Dealing with your opponents threats can be difficult as the removal for this set is very limited and creature combat is impossible to avoid. I found myself splashing Death Wind<\/a> and Bone Splinters<\/a> in every deck\u00a0I constructed. On the other hand I have found myself questioning cards such as Pillar of Flame<\/a> and Righteous Blow<\/a>. The toughness of creatures in this format seems higher than normal. Two damage just dosen’t kill enough in this format. I think you still have to play those cards just be weary they may end up in your sideboard. Eaten by Spiders<\/a> on the other hand is an all-star and should probably always make your forty card decks. Most of the creature slaying that will be taking place will occur during combat so cards like Zealous Strike<\/a>, Necrobite<\/a>, and Nightshade Peddler<\/a> should make the cut every time.<\/p>\n AVR presents multiple ways to fix your mana. Whether you are splashing for removal or a game breaking angel or demon\u00a0Vessel of Endless Rest<\/a> provides efficient and needed access to your splash colors. Green offers up Borderland Ranger<\/a> and Abundant Growth<\/a> which go a long way in helping to fix your mana. Also, Amass the Components<\/a> can dig you into the right mana to cast your spells. All in all AVR supplies the tools needed to get the job done, so don’t be afraid to add a card or two of a different color to your decks.<\/p>\n Most of the decks I constructed were slower mid-range decks looking to survive until turns five and six then begin dropping fatties. The first few turns\u00a0were usually spent\u00a0just playing lands and passing the turn. Not that you can’t build aggressive strategies in this format, you need to be sure to have a critical mass of humans to do so. The early drops in this format are negated so quickly do to the number of creatures with high toughness. Cards like Tormentor’s Trident<\/a> and Bladed Bracers<\/a> become enticing for an aggro deck just to be able to break through some of the bodies that you will be facing. The games tend to go long and involve lots of combat. Tight play and grinding your opponent out\u00a0to\u00a0have the last fatty swinging is a sure way to victory.<\/p>\n The format was a blast to play and I am looking forward to drafting the set this weekend. Thanks for reading, I hope this may have shed some light on the sealed format for some of you and good luck at all your release events this weekend.<\/p>\n Side Note:<\/p>\n