Hey, I really liked your article! It's really fun and cool, and has me thinking about other Generals (I've got Jhoira of the Ghitu and a few Dragon Legends in mind...).
I liked the Savra deck by the way. I assume it's one you build and play with?
How long have you been playing EDH? My network of a few playgroups has been almost exclusivly EDH for almost two years now, because it's just so much better than regular multiplayer magic.
As a long time edh, I have a couple suggestions regarding your proposed deck.
First of all, your deck folds to graveyard removal. Play some cards that can reuse any graveyard, not just yours. Chainer, Coffin Queen, black Beacon, Necromancy, Ink Eyes, or Chainer. Yeah definately Chainer.
Make sure you have other ways of creating card advantage besides your graveyard. (Erratic Portal, Mind's Eye, Sword of Fire and Ice, or Phyrexian Vault- also a good sac outlet)
Second, don't waste your time with the Elves, Birds and Signets etc. They will accelerate you for a few turns and then die to a Wrath/Vengance/OblivionStone/Deed etc. These spells happen very frequently, so its better to invest in lands: Kodoma's Reach, Yavimaya Dryad, Wood Elves, Explosive Vegitation, Skyshroud Claim (gets duals), Sylvan Scrying, or Avenging Druid (for real!)
Your mana is super important, so make sure it sticks around for the whole game.
Third, why are your creatures so small? Turn that Lyrist into a Indrik Stomphowler. Turn that Bone Shredder into a Duplicant. Turn Stronghold Assassin into Visara. In an ideal game, Savra will keep the board clear while your guys swing. But that won't last forever, so kill em quick.
Fourth, play some graveyard removal of your own, because you will never be unhappy to have it. Nightsoil, Withered Wretch, Phyrexian Furnace, and Nezume Graverobber are all fine.
Last, where is the best black card ever in EDH: Myojin of Night's Reach? If you think I am joking you have never seen her in action. The card is so good its almost ban-worthy.
Thanks for takin the time to write about the format; EDH games are the most fun you can have playing multiplayer magic. Your article convinced me to finally join the forums so I could respond!
Anyone who wants to see more about the format, I recommend my groups' webpage: www.EDH.i8.com/
It has tips for new players and card ideas for all colors, as well as the rules and etc you saw here, and some MN local stuff.
How long have you been playing EDH? My network of a few playgroups has been almost exclusivly EDH for almost two years now, because it's just so much better than regular multiplayer magic.
My wife and I have played it for about a year and a half. I saw someone talking about it somewhere and it looked fun, so we gave it a try, and now I love it.
First of all, your deck folds to graveyard removal. Play some cards that can reuse any graveyard, not just yours. Chainer, Coffin Queen, black Beacon, Necromancy, Ink Eyes, or Chainer. Yeah definately Chainer.
Make sure you have other ways of creating card advantage besides your graveyard. (Erratic Portal, Mind's Eye, Sword of Fire and Ice, or Phyrexian Vault- also a good sac outlet)
The deck itself doesn't die to graveyard removal, but it can definitely be a factor. The thing is that the deck draws so many cards that you typically end up drawing all the answers you need. Obviously, it's not going to happen, and if someone playes GraveyardHate.dec in EDH, this deck would have a serious fight on its hands, but I haven't seen that happen yet. And I DO play COffin Queen, because she is INSANE. I didn't expand to the other cards because I am trying to keep reanimation as a minor theme within the larger theme.
Second, don't waste your time with the Elves, Birds and Signets etc. They will accelerate you for a few turns and then die to a Wrath/Vengance/OblivionStone/Deed etc. These spells happen very frequently, so its better to invest in lands: Kodoma's Reach, Yavimaya Dryad, Wood Elves, Explosive Vegitation, Skyshroud Claim (gets duals), Sylvan Scrying, or Avenging Druid (for real!)
Your mana is super important, so make sure it sticks around for the whole game.
Well, I am using Elves, etc. because they are creatures, and due to that, are potentially more beneficial within the theme of the deck. Now, for most decks I would agree with you completely, but because creature interactions are so vital to the deck's strategy, I feel that it's worth it to play the mana accelerators instead of land fetching spells. The creatures may die to board sweepers, true, but I also kill them myself with all the sacrifice outlets, so it's usually a moot point.
Third, why are your creatures so small? Turn that Lyrist into a Indrik Stomphowler. Turn that Bone Shredder into a Duplicant. Turn Stronghold Assassin into Visara. In an ideal game, Savra will keep the board clear while your guys swing. But that won't last forever, so kill em quick.
Essentially, I was really trying to push the theme of the deck, since the Lyrist sacrifices, etc. There are better utility options out there, like Stomphowler, but again, I am tuning the deck to go with the Savra strategy, so I was trying to ahve utility + sacrifice outlets.
Fourth, play some graveyard removal of your own, because you will never be unhappy to have it. Nightsoil, Withered Wretch, Phyrexian Furnace, and Nezume Graverobber are all fine.
This was a major gaffe on my part. I was going to play Night Soil, Withered Wretch, and Nezumi Graverobber, but I totally blanked while coming up with cards. So, to everyone out there, cut 3 cards for those 3 cards!
Last, where is the best black card ever in EDH: Myojin of Night's Reach? If you think I am joking you have never seen her in action. The card is so good its almost ban-worthy.
Again, I was going primarily for the Savra strategy, so some things got left by the wayside. There are so many cards that are playable in the format that it's easy to miss some, especially when you're honed in on one theme/strategy. Myojin is definitely a gamebreaker, that's for sure.
Thanks for takin the time to write about the format; EDH games are the most fun you can have playing multiplayer magic. Your article convinced me to finally join the forums so I could respond!
That actually makes me very happy. Glad it convinced you!
Great article. I second that it is one of the best on casual formats I've seen. I wish I could get my group to play this. I'm dying to build a reanimator deck with Teneb, The Harvester.
I'm working on the Momir Vig deck you requested. There aren't as many UG creatures as I would like.
Great article! It's nice to see EDH getting some attention! Have you considered Grim Feast for that deck? It's really incredible in a 4+ player game, and it seems like it could get really out of hand in a Savra deck. Good thing it's got some errata on it so it works on all opponents!
The deck itself doesn't die to graveyard removal, but it can definitely be a factor. The thing is that the deck draws so many cards that you typically end up drawing all the answers you need. Obviously, it's not going to happen, and if someone playes GraveyardHate.dec in EDH, this deck would have a serious fight on its hands, but I haven't seen that happen yet.
I know that everyone around here runs at least one piece of graveyard hate, and it can really ruin your day. From Reito Lantern to Dimir Doppleganger, there's usually something on the board during our games that can deal with the 'yard.
@IocanePowder: I recognize that website, and I've heard the stories! I'm one of Stagno's friends from Cleveland. He complains endlessly about the fact that we include good combos in our decks.
Great article! It's nice to see EDH getting some attention! Have you considered Grim Feast for that deck? It's really incredible in a 4+ player game, and it seems like it could get really out of hand in a Savra deck. Good thing it's got some errata on it so it works on all opponents!
I hadn't considered Grim Feast, but it could definitely get out of hand if your game involves 3+ players. Good spot!
I know that everyone around here runs at least one piece of graveyard hate, and it can really ruin your day. From Reito Lantern to Dimir Doppleganger, there's usually something on the board during our games that can deal with the 'yard.
Generally speaking, the graveyard, while a big part of a blowout win, is not necessary for the deck to win. In addition, unless it is something like Morningtide or whatever, most of the graveyard hate isn't as damaging as it may seem, because you have answers to all of it. But yes, you need to keep anti-graveyard cards in mind when playing the deck.
How long have you been playing EDH? My network of a few playgroups has been almost exclusivly EDH for almost two years now, because it's just so much better than regular multiplayer magic.
As a long time edh, I have a couple suggestions regarding your proposed deck.
First of all, your deck folds to graveyard removal. Play some cards that can reuse any graveyard, not just yours. Chainer, Coffin Queen, black Beacon, Necromancy, Ink Eyes, or Chainer. Yeah definately Chainer.
Make sure you have other ways of creating card advantage besides your graveyard. (Erratic Portal, Mind's Eye, Sword of Fire and Ice, or Phyrexian Vault- also a good sac outlet)
Second, don't waste your time with the Elves, Birds and Signets etc. They will accelerate you for a few turns and then die to a Wrath/Vengance/OblivionStone/Deed etc. These spells happen very frequently, so its better to invest in lands: Kodoma's Reach, Yavimaya Dryad, Wood Elves, Explosive Vegitation, Skyshroud Claim (gets duals), Sylvan Scrying, or Avenging Druid (for real!)
Your mana is super important, so make sure it sticks around for the whole game.
Third, why are your creatures so small? Turn that Lyrist into a Indrik Stomphowler. Turn that Bone Shredder into a Duplicant. Turn Stronghold Assassin into Visara. In an ideal game, Savra will keep the board clear while your guys swing. But that won't last forever, so kill em quick.
Fourth, play some graveyard removal of your own, because you will never be unhappy to have it. Nightsoil, Withered Wretch, Phyrexian Furnace, and Nezume Graverobber are all fine.
Last, where is the best black card ever in EDH: Myojin of Night's Reach? If you think I am joking you have never seen her in action. The card is so good its almost ban-worthy.
Thanks for takin the time to write about the format; EDH games are the most fun you can have playing multiplayer magic. Your article convinced me to finally join the forums so I could respond!
Anyone who wants to see more about the format, I recommend my groups' webpage: www.EDH.i8.com/
It has tips for new players and card ideas for all colors, as well as the rules and etc you saw here, and some MN local stuff.
Who are you? I assume you play with me up at the Den, but I can't put my finger on who you are. Oh, this is Alan btw.
On topic...
Yes, I agrea defenatly a great article, and it is great seeing EDH get some more recognition. Usually you get a funny look when you mention it while trading for some crappy rare.
I have been working on foiling out my Sliver EDH deck lately. Some of them are hard to get a hold of.
Nice article, Aardvark, but you forgot to mention Elder Dragon Highlander's "Official" forums! Anyone who's interested, go to http://edh.truespace.ca to discuss rules changes, strategy or whatever.
Nice article, Aardvark, but you forgot to mention Elder Dragon Highlander's "Official" forums! Anyone who's interested, go to http://edh.truespace.ca to discuss rules changes, strategy or whatever.
Whoops! Actually, it was an oversight, primarily because the "Official" Rules page has a link to the forum, so I simply didn't think to include a link in the main piece itself. Dreadfully sorry, chap.
@The Ring Masta:
Yeah, I know how it is with foiling out anything in EDH, and Slivers havehe same problems. Don't forget that there are foil Crystalline Slivers out there, if you're willing to pay for them. Heh.
I am personally trying to get anything that isn't available in foil in a non-English language. Makes me miss my old collection that was stolen. Korean or Japanese playsets of every relevant card from Mirage through Urza Block.
good article, well-written, insightful, fun.
i play highlander decks in my casual group even though the rest of the guys don't. but with my win ratio as high as it is, i think they might come around. i'll have to suggest EDH to them.
I liked this article enough to begin to put together a EDH deck myself, but am having trouble narrowing down who I want my general to be, so I figured I'd ask the pro EDH guys (who all seem to be in this thread).
Here's my list of options (I narrowed it down from 70ish choices:
I'm a big control player, so my general choices tend to reflect that. As I see it, these all are good options, but I'd like a bit of advice on if any might be better than others (I'm leaning towards Arcum, Oyobi, and Jhoira atm).
ah i thought it said from play...my mistake...On the flip legends....what happens there? If the general flips and then is sent to the graveyard is it still RFTG?
ah i thought it said from play...my mistake...On the flip legends....what happens there? If the general flips and then is sent to the graveyard is it still RFTG?
If you choose to RFG, yes. Otherwise it will be in your graveyard. Just to clarify, RFGing the General when it goes to the graveyard (from any zone) is optional, and you can treat it as a replacement effect, so it would never go to the graveyard at all in that instance.
You can't play cards that have mana symbols that don't appear on your General. Does that mean choosing an artifact General limits your deck to artifacts? Would choosing Memnarch let you build a mono-blue deck?
Re: Memnarch. It's a casual format, so whatever your group settles on is fair game. The "official" rules do not allow you to generate colored mana that is not in your General's colors (as defined by its mana cost). I think these rules should be changed, personally, since this means you could play Memnarch, Bosh, and Thelon as your Generals, and not be able to use their activated abilities.
Re: Memnarch. It's a casual format, so whatever your group settles on is fair game. The "official" rules do not allow you to generate colored mana that is not in your General's colors (as defined by its mana cost). I think these rules should be changed, personally, since this means you could play Memnarch, Bosh, and Thelon as your Generals, and not be able to use their activated abilities.
Bosh and thelon are mediocre and Memnarch as a general would be insane, so where I live we've left it as it is.
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Here's an EDH rule I recommend everyone try: Any legend card can be in your deck, even if someone else has that General. However, Generals are "more legendary." That is, if two legends have the same name and one is a General, it stays in play and the other dies.
This prevents the need to modify your deck before games based on your opponents choice of generals.
To respond to many posts:
Aardvark: I would disagree with your use of green creatures like BoP and Lyrist because how do they synergize with Savra? You gain 2 life. Whoop. For the black creatures you listed, it makes a lot more sense. Otherwise, your counter-points make sense.
I also recommend Winding Canyons for your deck, since utility creatures are so important.
bloodydoves: Most of the generals you listed are fine, but some are strictly inferior to others of the color.
For example Chainer is the best in monoblack by far, and I feel that new Crovax is by far the best mono-white, for clear reasons. You are right on with Godo, Memnarch and Multani, though mono-greens is very weak in EDH. Monored is equally weak, but Godo is so good he makes up for it. He is the very best red card in EDH, period.
I would recommend Arcum Dagson or Sek'Kuar for a 1st edh deck because either one gives you a theme, so you don't resort to playing a pile of "all the best cards" which do nothing as a whole. TheAardvark's use of Savra is a fine example for the importance of this: Your Theme = Your game plan.
Some Good cards = How do I win?
Most new players start with a Dromar or NicolBolas deck that has exactly that problem. You need synergy so that you can get the deck rolling with something very powerful, because traditional control finishers have trouble dealing 40 or 60 damage before your opponents topdeck and hate you out.
Ring Masta (Alan!): I'm Joel. I play mostly at Misty these days but sometimes at the Den. Our group hasn't been up there in a while, we should have EDH meeting someday of both groups. Nice show at Regionals btw.
InsuranceMan: Ya'll should listen to Stagno and nerf the combo decks a little. Games are more fun without Palinchron or Mindslaver; they are just too easy and too un-fun. Some combo is fine as long as not all games end that way. Otherwise I would play my NivMizzet deck every game.
Oops look it's a one-card-combo with my general to win out of nowhere! More like any of 5 different one-card-combos...
Grim Feast is pretty good at gaining life sometimes, but it relies heavily on your opponents cooperation. Warhammer and Diamond Valley both work better IMO, because they have other purposes (smashery and sac outlet).
Pull from Eternity does nothing, but Riftsweeper is crazy! Especially with a comes-into-play theme where you can shuffle away everyones generals.
Sliver Queen is an amazing General, as long as you don't focus on her too hard. Harmonic and Necrotic are the real workhorses, with Darkheart, Sedge and a few others coming along for the ride. The Queen is best imo as the center of a token-based strategy, with things like Vitalizing Wind, Leonin Sun-standard, Attrition or Mana Echoes (which combos with Queen, Sprout Swarm etc). I wouldn't even bother with Crystaline; it barely does anything, while Hibernation Sliver saves your team as often as you need to.
The Momir Vig deck seems lame. I wrote a list once, but there are so few U/G creatures, and Momir doesn't do anything except hunt for combo pieces, while at the same time revealing them to all opponents. That's what we call a Bad Idea.
We allow Memnarch here, and he is pretty gross, but not unbeatable. Having a general that good leads to more hate in your direction.
Ximbad, the quality of the cards as Generals is not the point. The point is that there are cards that are potential Generals with activated abilities that cannot be played according to the rules as they now stand. If Memnarch merits a banning based on its ability, then so be it. I would rather have that be the case than have Generals with abilities you can't even play.
Aardvark: I would disagree with your use of green creatures like BoP and Lyrist because how do they synergize with Savra? You gain 2 life. Whoop. For the black creatures you listed, it makes a lot more sense. Otherwise, your counter-points make sense.
I simply prefer to play as many creatures as I can, as I have a lot of additional uses for creatures (Survival, sac outlets, etc.). Just a personal preference in a deck like this.
The Momir Vig deck seems lame. I wrote a list once, but there are so few U/G creatures, and Momir doesn't do anything except hunt for combo pieces, while at the same time revealing them to all opponents. That's what we call a Bad Idea.
That's part of the reason I am using it as an example. There are not a lot of U/G creatures to begin with, and decent U/G creatures are even scarcer. That said, you can do a lot of different things with a deck like that, which was kind of the point: you can build it any way you like. The theme is too hard because your creature choice is limited, so going another route with Momir as a minor theme is probably the way to go. If I wanted to make a boring exercise, I would have suggested Dakkon Blackblade or something. Momir Vig is much more interesting, and U/G have great synergy together, so there's plenty of cool stuff you can do.
Again, thanks to everyone for the comments. Glad to see some of you are giving EDH a try!
Ximbad, the quality of the cards as Generals is not the point. The point is that there are cards that are potential Generals with activated abilities that cannot be played according to the rules as they now stand. If Memnarch merits a banning based on its ability, then so be it. I would rather have that be the case than have Generals with abilities you can't even play.
You CAN play a, say, Red General and just make it an artifact based deck with random red stuff so you could use Bosh. You just can't guarantee you'll see it turn 6-8 every game. Not really a lot different, to be honest. It's not like the cards are completely unplayable, you just have to think about it a bit more.
I liked the Savra deck by the way. I assume it's one you build and play with?
Radha, Heir to Keld, Vorel of the Hull Clade, Kemba, Kha Regent, Vela the Night-Clad, Kozilek, Butcher of Truth, Barrin, Master Wizard, Slobad, Goblin Tinkerer, Patron of the Orochi, Oloro, Ageless Ascetic, Thraximundar, Roon of the Hidden Realm, Prossh, Skyraider of Kher, Marath, Will of the Wild, Teneb, the Harvester
If you did this, tell me and I'll credit you!
How long have you been playing EDH? My network of a few playgroups has been almost exclusivly EDH for almost two years now, because it's just so much better than regular multiplayer magic.
As a long time edh, I have a couple suggestions regarding your proposed deck.
First of all, your deck folds to graveyard removal. Play some cards that can reuse any graveyard, not just yours. Chainer, Coffin Queen, black Beacon, Necromancy, Ink Eyes, or Chainer. Yeah definately Chainer.
Make sure you have other ways of creating card advantage besides your graveyard. (Erratic Portal, Mind's Eye, Sword of Fire and Ice, or Phyrexian Vault- also a good sac outlet)
Second, don't waste your time with the Elves, Birds and Signets etc. They will accelerate you for a few turns and then die to a Wrath/Vengance/OblivionStone/Deed etc. These spells happen very frequently, so its better to invest in lands: Kodoma's Reach, Yavimaya Dryad, Wood Elves, Explosive Vegitation, Skyshroud Claim (gets duals), Sylvan Scrying, or Avenging Druid (for real!)
Your mana is super important, so make sure it sticks around for the whole game.
Third, why are your creatures so small? Turn that Lyrist into a Indrik Stomphowler. Turn that Bone Shredder into a Duplicant. Turn Stronghold Assassin into Visara. In an ideal game, Savra will keep the board clear while your guys swing. But that won't last forever, so kill em quick.
Fourth, play some graveyard removal of your own, because you will never be unhappy to have it. Nightsoil, Withered Wretch, Phyrexian Furnace, and Nezume Graverobber are all fine.
Last, where is the best black card ever in EDH: Myojin of Night's Reach? If you think I am joking you have never seen her in action. The card is so good its almost ban-worthy.
Thanks for takin the time to write about the format; EDH games are the most fun you can have playing multiplayer magic. Your article convinced me to finally join the forums so I could respond!
Anyone who wants to see more about the format, I recommend my groups' webpage: www.EDH.i8.com/
It has tips for new players and card ideas for all colors, as well as the rules and etc you saw here, and some MN local stuff.
My wife and I have played it for about a year and a half. I saw someone talking about it somewhere and it looked fun, so we gave it a try, and now I love it.
The deck itself doesn't die to graveyard removal, but it can definitely be a factor. The thing is that the deck draws so many cards that you typically end up drawing all the answers you need. Obviously, it's not going to happen, and if someone playes GraveyardHate.dec in EDH, this deck would have a serious fight on its hands, but I haven't seen that happen yet. And I DO play COffin Queen, because she is INSANE. I didn't expand to the other cards because I am trying to keep reanimation as a minor theme within the larger theme.
Well, I am using Elves, etc. because they are creatures, and due to that, are potentially more beneficial within the theme of the deck. Now, for most decks I would agree with you completely, but because creature interactions are so vital to the deck's strategy, I feel that it's worth it to play the mana accelerators instead of land fetching spells. The creatures may die to board sweepers, true, but I also kill them myself with all the sacrifice outlets, so it's usually a moot point.
Essentially, I was really trying to push the theme of the deck, since the Lyrist sacrifices, etc. There are better utility options out there, like Stomphowler, but again, I am tuning the deck to go with the Savra strategy, so I was trying to ahve utility + sacrifice outlets.
This was a major gaffe on my part. I was going to play Night Soil, Withered Wretch, and Nezumi Graverobber, but I totally blanked while coming up with cards. So, to everyone out there, cut 3 cards for those 3 cards!
Again, I was going primarily for the Savra strategy, so some things got left by the wayside. There are so many cards that are playable in the format that it's easy to miss some, especially when you're honed in on one theme/strategy. Myojin is definitely a gamebreaker, that's for sure.
That actually makes me very happy. Glad it convinced you!
Thanks for the replies, everyone.
I'm working on the Momir Vig deck you requested. There aren't as many UG creatures as I would like.
Cheers,
rant
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I know that everyone around here runs at least one piece of graveyard hate, and it can really ruin your day. From Reito Lantern to Dimir Doppleganger, there's usually something on the board during our games that can deal with the 'yard.
@IocanePowder: I recognize that website, and I've heard the stories! I'm one of Stagno's friends from Cleveland. He complains endlessly about the fact that we include good combos in our decks.
The list in the article is similar to the list I play IRL, with maybe 5-10 cards being different, mainly due to stuff the people in my group play.
I hadn't considered Grim Feast, but it could definitely get out of hand if your game involves 3+ players. Good spot!
Generally speaking, the graveyard, while a big part of a blowout win, is not necessary for the deck to win. In addition, unless it is something like Morningtide or whatever, most of the graveyard hate isn't as damaging as it may seem, because you have answers to all of it. But yes, you need to keep anti-graveyard cards in mind when playing the deck.
Who are you? I assume you play with me up at the Den, but I can't put my finger on who you are. Oh, this is Alan btw.
On topic...
Yes, I agrea defenatly a great article, and it is great seeing EDH get some more recognition. Usually you get a funny look when you mention it while trading for some crappy rare.
I have been working on foiling out my Sliver EDH deck lately. Some of them are hard to get a hold of.
Whoops! Actually, it was an oversight, primarily because the "Official" Rules page has a link to the forum, so I simply didn't think to include a link in the main piece itself. Dreadfully sorry, chap.
@The Ring Masta:
Yeah, I know how it is with foiling out anything in EDH, and Slivers havehe same problems. Don't forget that there are foil Crystalline Slivers out there, if you're willing to pay for them. Heh.
I am personally trying to get anything that isn't available in foil in a non-English language. Makes me miss my old collection that was stolen. Korean or Japanese playsets of every relevant card from Mirage through Urza Block.
Those were the days.
i play highlander decks in my casual group even though the rest of the guys don't. but with my win ratio as high as it is, i think they might come around. i'll have to suggest EDH to them.
Draft and Pauper on MTGO: RonTrauma
MTGArena: Mardu Aristocrats, Mono-R, 4C Dreadhorde, Golgari Citadel
Here's my list of options (I narrowed it down from 70ish choices:
Thanks.
Radha, Heir to Keld, Vorel of the Hull Clade, Kemba, Kha Regent, Vela the Night-Clad, Kozilek, Butcher of Truth, Barrin, Master Wizard, Slobad, Goblin Tinkerer, Patron of the Orochi, Oloro, Ageless Ascetic, Thraximundar, Roon of the Hidden Realm, Prossh, Skyraider of Kher, Marath, Will of the Wild, Teneb, the Harvester
If you did this, tell me and I'll credit you!
If you choose to RFG, yes. Otherwise it will be in your graveyard. Just to clarify, RFGing the General when it goes to the graveyard (from any zone) is optional, and you can treat it as a replacement effect, so it would never go to the graveyard at all in that instance.
Bosh and thelon are mediocre and Memnarch as a general would be insane, so where I live we've left it as it is.
If you were allowed to play any colors appearing on the card, Memnarch would be a *slight* problem and could very well get banned.
YMMV, though.
This prevents the need to modify your deck before games based on your opponents choice of generals.
To respond to many posts:
Aardvark: I would disagree with your use of green creatures like BoP and Lyrist because how do they synergize with Savra? You gain 2 life. Whoop. For the black creatures you listed, it makes a lot more sense. Otherwise, your counter-points make sense.
I also recommend Winding Canyons for your deck, since utility creatures are so important.
bloodydoves: Most of the generals you listed are fine, but some are strictly inferior to others of the color.
For example Chainer is the best in monoblack by far, and I feel that new Crovax is by far the best mono-white, for clear reasons. You are right on with Godo, Memnarch and Multani, though mono-greens is very weak in EDH. Monored is equally weak, but Godo is so good he makes up for it. He is the very best red card in EDH, period.
I would recommend Arcum Dagson or Sek'Kuar for a 1st edh deck because either one gives you a theme, so you don't resort to playing a pile of "all the best cards" which do nothing as a whole. TheAardvark's use of Savra is a fine example for the importance of this:
Your Theme = Your game plan.
Some Good cards = How do I win?
Most new players start with a Dromar or NicolBolas deck that has exactly that problem. You need synergy so that you can get the deck rolling with something very powerful, because traditional control finishers have trouble dealing 40 or 60 damage before your opponents topdeck and hate you out.
Ring Masta (Alan!): I'm Joel. I play mostly at Misty these days but sometimes at the Den. Our group hasn't been up there in a while, we should have EDH meeting someday of both groups. Nice show at Regionals btw.
InsuranceMan: Ya'll should listen to Stagno and nerf the combo decks a little. Games are more fun without Palinchron or Mindslaver; they are just too easy and too un-fun. Some combo is fine as long as not all games end that way. Otherwise I would play my NivMizzet deck every game.
Oops look it's a one-card-combo with my general to win out of nowhere! More like any of 5 different one-card-combos...
Grim Feast is pretty good at gaining life sometimes, but it relies heavily on your opponents cooperation. Warhammer and Diamond Valley both work better IMO, because they have other purposes (smashery and sac outlet).
Pull from Eternity does nothing, but Riftsweeper is crazy! Especially with a comes-into-play theme where you can shuffle away everyones generals.
Sliver Queen is an amazing General, as long as you don't focus on her too hard. Harmonic and Necrotic are the real workhorses, with Darkheart, Sedge and a few others coming along for the ride. The Queen is best imo as the center of a token-based strategy, with things like Vitalizing Wind, Leonin Sun-standard, Attrition or Mana Echoes (which combos with Queen, Sprout Swarm etc). I wouldn't even bother with Crystaline; it barely does anything, while Hibernation Sliver saves your team as often as you need to.
The Momir Vig deck seems lame. I wrote a list once, but there are so few U/G creatures, and Momir doesn't do anything except hunt for combo pieces, while at the same time revealing them to all opponents. That's what we call a Bad Idea.
We allow Memnarch here, and he is pretty gross, but not unbeatable. Having a general that good leads to more hate in your direction.
:-D
I simply prefer to play as many creatures as I can, as I have a lot of additional uses for creatures (Survival, sac outlets, etc.). Just a personal preference in a deck like this.
That's part of the reason I am using it as an example. There are not a lot of U/G creatures to begin with, and decent U/G creatures are even scarcer. That said, you can do a lot of different things with a deck like that, which was kind of the point: you can build it any way you like. The theme is too hard because your creature choice is limited, so going another route with Momir as a minor theme is probably the way to go. If I wanted to make a boring exercise, I would have suggested Dakkon Blackblade or something. Momir Vig is much more interesting, and U/G have great synergy together, so there's plenty of cool stuff you can do.
Again, thanks to everyone for the comments. Glad to see some of you are giving EDH a try!
You CAN play a, say, Red General and just make it an artifact based deck with random red stuff so you could use Bosh. You just can't guarantee you'll see it turn 6-8 every game. Not really a lot different, to be honest. It's not like the cards are completely unplayable, you just have to think about it a bit more.