What is the ratio of a limited deck?

What is the Ratio of a Limited Deck?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, limited decks are a staple of the game’s competitive format. But what is the ideal ratio of spells and lands in a limited deck? In this article, we’ll dive into the answer and explore the reasoning behind it.

A Good Starting Point: 23 Spells and 17 Lands

A good starting point for a limited deck is to have 23 spells and 17 lands. This ratio is considered to be the most optimal, as it provides a good balance between card advantage and consistency. With 23 spells, you’ll have a decent chance of drawing at least 3-4 spells in a game, which can be enough to get the job done. At the same time, having 17 lands ensures that you’ll have a reasonable amount of mana to cast your spells.

But Why 23 Spells and 17 Lands?

So, why exactly is this ratio considered optimal? Here are a few reasons:

• Card advantage: With 23 spells, you’ll have a higher chance of drawing into better cards, which can give you an edge in terms of card advantage. This is especially important in limited, where card advantage can be a crucial factor in winning games.
• Consistency: 17 lands provides a decent amount of consistency in terms of mana, allowing you to cast your spells when you need to. With a lower number of lands, you risk drawing into a situation where you don’t have enough mana to cast your spells, which can be devastating.
• Flexibility: Having 23 spells and 17 lands provides a good amount of flexibility in terms of card choice. You’ll have a range of options in terms of card play, which can make it easier to adapt to different situations.

How Many Creatures Should You Include?

But what about creatures? How many should you include in your limited deck? Here are some guidelines:

• 2-3 creatures: For a aggro deck, you’ll want to include 2-3 creatures that can attack early and often. This will help you get in the opponent’s face and put pressure on them.
• 3-4 creatures: For a midrange deck, you’ll want to include 3-4 creatures that can trade with opponents’ creatures and provide some early game pressure.
• 1-2 creatures: For a control deck, you’ll want to include 1-2 creatures that can help you close out the game once you’ve established a board presence.

Other Important Considerations

In addition to the ratio of spells and lands, there are a few other important considerations to keep in mind:

• Mana curve: Make sure your deck has a smooth mana curve, with a good distribution of 1-2-3-4-5-mana spells. This will help you play around the opponent’s spells and provide a good tempo.
• Card synergies: Consider including cards that have synergies with each other. This can help you build a more cohesive deck that plays well together.
• Removal: Include some removal spells to help you deal with the opponent’s creatures and problematic cards. This will give you a better chance of winning in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ratio of a limited deck is 23 spells and 17 lands. This provides a good balance between card advantage and consistency, and can help you build a competitive deck. Remember to consider the importance of mana curve, card synergies, and removal when building your deck, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a limited deckbuilding expert.