I was planning to do a post on Magic fatigue in the family but decided instead to do one about Noah’s plans to start a new league (the new set fatigue is real though) after a long chat with him.

With Standard rotation coming up relatively quickly, I told Noah about this former standard format called Amber. He sounded intrigued but was more interested in some kind of format around a single block. “What about decks built around Khans of Tarkir?” I had to remind him that none of us played at the time – although Noah bought a fair amount of packs from Tarkir sets while it was still relatively new.

I proposed instead some kind of league format where everyone playing would start with a certain number of packs and add to it every week with a new one. That set off a discussion about what decks to use. What about Ixalan? Strixhaven? New Capenna? Shadows over Innistrad? So, I further proposed a Chaos element to it where every week, a pack from a new block would be added. That set off further discussions.

“If I have a deck built around Magecraft, I’m gonna pick a block that favours that mechanic,” pointed out Noah.

“So let whoever is in last place that week pick the new pack,” I proposed. “That way, they will pick a pack that is likely to help them but may not be as beneficial to the other players.”

Noah seemed to like the idea. I suggested that he write down the rules and talk to whoever would be part of this league to make sure that everyone was onboard. I reminded him that not all his friends might want to buy a new pack of cards every week to satisfy his ambitions to come up with a new format. He did point out that I would be part of this league – Likely more to pad out the numbers than some more noble sense of inclusion to be fair.

Let’s see how it goes and if Noah does carry through. If nothing else, it is helping us focus more on game play and less on the constant barrage of new sets coming out. For the record, we are sitting out Double Masters despite the set having some great cards simply due to the cost. The Double Masters 2022 – Draft Booster Box hit $499.99 at Face to Face (somewhat cheaper at 401 Games but still a very pricy proposition) while single packs are going for $19.95. Just a bit too rich for our blood. Especially after the let down of Command Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate.

Anyone have experience with some kind of league play? How does it work? Let us know below.