Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a collectible card game that has been around since 1993. It is one of the most popular and complex trading card games, blending strategy, deck-building, and fantasy themes. Players can take part in casual play with friends or competitive play at events such as a Commander championship tournament. There is even a Magic: The Gathering World Championship, a prestigious annual tournament in which the best players from around the world compete for the title of World Champion. 

Players build decks from thousands of available cards of different types such as creatures, sorceries, enchantments and lands. One of the most rewarding decks out there is a Kindred deck. A kindred deck is based around a particular creature type, this is a deck all about interaction between spells and creatures. Kindred spells offer boosts or benefits to creatures of a specific type. This might be a reduction in casting costs, an upgrade to their stats or a way to avoid death.

Let’s take a look at some of the things that you need to consider when it comes to building a good Kindred deck. 

The different Kindred cards

Before you build your deck investigate the different types of cards that there are. 

There are 62 different kindred cards, and these are spread across the 18 different creature types in Magic: The Gathering, which are:

  1. Demon
  2. Eldrazi
  3. Elemental
  4. Elf
  5. Faerie
  6. Giant
  7. Goblin
  8. Kithkin
  9. Lhurgoyf
  10. Merfolk
  11. Rebel
  12. Rogue
  13. Shaman
  14. Shapeshifter
  15. Soldier
  16. Treefolk
  17. Warrior
  18. Wizard

The cards fall into the five different colour categories that appear on the MTG colour pie. There are Red, White, Black, Green and Blue MTG colours. Each colour represents a different set of strengths and powers, and this plays a pivotal role in the type of deck that a player might pick. 

Consider your colour type

There are some players who much prefer to play an aggressive deck, and this means that they should be considering red colour cards. White is a good colour for those who want a fairer and more even fight. Then, blue is a good colour for getting your opponent annoyed and “flip the table”, whilst black is the colour of ambition and green is the colour of nature.

The type of game play you prefer will determine the colour you select, and this is the first step. 

Choose a sub theme

The next thing to consider is your sub theme. Arguably, one of the most popular ones you can consider is slivers. These are a type of creature that can interact very well with each other. 

Manipulate your library 

Some MTG decks include a number of cards that allow you to manipulate your library. For example, the scroll rack artefact has the ability to allow you to swap cards from your hand with cards that are at the top of your library

There are some cards that are always worth including in a kindred deck, where possible and assuming they are available, including:

  • And They Shall Know No Fear
  • Patchwork Banner
  • Herald’s Horn
  • Three Tree City
  • Reflections of Littjara
  • Realmwalker
  • Cavern Of Souls
  • Raise The Palisade
  • Vanquisher’s Banner
  • Roaming Throne

But remember, decks are very much up to personal choice in order to fit within your own style of gameplay. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer in terms of what cards your deck should include. The more you play with different people with different styles of play, the more you will learn about what works for you. Our advice is simply to play as much as you can to develop that perfect deck.