How many lands should I put in a 60-card deck?

The standard starting point is 24 lands in a 60-card deck, giving you roughly a 40% chance of drawing a land each turn. Aggressive decks with low mana curves can go as low as 20-22, while control decks with expensive spells may run 25-27. Adjust based on your average mana value and test through gameplay.

What is the Rule of 9 in MTG?

The Rule of 9 is a deck-building shortcut: pick 9 cards that work toward your game plan, run 4 copies of each (9 × 4 = 36 spells), then add 24 lands. This ensures consistency because you'll draw your key cards more often. It's a great starting framework before fine-tuning individual slots.

How do I know if my mana curve is good?

A healthy mana curve looks like a bell curve peaking at 2-3 mana. You want plenty of 1-3 cost cards so you have plays every turn, a moderate number of 4-cost cards, and only a few 5+ cost finishers. If you're frequently stuck with unplayable hands, your curve is probably too top-heavy.

How many creatures should be in a 60-card deck?

It depends on your archetype. Aggro decks typically run 24-28 creatures, midrange decks around 16-22, and control decks may only have 4-8 win conditions. A good rule of thumb: if your deck wants to attack, aim for at least 20 creatures. If it wants to control the board, prioritize removal and card draw instead.

What's the difference between Standard and Modern deck building?

Standard uses only the most recent sets (roughly 2 years of cards), making it more accessible and budget-friendly. Modern includes cards from 2003 onward, offering a vastly larger card pool with more powerful combos and higher-cost staples. Standard decks rotate regularly, while Modern decks can stay viable for years.

How do I build a Commander deck on a budget?

Start with a commander that has a clear strategy, then use the 8x8 method with budget alternatives. Many powerful Commander staples cost under $1. Focus on mana rocks like Sol Ring and Arcane Signet, run 36-38 lands with budget dual lands, and avoid expensive reserved list cards. Precon upgrades are also a great starting point.

What is a mana base and how do I build one?

Your mana base is the collection of lands in your deck that produces colored mana. For a mono-color deck, basic lands suffice. For two colors, use a mix of dual lands (shock lands, check lands, fast lands) plus basics. For three+ colors, tri-lands and fetch lands become essential. Count your colored mana symbols across all spells to determine the right ratio.

How many copies of a card can I have in MTG?

In most formats (Standard, Modern, Pioneer), you can run up to 4 copies of any card except basic lands, which are unlimited. In Commander/EDH, the rule is 1 copy of each card (singleton) except basic lands. Some cards like Relentless Rats or Shadowborn Apostle explicitly override this limit.

How to Build an MTG Deck | Strategy & Ratios

While "Net-Decking" (copying a pro list) is a great way to learn the meta, nothing beats the feeling of winning with a 60-card machine you designed yourself. In the 2026 landscape of Aetherdrift, Tarkir, Lorwyn Eclipsed, and Foundations, deck building is more about efficiency and resilience than ever before.

Phase 1: The "Mission Statement"

Every great deck can describe its goal in one sentence. Before you pick a single card, ask: "How do I win?"

Aggro: "I play low-cost creatures to kill the opponent before they can react."

Control: "I stop everything the opponent does until I can play one massive finisher."

Combo: "I protect my board until I can trigger a specific interaction that wins instantly."

Not sure which style fits you? Pick the right MTG deck type for your playstyle.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself saying "I want to do a little bit of everything," your deck will likely do nothing well. Pick one goal and stick to it.

See It in Action: Example Decks

Each archetype plays differently. Explore a real deck for each strategy:

Boros Aggro

Standard

Aggro

beginner

A fast, aggressive strategy that deploys cheap creatures and burn spells to end the game before your opponent can stabilize. Prioritize one-drops and combat tricks for maximum pressure.

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Dimir Control

Standard

Control

intermediate

A reactive control deck that answers every threat with counterspells and removal, then wins with card advantage and powerful finishers. Patience is key — let your opponent overextend, then take over.

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Gruul Midrange

Standard

Midrange

intermediate

A powerful midrange deck that curves efficient creatures into devastating planeswalkers. Combines the best green beaters with red removal for a proactive yet flexible game plan.

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Selesnya Tokens Combo

Modern

Combo

intermediate

Combine token generators with anthem effects and combo finishers. Populate the board with tokens, then use Craterhoof Behemoth or similar finishers to swing for lethal in one turn.

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Phase 2: The "Rule of 9" (Standard/Modern)

If you're building a 60-card deck, the math is simple:

1.Subtract 24 lands from the total (the standard baseline).
2.That leaves you with 36 non-land cards.
3.Find 9 cards that support your mission statement and play 4 copies of each (9 × 4 = 36).

As you refine the deck, you can break this rule (running 1-ofs or 2-ofs), but for a beginner, the "Rule of 9" ensures you actually draw the cards you need to win.

Let AI Pick Your 9 Cards

Our deck builder analyzes your collection and selects the optimal "Rule of 9" synergies automatically.

Phase 3: Mastering the Mana Curve

You cannot play a deck full of 6-mana Dragons; you'll be dead before you cast the first one. Your "Mana Curve" is the distribution of your spells' costs.

The "Bell Curve":

Most decks want a few 1-drops, a lot of 2- and 3-drops, and a few "top-end" 4+ mana spells.

2026 Pro tip: Having a strong "Turn 2" play is currently mandatory. If your curve starts at 3, you are likely too slow for current Standard.

Phase 4: The Power Grid (Lands)

The most common mistake in deck building is not running enough lands.

The 24 Rule

For a 60-card deck, start with 24 lands. If your deck is very fast (Aggro), you can go down to 20. If it is very slow (Control), go up to 26.

Color Fixing

If you are playing two or more colors, you need "Dual Lands." In the 2026 Tarkir meta, "Tri-Lands" (lands that tap for three colors) are essential for 3-color decks, even if they enter the battlefield tapped.

Calculate Your Ideal Land Ratio

Upload your collection and we'll calculate the perfect mana base for your deck's colors and curve.

Phase 5: Testing and "Sideboarding"

A deck is never finished; it is only "in progress."

Goldfishing

Play the first 5 turns of a game by yourself. If you consistently have nothing to do on Turn 2, your curve is too high.

The Sideboard (15 cards)

These are cards for specific problems. Losing to artifacts? Pack some Disenchant effects. Losing to fast creatures? Add more board wipes.

Building for Commander (100-Card Format)

Building for Commander follows a different "8x8" logic:

1.Pick 8 categories your deck needs (e.g., Ramp, Draw, Removal, Goblins).
2.Find 8 cards for each category (8 × 8 = 64 cards).
3.Add 35–36 lands and your Commander.

This creates a balanced, functional singleton deck every time.

MTG for Beginners

Start your Magic journey with essential gameplay basics.

60-Card Deck Secrets

Optimize your 60-card deck with proven strategies.

MTG Colors Explained

Understand the five colors and their playstyles.

Formats Explained

Compare different MTG formats and find your match.

How to build a magic deck

Quick Summary: 5 Phases of Deck Building

Phase 1: The "Mission Statement"