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Browse > Home / Strategy / Articles / Weekly Update (Feb 10): Rakdos Aristocrats

Weekly Update (Feb 10): Rakdos Aristocrats



Budget Magic: $89 (17 tix) Rakdos Aristocrats (Standard, Magic Online)


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Can some sweet new Ravnica Allegiance cards make an aggressive self-sacrifice deck possible in Standard? Let's find out!Read more


Finance Update w/ Saffron Olive


Plaza of Harmony Circuitous Route Thrumming Stone

This week, the biggest Standard finance news is Gates, as strange as that is to type. Over the first few weeks of Ravnica Allegiance Standard, the Gates deck has proven itself to be both fun and competitive, and prices are on the rise as players buy into the deck. Plaza of Harmony doubled up to around $2.50 this week, while Circuitous Route jumped 79% to $2.42. This doesn't even consider Hydroid Krasis, which increased another 8% this week and is heading towards $40. Considering how cheap the deck is and that it survives next fall's rotation completely, if you're looking for a fun, somewhat budget-friendly option to play in Standard over the next 18 months, Gates are a great option.

In Modern, Thrumming Stone is still on the rise, shooting up another 65% to over $56. Less than a year ago the artifact was around $7, but thanks to Rat Colony in Dominaria and then Persistent Petitioners in Ravnica Allegiance, it's now one of the most expensive cards in the Modern format, based almost exclusively on casual and Commander play. The lesson here is to keep an eye out on unique effects, especially ones that can form the foundation for a spicy and fun Commander deck: it only takes the right card or two being printed for prices to go through the roof. At this point, unless you just have to Persistent Petitioners someone, it's probably best to wait to pick up your copies. The price will crash hard once Thrumming Stone eventually gets reprinted.

Finally, we seem to be entering a brave new world without Grand Prix video coverage. As a result, it's going to be harder to find and identify hot new cards and decks in real time. If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve, social media is going to be even more important for finding decklists and cards before decklists are officially published late Sunday night. Keep an eye on ChannelFireball's social media accounts for text coverage, and live tweets from players about how their event is going.

The Future Is as Bright as It Is Uncertain

Modern Mayhem: Goblins!!! (Modern, Magic Online)

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Magic is changing quickly, but what does the future hold for the game and its players? Read more

Wait a minute? Are those goblins!? They sure are! Join TheAsianAvenger as he jams some goblins through an MTGO league! Read more

Budget Commander: 6 CMC Tribal | $50, $100, Budgetless

Budget Arena: Orzhov Afterlife (Standard, Magic Arena)

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Because 5 CMC Tribal would be too easy, and 7 CMC is, of course, absurd. Read more

I didn't choose the Afterlife, the Afterlife chose me! Read more


Against the Odds: Captive Rakdos (Standard, Magic Arena)


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What are the odds of winning with Captive Audience in Standard? Let's find out!Read more

Goldfish Gladiators: Esper Tempo (Standard, Magic Arena)

Vintage 101: A Bug's Lyfe

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Is dropping Teferi and playing a bunch of sweet creatures the right way to play Esper in Ravnica Allegiance Standard? Read more

Joe Dyer dives down into the world of Deathrites, Leovolds, and Assassin's Trophy, as well as checking out yet another week of VSL! Read more


Fish Five-0: Esper Hero (Standard, Magic Arena)


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Is the Hero of Precinct One the hero we need or the one we deserve? TheAsianAvenger will help us find out!Read more

Arena Tips: Draw Cards Faster

Commander Clash Live! Aminatou vs. Tasigur vs. Thantis vs. Vannifar

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With Magic Arena becoming an increasingly important way to play Magic online, we kick off a new series: Arena Tips! Read more

Did you miss our bonus live stream on Jan 26th? Fear not, we recorded the video for you! Read more


My Grind to Mythic Season 2 (Standard, Magic Arena)


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What did TheAsianAvenger use to grind to mythic early in season 2? Read more

Memekin (Mono-Red Phoenix, Standard) – Stream Highlights

Podcast 209: Mythic Invitational and Grand Prix Coverage

Mono red phoenix Podcast white

Is it time for Guttersnipe to shine in Standard backed by weird red cantrips and Runaway Steam-Kin? Read more

Seth and Richard discuss the recently announced Mythic Invitational and the future of Grand Prix coverage. Read more


Instant Deck Techs


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Each day we'll be posting a short, three minute deck tech featuring some of the coolest decks that come across the site. The most popular deck will be made into videos the following week based on your views, likes and comments in the videos. Here's this week's Instant Deck Techs:


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