Top 5 Under-the-Radar Draft Cards in Fate Reforged

Here's a quick Top 5 of cards that may not have looked like much at first glance, but once you get to playing with (or against) them in draft, you quickly start to see their power. As it turns out, each color is represented here, so you'll know what to look out for no matter what you're drafting.

5- Write into Being


Definitely the best Manifest card in the set. A 2/2 for three mana is on par, but the fact that you get to manifest it from the top two of your library means that not only can you increase the odds that you're getting an actual creature, letting you turn it face-up later on, but it also lets you get a free Scry trigger in there too.

4- Qarsi High Priest


While having to sacrifice a creature in a draft environment can be a turn-off, this guy ensures that you get another creature back for your troubles. The fact that you aren't restricted to sorcery speed to activate his ability means that you can replace your critters as they die, letting you chump block forever and helping you mitigate the effects of a removal spell. Even if he doesn't manifest a creature card, you can use his ability again at the end of your opponent's turn until you hit something you can turn face-up. And don't forget the magic he can work with Flamewake Phoenix, Yasova Dragonclaw and Mob Rule, if you happen to see those go by while you're drafting. Definitely a good pick-up for the low cost of one mana.

3- Goblin Heelcutter


As I've mentioned in my previous post on drafting Fate Reforged, the Dash mechanic is nothing to take lightly, and this guy's at the forefront of it. His repeatable "can't block" ability is impressive enough, but the fact that he can come out without warning and disable your opponent's best blocker could win you the game. Sure, he's a bit of a win-more card, but he can seal the deal with surprising efficiency. If your opponent is playing red, keep this possibility in mind.

2- Citadel Siege


I tried to stay away from rares in this list, but this guy's just begging for some attention. Don't let the long text fool you; you're never going to choose Khans (unless you're losing badly). Adding two counters to a creature per turn (including the turn you cast it!) creates a brutal clock for your opponent to deal with and can let you dominate the board with ease. Even if your opponent manages to wipe your board, this enchantment will still be around to pump the next guy you play. Honorable mention to Palace Siege for taking the same idea and applying it directly to your opponent's face... although if that card flew under your radar, you need to recalibrate, good sir.

1- Temur Sabertooth


I can't overstate how great this guy is. He can not only ensure his own survival, but that of your other creatures as well, giving you the capability to chump block all day if your opponent has a better board position. The set also has a decent number of creatures with ETB triggers, so that you can actually look forward to bouncing your own creatures and playing them again. And hey, why not make sure your Ferocious cards are active too? Definitely a first pick for me.

And there it is. Have something I missed? Let me know! And happy drafting!

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