The Ultimate Guide to Playing Sealed in Magic: The Gathering

Play Magic Sealed Format like a Pro!

The Ultimate Guide to Playing Sealed in Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering's Sealed format is one of the most exciting ways to experience new card sets, especially during prerelease events. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, mastering Sealed can elevate your game and provide countless hours of enjoyment. This article will explore the intricacies of playing Sealed, offering tips, tricks, and strategies to help you build a winning deck.

Understanding Sealed Deck Format

In Sealed, each player receives six booster packs from a specific set. From these packs, you must build a 40-card deck, including lands. The challenge lies in making the most of the cards you open, leveraging synergies, and creating a cohesive strategy. Unlike constructed formats, where you can meticulously plan your deck, Sealed demands adaptability and creativity.

The Basics: Creature, Spell, and Land Ratios

A well-balanced Sealed deck typically consists of:

17-18 creatures

5-7 non-creature spells (such as instants, sorceries, and enchantments)

17 lands

This structure ensures you have enough threats to pressure your opponent while maintaining a healthy balance of removal and utility spells. The exact numbers can vary based on your pool, but this general guideline provides a solid starting point.

Tips and Tricks for Building Your Sealed Deck

Assess Your Card Pool: Start by sorting your cards by colour and type. Look for powerful high-impact cards, efficient removal spells, and synergistic interactions. Identify which colours offer the strongest combination of these elements.

Prioritize High Impact and Removal: Bombs are game-changing cards that can single-handedly win you the match. Removal spells are equally crucial, allowing you to deal with your opponent's threats. If you have a powerful High Impact in a colour, it's often worth including that colour in your deck.

Focus on Mana Curve: A smooth mana curve is essential for a consistent deck. Aim to have a mix of low-cost, mid-cost, and high-cost cards to ensure you have plays at every stage of the game. A balanced curve helps you apply pressure early and maintain momentum.

Synergies and Combos: Look for cards that work well together. Many sets have specific themes or mechanics that reward synergy. For example, if you have several cards that benefit from casting instants and sorceries, prioritize those interactions. Identifying and exploiting synergies can give your deck a competitive edge.

Mana Fixing and Splashing: If you have strong cards in a third colour, consider splashing for them. Include a few additional lands or mana-fixing cards (like dual lands or mana rocks) to support the splash. Be cautious not to overdo it, as inconsistent mana can lead to frustrating games.

Combos and Synergies to Watch For

Each new set introduces unique mechanics and interactions. Here are some general combos and synergies to keep an eye out for during prerelease events:

Tribal Synergies: Many sets feature tribal themes (like Elves, Goblins, or Vampires). Look for cards that boost your entire tribe, such as lords that grant bonuses or spells that benefit from having multiple creatures of the same type.

Mechanics and Keywords: Pay attention to the set's mechanics. For example, a set with a high number of cards with "proliferate" will reward you for playing cards that generate +1/+1 counters. Understanding the mechanics can guide your card choices and deck strategy.

Card Draw and Recursion: Cards that draw you more cards or retrieve cards from your graveyard are incredibly valuable in Sealed. They provide card advantage, allowing you to outpace your opponent in resources.

Removal Combos: Combining removal spells with creatures that benefit from creatures dying can create potent interactions. For example, a card that gains counters whenever a creature dies pairs well with board wipes or sacrifice effects.

Playing the Game: In-Game Tips

Mulligan Strategically: Don't be afraid to take a mulligan if your opening hand is weak. A strong starting hand with a good mix of lands and spells is crucial for a successful game.

Mana Management: Pay close attention to your mana base. Ensure you have the right colours available for your spells and be mindful of your curve when deciding which lands to play.

Combat Tricks: Sealed often comes down to combat. Be wary of potential combat tricks your opponent might have and use yours to gain an advantage. Bluffing a combat trick can also make your opponent play more conservatively.

Adapt and Learn: Each game provides valuable information. Pay attention to your opponent's deck and adjust your strategy accordingly. Sideboarding between games can help you tailor your deck to counter their strengths.

Keep this guide handy for all those future releases!

Mastering Sealed in Magic: The Gathering is a rewarding journey that combines strategy, creativity, and adaptability. By understanding the basics of deck construction, leveraging synergies, and playing smartly, you can maximize your chances of success at prerelease events and beyond. Embrace the excitement of opening new packs, and may your topdecks be ever in your favor!

Liam O'Neill

Managing Director & Lifelong Magic Fanatic

Hobby Lords