So I've been researching cards for a deck concept I wanted to try, one where as many cards as possible could be cast at instant speed. Obviously the lands will have to come in on my turn, but basically I want most of my turns to just be "Untap, Draw, Land, Go". I'm hoping to have at least 80% of the non-land cards to be either instants or have flash.
Vedalken Orrery will be a very important card for you then, as it will allow you to play planeswalkers and sorcery cards at instant speed as well.
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"Whatever style you wish to play, be it fast and frenzied or slow and tactical, the surest way to defeat your opponent consistently is by dominating him or her in the war of card advantage." - Brian Wiseman, April 1996
Vedalken Orrery will be a very important card for you then, as it will allow you to play planeswalkers and sorcery cards at instant speed as well.
maybe, but i think you should also consider only running cards which can be cast at instant speed (with the probable exception of the commander); this kind of build naturally wouldn't run orrery or leyline. maybe the new UR god? i think it'd be super fun
Honestly, I play Marath, Will of the Wild this way, with Isochron Scepter and Sunforger. It's a lot of fun. If you're set on blue, though (and that's probably the proper way to play draw-go), I'd go with Derevi. ISBPathfinder has a draw-go Voltron Derevi list and he's an excellent deckbuilder - you can probably find it in the decklist database.
I have a deck with mainly Instants, eschewing sorcery. But, I do it out of necessity, as the general is Taniwha. I cut all Sorceries and added Squeeze to the deck cuz it's hilarious. Some other good instants, besides counterspells and bounce: Dominate, Ray of Command, Reins of Power, Opportunity, and Blue Sun's Zenith.
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"I have seen the true path. I will not warm myself by the fire—I will become the flame."
—Lim-Dûl, the Necromancer
My Edric deck actually plays like what you are describing and does extremely well while also being fun to play.
I devote ~20 spots to cheap creatures that cost 1-2 mana. But almost everything else in the deck is either an instant or has flash. The only exceptions are cards like Bear Umbra, Sword of Feast and Famine, Seedborn Muse, and Prophet of Kruphix, which untap my land anyway (well those and Craterhoof/Triumph of the Hordes which I play to win). The goal is to never tap out on my own turn after turn 3, and generally that works very well. I play 15-20 counterspells, then some bounce/removal and a bunch of dudes with flash like Teferi, Vendilion Clique, and Yeva.
Makes for a really fun aggro-control play style that you don't see too often in EDH games. You get to play lots of early game action AND then switch to a more controlling role in the mid-late game, all while drawing tons of cards. And the speed+counters will give you game against even the most competitive builds, while the lack of insane raw power or combo keeps it from feeling too broken against fairer decks. In fact the combo oriented decks tend to be pretty easy matchups as you can keep their key spells from resolving, while fair creature oriented decks are more even matchups as they can block your little dudes, overload your counters, and make good use of the draw from Edric.
I built an all instant and flash creatures Talrand deck for my girlfriend to teach her things like the value of playing at the end of turn when you have the maximum information. The deck doesn't win much, mainly cause there aren't very many good Instants that win the game in blue. You basically just make a bunch of drakes and beat face. But without non-instant cards like Coat of Arms, its not a fast clock.
Its viable and its funny. I threw together the whole thing for under $30, including Zendikar islands and Dragonshield sleeves. But its a gimmick deck, and like all gimmick decks, you get blown out by some really specific piece of tech. So for instants, cards like Dosan the Falling Leaf.
If you want some hipster cred, there's also Kaho, Minamo Historian if you want to go mono-blue control. She's the most directly instant-themed general that I can think of aside from Talrand, and she's actually quite fun.
No one has mentioned Venser, Shaper Savant yet. Could be another potential General, or one with the rest of the 99.
With an all instant/flash theme I'd consider looking to find a black commander so you can use Mystical Teachings. Unfortunately only Wydwen, the Biting Gale has flash in those colors. Alternatively you could lead from the rear and run Dralnu, Lich Lord as a method to get more use out of those numerous instants (just be sure to pack sac outlets to mitigate the damage trigger).
I've had mine together for a while, so it is loaded with more expensive stuff, but you can definitely "budgetize" this deck and still have it be really effective for you. None of the high dollar stuff is really critical to the strategy.
I will back up most everything that has been said so far. Teferi, Derevi, Venser, Wydwen are probably some of the more common draw / go multiplayer commanders (I have played all 4 of them).
One thing to keep in mind while playing draw / go, Cheap sorcery speed things are still good because they dont cost much mana so dont get too tunnel visioned on the draw / go mentality as spending 1-3 mana at sorcery speed more or less doesn't cut into your options for the turn still.
I also have a Lin Sivvi, Defiant Hero deck that is in my opinion a true draw / go style of commander. The option to toolbox into answers is really good but they are mostly defensive options so for the most part I dont draw a lot of hate from the perspective of a comboing out angle. Being mono white is a bit rough but its a lot of fun and a challenge to play.
I also have a Toshiro Umezawa deck and while its not draw go nearly to the extent of most of the popular commanders that have already been mentioned I feel like its sort of a halfway there sort of draw / go build thanks to all of the support for instants. Its a lot more into the realm of obscurity though as far as commanders go but thought he was worth mentioning.
The sole exception to the theme was a Runechanter's Pike, because after a ton of turns playing one mana can trips, dropping Wydwen on an end step then one shooting someone was a regular occurrence. It was an amazing deck, not just to play, but to build. Forcing yourself to stay in theme and not just go "mostly" Instants will help you find some really oddball and underused cards, that can be surprisingly effective. Aetherize is a good example. Just by showing the aggressor that you have that card in hand will 9 times out of 10 keep you from being attacked, its like a free fog with free buyback!
If you do a commander that lets you flash dudes in, then you sort of get instant speed by default.
I'll throw in a random vote for phelddagrif. You can use his ability to reward people for doing your bidding, and he has the colors to keep up instant-speed targeted removal for any permanent type, counterspells, and boardwipes. Plus he's nigh-unkillable and usually draws little hate.
If you want some hipster cred, there's also Kaho, Minamo Historian if you want to go mono-blue control. She's the most directly instant-themed general that I can think of aside from Talrand, and she's actually quite fun.
I'm not totally sure who I am going to use as a commander, it is either going to be Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir in a control build, or Derevi, Empyrial Tactician in a voltron build.
Has anyone else ever attempted something like this? Suggestions on cards to include? Opinions on whether or not it is a viable/potent strategy?
EDIT: This deck would be for multiplayer commander, not french EDH
WURG Thrasios, Triton Hero + Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder
UBR Inalla, Archmage Ritualist
You could look at some Talrand lists for inspiration.
[Primer] Kozilek, Butcher with Juice.
EDH Decks
BGGlissa, the TraitorGB
URTibor and LumiaRU
WUBOloro, Ageless AsceticBUW
UBSygg, River CutthroatBU
RGXenagos, God of RevelsGR
UGVorel of the Hull CladeGU
GBSavra, Queen of the GolgariBG
URGMaelstrom WandererGRU
maybe, but i think you should also consider only running cards which can be cast at instant speed (with the probable exception of the commander); this kind of build naturally wouldn't run orrery or leyline. maybe the new UR god? i think it'd be super fun
Draft my Peasant Cube.
—Lim-Dûl, the Necromancer
I devote ~20 spots to cheap creatures that cost 1-2 mana. But almost everything else in the deck is either an instant or has flash. The only exceptions are cards like Bear Umbra, Sword of Feast and Famine, Seedborn Muse, and Prophet of Kruphix, which untap my land anyway (well those and Craterhoof/Triumph of the Hordes which I play to win). The goal is to never tap out on my own turn after turn 3, and generally that works very well. I play 15-20 counterspells, then some bounce/removal and a bunch of dudes with flash like Teferi, Vendilion Clique, and Yeva.
Makes for a really fun aggro-control play style that you don't see too often in EDH games. You get to play lots of early game action AND then switch to a more controlling role in the mid-late game, all while drawing tons of cards. And the speed+counters will give you game against even the most competitive builds, while the lack of insane raw power or combo keeps it from feeling too broken against fairer decks. In fact the combo oriented decks tend to be pretty easy matchups as you can keep their key spells from resolving, while fair creature oriented decks are more even matchups as they can block your little dudes, overload your counters, and make good use of the draw from Edric.
Its viable and its funny. I threw together the whole thing for under $30, including Zendikar islands and Dragonshield sleeves. But its a gimmick deck, and like all gimmick decks, you get blown out by some really specific piece of tech. So for instants, cards like Dosan the Falling Leaf.
If you want some hipster cred, there's also Kaho, Minamo Historian if you want to go mono-blue control. She's the most directly instant-themed general that I can think of aside from Talrand, and she's actually quite fun.
Playtesting | Karador, Ghost Chieftain | Narset, Enlightened Master | Ephara, God of the Polis
Established | Gahiji, Honored One | Shirei, Shizo's Caretaker | Opal-Eye, Konda's Yojimbo | Rubinia Soulsinger
Retired | Medomai the Ageless | Diaochan, Artful Beauty
With an all instant/flash theme I'd consider looking to find a black commander so you can use Mystical Teachings. Unfortunately only Wydwen, the Biting Gale has flash in those colors. Alternatively you could lead from the rear and run Dralnu, Lich Lord as a method to get more use out of those numerous instants (just be sure to pack sac outlets to mitigate the damage trigger).
RJaya Ballard, Task Mage Mono Red Control Decklist
WNahiri, the Lithomancer Mono White Control Decklist
RGWUKynaios and Tiro of Meletis Aikido Control Decklist
UBGisa and Geralf Tribal Aggro Decklist
URGRiku of Two Reflections Non-combo coolstuff Decklist
RWUBruse Tarl, Boorish Herder and Kraum, Ludovic's Opus Equipments Decklist
WBAthreos, God of Passage Reanimate/Goodstuff Decklist
Sure:
3 Edric, Spymaster of Trest
Weenies
1 Wingcrafter
1 Llanowar Elves
1 Joraga Treespeaker
1 Scute Mob
1 Arbor Elf
1 Cosi's Trickster
1 Elvish Mystic
2 Snapcaster Mage
2 Erayo, Soratami Ascendant
2 Uktabi Faerie
2 Void Stalker
2 Invisible Stalker
2 Scryb Ranger
2 Silhana Ledgewalker
2 Blighted Agent
2 Cloudseeder
2 Scavenging Ooze
2 Looter il-Kor
2 Jade Mage
3 Thada Adel, Acquisitor
Flashy Stuff
3 Winged Coatl
3 Vendilion Clique
4 Horizon Chimera
4 Illusionist's Gambit
4 Yeva's Herald
5 Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
1 Force of Will
1 Commandeer
1 Foil
2 Arcane Denial
2 Mana Drain
2 Unified Will
2 Counterspell
2 Delay
3 Hinder
3 Spell Crumple
3 Voidslime
3 Forbid
3 Krosan Grip
4 Cryptic Command
4 Plasm Capture
4 Mystic Snake
4 Venser, Shaper Savant
5 Spin into Myth
6 Time Stop
6 Spelljack
6 Draining Whelk
6 Capsize
6 Gather Specimens
7 Cyclonic Rift
Finishers
3 Beastmaster Ascension
4 Triumph of the Hordes
6 Notorious Throng
8 Craterhoof Behemoth
1 Chrome Mox
1 Mox Diamond
1 Sol Ring
3 Druids' Repository
3 Sword of Feast and Famine
3 Harrow
4 Nature's Will
4 Bear Umbra
5 Seedborn Muse
5 Prophet of Kruphix
Land
1 Alchemist's Refuge
1 Reliquary Tower
1 Temple of Mystery
1 Breeding Pool
1 Tropical Island
1 Hinterland Harbor
1 Command Tower
1 Misty Rainforest
1 Flooded Grove
1 Gaea's Cradle
11 Forest
14 Island
I've had mine together for a while, so it is loaded with more expensive stuff, but you can definitely "budgetize" this deck and still have it be really effective for you. None of the high dollar stuff is really critical to the strategy.
One thing to keep in mind while playing draw / go, Cheap sorcery speed things are still good because they dont cost much mana so dont get too tunnel visioned on the draw / go mentality as spending 1-3 mana at sorcery speed more or less doesn't cut into your options for the turn still.
I also have a Lin Sivvi, Defiant Hero deck that is in my opinion a true draw / go style of commander. The option to toolbox into answers is really good but they are mostly defensive options so for the most part I dont draw a lot of hate from the perspective of a comboing out angle. Being mono white is a bit rough but its a lot of fun and a challenge to play.
I also have a Toshiro Umezawa deck and while its not draw go nearly to the extent of most of the popular commanders that have already been mentioned I feel like its sort of a halfway there sort of draw / go build thanks to all of the support for instants. Its a lot more into the realm of obscurity though as far as commanders go but thought he was worth mentioning.
Signature by Inkfox Aesthetics by Xen
[Modern] Allies
http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/the-game/commander-edh/multiplayer-commander-decklists/490176-wydwen-the-biting-gale-instant-speed
The sole exception to the theme was a Runechanter's Pike, because after a ton of turns playing one mana can trips, dropping Wydwen on an end step then one shooting someone was a regular occurrence. It was an amazing deck, not just to play, but to build. Forcing yourself to stay in theme and not just go "mostly" Instants will help you find some really oddball and underused cards, that can be surprisingly effective. Aetherize is a good example. Just by showing the aggressor that you have that card in hand will 9 times out of 10 keep you from being attacked, its like a free fog with free buyback!
I'll throw in a random vote for phelddagrif. You can use his ability to reward people for doing your bidding, and he has the colors to keep up instant-speed targeted removal for any permanent type, counterspells, and boardwipes. Plus he's nigh-unkillable and usually draws little hate.
EDH Primers
Phelddagrif - Zirilan
EDH
Thrasios+Bruse - Pang - Sasaya - Wydwen - Feather - Rona - Toshiro - Sylvia+Khorvath - Geth - QMarchesa - Firesong - Athreos - Arixmethes - Isperia - Etali - Silas+Sidar - Saskia - Virtus+Gorm - Kynaios - Naban - Aryel - Mizzix - Kazuul - Tymna+Kraum - Sidar+Tymna - Ayli - Gwendlyn - Phelddagrif 4 - Liliana - Kaervek - Phelddagrif 3 - Mairsil - Scarab - Child - Phenax - Shirei - Thada - Depala - Circu - Kytheon - GrenzoHR - Phelddagrif - Reyhan+Kraum - Toshiro - Varolz - Nin - Ojutai - Tasigur - Zedruu - Uril - Edric - Wort - Zurgo - Nahiri - Grenzo - Kozilek - Yisan - Ink-Treader - Yisan - Brago - Sidisi - Toshiro - Alexi - Sygg - Brimaz - Sek'Kuar - Marchesa - Vish Kal - Iroas - Phelddagrif - Ephara - Derevi - Glissa - Wanderer - Saffi - Melek - Xiahou Dun - Lazav - Lin Sivvi - Zirilan - Glissa
PDH - Drake - Graverobber - Izzet GM - Tallowisp - Symbiote Brawl - Feather - Ugin - Jace - Scarab - Angrath - Vraska - Kumena Oathbreaker - Wrenn&6
Kaho is awesome and you have two awesome utility lands Riptide Laboratory and Minamo, School at Water's Edge and you could also build it with tutor packages. My personal favorite was Mana Drain, Cryptic Command, and Time Stop. It was totally brutal.
RJaya Ballard, Task Mage Mono Red Control Decklist
WNahiri, the Lithomancer Mono White Control Decklist
RGWUKynaios and Tiro of Meletis Aikido Control Decklist
UBGisa and Geralf Tribal Aggro Decklist
URGRiku of Two Reflections Non-combo coolstuff Decklist
RWUBruse Tarl, Boorish Herder and Kraum, Ludovic's Opus Equipments Decklist
WBAthreos, God of Passage Reanimate/Goodstuff Decklist
Just a thought if you want to go more creature oriented. Good luck with the deck building!
Gahiji, Token Politician
Rakdos, Lord of Riots; or a Dead Sprint to the Finish Line.
Zirilan of the Claw; or Dragon Toolbox of Hatred