So, I was like everyone else- excited for the new core set. MTG 2010! How could you go wrong? It seemed like they were going back to the basics with this one. It was going to be awesome!

Well I was wrong! The set comes out in a month, but the new rule updates are out today. They did horrible things. They’re unspeakable… But I’m going to talk about them anyway! Some changes are ok, but I’ll touch on some possible problems there might be.

Problem One: The new terminology!

There are many changes in terminology in the new set. Removed cards are now exhiled cards, spells aren’t played, they’re cast, and there is no longer the “in-play” zone, but only the “battlefield”. These changes are somewhat minor and don’t present a large problem to game play. In fact, it isn’t that bad.

The reason I comment on this at all is that it seems to be a lot of new words for something that seemed to already work fine. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! MTG staff said it was because some players were confused about things, but really, I’ve never met anyone who was confused about anything other the things being “put into play” vs. “played”. It will clear some things up, but overall seems unecessary.

The only problem this could present is that it will detur less nerdy players. My girl friend plays MTG, but only because it’s fun. She doesn’t like the “nerd” aspect of it. Adding these new terms, no offense, does make the game seem more nerdy and more like some RPG. Some may like it, and some may not. Overall, not the worst change.

Problem Two: Stats, stats, and more stats!

So lifelink and deathtouch are becoming static abilities. This is something that once again isn’t super terrible, but presents some problems. You can’t have multiple instances of each now, which sucks. Multiple lifelink was really cool and still made sense. It’s just more junk to remember. Static abilities make the game harder for new players! One way MTG is justifying many of these changes is that the game will be easier for casual and new players, so why then do something that’s in direct opposition to their reasoning? That’s crazy and makes no sense. Well, let’s move on. I’m getting into the big stuff now though, so be warned! Get ready for the storm.

Problem Three: No more mana burn!

Now when I saw this, I thought it was a misprint. Then I checked to make sure it wasn’t April 1st.  It was neither. Mana burn no longer exists.

Well, if mana burn doesn’t exist, at least I have my burning rage! I mean, no mana burn!? What the hell? Excuse my language, but this is something that we can’t stand for as players! This completly destroys a ton of deck ideas!

Let’s think about this. Here are two cards that will work a lot differently because of the end of mana burn: Sands Of Time and Eladamri’s Vineyard. In the past, Sands Of Time forced your opponent to decide if they wanted to take mana burn or have their lands tapped next turn. Now there’s no reason not to tap all your lands. It doesn’t hurt you! Eladamri’s Vineyard gave everyone two green mana, but they had to spend it or take two burn. It was really cool because it didn’t give your opponent an advantage necessarily. Now all it’s much more helpful to your opponent! That’s not good at all!

There are countless other cards that will be made amazing or useless because of this change. Entire decks may need to be thrown out because of this! Some decks increase that mana production of each player to burn them to death! It’s the end of that… The tragedy. MTG, why have you forsaken us?

Finally, think about what this means. Green decks are now super charged. They accelerate mana like no other. Wild Growth, Eladamri’s Vineyard, Llanowar Elves… Elves? Like Priest Of Titania? That card just got a lot better. Imagine will happen… I shudder to think at the power of green. MTG staff, reconsider this! Why even make this change?!

Why indeed? MTG’s reason is that new and casual players don’t know about mana burn and eventually find out at a tournament or something and get screwed. They turn away from MTG forever and cry. I believe MTG staff put it more delicately, but that’s their fear. However, I feel this is completely unfounded. One of the first things I was told about MTG was you can’t tap all your mana for no reason. You get mana burn. My good friend Mike1229 said that it was THE first thing he learned. So, why the craziness? Undo this horror, MTG staff. Save us! This will change far too much and you’ll live to regret it!

Problem Four: Combat damage has no stack! Aaah!

I’m still digesting this. I mean, the reasoning the MTG staff kind of makes sense, from a literal stand point. However, from a game stand point, it’s terrible! Does the stack have to make sense in the game for it to be fun or cool? No! It just has to be fun, cool, or a combination of the two! I mean, come on.

So, now the way combat works is completely changed. Everything is done during the declare blockers step. Also, the way you assign combat damage seems to be changed as well. MTG’s examples on their website seemed very confusing… I have been playing MTG for a long time and it seems like the old system was better (by far).

This means if you want to play Terror or other activated abilities then you have to do it during the declare blockers step. This feels like there will be a lot less suprises and fun. I mean, MTG says that the reasoning behind this is that nobody seems to use the stack during that step. People avoid it. I disagree and find this to be a little radical. There should definetly be a petition to stop this madness. I submit myself for one vote my friends. Any second?

Last Words: Maybe it’s for the best?

Every new set seems to be crazy and messed up, but then later we look back and say that those were the good old days. Could this be one of those times too? Maybe I’m just freaking out over nothing. I’m still really excited about the set and plan on buying a ton of cards. It’s the rules that I’m not so happy about. However, for those of you who are just casual players, I’m sure you can still play “Old School” MTG without any trouble. It’s just those sanctioned tournaments that will have the trouble.

Sixth Edition was the last time there were serious changes made, and people were upset about those too. However, that set was awesome and looking back on it the changes were good. This could be the same sort of thing, however I’m suspicious and cautious. Be careful my fellow players, and don’t be afraid to speak out!

Thanks for reading and feel free to give your thoughts about these changes. Let me know if you agree that they’re crazy or think they’re a good idea.