In our new world of Innnistrad: Midnight Hunt Standard, one card has proven it’s worth and then some, Esika’s Chariot
Esika’s ChariotWhen Esika's Chariot enters, create two 2/2 green Cat creature tokens.
Whenever Esika's Chariot attacks, create a token that's a copy of target token you control.
Crew 4. 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
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
Professor OnyxMagecraft — Whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery spell, each opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life.
+1: You lose 1 life. Look at the top three cards of your library. Put one of them into your hand and the rest into your graveyard.
−3: Each opponent sacrifices a creature with the greatest power among creatures that player controls.
−8: Each opponent may discard a card. If they don't, they lose 3 life. Repeat this process six more times.. 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
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
Spell PierceCounter target noncreature spell unless its controller pays {2}. 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!
