The Shape of a Format | A Data-Driven Retrospective of Dominaria United
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- Dominaria United was an outlier of contemporary Magic design. How can running the numbers on draft logs help illustrate its many charming anomalies?
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📘 Chapters:
0:00 Card Kingdom
0:30 BASILISK
1:16 Skeletons and Line Drawings
3:12 A Run of Moguls
7:39 Here's the Kicker
10:35 Man Your Battlecruisers
13:41 The Five Stages of a Format
16:41 Outlier to the Outliers
22:23 Three New Heuristics
25:45 If This Isn't Nice...
28:42 Yotia Meteorite et. all
📓 Sources:
mtgazone.com/data-based-heuri... - Data-Driven Heuristics for MTG Arena Drafts
bigthink.com/high-culture/von... - Shapes of Stories by Kurt Vonnegut
capnmariam.tumblr.com/post/76... - Vonnegut Graphs
draftsim.com/mtg-dmu-defender... - DMU Defender Deck Primer - Sam Black
/ dominaria_united_draft... - DMU Limited Iceberg
open.spotify.com/episode/2RBm... Lords of Limited - 50 DMU Takes in 50 Minutes
open.spotify.com/episode/32ia... - Lords of Limited - Domin Are Ya Hyped
• Kurt Vonnegut on the S... - Kurt Vonnegut on the Shapes of Stories
• Dominaria United MTG D... - LSV DMU Draft
• Magic Numbers #50: Dom... - Magic Numbers 50 - DMU First 17 Lands Data
• Magic Numbers #52: Thr... - Magic Numbers 52 - Three New Draft Heuristics from DMU Data
• Magic Numbers #53: Why... - Magic Numbers 53 - Why Are Top Players Top?
• Magic Numbers #54: Dat... - Magic Numbers 54 - DMU Draft Data
• Magic Numbers #86: How... - Magic Numbers 86 - How do Draft Formats Evolve?
/ 1 - Ethan Saks 5c Legends
/ 1 - Ethan Saks RG Beats
/ 1 - Ethan Saks 4c Legends (?)
/ 1 - Ethan Saks Micromancer for Runic Shot
/ 1 - LSV easy 7-0
/ 2 - LSV turn 5, 4x Terrors
/ 1 - Marshall, 4x Ragers
/ 1 - Metronome - UR Spells
/ 1 - Metronome - UB cost reduction
/ 1 - Metronome - BW The Truth
/ 1 - Metronome - “This deck was illegal. Maybe the best deck I’ve drafted all format?”
/ 1 - Metronome - Jodah
#mtg #magicthegathering - Hry
"Karn can go everywhere, but doesn't really have a home anywhere" is indeed a heartbreaking bit of accidental gameplay-story integration. Great work commemorating a happy moment of recent Magic history.
Bold of you to assume it's accidental 😂
Of course, the DMU Karn was also just kind of a trash card.
@@cedricappleby2006: That's as maybe, but I'd rather see Living Legacy across the table any day of the week than have to face the Great Creator even one more time!
Does that mean Karn is a Roma?
@@cedricappleby2006 obviously wotc have made mistakes with planeswalkers being too strong but that one doesnt even have any synergies to make up for how weak it is... tap out on turn 4 to make a tapped powerstone!! sheesh!
I think one of the most important things that made this format good was the fact that it wasn't designed with clear, focused two-color archetypes but rather with mono-color archetypes that then led into combination two-color archetypes.
I attended one of those Vonnegut lectures in the 90’s at UMass. It was very cool but tbh he opened with a bit about how there weren’t 4 seasons but 6 adding the opening and closing of summer. He remarked it would be the only think we would really remember about the lecture. Personally speaking, he was right.
That's an idea I've come across before as well and honestly i have no ability to comment on the ecological plausibility of that view but it does kinda *feel* right
I genuinely love this style of videos. MTG video essays are amazing
The more exposure to various art mediums I get, the more I realize how special Magic is for it's unique ability to combine fantasy storytelling across an unlimited number of world environments with a deeply nuanced game that is also a card game to be played in real life with friends. It's a social game with things to cater to both story driven, lore seeking individuals, and cold, calculating, performance driven folks. I'm simplifying this somewhat, but my point is that I don't believe there are many other topics out there that suit themselves to the format of a video essay than Magic The Gathering. When I say Sam makes some of my favourite CZcams videos to watch, I really mean it; quality, well made, thought provoking video essays about one of my favourite games.
@@iqcool Seconded.
Also, I'd argue Rhystic Studies just makes superb essays, period.
But his knack for integrating the many unique aspects Magic has makes you realize and appreciate just how much there is to this game.
I'm glad it's getting more mainstream appeal as time goes on, because it it's so much more than a "silly card game for nerds".
@@iqcool Totally agree. That's the reason why i am still invested into this game 23 years after I first picked it up. I'm still not sure how I am feeling about universes beyond, secret lairs and all these products. But at this point, Magic is bigger than the sum of its parts, and not even the questionable decisions by Wizards can't destroy it anymore.
@@benjaminfeiner6851: Then it seems that MaRo has finally, completely failed in his quest to destroy _Magic._
Or mebbe he's just handed that job off to Business Daddy Hasbro.
@@sdfkjgh Hm, I think I don't quite get your comment - why would they want to destroy their golden cow though? And what does MaRo have to do with it?
As someone who started in Invasion block, Dominaria United gave me the warm fuzzies of Nostalgia, in a very good way. If only Papa Yawgmoth was here to see us now 😊
He’d probably be very disappointed in his children
@@Arkouchie Yawgmoth: "The hell is with all this 'using colors other than Black'? You disgust me. (Except you, Sheoldred. You're cool.)."
@@Bluecho4: I think mebbe Daddy Yawggy'd be tryin' ta mack on Sheoldred.
Or, that could just be my naughty shipper brain acting up again.
And yes, I _am_ aware that the argument could be made that Yawgmoth/Sheoldred is father/daughter incest (or even grandfather/ or however many greats-grandfather/granddaughter), but if you know anything about me, you'd know that incest is my fetish, so I'ma ship it like FedEx!
@@Bluecho4
Sheoldred: "Yes papa, thank you papa!"
(Aside, to the other Praetors) "See? I _told_ you Papa Yawgmoth would think you're all stinky and dumb."
If only it had any setup to a massive invasion whatsoever.
This might be my favorite thing Sam’s ever put out. The fact that he has a three act structure woven throughout this nominally statistical analysis of a draft format is truly beautiful and poetic given the introduction. Cheers, Sam.
Dominaria United is second only to Neon Dynasty for me as the best overall MTG Arena format. The set supported everything I like about modern limited design: color splashes with ambitious mana-bases, synergistic and grindy value-oriented gameplay, the necessary presence of strong aggressive options, and powerful commons that reward specific deckbuilding choices (Tolarian Terror, Writhing Necromass, etc.) The only real stain on the format's reputation was of course, the undeniable powerhouse Wingmantle Chaplain, which occupies the coveted mythic uncommon slot.
Zendikar Rising has to take my top spot. The last standard draft format I truely enjoyed.
i really liked thrones of eldraine...still my favorite
@@yohanesparuntu4980throne got done dirty by not having human drafts early on. Even after adding premier draft, human pod drafts for the set are even better
We are blessed to have Serkowitz and Sam’s level of quality and skill focused on something as niche and complex as mtg draft. Magic is a beautiful game.
So, so excited to see this. Thanks Sam.
(Also, shout-outs to CardKingdom for letting me apply your creator code when my ADHD brain forgets to add it while shopping.)
correspondence! nice to see a fellow scholar in the wild
Now this is certainly a different way to look at magic. Taking a literary analysis approach to analyzing magic draft data is a unique yet effective way to review and retrospect on sets of the past. I kee forgetting DMU was a set due to set burnout, but there are a lot of good cards for commander and other formats. Same with Brother's War. Great video as always, Sam! This definitely was an interesting perspective.
As a EDH-only player, your videos have become a way to learn more about the game even if I'm not playing all the other formats. There are so many elements outside the commander context that we don't get to know about... Great video, thank you Sam!
There's never a bad time to learn limited, I started in the last few years after first learning the game in 2008 and it's been a blast. It really is magic at it's purest.
CLB was unpopular on release due to many MTG players not enjoying crossover content and a percieved lack of reprints but I have never heard.anything but good things about its limited environment and it still is my favorite commander draft format.
Same. I have a set cube of it so I can draft it forever
I've been putting together a full set cube of homebrew cards based on our longstanding D&D campaign over the last few months, and this was the perfect video for the mindset it's put me in!
I'm finally at the playtest phase, and there were some great insights in here to consider. Awesome stuff as always.
With Wizards printing cards so often, it feels that these worlds that they have created don’t get enough time to be explored. That’s why I appreciate these closer looks from Sam. It breathes new life and a fresh take on worlds/art in the game we love. It takes what’s old, and possibly forgotten, and makes it feel new and exciting.
These data driven videos are something that I'd love to see more of, thanks for putting the effort on all of your stuff, it comes through in spades.
Sierkovitz is an *incredible* follow, in both social media and for Magic Numbers. But also shout out to the Lords of Limited podcast that was featured a few times in this episode. If you're looking to get better at Limited Magic, there are few places to do so as good as Lords of Limited.
Agreed. Lords of Limited and Limited Resources are suuuch good podcasts to check out for knowledge of the limited format
HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT! Hypest intro In a minute. Love the Vonnegut lecture, excited to see the concept applied to magic
Drafted dmu once in person and the increased game length thing was really noticeable. People went with surprisingly complicated domain decks and I managed to shine with a selesnya token beatdown. The format was really cool.
It's incredible how you manage to make a video largely about statistics into something warm and nostalgic that really keeps you along for the ride. I will never stopped being amazed at how good your videos are.
used the advice from this video during an LCI draft. I made 4 color caves and did pretty well. Grabbing lands early meant I had my many fixed really well, and then I grabbed some useful threats later on.
This video made me so happy. You're my favorite MTG creator and DMU draft is my all time favorite way to play this game.
Here we have another well presented retrospective about an interesting subject related to Magic. @RhysticStudies, I love the high quality of your audio and the care that you put in each frame of your videos. The minimalism aspect seems to be a key part of what you do and the pace of the presentations always has seemed correct. Your show is, at the same time, interesting and pleasant to watch. Keep doing this amazing work! Gretings directly from Brazil!
This is my favorite mtg content I’ve ever seen. Really hope you continue doing content on limited mtg, this is a match made in heaven
Oh man cut down is one of my favorite card arts period. I love stark lighting.
Dominic Mayer, the artist, has been killing it in general lately. Easily in my top 3 of active MtG artists atm alongside Magali Villeneuve and Wylie Beckert.
This format was so deep and fun, thank you for this retrospective! Love Sierkowitz's stuff, and you as always are one of the best storytellers for the game.
What an incredible tag team of thoughtful Magic videos and research! Real dream team material here!
My first ever game of Magic was at a DMU prerelease. I will always remember this format and this set fondly.
A smooth and robust work throughout. Everything is presented in such an academically clean format, excellent job yet again.
SC2 and Day[9] cameos :D
Sierkovitz! Love that you brought him in for this.
That makes two of us ;)
Of all the people who could appear on a Rhystic Studies video, I never expected Sierkovitz! Love to see it.
Usually I want to get something nice to eat while I watch a new Rhystic Studies video. But this time my cats curled up around me which doesn't usually happen. It was a sign that Is should just kick back and start watching.
Guy releases video in order to get WotC to bring back his favorite draft format to Arena
fucking legend
Didn't expect to see Reynor or Serral on this channel. Dope!
Totally on board with Ben Werne there. DMU was looking like one of the GOATs from the outset and it followed through at every stage of its development.
Not to undersell the gameplay, but what really did it for me was the draft portion. In the running for draft formats which reward most the values of staying flexible and reading the draft well. I've long joked about wanting to skip playing games and just draft again after building the deck, and with DMU it wasn't a joke.
Your videos are just so incredibly put together, even from your choice of music in the very first second. Consistently beautiful.
I'm curious if the kicker effects on these cards could serve as "win more" effects, so in games where you're ahead, they put you further ahead and seal the victory, but in games where you're behind, the kicker cost is usually inaccessible because you're playing catch-up. Could this help explain the huge difference in win rate when kicker costs are paid vs. not paid?
Thanks for reminding us how important it is to stay curious. I love watching people trying to code/solve magic. More videos like this ❤
I knew I loved DMU draft but I couldn't pinpoint exactly why except a feeling of freedom while picking. Thanks for putting words and data on on it. Now I know why ^^
LMAO thats my iceburg! The video was great Sam! Loved the format and you did a great job covering what made it tick! Also ❤ sierko
Thank you so much for your videos. You choose amazing topics, and you consistently make them interesting. You've got a great channel, and I appreciate your work
Ay. Gotta shout out. Probably would have never played magic if not for your videos
Also opening up with vonnegut Hits me like a truck. Love vonnegut
Awesome timing I needed something to listen to and watch while working on new pauper content! Absolutely love love love this channel!!!
I’ve been learning to gather insights from data with mtg data since SNC in hopes of creating content like this. This is immensely inspiring. Thanks for sharing this stories!
Ive been looking for the right set to build my cube around, this is a pretty compelling argument for DMU. Thanks for the video
I loved DMU's limited- I decided to use it as the basis for a set cube I'm making!
What a great video! This is my favorite format I have played, both due to the gameplay and the point where I was in my life. Just like having a hand with both Flip the Switch and Easic awakener activation up, seeing a hand with both negate, essence scatter, and an intuition just gives me the warm fuzzies.
Building a 5-color domain deck in DMU was some of the most fun I've had drafting
What an elegant question to ask about a format that has been pretty great in recent memory. Cheers!
A great video covering a great format's uniqueness. I gush about this set's limited environment every time it comes up and I'm glad this video was made. I'll be showing this to people in the years to come.
I love your videos. The fact that I get Magic AND Science tickles my brain like no other. Keep up the great work and looking forward to the next one.
This was so fun to watch! Ur videos are very enjoyable and informative.
Glad to see another Rhystic Study video!
Starting with a Vonnegut reference? 10/10
Yessss, MTG and data analysis? This is fucking Christmas to me!
I had my own little epiphany with kicker. And how artifacts like prophetic prism could allow for mono color with a wubrg splash. This occurred while building a pauper cube only to tragically find out prophetic prism is banned in the format.
Tron is mono-colored is most formats, but it’s 5-color in Pauper. Prophetic Prism and cards like it are the reason why. Energy Refractor from BRO has taken up that slot now
Luckily we still have Chromatic Star, Chromatic Sphere, Wizard’s Rockets, Energy Refractor, and Crystal Grotto lol
Hell yeah! So happy to see this video drop!
Awesome video! Drafting is my favorite way to play, and I love the exploration of one of my all time favorite formats. Shout outs to my favorite drafters to watch, Day9 and Numot are also great to see.
For me, i love just how much it felt like th format was always daring you to play one more color.
I know people lament tapped lands especially in edh and precons, but when used smartly like in DMU they add so much to the limited experience. Slowing down the turn pacing slightly, but a trade off of wider options and flexibility, balances out the gameplay experience in a hugely meaningful ways including pushing the importance of decision making while not pushing the format into a deterministic quagmire.
I haven't even started the video yet but I can tell this is a banger. Love the sponsors btw.
Super interesting. I am glad that it was mentioned that stats can’t tell you everything, important to keep in mind
My motto for content creation is "data should be the servant, not the master"
I've been saving this one all weekend for today - sit back relax and DELVE!
Love the focus on limited this time!
Now I'm looking forward to videos from you about Cube Draft. This felt like a fantastic intro into that :D
Leave it to Rhystic Studies to have a video be completely out of left field, yet still be quite compelling.
19:10 Dominaria was the first set I drafted with my friends. I did not research and went for Azorius when I noticed nobody was grabbing. Figured that'd give me the best selection at least. Nobody, including myself, knew that Wingmantle Chaplain and Shield-Wall sentinel would go that fucking hard lol
So happy to see Sierkovitz on here!!
This is so cool, my favorite set to draft and an awesome use of data.
I love your Videos on art and the realms of MTG most, but this was, as always, very well done. Keep it up!
Love all your videos! Interesting number crunch
WAKE UP!
New Rhystic Studies!
I love this! More of this please!!
what an insanely good video. thanks a bunch.
This is awesome! Do more of these format evaluations!
After seeing all the tweets with DMU draft decks I should have seen this video coming, but it’s a welcome surprise! May need to pick up a box
Love the story shape with drafting tips. Love your work.
Love the scribble of Vonnegut at the end, particularily the hair :)
Sam, you can't have art AND math. That'd make you too powerful!
DMU is what inspired me to make an Invasion-Block cube. Drafting this slightly shaggy and decision heavy format where your opponent could surprise you (or you them) with an odd splash felt like such a unique and refreshing experience compared to the lean, fast two color formats of modern magic. And seeing as Invasion block was the biggest inspiration, I just had to go back to it and see how classic magic managed something similar.
Great job Pawel, this is an awesome Collab!
gorgeous video!
Babe wake up new spy family dropped yesterday and now Rhystic Studies
Thanks for a great video! And thanks to Siergovich!
Dominaria united was quite the set
I put together a DMU cube out of some booster boxes I got for my birthday! Now I just need people to draft it with...
Definitely a good one
Fantastic video and excellent Vonnegut references!
Half hour rhystic studies video essay on dominaria? It's going to be a good Sunday 😎
It took the best limited format for me quickly and still holds strong. LOTR was a good contender, but DMU is a step beyond NEO, BRO, KALD, MID, STRIX & LOTR. Great great format. Never got tired of playing it.
This was my first draft format, so I enjoyed this quite a lot.
Definitely my favourite set in a long time
Absolutely loved the video and glad to see sierko on your channel. So cool!
Bummed that people are gonna start buying up loose DMU boxes. I've enjoyed drafting it for $85 these last many months.
Just when I thought this game has burned me out. Sam comes in and links Vonnegut with my favorite format since Ikoria and reminds me of why I love this game. Thank you ❤️
The point about Dominaria United coming after two disliked sets I think rings true. It felt good to see the set after the nonesense that was Capenna.
Rhystic Studies draft video? Incredible!
fantastic video!
I'm not big into drafting generally, but I quick-drafted a lot of DMU. Something really notable about this set is how ubiquitous its cards were in the Jump-In sealed format, which speaks volumes on how flexible the set is.
I was just thinking about when a new episode was coming out!!
The 5/5 discounting cycle were such standouts for the set. They felt *so* good to play, and they had decent cohesion when put together sans Terror.
I end up going 2 color in most drafts except SNC and my third draft play of LTR-I was passed a Tom Bombadil and went five color lol. I haven't played DMU even though it was the main set when I first started playing Magic but this made me really want to dig into it and play with my friends.
I gave up on playing Magic recently simply due to choices of the company itself over the last few years, but I will always come back for videos like this
Borbor/Fbl seems like a super cool idea!
Lol, I opend a Jodah at release. . .knew immediately he was NOT getting played that afternoon and set him aside for janky commander fun later.
I find the intricacies of drafting to just be overwhelming, however I love learning the stats behind things. I think part of what made DMU so fun was that there were multiple viable options when it came to playing. . .and for those of us not super informed for the nuances of a draft (or even release) it was easier to pick up and build something that might actually work while still being able to splash into third even fourth colors for cards that looked fun to use and would not normally be viable.