Though the Standard format will still be more diverse than usual for this time of the Magic calendar year, the loss of Kamigawa block in total does reduce the depth of the cardpool. This change of the guard will serve in part to highlight the strength of the remaining stand-outs. In this article I will address these “nasty nine” from Ravnica block and Coldsnap. These nine cards shape the current landscape of Standard Pauper and aren’t going away any time soon. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help the aspiring Pauper navigate the wilderness of the new Standard.

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