I had expected a new set of dual lands or at the least a reprint of previously effective cycle but then Wizards decided to push for a Mono-color value lands and this cycle is nicknamed as Castles, with one of each color. Today I will discuss three of the five Rare lands.

First of is Castle Vantress for Blue.

It is an easy untapped land for Blue-based midrange to control decks which usually has enough Islands plus the Hallowed Fountain with is a dual land Island. The Scry ability is usually for the late game to filter out unnecessary cards and to dig out the right answer to a certain scenario. While it is a lesser version of the flipped side of Azcanta, we cannot deny its use especially if we are in a top deck mode (while it ain’t likely for Blue because of card draws). At least two copies in the deck is enough for two-colors and a playset for mono-color.

Next is Castle Embereth for Red.

I have mentioned of Red as still a powerhouse in post-rotation and this card is one of the major reasons. Pumping out the power for the extra damage is one of the fast ways to kill an opponent and this ability is sort of a freebie by just having this land in your deck. Your 1/1s, 2/1s and even Chandra’s tokens can be a big threat and can even trade with creatures that are one toughness greater than your dudes’ power. This is an auto playset added to the Mono Red deck.

Lastly, we have Green’s Castle Garenbrig.

It is a bit unimpressive as compared to the Red castle, but the extra mana can ramp out to your huge critters such as Hydroid Krassis. The limit of use to only creature abilities can be for specific creatures i.e. Wakeroot Elemental but aside from that, I do not see any relevant uses of the ability. I would only include one for two-color decks or two to three copies for Mono Green builds.

That is a wrap for now. I will follow the discussion on the remaining two Castle lands in the next blog posts, and maybe rank them by uses in the Standard format.

That is about it. Thanks for reading.