Deck thinning

From MTG Salvation Wiki

Deck thinning is the use of cards that remove certain cards from your library, mathematically increasing the odds of drawing all other cards (since the cards are removed they cannot be drawn).

The processes involved in deck thinning are very difficult to analyze since each "thinning" changes the statistics of the rest of the deck.

An example is the complex synergy between Goblin Ringleader and Fetch lands like Bloodstained Mire. The Goblin Ringleader removes goblins from the deck increasing the odds of drawing mountains or Fetch lands, while Bloodstained Mire removes Mountains or Swamps, decreasing the odds of drawing lands. This creates a tandem effect where the deck can be manipulated in the most wanted direction.

On the average, deck thinning also increases the power of the overall synergy in the deck because the chances of drawing all other cards than the removed ones are increased.

[edit] Deck thinning engine

Often a set of cards that may lead to a massive amount of deck thinning when they are combined.