Following a series of catch-up posts that started with an outdated Limited Review for Odyssey, a set that has been on the shelves for months now, Gary Wise, Limited Analyst at www.sideboard.com, took the Time Machine and reviewed all M:tG sets that ever saw print as far as back to Arabian Nights.

"I had this writer's block for months, but suddenly it went away. So I started catching up, and after my backlog was cleared, I just went on and dug further into the past."

Reminiscent of Forrest Gump's not being able to stop running and crossing the United States thrice, Gary's marathon writing feat will allow cheap booster draft fan Anthony Alongi to actually have a clue in the difficult Fallen Empires/Homelands/5th Edition format.

But does anybody still draft Arabian Nights?

"The Maher family could do it," replied a hesitant Wise. "I guess Peter Adkinson would be able to afford it, too," he added after some hard thinking. "After all, he'd have every reason to get nostalgic about Magic someday!"

The current market price for a sealed box of Arabian Night boosters is $38 million.

"Adkinson could get almost ten boxes," precised Mr. Wise.

What about Alpha and Beta, though?

"They're almost the same as Unlimited," shrugged Mr. Wise, "except that in Alpha, mono black is a more viable strategy. Besides, there is no known supply of Alpha on the market," he added. "The only material I know about is a sealed Alpha starter that is owned by the estate of 1895 world champion Alexander Blumke, and that starter is locked in the vault of a Swiss bank."

Could you sum up the article for MiseTings readers? How would you advise the Mahers or Adkinson to draft Arabian Nights?

"White is tormenting – I mean, it is hopelessly weak. On top of that, some cards in this color have been banned since September of last year, so I would avoid it. First-pick Libraries, Djinns, Efreets, most Rings, Eggs and everything that comes from Cairo – oh, and Sindbad if you are able to play with Ice Age lands. Do not expect to see any Juzams – all boosters with those have been opened. Multiple Nafs Asp and Wyluli Wolves are supposed to be good. Your last picks will usually be Lamps, Sandals of Abdallah and Mountains, except if Dan Bock drafts at your table. Finally, if you manage to get a City in a Bottle, play with 41 cards."

Mr. Wise – we'll take your word for it. Thank you for the interview.

"You're welcome. Watch for my limited review of Pat Chapin's set in the near future!"

Discuss this article in the Magic: the Gathering Forums!

Following a series of catch-up posts that started with an outdated Limited Review for Odyssey, a set that has been on the shelves for months now, Gary Wise, Limited Analyst at www.sideboard.com, took the Time Machine and reviewed all M:tG sets that ever saw print as far as back to Arabian Nights.

"I had this writer's block for months, but suddenly it went away. So I started catching up, and after my backlog was cleared, I just went on and dug further into the past."

Reminiscent of Forrest Gump's not being able to stop running and crossing the United States thrice, Gary's marathon writing feat will allow cheap booster draft fan Anthony Alongi to actually have a clue in the difficult Fallen Empires/Homelands/5th Edition format.

But does anybody still draft Arabian Nights?

"The Maher family could do it," replied a hesitant Wise. "I guess Peter Adkinson would be able to afford it, too," he added after some hard thinking. "After all, he'd have every reason to get nostalgic about Magic someday!"

The current market price for a sealed box of Arabian Night boosters is $38 million.

"Adkinson could get almost ten boxes," precised Mr. Wise.

What about Alpha and Beta, though?

"They're almost the same as Unlimited," shrugged Mr. Wise, "except that in Alpha, mono black is a more viable strategy. Besides, there is no known supply of Alpha on the market," he added. "The only material I know about is a sealed Alpha starter that is owned by the estate of 1895 world champion Alexander Blumke, and that starter is locked in the vault of a Swiss bank."

Could you sum up the article for MiseTings readers? How would you advise the Mahers or Adkinson to draft Arabian Nights?

"White is tormenting – I mean, it is hopelessly weak. On top of that, some cards in this color have been banned since September of last year, so I would avoid it. First-pick Libraries, Djinns, Efreets, most Rings, Eggs and everything that comes from Cairo – oh, and Sindbad if you are able to play with Ice Age lands. Do not expect to see any Juzams – all boosters with those have been opened. Multiple Nafs Asp and Wyluli Wolves are supposed to be good. Your last picks will usually be Lamps, Sandals of Abdallah and Mountains, except if Dan Bock drafts at your table. Finally, if you manage to get a City in a Bottle, play with 41 cards."

Mr. Wise – we'll take your word for it. Thank you for the interview.

"You're welcome. Watch for my limited review of Pat Chapin's set in the near future!"

Discuss this article in the Magic: the Gathering Forums!