What is a draft? 

We are presuming you have a working understanding of the game to read this article. So, if so, let's dive into how the draft works in Magic: The Gathering. Draft is a game mode where a group of players, usually 6-10, select cards at random. This group of people is called a "pod" in MTG lingo. Here's how the draft process unfolds:

Set-up

Each player receives three booster packs of an agreed-upon set, setting the stage for an engaging drafting experience. The booster packs need to be either the newer Play Boosters or the older Draft Boosters. Then once everyone has 3 of these the thrill begins as you tear open that first pack, revealing a selection of cards ranging from common to mythic. Each booster pack contains a mix of spells, creatures, and potentially game-changing cards.

The drafting process unfolds in a strategic dance of card selection and passing. As you open your first booster pack, the pressure mounts. You carefully examine each card, evaluating its potential impact on your future deck. The key is to select the one card that speaks most strongly to your chosen strategy or holds the greatest overall value.

Once you've made your pick, the remaining cards are passed to the player on your left. This passing dynamic is crucial, as it sets the stage for the draft. As you receive a new set of cards from your neighbor, you quickly assess the direction they might be leaning and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Moving on to the second booster pack, the passing direction shifts to the right. This change in direction introduces a fresh set of challenges and opportunities. Cards you once passed up may return to you now, tempting you with their potential. This is where drafters must remain flexible, adapting to the shifting tides of the draft table.

Finally, with the third booster pack, you return to passing to the left. By now, your drafted pool is taking shape, and your deck's identity is becoming clearer. The cards you've chosen reflect your chosen colors and strategy, but there's still room for last-minute adjustments based on the final pack's offerings.

The best thing you can do before going in a draft is by analyzing the Set you’ll be playing beforehand. This way you know which cards you could get!

Delving Deeper

As you navigate the draft, several key strategies and considerations come into play. First and foremost is card evaluation. Each pick demands thoughtful consideration. Is that powerful rare worth committing to, or is a versatile common a safer choice? Understanding the power level and synergy of cards within your chosen set is essential.

In drafting, choosing powerful cards isn't enough; the key is to construct a coherent deck. Archetypes and color pairs are influential factors. Early commitment to a strategy and identifying card synergies can lead to long-term success.

Throughout the draft, signals from neighboring drafters provide valuable information. The cards received and passed reveal insights into open and contested colors and strategies. Recognizing and responding effectively to these signals distinguishes experienced drafters from novices.

Crafting Your Deck

By the end of the draft, you'll have a pool of cards from which to build your final deck. The goal is to construct a streamlined 40-card deck that balances mana curve, creature spells, non-creature spells, and lands. This is where the true art of drafting shines—transforming a collection of cards into a cohesive and competitive deck.

Consider your mana base carefully. Ensuring the right balance of lands and colors is essential for consistent performance. Don't overlook the importance of sideboard options. Building a versatile sideboard can give you an edge in best-of-three matches, allowing you to adapt your strategy between games.

Strategies to win

With your drafted cards in hand, it's time to transition from selection to strategy. Your goal is clear: build a deck that outmaneuvers and outplays every opponent at the draft table. The path to victory is paved with strategic decisions, thoughtful deck construction, and a keen understanding of the draft format.

1. Building Synergistic Decks

Successful draft decks thrive on synergy. Look for cards that work well together, amplifying each other's strengths. Whether you're aiming for an aggressive creature-based strategy, a control-oriented spell-heavy approach, or a combo-driven archetype, seek cards that complement your chosen theme. 

Build your deck around cohesive synergies that maximize your strategy's effectiveness.

2. Balancing Curve and Mana Base

Crafting a balanced mana curve is crucial to a successful draft deck. Aim for a mix of low-cost creatures and spells to establish early board presence, complemented by mid-range and high-impact cards for late-game dominance.

Pay attention to your mana base—ensure you have sufficient sources of each color to cast your spells reliably. The right mana distribution can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

3. Adapting to Signals and Table Position

Throughout the draft, stay adaptable and responsive to signals from neighboring drafters. If a particular color or archetype appears open, be prepared to pivot your strategy mid-draft to capitalize on emerging opportunities. 

Likewise, consider your table position—anticipate which cards are likely to wheel back to you and plan your picks accordingly. Flexibility is key to maximizing your draft pool's potential.

4. Prioritizing Removal and Bombs

Identify and prioritize removal spells and game-changing "bombs" during the draft. Removal provides crucial answers to opposing threats, while bombs are high-impact cards that can swing games in your favor. 

Keep an eye out for versatile removal options and powerful, game-winning bombs that fit within your chosen strategy. These cards can be pivotal in securing victory during draft matches.

5. Testing and Refining Your Deck

After constructing your draft deck, take the time to test and refine it. Play practice matches to assess its performance, identify weaknesses, and fine-tune your card choices. 

Experiment with different sideboard options to prepare for potential matchups. Iterative refinement is key to optimizing your deck's performance for tournament-style play.

Nuances in Card Selection

While drafting may seem straightforward, nuanced card selection can significantly impact your draft performance. Consider the following nuances when making picks:

• Flexible Cards: Prioritize cards with versatile uses or multiple synergies.

• Mana Efficiency: Opt for cards that provide strong impact relative to their mana cost.

• Curve Considerations: Maintain a balanced mana curve to ensure consistent gameplay.

• Archetype Adaptability: Choose cards that support multiple potential archetypes to stay flexible.

• Signal Interpretation: Read signals from neighboring drafters to identify open colors and strategies.

BREAD

Once you understand how to play in a draft, the next big question you might have is: how do I choose the cards that will make my deck stronger? Well, there are many approaches to this, and the solutions can get pretty complex. Magic: The Gathering has thousands of cards, and each set is unique, so there's no one-size-fits-all strategy. 

However, there's a simple method you can use to figure out which cards to keep and which to pass on—it's called the BREAD strategy.

B - Bombs

Bombs are cards that have a huge impact on the game and can potentially win you the game on their own. These are often powerful creatures, spells, or planeswalkers that your opponent will struggle to deal with effectively. Bombs are high-value cards that can turn the game in your favor.

R - Removal

Removal spells are cards that can eliminate or neutralize threats posed by your opponent's creatures or other permanents. For example, cards that destroy creatures or counter spells are considered removal. Having removal is essential for controlling the game and dealing with your opponent's threats.

E - Evasion

Evasion refers to creatures or spells that are hard to block or can bypass blockers altogether. Creatures with flying, unblockable, or trample abilities fall into this category. Evasive creatures are valuable because they can consistently deal damage to your opponent, even if they have blockers.

A - Aggro (or "Attacks")

Aggressive creatures or cards that support a fast, aggressive strategy can be crucial in draft formats. These are typically low-cost creatures with efficient stats that allow you to apply pressure early in the game. Aggro cards help you establish a strong board presence and keep your opponent on the defensive.

D - Duds (or "Dregs")

The "D" in BREAD represents cards that are generally less impactful or situational. These are cards that are weaker, have niche uses, or don't contribute significantly to your overall strategy. While every card in a draft deck serves a purpose, focus on prioritizing Bombs, Removal, Evasion, and Aggro cards over less impactful options.

That's the basics of the BREAD framework! While this method gives you a good starting point, remember that Magic: The Gathering drafting can get more complex with advanced strategies involving probabilities and deeper card evaluations.

Advanced tips

The Gathering draft is like reading the magical signs from other players at the table. You'll want to keep an eye on the cards that are passed to you. If you notice that cards of a certain color are not coming your way, it could mean that those colors are not being picked by others. 

This opens up an opportunity for you to swoop in and take advantage of the cards that are "open," meaning they're less contested. Paying attention to these signals can greatly influence your draft choices and lead to a stronger deck.

When it comes to Archetypes in drafting, think of them as different playstyles you can aim for when building your deck. For example, there's aggro (being aggressive), control (playing defensively and managing threats), and tempo (balancing speed and disruption). 

Certain Magic sets may favor specific archetypes based on the cards available. Understanding these archetypes helps you recognize which cards to prioritize during a draft to build a cohesive and effective deck.

Curve Considerations are all about maintaining a smooth flow of mana costs in your deck. You'll want to have a good mix of low-cost, mid-cost, and high-cost spells to ensure you can play something at every stage of the game. Having a balanced mana curve increases the consistency of your draws and helps you make the most of each turn.

Synergy is like pairing the perfect ingredients to create a powerful dish. In drafting, look for cards that work well together. For instance, if you pick tribal creatures (like goblins or elves), try to grab support cards that enhance their abilities. Synergistic card combinations

Conclusion

And that's all there is to MTG Draft! We've covered everything from the basics to more advanced strategies that many players may not think about. If you manage to incorporate these tips and tricks into your gameplay and keep practicing, you'll soon become a strong planeswalker. We hope this short guide has helped you out and of course, feel free to join one of our Magic the Gathering Draft Events at the wonderful Holmfirth Gaming Centre.