Here is a small and simple series that I had put to rest for quite some time, with the intention of approaching more immediate matters. At the time, as we began to grow faster and faster, the need for starter packs became less and less, in comparison to more expansive ideas. With that said, we have explored many of these expansive ideas, and I want to return to something a bit more straightforward. When you think of this color, what comes to mind? If this is in your commander's legality, what will you immediately consider without question?
Colorless is particularly special, as this becomes a case of every single deck. A piece like this has potential of appearing to very much be a "In my opinion" and less of a useful resource. However, I still feel that this resource is vital, and will be of value to you. Deck building can be such a difficult task, with so many cards to consider. You need a place to start, and you need to know the staples.
With that said, after careful consideration, and constant observation of other decks, I've compiled a top 10 that I feel best tells you what colorless cards you should immediately consider for any deck. Starter Pack: Colorless Cards begins now!
Artifact Creatures
This format displays a creature heavy game play, with flying creatures having a lethal impact. It is with that point, that I encourage all of you to consider the One-Eyed Scarecrow. I have been removed from games due to commander damage alone, and of those times, the majority tend to be flying creatures. This creatures can, in many cases, prolong your demise long enough to find a solution. This creature also temporarily shuts down the infect boogeyman, Viral Drake.
With this applied pressure, let us not forget Pilgrim's Eye, the poor man's Solemn Simulacrum. With the combined value of chump flying blocker, and land tutoring, its higher CMC can be justified. I like this card because it provides value in many different scenarios, for many different decks. A flying chump is always great, as well as a means of filtering lands out of your deck.
Essential Artifacts
If I had made a list like this a year ago, it would probably look considerably different from this. Some pieces would be the same, but others wouldn't make an appearance anywhere. Knowing how to make this list required games, a lot of games. It required understanding how the meta feels, and what are the true dangers. The above cards are all about dealing with dangers, and protection from the pitfalls of different archetypes. Darksteel Pendant is a great way to cycle through your library, especially for those decks with a weaker card draw. I'd advise this especially for red and white players. With drake combo being a real and lethal element, you need graveyard hate. Relic of Progenitus can shut down that combo before it ends the game. For situations where removing a creature entirely isn't the best choice (which is quite often), you can at least weaken a threat with Serrated Arrows to become almost useless. I will talk about equipment and voltron decks in the future, but Whispersilk Cloak is an exception, which should be an auto include in every deck, with very few exceptions. I have discussed it before, so I will let it speak for itself.
Near the beginning of this project, I had taken time to talk about mana rocks, and what you should consider for your decks. Some of these rocks have more value in some decks than others, but these two in particular should be considered every single time. In the event of no longer needing the ramp, you can sacrifice Commander's Sphere to draw a card. PDH has yet to have many ways of having an unlimited sized hand, and for such a low CMC, Thought Vessel solves that problem. These keep raising in price, due to only one printing, so I'd recommend getting yours sooner than later.
Colorless Weapons
No matter what you are playing, is it truly fun without the chance of allowing an eldrazi scare the death out of your opponents? Some times, these aren't the best, but if you play either of these, your opponents cannot, and I repeat, cannot, allow these threats to stay on the field. They are forced to deal with it, because these bombs are so deadly. Not playing green but want a beat stick, you have Eldrazi Devastator, with its ability to trample through. Also, who wants to be the culprit behind an Annihilator trigger resolving? I know I do. Ulamog's Crusher is a beast that must be kept in mind when designing all decks.
On that note above, this truly concludes our Starter Pack series. You need to prepare for all dangers, all pitfalls, and all specific threats. Many of these colorless spells will help you stay ahead, and shut down the most lethal of strategies.
Will every one of these cards work in every deck? Not necessarily, but it's a great place to start. Do these cards add power to your decks? Let this be a starting point for any deck you craft, and relieve some of the challenges that come with designing your own techs.
-Kyle
@PDH_Homebase