This set offers four different levels of cards that are sequenced (with a few exceptions) in descending order by rarity (see accompanying chart)
If you ever need to know the mana value of the back face of a transforming double-faced card, use the mana cost of the front face
regarding tribute monsters, Mefist sometimes replaces or partners with Airknight, as it has a similar effect and stats
Effectively playing on turn 5 while your opponents are stuck on turn 3 lets you deploy better threats and answers while they struggle to keep up
The downside is that if you have The Initiative you're a bigger target, because dealing combat damage to you means that other players can take it, so most players need to defend in order to get this benefit
Every Charizard holo from the WOTC era commands a premium that dwarfs comparable cards from the same set, and Blaine's version benefits from the additional narrative richness of the Gym Leader connection