The History of Dredge in MTG: From Cerulean Wisps to EDH's Rise in Popularity

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, dredge has become an iconic mechanic that has captivated players for over a decade. Introduced in the Ravnica block from 2005, dredge was initially met with skepticism but has since evolved into a staple in many Eternal formats, including EDH. In this article, we'll delve into the history of dredge and its impact on the game.

One of the earliest examples of dredge can be seen in cards like Cerulean Wisps, which allowed players to dredge at instant speed. This triggered ability proved to be a game-changer, giving players an extra chance to dig for the right card. The dredge keyword also introduced a new layer of strategy, as players had to carefully manage their graveyard and hand.

Another key aspect of dredge is its interaction with cards like Howling Mine. When combined, these two effects allowed players to mill N cards from the top of their deck whenever they drew a card. This created a powerful synergy that rewarded players for building around dredge-themed cards.

As EDH grew in popularity, dredge became an integral part of many decks. Players began to experiment with different combinations and strategies, leading to the creation of unique and innovative brews. The rise of dredge in EDH also led to a new wave of commander-focused lists, as players sought to optimize their favorite commanders around this powerful mechanic.

But dredge is not without its challenges. As the popularity of EDH continues to grow, so does the number of new commanders being introduced. This has led to concerns about deck maintenance and performance, with many players struggling to keep up with the latest trends and strategies. To address these concerns, our team at 'Brewer's Corner' has implemented a new review cycle that prioritizes optimizing the commander over comparing decks to existing entries.

In this cycle, we revisit each entry in the Brewer's Corner, evaluating deck performance and maintenance. We also provide feedback on lists through our Discord server's changelog channel, allowing players to share their thoughts and suggestions. This collaborative approach has helped us refine our guidelines for EDH and create a community-driven resource for brewers.

As EDH continues to evolve, dredge will likely remain a central mechanic in many decks. Its ability to interact with the graveyard and hand has created a unique set of strategic possibilities that are hard to match. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, dredge is an exciting aspect of MTG's Eternal formats, offering endless opportunities for innovation and creativity.

In conclusion, the history of dredge in MTG is a testament to the game's ability to evolve and adapt to new strategies and mechanics. From its humble beginnings in Ravnica to its current status as a staple in EDH, dredge has become an integral part of Magic's Eternal formats. As players continue to experiment with this powerful mechanic, we can't wait to see what innovative brews the future holds.

Edh dredge