you should have added the "i cost more than 90% of all rares" uncommon path to exile on your list. it can always be replaced with Swords to Plowshares, Condemn, Crib Swap, Journey to Nowhre, and O-Ring for fractions of the cost. I would be willing to say you could buy playsets of all the alternatives listed for about the same if not cheaper than a set of path.
First, as always great article Hammy, and thanks for all that you do for the community. That can't be said enough.
You've got some problems in the titles within what you call the "16 player swiss" tournament data.
There are no 16-player sealed swiss queues other than the release events. The queue that you call "16 Player Sealed Swiss" actually describes the 8 Player Sealed Swiss queue. Everything in the description is right, but the title is wrong, and could mislead potential players of the queue (it is hard enough to get it to fire at 8!). Also, while there was a 16 player sealed swiss queue during release with prizes and costs as you describe, it was an on-demand queue, not a daily event on a schedule. Calling that whole section "16 player swiss" is quite misleading, I think you want a title something like "Limited Swiss Queues" for that part.
I'm a solid INTJ, and while I do enjoy combo on occasion it certain isn't the be-all end-all of how and why I play Magic. I'm more into synergies, as others have noted for that personality type, but above that I'm more into winning (determining an effected plan and executing it) and figuring out the "correct" play in a given situation. But, true to my INTJ personality, I will say that this should be based on more than my personal example. Expanding, though, the whole personality type is more about what works and planning than it is about singular johnny events that combo usually refers to. Now, a tier-one competitive combo deck that wins consistently if played well, that certainly would appeal to the personality type. But combo for combo's sake (or anything for its own sake)? Not so much.
By the way, I don't see Flores or Karsten as very much Ixxx at all, especially Flores with all of his social references in his articles. Their public personas both seem to best fit ENTJ to me.
Demonfire is under a ticket. Substitutes for Banefire.
Under Juzam, Tombstalker again.
Mishra's Factory is almost strictly better than Mutavault - only slightly different. Good choice!
Do Birds of Paradise at 2 tickets really need a substitute? At 8 for a playset, isn't that cheap enough? Birds subbing for the Noble, sure. But if you're on a low enough budget that 8 tix is too much for a playset then you're probably not playing Standard, not even casual Standard. Eight tix could reasonably be too high for a playset of a build-around-me rare that you'll only use once, but Birds are a staple and will go into multiple decks. At some point, I recommend just buying the Birds. Same with Mind Twist at 1.5 tickets. Why budgetize that card with Mind Shatter?
I think the whole pack comes down to two cards: Machete vs. Emeria Angel. The machete is surely the safest way to go, it's an awesome card and it fits any deck you may end up with. But I'd take the Angel because of personal preferences: for starters, I've found out that white is underdrafted, and I have been able lately to pick up two, three and even four Journeys, along with a couple of Skyfishers and asorted goodies. The second reason is that I like U/W fliers a lot, and if I take the Angel, coupled with some eels or raptors, one or two Into the roil and Whiplashes, and some defensive critters like the Kraken hatchling that usually comes late, I'm happy as a puppy. Not passing any other significant blue or white cards (the cat may even table) is good too.
I would take the angel, as I like white in Z; but the machete is probably the correct pick. (obv it goes in any deck, not just a white based one).
Great article as always. You are in a class of your own. I'm surprised (but very happy) that SCG hasn't offered you a 'premium' position based on the consistant high quality of you insight.
Based on multiple formal MB tests done through work training and school courses, I'm a confirmed INFP/J - with a very strong "I" dimension, and an almost balanced, "P/J" dimension. I'm a bit of an anomaly I guess, since I'm an infosec/cybersec professional (typically dominated by xSTx types) and oh...btw, I love Magic. Played since Unlimited and am a Spike/Johnny, play to win type, but I prefer to play to win creatively, if possible. If not, I will net deck with the best of them. So, sorry to blow a hole in your INFP/J analysis. Also, looking at this from the INFJ side: I don't really care about collecting whatsoever. I only get the cards I need for my decks and could care less about anything that doesn't further that goal. Of course, who wouldn't want a playset of every card from Alpha to Zendikar... :)
Good effort, though. That was a ton of work on your part. But I think MB is too complex to directly map to something specific like Magic. Also, one thing when evaluating MB is to keep in mind that your type is your preferred mode, but that doesn't exclude you from behaving outside of that mode as needed, ie, a strong Introvert that is able to swing Extrovert as needed in the workplace...
I have done several of these tests and I waver between ENFP and ENTP, with a slight preference for ENFP, which was the result I got from this test. As for magic, I don't think my type translates very well. I am primarily a johnny with a hint of spike. I mainly play casual, drafting occasionally. In deckbuilding, I am often willing to sacrifice power for style. In playing, I play to win.
ENFPs are noted as needing constant validation from peers. While this is true for me (as much as I hate to admit it), once again it doesn't work with Magic. Instead Magic provides me with self-validation, as I get kicks from beating people with jank.
I'm going to guess that you are either ESTJ or ENTJ. Whatever type you are, despite what Briggs-Meyer says, you probably don't actually need to understand other types very well. Strength in some areas creates weaknesses in others, and as your ability in one area improves, another will decline. 'I am, what I am'.
Nice article, and indeed a bad draft...sometimes it just happens, it looks like signalling is not a skill all 8-4 players by definition have (maybe some rare-drafters at the table...?)
For the excercise this week, I am a little confused: There are 14 cards, and it looks like you asked us what you took out of it, and that card is not blue. If that is the case, with so many bombs still in it, there are a couple of choices.
The rare, and 3 uncommons are still in the pack, so a common is missing. If that is true, only burst lightning or disfigure can be the pick. White is good in this pack, so taking journey to nowhere would have been bad imo. Disfigure is ok, if you want to force black, and there is no other black in the pack, let your neighbours fight on white. Burst lightning is for sure good, but there are two other decent red cards, so you are not so sure you can force your neighbours to stay out of red. So I would say disfigure, or burst.
But in my opinion, the machete is still a better pick. Sure, it is not removal, but in the aggro type what Zendikar is, it wins games.
The other option is that there was a foil....this could have been a machete or Emeria angel, but let's not consider that. It might of course be that the foil was another good rare in black or red, or even white, and you decided to take that one. There are still rares which are better than the Angel or the Machete (Sorin, Ob Nixilis, to name a few...)
Keep up the articles, nice to read them, what I like is that you really challenge yourself afterwards what you could have done better.
Nice article, and indeed a bad draft...sometimes it just happens, it looks like signalling is not a skill all 8-4 players by definition have (maybe some rare-drafters at the table...?)
For the excercise this week, I am a little confused: There are 14 cards, and it looks like you asked us what you took out of it, and that card is not blue. If that is the case, with so many bombs still in it, there are a couple of choices.
The rare, and 3 uncommons are still in the pack, so a common is missing. If that is true, only burst lightning or disfigure can be the pick. White is good in this pack, so taking journey to nowhere would have been bad imo. Disfigure is ok, if you want to force black, and there is no other black in the pack, let your neighbours fight on white. Burst lightning is for sure good, but there are two other decent red cards, so you are not so sure you can force your neighbours to stay out of red. So I would say disfigure, or burst.
But in my opinion, the machete is still a better pick. Sure, it is not removal, but in the aggro type what Zendikar is, it wins games.
The other option is that there was a foil....this could have been a machete or Emeria angel, but let's not consider that. It might of course be that the foil was another good rare in black or red, or even white, and you decided to take that one. There are still rares which are better than the Angel or the Machete (Sorin, Ob Nixilis, to name a few...)
Keep up the articles, nice to read them, what I like is that you really challenge yourself afterwards what you could have done better.
Took the test. I'm an I:89 S:62 F:25 P:22. The FP is the weaker part but what I get out of magic is competition. I all about winning Spike if there is anything on the line, but the few times I play casual I am more a Johnny.
In your appraisal of ISFP I think you are mistaking competition for conflict. I avoid conflict at all costs but love competition.
Love the column mainly for the prices. I love the psudo stock market that is MTGO, but am not a collector at all. I sell all my cards to draft more, but look for the best point to sell.
This is (mostly) correct. Scope doesn't draw the land; it puts it into play tapped. Regardless, it is certainly better to get the Ravager out there now than to *hope* for 2 extra damage by equipping the Gear. The Ravager saves 2 life from the Hexmage, and also provides a creature for next turn that is able to tap or attack (should the Ox get killed).
What to do with the remaining 2 mana is the interesting question.
Equipping the Scope and attacking seems worthwhile to me, because that Arrow Volley Trap really needs to be cast next turn, and it'd be nice to have a 6th land so as to enable some plays with the equipment(s).
I think the other mana is best spent allowing the Ravager to be 1/4. There are 5(!) cards in the opponent's deck that punish us for tapping out: Crypt Ripper, Tuktuk Grunts, Goblin Ruinblaster, and 2 Torch Slingers. Leaving up a Mountain takes away the sting of those cards, since the opponent can't attack without losing the Hexmage.
Relatedly, I find that it is often better to hold Adventuring Gear and then play it on the turn you expect to actually use it. You get some added value in that your opponent won't be expecting it. This comes at a cost of 1 mana, of course, so it isn't always the right play, and rarely correct in the early turns.
It's a bit like the play of holding onto Cursed Scroll until it is the 2nd-to-last card in hand.
I scored as a solid Johnny. I would classify myself as a UWb mage. I rarely concede a game just because I am going to lose. I want to see all decks in action, to see how they tick. I love figuring card interactions (which is why I would rather Beta test than play tournaments). The play is more important than whether I win or lose.
Slight INTJ. I'd say that was a fairly accurate assesment, although perhaps synergies rather than combos. Finely honed engines that do what I want them to.
I done the test about 2 years ago and I got INTP. And yes, Im trying to break the current standard format with a $3 deck. Before Zen came out my deck was very successful in tourny practice, now it is somewhat harder due to decks being a little faster. Im still trying to work everything out and seeing which cards work better. Ill get there sooner or later. Probably another 2 weeks until I get it down and consistently beat money decks again.
you should have added the "i cost more than 90% of all rares" uncommon path to exile on your list. it can always be replaced with Swords to Plowshares, Condemn, Crib Swap, Journey to Nowhre, and O-Ring for fractions of the cost. I would be willing to say you could buy playsets of all the alternatives listed for about the same if not cheaper than a set of path.
it originated from carl jung's research on typology
it is used by many fortune 500 companies
you may just want that scan now
Machete is a great card that I would be thrilled to first pick in most drafts. But Emeria Angel is the pick here - and it's not close.
This card can just win games by itself
Whoever really believes that stereotype crap needs a brainscan.
First, as always great article Hammy, and thanks for all that you do for the community. That can't be said enough.
You've got some problems in the titles within what you call the "16 player swiss" tournament data.
There are no 16-player sealed swiss queues other than the release events. The queue that you call "16 Player Sealed Swiss" actually describes the 8 Player Sealed Swiss queue. Everything in the description is right, but the title is wrong, and could mislead potential players of the queue (it is hard enough to get it to fire at 8!). Also, while there was a 16 player sealed swiss queue during release with prizes and costs as you describe, it was an on-demand queue, not a daily event on a schedule. Calling that whole section "16 player swiss" is quite misleading, I think you want a title something like "Limited Swiss Queues" for that part.
I'm a solid INTJ, and while I do enjoy combo on occasion it certain isn't the be-all end-all of how and why I play Magic. I'm more into synergies, as others have noted for that personality type, but above that I'm more into winning (determining an effected plan and executing it) and figuring out the "correct" play in a given situation. But, true to my INTJ personality, I will say that this should be based on more than my personal example. Expanding, though, the whole personality type is more about what works and planning than it is about singular johnny events that combo usually refers to. Now, a tier-one competitive combo deck that wins consistently if played well, that certainly would appeal to the personality type. But combo for combo's sake (or anything for its own sake)? Not so much.
By the way, I don't see Flores or Karsten as very much Ixxx at all, especially Flores with all of his social references in his articles. Their public personas both seem to best fit ENTJ to me.
Demonfire is under a ticket. Substitutes for Banefire.
Under Juzam, Tombstalker again.
Mishra's Factory is almost strictly better than Mutavault - only slightly different. Good choice!
Do Birds of Paradise at 2 tickets really need a substitute? At 8 for a playset, isn't that cheap enough? Birds subbing for the Noble, sure. But if you're on a low enough budget that 8 tix is too much for a playset then you're probably not playing Standard, not even casual Standard. Eight tix could reasonably be too high for a playset of a build-around-me rare that you'll only use once, but Birds are a staple and will go into multiple decks. At some point, I recommend just buying the Birds. Same with Mind Twist at 1.5 tickets. Why budgetize that card with Mind Shatter?
Agree.
I tested as INTJ (although I don't think that's what I usually test as) and I'm all about synergies, not so much into the uber combos.
I think the whole pack comes down to two cards: Machete vs. Emeria Angel. The machete is surely the safest way to go, it's an awesome card and it fits any deck you may end up with. But I'd take the Angel because of personal preferences: for starters, I've found out that white is underdrafted, and I have been able lately to pick up two, three and even four Journeys, along with a couple of Skyfishers and asorted goodies. The second reason is that I like U/W fliers a lot, and if I take the Angel, coupled with some eels or raptors, one or two Into the roil and Whiplashes, and some defensive critters like the Kraken hatchling that usually comes late, I'm happy as a puppy. Not passing any other significant blue or white cards (the cat may even table) is good too.
I would take the angel, as I like white in Z; but the machete is probably the correct pick. (obv it goes in any deck, not just a white based one).
Great article as always. You are in a class of your own. I'm surprised (but very happy) that SCG hasn't offered you a 'premium' position based on the consistant high quality of you insight.
Based on multiple formal MB tests done through work training and school courses, I'm a confirmed INFP/J - with a very strong "I" dimension, and an almost balanced, "P/J" dimension. I'm a bit of an anomaly I guess, since I'm an infosec/cybersec professional (typically dominated by xSTx types) and oh...btw, I love Magic. Played since Unlimited and am a Spike/Johnny, play to win type, but I prefer to play to win creatively, if possible. If not, I will net deck with the best of them. So, sorry to blow a hole in your INFP/J analysis. Also, looking at this from the INFJ side: I don't really care about collecting whatsoever. I only get the cards I need for my decks and could care less about anything that doesn't further that goal. Of course, who wouldn't want a playset of every card from Alpha to Zendikar... :)
Good effort, though. That was a ton of work on your part. But I think MB is too complex to directly map to something specific like Magic. Also, one thing when evaluating MB is to keep in mind that your type is your preferred mode, but that doesn't exclude you from behaving outside of that mode as needed, ie, a strong Introvert that is able to swing Extrovert as needed in the workplace...
Great article as always.
I'd take the machete. It makes almost every creature into angel killers. Awesome article really enjoyed it.
@Gerwin - The missing card is the basic land you get in every pack ;)
I have done several of these tests and I waver between ENFP and ENTP, with a slight preference for ENFP, which was the result I got from this test. As for magic, I don't think my type translates very well. I am primarily a johnny with a hint of spike. I mainly play casual, drafting occasionally. In deckbuilding, I am often willing to sacrifice power for style. In playing, I play to win.
ENFPs are noted as needing constant validation from peers. While this is true for me (as much as I hate to admit it), once again it doesn't work with Magic. Instead Magic provides me with self-validation, as I get kicks from beating people with jank.
I'm going to guess that you are either ESTJ or ENTJ. Whatever type you are, despite what Briggs-Meyer says, you probably don't actually need to understand other types very well. Strength in some areas creates weaknesses in others, and as your ability in one area improves, another will decline. 'I am, what I am'.
@Gerwin
I believe the missing card is the land that he did not bother to post because it is obviously not a first pick.
Hi,
Nice article, and indeed a bad draft...sometimes it just happens, it looks like signalling is not a skill all 8-4 players by definition have (maybe some rare-drafters at the table...?)
For the excercise this week, I am a little confused: There are 14 cards, and it looks like you asked us what you took out of it, and that card is not blue. If that is the case, with so many bombs still in it, there are a couple of choices.
The rare, and 3 uncommons are still in the pack, so a common is missing. If that is true, only burst lightning or disfigure can be the pick. White is good in this pack, so taking journey to nowhere would have been bad imo. Disfigure is ok, if you want to force black, and there is no other black in the pack, let your neighbours fight on white. Burst lightning is for sure good, but there are two other decent red cards, so you are not so sure you can force your neighbours to stay out of red. So I would say disfigure, or burst.
But in my opinion, the machete is still a better pick. Sure, it is not removal, but in the aggro type what Zendikar is, it wins games.
The other option is that there was a foil....this could have been a machete or Emeria angel, but let's not consider that. It might of course be that the foil was another good rare in black or red, or even white, and you decided to take that one. There are still rares which are better than the Angel or the Machete (Sorin, Ob Nixilis, to name a few...)
Keep up the articles, nice to read them, what I like is that you really challenge yourself afterwards what you could have done better.
Gerwin
Hi,
Nice article, and indeed a bad draft...sometimes it just happens, it looks like signalling is not a skill all 8-4 players by definition have (maybe some rare-drafters at the table...?)
For the excercise this week, I am a little confused: There are 14 cards, and it looks like you asked us what you took out of it, and that card is not blue. If that is the case, with so many bombs still in it, there are a couple of choices.
The rare, and 3 uncommons are still in the pack, so a common is missing. If that is true, only burst lightning or disfigure can be the pick. White is good in this pack, so taking journey to nowhere would have been bad imo. Disfigure is ok, if you want to force black, and there is no other black in the pack, let your neighbours fight on white. Burst lightning is for sure good, but there are two other decent red cards, so you are not so sure you can force your neighbours to stay out of red. So I would say disfigure, or burst.
But in my opinion, the machete is still a better pick. Sure, it is not removal, but in the aggro type what Zendikar is, it wins games.
The other option is that there was a foil....this could have been a machete or Emeria angel, but let's not consider that. It might of course be that the foil was another good rare in black or red, or even white, and you decided to take that one. There are still rares which are better than the Angel or the Machete (Sorin, Ob Nixilis, to name a few...)
Keep up the articles, nice to read them, what I like is that you really challenge yourself afterwards what you could have done better.
Gerwin
angel > machete
not even close
Your Type is
ENTJ
Extraverted Intuitive Thinking Judging
Strength of the preferences %
1 25 25 1
On the test i was ISFJ, but i play more like a ESTP to be honest. Too impulsive :p
Took the test. I'm an I:89 S:62 F:25 P:22. The FP is the weaker part but what I get out of magic is competition. I all about winning Spike if there is anything on the line, but the few times I play casual I am more a Johnny.
In your appraisal of ISFP I think you are mistaking competition for conflict. I avoid conflict at all costs but love competition.
Love the column mainly for the prices. I love the psudo stock market that is MTGO, but am not a collector at all. I sell all my cards to draft more, but look for the best point to sell.
This is (mostly) correct. Scope doesn't draw the land; it puts it into play tapped. Regardless, it is certainly better to get the Ravager out there now than to *hope* for 2 extra damage by equipping the Gear. The Ravager saves 2 life from the Hexmage, and also provides a creature for next turn that is able to tap or attack (should the Ox get killed).
What to do with the remaining 2 mana is the interesting question.
Equipping the Scope and attacking seems worthwhile to me, because that Arrow Volley Trap really needs to be cast next turn, and it'd be nice to have a 6th land so as to enable some plays with the equipment(s).
I think the other mana is best spent allowing the Ravager to be 1/4. There are 5(!) cards in the opponent's deck that punish us for tapping out: Crypt Ripper, Tuktuk Grunts, Goblin Ruinblaster, and 2 Torch Slingers. Leaving up a Mountain takes away the sting of those cards, since the opponent can't attack without losing the Hexmage.
Relatedly, I find that it is often better to hold Adventuring Gear and then play it on the turn you expect to actually use it. You get some added value in that your opponent won't be expecting it. This comes at a cost of 1 mana, of course, so it isn't always the right play, and rarely correct in the early turns.
It's a bit like the play of holding onto Cursed Scroll until it is the 2nd-to-last card in hand.
warren instigator is being hoarded right now, and i wouldn't be surprised if it went up soon
Regarding INTJ, I agree with AJ in that I'd say "synergies" rather than "combos".
My scores were I:22, N:50, T:75 P:44
I scored as a solid Johnny. I would classify myself as a UWb mage. I rarely concede a game just because I am going to lose. I want to see all decks in action, to see how they tick. I love figuring card interactions (which is why I would rather Beta test than play tournaments). The play is more important than whether I win or lose.
Slight INTJ. I'd say that was a fairly accurate assesment, although perhaps synergies rather than combos. Finely honed engines that do what I want them to.
I done the test about 2 years ago and I got INTP. And yes, Im trying to break the current standard format with a $3 deck. Before Zen came out my deck was very successful in tourny practice, now it is somewhat harder due to decks being a little faster. Im still trying to work everything out and seeing which cards work better. Ill get there sooner or later. Probably another 2 weeks until I get it down and consistently beat money decks again.