2020 Black Rankings

As this is the first year there are no changes for ranks. *INS = Insufficient Data

As Expected: Just like white, removal is well represented in the top 10. If not for the printing of Heartless Act in Ikoria which has insufficient data to be ranked accurately, Cast Down would hold the #2 slot just ahead of GFTT and Dismember. The flexibility of Shriekmaw's evoke ability continues to make it the creature based removal of choice, though Murderous Rider has been stellar in it's small sample size.

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Pleasant Surprises: How is Spawn of Mayhem of all cards holding down the #1 slot? I guess it shouldn't be surprising that a 3-CMC 4/4 Flample that pings and grows in the late game has been finding success in cube. When I think of making cuts Spawn always seems like a candidate but its performance is just too strong and he has been a solid addition for many cubes.

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Disappointments: Reanimate cards continue to be narrow despite 2-CMC return to the battlefield effects being strong cards outside the archetype. Unfortunately the powerful effects just aren't winning enough and are fragile to multiple drafters going after the same strategy. Still fun when it works though!