Blue and black, the colors of control and manipulation in the Magic: The Gathering universe, offer a wealth of strategic depth, particularly when considering their land bases. Building a consistent and powerful mana base is crucial for success in any Magic deck, and this is especially true for decks utilizing these two colors. This guide delves into the best lands for blue and black decks, catering to various formats and play styles, from casual Commander games to competitive Standard play.
What Makes a Good Blue/Black Land?
Before we dive into specific cards, let's establish what makes a land ideal for a blue/black deck. Ideally, a land should provide:
- Consistent Mana Production: The core function of a land is to produce mana, and blue/black decks are often reliant on consistent mana production to cast their spells.
- Color Fixing: Blue and black are not always readily available in early-game draws. Lands that can help fix your mana base, allowing you to play your spells on curve, are highly valued.
- Synergy with Deck Strategy: Some lands provide additional benefits beyond mana production, such as card draw, life gain, or other effects that synergize well with your deck's specific strategy.
Best Blue and Black Lands for Various Formats
This section breaks down land choices based on the format you’re playing.
Standard and Pioneer
Standard and Pioneer, formats characterized by frequent rotation, require a slightly different approach. Focusing on dual lands (producing both blue and black mana) and shock lands (entering tapped but providing two colors of mana) is crucial:
- Dual Lands: These lands are essential for consistent mana production. Examples include Underground Sea (reprint in Double Masters and similar sets) and Watery Grave, though these are often expensive. Look for budget-friendly alternatives based on the current Standard set rotation.
- Shock Lands: While entering tapped, shock lands like Polluted Delta and Bloodstained Mire provide crucial color fixing and are excellent long-term investments.
- Fetch Lands: Fetch lands like Flooded Strand and Marsh Flats can be powerful additions, allowing you to search your library for specific lands to further optimize your mana base. However, they are generally expensive.
Commander
Commander offers more flexibility, allowing you to utilize a broader range of lands:
- Command Tower: This versatile land produces any color of mana, making it an excellent addition to any multi-color Commander deck.
- Mana Confluence: A powerful land that produces any color of mana, but at the cost of life. Consider it if your deck can afford the life loss.
- Exotic Orchards: This land can produce any two colors of mana, making it a good option for fixing color discrepancies.
- Filter Lands: Lands like Filter Land (producing one colored mana, and allowing you to sacrifice it to draw a card) can help smooth out your mana base and provide additional card advantage.
Casual and Budget Decks
For more casual play or budget-conscious decks, the following lands can be highly effective:
- Basic Lands: Islands and Swamps are the foundation of any mana base and shouldn't be overlooked, even in more advanced decks.
- Cycling Lands: Cycling lands allow you to discard them to draw a new card, which can help improve consistency and card advantage.
H2: What lands should I prioritize in my blue/black EDH deck?
Prioritizing lands in your Commander (EDH) deck involves balancing consistency, power, and cost. Command Tower is a must-have for its versatility. After that, consider your budget and specific strategy. If ramp is important, consider lands that produce extra mana. If consistent mana fixing is paramount, focus on dual lands and fetch lands (if affordable). Filter lands offer card advantage, a valuable asset in Commander. Ultimately, the best choices depend on the specific cards in your deck and its overall strategy.
H2: Are there any lands that specifically benefit control-oriented blue/black strategies?
Yes, several lands cater to control strategies. Lands that offer card advantage, such as filter lands, are exceptionally beneficial for control decks. These lands help maintain card parity or even gain an advantage, crucial for controlling the board state and preventing aggressive strategies. Lands with additional utility, such as those that can tap for colorless mana in addition to colored mana, are also valuable in a control deck since they ensure you can always cast your spells, even if your mana base isn't perfectly aligned.
H2: What are some budget-friendly options for blue/black lands?
Budget-friendly blue/black mana bases often rely on a combination of basic lands (Islands and Swamps), along with cycling lands and less-expensive dual lands found in older sets or reprints. Avoid expensive fetch lands and shock lands initially, and focus on building a solid foundation with easily accessible cards. As your budget allows, gradually upgrade to more powerful land options.
This guide provides a starting point for building your blue and black land base. Remember to consider your budget, format, and specific deck strategy when selecting your lands. Experiment and refine your mana base over time to optimize your gameplay and maximize your deck’s potential.
