Hidden Gems #2 - Prepare for Battles!

Welcome to the second episode of Hidden Gems! Join me as I pull out my crystal ball and try to predict which commander cards are soon to spike.

Our collective mother, Elesh Norn, is on the verge of birthing a new card type—Battles. She’s been in labor since the announcement in January, so I’m sure she’s even more excited than we are. I’m not sure what the gestation period is for Phyrexians, but pregnancy can’t be easy when you’re invading the multiverse. But she’s glowing.

Not much is known about the type yet. We know they’ll be double-faced and one battle card will come in every booster pack of March of the Machine. We can’t even say if it will be a permanent type, but Mark Rosewater (the Head Designer) hinted that that is likely the case when he answered a question on his blog on Tumblr.

jjustin1379 asked:   Why is a new permanent type much easier than a nonpermanent?

Mark's response:   Do this thought experiment. Imagine what a permanent can do that Magic hasn’t done and then imagine what a non-permanent can do that Magic hasn’t done. As someone who has done the exercise numerous times, the former is significantly easier than the latter.

Let’s dive into the ever-growing pile of Magic cards, Scrooge McDuck style, and see what hidden gems might be out there that will spike when battles debut.

 

#1. Muldrotha, the Gravetide

 

This little beauty is the 13th most popular commander (not exactly a "Hidden Gem" - Ed.) on EDHREC. She generates loads of value, and when battles enter her repertoire, she’ll be able to grind even harder. Plus, she got a shout-out on the flavor text of the new Yargle and Multani. If you’re a conspiracy theorist, get out your red string now, because the Magic gods are telling you to buy Muldrotha while she’s cheap.

I’d put Muldrotha into the category of “choose a card type” cards that will work with battles. Others include Alrund, God of the Cosmos and World Queller.

Muldrotha, the Gravetide (Borderless)	CardKingdom $10.99	TCGPlayer $8.96
Muldrotha, the Gravetide	CardKingdom $4.49	TCGPlayer $3.00
World Queller	CardKingdom $0.35	TCGPlayer $0.47
Alrund, God of the Cosmos	CardKingdom $0.79	TCGPlayer $0.75

 

#2. Traverse the Ulvenwald

 

Lots of cards count the number of card types. The most famous is Tarmogoyf, but the Delirium ability from Shadows over Innistrad has more to offer. This card can help with mana in the early game and be an efficient tutor in the late game. With battles, upgrading the card just got easier. Other cards in this category include Grim Flayer, Consuming Blob, and Happily Ever After.

Happily Ever After	CardKingdom $0.35	TCGPlayer $0.36
Consuming Blob	CardKingdom $0.79	TCGPlayer $0.69
Grim Flayer	CardKingdom $0.79	TCGPlayer $1.30
Traverse the Ulvenwald	CardKingdom $2.49	TCGPlayer $3.58

 

#3. Reality Scramble

 

Who knows what combos and tricks battles will bring? Reality Scramble is a Johnny card waiting for a soulmate. He’s been working on himself for a while now, but maybe it’s time for him to get back out there and find a match. Other cards that care about sharing a card type include Holistic Wisdom, Cemetery Illuminator, and Amareth, the Lustrous.

Reality Scramble	CardKingdom $0.79	TCGPlayer $0.51
Cemetery Illuminator	CardKingdom $2.49	TCGPlayer $2.03
Holistic Wisdom	CardKingdom $2.49	TCGPlayer $4.18
Amareth, the Lustrous	CardKingdom $0.35	TCGPlayer $0.50

 

#4. Windgrace's Judgment

 

Battle-specific removal might be few and far between for the next few years. Players will have to lean on cards that can destroy any permanent type to be able to answer them. Windgrace’s Judgment provides flexibility, card advantage, and has only been printed in two Commander precons.

 

#5. Clever Impersonator

 

This impersonator is one of two clones that will be able to copy battles—assuming they’re permanents. It’s the most flexible clone out there, so he’ll always be able to be a four-mana copy of the best permanent on the field.

Clever Impersonator	CardKingdom $4.49	TCGPlayer $3.22
Windgrace's Judgment	CardKingdom $0.35	TCGPlayer $0.49

Check back next month for Hidden Gems. And for more Magic market insights and entertainment, don’t forget to check out our Premium membership!