Modern continues to be dominated to an extreme degree by Scam. There has been innovation in the lower tiers, but it appears that the status quo will persist.
David Ernenwein
David has been playing Magic since Odyssey block. A dedicated Spike, he's been grinding tournaments for over a decade, including a Pro Tour appearance. A Modern specialist who dabbles in Legacy, his writing is focused on metagame analysis and deck evolution.
In September, Modern’s metagame developed along the same lines as it did in August. This is not a good thing, and it is getting much worse. David has the data.
August was… unexpected. Wizards threw everyone off with their Ban Day decisions. Bans were expected in Standard (based on Wizards’ own statements) and hoped for in multiple other formats. Instead, Modern and Legacy saw unbans. The impact this has had will be on display in this metagame update.
The Pro Tour strongly reflects the impact of Tales of Middle Earth. Modern’s metagame is warping around the set to an alarming degree. The data is quite clear.
The One Ring is driving the metagame changes in Modern. However, the impact isn’t particularly high, and the card’s power remains unclear.
The June Modern Metagame Update is here. New additions have stirred Modern’s mostly stagnant metagame, but that might not be permanent. David has the details.
David E. explains why Vintage on Magic Online is way underplayed, offering a crash course on its rules of engagement. Be warned: here there be dragons.
David E. used the MTGO All-Access Pass to extensively test Pioneer, finding closure on Rakdos, disappointment with Greasefang, and renewed faith in Spirits.
The new straight-to-Modern set is flavorful, but a bit underwhelming for the format. Still, David’s found a card that’s going right into his Modern decks.
Despite data indicating the recession of certain negative trends, Modern’s metagame is moving in concerning directions… and towards becoming solved.
The Modern Metagame Update is out. Modern continues to be stable, despite efforts of rogue decks to make a mark. Some unexpected decks did well in May.
Aiming to revitalize Standard, Wizards has changed when bannings can occur. But the new system carries grave implications for larger formats.
Pioneer continues to frustrate efforts to understand it. However, David E. may have the answer after examining the apparent best deck of the format.
