Glossary

A quick glossary for Magic: The Gathering, so you will know what I’m blathering about.

Deck types:

Aggro - (aggressive) a deck type, that involves killing enemy mage as soon as possible. Usually consist of low-mana cost but powerful creatures (Watchwolf), direct damage (Lightning Bolt) or creature removal spells (Go for the Throat).

Aggro-control – a deck type, being a little slower than classic aggro, yet can deal with early game without much problem. It usually contains powerful creatures and bunch of control cards as well. It is mixture of aggro and control.

Control - a deck type struggling in early game but finally reaching the point when it virtually cannot lose. Usually consist of counterspells, discard, mass creature removal and other disruption abilities. Control deck usually win by attacking with big fliers (Simic Sky Swallower) or with X damage spells (Consume Spirit).

Graph of deck type power during the game.

Mana Curve - The mana curve is a deckbuilding tool, used to achieve mana maximization (use full mana each turn). It attempts to have cards' costs set up to use mana to the fullest, with escalating threats. An example of a good curve would be lots of two-mana cards, some three-mana cards, fewer four-mana cards, and so on. If you want to make sure I'm right just put 35 cards with 6+ mana cost and watch how quick you will lose every game. Mana curve tool is featured in game. It’s available in Deck Builder (Deck Stats).

Examples of good mana curves in different decks.