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How the Land Calculator Works
This calculator uses
hypergeometric probability — the same math framework used by Pro Tour Hall of Famer
Frank Karsten to determine how many colored sources you need to consistently cast your spells on curve.
Key principles:
•
Dampened ratio: Basic land distribution uses square root compression so your secondary color doesn't get starved. A raw 2:1 pip ratio becomes ~1.4:1 in lands.
•
Minimum source floor: Non-splash colors always get at least 5 sources. Based on Karsten's finding that fewer than ~5 sources makes a color nearly uncastable.
•
Hybrid awareness: Hybrid mana pips (like
) create zero additional land demand since they're payable with either color.
•
16 vs 17 lands: Defaults to 16 when the curve supports it (4+ early plays, avg CMC ≤ 3.2). Recommends 17 for heavier curves.
Further reading:
Frank Karsten — "How Many Sources Do You Need to Consistently Cast Your Spells?" (2022 Update)
