Black is a color known for its powerful removal spells and efficient creature strategies. But sometimes, the best way to win with black is to simply ensure your creatures can't be blocked. This guide delves into the strategies and cards that let you create an unstoppable black army in Magic: The Gathering.
Why Unblockable Matters in Black Decks
In a game often decided by combat, making your creatures unblockable offers a significant advantage. It bypasses your opponent's defenses, allowing for direct damage to their life total and potentially securing a swift victory. This is particularly powerful in black, a color that often focuses on aggressive strategies and efficient removal.
The Benefits of Unblockable Creatures:
- Guaranteed Damage: Unlike creatures that can be blocked, unblockable creatures ensure you'll deal damage each turn they're in play.
- Pressure and Tempo: The constant threat of damage forces your opponent to react, often using valuable resources to deal with your creatures, disrupting their game plan.
- Bypass Larger Creatures: An unblockable creature can easily bypass larger, more threatening creatures your opponent controls, making it a valuable tool even in matchups against aggressive decks.
Key Cards and Strategies for Unblockable Black Creatures
Several cards and strategies synergize perfectly to make your black creatures unblockable. Here are some key examples:
Abilities that Grant Unblockability:
- Shadow: Creatures with shadow can't be blocked except by creatures with shadow. This is a powerful ability, especially in decks that utilize multiple shadow creatures. Look for cards like Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni which also provides powerful board control.
- Flying: While not exclusive to black, flying creatures are inherently difficult to block. Many black creatures possess flying, acting as natural unblockers.
- Trample: While not strictly unblockable, trample allows excess damage to go through to your opponent's life total even if your creature is blocked. This is crucial in maximizing damage output.
Cards that make creatures unblockable:
There aren't many cards that directly grant unblockable to all your creatures. Strategies involving individual cards with the relevant abilities are more common. However, cards that grant evasion-enhancing abilities like +1/+1 counters combined with flying can create a similar effect.
Building Your Unblockable Black Deck:
Creating a successful black unblockable deck requires careful consideration of card synergies and a balance between aggressive creatures and efficient removal. Focus on:
- Creature Selection: Prioritize creatures with abilities that enhance evasion or deal significant damage, either through high power or abilities like deathtouch.
- Removal Spells: Efficient removal is crucial for clearing the way for your unblockable creatures and countering your opponent's threats.
- Synergistic Cards: Look for cards that enhance the effectiveness of your unblockable creatures or support your overall strategy.
Beyond the Cards: Strategic Play
Even with powerful cards, strategic play is vital. Consider these points:
- Board State Awareness: Always assess the board state before attacking, considering your opponent's potential blockers and available removal.
- Timing is Key: Don't rush into attacks; wait for the optimal moment to unleash your unblockable creatures, maximizing their impact.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on your opponent's actions and card draws.
By mastering the art of evasive creature strategies, you'll significantly enhance the power of your black decks in MTG and carve a path to victory. Remember to always keep up to date with the latest MTG card releases to see what new and exciting options become available for your unblockable black strategies!
