How do you know when to mulligan?

How Do You Know When to Mulligan?

In Magic: The Gathering, mulliganing is a crucial decision that can make or break your game. It’s essential to know when to mulligan to avoid getting stuck with a hand that’s unlikely to win. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of mulliganing and provide you with some tips on how to make the right decision.

The Basics of Mulliganing

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s cover the basics. In Magic, a mulligan is a chance to redraw your starting hand if you’re not satisfied with the cards you’ve been dealt. You can mulligan once per game, and you must do so before the game begins. When you mulligan, you discard your starting hand and draw a new one, consisting of seven cards.

When to Mulligan

So, when should you mulligan? Here are some general guidelines to follow:

• Zero Lands: If you have zero lands in your starting hand, it’s usually a good idea to mulligan. Lands are essential for playing spells, and without them, you’ll struggle to do anything.
• One Land: If you have only one land in your starting hand, it’s still a good idea to mulligan. While you can play one land, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to play multiple spells, which can put you at a disadvantage.
• Six or Seven Lands: If you have six or seven lands in your starting hand, it’s usually a good idea to keep the hand. While you may not have the right mix of spells, having a lot of lands can give you a strong foundation for playing spells.
• No Early Players: If you don’t have any early players in your starting hand, it may be a good idea to mulligan. Early players can help you develop your board quickly and give you an advantage.

Other Factors to Consider

While the number of lands in your starting hand is important, it’s not the only factor to consider when deciding whether to mulligan. Here are some other factors to think about:

• Card Draw: If you have a lot of card draw spells in your starting hand, it may be worth keeping the hand. Card draw can help you find the cards you need to win the game.
• Removal Spells: If you have removal spells in your starting hand, it may be worth keeping the hand. Removal spells can help you clear the way for your creatures and give you an advantage.
• Creature Tokens: If you have creature tokens in your starting hand, it may be worth keeping the hand. Creature tokens can provide a strong defense and help you win the game.

When to Mulligan in Specific Situations

Here are some specific situations where you may want to mulligan:

• Against Aggro Decks: If you’re playing against an aggro deck, you may want to mulligan if you don’t have a strong defense in your starting hand. Aggro decks can quickly overwhelm you with low-toughness creatures, so it’s essential to have a strong defense to keep them at bay.
• Against Control Decks: If you’re playing against a control deck, you may want to mulligan if you don’t have a strong answer to their spells in your starting hand. Control decks can use their spells to disrupt your plans and keep you from winning, so it’s essential to have a strong answer to their spells.
• In a Long Game: If you’re playing a long game, you may want to mulligan if you don’t have a strong plan in your starting hand. Long games can be won by the player who can maintain a strong board presence, so it’s essential to have a plan to achieve this.

Conclusion

Mulliganing is a crucial decision in Magic: The Gathering, and it’s essential to know when to do it. By considering the number of lands in your starting hand, as well as other factors such as card draw, removal spells, and creature tokens, you can make the right decision and set yourself up for success. Remember to mulligan in specific situations, such as against aggro decks or control decks, and always keep an eye on the game state to make the best decision for your deck.

Table: When to Mulligan

Table: Factors to Consider

I hope this article has been helpful in answering your question about when to mulligan in Magic: The Gathering. Remember to always keep an eye on the game state and make the best decision for your deck. Happy gaming!