Top 10 Best Magic Cards
By Emily Johnson
Introduction
As a long-time Magic: The Gathering player, I’ve seen a lot of cards come and go. Some are forgettable, while others leave a lasting impression. In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal top 10 best Magic cards. Of course, everyone’s list is different, and there’s no right or wrong answer. But I hope this article will inspire you to revisit some old favorites or discover new ones.
Top Statistics and Facts
- Magic: The Gathering was first released in 1993.
- There are over 20,000 unique Magic cards in existence.
- The most expensive Magic card ever sold was a Black Lotus, which sold for $511,000 in 2020.
- Each Magic card has a rarity level: common, uncommon, rare, or mythic rare.
- The game is played by millions of people worldwide.
Top 10 Best Magic Cards
Lightning Bolt
If you ask any Magic player to name the most iconic card in the game, chances are they’ll say Lightning Bolt. This red instant deals 3 damage to any target for just one red mana. It’s simple, efficient, and has been a staple of the game since its inception.
Personal Experience: I’ve won many games thanks to a well-timed Lightning Bolt. I’ll never forget the time I used it to finish off my opponent’s last few life points and win the game.
Tarmogoyf
Tarmogoyf is a green creature that gets bigger based on the number of card types in all graveyards. In other words, the more stuff that’s died this game, the bigger it gets. It’s a versatile and powerful creature that’s seen play in a variety of decks.
Personal Experience: I prefer playing control decks, but I’ve still used Tarmogoyf in the past. It’s always satisfying to drop it onto the battlefield and watch it grow bigger and bigger.
Swords to Plowshares
Swords to Plowshares is a white instant that exiles target creature for just one white mana. It’s a simple and effective removal spell that’s been a favorite of players for decades.
Personal Experience: I once used Swords to Plowshares to exile my opponent’s massive Eldrazi creature. It was a risky move, but it paid off and helped me win the game.
Brainstorm
Brainstorm is a blue instant that lets you draw three cards and then put two cards from your hand back on top of your library. It’s a great way to dig through your deck and find the cards you need.
Personal Experience: I love playing blue decks, and Brainstorm is a must-have card in any of them. It’s saved me from many tight spots by helping me find the exact card I need at the right time.
Doom Blade
Doom Blade is a black instant that destroys target non-black creature for just two black mana. It’s a cheap and effective way to deal with pesky creatures.
Personal Experience: I once used Doom Blade to take out my opponent’s powerful dragon. It was a risky move, but it paid off and helped me win the game.
Path to Exile
Path to Exile is a white instant that exiles target creature and lets its controller search their library for a basic land and put it onto the battlefield tapped. It’s a great way to get rid of a problematic creature while also giving your opponent a small benefit.
Personal Experience: I’ve used Path to Exile to get rid of my opponent’s creatures many times. It’s always satisfying to watch them search their library for a basic land while I take control of the board.
Goblin Guide
Goblin Guide is a red creature that deals damage to your opponent whenever it attacks. It’s a cheap and efficient creature that’s seen play in many aggressive decks.
Personal Experience: I’m not much of an aggro player, but I’ve used Goblin Guide in the past. It’s always fun to watch your opponent’s life total slowly tick down as you keep attacking with your goblin.
Dark Confidant
Dark Confidant is a black creature that lets you draw an extra card at the beginning of your upkeep, but you lose life equal to the card’s converted mana cost. It’s a risky card, but the extra card advantage can be worth it.
Personal Experience: I once played Dark Confidant in a deck that had a lot of low-cost cards. It ended up being a great card advantage engine for me, and I won several games thanks to it.
Force of Will
Force of Will is a blue instant that lets you counter target spell for free, but you have to exile a blue card from your hand as an additional cost. It’s a powerful and versatile card that’s seen play in many different types of decks.
Personal Experience: I’ve used Force of Will many times to stop my opponent’s game-winning spells. It’s always a satisfying feeling to be able to say Nope! to whatever they’re trying to do.
Jace, the Mind Sculptor
Jace, the Mind Sculptor is a blue planeswalker that has a variety of powerful abilities. He can draw you cards, bounce your opponent’s creatures or permanents, and even act as a win condition by letting you take extra turns.
Personal Experience: I once played Jace, the Mind Sculptor in a blue control deck. It was a slow and grindy game, but eventually I was able to take enough extra turns with Jace to win the game.
FAQs
- What makes a Magic card best?
- There are many factors that can make a Magic card great. It could be its power level, its versatility, its iconic status, or even just its art. Ultimately, the best Magic cards are the ones that have had the biggest impact on the game and on players over the years.
- Why isn’t [insert card name] on this list?
- Everyone’s top 10 list is different, and there are many great Magic cards out there. This is just my personal list, based on my experiences and preferences.
- Can I play Magic: The Gathering online?
- Yes! There are several online platforms where you can play Magic: The Gathering, including Magic Online and Arena. These platforms offer a great way to play the game from the comfort of your own home and connect with other players from around the world.