Magic: The Gathering (MTG) players often seek the perfect lands to support their decks. For decks utilizing both blue and black mana, the choice of lands can significantly impact the consistency and overall power of the strategy. This guide explores the best blue and black lands across various formats, from casual play to competitive Standard and beyond. We’ll delve into the nuances of dual lands, fetch lands, and other options to help you build the optimal mana base for your next blue-black deck.
What are the best dual lands for Blue/Black?
The ideal dual lands provide access to both blue and black mana without hindering your ability to cast spells consistently. Several cards excel in this regard, depending on the format:
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Shocklands (e.g., Watery Grave, Drowned Catacomb): These lands enter the battlefield tapped but provide reliable access to both blue and black mana. The life loss upon entering tapped can be significant in some matchups, but the benefit of consistent dual color mana often outweighs this drawback.
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Fetch Lands (e.g., Polluted Delta, Bloodstained Mire): While not dual lands themselves, fetch lands are crucial for searching up your shocklands or other valuable lands. This allows for more consistent mana fixing and accelerates your mana development significantly. However, these lands are generally more expensive and less accessible than shocklands.
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Checklands (e.g., Godless Shrine, Hallowed Ground): Checklands enter untapped but only produce one color of mana unless you control a basic land of the other color. This makes them less reliable in the early game but improves consistency in the mid to late game.
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Battle Lands (e.g., Battlefield Forge): These lands enter the battlefield tapped and produce a single color of mana, but they can be tapped for the other color after you control another basic land. They provide a reliable source of mana in the later stages of the game without the life loss penalty.
What other lands work well in Blue/Black decks?
Beyond the core dual lands, other land options can bolster your mana base:
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Basic Lands (Islands and Swamps): Always include a number of basic lands to ensure consistency, especially in combination with fetch lands and checklands.
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Cycling Lands: These lands can be cycled away to draw a new card, providing card advantage while still serving as a mana source. This is particularly useful in controlling decks that aim to draw more cards than their opponents.
How many blue and black lands should I run?
The optimal number of blue and black lands depends on your deck's specific needs and the format you are playing. A good rule of thumb is to include enough lands to ensure you can consistently cast your spells on time. Generally, a higher land count is recommended for decks running slower spells or those that need a consistent flow of mana. Consider including lands that can help ramp mana in the early game. A typical Blue/Black deck may include 17-20 lands, but this can be adjusted based on the deck's specific requirements.
Are there any budget-friendly alternatives to expensive dual lands?
Yes, several budget-friendly options can provide reasonable alternatives. Consider these:
- Common dual lands from older sets: While not as powerful as the more modern dual lands, these can often provide adequate mana fixing at a lower cost.
- Basic lands: As already stated, these are always a great cost-effective option.
What are some common mistakes players make when building their blue/black mana base?
One common mistake is neglecting to include enough basic lands, especially when using fetch lands and checklands. This reliance solely on dual lands can lead to mana flood or mana screw. Another is underestimating the power of fetch lands, particularly in faster formats where efficient mana generation is critical.
This exploration of blue and black lands in MTG offers a starting point for crafting a powerful and consistent mana base for your decks. Remember to tailor your land choices based on your deck’s specific needs and the format you’re playing in. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of various land types, you can maximize your mana efficiency and enhance your chances of victory.
