The BREAD Method for Drafting in Magic: The Gathering

BREAD is a classic mnemonic that ranks card types by draft priority: Bombs, Removal, Evasion, Aggression, and Duds. The idea is simple: when two cards seem close, the higher category usually wins the pick. It gives newer drafters a fast, reliable framework for evaluating cards without overthinking every decision.

Bombs are the rare, game-winning cards that opponents must answer or lose, so they sit at the top. Removal comes next because killing your opponent's threats keeps you alive and clears the way for your own. The acronym then descends through evasion, aggression, and finally duds, the filler you mostly avoid.

Bombs win games on their own, often demanding an immediate answer or running away with the match. Taking them early, even slightly out of your colors, is usually correct because a single bomb can carry a Limited deck. They are rare for a reason, and a pack with a true bomb is almost always an easy first pick.

Removal is the backbone of consistent Limited decks. Efficient, unconditional removal that can kill almost anything is the most reliable way to deal with opposing bombs and powerful creatures. Prioritizing removal highly ensures you are never helpless against a threat you cannot otherwise answer, which is why it ranks second only to bombs.

Evasion covers creatures that get damage through, such as fliers or those that are hard to block, because they close games when the board stalls. Aggression refers to efficient creatures and aggressive cards that pressure your opponent and reward a proactive game plan. Both fill out a deck after you have secured your bombs and removal.

Duds are the weak, situational, or off-curve cards you take last or not at all. Recognizing which cards are duds keeps your 23 spells lean and powerful. BREAD is a guideline, not a law: card synergies, your archetype, and the open colors can all shift priorities, so use it as a default rather than an absolute rule.