Normally, I like to squeeze in some info above the fold, because I want to tempt you into being a ProTrader, but you’re already here and there’s a lot to go over with the launch of Aether Revolt, and the bannings, and all sorts of things. So let’s get to it!
ProTrader: Magic doesn’t have to be expensive.
I have to admit, spoiler season is tricky on PucaTrade.
For the most part, stuff doesn’t happen fast on there. I find that a lot of Standard cards move pretty quick, but a lot of people are cautious this time of year. Some things are already spiking in anticipation of being played with new cards, which is always a fun exercise.
I like the optimism of what people don’t want to let go of right now, but I want to look at the Battle for Zendikar block and pick some cards for long-term appeal. It’s possible that these could spike during their remaining months in Standard, but these are mostly picks that will be paying off in the long term.
Some of these are unique effects, some are casual gold. All of these are cards I’ve got on my want list, and some have been mentioned by me or by others before.
On to the cards!
ProTrader: Magic doesn’t have to be expensive.
It’s the end of the year, and despite this being a lull in news, there’s lots of news! We’ve learned what most of the Aether Revolt Inventions are, and we’ve heard people whine about Ornithopter.
I don’t suppose it’s news that a whole lot of the Affinity deck got Invention versions, as that’s a deck that combines some awesome artifacts. Enchantress decks will have their day in the sun too.
We are about to get hyped on sweet, sweet spoiler coverage starting just next week, and that’s always a sneaky, sneaky time financially. Some cards are going to spike as new combos are revealed. Some will drop as new answers are printed.
I want to look at things that still have nearly a year to go in Standard, because there’s three sets’ worth of cards to make them spike. You may or may not agree with some of these, and that’s what the comments and the forums are for.
To the picks!
ProTrader: Magic doesn’t have to be expensive.
Before we get to some picks this week, I want to talk about Freytag’s article, Promoting Trades, because it’s so directly relevant to what many of us do. I’m already offering a 30% bonus on foils I want, and lots of other members are offering bonuses too.
That’s the key word: bonus. This isn’t necessary. It’s not a requirement. I am aware that some people like getting a bonus, so I offer it. I want these foils and giving a sweetener is just fine by me. But it is not a requirement. It’s extra. Most trades on the site don’t have a bonus.
Pucatrade is working hard to take points out of the system, and a fee for promoting trades that can be paid in points is going to further that goal. I cannot overstate how awesome it is that the fee for getting your needed Invention can be paid by sending some other member a pair of Saheeli Rai, or some such.
I also want to link a page I was sent via Twitter where some guys talk about their experiences, good and bad, on Pucatrade. I’ve certainly had ups and downs, and the short version is that as long as you are participating, trying to do things better, they will get better.
I would also really like to hear from you if you’ve been working Pucatrade over by sending out booster packs. It would seem to me that the postage is prohibitive, but considering that you can get boxes for about $90, that’s 250 points a pack and you can move them for 394 points. Arbitrage for the win!
Now, on to my picks! It being winter break, and with Aether Revolt spoilers due soon, we are at some delightfully low spots. Almost everything is a buy for me this week, in contrast to a couple weeks’ worth of sends.
ProTrader: Magic doesn’t have to be expensive.
