It’s that time again folks, a new expansion is yet again on the radar. Which means another Top 5 list! I’ll be honest, Dragons of Tarkir has me more excited than any other set since I’ve started playing (that’s saying a lot because I absolutely loved Theros). It actually took me quite a long time to narrow down my favorite cards to only 5. Remember, this list is exactly that: MY top 5. I’m in no way saying these are the best cards in the set. These are simply the top 5 cards that I’m looking forward to playing and that I predict will see some action in Standard.
5. Savage Ventmaw
A 4/4 G/R flyer for 6 mana doesn’t sound like a good deal at all does it? What makes this fellow interesting is its ability to generate 6 mana (3 red, 3 green) every time it attacks. Look for this guy to make an appearance in Atarka ramp decks. Speaking of Atarka…
4. Dragonlord Atarka
7 mana (5GR) for an 8/8 dragon with flying and trample is already pretty decent. But when you add in it’s ability to deal 5 damage divided anyway you choose between your opponent’s creatures and planeswalkers when it enters the battlefield makes this card a must have in my book.
3. Gleam of Authority
An Enchantment that gives the enchanted creature +1/+1 for each +1/+1 counter on your other creatures. It also grants the enchanted creature the ability of Bolster, which pumps your other creatures up, which then in turn pumps your enchanted creature up even more. I have a feeling that this card will see some action in Heroic decks.
2. Thunderbreak Regent
Only 4 mana for a 4/4 flyer and when you opponent gets cheeky and decides to take it out, Thunderbreak does 3 damage to that player. I’m really pumped for this guy. I’m planning on running a playset in the new dragon deck that I’m currently brewing. (I’ll make sure I post the deck when I finish tweaking it).
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1. Zurgo Bellstriker
What the hell!? Zurgo Bellstriker?! Not Narset Transcendent?! Not Deathmist Raptor?! Yes, Zurgo ****ing Bellstriker. I’m expecting that this guy will be a staple in all RDW and/or aggro decks and not only that, will be popular in all formats, not just standard. A one drop 2/2 with a weak drawback is pretty rare, and his dash ability can make your opponent’s life miserable. Is he unstoppable? No. Realistically he only shines in an aggro deck as his weak drawback (he can’t block creatures with power 2 or greater ) can actually become a liability later in the game. If you draw him in your opening hand though…look out.
Honorable mentions:
Ire Shaman, Commune with Lava, Narset Transcendent, Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit, Atarka’s Command, Avatar of the Resolute, Inspiring Call, Shaman of the Forgotten Ways, Dragonlord Silumgar, Sarkhan Unbroken, Hidden Dragonslayer, Sunscorch Regent, Blood-Chin Rager