MTG Spotlight: Cycling
Hello all, Brandon of Fox MTG here with a new article. Today I once again wished to do an article on numerous formats, namely which cards of Ikoria are most powerful in their respected archetypes. Furthermore, I will be reviewing each card based on my expectations of each format which includes Commander. Anyways, as the title implies I shall be talking about Cycling. Cycling is a mechanic that allows a card to have a cost to be paid in which allows the card to be discarded and redrawn. Because this effect makes every card with it a draw spell it allows crazy amounts of card filtering which allows certain decks to spin through their decks or stock the graveyard. In addition, this mechanic is seen in every format and the majority of decks in modern. Anyways let’s jump right in.
Barrier Breach
I know, I have talked about this card before in last week’s article but I love this card. Exiling 3 enchantments in just about any format is one powerful ability. Furthermore, the fact it cycles allows you to main board this and, worst-case scenario, its a draw spell. Additionally, all green decks hate on those pesky enchantments such as Ghostly Prison or decks such as Bogles. I believe this card to be one amazing piece of tech.
The Tricycle Lands
I had to include each of these lands in this article because all of them are amazing; as a fetchable, cyclable way to thin your deck and allow for insane amounts of versatility in almost every format. In Commander, these will be played in all 3+ color decks, in Standard they will be run as a 1 or 2 of for fixing. Finally, in every other format, it will have to depend on the speed of the meta, and the decks that will use it. I am pleased to see this cycle and cannot wait till its finished… Maybe an Alara set is coming up?
Neutralize
Blue likes doing two things in life: countering spells and drawing cards. This card gives you the choice of doing one or the other. Midgame it can hold down your opponent while late game it Cycles into a new card. Furthermore, this card won’t replace any others but instead, it’ll just be a buddy in the ‘Better than Cancel‘ Club
Unpredictable Cyclone
One thing I love is insanity and chaos. This card is both and then some. Because of the chaotic nature of Cycling, I can see this card being used in numerous decks as a form of card advantage, or perhaps as a way to hone in on a certain card to win you the game. Finally, this card is mostly a Commander card but if someone uses it to destroy Standard, I will owe you a cookie.
Shark Typhoon
This set is a meme, one big meme that Wizards gave to us as a ‘forgive me’ for 2019. How do I know this? Well, they made a “Sharknado” card. In addition to being a complete meme this card is amazing, late game it allows you to sling out flying sharks! Early game, it allows you to make one flying shark and draw a card. Now, this flying shark is good because an instant speed flying threat can destroy a Teferi, Time Raveler easily. Finally, I just like watching sharks fly.
Conclusion
Cycling is bonkers but it is what I love about MTG. Card selection, versatility, strategy. This card game is the granddaddy of all because of these reasons. Have a good day everyone.