The AI Punched Me Right In The Mouth & I Loved It!

[Bog Wraith]

We all know that the AI in all the different MTG games that have a computer player can't play as well as a human, yet. They also do things that make us cringe at times, like sending every creature to attack & keeping no blockers back when their life total has nearly ran out.

There are times however when the AI gets it right. Last night while I was playing in a match from an AER-AER-KLD draft tournament, and with the game well in hand with life totals at 20 - 8 in my favour, the AI cast a Monstrous Onslaught a turn after casting a Ridgescale Tusker that ended up a 3-1 for the AI on the board state. It changed the complexion of that game entirely, which the AI went on to win & forced a third game, which it also won in a very tight back & forth game.

The 3 game match was one of the best matches I've ever had against an AI opponent. When it cast the Monstrous Onslaught and wiped 3 of my creatures off the board, I simply smiled and then had a good laugh.

Forge is by far blessed with the best overall AI I have ever played, but like all the rest of the games that have this feature, winning & losing must be taken with a grain of salt as to not put too much stock in it as far as playing skill is concerned when playing against a human opponent.

What these apps are good for is learning how to play a deck(s) and in sequencing your play & strategies in whatever format you are playing against the computer. This is even more true when learning to play with the newest of cards/sets. It gets you ready for when you play against human opponents in person or on MTGO.

Plays by the AI like this however really add to the fun & enjoyment when you see what it is capable of doing, given the right circumstances. I look forward to the day when the AI will play at a level of not only a human opponent, but at a Pro Tour level. I am confident that this will happen.

In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy this great program & marvel at things like this when they happen!