Red and blue, a classic Magic: The Gathering (MTG) color combination known for its aggressive strategies and powerful control elements, demands a land base that can support its fast-paced gameplay and diverse spell costs. This guide explores the best lands for red and blue decks, considering various archetypes and strategies. We’ll delve into the optimal land counts, the importance of fixing, and specific cards that shine in Izzet (red/blue) decks.
What are the Best Lands for Izzet (Red/Blue) Decks?
The ideal land base for Izzet decks balances the need for consistent mana production with the ability to cast both red and blue spells efficiently. Simply including a 50/50 split of red and blue lands often won't suffice, particularly in more competitive play. You need lands that help smooth your mana curve. Here are some key considerations:
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Dual Lands: These lands produce mana of two different colors. They are generally the most desirable lands in a two-color deck, providing the greatest consistency. Examples include:
- Shock Lands: Enter the battlefield tapped, but offer excellent mana fixing. Examples are Bloodstained Mire and Steamworks. They're a staple in many competitive decks.
- Fetch Lands: These lands can fetch (search your library for) other lands, allowing you to manipulate your land drops for optimal mana production. Examples include Bloodstained Mire and Scalding Tarn. However, they also enter the battlefield tapped.
- Battle Lands: These lands enter untapped but only produce colored mana later in the game. Examples are Command Tower and Exotic Orchard (though the latter is less useful for only two colors).
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Fast Lands: These lands enter the battlefield tapped, but they allow you to play a spell on turn one. Examples include Wooded Foothills and Misty Rainforest, useful for fetching dual lands.
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Basic Lands: Mountain and Island are essential for your mana base, even with excellent dual lands. You need a sufficient number to avoid mana screw (not having enough lands) and to provide a consistent source of mana.
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Check Lands: These lands can be beneficial for fixing minor mana issues or helping you splash a third color.
How Many Lands Should I Run in My Red/Blue Deck?
The optimal number of lands varies depending on your deck's strategy and the power level of your mana base. A general guideline is to run between 22-26 lands in a 60-card deck. However, if you are running many expensive spells or have a slower strategy, you may need more lands. If you are running many one-mana spells, you might get away with fewer. The type of lands you run also affects the total number you need.
What are Some Good Red and Blue Lands for Budget Decks?
Budget-friendly options still allow you to build a functional Izzet deck. Consider these alternatives to premium dual lands:
- Basic Lands: A core foundation for any deck, regardless of budget.
- Common Dual Lands: Some sets feature less expensive dual lands that still provide valuable mana fixing.
- Pain Lands: These lands enter untapped but deal damage to you when they tap for mana. Examples include Blood Crypt and Watery Grave. While they can hurt, the consistent mana they offer often outweighs the cost.
- Cycling Lands: These lands have cycling, allowing you to discard them for a card if you don’t need the land. This can thin your deck and improve consistency, especially in limited play formats.
How Do I Improve My Mana Base's Consistency?
Improving your mana base's consistency involves careful deck construction and land selection. Prioritize dual lands, fast lands, and fetch lands to maximize your ability to cast both red and blue spells on time. Avoid running too many lands that enter the battlefield tapped unless your deck is built to function with a slower mana curve. Consider your deck's strategy; an aggressive deck will typically benefit from a slightly lower land count than a controlling deck.
What are the Best Red and Blue Lands for Specific Archetypes?
Different Izzet archetypes will have slightly different land requirements. For example, an aggressive burn deck will need slightly less land than a control deck that uses expensive counterspells and draw spells. The ideal mix will depend on the specific cards and strategies within the deck.
Are there any Red/Blue lands that tap for colorless mana?
Yes, Command Tower is a common land that taps for colorless mana and is frequently included in multi-colored decks to help smooth out mana fixing.
By carefully considering the above factors, you can construct a powerful and consistent mana base that will enable your Izzet deck to perform at its best, regardless of your budget or chosen archetype. Remember that consistent mana is crucial to victory in MTG.
