The Best Cards to Beat Esika's Chariot in MTG Standard

In our new world of Innnistrad: Midnight Hunt Standard, one card has proven it’s worth and then some, Esika’s Chariot. It’s proven to be the premier 4 cost card in many feature decks in the format, such that people are wondering how to beat the card. Today we’ll be taking a look at some key cards needed to beat the Cadillac of Standard.

Broken Wings / Tangletrap

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First of we have a double header with Broken Wings or Tangletrap. The main purpose of this spell would be to deal with Chariot and flyers like Goldspan Dragon. Broken Wings does have a slight benefit over Tangletrap in that it can destroy Enchantments as well. Cards like Ranger Class, Felidar Retreat, or Sigarda’s Splendor are relatively popular, so this benefit for an extra mana is worthwhile.

Pithing Needle

Pithing Needle is the next card. This reprint also does double duty, stopping Chariot from crewing, but also can stop planeswalkers like Wrenn and Seven or Professor Onyx. This can come down early in the game, or as part of a double spell turn since it only costs 1 colorless mana.

Burning Hands

Burning Hands is next. It’s one of the best removal spells in the format right now as it is, since there’s a lot of Green creatures and planeswalkers being played. Holding this up for when your opponent crews also helps save 4 more damage from the creatures used to crew.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Removal Spells in Innistrad: Midnight Hunt Standard

Malevolent Hermit

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The last card, and one that people are talking about is Malevolent Hermit. Having access to this card gives a leg up to Izzet Dragons / Tempo and Dimir Control against these decks. This is a basically an upgraded Spell Pierce on a body and comes down early enough to even chip in some early damage. On it’s back, we get a decent flyer but also our removal spells can’t be countered which can be really nice in the mirror match.

READ MORE: What is Historic Brawl in Magic: The Gathering?

Hopefully, as we move into week 2 of this new standard rotation, we’ll see some more diversity pop up away from Esika’s Chariot, and as crazy as it is to say, we’re not far off Innistrad: Crimson Vow release as well, which should shake things up a bit as well. Are you joining the Cadillac Club, or are you in the camp to fight it? Let us know in the comments!