Redemption is all about the paper multiplier, and Amonkhet Block is a slam dunk in this regard.

I can definitely see redemption being a good idea right now. The gods are instant commander hits, and Bolas isn’t far behind so I suspect that paper value should remain strong for the commander appeal. If im feeling patient maybe ill redeem a few sets.

I also want to mention: AKH and HOU are really good sets to redeem if you have the time and means to sell the physical cards. If I lived in the States I’d actually do it, but as it is I only come to the States a few times a year to visit family and friends, so I’m less inclined.

That’s an interesting line of research – investigating the price trajectories of cards at different CMCs to detect any definitive rules and trends regarding cards at certain CMCs. I was basing my comparison off of “function”, but you’re right that CMC plays an outsized role in a card’s financial potential.

I probably should have mentioned Torrential Gearhulk in the text of my article. I don’t think The Locust God needs to supplant Torrential Gearhulk. Merely finding its place as a one-of in a maindeck deck or sideboard in a control deck, or perhaps as a one of in a more permanent-based midrange or control deck, would lead to the card rising in value. I’m not willing to risk the current $2.50, but I think I’d like my odds if it dips to $2.00 or below.

Great article. Ive been doing some research on standard 5 drops, and what Ive concluded is that they do not behave in the same way that 4 drops do. I still need to do a bit more research, but generally 5 drops are good for 1 big spike then drift downward, although some do experience a late-in-their-standard-life spike, but many do not. So I wont expect scarab god to behave like Kalitas, which spiked at almost every pro tour. There is a ton of text on the scarab god with a recursion like ability so it could certainly defy the odds. I feel like Ishkanah is a really good comparison for the scarab god. I feel like 12 is really high, I will wait and see if I can get a lower buy price, and even then I will be looking to sell immediately at the first pro tour.

The problem I am having with the locust god is, how does it compete with Torrential Gearhulk? If I were building control, I assume it would be correct to go 4 torrential and 1 locust god, but on the other hand, why not just play the scarab god since its cheaper with that nice GY ability. At $2 tix there is less at stake, and could fluctuate regularly from commander play. So i’ll probably make a similar play to the scarab god.

Anyway I think my plan for now is to buy HOU sets minus the expensive mythics, and look to fill in the mythics when I can get good prices on them.