Color Theory
This color of magic values logic, control, and information — and has made “draw-go” a lifestyle for thousands of players.
What is Blue?
This type of spell, loved by some but hated by many, wipes out all lands on the battlefield — it is now considered a soft ban by many in the casual commander format.
What is Mass Land Destruction
This artificer’s obsession with power and knowledge led to cataclysmic wars and defined much of Magic’s early lore, branding him both hero and villain to fans.
Who is Urza?
This hive-mind species, known for their shared consciousness and adaptability, first appeared in Tempest and became a fan-favorite archetype.
What are Slivers?
This iconic red instant from Alpha set the benchmark for all burn spells, dealing 3 damage for just one mana — and it's still the gold standard today.
What is Lightning Bolt?
This now-retired black keyword ability allowed creatures to slip past anything that wasn’t artifact or black — and made Nantuko Shade a nightmare to block.
What is Fear?
This block introduced the affinity mechanic back in 2003, and is often cited as one of the three times Magic has almost died in its 30 years of existence.
What is the Mirrodin Block?
Known as the “Father of Machines,” this dark figure’s twisted experiments birthed a horrific plane ravaged by his influence.
Who is Yawgmoth?
These small, pesky creatures have been a staple since Alpha, often excelling at hand-control strategies thanks to their numbers and sneaky tactics.
What are Rats?
Paired with Fireball, this infamous green spell from Alpha let players dump their life total into mana, often ending games before they began.
What is Channel?
This classic white sorcery wipes the board clean and prevents regeneration, embodying white’s strict sense of order — and yes, its rules text even inspired a manga series.
What is Wrath of God?
First printed in the Prophecy set of 2000, this blue enchantment taxes opponents whenever they cast spells, becoming notorious in Commander for its constant triggers and slowing down games.
What is Rhystic Study?
This legendary saga, told over six sets, follows Gerard Capashen, Captain Sissay, and navigator Hanna, culminating in the Invasion of Dominaria.
What is the Weatherlight Saga?
Introduced as a faction in Antiquities (1994), this group did not receive its official creature type until the release of Kaldheim in 2021.
What are Phyrexians?
This massive instant-speed draw spell saw play in control decks, often cast with infinite mana for a one-sided library wipe. It headlined the iconic ‘Turbo’ decks of its era.
What is Stroke of Genius?
This white-black guild from Ravnica embodies ruthless capitalism and eternal debt — crushing foes with both spiritual authority and brutal enforcement.
What is the Orzhov Syndicate?
Launched in 2019, this Wizards of the Coast initiative introduced characters and settings from outside Magic’s universe, provoking mixed reactions and significant fan backlash.
What is Universes Beyond?
This event, a fundamental turning point in Magic’s multiverse, healed the rifts caused by the Phyrexian invasion and powered down planeswalkers.
What is the Great Mending?
These powerful, ancient creatures were introduced in Legends and are better known for the format they created than for their lore.
What are the Elder Dragons?
This iconic early-game flyer became such a staple that it spawned the enduring Magic mantra: “Bolt the bird.”
What is Birds of Paradise?
Named for a three-color Modern midrange deck, this phrase became shorthand for grinding out value with removal, hand disruption, and efficient threats.
What is Jund/What is Jund'em Out?
This 2011 Standard deck, featuring a powerful planeswalker and an aggressive tempo style, reshaped control decks and led to multiple bannings in its aftermath.
What is Caw Blade/Jace the Mind Sculptor?
“The world calls and I answer.” is the flavor text of what green legendary creature from the 2000 Invasion set?
Who is Molimo?
Debuting in Mercadian Masques, this iconic creature type was heavily featured as part of the Masques block, and later reappeared in the Time Spiral block, and is slated to appear in the upcoming Final Fantasy Universes Beyond set.
What are Rebels?
This mechanic copies spells for each one cast before it in a turn. Widely regarded as one of Magic’s biggest design mistakes, it even inspired its own brokenness scale.
What is Storm?