guide... and he faced some heat for this in the forums. Such picks, however, are definitely worth examining with the overall draft dynamic in mind. Today's excellent article begins to explain why abstract picks such as these are never cut and dried, and touches on why parroting picks from ordered lists and published walkthroughs is by no means the path to success...
Limited Lessons — A Green/Red TPF Draft Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-07-17
Last week, Nick Eisel broke down the picks and tricks required in order for us to draft the popular Green/Red archetype in Time Spiral Limited. Today, he takes us through a sample Green/Red draft pick-by-pick, and examines a fair few difficult choices in some detail. He rounds out with the deck itself, and a rundown of the games played. If you're looking for a new way to beat down with a forty-card deck, maybe Nick has the answers for you...
Limited Lessons — Drafting G/R in TPF by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-07-10
Drafting TPF is a peculiar thing... Future Sight, it seems, has definitely thrown the cat amongst the pigeons. One of the classic Limited aggro strategies, Green/Red is proving both popular and powerful, but the marquee cards such as Sprout Swarm appear to be of a controlling bent. So what do we do? Thankfully, Nick Eisel is here today to bring us the lowdown on the archetype. Pack-by-pack pick orders, card analysis, sample decklists... it's all here!
Limited Lessons — A TPF Draft Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-07-03
After sunning it up in San Diego this past weekend, Nick Eisel returns to bring us a full Time Spiral / Planar Chaos / Future Sight draft walkthrough, from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. The early picks in particular bear close examination, as Nick himself had doubts while selecting the cards. Was he right? Read on to find out!
Limited Lessons — A Sealed Conundrum by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-06-26
In this article, Nick Eisel brings us a truly desperate Time Spiral Sealed cardpool. Yes, it has powerful options... but which way should you turn? Nick takes us through a number of prospective builds, and asks for our input in the forums. If you fancy yourself as a Sealed Deck expert, then now is your chance to shine!
Limited Lessons — A TPF Draft Walkthrough by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-06-19
Nick kick-starts his new Tuesday slot with a comprehensive TPF 8-4 Draft walkthrough from Magic Online. While his final deck is packed with power, there are a number of very close picks, and Nick is still unsure that he made the right calls at certain times. Do you agree with all his choices? Come debate them in the forums!
Limited Lessons — Over and Under by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-06-11
After posting a mediocre result in Regionals, Nick returns to the format he knows best: Limited. Today's Limited Lessons sees Mr Eisel examine some of the under- and over-appreciated cards from Time Spiral and Planar Chaos, cards whose value has changed with the inclusion of Future Sight. With the format now legal on Magic Online, it's the perfect time to brush up on your forty-card strategy!
This Saturday, StarCityGames.com will be attending both the North Carolina and Atlanta MtG Regionals! Whether you're looking to buy, sell or trade, our team will be happy to assist you. In the meantime, our StarCityGames.com Premium staff is here to hook you up with their thoughts on the new Standard format!
Limited Lessons — A Head Start on Block Constructed by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-05-28
Grand Prix: Strasbourg helped set the metagame for the approaching Block Constructed PTQ season. Mono Red and U/B/x control seem to be the order of the day. Today's Limited Lessons forgoes the 40-card piles in favor of a sixty-card setup that has a fair matchup against both of the format's main contenders. Looking for the latest tech? Look no further!
Limited Lessons — The Faces of Blue in TPF Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-05-21
Once upon a time, not so long ago, there was a popular TTT draft strategy called U/R. It was the biggest and strongest draft strategy in the kingdom. Then, suddenly, along came Planar Chaos, and the strategy got a little weaker. Then came Future Sight, and the strategy fell to pieces. What went wrong? Nick answers that question, and provides an excellent breakdown of all the U/x color parings for TPF draft!
Spotlight on Future Sight — Future Sight’s Impact on Standard by Richard Feldman, originally published on 2007-05-01 Yesterday, Nick Eisel kick-started our five-part Spotlight on Future Sight series with a look at some of the hits and misses of Future Sight for Limited play. Today, it’s Richard Feldman’s turn. He takes the Top 5 Standard decks in the current metagame and examines the impact that the new cards will have on these fan favorites. Where, exactly, does Pact of Negotiation fit? Does Izzetron gain or lose anything? Is Magus of the Moon suitable for Gruul maindecks? All this, and more, inside!
Spotlight on Future Sight — Standout Cards and Strategies in TPS Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-04-30 With the Future Sight prerelease behind us, and the official release around the corner, it’s time to take a week-long in-depth look at the new set! In the first of our “Spotlight on Future Sight” series, Nick Eisel takes a look at a couple of draft archetypes that have been affected be the new cards. One of the archetypes discussed has become rather confusing, but the other is a new strategy that appears to be stone cold insane...
Peebles Primers — Short Cuts by Benjamin Peebles-Mundy, originally published on 2007-04-19 In this fascinating article on the fundamentals of Magic, Benjamin Peebles-Mundy shows us how those subconscious short-cuts — as described earlier this week by Nick Eisel — can be mutated to our advantage. We all remember Antoine Ruel’s masterful Force Spike play at Pro Tour: Los Angeles... BPM attempts to raise our game to this level, where the plays we make can affect both the conscious and subconscious mind of our opponents.
The Beautiful Struggle - Grow a Pair by Mark Young, originally published on 2007-04-10 It’s official — Wild Pair and Slivers are the Block Constructed Soup du Jour. The world and his mate, it seems, are on the lookout for the perfect way to pair these two strategies. We’ve heard from Nick Eisel, from Patrick Chapin, from Evan Erwin... Now it’s Mark Young’s turn. Still wondering how to get the most from this six-mana game-altering enchantment? Maybe Mark has the strategies for you!
You Lika The Juice? - A Drafty Walk in Giant Shoes by Bennie Smith, originally published on 2007-02-26 Bennie takes on a new challenge today... a Two-Headed Giant draft conducted entirely by email. Pack by pack, pick by pick, he walks us through every step of the process, just as Nick Eisel has done above. Two-Headed Champs is this weekend... make sure you’re ready!
Limited Lessons - Walking With Kenji by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-02-12 It's safe to say that Kenji Tsumura is on a roll. Multiple tournament wins, many more high-placed finishes... topped off yesterday with a Top 8 performance at Pro Tour: Geneva. However, our Limited expert Nick Eisel has a few things to say about some of Kenji's picks during the Pro Tour... while he doesn't question Kenji's ability, he certainly raises some interesting points about his draft choices. Do you agree?
Limited Lessons - The Impact of Planar Chaos: Draft by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-02-05 In the first of a week-long five-part series that investigates Planar Chaos, Nick Eisel examines the new cards in detail. Instead of a "normal" card-by-card set review, we'll be looking at the impact that Planar Chaos will have across a number of formats. Nick's agenda? Planar Chaos in TTP draft. Stay tuned this week for more Impact articles!
Limited Lessons - Draft Archetype Updates in Planar Chaos by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-01-29 Nick Eisel has now played - and won - a fair number of TTP Drafts (Time Spiral / Time Spiral / Planar Chaos). Of course, he's picked up a few tricks along the way. Today's Limited Lessons sees Mr Eisel share his thoughts on the ever-popular Green/Red archetype, plus some new ideas on the up-and-coming Green/Blue color pairing. Is this traditionally tempo-reliant pairing really the new aggro weapon of choice?
Limited Lessons - The Over / Under Cards of Time Spiral by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2007-01-15 In the first of his regular weekly columns on Limited Magic, Nick Eisel examines some of the unsung heroes of Time Spiral draft. Those thirteenth- and fourteenth-pick cards that wing their way around the table time and again? Maybe they should be in your final forty. Nick also takes a baseball bat to some of the overblown cards of the format, busting their hype bubbles and sending them packing. Are you still picking Durkwood Baloth over Penumbra Spider? Then this is the article for you!
The Weekly Shift Sift: The Day We Could Not Win by The Ferrett, originally published on 2006-12-04 Today, both Stephen Menendian and Nick Eisel relate their tales of failing horribly, and what they learned in the process. And heck, who am I to leave myself out of the proceedings? Watch with horror as I open a card pool with solid cards, and somehow manage to go 0-5. Why? That, my dear readers, is a mystery I need your help to decipher....
A Different Take on Stormbind in Standard by Stuart Wright, originally published on 2006-11-16 Earlier this week, Nick Eisel weighed in with some interesting thoughts on the use of Stormbind in Time Spiral Standard. Today we have Stuart Wright, one of the premier deckbuilders in the UK, sharing his personal take on the card. He brings two decklists to the table, and takes us through other ideas and directions with which we can explore the synergies presented by the current Standard cardpool...
Stormbind in Time Spiral Standard by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2006-11-13 Limited expert Nick Eisel turns his eye to the Standard metagame, bringing us a tasty Life from the Loam / Stormbind deck that has definite power and potential. While Standard is currently packed with a number of strong strategies, and all manner of decks can mix it up on the top tables, there is no denying that Time Sprial brings a plethora of untapped power to the format. Want the edge in your next Standard tournament? Then read on...
A Grand Prix: St. Louis Report by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2006-08-17 With the PTQs for Pro Tour: Kobe continuing apace, Nick Eisel presents his Ravnica Cardpool and Coldsnap Drafts from GP: St. Louis. He chronicles his performance in the event with detailed match data, and shares some handy tips for those hoping to do well in their upcoming Limited tournaments. Looking for an edge in your PTQ field? Nick can help...
Drafting Triple Coldsnap by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2006-07-21 With two Grand Prix tournaments, in Malmo and St Louis, happening this weekend, and both featuring triple Coldsnap drafting for their Day 2 play, Nick Eisel brings us a timely article examining some of the tricks and traps of Magic's newest Limited format. By now, of course, we're pretty sure that Snow does, in fact, Matter... but what other information do we need to break through the ice?
Deconstructing Sealed Deck by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2006-07-06 The qualifiers for Pro Tour: Kobe are in full swing, and Nick Eisel is here to help! While Ravnica Block Sealed is a well-travelled format, there are still a few twists and turns that can catch an unsuspecting Mage unawares. Nick shares a recent MTGO cardpool which brings up a few interesting choices, and sheds new light on some of the cards that you may not be playing... I mean, Bronze Bombshell?!
Drafting Rakdos in RGD by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2006-06-01 Limited maestro Nick Eisel rounds off this excellent three-part series by examining the original Heavy Metal guild: Rakdos. Hellbent flies in the face of all accepted Magic theories... can it be powerful if utilized as demanded? What are the best colors to pair with the hardcore beatdown of Ravnica's true madmen? Sample decklists, card evaluations, archetype discussion, and more, all available a click away!
Drafting Simic in RGD by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2006-05-11 Limited specialist Nick Eisel takes us through the many options presented when drafting the Simic guild in RGD. While conventional wisdom shows us that doing so leaves us with a lack of guild picks from one of the first two boosters, PT Prague proved that the Green and Blue guild delivers strength in depth. What are the cards you need to succeed? Which picks have now risen in value? All this, and more, just a click away...
The Weekly Guild Build: The Ferrett's Not In Right Now... by The Ferrett, originally published on 2006-03-27 This week, The Ferrett pulls open one of those tricky pools that you don't mind getting but you hate building, with strong cards in every color. So assuming that he doesn't eeny-meenie-miney-moe it, how does he decide? Plus, some thoughts on mana curves, a confirmation of a Nick Eisel tip, and a request that you help Ferrett cure his vampirism!
While You Were Away - Adventures in Sealed Decks by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2005-09-28 While most of the Magical world was off enjoying their Ravnica prerelease experience, Nick Eisel was at home battling Ken Krouner and others for digital glory.
The Snapping Thragg Experiment 4 - Dissecting a Limited Matchup by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2005-08-02 In the past Nick Eisel has produced some of the most creative and interesting Limited articles around as part of his Snapping Thragg series. That series is back today, as Nick takes a chance to examine one particular matchup in full block Limited at a very detailed level to see which archetype is clearly superior.
Titlemonger by Jon Becker, originally published on 2005-01-14 Magic's greatest crank makes a return today dissecting Magic Online etiquette, the difference between a bad draft and a Nick Eisel draft, and instructs you how to raise your Magic Online rating by an easy 20 points in one simple step. If you've never read a Jon Becker article before you are in for a treat, and if you have, how can you not click?
The Beautiful Struggle: When Bad Drafts Attack! by Mark Young, originally published on 2005-01-07 I’ve had bad drafts. Bad drafts are close personal friends of mine. Nick Eisel, that was no bad draft. It might have been close to a bad draft, and it would probably have been a train wreck if someone less experienced were running the show. But Eisel turned his draft around and ended up with a deck that he could turn into some tickets. How did he do it, and how can you do it too? Let’s take a look at what happens ... When Bad Drafts Attack!
Type One Skills by Stephen Menendian, originally published on 2004-11-29 Mike Flores wrote an interesting article on degree of difficulty. I found the Flores' article interesting not because I strongly disagree with him - but because I think the real issue is worth exploring: what skills does Type One test? Vintage is clearly unlike any other format. Nick Eisel once described some in-game analysis contained in one of my articles as "bizarro world." Rather than compare Type One on a better or worse scale, this article will explore and explain what I think are the critical skills Vintage players must have to be successful.
The Snapping Thragg Experiment III - Dancing with Shadows by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2004-11-08 Nick Eisel has done it again. He's the only Limited writer on the planet willing to construct his own experiments, find subjects to test them on, and then write thirty-page articles on the entire process, complete with analysis of all the hard picks, commentary on draft mistakes, and coverage of every match from the draft. In short, this article is awesome.
ImprfctTen needs help! He has done tons of Mirrodin only drafts but now that Darksteel has been released he has been struggling. What new strategies have you come up with to incorporate Darksteel with Mirrodin? Nick Eisel mentioned that he felt Soul Foundry has become better with Modular creatures. Are there any other Mirrodin cards that have gotten better with Darksteel's release?
Ask Ken, 04/01/2004 by Ken Krouner, originally published on 2004-04-01 You are clearly the most handsome, intelligent, charming, witty, selfless, kind, mentally-stable, engaging writer the internet, and indeed the world, has to offer. How do you deal with the jealousy of those like Nick Eisel, Mike Turian, Paul Sottosanti, and Woodward and Bernstein?
Ask Ken, 03/15/2004 by Ken Krouner, originally published on 2004-03-15 What is your take on the Nick Eisel situation back from Grand Prix: Boston? Do you think he cheated or was he just in the wrong place at the wrong time?
This Is So Cool - Reverse Engineering a Top 8 Draft Part 1 by Daniel Wong, originally published on 2004-02-26 Take Nick Eisel's Snapping Thragg Experiment. Have your players in a Top 8 draft write down their picks. Write a computer program that takes these picks and reconstructs them into packs and positions. Crunch some numbers, make a martini (shaken, not stirred), and voila! You have reverse engineered an entire Top 8 draft, so you can see what picks each player was faced with. Now if only we can get Wizards to do something like this for Pro Tours and Grand Prixs!
Ken Ho won GP Oakland last weekend using a mono-Black deck. Now, we have Nick Eisel talking up mono-colored strategies as well. Really though, in a set far removed from Torment are mono-colored strategies really viable? Instead of just two colors what about three, four, or five? Does anything besides two colors work in Mirrodin Limited?
On Friday, Nick Eisel stated that Skullclamp is clearly the most insane Equipment available in Darksteel, but not everyone agrees with this. People who have played with Sword of Fire and Ice noted its strength again and again on Prerelease weekend, so other opinions exist. Is"The Clamp" the best Equipment in Darksteel? Is it the best card, period? Let us know what you think!
On The Wings Of Angels - A Christmas Qualification by Tim Aten, originally published on 2003-12-24 Jingle Bells
Mike Aten Smells
Geordie Laid an Egg
Nick Eisel Lost To Ken Krouner
And Somebody Qualified For Kobe
We attempted to find Christmas cheer in Tim's article, but we are not miracle workers.
On Friday, Nick Eisel walked through a draft with one of his readers and suggested things went wrong with the very first pick: Spikeshot Goblin over Mindslaver. Nick feels that Mindslaver is always the first pick in the first pack in this situation, but some of his readers aren't so sure... Which card would YOU rather have in the first pick of the first pack?
Scott Johns says:"After the limited testing I've done of my own with Affinity I have to agree that if there's a deck here to be found it's going to have to focus on aggro/control and consistency... But one thing I can't help but wonder is if the mana is actually realistic, especially with all that double black in the board. You want to cast Persecute ASAP, and you only have twelve black mana sources, right?"
Nick Eisel says:"Frogmite is terrible, don't play it; Assert Authority is actually really good. It stops Hammer and Eternal Dragon...."
Burning Through Type One, Part 3: The Prison Matchup, And The Future Of Long.dec by Stephen Menendian, originally published on 2003-10-17 Nick Eisel says:"Even if you don't play Vintage, reading Stephen's articles will arouse your brain and get you involved instead of the usual zombie-like state that is achieved after reading another mundane Magic article. The format he uses to get this information into that mode of thinking is superb and I'd personally like to compliment him." And given that Nick's such a fan, shouldn't you take a look at the third installment of how to play a deck that's so fast that games only go to turn 4 once in every twenty games?
When Nick Eisel wrote an article on drafting Mono Black yesterday that inspired Brian Kibler to comment,"These rankings are perhaps the worst I've seen - I agree with literally almost nothing Nick says." He then went on to list his own pick orders. In response, Ken Krouner replied,"I hardly think Kibler's changes warrant calling this the worst pick orders yet... It completely boggles my mind that this long after Onslaught was released people still overrate infest. I mean sure everyone, including myself drooled over it, but how can people not see the inevitable truth that there is no good way to play Infest?"
Mixed kNuts: In My Wheelhouse by Ted Knutson, originally published on 2003-07-25 For those of you unaware of what this week's title means,"in my wheelhouse" is yet another baseball term used to describe the location of pitches where batters typically hit them the hardest. Just after I turned in my last article, both Nick Eisel and Rob Dougherty released articles dealing directly with topics that I discussed - and needless to say, I was a bit dissatisfied with the product. So let me tell you the real to draft U/W in Onslaught Limited, and explain why Goblin Bidding is completely worthless in Onslaught Block.
No, No... Walk With ME, Part 2! by Tim Aten, originally published on 2003-07-21 Writing about a Magic Online draft sounded like fun, so I gave it a try, hoping the picks would be interesting as opposed to an"I opened two bombs in my colors, got passed seven more, and 3-0ed the draft with ease." I quickly discovered that there's probably a reason Nick Eisel only did this twice: It's a real pain in the ass. And yet I went through the effort of writing down everything I saw and then walking you through a complete draft, where you can debate my picks and I point out things that I may have done wrong.
Pick Another White Common! by Cory Braiterman, originally published on 2003-06-18 Two internet Limited reviewers, Nick Eisel and Jeff Cunningham, have stated that Aven Farseer is a good card, and it's really starting to dig at me. I've been in probably four dozen Onslaught/Legions/Scourge matches so far, and I've yet to see a single game where Aven Farseer made any difference.
The Nick Eisel Dilemma: Writer! by The Ferrett, originally published on 2003-05-16 The debate raged for days over whether we should allow Nick Eisel to continue to write for us. There were a lot of heated debates on both sides, both pro and con, and the end result was that while a majority of people favored Nick's return, a majority of our hardcore and most reliable customers - the ones who actually, you know, bought cards - were against it. So what could we do? Well, we offered Nick perhaps the most unusual choice ever offered in the history of Magic writing.
Kickin' It Old School: Drafting Legions White by Dave Meddish, originally published on 2003-03-27 For those following the recent discussion regarding Nick Eisel's continuing to write for this site, The Ferrett issued a call to arms for more good writers on Onslaught drafting. So I decided, what the heck, why not give this a try? Beats waiting for Gary Wise to ever get his articles done. I am a good Limited player, though, rated as one of the better players in the state of Oregon, and I do draft plenty down at my local game store.
StarCity owner Pete Hoefling asks:
"Nick Eisel - suspended for cheating
Trey Van Cleave - suspended for cheating
Ryan Fuller - DQ'd from PT Venice for cheating - likely to be suspended or worse
"Once these players come OFF of suspension, many of them will automatically be requalified for the Pro Tour on rating. Since the D.C.I. is convinced that they *did* cheat at the time they were caught, and may or may not have cheated while accumulating their rating in the first place, should this be allowed to happen?"
Gary Wise says:"Truth be told, I have some real issues with a player who was suspended for tournamnet infractions being allowed to benefit from the game financially. If Nick wants to write without payment, his love of the game suggesting he may want to do so, I'm all for it, but don't give him the cash."
The Ferrett says:"Tell you what: If you (or any other reasonably proficient pro/close-to-gravy-trainer) writes for us on a regular basis in an attempt to replace Nick and send me five articles (one for each color) on Legions drafting that are of his quality, I will have no need to publish Nick Eisel. If ethics are really that important to you or anyone else, then really, it shouldn't be any problem taking the time to step up to the plate."
Both Nick Eisel and Trey Van Cleave have been suspended! Nick's gone for three years; Trey's only gone for two, which seems a little strange since he just hopped off the +b train and they had that lovely picture of him in the draft.
Still, as Toby Wachter says:"I think the real story from [the picture] isn't Trey's peeking. The issue everyone seems to be forgetting is that you see me thinking about whether to take Vitality Charm or Swat first pick. Had I taken the Charm, the draft would have gone much better for me."
The Daru Lancer Dilemma: Lancer! by Ken Krouner, originally published on 2003-02-28 Sadly, Nick Eisel is no longer with Star City. His presence will be missed, but we have the good fortune to have hired another fantastic player from CMU to pick up where Nick left off: Paul Sottosanti. And while Paul is going to show you a different road, I believe there is only one card to put as the second-best common pick in White: Daru Lancer.
So the question has arisen as to whether I should have posted the Nick Eisel news at all, seeing as it led to a lot of rampant speculation and character assassination. Now, there are three parts to this:
1) Is it ethical to publish a rumor?
2) Should we stay silent until the DCI renders judgement, lest we risk smearing an innocent man?
3) Should it be a topic of discussion?
If You Could, You Would, Too: Why People Cheat by Geordie Tait, originally published on 2003-02-27 This article is not about Nick Eisel. All he did was remind me of all the good reasons there are to cheat.
Former writing partner Ken Krouner says:"I was friends with Nick, but sadly I don't think he is interested in maintaining that relationship as I firmly believe he did cheat. I don't want to perpetuate rumors by recounting what I have been told; it is hearsay. If you want my opinion, he added the card."
Brian"Won The GP" Kibler says:"The argument 'he's good enough that he doesn't need to cheat' is absolutely absurd. Casey McCarrell, Mike Long, and Ryan Fuller were all leagues better than Nick Eisel, and yet they all got banned for attempting to gain a further advantage in some way. Appealing to a player's abilty as explanation for why he or she cannot have cheated is simply a faulty argument."
Former Mindripper/Brainburst editor Scott Johns says:"Nick was recently 'stolen away' from Star City to instead write for Sideboard.com, an online site owned by Wizards of the Coast and run by Thomas Panell (DCI judge) and Jeff Donais (DCI Official). Does anyone see a problem here? Can you honestly tell me there isn't an obvious conflict of interest in the DCI choosing how to discipline one of its members which it clearly stands to benefit from?"
Five Steps To Drafting Better Onslaught On Magic Online by Will Chamberlain, originally published on 2003-02-13 I started winning. A lot. I now have a rating above 1800. Why? I drafted red/blue. Up until people started really listening to Nick Eisel's advice, Blue was horribly underdrafted on Magic Online... Until recently. So what color combination works now? You might be surprised.
Ken Krouner argues that"Mistform Wall is by far the most powerful common card in Blue..." However, Nick Eisel says..."I certainly can't agree with taking Wall over Aven, as the Aven is simply too fast and efficient and can often easily race the ground boys as it is..." Read Nick's article. Read Ken's article. Then debate this issue in our forums!
...And the replies are pouring in! What IS the right solution to fix white's Constructed woes - or even white's Limited woes, since Nick Eisel is so dead-set against it? Is it the Rebel mechanic, better disruption, or a whole new mechanic? Sound off, folks!
Live Coverage of Pro Tour Chicago! by Pete Hoefling, originally published on 2003-01-17 Follow Sideboard's live coverage while cheering on all of your favorite StarCityGames.com writers... Rob Dougherty, Michael Pustilnik, Mike Turian, Sol Malka, Nick Eisel, Ben Ronaldson, Ken Krouner, Nate Heiss and Geordie Tait! And while you're at it, cheer me on for getting snowed in and not being able to make the trip. Sigh.
More On The Elvish Warrior Dilemma, And Some Other Thoughts On Onslaught by Ken Krouner, originally published on 2002-12-23 Nick Eisel fails to recognize the dual nature of the Elf and Green in general when he says that"Elvish Warrior is hosed by two morph creatures," and thus disputes my entire theory of tempo in Onslaught Limited... And Nick is not alone. News flash: Green is the control color in this set.
Bombs, And How To Beat Them by Nick Eisel, originally published on 2002-11-07 Nick Eisel, the #1 ranked Magic Online Limited player and recent 5th-place finisher at Grand Prix - Philadelphia, encountered three separate Turn 4 Exalted Angels in his Sealed deck matches at Philly, and beat two of them - despite the fact that he couldn't remove them from the board. So how do YOU beat the bombs when you have nothing? Nick's willing to share his secrets on breaking Onslaught Limited....
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If it's happening in Magic: the Gathering, it's being talked about in our forums! Join, and share your thoughts with the rest of the Magic: the Gathering community!
Friday, December 19th - Nick continues his Drafting With series, bringing us a triple Shards of Alara draft from the 8-4 queue on Magic Online. Along with Rich, he shares his pick process and draft thoughts with each one, and supplies more detailed analysis in the forums.
Friday, October 31st - Shards of Alara Draft is proving to be a fabulous format. The various shards offer the discerning drafter with a myriad of options, with both Control and Aggro strategies represented in the metagame. Today, Nick Eisel shows us some of the current under-appreciated gems that you can pick up late in your drafts to great effect.
Wednesday, October 22nd - With Shards of Alara Draft going live online this coming Friday, Nick Eisel brings us a breakdown of one of the fastest archetypes in the format: Aggro Black/Red. Drafting With Nick, and Drafting With Rich, returns this coming Monday, when Nick will be putting all this theory into practice!
In this article, Nick Eisel brings us a truly desperate Time Spiral Sealed cardpool. Yes, it has powerful options... but which way should you turn? Nick takes us through a number of prospective builds, and asks for our input in the forums. If you fancy yourself as a Sealed Deck expert, then now is your chance to shine!
The Road to Regionals series continues all this week, and Nick is on the case! Today he tackles the popular fringe strategy Mono Black Rack, and offers some advice for the decks you're likely to face this weekend. A lot of Magic pundits advocate storming with the Dragons at Regionals: does the heavy discard available to the Black mage offer hope against the Four Hellkites of the Apocalypse?
Friday, October 3rd - In the final draft before the pre-Shards break, Canadian draft maestro Rich Hoaen takes on Nick Eisel in an 8-4 Shadowmoor / Eventide draft on Magic Online. Read on to discover Rich's view on the table... Nick's evaluation is below!
Tuesday, September 9th - With Nick Eisel constantly forcing the archetype over in Drafting With Nick, it seems the Red spells are pretty popular right now. Nick himself brought us a Mono-Red primer pre-Eventide, and now BPM brings his take on the strategy with Eventide in the mix. [Editor’s Note – Ben Bleiweiss, currently in Italy, will be appearing later in the week!]
Tuesday, April 29th - Today’s Nick Eisel article saw Nick sharing his thoughts on the powerful U/W decks available when drafting triple Shadowmoor. Not to be outdone, Tom wades into the fray and brings us his own thoughts on the newly proclaimed Best Archetype In The Format. Where do you agree with Tom, and where does Tom disagree with Nick? Read on to find out!
Mike and Patrick brought us the Standard set review. Richard and Zac brought us the Extended set review. Stephen brought us Vintage, and Abe brought us Casual play. Today, we have the start of the Limited set review! Join Tiago Chan and Nick Eisel as they rank each Morningtide card for Draft and Sealed play, starting with White, Blue, and Black. Part 2, hosted by Nick, is on Tuesday! 
Last week I was reading various articles on Lorwyn Limited in order to bone up for my first foray into LOR draft at FNM, so of course I checked out Nick Eisel’s Limited Lessons columns on this here site here. In his first article on Lorwyn (
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nick Eisel’s article will be appearing on Friday... in its place, we’ve brought Richard Feldman’s article forward from Thursday! Today’s Deep Analysis concentrates on Extended, with exhaustive play-by-play coverage of many games featuring Ichorid against NarcoBridge and Gaea’s Might Get There. The Pro Tour is mere days away... get all the relevant tech right here!
Today, both Stephen Menendian and Nick Eisel relate their tales of failing horribly, and what they learned in the process. And heck, who am I to leave myself out of the proceedings? Watch with horror as I open a card pool with solid cards, and somehow manage to go 0-5. Why? That, my dear readers, is a mystery I need your help to decipher....
