Local Magic: The Gathering player, Sam Thompson, rekindled his love for Limited after drafting a card that instructs players to pause the game and go use a zipline.
“Looks like Wizards decided to evoke Shahrazad,” said Thompson. “Rather than pausing the game to play another sub-game of MTG, the game is paused to go use a zip line. That’s pretty rad. Since every booster box comes with a backyard zipline kit as a box topper all it takes is a woefully inept friend or two to set up the instrument of your demise.”
Thompson recounted the moment he drafted ‘Go Use the Zipline’.
“Somehow I was passed ‘Go Use the Zipline’ and immediately freaked the fuck out,” Thompson explained. “I’d been contemplating skipping this set as I expected it to be a dud. This card is a sign that I should never, ever stop drafting. Do you have any idea how much better Magic is when you’re looking forward to something else that’s way more fun?”
Though most players don’t feel the card is unfair, its unusual text has been a frequent topic of discussion.
“It’s one of the few cards that can cause a game to end in a draw,” continued Thompson. “Sure, only the caster gets to use the zipline, but what is opponent going to do? Not watch someone else enjoy a zipline? Please. Ziplines are fun to ride and watch. Don’t believe me? Who would miss out on the chance to see someone fracture dozens of bones from a fall? Once you hear the satisfying thud of a sack of meat and organs hit the ground you’ll know what I mean.”
As the popularity of cards requiring players to go do other activities grows, Wizards of the Coast plans to lean into these new types of cards, expanding beyond mere hobbies into full blown MMA fights between players.