By now you all probably know that this card can
make various infinite combos in various formats.
You probably also know that it's the only
Ascendancy that really does that, which suggests
that it probably wasn't intentional. Of course,
it does a lot of things that aren't that as
well, and I do think it's a little unfortunate
that it will probably be remembered more for its
unfair applications. Its story does, however,
illustrate the power and impact of anything that
gives you a global repeatable effect, much less
does so as a reward for doing something you were
doing anyway. Next time, perhaps we should all
take more note of such cards earlier on!
The number three card of the year is Jeskai
Ascendancy which is a three mana Blue, Red, and
White enchantment that allows you to draw a card
and then discard a card plus gives creatures you
control +1/+1 until end of turn and untaps them
when you cast a non-creature spell. This
is solid support for a deck balancing a creature
based offensive with combat tricks or removal as
untapping and giving the +1/+1 after declaring
the attack or before declaring them as blockers
is probably the most efficient usage. It
is a bit telegraphed, so an opponent can be
prepared for it, though the value is definitely
there and the hand filter can help set up
additional uses.
In Limited this is a very strong card for
maintaining offensive and defensive options more
often and is well worth working around in Sealed
by splashing a third color. In Booster it
is a solid, if somewhat restrictive, first pick
that can be the cornerstone to aggressive or
control builds depending on the pool.
