Malakir Bloodwitch
 
This card already has an excellent pedigree, having been adopted in many Standard decks as a defense against Baneslayer Angel. Being a Vampire is, as I've become fond of saying, a welcome bonus. Looking at that triggered ability, though, I can't help but think there must be a way to make it hit for like 9,000 or something. Rite of Replication for the win? That might be something to work on over the Christmas break!
 
Happy holidays, loyal readers! We'll see you again real soon. 2010 looks like being a big year - more collector's products and another new-style core set are on the schedule, not to mention Worldwake and Rise of the Eldrazi. It's going to be huge.
 
Constructed: 3/5
Casual: 3/5
Limited: 4/5
Multiplayer: 3/5

Wednesday

12-23-09

Malakir Bloodwitch

Constructed: A good finisher for Vampire decks to get the last bit of damage in. Great against white decks because of her pro white ability. Good side board card.

Casual & Multiplayer: This is one of the top Vampire cards for all of the Vampire decks that are out there. And it is not Legendary.

Limited: Open up enough Vampires and you are good to go. It is a 4/4 flyer for only 5 mana makes it very playable. Top pick in any draft.

Overall a good Vampire. And the pro white makes it more flavorable.

Constructed: 3

Casual: 4

Multiplayer: 3

Limited: 4

Merry Christmas.

Miguel

Today's card of the day is Malakir Bloodwitch which at five mana is a reminder of the original vampires in magic and their higher casting costs. The cost is quite justified though as you get a 4/4 with Flying and Protection From White, plus a bit of life draining thrown in for good measure.

For Constructed and Casual this isn't a bad creature, especially against someone playing White for their removal, but it doesn't really control the board enough for the cost. A decent top of the mana curve for a vampire deck, but not a bomb drop unless multiple other vampires are already in play.

With Limited this is a nice first pick as a big creature with evasion and protection as many decks will feature White cards. Other vampires should then become a high priority for drafting in Booster and should of course be included in a Sealed deck as well. The effect may not win a game in this format, but a 4/4 with Flying certainly can.

In Multiplayer things change pretty drastically as the nature of the format promotes a bit of time to build up and the effect hits all opponents. This can very easily net you twelve or more life if the deck is designed to take advantage of it. Bloodghast is almost a must for the build as it is an easy additional vampire to get into play for maximum benefit the turn Bloodwitch is played.

Constructed: 3.0
Casual: 3.0
Limited: 4.5
Multiplayer: 4.5