Sphere of Influence: September 13, 2024

Welcome to Sphere of Influence, a pre-FNM look at some potential movers and shakers that are worth picking up before their prices increase.

In the wake of recent Modern bans, it felt appropriate to take another look at how Standard is faring these days after Bloomburrow. Here are a few good pickups that may play an outsized role in the format moving forward.

Ertai Resurrected

There’s nothing monumental about this card from Dominaria United. Its abilities have been seen before, and its mana cost is pretty high for that effect. But, flexibility reigns in Standard, and Ertai Resurrected has become a go-to toolbox card in Dimir decks. I can’t imagine this card shooting up in price anytime soon, but it seems like the kind of card that might become more popular as new sets make their way into the format. It doesn’t take much to synergize with a flash creature that counters spells or bounces permanents. A measly $1 is all it takes to get one.

Sentinel of the Nameless City

Here, again, is a card that does only a few minor things, but it does them well. Map tokens are a hit, and a 3/4 body with vigilance for three mana is nothing to sneeze at, especially when you’ll receive a Map token right away. Aggro is dominating Standard at the moment, as well, so grab a Sentinel or two for $2 each, and use them in good financial health.

Lightning Helix

The best way to stop an aggro deck is, of course, to gain enough life that it negates their entire strategy—and few cards are as effective at doing that, while furthering the game or a board state, than Lightning Helix. The card is merely uncommon, but reprintings are inconsistent and it’s worth taking advantage of the fact that the card was just reprinted in Karlov Manor and quite plentiful. You’ll want a full playset; when Lightning Helix is good, it’s one of the best cards in a deck.

Kellan, Daring Traveler

Like Sentinel of the Nameless City, Kellan, Daring Traveler accomplishes a few things at a pretty minimal mana cost. One mana for a Map token isn’t the worst thing in the world, though it sounds even better when you’re paying three mana for a Map token, a 2/3 body and an explore-lite trigger—particularly if those mana costs are divided among a few turns thanks to the adventure mechanic. The card is a bulk rare for now, but there’s no telling how long that will last.

Restless Bivouac

Boros control is coming into its own in Standard after Bloomburrow, so it’s worth grabbing this recent man-land as a finisher, albeit a slow one. Not that it matters - once you’ve stripped your opponents of all their resources, Restless Bivouac can get the job done in a few turns. Decks only need one or two, so at $1 each, your wallet will thank you—and your soul will feel cleansed by not playing blue.

Standard Issues

Do any of y’all play Standard regularly? Is the format living up to what you’d expect, or are there oddities and issues to watch out for? Let me know!