Lotus ScanHow to Build a Deck from Your Collection
A step-by-step guide to help you build a deck from your collection quickly and accurately.
One of the biggest advantages of having a digitally cataloged collection is the ability to build decks from what you already own. Instead of buying singles for every new deck idea, you can search your collection first and find out which cards you already have. This saves money, gets you playing faster, and often leads you to discover forgotten gems buried in your boxes. Here is how to turn your scanned collection into a deck-building resource.
Step-by-Step Guide
Find a deck list or strategy to build around
Start with a decklist from a site like Moxfield, EDHREC, or MTGGoldfish. Choose a deck that interests you and download or copy the full card list. Commander decks are especially good candidates for "build from collection" since they run so many unique cards.
Tip: EDHREC's "Budget" filter is great for finding decklists that use more commonly owned cards.
Cross-reference the list against your collection
Search your scanning app's collection for each card on the decklist. Lotus Scan lets you search by card name to quickly check if you own a copy. Mark off each card you find and note which ones you're missing. Many players are surprised to discover they already own 40-60% of a new Commander deck.
Find substitutes for missing cards
For cards you don't own, look for functional alternatives in your collection. A decklist might call for Cyclonic Rift, but if you own Devastation Tide or River's Rebuke, those might serve the same role at a fraction of the cost. Budget replacements often play better than you'd expect.
Check prices for remaining cards to buy
For cards you still need and can't substitute, check current prices through your scanning app or TCGPlayer. Prioritize buying the cards that are essential to the deck's strategy and skip overpriced staples that have budget alternatives. The price of a full deck drops dramatically when you already own the mana base.
Tip: Wait for cards that were recently reprinted - their prices typically drop to their floor about 3-4 weeks after set release.
Pull the physical cards and sleeve up
Use your collection app to identify where each card is in your physical storage. If you've organized your physical cards to match your digital groups, this step is quick. Pull each card, double-check that you have the right version, sleeve the deck, and shuffle up.
Make It Easier with Lotus Scan
Lotus Scan for iPhone simplifies this entire process with AI-powered card recognition, real-time price tracking, and intuitive collection management. Just point your camera and scan.
Pro Tips
- Keep a "deck staples" collection group in your app for cards that go in many decks - Sol Ring, Command Tower, Arcane Signet, etc. This makes building new Commander decks faster.
- If you play multiple formats, tag your cards by format legality so you can filter quickly when building.
- Before buying missing cards, check if any are in your trade binder. Trading for what you need is essentially free.
- Build your mana base from your collection first. Lands are often the most expensive part of a deck, and you likely own more dual lands and fetches than you think.