Drafting is a popular way to play Magic: The Gathering. It is a limited format, meaning that players build their decks from a limited pool of cards. This makes drafting a great way to test your deck-building skills and play with new cards. There are many different draft types, each with its own unique rules and strategies.
Booster Draft
Booster draft is the most common type of draft. In booster draft, players sit in a circle and pass packs of cards to each other. Each player opens a pack, takes one card, and then passes the pack to the next player. This continues until all the cards in the pack have been taken. Players then repeat this process with a new pack.
After all the packs have been drafted, players build their decks using the cards they have drafted. Players can also add lands to their decks, but they are limited to 40 cards total in their decks.
Traditional Draft
Traditional draft is a three-game match format. In traditional draft, players draft three packs of cards and build a deck from each pack. Players then play three games against their opponent, using one of their decks for each game.
Premier Draft
Premier draft is a ranked draft format. In premier draft, players compete against other players of similar skill level. Premier draft also has higher stakes than other draft formats, with players winning prizes for winning matches.
Quick Draft
Quick draft is a single-game draft format. In quick draft, players draft one pack of cards and build a deck from that pack. Players then play a single game against their opponent.
Sealed Deck
Sealed deck is another type of limited format. In sealed deck, players are given six booster packs and build a deck using the cards from those packs. Players can also add lands to their decks, but they are limited to 40 cards total in their decks.
Cube Draft
Cube draft is a type of draft that uses a custom pool of cards. Cube drafters typically use a collection of their favorite cards from different sets. This makes cube draft a great way to play with powerful and unique cards.
Other Draft Types
There are many other draft types, such as:
- Chaos draft: In chaos draft, players randomly select cards from a pool of face-up cards.
- Conspiracy draft: In conspiracy draft, players draft a conspiracy card, which adds a special rule to the game.
- Commander draft: In commander draft, players draft a commander and build a deck around them.
- Multiplayer draft: In multiplayer draft, three or more players draft cards and build decks.
Tips for Drafting
Here are a few tips for drafting:
- Be aware of the set: The set that you are drafting from will affect the strategies that are available to you.
- Draft a good curve: A good curve means having a mix of low-cost, medium-cost, and high-cost cards. This will help you to develop your mana base and play threats at every stage of the game.
- Be flexible: Don’t be afraid to change your strategy mid-draft. If you see a powerful card that fits into your deck, take it even if it’s not the color that you’re drafting.
- Don’t forget about removal: Removal spells are essential for dealing with your opponent’s threats.