As a devout mono red player, I defend land denial. It’s one of the few real tools we have left in our dying religion. We need it, or we’ll continue to get out maneuvered by multi colored friends.

That being said, I present “Thoughts Of Ruin”

What The Card Says:

Each Player Sacrifices A Land For Each Card In Your Hand.

“In our war with the kami, we annihilate what is our own. Do they suffer ruination in their hidden world?”

– Diary of Azusa

Analysis:

At only a cost of four, it’s a potentially devastating play. I’ve played Thoughts Of Ruin early in the game and have caused opponents to scoop. If you play it later, it could derail a foe who is on the verge of their win condition.

What is the equalizer with Thoughts Of Ruin is the low card draw of the mono red player. I mean, how often are we really rolling with a big hand later in the game? Not very often. Now, in a multi colored hand, this card could be a bigger part of a larger land denial strategy and could be even more devastating.

How it feels to play it?:

It can be uncomfortable. Players each feel differently about land denial. It’s possible you can play this card and just get some nasty looks.

It’s also possible, it can start a shouting match.

A lot of people debate over whether they should announce a land denial strategy. That is up to you.

As for the actual card, you should embrace Thoughts Of Ruin in your red decks. This game isn’t getting any easier for us.