What is the Best Number of Lands for Draft?
When it comes to drafting, building the perfect deck requires a solid understanding of the gameplay basics. One of the essential elements of a drafted deck is the number of lands it contains. This plays a crucial role in shaping the deck’s mana production, which in turn influences its overall performance.
But how many lands is optimal for a drafted deck?
The Standard Count
In most cases, drafted decks should aim to be between 16-18 lands. This might surprise some, as constructed formats typically favor 18 lands for a 40-card deck. However, with a drafted deck’s tendency to be more streamlined and focused, the reduced deck size makes 16-17 lands sufficient.
This threshold is also influenced by another important factor: deck format. For example, Modern formats typically require a handful more lands due to its emphasis on more aggressive builds.
Why So Many Lands?
To be successful in draft, an ideal land count requires precise balancing between land count, card draw, and mid-game threats. In some cases, a weaker constructed format may benefit from being a little more cautious.
A good land count contributes to the following essential metrics:
- Improved consistancy: With enough mana to reliably play at any point in the game.
- Better mages and threats: Reduced burn chances of drawing two poor land cards in the second game.
- Additional draws: A couple lands spare to help keep control over the board as much as possible.
On rare occasions, you’ll opt for fewer lands as there may be an abacus on mana ramp tools making you want to stay up for an additional power plant to take advantage. Another way is when there is an early and aggressive force game you are going as one that does not produce very well in the lands like red decks.
| Table 1: A Closer Look at Optimal Land Counts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decks | 1-laner | Ramp/deck with early man sources | 2-or-More Laner Decks | |
| Land count, usually | 19 (+/-) | 2-4 more in, in general | Between | Between |
| Exceptions | Less in green / More in red |
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| How | Many |
|---|---|
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| Main | 15-16-17 | The reason | Many/One |
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| Table Draft | Land | Draft |
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