Starting Column: Engine for Every Turn

Starting Column is a compact artifact that accelerates tempo and rewards patient pilots. Cast it for {3} and you get a repeatable mana fixer with an evolving bonus. The card gains speed as opponents lose life so it slots cleanly into midrange decks that trade early and aim to grind value. Experienced players will appreciate how the simple {T} for one mana of any color smooths curve problems while the speed mechanic layers a conditional engine on top.

The printed reminder text explains the speed progression in plain terms: it starts at one if you have no speed, increases once on each of your turns when an opponent loses life, and tops out at four. In practice that means Starting Column functions as a stabilizer early and a card advantage conduit later. When you reach max speed you can pay the Max speed activation to sacrifice it, draw two cards and then discard one, converting built up tempo into raw card selection. Add this Near Mint Aetherdrift common to your collection if you want a low cost piece that fits both casual lists and tighter constructed builds.

Card Details:

• Mana Cost – {3}
• Card Type – Artifact
• Subtypes –
• Card Text / Rules Text (Printed) – Start your engines! (If you have no speed, it starts at 1. It increases once on each of your turns when an opponent loses life. Max speed is 4.) {T}: Add one mana of any color. Max speed: {T}, Sacrifice this artifact: Draw two cards, then discard a card.
• Power / Toughness –
• Loyalty –

Ready to smooth your draws and convert battlefield pressure into card advantage? Add Starting Column to your deck and start your engines.