Lords of Limited 441: Hot or Cold: Introducing Blackjack Theory - Episode 441
Aug 25, 2025
Dive into the strategic world of drafting big red decks in Magic: The Gathering! Discover the jaw-dropping potential of getting a Nebula Dragon on the board by turn 5. The hosts unveil a revolutionary way to evaluate card strength called Blackjack Theory, sparking a fresh take on deck building. Join the discussion on staying open in the format and priorities in card selection, all while exploring insights from a notable Twitch stream. It's a blend of lively analysis and strategic wisdom for any aspiring drafter!
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Episode notes
Commons Power Up Big Red
- Ethan realized several commons create a ramp-to-big-red archetype that can cast Nebula Dragon by turn five.
- The common curve (Zookeeper Mechon → Orbital Plunge/Kov Landseeker → crack → Nebula Dragon) enables powerful late threats.
Personal Success With Big Red
- Ethan reported multiple strong results with big-red builds including two seven-win decks and a 4-3.
- He climbed Mythic in best-of-one while testing the ramp-red strategy frequently.
Score Decks By First-Pick Cards
- Count first-pickable cards to evaluate a draft deck's raw strength quickly.
- Score +1 for first-pickable, 0 for support, -1 for cards that don't belong to get a concise deck rating.
