Cube Draft: Difference between revisions
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'''Cube Draft''' is a [[casual]] ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[format]] where [[player]]s create a '''cube''', a large pool of cards selected to play a [[limited]] game.<ref>{{DailyRef|feature/casual-formats-2008-08-11|Casual Formats|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|August 11, 2008}}</ref> | |||
'''Cube Draft''' is a [[casual]] ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' [[format]] where [[player]]s create a '''cube''', a large pool of cards selected | |||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
Cube Draft encompasses many of the most enjoyable aspects of ''Magic'', combining elements of both [[Constructed]] and Limited play, trading, and playing the game with friends.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/boy-and-his-cube-2010-01-01|A Boy and his Cube|[[Tom LaPille]]|June 05, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/power-cubed-2012-11-27|Power, Cubed|[[Max McCall]]|November 27, 2012}}</ref> To prepare for this format, a player (or, if you prefer, your entire playgroup) prepares a "cube" — a specifically selected set of at least 360 different cards. Many cubes contain upwards of 720 cards to provide more variety among drafts. | Cube Draft encompasses many of the most enjoyable aspects of ''Magic'', combining elements of both [[Constructed]] and Limited play, trading, and playing the game with friends.<ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/boy-and-his-cube-2010-01-01|A Boy and his Cube|[[Tom LaPille]]|June 05, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|feature/power-cubed-2012-11-27|Power, Cubed|[[Max McCall]]|November 27, 2012}}</ref> To prepare for this format, a player (or, if you prefer, your entire playgroup) prepares a "cube" — a specifically selected set of at least 360 different cards. Many cubes contain upwards of 720 cards to provide more variety among drafts. | ||
Once the cube has been built, you can use it for any [[draft]] format. The most popular option is to build makeshift "[[booster pack]]s" out of 15 [[ | Once the cube has been built, you can use it for any [[draft]] format. The most popular option is to build makeshift "[[booster pack]]s" out of 15 [[Random|randomly]] selected cards from the cube and then run a regular [[Booster Draft]]. But you can also use your cube for [[Winston Draft]], [[Solomon Draft]], or any other kind of draft format. | ||
Building a cube is a great way to get some extra play value out of your favorite cards, or even out of cards that haven't found a home in your Constructed decks. The best aspect of it is how personalized it is. Every cube is different, and you can build the pool of cards you'll draft however you choose. Some players even create intricate lists of the most powerful ''Magic'' cards ever created and try to include each one in their cube. | |||
==Magic Online== | ==Magic Online== | ||
| Line 22: | Line 19: | ||
[[MTG Arena]] released its first Cube experience in April 2020 with Cube Sealed, primarily to showcase the card list and potential gameplay. The pool was drawn from the [[Historic (format)|Historic]] format. With pod drafting released during the ''[[Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths]]'' update, the Arena Cube premiered on June 12th and ran for two weeks, until the release of ''[[Core Set 2021]]''. | [[MTG Arena]] released its first Cube experience in April 2020 with Cube Sealed, primarily to showcase the card list and potential gameplay. The pool was drawn from the [[Historic (format)|Historic]] format. With pod drafting released during the ''[[Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths]]'' update, the Arena Cube premiered on June 12th and ran for two weeks, until the release of ''[[Core Set 2021]]''. | ||
A second iteration of the cube, the lower-powered Tinkerer's Cube, was released on September 4th in advance of ''[[Zendikar Rising]]''. A third iteration was announced for June 25th, ahead of ''[[Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms]]'', called the Chromatic Cube. | A second iteration of the cube, the lower-powered Tinkerer's Cube, was released on September 4th in advance of ''[[Zendikar Rising]]''. A third iteration was announced for June 25th, ahead of ''[[Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms]]'', called the Chromatic Cube, with a greater emphasis on multicolor. | ||
Cubes are usually available in the last week or weeks before the release of a new draftable set as drafting interest is usually lower at that point. The payouts are in gold rather than gems, and events are all phantom. | |||
In 2024, a new form of curated drafting was released known as "Remix Draft". Structurally, it differs by allowing collectability, normal prizing structure and uses a more standard booster collation - the first Remix was shortly after the change to Play Boosters, which had a notoriously swingy selection of rarities. April's rendition of the Draft was themed around artifacts. | |||
==Tournament Play== | ==Tournament Play== | ||
It was one of the formats played at the 2007 [[Magic Invitational]]. The 2012 [[Worlds|Players Championship]] also adopted Cube Draft as one of their formats played. | It was one of the formats played at the 2007 [[Magic Invitational]]. The 2012 [[Worlds|Players Championship]] also adopted Cube Draft as one of their formats played. The [[Magic Online Premier Play Program]] regularly uses it in their playoff tournaments, and Arena events sometimes use Cube as their format. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Cube booster.jpg|Original cube booster for Magic Online | Cube booster.jpg|Original cube booster for ''Magic Online'' | ||
Legacy Cube booster.png|Legacy cube booster for Magic Online | Legacy Cube booster.png|Legacy cube booster for ''Magic Online'' | ||
LCU Booster.png|Legendary cube booster for Magic Online | LCU Booster.png|Legendary cube booster for ''Magic Online'' | ||
MTGO Cube Boosters.png|Holiday cube boosters for Magic Online | MTGO Cube Boosters.png|Holiday cube boosters for ''Magic Online'' | ||
File:MOX CUB3.jpg| | Vintage Cube booster MTGO.png|Vintage cube booster for ''Magic Online'' | ||
File:MOX CUB3.jpg|[[Ultra•PRO]] deck box for a Cube | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| Line 45: | Line 45: | ||
*{{DailyRef|how-build/building-your-first-cube-2016-05-19|Building Your First Cube|[[Melissa DeTora]]|May 19, 2016}} | *{{DailyRef|how-build/building-your-first-cube-2016-05-19|Building Your First Cube|[[Melissa DeTora]]|May 19, 2016}} | ||
*{{DailyRef|ways-play/conspiracycube-2016-08-23|Conspiracy...Cube!|[[Bruce Richard]]|August 23, 2016}} | *{{DailyRef|ways-play/conspiracycube-2016-08-23|Conspiracy...Cube!|[[Bruce Richard]]|August 23, 2016}} | ||
*{{WebRef|url=https://luckypaper.co/articles/the-history-of-the-cube-format/|title=The History of The Cube Format|author=Parker LaMascus|date=February 16, 2023|publisher=Luckypaper.co}} | |||
===Magic Online=== | ===Magic Online=== | ||
| Line 59: | Line 60: | ||
*{{DailyRef|magic-online/spotlight-cube-series-nega-cube-2021-03-30|Cube Spotlight Series - Nega Cube|Natalie Weizenbaum|March 30, 2021}} | *{{DailyRef|magic-online/spotlight-cube-series-nega-cube-2021-03-30|Cube Spotlight Series - Nega Cube|Natalie Weizenbaum|March 30, 2021}} | ||
*{{DailyRef|magic-online/modern-cube-magic-online-2021-06-22|Modern Cube on Magic Online|[[Emma Handy]]|June 22, 2021}} | *{{DailyRef|magic-online/modern-cube-magic-online-2021-06-22|Modern Cube on Magic Online|[[Emma Handy]]|June 22, 2021}} | ||
===Magic Arena=== | |||
*{{DailyRef|magic-digital/tinkerers-cube-comes-mtg-arena|Tinkerer's Cube Comes to MTG Arena|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|September 2, 2021}} | |||
{{formats|Draft}} | {{formats|Draft}} | ||
Latest revision as of 00:05, 3 April 2024
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Cube Draft is a casual Magic: The Gathering format where players create a cube, a large pool of cards selected to play a limited game.[1]
Description
Cube Draft encompasses many of the most enjoyable aspects of Magic, combining elements of both Constructed and Limited play, trading, and playing the game with friends.[2][3] To prepare for this format, a player (or, if you prefer, your entire playgroup) prepares a "cube" — a specifically selected set of at least 360 different cards. Many cubes contain upwards of 720 cards to provide more variety among drafts.
Once the cube has been built, you can use it for any draft format. The most popular option is to build makeshift "booster packs" out of 15 randomly selected cards from the cube and then run a regular Booster Draft. But you can also use your cube for Winston Draft, Solomon Draft, or any other kind of draft format.
Building a cube is a great way to get some extra play value out of your favorite cards, or even out of cards that haven't found a home in your Constructed decks. The best aspect of it is how personalized it is. Every cube is different, and you can build the pool of cards you'll draft however you choose. Some players even create intricate lists of the most powerful Magic cards ever created and try to include each one in their cube.
Magic Online
Cube Draft is a popular format on Magic Online which is held on occasionally on selected periods. The Magic Online Championship Series occasionally adopted Cube Draft as one of the formats they played throughout the whole season. Various Cubes are on offer, usually based on the format; Vintage and Legacy Cubes are popular, while Modern cubes and other personally curated cubes rotate in and out.
Magic Arena
MTG Arena released its first Cube experience in April 2020 with Cube Sealed, primarily to showcase the card list and potential gameplay. The pool was drawn from the Historic format. With pod drafting released during the Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths update, the Arena Cube premiered on June 12th and ran for two weeks, until the release of Core Set 2021.
A second iteration of the cube, the lower-powered Tinkerer's Cube, was released on September 4th in advance of Zendikar Rising. A third iteration was announced for June 25th, ahead of Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, called the Chromatic Cube, with a greater emphasis on multicolor.
Cubes are usually available in the last week or weeks before the release of a new draftable set as drafting interest is usually lower at that point. The payouts are in gold rather than gems, and events are all phantom.
In 2024, a new form of curated drafting was released known as "Remix Draft". Structurally, it differs by allowing collectability, normal prizing structure and uses a more standard booster collation - the first Remix was shortly after the change to Play Boosters, which had a notoriously swingy selection of rarities. April's rendition of the Draft was themed around artifacts.
Tournament Play
It was one of the formats played at the 2007 Magic Invitational. The 2012 Players Championship also adopted Cube Draft as one of their formats played. The Magic Online Premier Play Program regularly uses it in their playoff tournaments, and Arena events sometimes use Cube as their format.
Gallery
-
Original cube booster for Magic Online
-
Legacy cube booster for Magic Online
-
Legendary cube booster for Magic Online
-
Holiday cube boosters for Magic Online
-
Vintage cube booster for Magic Online
-
Ultra•PRO deck box for a Cube
References
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 11, 2008). "Casual Formats". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Tom LaPille (June 05, 2009). "A Boy and his Cube". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Max McCall (November 27, 2012). "Power, Cubed". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
External links
- Meghan Wolff (April 29, 2016). "Fantastic Cubes and How We Build Them". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Melissa DeTora (May 19, 2016). "Building Your First Cube". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Bruce Richard (August 23, 2016). "Conspiracy...Cube!". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Parker LaMascus (February 16, 2023). "The History of The Cube Format". Luckypaper.co.
Magic Online
- Monty Ashley (March 13, 2012). "Magic Online Cube". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Monty Ashley (September 26, 2012). "The Cube Is Back". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Trick Jarrett (April 30, 2013). "MTGO Cube Returns". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Randy Buehler (November 3, 2014). "The New Magic Online Legacy Cube". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- David Whitfield (August 5, 2015). "Announcing the Legendary Cube". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Jules Robins (March 23, 2016). "Legendary Cube Returns!". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Wizards of the Coast (March 2, 2017). "Modern Cube Cardlist". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Paul Cheon (March 19, 2019). "March 2019 Legacy Cube Overhaul". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Wizards of the Coast (July 17, 2019). "Magic Online Legacy Cube Returns In Time for Gen Con". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Emma Handy (October 13, 2020). "Cube Spotlight Series - Emma Handy's Proliferate Cube". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Natalie Weizenbaum (March 30, 2021). "Cube Spotlight Series - Nega Cube". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- Emma Handy (June 22, 2021). "Modern Cube on Magic Online". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
Magic Arena
- Wizards of the Coast (September 2, 2021). "Tinkerer's Cube Comes to MTG Arena". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.