Last update images today Check Lands MTG: Are They Still Relevant
Check Lands MTG: Are They Still Relevant?
Introduction: Are check lands in MTG still good? In the evolving landscape of Magic: The Gathering, mana bases are constantly being optimized. Check lands, once staples, are now facing scrutiny. This article examines their continued relevance and value in today's meta.
Target Audience: This article is geared towards MTG players of all levels, from casual kitchen table players to competitive tournament participants, who are looking to optimize their mana bases and understand the role of check lands.
Check Lands MTG: What Are Check Lands?
Check lands, also known as "reveal lands," are dual lands that enter the battlefield untapped only if you control a basic land type that matches one of their colors. For example, Isolated Chapel (White/Black) enters untapped if you control a Plains or a Swamp. Otherwise, they enter tapped.
Long-tail keyword: "mtg check lands explained"
Check Lands MTG: The Golden Age of Check Lands
In their prime, check lands were extremely popular, particularly in Standard. They offered a balance between speed and budget, providing relatively reliable access to multiple colors early in the game, while still being affordable compared to fetch lands or shock lands. Their ability to enter untapped significantly improved mana consistency, allowing for smoother gameplay.
Long-tail keyword: "best mtg check lands for standard"
Check Lands MTG: The Rise of Competition
However, newer land cycles have emerged, offering alternatives with different strengths and weaknesses. Pathway lands (e.g., Brightclimb/Grimclimb Pathway) enter untapped no matter what, but can only produce one color each. Fast lands (e.g., Inspiring Vantage) enter untapped if you control two or fewer other lands, offering speed in the early game but potentially slowing down later. Triomes (e.g., Jetmir's Garden) offer three colors and basic land types, making them great for mana fixing but always entering tapped unless fetched.
Long-tail keyword: "mtg check lands vs pathway lands"
Check Lands MTG: When to Play Them
Check lands still have a place in modern MTG, particularly in the following scenarios:
- Budget Decks: They are a significantly more affordable option than fetch lands and shock lands, making them ideal for budget-conscious players.
- Multi-Color Decks: Decks that require access to multiple colors will still benefit from the color fixing provided by check lands.
- Formats Where Basic Lands Are Common: If your deck or format naturally includes a good number of basic lands, check lands become much more reliable.
- Mid-Range Strategies: Decks that aim to establish a board presence in the mid-game can benefit from the consistency that check lands provide.
Long-tail keyword: "mtg check lands budget decks"
Check Lands MTG: Building a Mana Base with Check Lands
When building a mana base with check lands, consider these factors:
- Basic Land Count: Ensure you have enough basic lands of the appropriate types to reliably trigger your check lands to enter untapped. A general rule of thumb is to have at least 6-8 basics of each relevant type.
- Deck Speed: If your deck needs to be very fast, other land options like fast lands or pain lands might be better.
- Fetch Land Synergies: If you do have access to fetch lands, they can help find the basic lands you need to trigger your check lands.
- Color Requirements: Carefully consider your deck's color requirements and choose check lands accordingly.
Long-tail keyword: "mtg mana base with check lands"
Check Lands MTG: The Future of Check Lands
While check lands might not be the undisputed kings of mana fixing anymore, they remain a viable and cost-effective option for many decks. Their value will fluctuate depending on the meta and the availability of alternative land cycles, but their accessibility and reasonable reliability ensure they will continue to see play for the foreseeable future.
Long-tail keyword: "mtg check lands competitive play"
Q & A:
Q: Are check lands worth buying? A: Yes, especially if you're on a budget or playing in formats where they are legal.
Q: Are check lands better than shock lands? A: Shock lands are generally better because they can always enter untapped, but they cost life. Check lands are better on a budget.
Q: What formats are check lands legal in? A: Check lands are legal in formats where the sets they're printed in are legal (Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Commander, etc.).
Summary Question and Answer: Check lands are still relevant and useful in MTG, especially for budget-conscious players, but their effectiveness depends on the deck, format, and meta. Are they worth buying and how do they compare to other lands? They are worth buying, and shock lands are better but more expensive.
Keywords: MTG, Magic: The Gathering, Check Lands, Mana Base, Budget, Dual Lands, Deck Building, Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Commander.