Building a successful Magic: The Gathering (MTG) deck involves more than just assembling a random collection of powerful cards. To create a main deck that consistently performs well, it’s essential to carefully select the best cards that align with your strategy, ensure synergy, and adapt to the current metagame. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when determining the best cards to include in your MTG main deck, helping you craft a deck that’s both competitive and fun to play.

Choosing the best cards for your main deck is critical to your success in the game, in any format whether it is Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, etc. Here’s a guide to help you determine the best cards to include in your MTG main deck:

1. Understand the Deck’s Archetype

• Aggro, Control, Combo, or Midrange: Determine the type of deck you’re building, as this will influence the kind of cards you should prioritize.
  • Aggro: Focus on low-cost creatures and spells that deal damage quickly.
  • Control: Prioritize counterspells, removal, and card draw.
  • Combo: Look for specific cards that enable a powerful game-winning combination.
  • Midrange: Balance between early-game threats and late-game power.

2. Mana Curve Consideration

• Balance of Costs: Ensure your deck has a balanced mana curve, meaning a good mix of low, mid, and high-cost cards to maintain consistent gameplay.
  • Early Game: Include 1-2 mana cost cards for early pressure.
  • Mid Game: Include 3-4 mana cost cards to stabilize the board.
  • Late Game: Include a few high-mana cost cards to close out the game.

3. Synergy and Interactions

• Card Synergy: Choose cards that work well together, amplifying each other’s strengths.
• Theme Consistency: Ensure the cards align with the deck’s theme (e.g., tribal synergies, graveyard strategies, etc.).

4. Card Utility and Flexibility

• Versatile Cards: Select cards that can serve multiple roles, such as a creature that can also draw cards or act as removal.
• Modal Spells: Consider cards with multiple effects or choices, giving you flexibility during gameplay.

5. Meta and Matchup Consideration

• Current Meta: Analyze the current metagame and include cards that counter popular strategies.
• Sideboard Synergy: Consider how your main deck works with your sideboard to adjust to various matchups effectively.

6. Card Efficiency

• Mana Efficiency: Opt for cards that provide the most value for their cost, such as cards with a high power-to-mana ratio or those that generate additional resources.
• Effectiveness: Prioritize cards with strong effects, such as removal spells that can target multiple types of threats or creatures with powerful enter-the-battlefield effects.

7. Testing and Iteration

• Playtesting: Regularly test your deck against a variety of opponents and strategies to identify weak spots.
• Adjustments: Be prepared to swap out underperforming cards and refine your deck as you learn what works best.

8. Deck Size and Consistency

• Stick to 60 Cards: The minimum deck size in MTG is 60 cards, and it’s usually best to keep it there for consistency.
• Include Four Copies of Key Cards: For cards central to your strategy, include the maximum number allowed (usually four) to increase the chances of drawing them.

9. Evaluate Card Draw and Ramp

• Card Draw: Include cards that allow you to draw more cards to maintain a steady flow of options.
• Mana Ramp: In decks with higher-cost spells, incorporate ramp cards (like mana-producing creatures or spells) to accelerate your mana base.

10. Consult the Community and Resources

• Netdecking: Look at successful decklists from tournaments to get an idea of what works.

• Forums and Discussions: Engage with the MTG community for advice, tips, and feedback on your deck.

By following these guidelines, you can craft a main deck that is not only powerful but also well-suited to your play style and the current metagame.