Plunge into Darkness - 1/28/13

Good evening everyone and welcome to City of Traders!  If you have are joining me for the first time you are in for a real treat, if you are a returning reader, thanks for sticking with me.

Tonight I am going to talk about every Rare and Mythic Rare card in Gatecrash, supported with a week’s worth of data.  After that I will put the data up from the other sets in Standard.  If you look at the data, you can see which cards have started to trend up since Gatecrash's release.  With that out of the way let’s begin with Gatecrash!

All prices are mid on tcgplayer.com at the given date

In alphabetical order:

Alms Beast (R) $0.69:  I don't foresee this card really blowing up, granted if your deck's win condition isn't getting your opponents life to 0, then you don't care how much life they gain.  There may be a control deck that wants this, but any beatdown deck worth its salt will not want this card.  This will probably end up at $0.33.

Angelic Skirmisher (R) $1.25:  We have seen quite a few 6cmc flies from White, this difference between those cards and the Skirmisher?  This card technically has an immediate impact on the battlefield since you can use her ability if your creatures are ready to attack.  Overall I don't see much happening with this card.  It will probably be less than a dollar soon and then fall some from there.

Assemble the Legion (R) $0.98:  I hate to say it but I don't think this card isn't going to see standard play.  It might be fun for a Commander build that can abuse proliferate, but I think it will probably end up at $0.33.

Aurelia's Fury (M) $26.46:  This card is hyped.  People are trying not to miss the next Sphinx's Revelation, and in doing so they have caused this card's price to be very inflated.  If you have these, unless you plan on playing them immediately, I recommend selling or trading yours off while they are so high.  There is no way this card is going to maintain this price for long.

Aurelia, the Warleader (M) $21.68:  I think Aurelia is a stellar card.  I think she may be a little hyped right now, but then again, her price is moving up and doesn't show signs of stopping.  My advice?  Hang on to any copies you own until her price peaks.  I think she will end up in Reanimator somewhere, or perhaps, as a finisher in RW weenies although the former option is more likely.

Biomass Mutation (R) $0.94:  Okay so you can make your team huge . . . if you have a ton of mana.  If you compare this card to Overrun it almost falls short.  When you combine it with +1/+1 counters it shines, but unless a UG evolve deck develops I don't think this will see much play outside of Commander.

Biovisionary (R) $0.93:  As much as I want to make the all Clone deck running four copies of this and then every clone option available in standard, I don't think this card is going to do much outside of some crazy Commander build.

Blind Obedience (R) $4.13:  This card is sweet.  I like the fact that it doesn't die to removal like all of the extort creatures.  It also hoses your opponent's blockers and stops mana rocks in Commander.  A white weenie deck can make good use of this in standard and so can certain control builds.  I recommend trading for these when you can and holding on to yours to see where this card goes.

Borborygmos Enraged (M) $4.00:  Sooo this guy.  Let's break it down.  Giant dude, check.  Immediate impact when he enters the battlefield (i.e. you reanimate him and still have lands in hand thanks to all of your mulching), check.  Commander appeal, check.  I actually think this could be one of the sleepers of the set.  Pick these up while you can at $4 and thank me later if they hit $8+.

Boros Reckoner (R) $5.67:  Trade for/Buy these!  They are a good three drop in RDW, which has been missing a good three drop.  They are basically Stuffy Doll so when you Blasphemous Act, your opponent will take 13 damage from it.  It also goes in RW decks and WW decks.  I really think this card is going to shine so trade for this one!

 Breeding Pool (R) $12.74:  As always you can't win the game without lands.  Shocklands are always a good pick up, and even though Dragons Maze will double the amount of Shocklands in the market, these are still solid.  I will say the prices on these are inflated right now, depending on how widely used they are in standard, you may eventually be able to get these for less than $10, but you will have to wait.

Clan Defiance (R) $3.85:  Other than being a a limited bomb, this card may have Standard potential.  You will almost always take down a creature with this, and when you dome your opponent at the same time it is just icing on the cake.  I'm not saying to grab these now, but keep an eye on their price.

Consuming Aberration (R) $1.55:  Usually the Starter Deck rares are already at a disadvantage because they do come in the starter.  This guy does have the advantage of being a mill card, which happens to be everyone's favorite alternate win condition.  I could see this being popular outside of Standard, but its price will probably going to end up low though.

Crypt Ghast (R) $2.98:  Okay I'm only going to say this once.  This card is a steal at $3.  Look at this card: Nirkana Revenant.  It is going for $8.74.  Let's look at the differences.  Ghast costs 2 mana less, it has a more relevant ability (I like extort more than the pump ability), and it costs $5 less right now.  BUY THIS!  PROFIT!

Deathpact Angel (M) $4.34:  I don't think this is going to be an expensive card which an awkward survival mode doesn't scream playability, then again I could be wrong and this and the Ghost Council could be the biggest beating we see out of Standard for a while.  I'm wary about this and recommend keeping an eye on the price trend before you invest.

Diluvian Primordial (R) $0.62:  This is a Commander card.  By the time you resolve this in Standard you should just be playing whatever instant or sorcery you were planning on stealing from your opponent and save the hassle.

Domri Rade (M) $22.32:  Pick this guy up if you need him tomorrow, because hype is going to continue to drive his price up.  Otherwise, I recommend waiting to get yours because Wizards just banned the card that he really wanted to play with earlier today.  Here's the thing, his first ability is fine if you hit a creature, otherwise it is a complete blank because you don't get to stick the card on the bottom if it is bad.  His second ability is fine if your creature is bigger than theirs, so your probably going to use your two drop to eat their one drop or your four to eat their 2-3.  His ultimate is almost not even relevant in standard because most decks will either kill Domri or end the game before he ever gets to 7.  Let's say you draw him late game, either you dig for a threat and hope you survive for another turn, or hope you already have a threat to fight with, otherwise he is a complete blank.  I'm sorry to rain on any of Domri's supporters' various parades but I think this guy isn't going to live up to the hype.  If you have one, wait until its price peaks and then trade or sell him, that is my opinion.

Duskmantle Seer (M):  $14.80:  This guy isn't Dark Confidant.  You don't play him in the same kind of deck as you would Dark Confidant.  He gives your opponent stuff and is on the frail side with 4 toughness.  Granted he is powerful, but if you plan on running additional threats in your deck that cost more than 4, plan on taking some damage from this guy's ability.  I could be completely wrong, but I call 'em like I see 'em, trade this guy off before his price continues to drop.

Enter the Infinite (M):  $2.28:  This card is sooooooo cooooool.  I don't think it is going to be a very expensive card because it only really works in some infinite mana Commander build, or with Omniscience in Legacy.  Keep an eye on this one and see what happens.

Fathom Mage (R) $0.83:  Like the other Starter Deck cards, this is probably destined to end up at $0.33.  I think this card has some fun Commander appeal, but unfortunately will not see much play in Standard.

Firemane Avenger (R) $3.29:  This card is sweet.  Its main problem (right now) is that it is in direct competition with Hellrider for the 4 slot in aggro decks and it doesn't have haste.  Granted there are a number of ways that it could be given haste, I still don't think it is going to be aggro's #1 choice.  It also comes in the RW Starter, which could also have a negative impact on its future.

Five-Alarm Fire (R) $0.58:  Let me begin by saying how much I like this card.  In the right deck you can active the second ability multiple times during the game.  If you get more than one of them out it is game over.  Just in case you missed it, you don't have to sacrifice the Enchantment to activate it's second ability.  This could easily be an all star in the right RDW and for $0.58, pick up a play set at least, even if you don't plan on playing Red.

Foundry Champion (R) $0.47:  Another $0.33 card.  Coincidentally Wizards printed a 3 cost Common card that does the same thing, in the same set.  Bummer for the Champion.

Frontline Medic (R) $5.18:  This guy makes attacking fun and stops your opponent from going crazy with X spells, but it doesn't do much in the way of protecting your team on Defense.  Although if you combine it with Boros Charm then it may be a contender.  I would recommend watching this card's price trend before doing anything rash as I feel it could really end up in either direction.

Giant Adephage (M) $2.69:  While cute, this card just doesn't do much in Standard right now.  If you can find someone to trade this off to while its price is high take advantage of that now.

Gideon, Champion of Justice (M) $19.04:  That price is complete hype.  I don't think this Gideon quite gets there in terms of Standard power.  I could be very wrong, but my advice is to trade these off while they are expensive, because his price is only headed down.

Glaring  Spotlight (R) $2.13:  I'm really excited to talk about this card.  I don't think this is going to blow up in terms of price because it has a very niche application (nerfing hexproof), but if you read the second half of it, it basically says Pay 4 (assuming it isn't already in play) Swing with your team . . . in any color.  This could be a sick late game play for an aggro deck and gives Green, White, and Red access to unblockability.  Keep an eye on this and pick up a playset, just in case :D

Godless Shrine (R) $12.65:  My review for the Shocklands is pretty much the same.  They are great to have and retain their value.  Trade into them when you can and trade up in order to get the most value.

Gruul Ragebeast (R) $0.51:  This is a bulk rare plain and simple.  It may see some Commander play, but other than that, it just doesn't do enough for 7 mana.

Gyre Sage (R) $1.72:  I like this card.  It's an elf, it makes mana, and it can make more mana if you abuse things that add +1/+1 counters to it.  This is a solid card and I see its price going up.  Get a playset for $8 while you can and reap the benefits when its price goes up.

Hellkite Tyrant (M) $2.08:  This card is pure commander awesomeness, but sadly that is the only format where it shines.  Its price will probably go up a bit, but overall I don't foresee this skyrocketing.

High Priest of Penance (R) $3.39:  This is a solid blocker for the right deck.  If a BW creatures matter deck surfaces, then this guy's price is going to rise since he rocks in a creature matchup.  Keep an eye on this one.

Illusionist's Bracers (R) $1.46:  This card's appeal is, in my opinion, purely Commander centered.  It is just a bit too slow for Standard, but it will really shine casually.  Keep an eye on this one.  It's price isn't going to be high now, but down the road when people want to put it in Commander it's price will go up, probably long after the set leaves print.  This is a loooong term sleeper.

Immortal Servitude (R) $1.65:  You can't give us " X or less" Wizards?  Well I suppose not.  This card costs a lot to really do anything substantial.  7 mana for all of your four drops? 9 for all of your sixes?  Oh and you have to worry about getting the creatures in the graveyard.  Another Commander Card.

Lazav, Dimir Mastermind (M) $8.34:  Lazav is an interesting one.  His mana is very restrictive, as you may not always be able to reliably cast him on turn 4, but if you do cast him he can be a lot of fun.  Unfortunately, I think too much has to go right for Lazav to be awesome (a good mill, or killing something relevant).  He will probably trend down, and then be another Commander card.

Legion Loyalist (R) $3.94:  Remember 1 Red mana use to get you this?  The times sure have changed.  It's almost like someone looked at this card and was like, "needs more abilities".  Haste and potential Trample, First Strike, and Token unblockability, oh and hook your whole team up while your at it?  Wow.  Red wants this.  Legacy Goblins may even want this.  Modern probably wants in on the action too.  Pick these up because why not?  I don't think they are going to go down anytime soon.

Lord of the Void (M) $2.67:  Commander players rejoice!  Reanimators would probably prefer Grislebrand, but Kaalia fans have something to look forward to.  This card's price seems to be trending up, just something to keep in mind.

Luminate Primordial (R) $0.48:  Another Commander Card.  It's almost like Wizards planned this...

Master Biomancer (M) $12.04:  I want this card to be awesome, but it takes a turn to really get going.  And even then, your creatures are only entering the battlefield with +2/+2 unless you do something about it.  I may be pessimistic, but I don't think this card is going to do what people want it to do.  Its price is probably reflecting preorder hype, so keep an eye on it, and trade in or out accordingly.

Merciless Eviction (R) $2.31:  Cool card, but a cmc of 6 might break the bank.  This may see some play in Limited, but I don't think it is going to be a huge contender.  It's price will more than likely trend down to reflect this.

Mind Grind (R) $3.21:  People do love mill.  If a Standard mill deck takes shape, this is going to be its finisher.  Not only that, but this + Increasing confusion will tear any library to shreds.  If a mill deck becomes a thing, this card is going to skyrocket.  Plan accordingly.

Molten Primordial (R) $0.49:  Other than being a walking Insurrection in Commander, Zealous Conscripts already does this in Standard.  That is why this guy is going to be $0.33 soon.

Mystic Genesis (R) $0.93:  Meh.  I get that this kinda looks like Venser, but Venser wasn't dual colored.  This also costs 5 which doesn't help its case.  Look for this card's price to drop in the future.

Nightveil Specter (R) $1.47:  Another situational card from a seemingly situational set.  A lot of things have to go right for Nightveil to be beneficial, oh and it nicks the card from the deck not the hand which makes it even worse.  BULK RARE!

Obzedat, Ghost Council (M) $21.39:  Baring BW blink becoming a thing, I don't see this guy attacking for game very much since he doesn't have evasion.  It is cool that he dodges Sorcery speed removal if you need him to, but you do lose him as a blocker if you blink him for a turn.  I'm on the fence here, but I'm afraid I think he will go down in price before long.  If you see his numbers start to dip and you have a copy, I recommend trading yours off.

Ogre Slumlord (R) $0.64:  Standard Rat deck go!  Or not.  Bulk.  Flavorful Awesome Bulk.

Ooze Flux (R) $0.41:  Ooze idea was it to make this $0.33 card . . . Ooze next?  (Too much?) :D

Prime Speaker Zegana (M) $14.01:  Now we are getting somewhere.  I really like this card.  A lot.  It draws cards and is a huge beater provided that you have some kind of creature to play with.  Imagine this scenario coming off a turn 4 board wipe form your opponent:  Turn 5 Garruk Primal Hunter +1 Make a 3/3.  Turn 6 cast Zegana as a 4/4 draw 4 cards, spin Garruk down, draw 4 more cards.  Uhhh, that seems pretty good to me.  I say pick this card up because it will see play in some capacity.  If you can get it cheap, great.

Realmwright (R) $1.82:  If you really need early mana fixing in your Blue deck and have a way of keep a 1/1 alive long enough for it to matter then play this guy.  Alternately play him in your Mono U Commander build and be sure to name Island for style points.

Rubblebelt Raiders (R) $2.22:  This is the absolute definition of a win more card.  I can almost guarantee that it will not see play over the other Red/Green 4 drops available.  Expect to see this in the Bulk bin soon.

Rubblehulk (R) $0.60:  Another Bulk rare from the Starter Decks Wizards produces.  I could see this possibly seeing some fringe play, but even then, I don't expect it's price to be that high.

Sacred Foundry (R) $12.71:  Another Shockland.  People are really hyped on Boros right now, so it could be beneficial to hold onto yours and see if their prices go up any more before trading them away.  Although my philosophy is to hold onto shocks because they are just that good.

Sepulchral Primordial (R) $0.95:  This is the one.  Sepulchral is the best of the five in terms of reanimation targetability because you will likely snag one of your opponents creatures in the process.  He also will be the most widely played of the 5 in Commander.  Grabbing a few of these at $1 a piece probably isn't the worst possible course of action.

Signal the Clans (R) $1.29:  Did they really have to go back to the deck?  Yeah, I guess they did, otherwise they would have went to the graveyard and this card might have (read: definitely would have)  been too good.  Yet another one for the Commander Players.  Expect this card's price to drop as well.

Simic Manipulator (R) $1.12:  Initially when I looked at this card, I immediately saw Beguiler of Wills, and then I thought about it.  This card doesn't require you to keep the creatures on the field, only that they enter the battlefield and evolve him.  It also costs 3 instead of 5.  This may make it competitive enough in the right deck, but sadly I don't think it is going to break standard open or anything.  It does work nicely with Experiment Kraj though.

Skarrg Goliath (R) $0.41:  This will either be the coolest finisher green has ever seen or Bulk-tastic.  Imagine playing this on turn 6 on your attacking 5 drop (you're playing Green remember?) and housing your opponent for 13+ damage.  Stranger things have happened.

Soul Ransom (R) $1.77:  I just don't think this gets there.  Mind control is sweet, and making your opponent pitch two cards to let you draw two cards to get his guy back is fun, but until I see some proof or a positive price trend up, I'm not getting my hopes up.

Spark Trooper (R) $3.24:  If only this was 3 cmc.  I just don't see this going the distance in the 4 drop slot.  I could be totally wrong and this card could define WR aggro, but I don't think that is going to be the case.

Stolen Identity (R) $0.86:  As with all of the cipher cards, this one is, in my opinion, overcosted for what it does.  I do like the fact that it can copy Artifacts, but that still doesn't save this card from feeling a little too bulky.

Stomping Ground (R) $12.50:  See the previous Shocklands for advice on this one.  They are pretty similar at this point.

Sylvan Primordial (R) $2.28:  There is a reason that this Primordial is already $2.28 and it involves Woodfall Primus who is $10.  BUY THIS CARD.  It is going to see Commander Play.  It is a Non-persisting Woodfall Primus that hits each player and finds you some Forests for your trouble.  This card's price is going to go up, I recommend investing now and getting it as cheaply as possible.

Thespian's Stage (R) $4.74:  This card is sweet.  It's like Vesuva, except if something better comes along, then you have the option to transform into that land if you need to.  This will probably be a strong pick up and is one of my picks for a sleeper.

  

Treasury Thrull (R) $0.64:  This card just doesn't quite get there.  Another Bulk Rare :(

Undercity Plague (R) $0.68:  Another situation of Cipher costing too much.  Bummer really.  This will probably end up $033 as well.

Unexpected Results (R) $1.58:  As much as I want to play a deck with lands and 7, 8, and 9 drops, I think this card will be confined to Commander shenanigans. 

Watery Grave (R) $12.73:  I hate to sound like I'm coping out, but see my previous Shockland comments.  They apply pretty well here.

Whispering Madness (R) $0.93:  If there is a mill deck, it might just run this.  In that case I suggest keeping an eye on it.  Barring that, it probably won't see any play and will end up bulk.

Wrecking Ogre (R) $0.49:  Last and maybe least is Wrecking Ogre.  This guy just doesn't really get there.  5 mana is a lot to pay for an ability that is absolutely win more in nature.  The Ogre didn't stand a chance.  BULK.

And with that we wrap up the initial financial review of Gatecrash.  This set certainly has some hits and some misses when it comes to Standard.  Overall, I would say the real winner here is the Commander crowd.  They get quite a few cards that I could see being run in a number of decks and for the most part, the cards aren't that expensive right now.  I really hoped you enjoyed this review of Gatecrash's Rares and that you will take my advice and use it with your own judgement to make some informed decisions.  And now, here is the data for the other sets.

Return to Ravnica

All prices are mid on tcgplayer.com at the given date

Avacyn Restored

All prices are mid on tcgplayer.com at the given date

Dark Ascension

All prices are mid on tcgplayer.com at the given date

Innistrad

All prices are mid on tcgplayer.com at the given date

M13

All prices are mid on tcgplayer.com at the given date

That's it for this weeks episode.  I really hope you got some good information from the Gatecrash review and that you gleaned your own pearls of wisdom from looking at the data from the other sets.  Until next week, may your games be great and may your trades be awesome.

Kyle