{"id":1471,"date":"2019-01-18T02:12:03","date_gmt":"2019-01-18T00:12:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/?page_id=1471"},"modified":"2019-01-19T01:37:51","modified_gmt":"2019-01-18T23:37:51","slug":"ravnica-allegiance-2hg-hidden-gems","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/archives\/ravnica-allegiance-2hg-hidden-gems\/","title":{"rendered":"Ravnica Allegiance 2HG Hidden Gems"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BUILDING ALLEGIANCE<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Form your own bonds in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ravnica Allegiance <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; take on a Two-Headed Giant prerelease with a teammate for double the fun and glory. Combine your sealed pool with a friend\u2019s and build the best two decks. With more cards to use, Two-Headed Giant decks will generally be stronger than their single-pool counterparts, so craft yours accordingly. Here are a few tips to help guide you toward this format\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">HIDDEN GEMS<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<p><img  style='float:right'  class='lems-mtg-cardimg' src='http:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/Handlers\/Image.ashx?size=small&type=card&name=Azorius Knight-Arbiter'><\/p><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Evasion:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0With more creatures in play, board stalls can happen very quickly. Evasive creatures are critical!<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0Keep an eye out for creatures in the set that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">can\u2019t be blocked<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Azorius+Knight-Arbiter&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Azorius Knight-Arbiter<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Bloodmist+Infiltrator&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Bloodmist Infiltrator<\/a>. On the other hand, creatures with menace like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Rakdos+Trumpeter&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Rakdos Trumpeter<\/a> tend to be much worse with twice as many potential blockers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Countermagic:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Being able to shut down an enemy spell is twice as likely to happen with two spell-casting opponents. With stronger decks there are more must-answer bombs overall and the risk of devoting a turn to counter an enemy spell (say, with <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Absorb&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Absorb<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Quench&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Quench<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Thought+Collapse&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Thought Collapse<\/a>) is less problematic when your teammate helps advance the board. Even situational counterspells like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Essence+Capture&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Essence Capture<\/a> find their targets more often.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Situational Cards:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Cards that only interact with specific card or creature types are normally relegated to the sideboard but with two opponents they\u2019re more likely to have a target. Since matches are only one game you won\u2019t have a chance to grab a silver bullet after seeing what you\u2019re facing. Look for versatile cards with multiple options like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Collision+%2F%2F+Colossus&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Collision \/\/ Colossus<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Expose+to+Daylight&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Expose to Daylight<\/a>. Cards with restrictions like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Bring+to+Trial&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Bring to Trial<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Syndicate+Guildmage&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Syndicate Guildmage<\/a> are more likely to connect also.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Synergy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The larger shared pool means decks can be more synergy-based than when you\u2019re on your own. You\u2019re also likely to have more cards like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Persistent+Petitioners&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Persistent Petitioners<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Goblin+Gathering&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Goblin Gathering<\/a> that benefit from multiple copies. You\u2019re also more likely to have more diverse playables for build-arounds like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Guardian+Project&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Guardian Project<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Quick Tips<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Play or draw:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In 2HG sealed it\u2019s often correct to choose to draw if your decks aren\u2019t incredibly aggressive. Drawing two extra cards on your first turn can be a significant advantage if you\u2019re planning for a longer game.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mulligan: <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Each player has one \u2018free\u2019 mulligan. Use it aggressively! If you have a sub-par hand, pitch it back and try again. It\u2019s not worth risking a mediocre opening seven.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Some notes specific to <\/b><b><i>RAVNICA ALLEGIANCE<\/i><\/b><p><img  style='float:right'  class='lems-mtg-cardimg' src='http:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/Handlers\/Image.ashx?size=small&type=card&name=Persistent Petitioner'><\/p><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>\u201cYou\u201d means You!<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Watch out for the sneaky text \u201cyou\u201d or \u201cyour\u201d &#8211; an unusually high number of cards in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ravnica Allegiance<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> only impact your own board. It may seem small, but we don\u2019t want you to prepare for a sweet play to save your teammate\u2019s creature with <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Resolute+Watchdog&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Resolute Watchdog<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Justiciar%26%238217%3Bs+Portal&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Justiciar&#8217;s Portal<\/a> and realize too late that you can\u2019t.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mill<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Wall+of+Lost+Thoughts&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Wall of Lost Thoughts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Screaming+Shield&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Screaming Shield<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Thought+Collapse&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Thought Collapse<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Persistent+Petitioners&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Persistent Petitioners<\/a> suggest a serious mill strategy (putting cards from a library into the graveyard). Make sure you have a way to thwart their plans (perhaps with <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Clear+the+Mind&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Clear the Mind<\/a>) or be prepared to win before the card loss matters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Flying\u00a0<\/b><b><i>really<\/i><\/b><b> matters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> &#8211; There are quite a few flying creatures in this set. <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Mammoth+Spider&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Mammoth Spider<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Rubble+Slinger&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Rubble Slinger<\/a> are the only two creatures with reach and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Gift+of+Strength&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Gift of Strength<\/a> is the only way to grant it. With the afterlife mechanic creating tokens with flying, having a way to manage the skies is vital. <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Sagittars%26%238217%3B+Volley&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Sagittars&#8217; Volley<\/a> is particularly useful for this since it can answer a single large flying threat in addition to numerous small ones.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spectacle<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> &#8211; Since spectacle costs only care <\/span><i style=\"font-weight: bold\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">if<\/span><\/i> an opponent has lost life this turn, work together! You can cause that life loss to help your teammate cast more effective spells. Cards like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Gateway+Sneak&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Gateway Sneak<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Azorius+Knight-Arbiter&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Azorius Knight-Arbiter<\/a> can&#8217;t normally get played in a Rakdos deck, but you or your teammate can\u00a0play these evasive cards to help turn on spectacle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BETTER WITH FRIENDS<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As we mentioned earlier, 2HG matches are best of one. You want as many of your cards as possible to be efficient and flexible. That doesn\u2019t only mean packing cards that answer different threats; it can also mean engaging with your teammate.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Utility: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some cards gain additional benefits from being versatile. When evaluating cards, note which ones can interact with your teammate.<p><img  style='float:right'  class='lems-mtg-cardimg' src='http:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/Handlers\/Image.ashx?size=small&type=card&name=Swirling Torrent'><\/p><\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Biogenic+Upgrade&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Biogenic Upgrade<\/a> doesn\u2019t care where the counters go &#8211; it\u2019ll double them no matter what. Consider sharing with your teammate.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Clear+the+Mind&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Clear the Mind<\/a> can be used to reset any player\u2019s graveyard, saving you or a teammate from milling out. Choice is valuable!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Emergency+Powers&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Emergency Powers<\/a> &#8211; As an instant speed \u2018wheel\u2019 effect, this has an incredibly high ceiling. Even if you cast it during your team\u2019s main phase, your teammate can capitalize on the new hand before your opponents can. Use this at your own risk though, as paying to refill your opponent\u2019s hands has high potential to backfire.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=High+Alert&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">High Alert<\/a> allows you to manipulate your teammate\u2019s creatures as well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Swirling+Torrent&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Swirling Torrent<\/a> &#8211; The option to temporarily remove two opposing creatures is powerful. The flexibility to additionally reset a teammate\u2019s enters-the-battlefield trigger or rescue your creature from a <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Lawmage%E2%80%99s+Binding&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Lawmage\u2019s Binding<\/a> really make this an excellent option in spite of its high cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Verity+Circle&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Verity Circle<\/a> &#8211; More players means more chances to trigger.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Combat Tricks: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Instant-speed spells that don\u2019t specify creatures \u201cyou control\u201d can be great at fouling up combat math for the opponent. Watch for (and watch out for) common and uncommon tricks like <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Arrester%26%238217%3Bs+Zeal&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Arrester&#8217;s Zeal<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Sentinel%26%238217%3Bs+Mark&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Sentinel&#8217;s Mark<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Bladebrand&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Bladebrand<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Storm+Strike&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Storm Strike<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Gift+of+Strength&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Gift of Strength<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Applied+Biomancy&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Applied Biomancy<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">BETTER WITH ENEMIES<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The word \u201ceach\u201d gains a great deal of power in multiplayer formats. Here\u2019s the list of cards in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ravnica Allegiance<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that impact each opponent, often doubling their effectiveness:<p><img  style='float:right'  class='lems-mtg-cardimg' src='http:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/Handlers\/Image.ashx?size=small&type=card&name=Priest of Forgotten Gods'><\/p><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Awaken+the+Erstwhile&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Awaken the Erstwhile<\/a> &#8211; This is a dangerous gambit, but one that you can potentially leverage as a team. In the format of board stalls, sometimes the best plan is to empty everyone\u2019s hand and leaving evasive threats to do the talking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Basilica+Bell-Haunt&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Basilica Bell-Haunt<\/a> &#8211; Incidental discard is quite valuable as we saw in\u00a0<i>Guilds of Ravnica<\/i>. This effect on a creature can be quite useful at the right moment.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Dagger+Caster&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Dagger Caster<\/a> &#8211; This card is a great way to clear out afterlife tokens and surprise your opponent with bonus damage post-combat.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Grasping+Thrull&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Grasping Thrull<\/a> &#8211; A six-life swing on entering the battlefield plus decent evasive stats make this an easy include in any Orzhov deck.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Ill-Gotten+Inheritance&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Ill-Gotten Inheritance<\/a> &#8211; This is the ultimate control win-con for the format! It\u2019s a three-life swing each turn and it you can pay to deal the final points or gain some extra life when it\u2019s exhausted its other usefulness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Priest+of+Forgotten+Gods&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Priest of Forgotten Gods<\/a> &#8211; \u201cAny number of target players\u201d is almost always going to be both opposing heads. This generates significant value for what can be a heavy cost, but if you can reliably activate this it will pay off dividends for your team.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Rafter+Demon&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Rafter Demon<\/a> &#8211; While not an impressive body, tacking on discard to a creature has proven valuable in recent sets.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Spawn+of+Mayhem&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Spawn of Mayhem<\/a> &#8211; An oddball mythic, this deals 1 damage to each player which includes you and your teammate! 2 damage to each team each turn is significant but you\u2019ll probably be on the up and up with a 4\/4 flier on your side.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Spear+Spewer&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Spear Spewer<\/a> &#8211; 2 damage per team per turn starting on turn two? Sign me up! This card can generate considerable pressure by itself but it really shines if you\u2019re the aggressor. This doesn\u2019t fit in every build but the inevitability is strong when you\u2019re ahead &#8211; remember that it damages you too!<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Vindictive+Vampire&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Vindictive Vampire<\/a> &#8211; Similarly to Ill-Gotten Inheritance, this creature offers inevitability. Do note that it only triggers off the death of your creatures and not your teammate\u2019s.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some cards benefit from the Two-Headed Giant format either through shared life totals, more players or simply more flexibility. Here are some notable cards to be aware of:<p><img  style='float:right'  class='lems-mtg-cardimg' src='http:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/Handlers\/Image.ashx?size=small&type=card&name=Captive Audience'><\/p><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Angel+of+Grace&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Angel of Grace<\/a> &#8211; As a team, this keeps your collective life total from going below one for one turn\u00a0<em>due to damage<\/em>.* You can still lose the game through other types of life loss. Also, thanks to shared life totals, you can set your team&#8217;s life total to 10 with its activated ability but only you gain the life.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Azorius+Skyguard&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Azorius Skyguard<\/a> &#8211; Reducing the power of the whole enemy team is quite strong. Do watch out for instant speed removal mid-combat!<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Captive+Audience&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Captive Audience<\/a> &#8211; This is incredibly strong for this format for multiple reasons. Reducing one player\u2019s life to 4 changes the whole team\u2019s total. Devastating! Additionally, \u2018each opponent\u2019 creating five Zombie tokens means your team comes away with <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ten<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> threats ready to swing in during the next turn. It\u2019s expensive, but it packs a serious punch!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Ethereal+Absolution&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Ethereal Absolution<\/a> &#8211; Having multiple graveyards means there are more creatures to be conscripted as Spirits. The P\/T boost and reduction can also wreck some boardstates, clearing out opposing Spirit tokens and other small creatures. Keep in mind that the anthem doesn\u2019t impact your teammate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Eyes+Everywhere&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Eyes Everywhere<\/a> &#8211; Double the players means double the potential tasty targets for exchange. If you can trade with a player without access to Blue mana, all the better!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Macabre+Mockery&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Macabre Mockery<\/a> &#8211; Two graveyards to choose from means a higher likelihood of a good reanimation target.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Revival+%2F%2F+Revenge&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Revival \/\/ Revenge<\/a> &#8211; Thanks to shared life totals, you get to double your whole team&#8217;s life total with Revenge and reduce the opposing team&#8217;s life total by half. This can be quite the swing!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Smothering+Tithe&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Smothering Tithe<\/a> &#8211; In the vein of &#8216;Rhystic&#8217; cards from the past, this gives your opponent the choice of paying mana or letting you get a benefit. In this format, you&#8217;re potentially getting two treasures per turn during your opponents draw step! At worst, you force them to tie up their mana to keep you off of accumulating mana of your own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As a quick note, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">board-wipes<\/span> scale very well in multiplayer formats. <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Cry+of+the+Carnarium&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Cry of the Carnarium<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Gates+Ablaze&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Gates Ablaze<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Kaya%26%238217%3Bs+Wrath&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Kaya&#8217;s Wrath<\/a> all become more valuable when they can destroy more creatures.\u00a0Being able to pair these effects with a teammate that can rebuild on the same turn is exceptionally useful.<\/p>\n<p><b>HIDDEN DUDS<\/b><p><img  style='float:right'  class='lems-mtg-cardimg' src='http:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/Handlers\/Image.ashx?size=small&type=card&name=Forbidding Spirit'><\/p><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These cards may be fine on their own but they either don&#8217;t work as well or limit your choices for how to play them thanks to the format.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Forbidding+Spirit&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Forbidding Spirit<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">&#8211; This card&#8217;s ability <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">won\u2019t<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> stop your opponents from attacking your team since they can just choose the other player as the defending player when they attack.** Unless you need a 3\/3 for three mana this card will be underwhelming.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Rubblebelt+Recluse&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Rubblebelt Recluse<\/a> &#8211; This creature has great stats but the lack of choice\u00a0<em>can<\/em> be debilitating. This will often charge heedlessly into threats thanks to its \u2018must attack\u2019 clause. This can be effective if you can keep its path clear, but keep in mind that there are seven creatures with deathtouch in this set and a combat trick that grants it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>TOP 10<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are the cards I feel get the biggest boost from being in a multiplayer environment, not necessarily my top picks overall. You should still prioritize solid removal and efficient creatures but I personally value these cards and others like them highly.<\/span><p><img  style='float:right'  class='lems-mtg-cardimg' src='http:\/\/gatherer.wizards.com\/Handlers\/Image.ashx?size=small&type=card&name=Ill-Gotten Inheritance'><\/p><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Top 5 Common\/Uncommon picks<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Ill-Gotten+Inheritance&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Ill-Gotten Inheritance<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Vindictive+Vampire&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Vindictive Vampire<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Swirling+Torrent&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Swirling Torrent<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Spear+Spewer&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Spear Spewer<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Rumbling+Ruin&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Rumbling Ruin<\/a> &#8211; This has the potential to steal games out of nowhere. A board clogged with small creatures doesn&#8217;t matter if the small creatures can&#8217;t block!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Top 5 Rare\/Mythic Rare picks<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Smothering+Tithe&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Smothering Tithe<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Captive+Audience&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Captive Audience<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Ethereal+Absolution&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Ethereal Absolution<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Kaya%26%238217%3Bs+Wrath&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Kaya&#8217;s Wrath<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-content\/plugins\/lems-mtg-helper\/lems-mtg-helper-cardfinder.php?find=Revival+%2F%2F+Revenge&width=223&height=310\" class=\"jTip\" name=\"\">Revival \/\/ Revenge<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We\u2019ve reached the end of another missive! Was this helpful? Did I miss any cards you thought should be mentioned? Did you take down your own 2HG prerelease? Let me know in the comments and may good fortune follow you until we meet next spoiler season!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span class='judge-tooltip'><a href='https:\/\/apps.magicjudges.org\/judges\/dci\/3110491561' ><em>Kade Goforth<\/em><\/a><span class='avatar'><img width='200' height='200' src='https:\/\/apps.magicjudges.org\/dci\/avatar?dci=3110491561&size=200'><\/span><\/span><em> is a L2 Judge from Oklahoma<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">*\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CR 810.9 &#8211; Damage, loss of life, and gaining life happen to each player individually. The result is applied to the team\u2019s shared life total.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>**\u00a0CR 802.3 &#8211; As the attacking player declares each attacking creature, they choose a defending player or a planeswalker controlled by a defending player for it to attack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>BUILDING ALLEGIANCE Form your own bonds in Ravnica Allegiance &#8211; take on a Two-Headed Giant prerelease with a teammate for double the fun and glory. Combine your sealed pool with a friend\u2019s and build the best two decks. With more cards to use, Two-Headed Giant decks will generally be stronger than their single-pool counterparts, so [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":407,"featured_media":334,"parent":127,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"language":[],"class_list":["post-1471","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1471","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/407"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1471"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1471\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1504,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1471\/revisions\/1504"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/127"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1471"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.magicjudges.org\/2hg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=1471"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}