A Busy Time for Magic Players [2012]

A number of things are happening all in a matter of a few months reshaping the Standard Format as we know it.

First off we have…

From The Vault: Realms

Release date: Aug. 31 2012

This is a special 15-card compilation of the most popular nonbasic land cards ever played – reprinted with new artwork and in foil! They’re hand-picked by the developers who know what players want. Notable cards are: Ancient Tomb, Maze of Ith, and Vesuva but there’s many more. It’s a collector’s treat for veteran players and perfect for those new players wanting to jump into the Legacy format.

Click here for full spoilers

Next up…

Duel Deck: Izzet vs. Golgari

Release date: Sept. 7 2012

The duel deck is now fully spoiled. What an amazing set this is. There aren’t any planeswalkers in this duel deck but the legendary guild leaders more than make up for it (potential commanders too). At the retail price of $20, you’ll be getting at least $40 value of cards back.

What to expect from Izzet?

Izzet is a red and blue guild. It is a control deck that works very well – particularly against its Golgari opponent! Every control effect you want is included in this deck such as card draw, counters, and bouncing. The instant and sorcery spells are great picks. Niv-Mizzet is basically your ace card. Other notable cards are: Gelectrode, Goblin Electromancer, Brainstorm, Fire//Ice, and Isochron Scepter.

What to expect from Golgari?

Golgari is a black and green guild. Nearly every “dredge” cards in existence are reprinted in this deck. Graveyard manipulation, sacrifice, and revival effects are what the Golgari guild does best. Jarad finally makes an appearance a creature and he is a major headache for your opponent. Other notable cards are: Doomgape, Eternal Witness, Golgari Grave-Troll, Golgari Thug, Life from the Loam, and Putrefy.

This duel deck set is great value but is not perfect as they only serve as a starting point. Only one (two max) of each copy of cards are included in each deck. When playing the decks, it’s virtually a race to see which player summons their ace card first. I also feel Golgari would have a harder time against Izzet because they don’t have enough specific answers for Izzet cards unlike the Izzet deck. Golgari players despair not for dredge does extremely well against many other decks.

Click here for full spoilers

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