Top 5 Cards for the M11 Pre-Release

Pre Release Weekend

With less than a week to go and almost 70 cards still unconfirmed from the set, many wonder what kind of game to play at the pre-release this coming weekend. I've rummaged through the cards we know of, and have compiled my Top 5 list sorted by rarity, and then big gimme card at the end. So, here we go:

5. The Common - Lightning Bolt


Lightning bolt is a staple red card and still shows off its power. Destroy a creature or bolt your opponent in the face, there's no better way to spend R in the game, and there probably never will be.

Honorable Mention - Squadron Hawk

If you can amass a few of these in your sealed packs (and they're common, so maybe yes), you can bring a whole lot of 1/1 flyers onto the field quickly. The reason this wasn't the top pick was because 1. Lightning Bolt is Lightning Bolt, and 2. It doesn't work well alone. Keep an eye out for these guys in drafts.

4. The Uncommon - Awakener Druid
This one was really tough to pick, as most of the uncommons out there suffer from being either very crappy or comboing with other cards to get any use out of them. Turning one of your forests into a 4/5 creature on turn 3 is really good, just hope your opponent doesn't have any kind of removal in hand. Look for this one to be revised as we hear about more cards.

3. The Rare - Vengeful Archon
This is a little pricey, but when it comes to things on their own that are game enders, this fits the bill nicely. A 7/7 flyer for 7 mana, in sealed this isn't impossible to get, and on top of that, you can pay to have your opponent eat the damage that they would be hitting you with.

2. The Mythic - Grave Titan


Six measly mana for this 6/6 monstrosity that creates two 2/2's when it comes into play or attacks? Plus it's black, so it can't be doom bladed? Yes please. Those who pull this guy and get them out will pretty much be cleaning up the boards. I know what I'm hoping for.

1. The first choice - Baneslayer Angel


The queen of the skies continues to hold her title, as a 5/5 flying, lifelinking, first striking protection from who the hell plays demons and dragons anyway bitch goddess. A 10 point swing in life totals is often more than enough to seal a game.


Final Thoughts - From what I'm seeing here is that creatures will continue to reign these events. Look for removal, as a well placed Doom Blade will be enough to cripple any of them (except Grave Titan, but he's cool like that). I'll try to have an updated list this week when we get the rest of the cards, but until then, good luck everyone, may all your opening hands have three land cards in them.