How to Do MTG Altars: A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), altars are a unique and powerful mechanic that can transform the gameplay and strategies of a match. Altars are enchantments that players can sacrifice to gain various benefits, such as targeting spells for free or drawing extra cards. If you’re looking to master the art of using altars in MTG, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information and tips to help you do so effectively.

Understanding Altars in MTG

Before diving into the strategies of using altars, it’s crucial to understand their mechanics and rules. Altars are enchantments that have the “Altar” ability, which allows players to sacrifice them to perform specific actions. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Altars can be any enchantment with the “Altar” ability, including enchantment creatures, enchantment artifacts, and enchantment lands.
2. Players can sacrifice an altar at any time they could cast a spell, as long as they have it in their command zone.
3. Once an altar is sacrificed, it leaves the battlefield and cannot be targeted by spells or abilities.
4. Altars can be targeted by spells and abilities that specifically target enchantments, enchantment creatures, enchantment artifacts, or enchantment lands.

Strategies for Using Altars

Now that you understand the basics of altars, let’s explore some strategies for using them effectively in your MTG games:

1. Targeting spells for free: One of the most common uses of altars is to sacrifice them to target spells for free. This can be particularly useful against opponents who rely heavily on counterspells or removal spells to disrupt your game plan. By sacrificing an altar, you can cast a spell without worrying about it being countered or removed.

2. Drawing extra cards: Altars can also be sacrificed to draw extra cards from your library. This can be a game-changing move, especially if you’re on the back foot and need to stabilize your board or catch up in the late game.

3. Boosting your creatures: Some altars have additional abilities that can boost your creatures, such as increasing their power and toughness or providing them with additional abilities. By sacrificing these altars, you can make your creatures more powerful and difficult to deal with.

4. Building a dedicated altar deck: If you want to take full advantage of altars, consider building a dedicated altar deck. This type of deck focuses on maximizing the potential of altars and can include various altars, spells, and creatures that complement each other’s abilities.

Top Altars to Consider

When building your altar deck or looking to incorporate altars into your existing deck, here are some top altars to consider:

1. Krenko, Mob Boss: This altar creature is excellent for targeting spells for free and providing additional protection to your other creatures.
2. Krenko’s Command: This enchantment altar allows you to sacrifice it to cast spells for free, making it a powerful tool for disrupting your opponent’s game plan.
3. Krenko’s Coliseum: This enchantment altar provides a bonus to your creatures when you sacrifice an altar, making it a great choice for decks that rely on creature synergies.
4. Gavony Township: This enchantment land allows you to sacrifice it to draw a card, making it a valuable resource in your deck.

Conclusion

Altars are a fascinating and versatile mechanic in MTG that can add a new dimension to your gameplay. By understanding their mechanics, strategies, and top altars to consider, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of using altars in your matches. Happy playing!