Is It Worth It To Buy A 2021 Challenger Deck? A Magic: The Gathering Product Review

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Typo alert! The value of Mono Red with all bulk cards removed is $41.30, but ON SCREEN TYPO says $31.40. It's $41.30. Sorry, I was at work from 8:30am till 9:30pm in order to get this done! Yes, I said that to guilt you all into forgiving me, but it is true!! ;)

[@drd051178]

As someone who has literally never made a mistake, I refuse to forgive you. I am a bastion of perfection, and I expect nothing less from my KZbin videos. (Please do not ask my kids or ex-wife about these claims).

[@Mrtfarrugia]

Well we now know why you taught English and not Math 😁

[@masterg8422]

How dare you!

[@richardaniballi1624]

I appreciate the work you put in, mistakes happen.

[@sethkappaccilli9509]

@@justinclement5417 big man over here

[@itmealice]

It's mind-boggling as a Pokemon fan that Wizards STILL doesn't include online codes in these things. IN A PANDEMIC. Absolutely wild.

[@DatBoi-gi3vq]

I agree it's the sole reason I got into the PTCG again even though none of my friends play it and we all play Magic irl, I just can't be bothered to actually have to start up and build a collection without being able to just purchase and play online to practise for irl play again. I love how Pokémon TCGO works and it's very intuitive, Magic Arena... not so much, my friends play it from time to time but I just think it's rubbish

[@gokhan4461]

I was just about to write the same thing. And the Pokemon Company is REALLY smart when it comes to business and marketing. If they do it, I'm sure including the codes is a better way to go. They include codes for whole sets and boxes... I know lots of people who got into online tcg after receiving those codes, including myself.

[@styfen]

WotC hate you, spend more on their products.

[@DatBoi-gi3vq]

@@gokhan4461 Pokémon TCG is in my opinion also much easier to get into when it comes to difficulty, sure you have some great combinations but nothing crazy and you don't need to already know every card to understand what is going on

[@itmealice]

@@DatBoi-gi3vq I don't play Magic (still enjoy watching TCC from time to time though) and THE single biggest reason is because they don't include online versions when you buy products like this. I love Pokemon but I don't think I would be nearly as interested in the TCG if the code cards weren't a thing, it just feels natural to buy a deck and then be able to use it online, ESPECIALLY given current global circumstances.

[@louisvueghs6217]

The day I can hear the prof thank wotc for the arena codes will be eagerly awaited

[@Siegorius]

I don't think we'll live that long

[@thepineappleyempireofsuper9612]

I don't think anyone will

[@Mrtfarrugia]

@@thepineappleyempireofsuper9612 maybe our great great great grandchildren will.

[@Meop79]

Arena sucks.

[@malachihill8677]

I just got into arena on my phone, and I would actually consider buying these if they did include codes

[@modx5534]

I refuse to buy anything on magic arena for real money until they put in arena codes in "paper magic products"... I was outraged last year when challenger 2020 had no codes in them, now I am just sad...

[@mathewevans9706]

It's not like they don't know how to do it either. They've dropped codes in prerelease kits, intro decks, and even some boosters. But then they can't double dip people who want to play both paper and digital, so

[@TibbersTeaParty]

im with you i love commander and i love arena sometimes but on arena im f2p and i love to buy packs irl, i wish they gave codes with each pack but maybe in like 10 years lol

[@TimStamper89]

Ditto, I play it in lieu of being able to play in person and seem to be able to do alright each month in the standard/historic rank9ngs with the cards I just get for free through dailys weekly's and the end of month rewards

[@sergioserrano2042]

Fully agree

[@lordxmugen]

What do you think this is, Pokemon TCG Online?!

[@vittoriasmith826]

If they had arena codes in these then I absolutely would have bought a set, but without them I’ll be passing.

[@Y2JRKOHBKHHH]

SAME

[@leonardopires9344]

same

[@jhozthron4415]

Right, why do the rubbish ''planeswalker'' decks contain a code, but these decent ones do not.

[@davidschenk6382]

He answered the questions that I have the whole time since this decks were released, thank you so much ❤️

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

You’re welcome 😊

[@deifiedtitan]

No Great Henge in the green Challenger deck is a massive omission.

[@Yuzuki1337]

Yeah even as a 1 or 2 off it would've been nice

[@TheEmeraldboy100]

Not to mention that the deck was designed only a few months before official release, which implies the omission was a last minute decision.

[@johnmoussiaux7669]

They excluded all of the cards that make mono green worth playing, can't imagine why

[@ryanjohnson2522]

The fact it's a $50 card right now on the secondary market is exactly why it's not included

[@Yuzuki1337]

@@ryanjohnson2522 Not exactly true, the previous Izzet deck had an Arclight Phoenix too when it was a 40$ card

[@eliluttrell7637]

Prof: A return to New Phyrexia would be horribly insensitive to those who have been affected by the pandemic. Wizards: Oh, absolutely wouldn't dream of it, Prof you're so funny.(Closes door to room filled with Secret Lair New Phyrexia: Foildemic edition)

[@RealGairos]

You are forgetting that that wotc renamed a godzilla promo on arena because they were scared that the name "death corona" would cause negative PR.

[@Tacklepig]

Calling that insensitive does feel like a stretch, though.

[@PowerfulSkeleton]

Insensitive to those affected by the pandemic? I couldn't disagree more strongly.

[@DimT670]

What? How would that be insensitive in any way?

[@alexbevan2183]

If you think about it phyrexians were technically created through a bioweapon attacking Karn’s creations. The bioweapon didn’t however kill the creations it forced them to evolve so if you look at it that way it’s not insensitive at all

[@JR-gh5gc]

As a Zareth San rogue player, I grade the challenger deck list highly accurate, needing only minor modifications.

[@ich3730]

together with the edh precon, its also a very neat starterpack for zareth or anowon commander decks

[@JR-gh5gc]

@@ich3730 very true, but I'm curious if those two decks would provide enough synergy in a multiplayer, highlander format. Haven't really had the chance to actually play EDH, although I am interested.

[@depalapili-pala4859]

@@JR-gh5gc the anowon deck is sweet!

[@andremedaglia350]

Prof: "Some parts in the world has begun to re-open, and some others are close behind" *me: crying in brazilian...*

[@Franciscomeirajr]

😭😭😭

[@jaeger2780]

cries both because of closed stores and because of the marked up prices

[@kylemitchell2052]

Trust me, My province just got put into a "lockdown" today for a month. this lockdown is worse than the last 2 because the restrictions aren't there for no reason

[@alfyb4512]

Crying in Jordan here.

[@gustavoaffonso8942]

@@kylemitchell2052 the problem in Brazil is not the lockdown itself, it's that vaccination is too slow and the pandemic is nowhere near to be ended here...

[@bobbydavis4427]

I don’t play arena, but if these products had codes for an entire deck I’d for sure give it a try

[@Boyahda]

Slide: Challenger 2021 Deck Prof: "2021 Challenger Deck" My brain:

[@brittanynguyen3794]

20 Challenger 21 Deck

[@juno4127]

Deck 2021 challenger

[@HaveAVindicare]

I love how they can't even be bothered giving the decks names anymore.

[@gordonross3270]

I actually prefer the basic names.

[@ty_sylicus]

That tingle of anticipation as you listen to the intro theme and wait for Prof to announce: "Many Magic: the Gathering players...."

[@SonofSethoitae]

Great vid prof. Unfortunately you converted me to Pauper a long time ago, so I'm not sure what to do with this info, but still good to know!

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Yay, Pauper!

[@luchorivadeneira3616]

Wizards thinks they are saving money by not paying the professor for advice

[@mad_max21]

They'll need to follow the advice in the first place.

[@ReplayStation]

The lack of Arena codes for these decks is insane. Pokemon has been doing it for YEARS. It's clear that WOTC doesn't give a single eff about the players.

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

Really frustrating. They know people will always play mtg so they have no incentive to fight to keep their customers.

[@doccon8]

I dont even play paper Pokemon, but buy the occasional Pokemon starter deck because having the cards is nice and they come with a code for the deck in the online game. Theres even an online mode that's just starter decks battling each other. I wouldnt buy the digital only version and I wouldnt buy the starter deck without a code, but combine both and the perceived value to me is worth it. Wish MTG would figure that out. I'd buy a box every standard set if every pack had an Arena code, unlike now where I spend no money on standard boxes and never buy Arena packs

[@XGoronFighterX]

They really dropped the ball on mono green. With rotation coming a great henge or a questing beast should have been a given.

[@nickcarney6736]

Im not surprised great henge isn't with the price but I am surprised there isn't at least one questing beast. Edit: I don't condone it btw but being wizards of the coast being as it is I'm not surprised at all.

[@SirPream]

What, and impact the secondary market that WOTC claims to not know of or have influence over?

[@nickbrandon2055]

Cry Me a River nerds I'll get real sick of hearing it that's why quit playing in the first place🤗💯

[@Thomas-vn6cr]

Hey Prof, there's this game called Manalink from Wizards of the Coast from the 90s that's updated by fans to the most recent sets and it'd make a great video topic! You can play offline with bots, commander, draft and more! The community could really do with some recognition. Great video as always!

[@justarandomguy8396]

"do you need one?" how else am I to play with them alone?

[@wadejohnston4305]

I know a lot of people that do actually play matches by themselves with two different decks. If you Play to win on both sides you really only learn each deck a little better each time

[@SirPream]

Gold fishing, or mtg solitaire, is actually kinda fun. Not as fun ad playing other players, but still fun nonetheless less.

[@PsychoEditor]

I didn't even know these were out! Thanks for keeping me in the loop professor!

[@Twelvecarpileup]

Agree about the lack of a code. I literally clicked the video to confirm that they come with an arena code as I'm playing other card games online currently and was hoping for a simple way to get a standard deck and jump in.

[@Shard3432]

Pretty much the same. I don't really play paper but it's nice to have a deck in case I decide to play. (when stores reopen in the uk) Had this had arena code I'd probably have bought, used on arena and played hearthstone less. However seems more HS for me.

[@blakemichau453]

I've been back and forth between purchasing some of these or not for weeks since I'm just getting into Magic. You've finally given me an answer! Thanks so much for the help Professor! You're videos have been incredibly helpful as I ease into the hobby, and always very entertaining! Stay safe and be well Prof.

[@Palestinians]

I have been thinking about getting some of these decks to play with the wife. Searched em up on youtube and here's your video uploaded 6 hours ago! Perfect timing and thank you for the amazing production quality!

[@werbearjack]

"I can't believe there is no Arena code"/10

[@Jagoryu]

Ahhhh...! That beautiful, still sealed, Avacyn Restored set box, in the background, on your shelf.

[@marcelloterenzi9026]

Yayy I've been waiting for this video ever since these decks were announced! Thanks prof ; )

[@Ormerjere]

I really like these challenger decks, too bad i can't play them in real life at the moment, or in arena. I really dislike being a magic fan at the moment

[@pcolageorge]

I remember loading the old Final Adventure deck into Arena using a card list. It absolutely cleaned the floor 4-5 games in a row. Might try that with one or two of these.

[@dsfargeg100]

"This set of challenger decks does not [contain online redemption codes]" And like that you've lost me

[@smashog7500]

Another excellent video Prof. You are great at taking both sides of any situation and then going from there. See you in the next one.

[@chocobeans3940]

After playing paper on and off since the 90s, I started playing arena about a month ago primarily as free to play after a long MTG hiatus. I was salivating over the list in these decks as a new arena player and would not have hesitated to pick these up if they had arena codes in them. Paper + digital truly should be the new business model. They just missed out on getting $120 out of me.

[@ArcRaiyne]

I own a copy of every challenger deck printed thus far. I enjoy playing them against one another across magics history since their creation. It would be awesome to see a consolidated video of upgrades to them with cards from their respective standard blocks in order to improve some of the gameplay between them. I love these videos and the challenger decks I think are one of the few things wizards gets right when it comes to pre-cons. Its unfortunate that they clearly meddle in the secondary market and the decks suffer as a result.

[@OutDoorMillennial]

Wish I found this channel before I returned to magic. Haven't played in about 10 years and in the last couple of months we came back to it. This channel would have answered so many questions about value competitiveness. Thanks for the awesome content. Subbed !

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Welcome aboard!

[@hiygamer]

Honestly, I hadn't even heard that these were coming out.

[@snarferyasmr3739]

It's amazing that pokemon has had digital codes and a online footprint for so long and MTG the FIRST TCG is still dragging their feet.

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

It’s like how long it took Apple to add Picture in Picture to iOS. Just insane.

[@godhearsmysoul]

I'm a returning Magic player from long ago, the last time I really played was the Invasion block! and I completely agree with this. I got into Arena with the mobile release and heard about Strixhaven and thought it seemed fun. I'm really mostly interested in collecting alternate art, foil, etc... cards and I love the pick up and play anywhere anytime of Arena. Getting codes for product like this would massively extend my engagement in the game.

[@aven78]

I'm amazed products like these or fat packs don't have redemption codes for at least some part of Arena, let it be packs or in the case of these decks full on copies of them. I'd be more tempted to buy any of them if my one purchase was used for two different things (paper+Arena), rather than having to pay twice for the same cards.

[@timothycampbell5783]

Hello Professor! Love the videos. Very Informative. Keep up the good work.

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

Thanks, will do!

[@heavenlyevan]

Your review was a lot more positive than I expected. When the decklists were first released, I was so disappointed. It's nice to know they're not as terrible as I thought, but I agree the product seems to not have an audience right now.

[@onlyRicky_x]

It's like pokemon has a good idea packing every product with a digital redemption code

[@jbmurraymusic]

Prof! I just want to say... I'm new both to MTG and your channel... and I love yer vids! Keep up the great work man! I appreciate your insight and honesty.

[@henrycriollo23]

How did you know I was looking up this video right now lol?

[@chrisfatality1367]

Thank you prof these vids definitely help me save time n money I watch these vids before buying most products. Keep up the amazing work

[@jish55]

Yes, exactly prof, if Wizards put Arena codes in their products (not just the occasional code for a new set, but with every sing pack of cards), it'll not only sell more packs due to arena players wanting access to more cards, it'll get paper magic players interested in a game that they'd otherwise not normally touch.

[@themanmoore]

I'd like to see the financial value also include analysis of how the $$ value shows up in the fully optimized versions. To me the most interesting part of the challenger decks is how much more money I need to put into the decks in order to have a fully powered deck rather than the current metric that better aligns to the value of cracking and selling singles.

[@TheBeardedFool]

A small part that you could include in future videos like this would be a specific indicator of how many cards will survive rotation. Maybe just a special color-coding on the decklist view. Although you talked about it generally, seeing specifically which will stay is a big factor for a lot of buyers.

[@C4chorroSa1sicha]

I follow your channel because i love your personality and wholesomeness, and I have no intention to start buying a collection during the pandemic, but if these decks had codes I would surely had bought one just for the hell of it.

[@lasterman94100]

Honestly, this is still one of the best product WotC is making after edh precon, and I'm glad they came back, event decks were just awesome back in the days

[@ribbontoast]

not having arena codes is like a meme now

[@russstaples6125]

Dear Professor, I have to tell you (even if it must be in a public comment) that when ever I'm feeling crappy, I replay some of your videos. This almost always brings me out of my funk. Thanks for your work. I'm a 60 year old MTG dabbler. I have over the last few years lost 2 of my sons. My wife of 30 years became unable to cope with reality and invented her own. I, also, lost my small business. So, again, thank you for your pleasant, funny and informative channel. If I could, your channel would get my patronage.

[@andrewl9191]

I'm glad you did this video! I like these decks, but while I still like actually having the cards, it's hard to justify buying one of these when, as was said, much of it will rotate before too long. One of the things I've noticed as somebody who's just started in D&D, their source books are always everywhere and you always have to buy all the versions of it with no way to get any kind of digital version.

[@Ectz64]

Always found it weird that there were not arena codes in packs and with these decks. For the packs they don't even have to give a full pack code, maybe a few wild cards. Tie the two together and more will play both =D

[@scoobydruid]

Brilliant explanations and assessment of the decks! Thanks for the fantastic summary.

[@Passtheremoteplease]

Started playing casual commander with my friends during the pandemic. Didn’t do much digital until I saw MTG Arena on the App Store. Not really into standard but wanted to get into it. If could just straight up buy one of these and put it in the game I would actually play the game.

[@jibb8545]

I was optimistic after Gavin's reveal a few weeks ago that he just overlooked the online code. Turns out it's just not there. Pokemon's League Battle decks have been a revelation in making the game accessible in person and online.

[@GamingBear_Q_E_D]

Thank you Prof, you work so hard and we really appreciate you and all that hard work. Stay safe and thanks' again. :)

[@williamsimkulet7832]

4:00 WOTC needs a ground-up revision on how they do digital/physical integration. 1. Make Magic Online Free to play, and update the interface. (Not into Arena garbage, but you so it's less cumbersome.) 2. 100% of Booster Packs should come with a token (instead of 2/3rds), and the back should be a Digital Redemption Code that works with either MTGO or Arena. (If you need a crappy ad over the code.. knock yourself out.)

[@williamdun8150]

Imagine selling a mono-green deck as “competitive” and then not putting even one copy of Great Henge in. I know its like an $50 card but cmon, you put Embercleave in mono-red. They didn’t even try and supplement that would be engine with Garruk’s Uprising either or something.

[@nickbrandon2143]

That's because ember Cleve sucks it is definitely not a question beast or a great hinge that's a fact you need to buy two but mono green put to together is unstoppable

[@dyllangump4912]

Thank God my local game shop is still open, bought red aggro so far and love it! A few tweaks and it can really be quite a fun deck.

[@Beefjerkey12345]

The execs at WotC are just so deeply deeply bothered by just the mere thought of giving stuff away for free. It's a digital version of an already established game-- why they never seem to intertwine the two together is beyond me. It's like they saw MTGO and went "yeah I want that"

[@ericfaulk2204]

Many Magic: the Gathering players ask: is this the most iconic intro of all time?

[@ronshbl]

Hey prof, love your content! I am a Magic: the Gathering player and I ask the question: Will you a do a video about the profitability of Card Kingdom's Pure Bulk packages?

[@sethkappaccilli9509]

He has deals with them. Dont hold your breath

[@juliomirelez1608]

@@sethkappaccilli9509 that feels like even more of a reason for prof to review them. Ensure he’s dealing with a solid company.

[@JodouTR]

How do I hit the agree button harder? I would have loved an arena code in my two sets I got today. I wanted Dimir to upgrade it with the paper I do have but was missing a lot of these cards. I did get Azorius because of the value in cards. Getting 2x Skyclave is almost the full price of the deck ALONE. Crazy.

[@Zlumpy77]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned about this product is the package quality. I noticed several boxes had popped open already due to the glue not sticking. It wouldn't be hard for someone to take cards out of these and press the top flap back down. The tear seal stays intact during all this.

[@Rey-ju8ic]

Speaking as a New Zealander, we've been playing in-person magic for months now! So I for one am hotly awaiting the arrival of these products 😅

[@Solidwake]

The pokémon company gives you codes in order to own the Decks you buy on their online arena. Plus boosters come with them too.

[@wwbodywork5582]

It’s crazy how much value is in these decks. First time I’ve ever picked up all 4 and I’m happy with the purchase just based on the quality of the cards included. I hope they keep putting more products like this

[@ty_sylicus]

Prof! Your hair is looking great. I'm growing mine out too. Can't wait to finally meet ya someday!

[@DarkTelepath]

I mostly just play kitchen table anyways, so I'll probably pick up Dimir Rouges to have some variety. Picked up Flash of Ferocity last year before the pandemic and enjoyed it as a deck and a shell to upgrade with. Looking forward to doing the same with Rogues.

[@TheAmericanDragn]

I'll just think of them like I did for the last two waves: Buy them as beginner's pioneer decks.

[@Reiniac]

I have friends who got into Magic during the pandemic, and they are currently Arena-only players. If the product had Arena codes in it, about 4 of us would buy one, and maybe those players would later transition into paper magic. Without the codes none of us is even considering it. Great job, Wizards

[@777CrimsonChaos]

I kind of wish Pioneer had a chance to pick up some traction before the pandemic hit. Maybe then these decks could be a bit more worth it since, even once these all rotate out of standard, they would remain at least playable in that format to a degree.

[@rubenNneri]

The red deck seems like a re-run of the 2020 challenger deck...

[@richmondlau5945]

Says more about standard meta lol

[@anarchond]

2:30 iv been saying this since arena increased prices on everything in the alpha phase, they Need to include codes in all their products for Arena. Otherwise you're just splitting the community between paper and online. If booster boxes had every couple packs a code for a pack online it would be perfect, same with these types of products having a code for the deck itself. Even if they add 5 bucks to the price

[@GameNerdMan3456]

I am indeed here to "Stay and Play" or so they say

[@8vI]

As someone just starting arena it makes the game way easier to approach, I would love the digital codes on the physical cards

[@MarioJPC]

I have the red one, one of my first paper decks (alongside the Commander Legends on Boros); and I plan use some of that cards on the other on rotation, and look for cheap spells (both on money and value) from Zendikar and Kaldheim (I love the boast and the warriors with equipo on both) to up-grade it post rotation.

[@joelegue182]

Thank goodness I was a beta tester on MTG: Arena and have over 2K wild cards built up, so I can build any of these decks for free. I still wish I could play paper in store though as we go back into lockdown. Stay safe everyone!

[@johnmoussiaux7669]

Wow so cool

[@mrclean7164]

I bought azorious and mono green. This is because I’m a returning player and I’m playing with new people. I’m not returning in the sense that i’m going to start spending lots of money on the game. But I only had 2 commander decks that were put together from my OG days of playing and didn’t want to make 2 introductory level decks. I wanted something premade to teach and then we’ll move on to what I own. Green was my go to back in the day. And the person I’m playing with is interested in white and blue. (We’re the few people that still play the heroscapes spin-off arena of the planeswalkers lol) So I decided it was best to get these for our purposes. I really appreciated this video though

[@mrclean7164]

Over a month later... “not returning in the sense that I’m going to start spending lots of money on the game.” $300 later...

[@Lyssaocoser]

Cause of the pandemic my local game store is closed and I asked the owner if he would be selling challenger decks he said maybe not cause no one is playing paper magic and those deck would just be sitting of the shelves collecting dust and some players stop playing and others started playing different tcg such as my play group started playing card fight vanguard

[@arthuridris6845]

Just saw the first episode of Megalo Box 2 and freaked out hearing that old familiar royalty free music the Prof uses

[@putonghua73]

Oddly enough, I recently eBayed a copy of Commander 2018 Adaptive Enchantment to buy 2 of the 2018 Challenger decks: Approach of the 2nd Sun and Vehicle Rush. Interested in table play, and eventually teaching my son. Wizards have zero excuse for not including Arena codes for the new products, aside from greed. Whilst I no longer play Arena, Wizards are cutting off their noses by persisting with this decision. I did try Pokémon last year (fantastic value for money), but after a couple of games I was done. Doesn't hold a candle to MtG in terms of gameplay.

[@danabell2709]

I have the Dimir and Azorius decks heading my way. I like Azorius for parts mostly for various projects. Dimir was a deck I wanted to build and hadn't found time for it. I can bling it out easy enough. I also feel the Dimir deck has a decent chance of picking up enough pieces in the Forgotten Realms set to stay competitive after rotation. If it doesn't, I think I can get enough out of it for my sneak attack commander deck to make it worth the cost :)

[@jasonsyugiohchannel202]

Actually my local game store does limited person tournaments you actually have to sign up on their website and it's $6 to play if you pay in cash 7 if you use a card and standard is tomorrow for me

[@hawkwardd_]

Question from a completely new to buying anything physical for Magic (outside of free stuff) - Challenger Decks vs Booster set rotating out Sept 2022? Personally, I don't think I can wait until Core 2022, but I also have never had the sense of having a 'collection' of cards, and I don't know how best to find out the different types of deck that can be made. Two challenger decks = two constructed methods vs boosters giving a large variety of stuff that likely wouldn't mash into much of a deck so easily.

[@zacheryredden5417]

I think I’ll pick one up to fill out some of my cards. I’m coming back to the game after years away so it’ll be a nice bump. Thanks for the review!

[@matthew_thefallen]

I would have preferred arena codes with this since majority of the planet is still in a pandemic situation and stores are closed to the public. But hey, I will still buy them because they look great for some fun play!🙌

[@Prince-jc3ku]

Of course dimir rogues is the best out of the four, just like real standard XD

[@TolarianCommunityCollege]

That’s kind of their point though

[@NokturnalMTG]

My sweetheart wife bought be this set yesterday from Wal-Mart. I returned them this morning while she was still asleep

[@313cardcollections6]

When I came back to MTG last year, Dimir Rogues was the first standard deck I put together to play competitively. Amidst the salt and downright hate for this deck among players, I was a bit squeamish to play it. There in the box it sat while I struggled to put together other more favorable decks. In Arena , Dimir Rogues took me to Mythic the first month I played it, where I struggled with everything else due to poor matchups, draws, mana screw..etc. Let's face it players, Dimir Rogues is a damn good deck and has been for awhile. As much as we hate to admit it or play it.

[@myshell1916]

I will say your super right about the codes. I only play ptcgo because of the solid competitive prowess of those decks online. I also bought some extra packs so I could upgrade it

[@solidmasterdante]

I believe I've said this every time the challenger decks have come out, ever since it was a thing: Prof, you're 100% right, the lack of codes is the reason I don't buy them. Even when we WEREN'T in a pandemic, I wasn't really interested in standard, EXCEPT... I'd play it on Arena, because sometimes I'm just hangin' out at home and it's the only way for me to play the game. If these decks had codes that worked for Arena, I'd buy them, this year ESPECIALLY. The exclusion of the codes is 100% of the reason they never get my money for this stuff. Also, just want to say, that green deck is an absolute travesty! Great Henge, Questing Beast, and Elder Gargaroth are ALL excellent cards that deserved inclusion, on top of being cards that could really do with a little price reduction via increased availability. Feels like WotC copped out on green because its value was just too high, and they went too far in that direction, just not including ANY of those cards. So dumb. I take particular umbrage with this one.

[@roninkenway979]

Not paying $30 for a deck in standard when they release it at the tail end of half the cards lifespan. Also not paying $30 for a 60 card deck when they released 100 card commander for $20. I would have bought one just to bypass the awful MTG Arena economy due to Arena coming to mobile and having a way of playing it on the go, but no arena codes? Are you fucking serious?

[@dustinpulliam9262]

I play at home with my brother so I like these coming out. Especially since he’s not really into building as much as playing

[@landernebril695]

Hi Professor, Could you do a a beginners guide to magic like what products to buy and begin your competitive career for standard and commander.

[@appeardead]

i preordered the dimir rogues and azorius control decks, playing them for the first time, the rogues deck did beat up the control deck, but it seems like with a bit of tweaking, these could be very fun

[@Eli821000]

"Arena codes would have been simply brilliant" sounds like good ol' WotC! Yet again, so close to getting an actual good product released :-)

[@perehn8910]

Haven't bought any of these because I've been waiting for your review 🤓