How Does 4HM Function as a Constructed Format?

How does 4HM function as a constructed format? It's pretty simple when you take the time and break down what made block constructed formats function in the early days of magic. The ingredients that make a well rounded format are all here.

First, as in any well constructed format, you need a large main set with a large card pool to draw from. When it comes to 4HM, the answer is simple, Legends consists of 310 cards ranging from out-right unplayable to format warping power houses, a good variety to set a solid base.

Second, you need a few smaller sized expansion sets with a similar play style to supplement the base set. With Antiquities being 85 cards and Arabian Nights having 78 functional unique cards, The Dark then rounds out the expansions with another 119 cards. they combine to 282 cards. When compared to other block constructed sets like Urza's Legacy (143 cards) and Urza's Destiny (143 cards) and a combined total of 286 cards, you end up with a similar card pool.

Third, the colors need to have a baseline of cards that their identity is based on. Green needs to have some sort of ramp as well as a stable of large stompy creatures, enter cards like Untamed Wilds (LEG) and Elves of Deep Shadow (DRK) and we can't forget the Erhnam Djinn (ARN). Red needs to have speed, burn and sometimes goblins, this format has it all with the power house burn spell Chain Lightning (LEG), there are also plenty of goblins including the Goblin Wizard (DRK) and let's not forget one of the most aggro creatures of all time Kird Ape(ARN). Blue is still here, and still as irritating as ever with it's stable of artifact support power houses like Transmute Artifact (ANT) and Power Artifact (ANT) and of course, counter spells, take your pick from Mana Drain (LEG), Remove Soul (LEG), Force Spike (LEG). White gets it fair share of love in the format and since the beginning of time, it draws heavily on artifact removal, life gain and enchantment support with Spirit Link (LEG) and Divine Offering (LEG) seeing play in almost every deck that has ever played white, a favorite splash color to add a good amount of defense to any deck! Black still hates everything you do of course, want a creature on the board? Ashes to Ashes (DRK) and The Abyss (LEG) would like a word, like to draw cards? Chains of Mephistopheles (LEG) and Underworld Dreams (LEG) have other plans. Black also has it's fair share of powerful creatures as well, Fallen Angel (LEG), Guardian Beast (ARN) and Juzam Djinn (ARN) to name a few. This format also introduces Gold cards which can add a lot of spice to your favorite multi-colored deck. Dark Heart of the Woods (DRK) quickly became a player favorite for it versatility being able to keep you alive long enough to finish your opponent or to help trigger your Land Tax (LEG).

Last, but certainly not least, every good format should have a good supporting cast of lands. With the inclusion of the ABU dual land cycle, multi color decks not only become viable in this format, but they thrive! Some other super powerful lands from magics history also find a home in this format Diamond Valley (ARN), Maze of Ith (DRK), Mishra's Workshop and Factory (ANT), Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale (LEG), Bazaar of Baghdad (ARN) and the card loved just as much as it is hated, Library of Alexandria (ARN). The format also includes the suite of Tron lands from Antiquities powering out some of the strongest artifacts in the format like Triskelion (ANT), Tetravus (ANT) and Jalum Tome (ANT).

It is my opinion that all four of these are key metrics to make any format practical to play and function properly. There is also one intangible factor for any format, whether it be block constructed or a format brewed in a Texas basement, it has to be fun to play! Take from this grey bearded, grumpy, bordering on oldish man when I tell that this format is indeed fun, don't knock it until you've tried it first!

Cheers,

Derrick Sailer, After School Special