What We're Playing

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

We hope all of you have had a most excellent weekend and hopefully a few Magic: the Gathering games in the mix as well.  Our weekend, kicking off at OMG! Games here in Barrie.  The gaming store was packed with most players getting in some standard format action and half that number opting for Commander multi-player.  

We can say that, from what we saw, the popular decklist was blue / red Thopter, featuring Ensoul Artifact from M15 and the new Magic Origins Hangarback Walker.  Given the fied, we think that those who were packing Fade into Antiquity or Revoke Existence in their sideboards likely did well against the robot menace.

Anywhoos, let's get onto today's post - just a round-up of what the MTG Realm playgroup has been playing recently - 

Hardened Scales
Yep - this thingy is still around.  Featuring Servant of the Scale, Avatar of the Resolute, Hangarback Walker, Managorger Hydra, Abzan Falconer and High Sentinels of Arashin for the creatures.  Non-creature spells are Hardened Scales (of course), Dromoka's Commander, Feat of Resistance, and Inspiring Call.

Green White Enchant
On decklist that is still sitting in a messy pile and not really going anywhere features the 'build around me' card from Magic Origins - Helm of the Gods and Hearald of the Pantheon.  The latest iteration consists of Nyx-Fleece Ram, Oppressive Rays, Suspension Field, Boon Satyr, Banishing Light, Kruphix's Insight, Eidolon of Blossoms, and Sigil of the Empty Throne.  We don't expect this list to go anywhere soon unless someone gets a flash of brilliance to make it work.

Abzan Aggro
Essentially the very same build as what you may be seeing at the Pro Player tables.  Featuring Fleecemane Lion, Hangarback Walker, Anafenza the Foremost, Siege Rhino, Den Protector, Abzan Charm and Dromoka's Command.  This decklist does not make it out to an FNM as we do not have the proper manabase yet (Fetchlands are still a bit pricey).

What are you playing now and how is it doing at your local store ?
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Friday MTG Roundup

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

We're very much looking forward to heading down to OMG! Games here in Barrie, Ontario later this evening to try out the ever-changing and evolving standard metagame against our most recent version of Blue / Red (Izzet) artifacts (RU-Bots) featuring Hangarback Walker and friends.  Earlier this week, WotC staffer Melissa DeTora had posted a very interesting Standard Hardened Scales decklist that Ken Yukuhiro had used.  We're thinking of having some fun with this list in the next few weeks.

Speaking of Magic: the Gathering FUN(!), you have got to check out this article over at MTG Goldfish, titled  Playtest: Magic Origins Clash Pack + $10 Upgrades by 'SaffronOlive'.  

As you may have read our post earlier when the 'Armed' and 'Dangerous' decklists were revealed, we were all goo-goo and over-the-top happy about the value that was packed in here.  Anywhoos, with just a small budget of ten bucks and some creativity, Richard and Seth pack in a whole lotta bang for the buck and now have a decent weapon suitable to take to your local Friday Night Magic event.  

Make sure to scroll down and watch the video to see how these new 'n' improved lists battle it out.  Spoiler alert - the game is fairly evening matched for a while but Seth rolls out a victory which I'll put it down to Richards list being a turn or two slower than required going up against Seth's build.
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RU Bots

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

Wow, what a weekend in Vancouver.  If you were a Magic: the Gathering fan who likes standard constructed and wanted to witness the full impact of all the new Magic Origins set cards in this environment, then you were likely glued to the Twitch channel for most of the weekend.  Before we get into that though, we have to talk about a Commander article recently posted over MTG Goldfish.

Our playgroup here at MTG Realm loves us some Commander games, and in fact have been playing the tall stack way back when it was called Elder Dragon Highlander.  We had not been able to wrap our (sometimes narrow-minded noodles) around 'group hug' Commander theory, but Tomer Abramovici on MTG Goldfish gave some suggestions on not too baaaad game-winning unbleatable plays using Zedruu and we now want to give it a hoof.

Anywhoos, back on track with what went down over the weekend - Here are the Top 8 Finalists from Pro Tour Magic Origins Vancouver, with our congratulations to Joel Larsson who took first place as well as a $40,000.

• Joel Larsson - Red Aggro
• Mike Sigrist -  Blue-Red Ensoul Artifact
• Paul Jackson -  Green-red Devotion
• Matthew Sperling -  Abzan Control
• Kentaro Yamamoto - Abzan Megamorph
• Stephen Neal - Red Aggro
• Patrick Cox - Red Aggro
• Stephen Berrios - Blue-Red Ensoul Artifact

Of interest to us are the 2 decklists (from Sigrist and Berrios) - Blue-Red Ensoul Artifact.  This was the first list we had built (we called R/U 'Bots) after Magic Origins and our variation was not too un-similar.  Here is our first iteration after the Magic Origins release on Tapped Out.

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Izzet Thopters

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Happy Tuesday MTG peeps,

It is that time again here at MTG Realm when we start brewing up all sorts of crazy and far-fetched deck lists with the release of a new Magic: the Gathering set.  Over the next few posts we wanted to try out the following standard constructed lists at our kitchen table with the playgroup before 'graduating' the list to Friday Night Magic -

• Izzet (blue / red) Thopters featuring Pia and Kiran Nalaar

• Orzhov (white / black) Enchant featuring Helm of the Gods, and

•   Golgari (black / green) Elves featuring Dwyne and company

Anwywhoos - straight on in to our very first (and certainly not last) iteration of Izzet Thopters.  There was a rather succinct  artifact sub-theme with Magic Origins and the list essentially builds itself.  The real trick here is to start cutting the poorly performing chaff over the next few weeks.  With our first build, we attempted to kick in everything and the kitchen sink to see what worked well -

4x Ornithopter
3x Bonded Construct
2x Ghostfire Blade
2x Springleaf Drum
3x Ensoul Artifact
1x Chief Engineer
1x Jace, Vryn's Prodigy
3x Shrapnel Blast
3x Thopter Engineer
2x Chief of the Foundry
2x Artificer's Epiphany
3x Pia and Kiran Nalaar
2x Thopter Spy Netwok
2x Hangarback Walker

4x Shivan Reef
3x Temple of Epiphany
4x Darksteel Citadel
2x Foundry of the Consuls
2x Tomb of the Spirit Dragon
2x Mana Confluence
3x Mountain
3x Island


   
We think this may be a good starting point at which to start getting the feel of this thing and in a few weeks hope to start focusing on where we want to steer this next.

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A New Standard

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

Magic Origins is now out and you may have even seen a few new brews or modified builds during the Friday Night Magic Launch.  We absolutely love the few short weeks after a new set release as Magic: the Gathering players let imaginations fly with new game strategies.  Within a month or so, standard constructed will evolve and many players will simply adopt with what seems to be doing well in the large regional tournaments or what the Pros are playing on the circuit.  We've always appreciated gaming with players who ignore the 'status quo' of the established popular decklists.

And so, we launch somewhat ironically into an article about the results from the weekend's StarCityGames Standard Open in Chicago.  Why?  We want to know whether some of our Magic Origins card evaluations were correct - that, and we have a few new lists (examples - U/R Thopters and Bant Enchantments) that are almost complete and want to see how these would fare against the evolving metagame.  Anywhoos, here are the Top 16 finalists.

According to StarCiutyGames Staffer Nick Miller in this article, the full metagame breakdown looks like this:Abzan Control – 16
G/R Devotion – 10
Abzan Megamorph – 9
Mardu Dragons – 5
Jeskai Aggro – 3
G/B Dragons – 3
Mono-Red Aggro – 3
Mono-White Devotion – 2
Sultai Control – 2
Esper Dragons – 2
Mono-Red Goblins – 2
Abzan Aggro – 2
U/W Control – 1
G/B Constellation – 1
Abzan Reanimator – 1
Jeskai Tokens – 1
5-Color Rally – 1
Atarka Red – 1
Bant Heroic – 1
U/W Heroic – 1
Naya Dragons – 1
Grixis Dragons – 1
G/B Elves – 1
W/R Aggro – 1
G/R Dragons – 1
G/W Company – 1
R/U Aggro – 1
Big Red – 1
Atarka Goblins – 1
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Magic Origins Release

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

Happy Friday indeed as it has now finally come to the much anticipated Magic Origins Release.  With Magic: the Gathering fans taking part in the PreRelease last weekend, tonight at Friday Night Magic at local gaming stores, players will now launch into a new format, whichever that format may be - standard, modern, commander, etc.  

Speaking of local gaming stores, our very own OMG! Games, in Barrie Ontario has a fun filled weekend, kicking off of course with FNM tonight, and then a whack of good-stuff on Saturday including a 20% off sale on MTG singles and a preliminary PTQ.

#MTG Magic: the Gathering SINGLES ON SALE - 20% Saturday 18th July - One Day Only @OMGGAMES #barrie #Ontario ! pic.twitter.com/dtMT0v5dxj

— OMG Games (@OMGGAMES) July 15, 2015

#MTG Preliminary Pro Tour Qualifier to the first Pro Tour of 2016 Sat. July 16 Noon $25 entry for $600 1st Prize crd. pic.twitter.com/P7pTysjH5L

— OMG Games (@OMGGAMES) July 7, 2015

Anywhoos - on to our post - 
As is our custom, we popped by OMG! Games and picked up a Fat Pack.  Here is our dissection video for you -

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Battle for Zendikar Art Spoilers

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Happy Wednesday MTG peeps,

So far this week, we have been touching all our new cards from the Magic Origins PreRelease last weekend and beginning to think upon new and revised decklists for standard format.  One of the first lists we want to try out at this Friday Night Magic event at our local gaming store, OMG! Games here in Barrie is Blue / Red Thopters, but we'll yatter about that list a bit latter on.  Speaking of OMG! Games, they are scheduled to run a Preliminary Pro Tour Qualifier to the first Pro Tour of 2016 this weekend (Saturday 18th July) with a ton of amazing prizes including a 1st prize of $500 cash ($600 credit) and an invite to the Regional Pro Tour Qualifier for the first Pro Tour of 2016.

Anywhoos, we should get on with today's article post which should be of great interest to Magic: the Gathering players around the world - this fall's 'Battle for Zendikar' set.

(Sean) Shoutout to all the #mtg players we met at #SDCC2015! We hope you enjoyed yesterday's panel. A recording will be available soon!

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 13, 2015

Since posted, we have not yet heard back from WotC as to a video from the San Diego Comic Con MTG Panel, so we want to follow through with a series of (live) tweets from the panel showing some really exciting Battle for Zendikar arts 'n' illustrations -

Here's another look at some of the allies we'll see in #MTGBFZ... what's that in Kiora's hand? pic.twitter.com/4vTrqQjUKa

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

Yep! - that looks like Gideon and Kiora (the Crashing Wave) with Thassa's (stolen) bident and a welcome wagon for some Eldrazi.

Tying up loose ends means allowing new and fascinating interactions to happen. #MTGBFZ pic.twitter.com/SLBiDjSnq6

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

Ob Nixilis has a plan. #MTGBFZ #SDCC2015 pic.twitter.com/J1CcpwAWCm

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

The art here for Ob Nixilis totally rocks.

...there's a chance Ob Nixilis is desperate for a way off of Zendikar. pic.twitter.com/GudWijzH5C

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

Ob Nixilis is being rather unkind to a Kor here.

Here's an example of a pivotal event from Battle for Zendikar! Three key words: Gate. Slaughter. Sea. #MTGBFZ pic.twitter.com/YWE7QvLEn7

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

Zendikar's Halimar inland sea is separated from the natural ocean by a massive sea wall ('sea gate') - you can see the Lighthouse in the background here.  Planeswalkers Nissa and Gideon battling Eldrazi brood.

Everyone's favorite hieromancer is back to face the Eldrazi alongside the residents of Zendikar. #MTGBFZ pic.twitter.com/HqPtpVz4TZ

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

Hieromancy - the magic of justice and order.

Cohesion in storytelling means connecting plotlines in ways we haven't before. Look who teams up in #MTGBFZ! pic.twitter.com/n7N0nLJjz4

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

...and Nissa's start on Zendikar sets us up nicely for a return in #MTGBFZ. pic.twitter.com/OSoybTyCLx

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

Epic art here showing Nissa going down town with the token 'Ashaya, the Awoken World'. 

Magic Origins focuses on five central planeswalkers. Each will play a pivotal role in the blocks to come... #MTGBFZ pic.twitter.com/GJN4eOjUGb

— Magic: The Gathering (@wizards_magic) July 12, 2015

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SDCC MTG Panel

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

We hope all had a great weekend, whether you were at a Magic Origins PreRelease or attending San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), or even both.  As you may have guessed from us gushing over on our MTG Realm Tumblr stream, we took in a midnight Magic Origins PreRelese event over at Koros Games in Orangeville, Ontario and had a blast.  Here's a bit of the PreRelease before we get into some of the big Magic: the Gathering news out of SDCC.

The first PreRelease Pack colours to go were white, red, and black, pretty much in that order.  We saddled up with a green pack and when popped, we could not be more happier - a foil Nissa promo - shown on our lucky BCW Supplies Playmat.  Our most valuable players were Rhox Maulers, especially when paired with with pump spells such as Titanic Growth and Might Leap.  Since we got up really, really early for work Friday morning, we simply ran out of steam by the end of the second match and retired for the evening.
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The Wizards of the Coast Panel at SDCC 2015 was not streamed unfortunately but there were a number of 'live tweet' from the Wizards MTG Twitter account.  There was also a promise that there would be a recording available soon.  First up, the Panel had two previews for the upcoming From the Vault : Angels during the panel at SDCC - say hello to the Akroma sisters !

There was also a good measure of discussion on how WotC now presents storylines with references to the recent installments of the Magic Origins stories provided on the Uncharted Realms column.  There were also some very exciting images previewed for the next set, Battle for Zendikar, to be released early October 2015.  From the Q & A portion of the panel (and MaRo's Blogatog followup), we also learn that we may expect 'Allies' to return to the revisitation to Zendikar.  Pop back to MTG Realm tomorrow as we further discuss Battle for Zendikar. 

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Magic Origins Intro Packs

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

In less than twelve hours, we will be at the midnight PreRelease event for Magic Origins at Koros Games in Orangeville, Ontario which is about an hour and change north of Toronto.  You may recall an article we had posted last year about this very cool store and great gaming community.  If you are in the neighbourhood, drop by Koros Games and say hi.  A throng of Magic: the Gathering fans will be the first to get their paws on new cards and game until the early light.  MTG Realm will have a full report on the prerelease tournament with video, pics and a write-up as to how this set plays in sealed format.

Anywhoos, we have to get on to today's articles - Magic Origins Intro Packs.

The full decklists went up on the mothersite yesterday.  If you are new to the game, Intro Packs are designed with new players in mind.  Even more seasoned players will pick these up and have them battle against eachother.  Each Intro Pack comes along with two rares, one of which is an alternative-art foil card.  Here is the full list 'o' goodies -

• 60-card ready-to-play deck
• 2 Magic Origins booster packs
• Learn to play insert

 . . . And here are the lists !    

Brave the Battle (green / white)
Creature (22) : 1 Hixus, Prison Warden (R), 2 Anointer of Champions, 3 Cleric of the Forward Order, 2 Knight of the Pilgrim's Road, 2 Topan Freeblade, 2 Stalwart Aven, 2 Valeron Wardens, 1 Heavy Infantry, 2 Citadel Castellan, 1 Patron of the Valiant, 1 Outland Colossus (R), 2 Sentinel of the Eternal Watch, 1 Vastwood Gorger
Sorcery (2) : 2 Wild Instincts
Instant (6) : 2 Enshrouding Mist, 2 Mighty Leap, 1 Titanic Growth, 1 Vine Snare
Enchantment (5) : 2 Grasp of the Hieromancer, 1 Valor in Akros, 2 Knightly Valor
Land (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 14 Plains, 10 Forest

Take to the Sky (white / blue)
Creature (22) : 1 Alhammarret, High Arbiter (R), 3 Faerie Miscreant, 2 Sigiled Starfish, 2 Yoked Ox, 2 Nivix Barrier, 2 Watercourser, 2 Tower Geist, 2 Charging Griffin, 2 Thunderclap Wyvern, 2 Totem-Guide Hartebeest , 1 Soulblade Djinn (R), 1 Aven Battle Priest
Sorcery (2) : 2 Healing Hands
Instant (5) : 1 Negate, 1 Turn to Frog, 1 Celestial Flare, 2 Hydrolash
Enchantment (6) : 1 Stratus Walk, 1 Murder Investigation, 2 Claustrophobia, 2 Suppression Bonds
Land (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 14 Island, 10 Plains

Demonic Deals (black / red)
Creature (20) : 1 Kothophed, Soul Hoarder (R), 2 Malakir Cullblade, 2 Shambling Ghoul, 1 Fleshbag Marauder, 3 Nantuko Husk, 3 Undead Servant, 2 Returned Centaur, 1 Cobblebrute, 2 Enthralling Victor, 2 Blazing Hellhound, 1 Revenant
Sorcery (7) : 1 Reave Soul, 3 Act of Treason, 1 Nightsnare, 1 Necromantic Summons, 1 Chandra's Ignition (R)
Instant (7) : 2 Fiery Impulse, 2 Cruel Revival, 1 Chandra's Fury, 1 Unholy Hunger, 1 Ravaging Blaze
Enchantment (1) : 1 Weight of the Underworld
Land (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 14 Swamp, 10 Mountain

Assemble Victory (red / blue)
Creature (24) : 1 Pia and Kiran Nalaar (R), 2 Bonded Construct, 1 Runed Servitor, 1 Subterranean Scout, 1 Bellows Lizard, 1 Maritime Guard, 2 Chief of the Foundry, 2 Ghirapur Gearcrafter, 1 Ramroller, 1 Thopter Engineer, 2 Guardian Automaton, 2 Aspiring Aeronaut, 1 Separatist Voidmage, 1 Whirler Rogue, 2 Reclusive Artificer, 2 Volcanic Rambler, 1 Mage-Ring Responder (R)
Instant (3) : 1 Disperse, 2 Artificer's Epiphany
Artifact (4) : 1 Prism Ring, 2 Alchemist's Vial, 1 Meteorite
Enchantment (5) : 3 Infectious Bloodlust, 2 Ghirapur Æther Grid
Land (24) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 13 Mountain 10 Island 

Hunting Pack (black / green)
Creature (25) : 1 Dwynen, Gilt-Leaf Daen (R), 2 Dwynen's Elite, 2 Elvish Visionary, 2 Thornbow Archer, 3 Timberpack Wolf, 2 Leaf Gilder, 1 Hitchclaw Recluse, 1 Managorger Hydra (R), 2 Yeva's Forcemage, 2 Deadbridge Shaman, 2 Eyeblight Assassin, 2 Shaman of the Pack, 2 Sylvan Messenger, 1 Skysnare Spider
Sorcery (6) : 1 Macabre Waltz, 1 Nightsnare, 2 Eyeblight Massacre, 2 Joraga Invocation
Instant (2) : 2 Might of the Masses
Enchantment (3) : 2 Weight of the Underworld, 1 Consecrated by Blood
Land (24) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 11 Forest, 12 Swamp

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Magic Origins Clash Packs

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps, 

As expected this week, Magic: the Gathering fans were treated to the decklists for all the Magic Origins Intro Packs as well as the Clash Packs.  After reading through the decklist for the Clash Packs, we are going to need a breather - the decklists are perhaps one of the best ones since Wizards of the Coast started producing Clash Packs.  We will get into the nitty gritty, but for now, here is the 4.1.1. on this particular product if you are a newer player -

Magic Origins - Clash Packs
Release Date: July 17, 2015
MRSP $30

The Clash Pack comes with instructions that show how to combine cards from each of its decks to create a new deck designed to be equal in power to what is expected from an Event Deck.  This particular product is designed to prepare players for Friday Night Magic and Standard format tournaments.

Players can enjoy battling with a friend using the two ready-to-play decks, then combine them together into a single, powerful deck to play at your next Friday Night Magic event!

Contains:
• 2 ready-to-play 60-card decks (with 10 rare cards!)
• 6 alternate-art, premium cards
• Strategy insert
• Magic rules reference card
• Deck box

ARMED - and - DANGEROUS

Armed (green / white) - 6 rares, 3 alternate art cards - Honored Hierarch, Valorous Stance and Seeker of the Way

Creature (19) : 1 Honored Hierarch, 1 Dragon Hunter, 1 Anointer of Champions, 1 Seeker of the Way, 1 Dromoka Warrior, 2 Topan Freeblade, 2 Undercity Troll, 1 Consul's Lieutenant, 1 Dragon Bell Monk, 2 Valeron Wardens, 2 Citadel Castellan, 2 War Oracle, 1 Outland Colossus, 1 Kytheon's Irregulars
Sorcery (2) : 2 Epic Confrontation
Instant (11) : 2 Enshrouding Mist, 1 Feat of Resistance, 2 Mighty Leap, 1 Pressure Point, 1 Valorous Stance, 2 Titanic Growth, 1 Dromoka's Command, 1 Collected Company
Enchantment (2) : 2 Pacifism
Land (26) : 2 Blossoming Sands, 2 Evolving Wilds, 1 Windswept Heath, 11 Plains, 10 Forest 

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Dangerous (white / black / green) - 6 rare, 3 alternate art cards - Siege Rhino, Dromoka, the Eternal,  Sandsteppe Citadel

Creature (18) : 1 Dromoka, the Eternal, 2 Ainok Bond-Kin, 2 Disowned Ancestor, 3 Lightwalker, 1 Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit, 1 Avatar of the Resolute, 2 Abzan Falconer, 1 Tuskguard Captain, 1 Abzan Battle Priest, 1 Mer-Ek Nightblade, 1 Longshot Squad, 1 Siege Rhino, 1 Elite Scaleguard
Sorcery (6) : 2 Cached Defenses, 2 Map the Wastes, 2 Incremental Growth
Instant (5) : 2 Ultimate Price, 1 Scale Blessing, 2 Dromoka's Gift
Enchantment (5) : 1 Suspension Field, 1 Debilitating Injury, 1 Ancestral Vengeance, 1 Abzan Ascendancy, 1 Citadel Siege
Land (26) : 2 Blossoming Sands, 2 Jungle Hollow, 1 Sandsteppe Citadel, 2 Scoured Barrens, 7 Plains, 6 Swamp, 6 Forest

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We love the excellent alternate art cards WotC had commissioned.  Having an alternate art for Siege Rhino which is seeing popular play currently in standard format has our attention.  Having a valuable rare like Collected Company has now made it a no-brain decision to pick up this Clash Pack.  We can't wait to have these two lists battle eachother, and will likely swap the alternate arts with regular in order to pimp out our various Commander and Tiny Leader builds.
 
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Origins Spoilers 7-02

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,

We hope all fellow Canadians among our followers have had a pleasant Canada Day yesterday and to our American cousins to the south, we wish a safe 'n' happy Independence Day weekend.  

Given the good showing of artifacts and Enchantments in this next and last core set, we hope to be able to go with Thopters (and what-not) during the PreRelease event at our local gaming store, OMG! Games here in Barrie and perhaps even take a run with a Constellation / Enchantment strategy in the new standard.  Aywhoos, Let us get straight into Magic Origins spoilers and previews -  

UPDATE !
Dan Barrett, WotC EU minion does a Magic Duels: Origins digital game walk-through AppSpy Pete which floats out another 15 Magic Origins cards -

Akroan Sergeant - ? red human soldier, first strike, renown 1.
Ampryn Tactician - white 3/3 human soldier, +1/+1 your creatures eotb.
Anchor to the Æther - blue sorcery target creature library top, scry 1.
Bone to Ash - blue creature counter, draw card.
Calculated Dismissal - blue counter unless 3, spell mastery.
Call of the Full Moon - red aura +3/+2, nerf if opp cast 2+ spells.
Consul's Lieutenant - white human soldier, first strike, renown 1, conditional +1/+1 pump to attacking creatures.
Guardian Automaton - 3/3 construct, 3 life when dead.
Knightly Valor - white aura +2/+2 vigilance with 2/2 knight token.
Kytheon's Tactics - white sorcery creatures +2/+1, spell mastery.
Screeching Skaab - blue zombie, self mill 2.
Sigil of Valor - equipment +1/+1 if swinging alone.
Sigiled Starfish - 0/3 tap to scry 1.
Suppression Bonds - white aura threat shutdown.
Totem-Guide Hartebeest - antelope enchantment tutor.

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Mage-Ring Responder, 7
Artifact Creature - Golem, Rare
Mage-Ring Responder doesn't untap during your untap step.
7: Untap Mage-Ring Responder.
Whenever Mage-Ring Responder attacks, it deals 7 damage to target creature defending player controls.
illus. Adam Paquette # 232/272
7/7

LoadingReadyRun preview - All Hail the DurdleBot !!  Big, bulky, akward like that introvert linebacker.  You could use a recursion tech like Whip of Erebos or perhaps an un-tapper like Kiora's Follower to reset but we don't think this would pass muster for most.
~Sigil of the Empty Throne, 3WW
Enchantment, Rare
Whenever you cast an enchantment spell, put a 4/4 white Angel creature token with flying onto the battlefield.
When Asha left Bant, she ensured that the world would have protection and order in her absence.
illus. Cyril Van Der Haegen # 31/272

Chinese MTG Facebook preview.  We loved this card in Conflux and hope to make the most of the enchantments in Magic Origins and of course with Theros block before rotation, perhaps even floating a constellation build that actually may not be rubbish.
~Willbreaker, 3UU
Creature - Human Wizard, Rare
Whenever a creature an opponent controls becomes the target of a spell or ability you control, gain control of that creature for as long as you control Willbreaker.
"Master your mind, or I shall master it for you."
illus. Dan Scott # 84/272
2/3

Mothersite preview.  Rather interesting and potentially powerful should you fire off a spell targeting multiple creatures like Curse of the Swine or an Icy Blast.
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New non-rare Magic Origins cards out today includes - 

• Foundry of the Consuls - Uncommon Land tapping for a colorless or paying five, sac and giving two thopters.

Some reprints to be included -
• Celestial Flare - good white combat trick.
• Negate - blue counter staple.
• Nantuko Husk - everyone's fav zombie insect.
• Smash to Smithereens - red artifact hate
• Might of the Masses - solid green pump.
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Origins Spoilers 7-01

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Happy Canada Day MTG peeps,

Joyeux Fête du Canada.  The British North American act of 1867 created an environment in which Magic: the Gathering could be played freely within the Dominion of Canada.

Anywhoos, enough of that nonsense - everything is closed up our way so we are most definitely on top of Magic Origins spoilers and previews as the internet never takes a day off.  Here are today's cardboard awesomeness. 
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A whole bunch of new Magic Origins cards via Spell Slingers (video belwo) - Anointer of Champions, Auramancer, Blightcaster, Blood-Cursed Knight, Fleshbag Marauder, Magmatic Insight, Reclusive Artificer , Skysnare Spider, Somberwald Alpha, Stalwart Aven, Tragic Arrogance, and Zendikar's Roil.

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Tragic Arrogance, 3WW
Sorcery, Rare
For each player, you choose from among the permanents that player controls an artifact, a creature, an enchantment, and a planeswalker.  Then each player sacrifices all other non land permanents he or she controls.
The spear thrown by Kytheon's own hand was the weapon that felled his friends.
illus. Winona Nelson, 38/272

Mothersite preview.  Five mana for a one-sided board reset is a fair price in our books.  Love this card.
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Erebos's Titan, 1BBB
Creature - Giant, Mythic Rare
Erebos's Titan has indestructible as long as no opponent controls a creature.
Whenever a creature leaves an opponent's graveyard, you may discard a card. If you do, return Erebos's Titan from your graveyard to your hand.
illus. Peter Morbacher # 94/272
5/5

MagicBlogs.De German preview.  Perhaps it is the lack of caffeine but we think there may be only a very finite number of decklists which this may be appropriate in.
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Gilt-Leaf Winnower, 3BB
Creature - Elf Warrior, Rare
Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.)
When Gilt-Leaf Winnower enters the battlefield, you may destroy target non-Elf creature whose power and toughness aren't equal.
illus. Viktor Titov # 99/272
4/3

Magic Show preview.  Nice stats on this card and menace is sweet - go green / black elves!
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Herald of the Pantheon, 1G
Creature - Centaur Shaman, Rare
Encahntment spells you cast cost 1 less to cast.
Whenever you cast an enchantment spell, you gain 1 life.
The distinction of bearing the gods' banner is nothing compared to the glory of being closer to Nyx.
illus. Jason A. Engle # 180/272
2/2

The Magic Tutor preview.  Love it!  Green / white enchantress lists are very near and dear to our heart.
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Nissa's Revelation, 5GG
Sorcery, Rare
Scry 5, then reveal the top card of your library. If it's a creature card, you draw cards equal to its power and gain life equal to its toughness.
illus. Izzy # 191/272

MTG Japan preview.  Pretty sweet late game card with a decidedly powerful effect which could swing a game your way.
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Outland Colossus,  3GG
Creature - Giant, Rare
Renown 6 (When this creature deals combat damage to a player, if it isn't renowned, put six +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes renowned.)
Outland Colossus can't be blocked by more than one creature.
illus. Ryan Pancoast # 193/272
6/6

MaRo Twitter preview.  Ahoy green fatty that promises to go nuclear if it lands a hit.
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Some other none-rare cards out today also include -
• Artificer's Epiphany
• Whirler Rogue
• Ghirapur Gearcrafter
• Bonded Construct
• Reclusive Artificer
• Chief of the Foundry
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Magic Origins SDCC Promo

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Happy Monday (again) MTG peeps,

This is our second article today - to catch our earlier one covering off all the new Magic Origins previews out today, hop on over to here.   This, our second article is our particular interest to Magic: the Gathering players who may be attending this year's San Diego Comic-Con 2015, running July 9th to the 12th.  SDCC is typically when we have a panel from Wizards of the Coast addressing several upcoming products, foremost of which is the next block - this being Battle for Zendikar.  In past years, WotC has also released an SDCC Exclusive in the form of an alternate 'black on black' set of the core set Planeswalkers.


Here's the 4.1.1. for this year's SDCC exclusive from IO9 -

At San Diego Comic-Con 2015 the Hasbro ToyShop offered a limited edition collection of double-faced planeswalkers cards from Magic Origins (the last core set) for sale. The five cards were presented with unique "black-on-black" illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.  This year’s SDCC Planeswalker set also includes a book exploring the backstories of the five planeswalkers featured in this summer’s Magic Origins expansion: Chandra, Jace, Nissa, Gideon, and Liliana. This is expected to be selling at $120.
a
Check it out !

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