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Yarok, the Desecrated and reanimator MTG decks
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering
Category:
MTG

MTG reanimator decks survive with Throne of Eldraine’s Merchant of the Vale

Long live reanimation in Standard.
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
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Published: Sep 12, 2019 12:11 pm

This article is over 5 years old and may contain outdated information

A continuation of Magic: The Gathering Showcase style cards dropped in today’s Throne of Eldraine spoilers, rewarding reanimator decks with Merchant of the Vale. 

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Featuring the Throne of Eldraine (ELD) Adventure mechanic, Merchant of the Vale is a Showcase card that fills a very necessary spot within reanimator decks. Playing reanimation was typically reserved for janky builds, with the exception of Izzet Phoenix. 

Merchant of the Vale, MTG Throne of Eldraine
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering

Upon the release of Core Set 2020, reanimator decks began to hit mainstream once again with the addition of Agent of Treachery and Yarok, the Desecrated.

Rotating out of Standard, however, are several key cards within these decks that provide discard and cantrip. 

Merchant of the Vale fills the void left by these cards rotating out. It’s also a Showcase card, providing two times the value of a single spell.

With Showcase cards, either the Adventure mechanic or the creature can be played first. Merchant of the Vale provides double the value when Haggle (discard a card, then draw a card) is cast first.

Players can then double down with Merchant of the Vale being cast, giving them a 2/3 creature on the board who provides discard and cantrip at instant speed for the price of three mana. 

Izzet Phoenix will certainly welcome the addition of Merchant of the Vale, combined with Opt and The Royal Scions. Even Grixis reanimator decks are including Red for Drakuseth, Maw of Flames, providing a slot for Merchant as well. 

Related: Here’s every Throne of Eldraine spoiler from Sept. 11

The Throne of Eldraine set releases on Oct. 4 and digitally via MTG Arena on Sept. 26.

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Author
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
Danny has been writing for Dot Esports for over five years, first as a freelancer and now as a staff writer. He is the lead beat writer for Magic: The Gathering and Teamfight Tactics. Danny is also a solid Monopoly GO player, having beaten every main event without spending a dime. When Danny isn't writing or gaming, he's chilling by the water in Spacecoast Florida with his family and friends. He's always got a tan, because touching grass is important, and loves playing strategic digital and tabletop games. Past outlets Danny has written for include TheGamer and ScreenRant.
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