Everyone Should Play Black!

    by Dawn Star

         Recently I visited a local hobby store where virtually everyone was playing black. What is the fascination with black? Players that play black seem to have an attitude that they're invincible. I knew right away that this particular color must be explored deeper. I felt that the fascination with black stemmed from various reasons, and I was proved right after further exploration.

         Black as a color represents an ominous foreboding presence within the game. This presence stems from its many creatures often derived from horror pictures, and some seriously twisted minds. Black's creatures are also known for their art work, which instills images of terror and dread. So, what are some of these creatures? Well, for starters, the Sengir Vampire. A flying 4/4 two black and three colorless casting cost creature that gets +1/+1 for every creature that goes to the graveyard in the same turn after being damaged by the Vampire. The Sengir Vampire is generally considered a staple in any black deck. Besides the Sengir, the Hypnotic Specter, the Royal Assassin, and the Will O' The Wisp are often common-place in many black decks. These four creatures are a perfect blend of attack, and defense. While there are many other creatures in black that equally deserve mentioning, the four listed above were prevalent in all the black decks that I looked at that day.

         Black also has some of the greatest enchantments and enchant worlds in the game. Black boasts the ever popular Breeding Pit. This enchantment pops out 0/1 Thrulls at the end of the controller's turn, but has an upkeep cost of two black. Throw a Bad Moon, which is an enchantment that gives black creatures +1/+1, in play, and pretty soon you have a little army that can attack, defend, and be a sacrifice for one of the several black spells that require a sacrifice. Oubliette, Necropotence, Forbidden Crypt, Dance of the Dead, Animate Dead, and many other enchantments help enhance black. To delve into some of the best theme decks around, look no further than black's enchant worlds. They are fierce to say the least. Underworld Dreams, Forsaken Wastes, Nether Void, Tombstone Stairwell, and The Abyss cause many players nightmares. The Abyss combined with an artifact deck spells doom for the unprepared that rely heavily on creatures.

         Sorcery is just another spelling for black. Demonic Tutor instantly comes to mind. Any card that lets the player search their library for a needed card should be given one of the games highest rankings. Another sorcery that comes to mind is Ashen Powder from the Mirage set. For two black and two colorless mana Ashen Powder will let you take control of a creature out of an opponents graveyard and put it into play. Try using Hypnotic Specters, Hymn to Tourach, and a Millstone with Ashen Powder. Your opponents will hate you when you start crushing them with their own creatures. A black deck without sorcery is a seriously crippled deck.

         Black's instants worth mentioning include Terror, Dark Banishing, Bone Harvest, and Carrion. The above mentioned either deals with the elimination of other player's creatures, or producing creatures either from the graveyard or through sacrifice. A group of fairly important spells, but better used in small amounts. Usually two Terrors or any other instant in a black deck will do.

         When you think of black interrupts, Dark Ritual (now ruled as a mana source) comes to mind. With two Dark Rituals, a swamp, and a Sengir Vampire in hand on the opening draw, you have the potential to cast one of the most feared creatures in the game. Another great opening draw combo is one Dark Ritual and one Hypnotic Spectre. The Dark Ritual is simply a must for the black player.

         So why do a lot of players play black? Most players that I have talked with feel that black provides a wicked list of spells from which to choose, and the backing of great creatures that spark fear among many players.

         In ending black is certainly all and more of what I have made it out to be. Every player should play black right? Black certainly seems to fit some of the players personalities. Watch a players face the next time a Lord of the Pit is put into play... does the evil grin look familiar? Up to this point, players that play black and happen to be reading this article are feeling superior; well tune in next month as I discuss ways in which to send them running scared.

    If you agree or disagree and want to let me know about it, my e-mail address is:

    w***w@t***t.net

    Also if you happen to be in the Knoxville / Maryville Tennessee area write me if you would like to play or trade.

    Dawn Star
    Email: w***w@t***t.net

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