Last update images today Check Lands: MTGs Budget Dual Lands
Check Lands: MTG's Budget Dual Lands
This week, dive deep into the world of MTG check lands and learn how they can boost your mana base on a budget.
Introduction: MTG Check Lands - The Affordable Mana Fix
Are you tired of mana screw ruining your Magic: The Gathering games? Do you dream of consistent mana bases but are horrified by the price tags of fetch lands and original dual lands? Enter the humble, yet powerful, check land. This article explores the ins and outs of MTG check lands, explaining what they are, how they work, and why they remain essential staples in numerous formats. We'll also look at their price trends and discuss when to buy and when to sell. This guide is perfect for budget-conscious players, newcomers looking to improve their decks, and seasoned veterans seeking a refresher on these valuable dual lands.
Who Benefits From Knowing About MTG Check Lands?
This article is tailored for:
- Budget MTG Players: Seeking affordable ways to improve their mana bases.
- New MTG Players: Learning about mana fixing and dual lands.
- Casual MTG Players: Building decks for kitchen table magic and Commander.
- Competitive MTG Players: Optimizing mana bases for Standard, Pioneer, and Modern.
- MTG Investors: Looking for potential opportunities in the MTG singles market.
What are MTG Check Lands?
MTG Check Lands: The Definition
MTG check lands, also known as "reveal lands" due to their trigger condition, are dual lands that enter the battlefield untapped only if you control another land with a basic land type (Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain, or Forest). If you don't control a land with a basic land type, they enter the battlefield tapped. This conditional entering the battlefield untapped is what makes them powerful. They provide access to two colors of mana, which is crucial for multicolor decks. Look for the term "mtg check lands" when searching for affordable dual lands.
How MTG Check Lands Work
MTG Check Lands: Understanding the Mechanics
The text box on an mtg check land will state something like, "As [this card] enters the battlefield, you may reveal a [basic land type] or [basic land type] you control. If you don't, [this card] enters the battlefield tapped."
Here's a breakdown:
- Dual Lands: They tap for one of two different colors of mana.
- Conditional Untapped: They enter the battlefield untapped if you control a land with a specified basic land type. For example, "Isolated Chapel" (a check land) enters untapped if you control a Plains or Swamp.
- Tapped Otherwise: If you don't control a land of the appropriate type, they enter the battlefield tapped.
- Timing Matters: The check is performed as the land enters the battlefield. You can't play the check land, then play a basic land to get around the condition.
Example: You're playing a Red/Green deck and have a Forest on the battlefield. You then play Rootbound Crag (a check land that cares about Forests and Mountains). Rootbound Crag enters untapped because you control a Forest. Search "mtg check lands" to discover more about this mechanic.
Why MTG Check Lands are Important
MTG Check Lands: Why You Should Use Them
MTG check lands offer a valuable balance between affordability and effectiveness.
- Affordable Dual Lands: Compared to fetch lands or original dual lands, mtg check lands are significantly cheaper, making them accessible to budget-conscious players.
- Consistent Mana Fixing: They greatly improve the consistency of your mana base in multicolor decks, reducing the chances of being mana screwed.
- Format Staples: They are legal in numerous formats, including Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Commander, and more.
- Deck Archetypes: They enable the creation of efficient and competitive multicolor decks. Using "mtg check lands" in your searches will show you which decks benefit most.
Using MTG Check Lands in Deckbuilding
MTG Check Lands: Optimizing Your Deck
When incorporating mtg check lands into your deck, consider the following:
- Basic Land Count: Ensure you have a sufficient number of basic lands of the correct types to reliably trigger the "untapped" condition. A good starting point is 6-8 basic lands of each relevant type in a two-color deck and adjusting based on the deck's mana curve.
- Early Game vs. Late Game: Check lands are generally better in the early game, where having untapped mana is critical.
- Synergy: Consider other lands that synergize well with check lands, such as fetch lands, which can search for the necessary basic land types.
- Deck Color Combination: Choose the correct mtg check lands based on your deck's color combination.
- Aggro vs. Control: Aggressive decks benefit greatly from untapped check lands, ensuring they can play threats quickly. Control decks can afford the tapped entry more often. Remember to include "mtg check lands" in your search terms when researching deckbuilding strategies.
Price Trends and Availability of MTG Check Lands
MTG Check Lands: Value and Investment
The price of mtg check lands can fluctuate based on several factors:
- Rarity: Most check lands are printed at uncommon rarity, which helps keep their prices relatively low.
- Format Legality: Prices often spike when check lands are legal in popular formats like Standard.
- Reprinting: Reprints can cause prices to drop temporarily, making it a good time to buy.
- Demand: Highly sought-after check lands for popular color combinations will generally command higher prices.
- Set Popularity: Sets with desirable mtg check lands tend to hold higher value overall.
When to Buy:
- During or after reprints.
- When they are rotating out of Standard (prices may drop temporarily).
- When building a new deck that requires them.
When to Sell:
- When prices are high due to format legality.
- Before a predicted reprint.
Keep an eye on market trends for "mtg check lands" to make informed decisions.
MTG Check Lands: Examples
Here are some examples of mtg check lands, along with the basic land types they require to enter untapped:
- Isolated Chapel: (White/Black) Requires Plains or Swamp
- Clifftop Retreat: (Red/White) Requires Plains or Mountain
- Sulfur Falls: (Blue/Red) Requires Island or Mountain
- Rootbound Crag: (Red/Green) Requires Forest or Mountain
- Hinterland Harbor: (Green/Blue) Requires Forest or Island
- Drowned Catacomb: (Blue/Black) Requires Island or Swamp
- Woodland Cemetery: (Black/Green) Requires Swamp or Forest
- Dragonskull Summit: (Black/Red) Requires Swamp or Mountain
- Sunpetal Grove: (White/Green) Requires Plains or Forest
- Glacial Fortress: (White/Blue) Requires Plains or Island
MTG Check Lands: Question & Answer
Q: Are MTG check lands worth it?
A: Yes, they are an excellent affordable option for mana fixing in multicolor decks.
Q: What is the best way to use check lands in my deck?
A: Ensure you have enough basic lands to reliably trigger the "untapped" condition.
Q: How do check lands compare to other dual lands?
A: They are more affordable than fetch lands or original dual lands but are not as powerful in all situations.
Q: Where can I find MTG check lands?
A: You can find them at local game stores, online retailers, and through trading with other players.
Q: Will mtg check lands be reprinted?
A: It's very likely, as they are a popular and essential part of the game.
Summary Question and Answer: Are mtg check lands good for mana fixing? Yes, they are affordable and improve mana consistency; how many basic lands should I include? Aim for 6-8 of each relevant type. Keywords: mtg check lands, Magic: The Gathering, dual lands, mana fixing, budget mtg, reveal lands, mtg finance, deckbuilding, mana base, mtg strategy, mtg price guide.