Decoding UB in Magic: The Gathering – A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
In Magic: The Gathering (MTG), “UB” can have two distinct meanings depending on the context. Most commonly, UB refers to Dimir, a color combination of Blue and Black. However, UB also stands for Universes Beyond, a special sub-brand within Magic: The Gathering. Let’s dive into both of these definitions and explore their significance in the world of Magic.
UB Meaning #1: Dimir (Blue/Black)
In the realm of MTG color combinations, each pairing of two colors is often referred to by a shorthand notation. “UB” specifically designates the Dimir guild, one of the ten guilds of Ravnica. Dimir is a faction that embodies the ideals and strategies associated with the fusion of Blue and Black mana.
Dimir: Philosophy and Strategies
Dimir’s core philosophy revolves around secrecy, manipulation, and control. Dimir decks often aim to win through insidious means, such as:
- Information gathering: Utilizing Blue’s card draw and manipulation to understand the opponent’s plans.
- Discard and milling: Depleting the opponent’s resources (hand or library) using Black’s discard spells or milling strategies.
- Evasive creatures: Employing creatures that are difficult to block, often with abilities like flying or unblockable, to deliver consistent damage.
- Control tactics: Using counterspells, removal, and other control elements to disrupt the opponent’s game plan and maintain board control.
Dimir is a powerful color combination that rewards strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate an opponent’s moves.
UB Meaning #2: Universes Beyond
Universes Beyond is a relatively new initiative by Wizards of the Coast that brings characters and settings from other popular franchises into the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. This allows players to experience Magic gameplay with familiar faces and lore from worlds beyond Magic’s original settings.
What Universes Beyond Entails
Universes Beyond products take various forms, including:
- Full sets: Like Tales of Middle-earth, which are integrated into the Standard format and legal for many other formats.
- Secret Lair drops: Limited-time releases of unique cards with special art treatments.
- Commander decks: Preconstructed decks featuring characters and themes from the featured universe.
Universes Beyond: Examples and Reception
Notable Universes Beyond collaborations include:
- The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth: Featuring characters and locations from J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic fantasy world.
- Warhammer 40,000: Bringing the grim darkness of the far future to Magic: The Gathering with a set of Commander decks.
- Doctor Who: The long running BBC series, was also added into Magic The Gathering.
The introduction of Universes Beyond has been met with a mixed reception. While many players appreciate the opportunity to experience their favorite franchises within Magic, others express concerns about the potential impact on the game’s lore and balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Blue represented by “U” in MTG?
Blue is represented by “U” to avoid confusion with Black, which would logically be “B.” The letter “U” was chosen because it appeared earlier in the word “Blue” than “C” or “K” appear in the word Black.
2. What are the five colors of Magic: The Gathering, and what do they represent?
The five colors are White (W), Blue (U), Black (B), Red (R), and Green (G).
- White represents order, law, and community.
- Blue represents knowledge, intellect, and control.
- Black represents ambition, power, and self-interest.
- Red represents emotion, freedom, and chaos.
- Green represents nature, growth, and instinct.
3. How do the color combinations work in MTG?
Each color combination inherits the strengths and weaknesses of its constituent colors. They have unique identities and strategies. Two-color combinations, like Dimir (UB), are often referred to by shorthand using their color abbreviations. Three-color combinations are often called “shards” or “wedges,” depending on their alignment.
4. What is the Color Pie in Magic: The Gathering?
The Color Pie is a philosophical framework that defines the values, goals, and strategies of each color. It helps guide card design and ensures that each color has a distinct identity and role within the game.
5. What is a mana symbol in Magic?
A mana symbol represents the cost required to cast a spell or activate an ability. It can be colored mana (white, blue, black, red, or green) or generic mana (which can be paid with any type of mana).
6. What are “God” cards in Magic?
“God” cards are a specific type of creature often inspired by real-world mythologies. They are typically powerful and have abilities that reflect their divine nature.
7. What do the rarity symbols mean in Magic?
The rarity symbol on a Magic card indicates its rarity:
- Common: Black
- Uncommon: Silver
- Rare: Gold
- Mythic Rare: Orange-Red/Bronze
8. What is “milling” in Magic?
“Milling” is a strategy where you force an opponent to put cards from the top of their library into their graveyard. If a player attempts to draw a card when their library is empty, they lose the game.
9. What is the “Dimir Philosophy”?
The Dimir philosophy centers around secrecy, manipulation, and gathering information. Dimir aims to control the game from the shadows.
10. What are Dimir’s strengths and weaknesses?
- Strengths: Strong control elements, effective card draw, tricky and evasive creatures, potent discard strategies.
- Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable to aggressive strategies, relies on card advantage and can be vulnerable to discard, and may struggle against decks with strong graveyard hate.
11. What is EV in the context of Magic: The Gathering?
EV stands for “Expected Value.” In Magic, it refers to the average value a player can expect to receive from a sealed product, such as a booster box, based on the resale value of the cards inside.
12. What does OMW mean in Magic tournaments?
OMW stands for “Opponent Match Win Percentage.” It’s used as a tiebreaker in tournaments and reflects the average win percentage of a player’s opponents.
13. What is the best color in Magic: The Gathering?
There is no definitive “best” color. Each color has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best color often depends on the specific metagame and a player’s preferred play style. However, Blue is often considered one of the most powerful colors due to its card draw, counterspells, and control capabilities.
14. Is there a sixth color in Magic: The Gathering?
No, there is not a sixth official color in Magic. The five colors (White, Blue, Black, Red, and Green) are the foundation of the game’s design. Purple has been speculated as a potential color, but it has never been officially added.
15. How are games and learning connected?
Games can be powerful tools for learning, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring and promoting the use of games in education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more about this exciting field!