1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Although creatures are potentially the most powerful cards in the game of magic there are two general problems that limit them from complete domination of the game. The first is that they take a turn to be useful after being summoned. Summoning sickness is one of the great ideas of magic the gathering, giving the opponent time to react to a new creature. The second reason is that far too often creatures are unable to attack at all leading them to become very little more than a wall.

One card that attempts to address both of these inherent weaknesses in creatures is Ashling's Prerogative a rare enchantment from the Lorwyn expansion set of magic the gathering, it costs one red and one colorless and is a very odd and yet potentially powerful card.

When Ashling's Prerogative comes into play you choose either even or odd, keeping in mind that zero is for the sake of this card considered even. You then compare the converted mana cost of any creature that is in play, or comes into play and if it matches the choice you made it gets haste. On the other hand, if it is the other type it comes into play tapped.

The first problem with this card is that unlike most cards of this type it does not guarantee that you will be truly ahead because of this. You can of course build your deck around creatures with the correct even or odd converted mana cost(though that will limit your choices and likely weaken your deck) but that only effects you. Your opponent who hasn't build his deck around this is likely to have a mixed deck with both types of creatures. This means that in the average game your creatures will all get haste, while half of your opponent's creatures will get haste and the other half will come into play tapped. There is certainly some value in this but not a lot.

More value may be in building a deck that largely does not concern itself with the other players advantage or disadvantage. This can be done by the second part of haste, not only does it let a creature attack, but it allows that same creature to tap to use an ability. This makes it far more difficult for an opponent to stop creature abilities from happening at least once and is quite useful early game on creatures like mana elves, which can tap for mana immediately making them all effectively cost one mana less.

Learn more about this author, Elton Gahr.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Magic the Gathering card analysis: Ashling's Prerogative?
We want to hear your view. Write now!