Let’s face it; almost anybody can be a serious contender in Type 1 play if they’re playing each mox, a black lotus, 4 force of wills, and just about every other über expensive card that Wizards has ever put out. That’s what this series of articles is about: finding cards that are older, not overly expensive to buy and fun to play.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Robin, and I’ve been playing since Mirage came out and became really interested in the game with the release of 5th edition. Like many other players with the introduction of Masques my interests began to wane. By the time Nemesis was released the quality of the cards had plummeted from the power cards of the Tempest block which were now being phased out of the tournament scene. So as they were dropped, so did I. Many of the other local players had been around since the very begging of the game. Most had cards that I knew I could never be able to afford and were so much stronger than mine... that the type 1 tournaments started to feel like I was just paying to get a beat down.

With the induction of 9th edition I started to see some familiar faces again. Kird ape was back, Hippy was back, and it felt like I was home again. But again many of my favorite cards were still missing. Type 1 still seemed like the only place I could play competitively with the cards I wanted. So I had to devise a way to give them some cojones.

So let’s look at the Power.

Most of these cards are going to be common and uncommon, with the occasional rare card thrown into the mix, but even these are going to be cards that you can afford. Each week I will attempt to get another one of these articles out, explaining the card, how it works, synergy cards, and at least one deck based around the card. I don’t want you to think this is how you HAVE TO play these cards but it is definitely a starting point. Now on to this weeks card…..

Pestilence

Pestilence, much like other cards of that era, seemed to be leading a long and healthy life, making appearances in every core set through sixth edition. It also reared its ugly head in Urza’s Saga, but then something happened; the plague dissipated. Pestilence is a somewhat difficult card to play, but it can help lock down a game, and is very powerful in a multi-person game. Instead of just attacking one opponent you can beat them all down and keep the game very level. As an uncommon, pestilence is an exceptional card; though there are a few draw backs to it:

1) Its an enchantment which makes it vulnerable to cards like disenchant and naturalize
2) It damages you and your creatures as well
3) If there are no creatures in play then it goes bye-bye

So how do I win if I can lock the game down to where pestilence is the only thing causing damage?  How can we fix these problems? It’s simple; just find cards that will help you avoid these problems.

#1 - It's an enchantment...

Unfortunately black is not the best color for stopping abilities that destroy enchantments, so we’re not going to spend too much time dwelling on the negative; MOVING ON!!! (Pst... Sterling Grove... ~Streetz~)

#2 - It damages you and your creatures as well...

Damage: what does it mean to you? It should mean just about everything, because it can kill you, kill your creatures, and leave you open for a crushing attack.

At the same time though with pestilence you’re hurting your opponent and his creatures, and that’s a good thing. What cards are there that can help you avoid self inflicted damage? Well obviously pro: black creatures and circle of protection: black.  There are better cards to put with pestilence.

Like Urza’s Armor!  It makes a barrier between you and pestilence so that you aren’t stuck spending mana to use pestilence and then mana to block it against you through a C.O.P. or Rune.

Note: Urza's Armor was an uncommon is Urza's Saga originally but then moved up to Rare in 8th Edition.  You can pick up Urza's Saga from either set for under a dollar.  ~Streetz~

#3 - If there are no creatures in play, it goes bye-bye...

Chimeric artifacts can be turned into creatures until end of turn. So you can use pestilence to kill everything on the board then make him a creature and then end your turn.

Recommendations for a Pestilence centered deck

• Mono-black is almost always your best bet because this allows you the largest mana supply for pestilence.
• Mana producing effects, such as Dark Ritual and Culling the Weak are your friend, so use them
• Other black life gain will put a larger gap between you and your opponent’s life total.

Other Recommendations

• Jolrael, Empress of Beasts - you can make all their lands creatures to kill with pestilence leaving them without a mana supply (very cool!)
• Karn, Silver Golem – if they have a pesky artifact you can get rid of it by turning it into a creature and then killing it. Just be sure you don’t kill Karn if you think you might need him again later

Additional wacky ideas from Streetz:

• Have Opalescence in play and enchant Pestilence with Spirit Link.
• A creatureless deck and Repercussion.
• Furnace of Rath anyone?
• Death Pits of Rath?
• Cemetary Gate - that's a nostalgic combo...
• Wall of Souls looks pretty fun...  "Whenever Wall of Souls is dealt combat damage, it deals that much damage to target opponent." Actually, nevermind, this combo doesn't work.  Sorry. 2/27/06

I hope you enjoyed this article, and now have some idea’s for your own pestilence deck.

Till next week, keep up your guard.

-Robin-

You can discuss this article in the MDV forums here.

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