With Karn this high, it's probably smart to look to pick up cheaper Tron pieces. Because Karn is currently such a huge amount of the value of the deck, if he sees a large reprint the value is likely to shift to other pieces. Oblivion Stone *has* been a $50 card before, and it's not crazy to think it could hit that again.
In case anyone was wondering, the Battlebond Foils seem nice. I picked up Spell Snare in foil finally and they are pretty good. Dom foils also seem good.
So I haven't been paying attention much to the current meta. Are elves doing well or something? Just noticed that people are gobbling up Gilt-leaf palaces.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Looking online this might just be attrition finally taking it's toll on the supply. I thought Gilt-leaf palace had a second printing, but the only printing of the land is the original one. I'm actually genuinely surprised that WoTC hasn't reprinted these things into oblivion in duel decks or something as their use is rather limited. Albeit, Elves are probably number 2 to humans in sheer number of cards printed.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Thanks for the info. Good to know foil quality is improving; hopefully it's sustained. Also good to know that Spell Snare got a reprint; ***** you not I must've cracked 40+ boosters playing limited and still had no idea it was in the set...
Thanks for the info. Good to know foil quality is improving; hopefully it's sustained. Also good to know that Spell Snare got a reprint; ***** you not I must've cracked 40+ boosters playing limited and still had no idea it was in the set...
Yeah was a pleasant surprise, I didn't know till I went to pick up a Master's printing.
Hmm. I'll hold my breath a bit. Dom was fine, Battlebond was fine, and M19 is fine. My Alpine Moon's are NOT like Dom cards though, thats for sure, and the only Battlebond I have, are foils already double sleeved...since my house is a molten inferno of humidity right now (Vancouver Island living folks.../dies)
I just dont buy enough product at all, to really say, but Ixalan was easily the worst I've seen. Feels like paper.
Hmm. I'll hold my breath a bit. Dom was fine, Battlebond was fine, and M19 is fine. My Alpine Moon's are NOT like Dom cards though, thats for sure, and the only Battlebond I have, are foils already double sleeved...since my house is a molten inferno of humidity right now (Vancouver Island living folks.../dies)
I just dont buy enough product at all, to really say, but Ixalan was easily the worst I've seen. Feels like paper.
I hear you. Aside from drafting Battlebond/Conspiracy, the only sealed product I've opened in somewhat large amounts has been Masters sets up until IMA. I have my bulk organized by set, however, so it's been pretty easy to identify warping. I took a break from the game around Future Sight and it's crazy how my Future Sight bulk is arguably in the best condition compared to that of every other set I have, aside from Battlebond.
I'd like to be optimistic that WotC has sured up the QA issue, but I'm not holding my breath. Unless, the increased price of booster boxes for distributors is due to long-term improvement in card stock and WotC is just passing the buck down the chain. Who knows.
The unfortunate thing is that I think the paper quality is due to the shift to larger print runs. Since other tcgs have a smaller print run due to more of a niche audience, they can get more options on the card stock and can afford to be fancy with the runs. Wizards has to get tens of thousands of boxes printed on a tight deadline.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Yeah, I remember the first time I held a Final Fantasy Opus card and thought how solid and high quality it felt. Then I remember that they're not pumping out hundreds of thousands of boxes and millions of cards every 2-3 months. It makes sense they can spend more on quality when they make a fraction of the product.
The unfortunate thing is that I think the paper quality is due to the shift to larger print runs. Since other tcgs have a smaller print run due to more of a niche audience, they can get more options on the card stock and can afford to be fancy with the runs. Wizards has to get tens of thousands of boxes printed on a tight deadline.
Unless there are drastic differences in prices for card stock or Hasbro is making them take drastic measures to cut expenses, this shouldn't really be a thing. Bulk purchases are more a thing in printing/publishing than many other industries.
Latest word from Rudy is that prices of new sealed product is going up 9/1.
Sad, frustrating but not surprising in the least.
I mean, simple inflation means prices will go up eventually. The current standard price of $3.99 for booster packs was set back in 2006. That's about $5 in today's money.
The unfortunate thing is that I think the paper quality is due to the shift to larger print runs. Since other tcgs have a smaller print run due to more of a niche audience, they can get more options on the card stock and can afford to be fancy with the runs. Wizards has to get tens of thousands of boxes printed on a tight deadline.
Unless there are drastic differences in prices for card stock or Hasbro is making them take drastic measures to cut expenses, this shouldn't really be a thing. Bulk purchases are more a thing in printing/publishing than many other industries.
It's not just a cut in card stock. The problem is that there is no way to completely automate quality checks on cards. The larger a print run gets, the more man hours needed to check the printings. Likewise, the kind of paper used in the process may require more care due to the compression used and paper making techniques employed. For companies with smaller print runs the total cost in time and care can work out, since they need fewer boxes printed and have more time to work out printing issues. Wizards of the coast is relentless on their product releases and need huge runs. On top of which, even if they do a small run specialty product, they need the cards from that product to work with the main line.
Hope that helps clear up any confusion on this kind of stuff.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Kind of wonder why copperline gorge is so cheap. The card feels really under value at the moment simply due to no deck lists showing up.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Kind of wonder why copperline gorge is so cheap. The card feels really under value at the moment simply due to no deck lists showing up.
Well the only time I see it is Living End and Dredge. Burn doesn't want enough green sources to justify it over fetching a single stomping ground. Valakut needs all the proper mountains it can get. Jund wants black mana on turn 1 and double on turn 3 so that's a no-go for midrange. Copperline Gorge won't change until there is a very strong RG aggro or combo deck available. Why play Revolt Zoo when you can just play a better creature aggro deck in Hollow One?
Kind of wonder why copperline gorge is so cheap. The card feels really under value at the moment simply due to no deck lists showing up.
Well the only time I see it is Living End and Dredge. Burn doesn't want enough green sources to justify it over fetching a single stomping ground. Valakut needs all the proper mountains it can get. Jund wants black mana on turn 1 and double on turn 3 so that's a no-go for midrange. Copperline Gorge won't change until there is a very strong RG aggro or combo deck available. Why play Revolt Zoo when you can just play a better creature aggro deck in Hollow One?
That actually sounds like a good reason to buy in now. Those lands had only one printing and even the green white and blue white ones climbed over ten dollars from minor play. I kind of regret not getting the rakdos one a while back.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
This bridgevine deck $$$$ I’m shocked cliffs haven’t spiked with bridges/vines
Blackcleave Cliffs already more than doubled in price this year due to Jund, Mardu Pyromancer and Hollow One after Pro Tour Rivals of Ixalan (Modern) and the BBE unban. Frankly, I think the players interested in Bridgevine were probably those that were invested in one of those decks, and they would already have their Cliffs. (Oh, and for those interested in Mardu Pyromancer and who don't want to buy Cliffs at this price, Dragonskull Summit makes a good, very cheap replacement.)
Leyline of the Void and Surgical Extraction are probably going up in the next few months, as they are the only turn 0/turn 1 graveyard hate cards we have access to in Modern.
Damn. I was just looking at buying bridges a couple days ago. Now way out of my price range.
But jiminy, my Vengevines are worth something now, boy howdy!!
Yup, I think they are worth 1.3 scalding tarns. (checks price) Yup, 1.3 scalding tarns! Also Grave Crawler is moving along with all of the spirits from EMN. I highly recommend selling out of Bridgevine stuff right now because it's a risky deck. I'm not sure even RIP can stop that deck because of it's speed.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Damn. I was just looking at buying bridges a couple days ago. Now way out of my price range.
But jiminy, my Vengevines are worth something now, boy howdy!!
I was able to get the foils I wanted (Search for Azcanta) at my local without parting with my Vengevines, I'm curious what SCG and Card Kingdom will relist them at on Monday...
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():
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UW Spirits
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Goodness gracious... with this recent jump, it's basically at what I paid for a Kaladesh Invention EE not too long ago...
UR ....... WUBR ........... WB ............. RGW ........ UBR ....... WUB .... BGU
Spells / Blink & Combo / Token Grind / Dino Tribal / Draw Cards / Zombies / Reanimate
Spirits
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Spirits
Looking online this might just be attrition finally taking it's toll on the supply. I thought Gilt-leaf palace had a second printing, but the only printing of the land is the original one. I'm actually genuinely surprised that WoTC hasn't reprinted these things into oblivion in duel decks or something as their use is rather limited. Albeit, Elves are probably number 2 to humans in sheer number of cards printed.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Link to Discord server where anybody from MTGS can keep up with thread topics while everything is being sorted out with the new site.
Yeah was a pleasant surprise, I didn't know till I went to pick up a Master's printing.
Spirits
Link to Discord server where anybody from MTGS can keep up with thread topics while everything is being sorted out with the new site.
I just dont buy enough product at all, to really say, but Ixalan was easily the worst I've seen. Feels like paper.
Spirits
I hear you. Aside from drafting Battlebond/Conspiracy, the only sealed product I've opened in somewhat large amounts has been Masters sets up until IMA. I have my bulk organized by set, however, so it's been pretty easy to identify warping. I took a break from the game around Future Sight and it's crazy how my Future Sight bulk is arguably in the best condition compared to that of every other set I have, aside from Battlebond.
I'd like to be optimistic that WotC has sured up the QA issue, but I'm not holding my breath. Unless, the increased price of booster boxes for distributors is due to long-term improvement in card stock and WotC is just passing the buck down the chain. Who knows.
Link to Discord server where anybody from MTGS can keep up with thread topics while everything is being sorted out with the new site.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
UR ....... WUBR ........... WB ............. RGW ........ UBR ....... WUB .... BGU
Spells / Blink & Combo / Token Grind / Dino Tribal / Draw Cards / Zombies / Reanimate
Standard: lol no
Modern: BG/x, UR/x, Burn, Merfolk, Zoo, Storm
Legacy: Shardless BUG, Delver (BUG, RUG, Grixis), Landstill, Depths Combo, Merfolk
Vintage: Dark Times, BUG Fish, Merfolk
EDH: Teysa, Orzhov Scion / Krenko, Mob Boss / Stonebrow, Krosan Hero
It's not just a cut in card stock. The problem is that there is no way to completely automate quality checks on cards. The larger a print run gets, the more man hours needed to check the printings. Likewise, the kind of paper used in the process may require more care due to the compression used and paper making techniques employed. For companies with smaller print runs the total cost in time and care can work out, since they need fewer boxes printed and have more time to work out printing issues. Wizards of the coast is relentless on their product releases and need huge runs. On top of which, even if they do a small run specialty product, they need the cards from that product to work with the main line.
Hope that helps clear up any confusion on this kind of stuff.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Well the only time I see it is Living End and Dredge. Burn doesn't want enough green sources to justify it over fetching a single stomping ground. Valakut needs all the proper mountains it can get. Jund wants black mana on turn 1 and double on turn 3 so that's a no-go for midrange. Copperline Gorge won't change until there is a very strong RG aggro or combo deck available. Why play Revolt Zoo when you can just play a better creature aggro deck in Hollow One?
That actually sounds like a good reason to buy in now. Those lands had only one printing and even the green white and blue white ones climbed over ten dollars from minor play. I kind of regret not getting the rakdos one a while back.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Spirits
Blackcleave Cliffs already more than doubled in price this year due to Jund, Mardu Pyromancer and Hollow One after Pro Tour Rivals of Ixalan (Modern) and the BBE unban. Frankly, I think the players interested in Bridgevine were probably those that were invested in one of those decks, and they would already have their Cliffs. (Oh, and for those interested in Mardu Pyromancer and who don't want to buy Cliffs at this price, Dragonskull Summit makes a good, very cheap replacement.)
They are buying the cards they didn't have: Bridge from Below and Vengevine. Hangarback Walker is also creeping up, though there exists a budget replacement for it or Walking Ballista: Endless One.
Leyline of the Void and Surgical Extraction are probably going up in the next few months, as they are the only turn 0/turn 1 graveyard hate cards we have access to in Modern.
WBC Eldrazi & Taxes CBW
UR Keep on Cantripin' (UR Phoenix) RU
WU Surprise! It's not UW Control! (UW Midrange) UW
BG The Rock, Straight BG
U Mono-Blue Fish U
RBW Mardu Pyromancer BWR
RG Rabble! Rabble! (GR Blood Moon Aggro) GR
Legacy
W Death & Taxes W
But jiminy, my Vengevines are worth something now, boy howdy!!
Yup, I think they are worth 1.3 scalding tarns. (checks price) Yup, 1.3 scalding tarns! Also Grave Crawler is moving along with all of the spirits from EMN. I highly recommend selling out of Bridgevine stuff right now because it's a risky deck. I'm not sure even RIP can stop that deck because of it's speed.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
I was able to get the foils I wanted (Search for Azcanta) at my local without parting with my Vengevines, I'm curious what SCG and Card Kingdom will relist them at on Monday...
Spirits