Above 7.0, you enter the "that guy" zone. Below 4.5, you are playing midrange value piles—which is fine, but your acrimony index is essentially zero. The search for the best index of acrimony is ultimately a search for playgroup longevity. The highest numbers win single matches. The best numbers win weekends, tournaments, and reputations.
Liked this article? Disagree with the 6.4 benchmark? Join the debate at r/spikes or r/magicTCG. But bring your own counterspell. index of acrimony best
Note that Commander’s optimal IoA is lower because the multiplayer format dilutes directed acrimony. The Commander IoA often involves one well-timed Armageddon per night—not per game. Tools to Measure Your IoA While no official calculator exists (Wizards of the Coast will never endorse acrimony tracking), the community has developed a simple post-game survey: Above 7
Player B (you) is on Esper Control. Player A is on Mono-Green Stompy. The highest numbers win single matches