The Unexpected Star of Standard’s Latest Tech
Sunpearl Kirin might look like just another draft card at first glance, but Standard players know better — this sneaky Spirit is putting in serious work in the Esper Bounce strategy that just took down a Magic Online Standard Challenge.
Why is it so strong? Because what looks like a downside — bouncing your own nonland permanent — is actually a value engine in the right deck. Cards like Stormchaser’s Talent, Hopeless Nightmare, and Nowhere to Run become repeatable threats that keep the pressure on and the value flowing.
But it doesn’t stop there. Kirin has a hidden trick: if you return a token, you get to draw a card instead. Enter Spiteful Hexmage, who brings a Cursed Role token to the party — perfect synergy that turns a “cost” into card advantage.
This little flyer is climbing its way out of Limited obscurity and into real Standard play — don’t sleep on it.
