Mana 5 MTG cards not to overpay for, every week
We check card prices for you. Each week, you get 5 cards to check before you buy. You also get one low-cost deck idea.
It is made for players who buy cards on a budget.
Free each week. You can quit at any time.
Your first issue comes on Sunday at 7 AM PT. No spam. Just the weekly email.
Here is what one email looks like:
- Quantum Riddler (Standard) Fair price: $33.33 or less for a play copy. What to check: Don't pay extra for borderless ($44.28) or promo.
- Sheoldred, the Apocalypse (Pioneer/Historic) Fair price: about $81.77. What to check: Check the printing. Don't pay $103+ (DMU regular is $103.19).
- Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer (Modern) Fair price: $39.90 or less for a play copy. What to check: Check the printing and condition.
- The One Ring (Commander) Fair price: about $108–$111 for a regular copy. What to check: The showcase version costs much more ($320).
- Snuff Out (Pauper) Fair price: $5.42 or less. What to check: Shipping can cost more than the card, so combine orders.
What one issue looks like
Each issue is short. It has 5 cards, fair-price tips, and 1 deck idea.
5 Cards Not to Overpay For This Week
Checked on Oct 17, 2026. Prices change fast — check the live price before you buy.
What to check: Don't pay extra for borderless ($44.28) or promo.
What to check: Check the printing. Don't pay $103+ (DMU regular is $103.19).
What to check: Check the printing and condition.
What to check: The showcase version costs much more ($320).
What to check: Shipping can cost more than the card, so combine orders.
Deck idea: Mono-White Heroic (Pauper), about $39.74 for the full deck (checked Oct 17, 2026, MTGGoldfish). See the full deck list
Want the next one? Join free
This week's deck: Mono-White Heroic (Pauper)
How it plays: Play a cheap heroic creature on turn 1 or 2. Then put cheap Auras and pump spells on it. Each spell you aim at it makes it bigger. Ethereal Armor grows with each enchantment you control. Keep it safe with Benevolent Blessing and Emerge Unscathed. Gain life with Spirit Link. Then win with one huge attacker.
Creatures (12)
- 4x Akroan Skyguard
- 4x Lagonna-Band Trailblazer
- 4x Seeker of the Way
Spells (30)
- 4x Benevolent Blessing
- 4x Dig Site Inventory
- 2x Emerge Unscathed
- 4x Ethereal Armor
- 4x Homestead Courage
- 4x Hyena Umbra
- 4x Sentinel's Eyes
- 4x Spirit Link
Lands (18)
- 18x Plains
Sideboard (15)
- 3x Beckon Apparition
- 4x Gut Shot
- 3x Mask of Law and Grace
- 3x Shield of Duty and Reason
- 2x Standard Bearer
Full deck: about $39.74 before shipping. List from MTGGoldfish, checked Oct 17, 2026. Prices change — check before you buy. Source: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/8004374#paper
How it works
Type your email above. You may need to confirm it in your inbox.
You get 5 cards, fair-price tips, and 1 deck idea. It comes on Sundays at 7 AM PT.
Read the tips before you buy on TCGplayer. Buy only if the price looks right to you.
Prices change fast. Always check the live price before you buy.
Shop Tim's store
Tim Johnson runs Mana Market Watch. Some cards in the email may be in his store. The email will say so when they are.
Not every card in the email will be in his store.
Browse Tim's TCGplayer listings (seller johnsont7916)
https://www.tcgplayer.com/sellers/johnsont7916/7163e203
Tim stocks MTG, Pokemon, and Lorcana singles.
Questions
Is it free?
Yes. The weekly email is free.
How often do I get it?
Once a week, on Sundays at 7 AM PT.
Do you sell my email?
No. We do not sell your email. It is only used to send the weekly email.
How do I quit?
Each email has an unsubscribe link. Click it to stop the emails.
Where do prices come from?
Prices are checked on TCGplayer before each issue. Prices change fast, so always check the live price before you buy.
Which game types do you cover?
All formats.