Team Draft

Team draft is functionally the same as a typical Booster Draft with one change. Players are grouped into teams and the winner is the team with the most match wins.

Team draft works best with six players. Before the draft, assign players to two teams and seat players alternating teams. Players draft as they would a Booster Draft. After the draft each player plays each opponent on the opposing team.

During the draft, teammates aren’t allowed to discuss picks or strategies. During deckbuilding, sideboarding, and even in the middle of games, teammates can discuss decisions and help each other.

Team draft is a bit rigid requiring an even number of players, but there’s still some flexibility. The format works just as well with four or eight players, but with the (unlikely) possibility of a draw.

Like other booster drafts, 3 packs of 15 cards is typical, but it works with altered pack sizes as well.

While some players enjoy the zero-sum, hate drafting aspect of drafting with alternating teams, some prefer to get the benefit of fun team play without changing the feel and dynamics of the draft. Rather than picking teams first and alternating seats, teams can be randomly assigned after the draft to remove the incentive for changing your draft strategy.

Drafting with the opposing team on both sides introduces a new aspect of the game. “Hate drafting” — taking cards solely so your opponents can’t pick them — is typically a suboptimal strategy. In team draft, you’re always passing to an opponent so each pick is zero-sum.

Team draft is a great option for groups of six players looking for a clean tournament without players getting matched against others with different win records.

Team draft also makes the fun thing the optimal thing. Talking about how to build your deck, sideboard, and navigate difficult play decisions is more fun with a friend. The nature of the draft can be extremely skill testing and fun for experienced drafters. Having teammates to help you out is great for new players as well.

Since team drafting can encourage hate drafting, decks can turn out much less streamlined than in a normal booster draft. If this isn’t appealing, consider Team Sealed or randomize the teams.