This thread is for the discussion of my latest article, The Underworld Cookbook: Library Cube. We would be grateful if you would let us know what you think, but please keep your comments on topic.
That's a very clever and appropriate way to promote the game!
Have you considered putting together different levels of Cube, a more advanced one for players who have mastered the simple cube? It could use tokens, upkeep, the end step, hybrid mana, and the more exotic abilities. Maybe that's not needed though.
I think this is a great idea. I still remember first getting into drafting some 3 or 4 years after learning how to play magic, and it taught me so much about the game that I didn't know beforehand.
Wow, I must say that this Beginner's Cube thing is not only brilliant, but quite generous for you to make and donate to the library. Seriously, good on you dude for doing that, the library must love you.
One thing for folks to think about is how you would draft in this cube. Actually, this cube would be quite difficult to draft because your historical picks won't vary your judgement on future picks until you've committed to a color. There are magic mechanics that are very simple but drive players to vary the types of spells they pick over time due to context. In fact, a little bit of complexity can drive direction, which ultimately reduces complexity.
I came here to say pretty much everything everyone else has said. It's great of you to do something like this for your library and it's a great way to promote the game. I also like your thought process throughout the article. Way to go:).
I really like this idea; I had only ever tried Pack Wars before as a tool to teach newcomers. Guess I was just never into Cube drafts enough.
Something I have to nitpick though: why are Traps and Arcane spells automatically off-limits? Most Traps I get considering the cost reduction and specific circumstances of use, as well as the lack of physical material involved with spells, and cards with splice I certainly understand considering how complex a mechanic THAT is, but...really? These are really that hard, in and of themselves? Or these for that matter? There are complex cards there, sure, but are you seriously telling me something as basic as Cleanfall is going to be too complicated for a new player to get...JUST because of one extra word in the typeline. As opposed to made-up words like this, or this, or this, or this, somehow just because it isn't on creature, Arcane is the true newbbane. What?
About any "subpar" mechanics or cards: Context is king.
If I make a templating or grammar error, let me know.
The franchise MtG most resembles is Battlestar Galactica. Why? Its players exist in, at most, a dozen different models at any given point in time, with perhaps up to 3% variation, 5% if you're lucky.
You need to get with WotC or maybe a secondary market store and get a quote on mass producing these, then make a kickstarter. Get a copy in every library!
I'd pitch in.
Private Mod Note
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I support WotC's goal of shaping Modern in favor of diversity.
I ran a thought experiment on my blog Modern in a Nuclear Wasteland
of an extreme case of banning 20 more cards to make sure they get everything, then scaling back where appropriate. WotC seems to be on a slowly build up approach. Both ways probably reach similar end points.
The post Gatecrash metagame is proving to be closer to the endpoint than I estimated, so its very possible that few (if any) more cards need to be banned.
Something I have to nitpick though: why are Traps and Arcane spells automatically off-limits?
...
There are complex cards there, sure, but are you seriously telling me something as basic as Cleanfall is going to be too complicated for a new player to get...JUST because of one extra word in the typeline.
Exactly. Traps are much more complicated cards than anything in the cube -- alternate casting costs are not something I want to subject these players to. Arcane is the other side of the coin, where the cards are mechanically simple but they have this subtype which has no mechanical or flavor bearing on the game, and only serves to be confusing. Since there is flexibility in which cards to include I chose to omit arcane cards entirely in favor of non-arcane equivalents.
I'm not a new player, but I don't draft often. Don't even know a lot about cube drafting. Just by reading the article, I'm a lot more interested in learning those formats.
Hey, this was a stellar article. Really interesting challenge, and it's a great way to bring cube to new players. I have been cubing for ten years now and the biggest problem is getting players into cube and quickly getting them up to speed without being overwhelmed.
You need to get with WotC or maybe a secondary market store and get a quote on mass producing these, then make a kickstarter. Get a copy in every library!
I'd pitch in.
I agree that it would be epic if there was a way to mass produce or sell cheap starter cubes. Either for the kitchen table or for places like libraries or card shops.
Have you considered putting together different levels of Cube, a more advanced one for players who have mastered the simple cube? It could use tokens, upkeep, the end step, hybrid mana, and the more exotic abilities. Maybe that's not needed though.
Overall record: 139-98-15
Total number of matches: 252
Win percentage ignoring draws: 58.649789
Win percentage including draws: 55.158730
Very nice idea and kudos on the list.
One thing for folks to think about is how you would draft in this cube. Actually, this cube would be quite difficult to draft because your historical picks won't vary your judgement on future picks until you've committed to a color. There are magic mechanics that are very simple but drive players to vary the types of spells they pick over time due to context. In fact, a little bit of complexity can drive direction, which ultimately reduces complexity.
Looks good!
Cube 360 cards, unpowered.
Modern:
URStormUR
Block
RWHumansRW
URGStalkerURG
Something I have to nitpick though: why are Traps and Arcane spells automatically off-limits? Most Traps I get considering the cost reduction and specific circumstances of use, as well as the lack of physical material involved with spells, and cards with splice I certainly understand considering how complex a mechanic THAT is, but...really? These are really that hard, in and of themselves? Or these for that matter? There are complex cards there, sure, but are you seriously telling me something as basic as Cleanfall is going to be too complicated for a new player to get...JUST because of one extra word in the typeline. As opposed to made-up words like this, or this, or this, or this, somehow just because it isn't on creature, Arcane is the true newbbane. What?
About any "subpar" mechanics or cards: Context is king.
If I make a templating or grammar error, let me know.
The franchise MtG most resembles is Battlestar Galactica. Why? Its players exist in, at most, a dozen different models at any given point in time, with perhaps up to 3% variation, 5% if you're lucky.
I'd pitch in.
I ran a thought experiment on my blog
Modern in a Nuclear Wasteland
of an extreme case of banning 20 more cards to make sure they get everything, then scaling back where appropriate. WotC seems to be on a slowly build up approach. Both ways probably reach similar end points.
The post Gatecrash metagame is proving to be closer to the endpoint than I estimated, so its very possible that few (if any) more cards need to be banned.
Exactly. Traps are much more complicated cards than anything in the cube -- alternate casting costs are not something I want to subject these players to. Arcane is the other side of the coin, where the cards are mechanically simple but they have this subtype which has no mechanical or flavor bearing on the game, and only serves to be confusing. Since there is flexibility in which cards to include I chose to omit arcane cards entirely in favor of non-arcane equivalents.
Thanks for the hard work on the article
Opm's Cube on MTGS
Wife's Etsy Store (Hair Accessories for Girls)
MtGO username rosefire
Educating kids and volunteering your time and money is such a great thing.
My hat off to you.
Great writing too!
I agree that it would be epic if there was a way to mass produce or sell cheap starter cubes. Either for the kitchen table or for places like libraries or card shops.
I'd donate as well.