From: sirsilk@aol.com (Sir Silk)
Newsgroups: rec.games.trading-cards.magic.strategy
Subject: Re: sealed deck strategy...
Date: 9 Sep 1997 20:32:07 GMT

Hey there. There really is no definitive answer on what is best when it
comes to sealed deck. You just have to go with what cards you get. There
are some guidlines with witch I go with, and I will give you those.

1. First you have to figure out what color(s) you are going to play. A
single color deck is not feasible as you usually wont have enough cards or
land. Two color decks are even a stretch sometimes, most decks run to three
colors. It really comes down to what cards you get. If you run three
colors, try to stay away from any cards that have double casting cost (by
this I mean requires GG, BB, RR). Yes, you can play with the card if it s
really strong, but they do leave you mana screwed a little easier.

2. Creatures, Creatures, Creatures - Creatures are what are going to win
you a game. Yes, direct damage is nice, but you have to live long enough,
and get them low enough. Look for creatures that have special abilites that
can help you. Creatures like Quirion Ranger, Shadow Guildmage, Flame
Elemental, and Dread Specter are a few examples. I especially look for
creatures that can be used as creature control (which all of the above
are). Remember, a Crash of the Rhinos is a huge creature, but the double
green and the fact that it is 8 (I think) casting cost make it a less then
stellar creature (Yes, Yes, I'm sure many people have actually won games
with it, but I definetly dont want to see it in my opening draw). If you
are making a 40 Card deck, you want as many creatures as you can (15 is
bare minimum, probably need more).

3. Creature Control - the obvious stuff like Torch, Thirst, Pacifism, are
great to go in a deck. Ray of command is one of the best sealed deck cards,
you should always get a two for one trade. Never use it to just attack your
opponent with (unless it will kill them), use it to kill off as many of
their creatures as you can. Look for cards that will neutralize your
opponents creatures.

That is all I look for. I am not a big fan of creature enchantments
(except Empyrial Armor), but many people are. I  personally would rather
have another creature. It really comes down to personal preference. As far
as land goes, it somewhere between 15-19, depends on what you have in your
deck. The last deck I ran had only 15 land, but was only two colors.  But,
I have ran as much as 18, when I am running three colors. 

All I have said is debatable. It comes down to you own understandings of
the cards you get. Your play style also has a bearing on what you think is
strong. When it comes to tempest, it may help if you could get a spoiler
list (anyone have a good one?? or know where to get one??), and take a look
at that. This way you can try to get an understanding of what you may get
or what you may have to face. 

Remember Direct Damage is always good, Look for Creatures (especially
those with good special abilities), and Creature control. Anything that
will allow you to get a two for one trade is awesome. Creatures should make
up the bulk of your deck.

Feel free to flame what I have written here. Its very hard to convey ideas
which come inherently to me. The best way to become good at sealed deck
construction is through practice. And yes, if you want to post the cards
you got out of the sealed deck and two boosters, I'm sure people will give
you hundreds of different decks.

Ryan Roe

If only common sense was truly common!!