This deck started as traditional DnT with a light green splash last PTQ season and since then it included more and more elements of the GW Hatebears deck, while maintaining trademarks of traditional DnT.
If you are looking for a 1 mana accelerant in GW, you'll pretty much choose between Deathrite Shaman and Noble Hierarch.
Deathrite Shaman needs Fetchlands to qualify as a mana dork and this deck doesn't run any, which makes Noble Hierarch the logical inclusion.
Exalted keeps her relevant all game, she's a body for Glare and she does what you included her for in the first place: Produce mana.
This little fellow with his pelt hat has been an all-star for me since I included the Loxodon Smiters. He's recurring removal in a color combination that lacks removal beyond the staple Path to Exile and has allowed me to grind out decks like Jund.
At worst, you can play him turn 1 and they will have to deal with him before they can drop Dark Confidant.
He really shines against creature based decks, as you'll pretty much always have the biggest creature on the board - Exalted also kind of synergyzes with him, you can attack first, then, postcombat, make your big attacker fight something.
Staple card for Death and Taxes. Alexis also likes this fellow, he leads to a lot of blowouts against the current format. RG Tron, Pod, Scapeshift, these decks in particularly hate seeing this fellow.
Then, there's the fact that nearly every deck plays Fetchlands...
And he combos with Ghost Quarter to transform it into Strip Mine.
Being able to deal with artifacts and enchantments preboard can be a huge deal - just ask the Twin player who's sitting across from you with his Splinter Twin in hand.
Other than that, he's Exalted dude #5-6 and gives this deck a critical mass of this effect. He's nothing flashy, he's a role player and he's good at what he does. Solid card all around.
This lady is probably one of the strongest cards in the format right now. Landing her early against combo makes it hard for them to even dig for the cards they need and First Strike keeps her relevant against the rest - Jund, for example, doesn't particularly like her, either.
I can see including copy #4, should the Meta shift more towards non-creature spells.
2 bodies for Glare and Township, a value target for Restoration Angel and a solid creature all around. Coupled with Smiter, this deck has 8 cards that put 4 power on the board for 3 mana.
This card is a house in creature mirrors, stabilizes the board and can attack into most cards with a little help from Rancor or Exalted.
It's also a nice catch that the Golem blocks Etched Champion really well.
I've been hesitant to include this card, but I haven't looked back since. It's nice that Scapeshift and the like can't Remand him to buy time, he will hit the board. Always.
Turn 1 Hierarch into turn 2 Smiter means 5 damage coming your opponent's way on turn 3. Couple this guy with Rancor and you have one of the biggest beatsticks in the format at your disposal.
He's especially relevant against Jund. Turn 2 Liliana? Thank you for the 4/4.
Surprise, surprise, this fellow has often been a 3 mana instant speed Stone Rain with a 2/1 evasive body attached. Once you catch your opponent with this card, he will be aware of him, but the more he plays around your tax effects, the more time your golems and elephants have to bash his face in.
Him having 1 toughness is kinda sad, but the surprise factor coupled with the potential impact makes him a solid inclusion. I'd always play 3 at the moment, including the 4th one in the side might make sense.
The only creature she generates value with is Blade Splicer, but the fact that she has 4 toughness, doesn't die to Lightning Bolt and can generate cardadvantage by saving a guy from removal makes her worth it.
Other possible inclusions are Hero of Bladehold or Linvala, Keeper of Silence.
Path to Exile has become a staple in decks which include and there's a good reason for that - it's the single most efficient removal spell. 1 mana, instant speed, no questions asked about size, color, whatever. That guy is gone.
The problem is this spell has an actual drawback, a very relevant one - giving your opponent a land is detrimental to your Taxes plan, ramps him to his high end, fixes his mana, it even thins out his deck and improves his draws by a small margin - casting Path to Exile should never be done lightly and you should always keep the consequences in mind.
2 more power and a sort of evasion can turn any card into a threat. You don't need to put this on an angel, an elephant or a golem to make this card relevant, even the Splicer herself bashes for 3 with this card on it. On Thalia, it's unreal.
This card transforms every creature you play into a threat and the only way for them to get rid of it is to kill the target in response to you casting it.
Also, when players are considering Lingering Souls as a defensive option, Trample's value rises by a large amount.
Look this card up. That's okay.
Now that you know what this does, allow me to explain the logic behind it's inclusion.
I was looking for a card that tackles different problems various decks can pose - Tron playing Emrakul or Wurmcoil Engine, Pod resolving an early namesake, Jund playing a Tarmogoyf, Batterskull or Hellkite and you not having the card you need.
This card handles all these threats and more.
Singular, big threats are instantly invalidated. Most decks only play a few big guys, leaving a bunch of small guys in the spotlight - these generally don't match up against Loxodon Smiters and golems all too well.
Blade Splicer gets an honorable mention, because she provides you with a beater and a body to use Glare with.
This card is currently being tested and I'm quite pleased with the results so far. If you don't like it, another trump card like Swords, Linvala or Hero of Bladehold can take it's place.
You don't run Fetchlands, but this is still one of the best GW lands. It comes into play untapped when you need it to and you can conserve your lifetotal when needed.
Another good GW land - it coming into play tapped later on can be a problem, on the other hand it is the most reliable source of colored mana for the first turns - a tradeoff I'm willing to take.
Always comes into play tapped, but it costs 1 life per activation - a small cost. Later in the game, it can be sacrificed for an additional card.
Early game it produces mana and lategame it cycles - this land is really good.
So, basically, there's no drawback to playing this. The upside is marginal, but so is the cost, I have yet to encounter a situation where I'd prefer an actual Forest over this card. Pumping Thalia to 3 power can have it's merits and it gets Linvala out of Flame Slash range.
Again, no real drawback if you're running this over an actual Plains. In fact, you can sometimes use it to Strip Mine UWR Delver players by legend-ruling their Eiganjo.
This card gets Linvala out of Flame Slash range and it makes Thalia survive Pyroclasm - which is an actual relevant use.
If your opponent plays 3+ colors (or Tron) and you have a Mindcensor out, this card might as well read Strip Mine. Coupled with Leonin Arbiter, it pretty much always does. Also, it's removal for manlands and can, when you're desperate, keep Tron from assembling it's namesake for at least another turn.
5 mana is a huge cost, but the fact alone that you have this card in your deck makes some matchups way better for you. This card gives you inevitability in the lategame and puts a lot of pressure on your opponent.
It was never about the Fetchlands, but every lovestory has to end some day: KotR and me hade a good time together, but the influx of Deathrite Shaman has made a big dent in her performance. So, it's farewell.
Don't get me wrong, Linvala and me are still homies, but currently, I prefer some more bling bling (translation: I cut her for the Glare).
She's a house in certain MUs and in others, she's just a 3/4 flier. That's not what I want from a 4 drop.
I wouldn't leave the house without at least 1 copy in the SB and she can definitely be maindecked, but currently, me and Linvala are spending some time apart.
This girl has been included in this deck's earliest iteration this season, but the fact that she lacks evasion was the dealbreaker. Turning her sideways is very pain-inducing, though.
I could see her coming back with the inclusion of Glare, as it makes clearing the way for her a lot easier.
He's big and that's it. I've tried to run him because I wanted a big creature, but paying 5 mana for just 12 power doesn't cut it. Without a Rancor on him, he's really disappointing.
I love me some Force Spike, but it's time to move on, I find that strenghtening my clock is a better idea with my current tax suite. I currently have them in my SB to combat Combo a bit better, but they aren't what I'm looking for.
The Tithes are getting cut as soon as I figure out what I want instead. Dismember #2, Aven Mindcensor #4, Thalia #4 and Linvala #2 are the hottest candidates right now.
This is my latest list. I'm trying to strike the perfect balance between beating Combo and creature decks.
As this question is bound to come up:
Why is this deck called "Alexis Taxes"?
Basically, the name came up this season. Before, it was just GW, GW Stuff, GW Aggro, GW Bears, Hatebears, Carebears, etc.
But when I was looking for some sort of gameender, a pattern arose.
Last season, I was playing Melira Pod and I started joking how the platinum blonde Thalia had a small butt (1 toughness, we were referring to a creatures' toughness as it's behind), the red haired Melira had a medium sized one and that the blonde Linvala was the booty queen of the deck.
So, I was looking at finishers and they were basically all female: Hero of Bladehold, Linvala, Restoration Angel, Knight of the Reliquary.
My criteria were:
Lightning Bolt proof
Abrupt Decay proof
So, simply speaking, this meant having a big butt.
And, well, basically, there we are. The name should still reflect where this deck originally came from and it should include a humorous popculture reference. Enter Alexis Taxes.
I will include detailed descriptions of the individual card choices tomorrow and I will eventually transform this into a full blown primer. For now, this is my latest list.
Changelog
08.01.13 Included card choice explanation for creatures and spells
09.01.13 Added information about the manabase and my current SB
11.01.13 Added useless trivia (deckname...)
I don't like Tracker in this deck. You don't have that much mana and your creatures are relatively weak.
This deck really needs either reach or card advantage. It's just way too fair at the moment.
Tracker, like Township and Glare, is a card for mid-lategame.
But how are the creatures in this deck weak? Even if your creatures baseline stats are low, you have Exalted, Township and Rancor to fix that problem.
As far as a lategame strategy goes, Township and Glare have been enough for me. The deck looks fair, yes, but you force your opponent to play a different game themselves - the format contains a lot of Fetchlands, non-creature spells, tutor effects, utility creatures - heck, the plan is to keep them honest and close out the game while doing so.
Your points look like what people who haven't seen the deck play out say, I suggest you try it. I have yet to find a MU where I just flat out lose.
Just won 3 byes for GP London with this deck. Maindeck and Sideboard as in the primer (didn't have enough time to retool the SB).
Round 1: Rb Burn
Game 1 he barely go there with a sequence of topdecked burn spells while my guys tried to race.
Game 2 he had a creature heavy draw - doesn't match up all too well against elephants and golems.
Game 3, I had Turn 2 Thalia - Bolt, Turn 3 Thalia - Magma Jet, Turn 4 Thalia with Eiganjo. He frowns and proceeds to lose due to lack of tempo.
Round 2: UW Control
Game 1 I play around Wrath a bunch, he shows me Spellstutter Sprite and Mutavaults, no sign of Wall of Omens, Blade Splicer or Batterskull. No Remand, but Spell Snare, Mana Leak and Cryptic. Eventually, a rancor'd flying blonde gets there.
Game 2 he resolves a total of 3 Verdicts and I can't quite compete. Mutavaults finish me off.
Game 3 I can manage to bait his Pathes on less valuable targets via Rancor to push through Angels. Just before I hit 5 mana, he play Vendilion Clique and takes my Baneslayer. Frowntown. Elephants and Golems go to town(ship) and win the match.
Round 3: Jund
Game 1, I die by the hands ot a MB Olivia. Yikes!
Game 2, I can't find removal for his Olivia for like 10 turns and I die.
Round 4: Bant Aggro
Game 1, I die to Mirran Crusader. That Glare in my hand is looking pretty stupid.
Game 2, he eventually succumbs to Township supersizing my board.
Game 3, I play a Tracker, he plays a Bird, I tank, shoot it and he realizes Tracker costs 2 to activate. He then proceeds to lose to my draw of Arbiters, Mindcensors and Strip Mi... er, Ghost Quarters.
Cut for the Top 4
Semifinals: Jund
Game 1, I mull to 5 and his lands deal him a lot of damage. I eventually untap with 4 manasources, he's at 4. I draw Restoration Angel, pass. He plays BBE, cascades into Thoughtseize, I play my Angel and he scoops em up.
Game 2 is a close battle for attrition, which I eventually lose (read: I won it, but he played Rakdos Charm for lethal. Frown.).
Game 3, I play Smiters into Splicers into Obstinate Baloth. After he handles pretty much everything, Township and 2 Splicers show up. The rest is history.
Finals: RG Tron
Game 1: He plays Mine, Sphere, go. I play Temple Garden tapped, go. He cracks Sphere for :symg:, plays Stirrings, reveals Sphere, plays Mine, plays Sphere, go. I play Arbiter, go. He doesn't bother reading it and cracks the Sphere to get some business, can't find some, cracks another one, passes. I Strip Mine his Mine, Rancor my guy and smash. Next turn I rip another Strip Mine and he finishes the game with a Sphere in play.
Game 2, I Tithe a Scrying on turn 2, play some Arbiters, Strip Mine a land, play a Smiter, put him to 6 and play a Splicer. He untaps, Pyroclasms, passes. I turn my dudes sideways. Yay, 3 Byes.
Basically, I feel like I need a better plan against Olivia, it's the only card giving me headaches at the moment. I also have to consider some options VS Twin, as this should probably be my worst matchup right now (but it still feels like 40-60, np).
You're not playing Serra Avenger! That makes me cringe and frown and nearly cry. What gives? Don't you miss her?
Serra Avenger was cut when Vial was cut, which happened last year. Without Vial, Avenger is simply too slow and I'd prefer a spell with higher impact. It's also problematic that she dies to Bolt and Abrupt Decay, at least Blade Splicer (who'd probably get cut if I wanted to play Serra Avenger) leaves behind the 1/1 body that can chump, carry Rancor, tap stuff with Glare, gets pumped by Township and get reused with Restoration Angel.
Don't get me wrong, I think Serra Avenger is a viable card in (mono White) DnT, but without Vial in the deck, I don't like her.
4-0'd our weekly Modern tournament.
Played against Twin, Spirit Jund, Kiki Pod and Cobra Jund.
Maindeck and Sideboard same as in OP, didn't have time for retooling.
Round 1: Splinter Twin
Game 1: I win the roll and keep my 7 with Turn 2 Arbiter and potentially Strip Mining him on Turn 3. Tapped Temple Garden is responded with Breeding Pool and Sleight of Hand, at which point I'm torn between him playing Twin with Grudge in the SB or Scapeshift. I slam down Arbiter and pass. He plays Serum Visions and then drops Desolate Lighthouse. At this point I should have known what he's playing, as the only deck that I have seen Desolate Lighthouse in is Twin, but I ignore my brain, go to town for a bit and destroy his Breeding Pool. He plays a tapped Sulfur Falls and soon falls to my big guys.
Game 2: I bring in Mana Tithes, as I'm still not sure what exactly he's playing (could have included Linvala and Dismember, too). I path a Turn 4 Exarch and lose 2 turns later - not enough pressure.
Game 3: I mull to a hand with pressure - Turn 1 Hierarch, Turn 2 Arbiter + Strip Mine. He sighs and plays 2 Fetchlands over the course of the next few turns. Then he packs it up.
1-0
Round 2: Spirit Jund
Game 1: I know what he's playing and I'm not pleased. I'm kinda paranoid about Olivia Voldaren. However, he doesn't find any and Blade Splicers paired with Angels put up a huge board presence - basically, everything I play is too big for him.
Game 2: I mull to 6, keep 2 Lands, RiP, 2 Angels, 1 Splicer. He plays Turn 2 IoK, tanks, takes RiP. I rip a land and play Turn 3 Splicer, he Bolts the token. I mainphase Angel Turn 4, flicker Splicer, he sighs. He then BBEs into Thoughtseize and takes my second Angel. We trade creatures for creatures + Bolts and when we are both Hellbent, I find a BSA, which goes smacks him around until it gets killed, then a Thalia goes to town and finishes him off.
2-0
Round 3: Kiki-Pod
Game 1: I expect the "mirror", he normally plays GW Hatebears. Catacombs into Temple Garden into Bird makes me think no different.
This game basically comes down to both of us having like 10 creatures out and I'm praying for a Glae or Township to seal the deal. I don't find it and eventually he finds Angel + Kiki.
Game 2: 2 Arbiters come down and slow him to a crawl, eventually a Township supersizes my stuff and they go the distance.
Game 3: He tries to go for the turn 4 win, I path his Angel EoT, then his Kiki, then his next Angel. Naturally, I finishe the game with my PtE #4 in hand. My Mindcensor coupled with Township kills him.
3-0
Round 4: Cobra Jund
Game 1: His Turn 3 Liliana is a godsend, as I have 2 Smiters in hand. However, he pulses them. Meh. Blade Splicers with Township get there.
Game 2: Blade Splicers are nuts, so I draw 1 to definitely protect the Baneslayer I am about to slam down. Rest in Peace invalidates his Goyf. BSA gains me a few points of life while killing his Liliana. After a while, we are out of cards in hand and I draw a Thalia. Without Township, she would be meh, but with Township, she grows too big for him to even consider killing her in combat. He puts down a few guys, I play a Glare, a Smiter and tap his crew for the win.
4-0
I'm very happy with my current list, though I'd really like to adjust the SB a bit.
I might also go back to playing 2 Linvala instead of Glare, the Twin MU is really the only thing giving me headaches - plus Olivia.
This deck may be the first modern deck I build from scratch (may have to cut the sideboard and Nobles to keep it within budget). It is currently inbetween this and Melira Pod. As a former melira pod player why did you make the switch (was it deathrite hosing your persist)? Which deck do you enjoy playing more... I know from experience in standard that pod has so much interactivity which makes it very enjoyable to play.
This deck may be the first modern deck I build from scratch (may have to cut the sideboard and Nobles to keep it within budget). It is currently inbetween this and Melira Pod. As a former melira pod player why did you make the switch (was it deathrite hosing your persist)? Which deck do you enjoy playing more... I know from experience in standard that pod has so much interactivity which makes it very enjoyable to play.
It was not about being worried about DRS, but I simply played Melira Pod because it was a tested deck and I didn't have time to test etc, so just playing a known and tested list was the obvious choice.
I somewhat fell in love with Leonin Arbiter plus Ghost Quarter while watching one of my friends play one of the first drafts of this deck. It seemed so strong, but the deck had a lot of problems and I wanted to get rid of them as soon as I had time.
I made the switch because at the time Leonin Arbiter was largely unexplored territory and it seemed like there was a lot of insight to be gained.
If you want to substitute Hierarch, I recommend Avacyn's Pilgrim. Being able to produce if you have a Forest is important. As for the SB, you pretty much need BSA to be able to compete with Jund.
In the MD?
He's very unflexible and is a vanilla bear VS a few decks.
In the SB, he deserves a spot if there's a lot of Control around - but Control is very niche right now and there are simply better cards against most decks.
I did, but I have 6 colorless sources and it's pretty much just a guy, which is what I want to stay away from. Otherwise, this list would be found in the Hatebears thread. I think Liege is what sets these 2 decks apart.
I'm curious how the banning of BBE will affect this deck's presence in the metagame. If Jund declines, this deck might become better, as Jund was 45-55/50-50, if they ran a good version.
The banning of Seething Song makes me kinda sad though, Storm was a favorable MU.
I'll have to see where the Meta heads and adjust the deck accordignly.
I just want to say that I agree with this. Though it really depends on the meta. Considering the decks you've said you've been playing against, there doesn't seem to be much need for it.
Assuming you do want it, I'd replace any and all Mana Tithes with Krosan Grips. Just because, well, split second is highly relevant a lot of the time. Such as uncounterable Twin killing. Oh, and killing a Ravager in the Affinity matchup. And lots of other fantastic things. You never know when you're going to need it, but I can promise that you won't regret having it.
And if that's not really your cup of tea, you could go for Qasali Pridemage. Efficient. Kills things you don't want there. Exalted in case you ever find it to be relevant. Just a nice card all in all, but seems to be better for aggro decks. Which brings me to........
Gaddock Teeg. I just feel like this deck isn't where he would fit. I'd normally suggest a two of in the SB just because of how powerful he can be, but you're not really an aggro deck. Which is where he seems to fit more. Therefore I'm going to go with not playing him. He feels like he doesn't fit quite right.
Anyways, it's a fantastic looking deck. Really like where it's going. Honestly, it feels like the true Modern Maverick deck, and that's why I really like it. Control, yet you can beat face when needed. Superb.
Keep this updated about how you're faring after the bannings. I want to see what you've done with it.
Private Mod Note
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4 Noble Hierarch
2 Ulvenwald Tracker
4 Leonin Arbiter
2 Qasali Pridemage
3 Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
4 Blade Splicer
4 Loxodon Smiter
3 Aven Mindcensor
2 Restoration Angel
3 Rancor
4 Path to Exile
2 Glare of Subdual
Lands
4 Temple Garden
4 Razorverge Thicket
4 Horizon Canopy
2 Forest
1 Plains
1 Okina, Temple to the Grandfathers
1 Eiganjo Castle
4 Ghost Quarter
2 Gavony Township
Explanation of cardchoices:
Creatures
Noble Hierarch
Deathrite Shaman needs Fetchlands to qualify as a mana dork and this deck doesn't run any, which makes Noble Hierarch the logical inclusion.
Exalted keeps her relevant all game, she's a body for Glare and she does what you included her for in the first place: Produce mana.
At worst, you can play him turn 1 and they will have to deal with him before they can drop Dark Confidant.
He really shines against creature based decks, as you'll pretty much always have the biggest creature on the board - Exalted also kind of synergyzes with him, you can attack first, then, postcombat, make your big attacker fight something.
Then, there's the fact that nearly every deck plays Fetchlands...
And he combos with Ghost Quarter to transform it into Strip Mine.
Other than that, he's Exalted dude #5-6 and gives this deck a critical mass of this effect. He's nothing flashy, he's a role player and he's good at what he does. Solid card all around.
I can see including copy #4, should the Meta shift more towards non-creature spells.
This card is a house in creature mirrors, stabilizes the board and can attack into most cards with a little help from Rancor or Exalted.
It's also a nice catch that the Golem blocks Etched Champion really well.
Turn 1 Hierarch into turn 2 Smiter means 5 damage coming your opponent's way on turn 3. Couple this guy with Rancor and you have one of the biggest beatsticks in the format at your disposal.
He's especially relevant against Jund. Turn 2 Liliana? Thank you for the 4/4.
Him having 1 toughness is kinda sad, but the surprise factor coupled with the potential impact makes him a solid inclusion. I'd always play 3 at the moment, including the 4th one in the side might make sense.
Other possible inclusions are Hero of Bladehold or Linvala, Keeper of Silence.
Spells
The problem is this spell has an actual drawback, a very relevant one - giving your opponent a land is detrimental to your Taxes plan, ramps him to his high end, fixes his mana, it even thins out his deck and improves his draws by a small margin - casting Path to Exile should never be done lightly and you should always keep the consequences in mind.
This card transforms every creature you play into a threat and the only way for them to get rid of it is to kill the target in response to you casting it.
Also, when players are considering Lingering Souls as a defensive option, Trample's value rises by a large amount.
Now that you know what this does, allow me to explain the logic behind it's inclusion.
I was looking for a card that tackles different problems various decks can pose - Tron playing Emrakul or Wurmcoil Engine, Pod resolving an early namesake, Jund playing a Tarmogoyf, Batterskull or Hellkite and you not having the card you need.
This card handles all these threats and more.
Singular, big threats are instantly invalidated. Most decks only play a few big guys, leaving a bunch of small guys in the spotlight - these generally don't match up against Loxodon Smiters and golems all too well.
Blade Splicer gets an honorable mention, because she provides you with a beater and a body to use Glare with.
This card is currently being tested and I'm quite pleased with the results so far. If you don't like it, another trump card like Swords, Linvala or Hero of Bladehold can take it's place.
Lands
Early game it produces mana and lategame it cycles - this land is really good.
This card gets Linvala out of Flame Slash range and it makes Thalia survive Pyroclasm - which is an actual relevant use.
Cards that I have tried and benched/dismissed:
She's a house in certain MUs and in others, she's just a 3/4 flier. That's not what I want from a 4 drop.
I wouldn't leave the house without at least 1 copy in the SB and she can definitely be maindecked, but currently, me and Linvala are spending some time apart.
I could see her coming back with the inclusion of Glare, as it makes clearing the way for her a lot easier.
My current Sideboard:
2 Baneslayer Angel
1 Obstinate Baloth
1 Linvala, Keeper of Silence
4 Mana Tithe
1 Dismember
2 Kataki, War's Wage
The Tithes are getting cut as soon as I figure out what I want instead. Dismember #2, Aven Mindcensor #4, Thalia #4 and Linvala #2 are the hottest candidates right now.
This is my latest list. I'm trying to strike the perfect balance between beating Combo and creature decks.
As this question is bound to come up:
Why is this deck called "Alexis Taxes"?
But when I was looking for some sort of gameender, a pattern arose.
Last season, I was playing Melira Pod and I started joking how the platinum blonde Thalia had a small butt (1 toughness, we were referring to a creatures' toughness as it's behind), the red haired Melira had a medium sized one and that the blonde Linvala was the booty queen of the deck.
So, I was looking at finishers and they were basically all female: Hero of Bladehold, Linvala, Restoration Angel, Knight of the Reliquary.
My criteria were:
Lightning Bolt proof
Abrupt Decay proof
So, simply speaking, this meant having a big butt.
And, well, basically, there we are. The name should still reflect where this deck originally came from and it should include a humorous popculture reference. Enter Alexis Taxes.
I will include detailed descriptions of the individual card choices tomorrow and I will eventually transform this into a full blown primer. For now, this is my latest list.
Changelog
09.01.13 Added information about the manabase and my current SB
11.01.13 Added useless trivia (deckname...)
Next up is my current SB and cards I've already tried, but dismissed.
This deck really needs either reach or card advantage. It's just way too fair at the moment.
4th place at CCC&G Pro Tour
Chances of bad hands (<2 or >4 land):
21: 28.9%
22: 27.5%
23: 26.3%
24: 25.5%
25: 25.1%
26: 25.3%
Tracker, like Township and Glare, is a card for mid-lategame.
But how are the creatures in this deck weak? Even if your creatures baseline stats are low, you have Exalted, Township and Rancor to fix that problem.
As far as a lategame strategy goes, Township and Glare have been enough for me. The deck looks fair, yes, but you force your opponent to play a different game themselves - the format contains a lot of Fetchlands, non-creature spells, tutor effects, utility creatures - heck, the plan is to keep them honest and close out the game while doing so.
Your points look like what people who haven't seen the deck play out say, I suggest you try it. I have yet to find a MU where I just flat out lose.
I know, right? I'm so funny!
Included a list of cards that I tested, but dismissed.
Round 1: Rb Burn
Game 1 he barely go there with a sequence of topdecked burn spells while my guys tried to race.
Game 2 he had a creature heavy draw - doesn't match up all too well against elephants and golems.
Game 3, I had Turn 2 Thalia - Bolt, Turn 3 Thalia - Magma Jet, Turn 4 Thalia with Eiganjo. He frowns and proceeds to lose due to lack of tempo.
Round 2: UW Control
Game 1 I play around Wrath a bunch, he shows me Spellstutter Sprite and Mutavaults, no sign of Wall of Omens, Blade Splicer or Batterskull. No Remand, but Spell Snare, Mana Leak and Cryptic. Eventually, a rancor'd flying blonde gets there.
Game 2 he resolves a total of 3 Verdicts and I can't quite compete. Mutavaults finish me off.
Game 3 I can manage to bait his Pathes on less valuable targets via Rancor to push through Angels. Just before I hit 5 mana, he play Vendilion Clique and takes my Baneslayer. Frowntown. Elephants and Golems go to town(ship) and win the match.
Round 3: Jund
Game 1, I die by the hands ot a MB Olivia. Yikes!
Game 2, I can't find removal for his Olivia for like 10 turns and I die.
Round 4: Bant Aggro
Game 1, I die to Mirran Crusader. That Glare in my hand is looking pretty stupid.
Game 2, he eventually succumbs to Township supersizing my board.
Game 3, I play a Tracker, he plays a Bird, I tank, shoot it and he realizes Tracker costs 2 to activate. He then proceeds to lose to my draw of Arbiters, Mindcensors and Strip Mi... er, Ghost Quarters.
Cut for the Top 4
Semifinals: Jund
Game 1, I mull to 5 and his lands deal him a lot of damage. I eventually untap with 4 manasources, he's at 4. I draw Restoration Angel, pass. He plays BBE, cascades into Thoughtseize, I play my Angel and he scoops em up.
Game 2 is a close battle for attrition, which I eventually lose (read: I won it, but he played Rakdos Charm for lethal. Frown.).
Game 3, I play Smiters into Splicers into Obstinate Baloth. After he handles pretty much everything, Township and 2 Splicers show up. The rest is history.
Finals: RG Tron
Game 1: He plays Mine, Sphere, go. I play Temple Garden tapped, go. He cracks Sphere for :symg:, plays Stirrings, reveals Sphere, plays Mine, plays Sphere, go. I play Arbiter, go. He doesn't bother reading it and cracks the Sphere to get some business, can't find some, cracks another one, passes. I Strip Mine his Mine, Rancor my guy and smash. Next turn I rip another Strip Mine and he finishes the game with a Sphere in play.
Game 2, I Tithe a Scrying on turn 2, play some Arbiters, Strip Mine a land, play a Smiter, put him to 6 and play a Splicer. He untaps, Pyroclasms, passes. I turn my dudes sideways. Yay, 3 Byes.
Basically, I feel like I need a better plan against Olivia, it's the only card giving me headaches at the moment. I also have to consider some options VS Twin, as this should probably be my worst matchup right now (but it still feels like 40-60, np).
Legacy: Strawberry Shortcake, Aggro Loam, DnT+b
Modern: Devoted Karn
Vintage: Survival
Serra Avenger was cut when Vial was cut, which happened last year. Without Vial, Avenger is simply too slow and I'd prefer a spell with higher impact. It's also problematic that she dies to Bolt and Abrupt Decay, at least Blade Splicer (who'd probably get cut if I wanted to play Serra Avenger) leaves behind the 1/1 body that can chump, carry Rancor, tap stuff with Glare, gets pumped by Township and get reused with Restoration Angel.
Don't get me wrong, I think Serra Avenger is a viable card in (mono White) DnT, but without Vial in the deck, I don't like her.
Played against Twin, Spirit Jund, Kiki Pod and Cobra Jund.
Maindeck and Sideboard same as in OP, didn't have time for retooling.
Round 1: Splinter Twin
Game 1: I win the roll and keep my 7 with Turn 2 Arbiter and potentially Strip Mining him on Turn 3. Tapped Temple Garden is responded with Breeding Pool and Sleight of Hand, at which point I'm torn between him playing Twin with Grudge in the SB or Scapeshift. I slam down Arbiter and pass. He plays Serum Visions and then drops Desolate Lighthouse. At this point I should have known what he's playing, as the only deck that I have seen Desolate Lighthouse in is Twin, but I ignore my brain, go to town for a bit and destroy his Breeding Pool. He plays a tapped Sulfur Falls and soon falls to my big guys.
Game 2: I bring in Mana Tithes, as I'm still not sure what exactly he's playing (could have included Linvala and Dismember, too). I path a Turn 4 Exarch and lose 2 turns later - not enough pressure.
Game 3: I mull to a hand with pressure - Turn 1 Hierarch, Turn 2 Arbiter + Strip Mine. He sighs and plays 2 Fetchlands over the course of the next few turns. Then he packs it up.
1-0
Round 2: Spirit Jund
Game 1: I know what he's playing and I'm not pleased. I'm kinda paranoid about Olivia Voldaren. However, he doesn't find any and Blade Splicers paired with Angels put up a huge board presence - basically, everything I play is too big for him.
Game 2: I mull to 6, keep 2 Lands, RiP, 2 Angels, 1 Splicer. He plays Turn 2 IoK, tanks, takes RiP. I rip a land and play Turn 3 Splicer, he Bolts the token. I mainphase Angel Turn 4, flicker Splicer, he sighs. He then BBEs into Thoughtseize and takes my second Angel. We trade creatures for creatures + Bolts and when we are both Hellbent, I find a BSA, which goes smacks him around until it gets killed, then a Thalia goes to town and finishes him off.
2-0
Round 3: Kiki-Pod
Game 1: I expect the "mirror", he normally plays GW Hatebears. Catacombs into Temple Garden into Bird makes me think no different.
This game basically comes down to both of us having like 10 creatures out and I'm praying for a Glae or Township to seal the deal. I don't find it and eventually he finds Angel + Kiki.
Game 2: 2 Arbiters come down and slow him to a crawl, eventually a Township supersizes my stuff and they go the distance.
Game 3: He tries to go for the turn 4 win, I path his Angel EoT, then his Kiki, then his next Angel. Naturally, I finishe the game with my PtE #4 in hand. My Mindcensor coupled with Township kills him.
3-0
Round 4: Cobra Jund
Game 1: His Turn 3 Liliana is a godsend, as I have 2 Smiters in hand. However, he pulses them. Meh. Blade Splicers with Township get there.
Game 2: Blade Splicers are nuts, so I draw 1 to definitely protect the Baneslayer I am about to slam down. Rest in Peace invalidates his Goyf. BSA gains me a few points of life while killing his Liliana. After a while, we are out of cards in hand and I draw a Thalia. Without Township, she would be meh, but with Township, she grows too big for him to even consider killing her in combat. He puts down a few guys, I play a Glare, a Smiter and tap his crew for the win.
4-0
I'm very happy with my current list, though I'd really like to adjust the SB a bit.
I might also go back to playing 2 Linvala instead of Glare, the Twin MU is really the only thing giving me headaches - plus Olivia.
It was not about being worried about DRS, but I simply played Melira Pod because it was a tested deck and I didn't have time to test etc, so just playing a known and tested list was the obvious choice.
I somewhat fell in love with Leonin Arbiter plus Ghost Quarter while watching one of my friends play one of the first drafts of this deck. It seemed so strong, but the deck had a lot of problems and I wanted to get rid of them as soon as I had time.
I made the switch because at the time Leonin Arbiter was largely unexplored territory and it seemed like there was a lot of insight to be gained.
If you want to substitute Hierarch, I recommend Avacyn's Pilgrim. Being able to produce if you have a Forest is important. As for the SB, you pretty much need BSA to be able to compete with Jund.
In the MD?
He's very unflexible and is a vanilla bear VS a few decks.
In the SB, he deserves a spot if there's a lot of Control around - but Control is very niche right now and there are simply better cards against most decks.
happy to see it works.
UGB The mimeoplasm BGU
UBWSharuum the HegemonWBU
RUGAnimar, Soul of Elements GUR
BWGDoran, the siege towerGWB
GRBProssh, skyraider of kherBRG
UBRSedris, The traitor kingRBU
WRGRith, the awakenerGRW
Developing: Skullbriar zombies, Nekuzar Draw&Die, Zedruu enchantment control, Nath BG elves & 5C Slivers.
I did, but I have 6 colorless sources and it's pretty much just a guy, which is what I want to stay away from. Otherwise, this list would be found in the Hatebears thread. I think Liege is what sets these 2 decks apart.
Why would you?
Thanks
I'm curious how the banning of BBE will affect this deck's presence in the metagame. If Jund declines, this deck might become better, as Jund was 45-55/50-50, if they ran a good version.
The banning of Seething Song makes me kinda sad though, Storm was a favorable MU.
I'll have to see where the Meta heads and adjust the deck accordignly.
My impressions so far:
I enjoyed the deck overall ;-)
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I just want to say that I agree with this. Though it really depends on the meta. Considering the decks you've said you've been playing against, there doesn't seem to be much need for it.
Assuming you do want it, I'd replace any and all Mana Tithes with Krosan Grips. Just because, well, split second is highly relevant a lot of the time. Such as uncounterable Twin killing. Oh, and killing a Ravager in the Affinity matchup. And lots of other fantastic things. You never know when you're going to need it, but I can promise that you won't regret having it.
And if that's not really your cup of tea, you could go for Qasali Pridemage. Efficient. Kills things you don't want there. Exalted in case you ever find it to be relevant. Just a nice card all in all, but seems to be better for aggro decks. Which brings me to........
Gaddock Teeg. I just feel like this deck isn't where he would fit. I'd normally suggest a two of in the SB just because of how powerful he can be, but you're not really an aggro deck. Which is where he seems to fit more. Therefore I'm going to go with not playing him. He feels like he doesn't fit quite right.
Anyways, it's a fantastic looking deck. Really like where it's going. Honestly, it feels like the true Modern Maverick deck, and that's why I really like it. Control, yet you can beat face when needed. Superb.
Keep this updated about how you're faring after the bannings. I want to see what you've done with it.