Choosing Your First Ink Pair

Six inks, fifteen possible two-color pairs, and a mono-color option on top — picking where to start can feel paralyzing. It shouldn't. Your first pair only needs to do one thing: match how you enjoy playing. Here's how to find it.

Start with a playstyle, not a color

Ask yourself which of these sounds the most fun:

You enjoy...	Lean toward
Fast games, applying pressure	Aggro — Ruby, Amber
Big swings and grindy value	Control — Steel, Sapphire
Flexible, "good cards" decks	Midrange — almost any pair
Combos and engines	Songs/Items — Amber, Amethyst, Sapphire

The color comes from the playstyle, not the other way around.

What each ink contributes

A quick reminder of the six personalities (full version in the color pair guide):

Amber — go-wide, support, songs.
Amethyst — card draw and tempo.
Emerald — disruption and bounce.
Ruby — aggression.
Sapphire — ramp and value.
Steel — removal and big bodies.

Three friendly starting pairs

Amber / Steel — wide aggressive boards backed by removal. Forgiving and powerful; a great first midrange home.
Ruby / Amethyst — fast, aggressive, and refuels with card draw. Perfect if you like to be on the front foot.
Sapphire / Steel — ramp into big, durable threats. Ideal if you'd rather grind than race.

Don't overthink it

Here's the secret: there are no trap colors. Every ink has good cards and every pair can be built into something fun. Your first pair is a learning vehicle, not a lifelong commitment — you'll branch out fast. Pick the playstyle that excites you, grab a pair from the list above, and build it. Then test the list in the goldfish simulator before you spend a dollar.