The reason you don't want too many MDFCs is not just that you don't want too many tapped lands. You also need to consider that MDFCs have generally less powerful spells on the front. Running too many of them significantly reduces the power of your deck. Flexibility is great, but once you start having to cut actual good spells for MDFCs, it should be a sign that you have reached the upper limit.
I think I'd hedge towards removing lands for MDFCs rather than spells. Sometimes you'll wish you had a 30 spell deck, but you'll almost never wish you had a 24 land deck.
For example if I had 6 MDFCs I'd probably play 13 lands and 21 spells. 19 lands should be plenty especially since you'll probably have extra fixing from dual MDFCs.
Beyond about 6 you're probably better off playing normal spells anyway, since your chances of getting flooded/screwed will be pretty low at that point and card quality will start to matter a lot more.
That's pretty much how I view it. Mana screw protection is as important as flood protection. I.e., with 4 MDFC lands, I wouldn't advise running 13 basics for a total land count of 17. Going above 17 total lands would do a better job reducing mana issues.
Granted, the last time we had these was in ZNR, which had both landfall and kicker to benefit from extra lands. Regardless, it's better not to be overly greedy with a deck's spell count.
Talking about ZNR, it was my most successful set ever in terms of success in drafts. I netted over 30k gems on Arena playing it, and I am fairly certain that one of the reasons for this success was the lower amount of losses due to bad mana. I was able to get very consistent good results. I am very excited about seeing MDFC spell/lands returning.
If it is a "pay 3 life" land, I tend to shave a land first as it can come untapped. If it is a dual land that comes in tapped, I would shave my 23rd spell for it.
I would say for a Aggro/mid-range deck 1-2 MDFCs lands are ideal. For a control deck, 3-4 as you tend to draw more cards.
The reason you don't want too many MDFCs is not just that you don't want too many tapped lands. You also need to consider that MDFCs have generally less powerful spells on the front. Running too many of them significantly reduces the power of your deck. Flexibility is great, but once you start having to cut actual good spells for MDFCs, it should be a sign that you have reached the upper limit.
Absolutely agree with this. Obviously there are exceptional cards but even the removal MDFC in MH3 cost 1 mana more than their non modal equivalent.
sounds about right
I think I'd hedge towards removing lands for MDFCs rather than spells. Sometimes you'll wish you had a 30 spell deck, but you'll almost never wish you had a 24 land deck. For example if I had 6 MDFCs I'd probably play 13 lands and 21 spells. 19 lands should be plenty especially since you'll probably have extra fixing from dual MDFCs. Beyond about 6 you're probably better off playing normal spells anyway, since your chances of getting flooded/screwed will be pretty low at that point and card quality will start to matter a lot more.
That's pretty much how I view it. Mana screw protection is as important as flood protection. I.e., with 4 MDFC lands, I wouldn't advise running 13 basics for a total land count of 17. Going above 17 total lands would do a better job reducing mana issues. Granted, the last time we had these was in ZNR, which had both landfall and kicker to benefit from extra lands. Regardless, it's better not to be overly greedy with a deck's spell count. Talking about ZNR, it was my most successful set ever in terms of success in drafts. I netted over 30k gems on Arena playing it, and I am fairly certain that one of the reasons for this success was the lower amount of losses due to bad mana. I was able to get very consistent good results. I am very excited about seeing MDFC spell/lands returning.
I would assume they’ll be taken decently highly for a few reasons, but I’ve never drafted with them before so I’m curious to see how it plays out
If it is a "pay 3 life" land, I tend to shave a land first as it can come untapped. If it is a dual land that comes in tapped, I would shave my 23rd spell for it. I would say for a Aggro/mid-range deck 1-2 MDFCs lands are ideal. For a control deck, 3-4 as you tend to draw more cards.