This is most of the time a worse Phyrexian Arena. This is also part of what makes mono-black so good right now, and the number one reason why mono-black does not auto-lose to Azorius control. Without this in Standard, I don't care how many Pack Rats, Nightveils or Desecration Demons you run, mono-black would not have dominated. Not even with Thoughtseize. Because any control deck can one-for-one your early threats and then draw an enormous amount of cards via Divination, Jace and Sphinx's Revelation. If it weren't for this card, that is.
An extra card a turn is this good. We didn't seem to realize this in the days of 9th edition, but those who knew better played Phyrexian Arena and watched their opponents hopelessly trying to answer two of their cards with each card.
Posted By:
sweetgab
(1/30/2014 3:02:29 PM)
One way this is better than Phyrexian Arena is that the draw comes at instant speed at any time of your choice. In response to your opponent's spells or in the middle of combat. Dig for those answers at the exact moment you need them.
Posted By:
miilkshake
(10/28/2012 1:56:47 PM)
Urban Burgeoning would work well with it.
Posted By:
Cyberium
(9/26/2012 12:50:47 AM)
conveniently synergizes with urban burgeoning
Posted By:
Arachibutyrophobia
(9/28/2012 7:55:03 PM)
HELL YES!!!!!!!!! PHYREXIAN ARENA FTW!!!!!!!! Who cares that it essentially has an upkeep cost of 
, this is awesome!
Posted By:
Superllama12
(9/25/2012 6:37:28 PM)
Half a Sign in Blood continually sounds very nice. 4/5
Posted By:
Purplerooster
(10/11/2012 8:22:12 PM)
EDH with Phrexian Arena, Bloodgift Demon, and this. Kill 'em with Card Advantage.
DarthParallax, Nicely done sir.
Posted By:
General_Naga
(10/3/2012 12:52:31 AM)
General Naga- Why stop there? Let's go Vintage! NECROPOTENCE! Griselbrand! Yawgmoth's Bargain! Sign in Blood! Skeletal Scrying! I pay twenty billion life to draw twenty billion cards! I still have 5,999,999,999 life left and I drew my BATTLE OF WITS! I win because I have over 2,999,999,999 cards in my library! (I shuffle my library with the Force, thus circumventing the two-hands ruling on BoW)
BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!!!! CARDS!!!!!!!!!! BEAUTIFUL, GLORIOUS CARDS!!!!!!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Posted By:
DarthParallax
(9/28/2012 9:13:29 PM)
The flavor seems much stronger than the arena. I like that when your life total is getting low you can choose not to activate it.
Posted By:
lorendorky
(9/28/2012 12:39:45 AM)
Another rare staple for black decks. Combined with a little lifegain from blood artist or tablet of the guilds, this card basically has no drawback.
Also, this is the only card that street sweeper remotely gives a crap about. Crap giving a crap, lol what a good joke.
Posted By:
Vakyoom
(9/26/2012 4:06:34 PM)