Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is not just a game of spells and creatures, but also of decisions. One crucial decision occurs before the actual gameplay begins: the mulligan. A mulligan in MTG allows a player to shuffle their initial hand back into the deck and draw a new set of cards if they believe their first hand is inadequate for a strong start. This strategic choice can dramatically influence the outcome of the game. Here’s a look at the different types of mulligans your playgroup can choose to adopt

1. The Paris Mulligan

The Paris Mulligan was the standard until 2015. Under this rule, if a player was dissatisfied with their initial hand, they could shuffle it back into their deck and draw a new hand of seven cards. However, for each subsequent mulligan, the player would draw one fewer card. This method was straightforward but could harshly penalize players for taking multiple mulligans.

2. The Vancouver Mulligan

Introduced in 2015, the Vancouver Mulligan modified the Paris system slightly. Players still reduced their hand by one card with each mulligan, but after deciding to keep a hand, they would then "scry 1." This means looking at the top card of their deck and choosing either to leave it on top or put it on the bottom. This addition helped mitigate the disadvantage of starting with fewer cards by providing more control over the upcoming draws.

3. The London Mulligan

The most recent change, implemented in 2019, is the London Mulligan. Under this rule, players draw a full hand of seven cards with each mulligan. After deciding to keep one of these hands, they must put a number of cards equal to the number of mulligans they took on the bottom of their deck in any order. This approach allows players to see more cards and potentially assemble a playable hand more consistently, reducing games decided by poor draws.

When to Mulligan?

Deciding to mulligan is a skill that improves with experience and understanding of the game. Here are some general tips on when to consider a mulligan:

• Lack of Mana: If your hand doesn’t have enough lands to cast your spells, consider a mulligan. Being mana-starved can leave you unable to play the game effectively.


• Too Much Mana: Conversely, if your hand is flooded with lands and lacks action, it might be wise to reshuffle for a more balanced hand.


• No Game Plan: Good hands have a clear sequence of plays leading to a strong position in the game. If your hand lacks synergy or a clear path, mulliganing might be the right choice.


• Matchup Considerations: Sometimes specific hands are strong against certain opponents. Knowing your matchup can guide whether to keep or mulligan a borderline hand.

Strategic Mulliganing

A good mulligan strategy involves more than just seeking the perfect hand; it's about maximizing your chances to execute your deck’s strategy effectively. It requires knowledge of your deck, the meta, and your opponent’s likely strategies. Over time, refining your mulligan approach can lead to higher consistency and more enjoyable games.

Mastering the art of the mulligan is a subtle yet powerful way to enhance your MTG gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, understanding when and how to mulligan can be as crucial as any in-game decision. So next time you find yourself shuffling for a better hand, remember: a strategic mulligan might just be the key to your victory.