Use cheap creatures as payoff engines, then cast noncreature spells with at least four mana spent to gain cards, counters and tempo.
Use cheap creatures as payoff engines, then cast noncreature spells with at least four mana spent to gain cards, counters and tempo.
Commit when repeated useful cards and enough support make a complete deck in these colors.
Four checks while you draft
Can I affect the board before the payoff?
Spending at least four mana on a noncreature spell grows it and makes it unblockable for the turn. Cast that spell before combat; a Saga creature does not qualify.
Do my actual cards enable this plan?
With Shantotto and Sahagin present, cast Thunder Magic’s four-mana middle mode before combat. The actual spend draws a card and unlocks Sahagin’s attack.
Can I stop their strongest play and finish a stalled game?
Use cheap creatures as payoff engines, then cast noncreature spells with at least four mana spent to gain cards, counters and tempo.
Choose the missing job before another reward that needs it.
The key card is present but its support is thin.
Prioritize useful support such as Sahagin or Retrieve the Esper.
With Shantotto and Sahagin present, cast Thunder Magic’s four-mana middle mode before combat. The actual spend draws a card and unlocks Sahagin’s attack.
Your deck already enables the plan but is losing the early turns.
Take a castable early creature or efficient answer before a second expensive payoff.
The amount spent casting the payoff itself is irrelevant. A discounted spell with less than four mana actually paid misses these rewards, and a Saga creature is not a noncreature spell.
The support is missing
Favor independently useful creatures and interaction if the narrow support does not arrive.
Repeated useful cards are clues, not proof that the colors are open.
The amount spent casting the payoff itself is irrelevant. A discounted spell with less than four mana actually paid misses these rewards, and a Saga creature is not a noncreature spell.
Remove the payoff before the large spell is cast. Pressure while the opponent saves four mana, and use instant removal if they commit to a boosted Shantotto attack.
Choco-Comet65.8% GIH · 13,515 instances
Lightning Bolt63.8% GIH · 3,747 instances
Thunder Magic62.2% GIH · 31,512 instances
Eject62.1% GIH · 14,029 instances
The Emperor of Palamecia62.0% GIH · 23,285 instances
Sleep Magic62.0% GIH · 9,829 instances17Lands ↗ · Jun 10–Jul 14, 2025 · at least 100 card-in-hand instances in this pair’s no-splash decks. Choose the job your deck needs first.
Cryptic Command 1UUUChoose the two modes that solve the current turn, often a counter plus a card or tapping blockers plus a card. Three blue symbols make this a demanding splash. If the only chosen target becomes illegal, the spell does not resolve even when its other mode would draw or tap creatures.
Urza, Lord High Artificer 2UUThe Construct grows with your artifacts, while spare Equipment and tokens can tap for blue mana through Urza’s ability. Even a newly entered artifact creature can pay that cost. Keep an artifact board for both mana and threat size, and remember a land exiled by the five-mana ability still needs an available land play.
Nibelheim Aflame 2RRChoose your strongest useful creature to damage every other creature, including your own. Deathtouch on the source can make even small damage lethal. If that sole target is removed, neither the damage nor the flashback discard-and-draw happens, so protect the target or choose the window carefully.
Smuggler's Copter 2Crew one turns a small creature into a flying attacker or blocker, and either action can draw then discard. A creature that just entered can crew it, but a Copter that just entered still normally cannot attack. The rummage supports flashback and permanent-count graveyards without losing the Vehicle after combat.17Lands Premier Draft ↗ · Jun 10–Jul 14, 2025 · 100-instance minimum
Retrieve the EsperA four-mana noncreature spell creates an artifact creature, supporting both spell and artifact plans. Flashback makes a larger Robot while remaining a spell cast.
Combat Tutorial
SahaginSpending at least four mana on a noncreature spell grows it and makes it unblockable for the turn. Cast that spell before combat; a Saga creature does not qualify.
Rook TurretThunder MagicOne mana deals two, four total deals four, and seven total deals eight to a creature. Pay the smallest useful mode unless a four-mana payoff justifies the larger spend.
EjectExamples apply the printed rules; judge the board, costs and timing.
| One-pick | Sealed |
|---|---|
| With one pick, fill the missing early play, answer or support card before adding another narrow payoff. The plan must work without drawing its key card. | Compare complete builds from the cards you opened. Keep the castable curve and interaction even if the draft theme is only partly supported. |
With Shantotto and Sahagin present, cast Thunder Magic’s four-mana middle mode before combat. The actual spend draws a card and unlocks Sahagin’s attack.
Prompto Argentum
