One cycle of cards that has made a surprisingly large impact on Constructed is the “Talent” cycle of Classes in Bloomburrow. Caretaker’s Talent has completely taken over Standard, as Boros tokens has become one of the best decks. Meanwhile, Innkeeper’s Talent has given rise to a neat Golgari shell thanks to its ability to combo with Vraska’ Betrayal’s Sting.
Today, we’re going to take a look at one particular talent that certainly flew under the radar during spoiler season. The card in question is Bandit’s Talent. Bandit’s Talent is an interesting card that, by itself, isn’t the most exciting. However, in decks that utilize a discard theme, the card can singlehandedly win the game over time. There are two particular decks, one in Standard and one in Pioneer, where Bandit’s Talent shines brightest.
Orzhov Pixie
- Mana Value: 1B
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Card Type: Enchantment – Class
- MTG Set: Bloomburrow
- Text: (Gain the next level as a sorcery to add its ability.) When Bandit’s Talent enters, each opponent discards two cards unless they discard a nonland card. Level 2: B: At the beginning of each opponent’s upkeep, if that player has one or fewer cards in hand, they lose 2 life. Level 3: 3B: At the beginning of your draw step, draw an additional card for each opponent who has one or fewer cards in hand.
The first deck where Bandit’s Talent makes its presence felt is Orzhov Pixie in Standard. This deck is focused on dwindling the opponent’s resources. By using Nurturing Pixie in conjunction with both Bandit’s Talent and Hopeless Nightmare, you can keep forcing your opponent to discard a bunch of their cards.
Once you have whittled away your opponent’s hand, leveling up Bandit’s Talent becomes very appealing. The life loss adds up, and the final ability acts as great flood protection.
Notably, Bandit’s Talent works well alongside Rottenmouth Viper. First, if you can force the opponent to discard their removal spells, you may slam Rottenmouth Viper and win the game in short order. Bandit’s Talent is also an Enchantment that you can sacrifice to Rottenmouth Viper to make the potent Snake cheaper to cast. Further, the more cards the opponent has had to discard during the game, the less they will be able to discard via Rottenouth Viper’s triggered ability. This archetype is very synergistic, and Bandit’s Talent is a big reason for its success.
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Mono-Black Waste Not
- Mana Value: 1B
- Rarity: Rare
- Card Type: Enchantment
- MTG Set: Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanted Tales, Secret Lair, Commander 2016, Magic 2015
- Text: Whenever an opponent discards a creature card, create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token. Whenever an opponent discards a land card, ad BB to your mana pool. Whenever an opponent discards a noncreature, nonland card, draw a card.
The other shell where Bandit’s Talent appears to be making a bit splash is mono-black Waste Not in Pioneer. Once again, this deck focuses heavily on winning grindy games by running the opponent out of resources. Cards like Thoughtseize and Go Blank go a long way in helping maximize both Waste Not and Bandit’s Talent. Bandit’s Talent is a solid follow-up to Waste Not, too, letting you get value out of your namesake enchantment.
One of the major weaknesses this deck has had over the years, though, is that when you don’t stick Waste Not, your game plan can be a bit weak. This is because you are no longer getting tons of value out of forcing the opponent to discard cards, and the deck doesn’t play many top-end threats to close the game with.
This is where Bandit’s Talent gets its edge. Bandit’s Talent is a solid mana sink that can also help you close the game when you don’t draw Waste Not. As you continue to keep the board clear with removal and the opponent’s hand empty with discard spells, Bandit’s Talent can sit there plugging away at the opponent’s life total. Bandit’s Talent remains underrated. If you’ve got enough ways to support it, the card certainly pulls its weight.
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