In Magic: The Gathering, the Red-White-Black color combination is known as Mardu.
Mardu is one of the five "wedge" color combinations, a classification that describes three-color groupings where a central color is paired with its two enemy colors. These combinations gained prominence in the Khans of Tarkir block, with each wedge representing a distinct clan that embodied a unique philosophy and combat style.
The Mardu Philosophy
The Mardu embody the swift, aggressive, and often ruthless nature of their component colors:
- Red: Provides the raw passion, speed, and impulse for immediate action and direct damage, emphasizing the present moment and emotional impact.
- White: Contributes discipline, a strong sense of community, and the ability to rally forces, often focusing on organized, creature-based combat and efficient strategies.
- Black: Adds a ruthless streak, self-interest, and the relentless drive for power, often achieved through sacrifice, strategic removal, or exploiting weaknesses.
Together, these colors forge a combat-oriented strategy characterized by overwhelming aggression, speed, and a decisive, often brutal, approach to victory. The Mardu clan on the plane of Tarkir, for instance, were renowned for their lightning-fast raids and relentless assaults, always pushing forward to conquer. Their playstyle often revolves around attacking quickly and dealing damage efficiently, sometimes prioritizing immediate impact over long-term strategic setup.
Mardu in Gameplay
Gameplay strategies for Mardu decks often leverage its aggressive strengths, making it a formidable archetype in various formats:
- Aggro Decks: Utilizing low-cost, high-impact creatures and direct damage spells to quickly reduce an opponent's life total, aiming for a rapid victory.
- Midrange Strategies: Building a strong board presence with efficient creatures and using versatile removal spells to control the opponent's threats, then closing out games with powerful finishers or resilient threats.
- Specific Mechanics: During the Khans of Tarkir block, the Mardu clan's signature mechanic was "raid," which rewarded players for attacking with creatures during their turn, perfectly reflecting their aggressive nature. Other mechanics like "dash" also reinforced their speed and flexibility.
Understanding Wedges in MTG
Wedge color combinations are three-color sets where one color is at the center, and the other two are its enemies. Mardu is centered on White, with Red and Black as White's enemy colors.
Here's a breakdown of the five wedge combinations in Magic: The Gathering:
| Wedge Name | Colors | Central Color | Key Characteristics (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mardu | Red-White-Black | White | Aggressive, combat-focused, swift, decisive, often ruthless. |
| Temur | Green-Blue-Red (also known as RUG) | Red | Wild, adaptable, focused on creature power and elemental forces. |
| Abzan | White-Black-Green | Black | Resilient, enduring, focused on growth, sacrifice, and strong defenses. |
| Jeskai | Blue-White-Red | Blue | Prowess, cunning, focused on spells, enlightenment, and precision. |
| Sultai | Black-Green-Blue | Green | Decadent, resourceful, focused on graveyard recursion and large threats. |
These distinct combinations add depth and flavor to the game, allowing for diverse strategies and deck archetypes. For more detailed information on color philosophies and combinations, you can explore resources like the official Magic: The Gathering Wiki.
