Blue and black are two powerhouse colors in Magic: The Gathering, often combining for powerful control and synergy-driven strategies. A crucial component of any successful blue-black deck is its land base. This guide will delve into the best lands for blue-black decks, covering various formats and strategies. We'll explore the optimal mana base for different archetypes and address common questions surrounding land selection.
What are the best dual lands for blue-black?
The ideal dual lands for blue-black decks provide access to both blue and black mana without sacrificing tempo. Some top contenders include:
-
Shock Lands: These lands enter the battlefield tapped but provide access to two colors of mana. Examples include Watery Grave and Polluted Delta. Their ability to produce colored mana outweighs the tempo loss in most situations.
-
Fetch Lands: These lands can fetch basic lands, including dual lands. They are powerful in decks that utilize powerful land search effects, allowing for optimal mana fixing and consistency. Examples include Flooded Strand and Bloodstained Mire. However, they are often more expensive than shock lands.
-
Check Lands: These lands enter untapped, but only produce one color of mana initially. However, they can be sacrificed to fetch a basic land of a different color. While these are less common in modern blue-black decks, they can be relevant depending on format.
How many lands should be in my blue-black deck?
The optimal number of lands in your blue-black deck depends heavily on the format and your deck's strategy. Generally, you want enough lands to consistently cast your spells, but not so many that you draw too many lands and not enough spells.
-
Standard: Around 24-26 lands are common.
-
Modern: A similar range of 24-26 lands works well, although some aggressive strategies might run slightly fewer.
-
Commander: Commander decks often require more lands, often in the range of 36-40, to support higher mana costs and more diverse spell costs.
What are some good budget options for blue-black lands?
Budget-friendly options exist for players seeking cost-effective land bases:
-
Basic lands: While they lack the color fixing of dual lands, basic Islands and Swamps form the backbone of any land base and are readily available at minimal cost.
-
Battle lands: These lands enter untapped and provide one color of mana, then can be tapped for the second color, but at the cost of taking damage. This makes them excellent budget alternatives to shock lands.
-
Common dual lands from older sets: Older Magic sets contain dual lands that are commonly more affordable than modern equivalents.
Should I include utility lands in my blue-black deck?
Utility lands can significantly enhance the deck's consistency and power. These lands offer additional benefits beyond simply providing mana:
-
Fetch Lands (as mentioned above): These lands allow for powerful mana fixing and consistency.
-
Lands that draw cards: Lands like Command Tower and Mystic Sanctuary offer card draw advantage, keeping your hand full of spells. However, these lands are rare and are used for specific archtypes.
-
Lands that provide other effects: Some lands offer additional effects like creature or counterspell abilities. These can vary greatly based on the specific effects.
What are the best blue and black lands for a specific archetype?
The best lands depend heavily on the chosen archetype.
-
Control: Control decks benefit most from consistent mana fixing. Shock lands and fetch lands are ideal, supported by basic lands.
-
Midrange: A similar approach as the control archetype works well.
How do I balance the mana base in my blue-black deck?
Balancing your mana base involves strategically combining different land types to maximize consistency. Aim for a mix of fast mana (untapped lands), fixing (dual lands), and draw/utility. Always test and adjust based on your play experience.
By carefully considering these factors and experimenting with different land configurations, you can build a robust and effective mana base for your blue-black Magic: The Gathering deck, maximizing your chances of victory. Remember that the best land base is the one that best suits your chosen strategy and budget.
