A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your Magic: The Gathering Deck

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of Magic: The Gathering? If so, then you’re in the right place! Building a deck in MTG can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming for new players. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of MTG deck building. From understanding the basics of deck building to choosing the perfect cards for your strategy, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a winning deck. So grab your cards, shuffle up, and let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics of MTG Deck Building

Choosing a Format

When it comes to building a Magic: The Gathering deck, one of the first decisions you need to make is choosing the format in which you want to play. There are two main types of formats: Constructed and Limited.

Constructed Formats

Constructed formats are where you build a deck using a combination of cards from your collection and cards you can purchase from your local game store. The three most popular Constructed formats are Standard, Modern, and Legacy.

Standard

Standard is the most commonly played Constructed format. It consists of the most recent set of Magic cards, as well as a small number of older cards that have been rotated in. Standard is a fast-paced format that encourages innovation and the use of the latest cards.

Modern

Modern is a more recent format that was introduced in 2011. It is designed to be a more accessible version of the older Extended format. Modern allows you to use cards from the last 10 years, with a few key restrictions. Modern is known for its high-powered decks and its emphasis on interactive gameplay.

Legacy

Legacy is one of the oldest Constructed formats and is known for its unique and powerful cards. Legacy allows you to use cards from any set, with only a few key restrictions. Legacy is known for its complex and intricate gameplay, and it is often played at higher levels of competition.

Limited Formats

Limited formats are where you build a deck using a pool of cards that you open up during the game. The three most popular Limited formats are Draft, Sealed, and Conspiracy.

Draft

Draft is a popular Limited format where each player builds a deck using cards from a pre-determined pool of cards. In a Draft game, each player will open up three packs of cards and choose one card from each pack to add to their deck. Draft is a great way to build decks and is often played at higher levels of competition.

Sealed

Sealed is another popular Limited format. In a Sealed game, each player is given a set of booster packs to open up and build their deck. Each player will then build their deck using only the cards they receive from their booster packs. Sealed is a great way to build decks and is often played at higher levels of competition.

Conspiracy

Conspiracy is a newer Limited format that was introduced in 2012. In a Conspiracy game, each player is given a set of booster packs that contain a mix of cards from different sets. Each player will then build their deck using only the cards they receive from their booster packs. Conspiracy is a great way to build decks and is often played at higher levels of competition.

Gathering Resources

Cards

When building your Magic: The Gathering (MTG) deck, the first step is to gather the cards you will need. There are several ways to obtain cards, including purchasing them from a local game store, online retailers, or trading with other players. It’s important to have a clear idea of the strategy you want to implement in your deck and to make sure you have the necessary cards to execute that strategy.

Lands

Lands are a crucial component of your MTG deck, as they provide the mana needed to play your spells. It’s important to have a balanced mix of different land types, such as forests, islands, and plains, to ensure that you have access to the necessary mana for your spells. You should also consider including land cards that produce multiple colors of mana, as this can provide flexibility in your mana base.

Manabase

Your mana base is the combination of lands and other mana-producing cards in your deck. It’s important to have a stable mana base that can provide the necessary mana for your spells, while also being flexible enough to adapt to different game states. Consider including land cards that produce multiple colors of mana, as well as cards that can generate additional mana or manipulate your opponent’s mana.

Sideboard

Your sideboard is a separate section of your deck that you can use to make changes to your deck during the game. It’s important to have a well-prepared sideboard that can adapt to different game states and matchups. Consider including cards that can address specific threats or weaknesses in your opponent’s deck, as well as cards that can provide additional card advantage or disrupt your opponent’s game plan.

Mulliganing

Mulliganing is the process of shuffling the cards in your hand back into your deck and drawing a new hand, either to improve the quality of your hand or to try to draw a better one. This process is often used when a player feels that their initial hand is not strong enough to win the game.

Rules:

1. A player can only mulligan once per turn.
2. If a player chooses to mulligan, they must mulligan all of the cards in their hand and draw a new hand of seven cards.
3. A player cannot mulligan if they have fewer than seven cards in their hand.
4. A player cannot mulligan if they have already declared an attack or blockers for the turn.
5. If a player mulligan, they cannot use the mana from their mulliganed cards to activate abilities or pay mana costs for the turn.

Strategies for mulliganing:

1. Look for cards that have synergy with other cards in your hand or deck.
2. Try to keep a balance of land and spells in your hand.
3. Consider the board state and try to keep a good balance of creatures, artifacts, and enchantments in your hand.
4. Look for cards that have a high probability of winning the game, such as direct damage spells or cards that can swing the game in your favor.
5. Be aware of your opponent’s deck and try to anticipate what they might be playing.
6. If you are in a position where you need to win the game immediately, consider keeping a hand with a high density of cards that can win the game quickly, such as direct damage spells or lethal combos.
7. If you are in a position where you have time to build up your board and win the game later, consider keeping a hand with a good balance of cards that can build up your board and win the game later, such as creatures and artifacts.

Developing Your Deck Concept

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

Analyzing your deck’s theme

One of the first steps in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your Magic: The Gathering deck is to analyze its theme. This includes considering the colors of mana you are using, the types of cards you are including, and the overall strategy you are trying to employ.

For example, if you are building a deck around a specific creature or planeswalker, you will want to consider how that card’s abilities and synergies fit into your overall strategy. If you are building a more thematic deck, such as a tribal deck centered around a particular type of creature, you will want to make sure that you have enough cards that support that theme and can work together effectively.

Assessing the synergy of your cards

Another important aspect of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your deck is to assess the synergy of your cards. This means looking at how well the different cards in your deck work together and how they can be used to achieve your overall strategy.

For example, if you have a lot of cards that generate a specific type of mana, you will want to make sure that you have cards that can take advantage of that mana to maximize its effectiveness. Similarly, if you have a lot of cards that rely on a specific trigger condition, you will want to make sure that you have cards that can use those triggers to their fullest potential.

Overall, analyzing your deck’s theme and assessing the synergy of your cards are both important steps in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your Magic: The Gathering deck. By carefully considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about how to build and refine your deck to make it as effective as possible.

Creating a Strategy

When building your Magic: The Gathering deck, one of the first steps is to develop a strategy. A strategy is the overall plan for how you will approach the game and achieve your goals. There are three main types of strategies in Magic: The Gathering: aggressive, control, and combo.

Aggressive Strategies

Aggressive strategies focus on dealing damage to your opponent’s life total as quickly as possible. These decks typically include a high number of creatures and few if any counterspells or removal spells. The goal is to overwhelm your opponent with sheer force and take them down before they have a chance to establish their own game plan.

Control Strategies

Control strategies, on the other hand, focus on disrupting your opponent’s game plan and preventing them from doing damage to you. These decks typically include a high number of counterspells and removal spells, as well as cards that can generate card advantage. The goal is to control the board and set up your own game-winning plays.

Combo Strategies

Combo strategies aim to combine a series of spells and effects to create a powerful and often game-ending combination. These decks typically include a mix of creatures, artifacts, and enchantments, as well as cards that can generate card advantage and manipulate the board. The goal is to set up a series of combos that will allow you to win the game quickly and efficiently.

It’s important to note that while these strategies are broad categories, there are many variations and subcategories within each type. The key is to choose a strategy that aligns with your playstyle and goals, and to build your deck around that strategy.

Finding the Right Balance

Creating a well-balanced deck is essential to success in Magic: The Gathering. The right balance between the number of creatures, spells, and lands can make the difference between a strong and a weak deck. Here are some tips for finding the right balance:

• Number of creatures: Your deck should have a mix of creatures with different strengths and abilities. You should aim to have at least 20 creatures in your deck, but no more than 40. This will ensure that you have a good balance of offense and defense.
• Number of spells: Your deck should have a mix of spells with different effects. You should aim to have at least 20 spells in your deck, but no more than 40. This will ensure that you have a good balance of removal, counterspells, and card draw.
• Number of lands: Your deck should have enough lands to cast your spells and creatures. You should aim to have at least 20 lands in your deck, but no more than 40. This will ensure that you have a good balance of mana and card draw.

In addition to the above, it’s also important to consider the mana base of your deck. Your deck should have a mix of basic lands and fetchlands to ensure that you have access to the correct colors of mana. It’s also important to have at least 2-3 colors in your deck to ensure that you have access to a variety of spells and creatures.

Another important factor to consider is the synergy between your cards. You should aim to have a cohesive theme in your deck, with cards that work well together. This will ensure that your deck is consistent and easy to play.

In conclusion, finding the right balance between the number of creatures, spells, and lands in your deck is crucial to success in Magic: The Gathering. By following the tips outlined above, you can create a well-balanced deck that is both strong and consistent.

Choosing the Right Lands

When building your Magic: The Gathering deck, choosing the right lands is crucial to ensure that your deck runs smoothly and consistently. Here are some factors to consider when selecting lands for your deck:

Basic lands vs. nonbasic lands

Basic lands are the most common type of land in Magic: The Gathering, and they include forests, islands, mountains, and plains. They are cheap to include in your deck and provide you with the necessary mana to play your spells. Nonbasic lands, on the other hand, are more expensive to include in your deck, but they offer unique abilities that can benefit your deck. For example, fetchlands can search for basic lands, while shocklands can produce any color of mana.

Shocklands

Shocklands are a type of nonbasic land that can produce any color of mana. They are useful in decks that require flexible mana bases, as they can provide mana for a variety of spells. Shocklands are also resistant to flooding, which means that they will not enter the battlefield if there is already too much mana on the field.

Dual lands

Dual lands are a type of nonbasic land that can produce two different colors of mana. They are useful in decks that require multiple colors of mana, as they can provide mana for multiple spells at once. Dual lands are also more resistant to flooding than other types of lands, as they will only enter the battlefield if both colors of mana are needed.

In conclusion, choosing the right lands for your deck is an important step in building a successful Magic: The Gathering deck. Consider the different types of lands available, including basic lands, shocklands, and dual lands, and choose the ones that best fit your deck’s needs.

Refining Your Deck

Sideboarding

Sideboarding is a crucial aspect of building a successful Magic: The Gathering deck. It involves making changes to your deck’s main 60-card deck by adding or removing cards to better adapt to your opponent’s deck or the game’s current state. A well-designed sideboard can provide you with the necessary tools to win games that you might not have otherwise.

When it comes to sideboarding, it’s important to understand the purpose of the sideboard. The sideboard is intended to be a flexible tool that allows you to adjust your deck’s strategy in response to your opponent’s deck or the game’s conditions. It can help you to address specific threats, fix problems, or provide a new angle of attack.

Choosing the right cards for the sideboard is a key part of sideboarding. It’s important to choose cards that will be effective against your opponent’s deck, while also considering the state of the game. For example, if your opponent is playing a lot of creatures, you might want to include more removal spells in your sideboard. If your opponent is playing a lot of artifacts, you might want to include more counterspells.

In addition to considering your opponent’s deck, you should also consider the state of the game when deciding what cards to include in your sideboard. If you’re behind in the game, you might want to include cards that can help you to catch up, such as card draw spells or direct damage spells. If you’re ahead in the game, you might want to include cards that can help you to protect your lead, such as counterspells or board wipes.

Overall, sideboarding is a complex process that requires careful consideration of your opponent’s deck, the state of the game, and your own deck’s strengths and weaknesses. By making the right choices in your sideboard, you can greatly improve your chances of winning games and ultimately, the match.

Optimizing Your Card Choices

Optimizing your card choices is a crucial aspect of building a successful Magic: The Gathering deck. This involves identifying and removing weak cards, upgrading existing cards, and filling in any gaps in your deck’s strategy. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when optimizing your card choices:

Removing Weak Cards

Weak cards can hinder the overall performance of your deck and should be removed as soon as possible. Some common signs of weak cards include low power and toughness, lack of synergy with other cards in your deck, and poor mana efficiency. When identifying weak cards, it’s important to assess their impact on your deck’s strategy and whether they can be replaced by stronger options.

Upgrading Cards

Upgrading cards is a great way to improve the power and efficiency of your deck. Look for cards that have a higher power and toughness, offer better synergy with other cards in your deck, or have more favorable mana costs. You can also consider cards that have a more powerful effect or offer more utility for your deck’s strategy. When upgrading cards, it’s important to balance the cost of the new card with its potential impact on your deck’s performance.

Filling in Gaps

If your deck has gaps in its strategy or lacks certain key cards, it may be necessary to fill in these gaps with additional cards. Look for cards that complement your deck’s theme and offer additional benefits, such as card draw, card filtering, or additional damage. It’s important to consider the cost of these additional cards and how they fit into your overall budget.

In summary, optimizing your card choices involves removing weak cards, upgrading existing cards, and filling in gaps in your deck’s strategy. By making these improvements, you can improve the overall power and efficiency of your deck and increase your chances of success in your Magic: The Gathering games.

Improving Your Deck’s Efficiency

Card evaluation is a crucial aspect of building an efficient deck in Magic: The Gathering. It involves analyzing each card in your deck and determining its role in your overall strategy. Here are some tips for evaluating your cards:

• Card synergy: Look for cards that work well together and create a cohesive strategy. For example, if you have a lot of creatures, consider adding cards that boost their power or toughness.
• Card redundancy: Eliminate cards that serve similar functions or are not necessary for your strategy. For example, if you have multiple cards that draw cards, consider removing some of them to streamline your deck.
• Card mana cost: Make sure your deck has a good balance of low-mana and high-mana spells. Having too many high-mana spells can make your deck vulnerable to disruption, while too many low-mana spells can lead to an uninteresting game.

Maximizing the value of your cards is another important aspect of building an efficient deck. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your cards:

• Card selection: Choose cards that provide the most value for their mana cost. For example, a card that costs 2 mana and has a strong effect is generally better than a card that costs 1 mana but has a weaker effect.
• Card interaction: Look for cards that interact well with other cards in your deck. For example, if you have a lot of creatures, consider adding cards that can pump up their power or toughness.
• Card flexibility: Consider adding versatile cards that can be used in multiple situations. For example, a card that can remove an opponent’s creature from the game or give your creature a +1/+1 counter is generally more valuable than a card that only does one thing.

Finally, optimizing your mana base is essential for building an efficient deck. Here are some tips for making the most of your mana base:

• Mana curve: Make sure your deck has a good balance of low-mana and high-mana spells. Having too many high-mana spells can make your deck vulnerable to disruption, while too many low-mana spells can lead to an uninteresting game.
• Mana fixing: Consider adding cards that help you cast your spells more efficiently. For example, a card that lets you sacrifice a land to add one mana of any color to your mana pool can be very useful.
• Mana sink: Look for cards that can act as a “sink” for your excess mana. For example, a card that costs three mana and destroys a creature is generally better than a card that costs two mana and does something less useful.

Adapting to Changing Metagames

• Identifying popular decks

In order to adapt to changing metagames, it is essential to first identify the popular decks that are currently dominating the game. This can be done by researching recent tournament results, watching online gameplay videos, and observing the performance of other players in local game stores. By keeping track of the most successful decks, you can gain a better understanding of the strategies and cards that are currently being used.

• Finding ways to counter popular strategies

Once you have identified the popular decks, you can then focus on finding ways to counter these strategies. This may involve including specific cards in your own deck that are designed to disrupt the opposing strategy, such as removal spells or counterspells. Additionally, you can consider incorporating cards that are particularly effective against the popular decks, such as versatile creatures or disruptive artifacts.

• Staying ahead of the curve

In order to stay ahead of the curve, it is important to continuously monitor the metagame and adjust your deck accordingly. This may involve experimenting with new cards or strategies, as well as keeping up to date with the latest tournament results and decklists. By staying informed and making changes to your deck as needed, you can ensure that you are always prepared to face the latest challenges in the ever-evolving world of Magic: The Gathering.

Fine-Tuning Your Sideboard

The sideboard is a crucial aspect of any Magic: The Gathering deck, as it allows you to adjust your strategy based on your opponent’s deck and playstyle. Here are some tips for fine-tuning your sideboard:

• Understanding the role of the sideboard in different matchups: The sideboard is designed to help you adapt to different matchups. For example, if you’re playing against a deck that is heavy on creatures, you may want to include more removal spells in your sideboard. Similarly, if you’re playing against a control deck, you may want to include more counterspells in your sideboard.
• Building a flexible sideboard: A flexible sideboard is one that can be adjusted to suit different matchups. This means including a mix of cards that can be used to counter different types of strategies. For example, you may want to include both removal spells and counterspells in your sideboard, so you can choose the best option based on your opponent’s deck.
• Practicing good sideboarding habits: Good sideboarding habits involve more than just including the right cards in your sideboard. It also involves knowing when to use your sideboard and how much to adjust your strategy. For example, if you’re playing against a deck that is heavy on creatures, you may want to use your sideboard to remove their threats and gain card advantage. Similarly, if you’re playing against a control deck, you may want to use your sideboard to counter their spells and disrupt their game plan.

Putting It All Together

Building a Successful Deck

• Crafting a cohesive strategy
• Selecting the right mix of cards
• Optimizing your mana base
• Incorporating sideboard cards

Crafting a Cohesive Strategy

Building a successful deck begins with developing a cohesive strategy. To achieve this, consider the following steps:

1. Identify your primary win condition: Determine the primary way you plan to defeat your opponent. This could be through combat, board control, or card advantage.
2. Choose supporting cards: Select cards that complement your primary win condition and fit within your chosen strategy.
3. Determine your resource allocation: Balance your deck’s focus on offense, defense, and card draw abilities to suit your chosen strategy.

Selecting the Right Mix of Cards

Once you have a cohesive strategy, it’s time to select the right mix of cards. Key considerations include:

1. Main deck: Focus on powerful cards that align with your strategy while maintaining a balanced mix of creatures, spells, and lands.
2. Sideboard: Develop a customized sideboard to adapt to different matchups. Include cards that can respond to specific strategies or disrupt your opponent’s game plan.
3. Rare vs. common cards: Weigh the benefits of including powerful rare cards against the risks of having a less consistent deck.

Optimizing Your Mana Base

A well-optimized mana base is crucial for a successful deck. Consider the following tips:

1. Land selection: Choose lands that provide the most consistent mana base for your deck.
2. Mana fixing: Include cards or artifacts that help you fetch or produce mana more efficiently.
3. Color balance: Ensure that you have an appropriate balance of lands that produce the colors of mana needed for your spells.

Incorporating Sideboard Cards

A well-prepared sideboard can give you an edge in different matchups. Consider these factors when incorporating sideboard cards:

1. Adapting to opponents: Prepare for specific opponents by including cards that counter their strategies or gain an advantage against their deck.
2. Flexibility: Include versatile cards that can be used in multiple matchups or provide a variety of useful effects.
3. Card removal: Consider including card removal spells to address problematic permanents on the battlefield.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful Magic: The Gathering deck that is both cohesive and effective in a variety of matchups.

Decklist Templates

Basic decklist template

The basic decklist template is a starting point for building a deck in Magic: The Gathering. It includes the following elements:

• Deck name: A name for the deck, such as “Goblins” or “Angels.”
• Deck archetype: A general description of the deck’s strategy, such as “aggressive” or “control.”
• Color(s): The color(s) of mana that the deck will use, such as “red” or “blue and black.”
• Number of lands: The number of lands in the deck, usually 60.
• Creatures: A list of creatures in the deck, including their names, mana cost, and any special abilities they have.
• Spells: A list of spells in the deck, including their names, mana cost, and any special abilities they have.
• Sideboard: A list of cards that can be swapped in and out of the main deck during the game, depending on the matchup.

Example of a basic decklist template:

Goblins
Deck Archetype: Aggressive
Color(s): Red
Number of lands: 60
Creatures:
- Goblin Chieftain (2RR)
- Goblin Piledriver (1R)
- Goblin Sharpshooter (1R)
Spells:
- Lightning Bolt (1R)
- Fanatism (1R)
Sideboard:
- Assassin's Trophy (1R)
- Kataki, War's Wage (2RR)
- Fury Charm (1U)

Extended decklist template

The extended decklist template is a more detailed template that can be used to build more complex decks. It includes the following elements:

• Deck name: A name for the deck, such as “Combo” or “Midrange.”
• Deck archetype: A general description of the deck’s strategy, such as “combo” or “midrange.”
• Color(s): The color(s) of mana that the deck will use, such as “blue and red” or “green and black.”
• Main deck: A list of cards that are included in the main deck of the deck.

Example of an extended decklist template:
“`markdown
Combo
Deck Archetype: Combo
Color(s): Blue and Red
– Phyrexian Arena (2U)
– Snapcaster Mage (2UU)
– Brainstorm (1U)
– Serum Visions (1U)
– Vampiric Tutor (3BB)
– Demonic Tutor (3BB)
– Goblin Electromancer (3R)
– Disdainful Stroke (1U)
– Spell Pierce (1U)
– Glare of Heresy (1R)
Main deck:

Deckbuilding Resources

Books and Articles

There are numerous books and articles available that can provide valuable insights and strategies for building a successful Magic: The Gathering deck. Some popular options include:

• “The Art of Magic: A Guide to Building a Winning Deck” by Eric M. Lang
• “Magic: The Gathering – The Book of Exalted Deck-Building” by Jon Finkel, Frank Karsten, and Ryan Spain
• “Magic: The Gathering – Theros Guidebook” by James Wyatt

These resources can provide a comprehensive overview of the game, as well as in-depth analysis of specific decks and strategies.

Online Tools and Resources

The internet offers a wealth of resources for deckbuilders, including online tools and forums where players can share their strategies and discuss the latest cards and decks. Some popular options include:

• MTG Goldfish: An online platform that allows players to build and test their decks using realistic matchups.
• ChannelFireball: A comprehensive website that offers decklists, videos, and articles on a variety of Magic: The Gathering topics.
• MTG Salvation: A community-driven forum where players can discuss and share their deckbuilding strategies.

These resources can help players stay up-to-date on the latest trends and strategies, as well as provide a platform for sharing ideas and collaborating with other players.

Decklists and Strategies from Top Players

Another valuable resource for deckbuilders are the decklists and strategies of top players. These players have honed their skills and strategies through years of experience and competition, and their decks can provide valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring deckbuilders.

Some popular options for accessing top player decklists include:

• Wizards of the Coast: The official Magic: The Gathering website, which features decklists and strategies from top professional players.
• StarCityGames: A popular online retailer and community site that offers decklists, videos, and articles on a variety of Magic: The Gathering topics.
• MTG Deck Check: An online tool that allows players to upload and analyze their decklists, and compare them to similar decks in the database.

By studying the decklists and strategies of top players, deckbuilders can gain valuable insights into the latest trends and strategies, and incorporate these ideas into their own decks.

FAQs

1. What is a Magic: The Gathering deck?

A Magic: The Gathering deck is a collection of cards that a player uses to play the Magic: The Gathering game. The deck typically consists of at least 60 cards, with a maximum of four copies of any given card. The cards in a deck are chosen to work together to achieve a specific goal, such as attacking the opponent’s creatures or controlling the board.

2. How do I build a Magic: The Gathering deck?

Building a Magic: The Gathering deck involves choosing the right combination of cards to achieve your desired strategy. There are many different ways to build a deck, and the best approach will depend on your personal playstyle and the cards you have available. Some popular deck archetypes include aggro, control, midrange, and combo.

3. What are the basic rules for building a Magic: The Gathering deck?

There are several basic rules that all Magic: The Gathering decks must follow. These include:
* A deck must contain at least 60 cards.
* A deck may contain no more than four copies of any given card, with the exception of basic land cards.
* A deck may contain up to four cards with the same name, as long as they are different cards with that name.
* A deck may contain up to three copies of any given creature card, as long as it is not a token.

4. What are the different types of cards in Magic: The Gathering?

There are several different types of cards in Magic: The Gathering, including creatures, sorceries, instants, enchantments, planeswalkers, and lands. Each type of card has its own unique abilities and characteristics, and choosing the right combination of cards is key to building a successful deck.

5. How do I choose the right cards for my Magic: The Gathering deck?

Choosing the right cards for your Magic: The Gathering deck involves considering your personal playstyle, the cards you have available, and the strategies of your opponents. It is important to choose cards that work well together and support your overall goal, whether that is to attack the opponent’s creatures, control the board, or something else entirely.

6. How do I adjust my Magic: The Gathering deck once I’ve built it?

Once you have built your Magic: The Gathering deck, it is important to regularly evaluate its performance and make adjustments as needed. This may involve adding or removing cards, changing the mix of card types, or adjusting your overall strategy. It is also important to consider the strategies of your opponents and make changes to your deck to counter them.