What percentage of MTG deck should be land?

What Percentage of MTG Deck Should Be Land?

When it comes to building a Magic: The Gathering (MTG) deck, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how many lands to include. The answer to this question can have a significant impact on the overall performance of your deck, and it’s a topic that has been debated by MTG players for years. In this article, we’ll explore the traditional guidelines for land percentages in MTG decks, as well as some more modern approaches and considerations.

Traditional Guidelines

For many years, the general consensus among MTG players was that a deck should contain between 20-24 lands for a 60-card deck, and 17-18 lands for a 40-card deck. This range is often referred to as the "traditional" or "standard" land percentage. This guideline was based on the idea that lands should make up about 30-40% of a deck, with the remaining cards consisting of spells, creatures, and other permanents.

Why This Percentage?

So, why did the traditional land percentage become the standard? One reason is that it’s a good balance between the need for consistency and the need for flexibility. With 20-24 lands, you’re likely to have a good chance of drawing a land on the first turn, which can help you establish a strong early game. At the same time, you’re not so land-heavy that you’re forced to play too many basic lands and sacrifice card quality.

Modern Approaches

In recent years, however, some players have begun to question the traditional land percentage. With the rise of more complex and synergistic deck archetypes, some players have found that they need more lands to support their strategies. This is particularly true for decks that rely heavily on mana-intensive spells or creatures.

For example, a deck that uses a lot of mana-fixing cards like Sol Ring or Arcane Signet may need more lands to support its mana needs. Similarly, a deck that relies on a single powerful spell or creature may need more lands to ensure that it can cast its key card.

What Percentage of MTG Deck Should Be Land?

So, what percentage of MTG deck should be land? The answer to this question depends on your specific deck and playstyle. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Basic Lands: Aim for 20-24 basic lands in a 60-card deck, and 17-18 in a 40-card deck. This will give you a good balance between consistency and flexibility.
• Mana-Fixing Lands: If your deck relies heavily on mana-fixing cards, you may want to include more lands to support your mana needs. Aim for 25-30 lands in a 60-card deck, and 20-22 in a 40-card deck.
• Synergistic Decks: If your deck relies on a single powerful spell or creature, you may want to include more lands to ensure that you can cast your key card. Aim for 25-30 lands in a 60-card deck, and 20-22 in a 40-card deck.

Table: Land Percentage Guidelines

Conclusion

In conclusion, the percentage of land in an MTG deck is a complex topic that depends on your specific deck and playstyle. While the traditional guidelines of 20-24 lands in a 60-card deck and 17-18 lands in a 40-card deck are still a good starting point, there are many other factors to consider when building your deck. By understanding the needs of your deck and adjusting your land percentage accordingly, you can build a more powerful and consistent deck that will help you succeed in the world of MTG.