Thanks for writing this regardless of what everyone is saying it is all opinions. Obviously she isn't great for competitive, but in defense of Chandra Ablaze, making the whole table discard and draw 3 can be a huge swing for you if they're holding more cards than you.
Update to the article. Thanks everyone for your input. I really value it and want to work on what you've all said to make this blog worth reading.
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Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
You should have waited until your list was complete before you released your rankings. There's a lot of people saying X walker is too low, and since your list isn't complete there's often no context and it clutters up a lot of discussion.
At the very least you should make a short mention of why the walker you're discussing is ranked higher than the previous one. For example your Sorin, Grim Nemesis rating is basically "he does some stuff but he's 6-mana and these other similar CMC cards are way better so he just ******* sucks". I don't see the context here. If he's terrible, why is he rated higher than like 15 other walkers?
With your Ajani Steadfast rating you did something like that. "He sucks, but at least he's better than Ajani, Mentor of Heroes because of X". It gives more justification to your spots.
Update to the article. Thanks everyone for your input. I really value it and want to work on what you've all said to make this blog worth reading.
I reread it and I think it is vastly improved. You're on your way to joining Phil and Blackjack in the EDH literature pantheon, somewhere out there...
Thanks I enjoying the feedback. The primers have helped a lot with practice but now that i have my own place where I can use adult words I need to find a middle ground between snark and helpful insight.
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Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Not too surprised myself on the updated ones, but partly because THOSE 'walkers I don't jive with mentally. If you bother following my EDH decklists(in the multiplayer section), you might see them in my decks, but often they're there for durdles, or because they kinda-sorta go with the theme(Dragonspeaker went in to replace Vol, and now they might BOTH end up in the deck thanks to the dragon creep coming in).
Usually can filter out the 'YT seasoning' that is being mentioned, so that doesn't bother me yet, but if you can, keep it reigned in.
Glad to see that I'm not alone in my thoughts with Ablaze either...I felt really proud of seeing her work out in my "I draw ALL the cards!" Niv deck.
I wouldn't put Ajani Goldmane quite that low. He's pretty awesome in an Atraxa deck. Sure, that's probably the only place in EDH where he really shines, but it is something. It should at least promote him to above Pyrogenius and Gatecrash Gideon whole have no place in the format at all.
Yeah Atraxa being added the format and being huge has changed a lot.
I personally have never played against her but since she's been in a lot of the Ajani cards have been getting more play so they should all be a little higher.
I think Goldmane is still the worst of the Ajani's and added a little on him to reflect that but you're right he should still be a few slots above
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Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
If you thought I was too critical before then you may have something to say here
I don't entirely agree with the list, but I find the rankings interesting. Not entirely off, but I think there is certainly a bias against the combat step in the article. Which is fine, but I'm certainly a fan of it.
The 2 places I disagree with are Ajani, Mentor and Ajani Steadfast. The ability to filter from Mentor in non-blue colors is fantastic, particularly if your deck leans more white than green. In my Sigarda humans deck, and most creature heavy, white leaning Selesnya decks, Mentor can put in work. And never underestimate +1/+1 counter strategies and their synergies. Even just pumping up a flyer can be effectice; not game winning, but effective.
Steadfast is great in both superfriends as one of the staple walkers and in voltron builds. He's a role player, and he does that very well.
Obviously everyone plays differently and has different styles, but I think the Ajani pair have wider applications than they're being given credit for.
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Vorthos-player with way too much time on his hands and a love of thematic decks.
EDH - Yes, Each One is Named After a Song. I love tying music to my decks.
I took a lot of the advice of what you guys said and applied it to this next article with the next batch of walkers.
We hit the area of where we're playing with some decent cards and I'm trying to make sure I can find homes for there guys and let you know decent strategys for them all while still keeping my snarky attitude.
Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Kaya begs for a B/W/x Stax build. Her first ability just resets her after she hits her last ability twice, and she's a slow win con with her 2nd ability. Not sure which commander goes there. Maybe in Zurgo Blows Up the World. Nicol is a super friends bomb. New Ob slots in to any mono black control deck. Old Ob is a lot better than he would normally be simply because he can be a commander. Honestly, that's worth A LOT. Knowing that you always have him available lets you build the deck around him. He works well in a control shell with plenty of sacrifice effects and rewards, and don't underestimate how much more valuable life gain is in mono black considering it can get traded in directly for cards.
Also, on a style note, much better job this time.
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The Meaning of Life: "M-hmm. Well, it's nothing very special. Uh, try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations"
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Whether its blue players countering your spells, red players burning you out, or combo, if you have a problem with an aspect of Magic's gameplay, you can fix it!
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
Kaya begs for a B/W/x Stax build. Her first ability just resets her after she hits her last ability twice, and she's a slow win con with her 2nd ability. Not sure which commander goes there. Maybe in Zurgo Blows Up the World. Nicol is a super friends bomb. New Ob slots in to any mono black control deck. Old Ob is a lot better than he would normally be simply because he can be a commander. Honestly, that's worth A LOT. Knowing that you always have him available lets you build the deck around him. He works well in a control shell with plenty of sacrifice effects and rewards, and don't underestimate how much more valuable life gain is in mono black considering it can get traded in directly for cards.
Also, on a style note, much better job this time.
I graded Ob higher than I normally would since he can be a commander.
I've never seen Kaya in anything but I can see her being ok in Black/White stax, still don't think it's super good.
Nickels would be good in superfriends and he is super powerful but that mana cost is insane. And unlike Ugin he can't just wipe everything.
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Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
I took a lot of the advice of what you guys said and applied it to this next article with the next batch of walkers.
We hit the area of where we're playing with some decent cards and I'm trying to make sure I can find homes for there guys and let you know decent strategys for them all while still keeping my snarky attitude.
Definitely think the quality of writing has improved over the entries. We may disagree on rankings, but I'm enjoying the discussion and alternate opinions. I'm gonna keep following. Thanks for taking some of the criticisms in.
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Vorthos-player with way too much time on his hands and a love of thematic decks.
EDH - Yes, Each One is Named After a Song. I love tying music to my decks.
I took a lot of the advice of what you guys said and applied it to this next article with the next batch of walkers.
We hit the area of where we're playing with some decent cards and I'm trying to make sure I can find homes for there guys and let you know decent strategys for them all while still keeping my snarky attitude.
Definitely think the quality of writing has improved over the entries. We may disagree on rankings, but I'm enjoying the discussion and alternate opinions. I'm gonna keep following. Thanks for taking some of the criticisms in.
Of course. I want to keep my opinions in but tone it in a way isn't childish or whatever. I tried something and it didn't really work. That's fine, I want to learn from the mistakes and make good content for you guys. Even if there isn't agreement all the time it's fine
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Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Yeah, this was preferable to the second entry. EDH is a format of self-expression, not everybody has to play top tier combo/lockdown decks all the time, and highlighting possible applications for the walkers and discussing their strengths/weaknesses in that context is awesome. Kaya does have a home in my jank city Daxos the Returned deck, which likes its subtle, progressive discard.
Liking more. It feels more like a media article than a firm(even harsh) op-ed. Facts are presented, your conclusions are stated, and you acknowledge that "they may have a home, but not in the decks I've seen/played". Excellent work.
Actually was completely unaware of Kaya, and I THINK I may have an EDH home for her. When I get her in there and put her through the paces, I might have more info.
Chandra Firebrand needs to be in my Niv deck(even though turns aren't the HUGE draw).
Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
In mono black, she is amazing. She doesn't look scary to the table and doesn't draw "Kill me now!" hate. She finds you swamps every turn to keep the lands and mana flowing. The middle ability is a lot of fun with Ghoulcaller Gisa because the +x/+x can allow you to create a lot of zombies in one turn in addition to the obvious removal utility of her -x/-x option. Her ultimate should win you the game in mono black. While not infinite black mana, but it might as well be.
Next, using Scroll Rack in conjunction with Liliana is tech. While not as powerful as Land Tax (three cards), the idea is the same and you don't have to maintain land parity. I have the 4 color commander Breya, Etherium Shaper. I can find a shock land with Liliana, then activate scroll rack for six cards in hand at end of turn, put what I want to draw on top, bury the swamp shock land, and then go find it again on my main phase, then dig another 6 or seven deep and repeat the process as needed. Fantastic library manipulation.
My point is that she is frequently underrated because Liliana of the Veil is a card and all other Liliana's aren't. Kind of like how every Jace is now looked at as "Not the mind sculptor."
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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
In mono black, she is amazing. She doesn't look scary to the table and doesn't draw "Kill me now!" hate. She finds you swamps every turn to keep the lands and mana flowing. The middle ability is a lot of fun with Ghoulcaller Gisa because the +x/+x can allow you to create a lot of zombies in one turn in addition to the obvious removal utility of her -x/-x option. Her ultimate should win you the game in mono black. While not infinite black mana, but it might as well be.
Next, using Scroll Rack in conjunction with Liliana is tech. While not as powerful as Land Tax (three cards), the idea is the same and you don't have to maintain land parity. I have the 4 color commander Breya, Etherium Shaper. I can find a shock land with Liliana, then activate scroll rack for six cards in hand at end of turn, put what I want to draw on top, bury the swamp shock land, and then go find it again on my main phase, then dig another 6 or seven deep and repeat the process as needed. Fantastic library manipulation.
My point is that she is frequently underrated because Liliana of the Veil is a card and all other Liliana's aren't. Kind of like how every Jace is now looked at as "Not the mind sculptor."
I wouldn't be surprised if the top 5 walkers would all be within the Izzet color identity. And most of there names start with T or D...
Maybe put your list in the giveaway and win some cards?
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Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
I find it weird that you think Ob is the worst of the Commander planeswalkers. I would've thought Nahiri. (Mostly because she tries to fit into a Voltron deck but can't herself attack. But she still has use in the 99.)
Sarkhan actually does have potential, mostly because 1) his +1 is a cantrip, 2) he can protect himself, and 3) his ult is basically a better Dragonstorm. His biggest problem is the lack of a home, but, like Kaya, he fits in a lot of places.
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Card advantage is not the same thing as card draw. Something for 2B cannot be strictly worse than something for BBB or 3BB. If you're taking out Swords to Plowshares for Plummet, you're a fool. Stop doing these things!
I find it weird that you think Ob is the worst of the Commander planeswalkers. I would've thought Nahiri. (Mostly because she tries to fit into a Voltron deck but can't herself attack. But she still has use in the 99.)
I agree but you'll see her very soon. And I hope it makes sense why I put her above Ob with the article
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Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Hey guys so I've actually moved on from commander on to 60 card decks so I don't have any commander decks.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Seeing Ral Zarek this soon saddened me, but I'm biased, since I often get three or more turns from him when people forget to stop his ultimate(true story).
NOT surprised to see Elspeth 2.0...that was a weak incarnation, honestly.
Update to the article. Thanks everyone for your input. I really value it and want to work on what you've all said to make this blog worth reading.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
At the very least you should make a short mention of why the walker you're discussing is ranked higher than the previous one. For example your Sorin, Grim Nemesis rating is basically "he does some stuff but he's 6-mana and these other similar CMC cards are way better so he just ******* sucks". I don't see the context here. If he's terrible, why is he rated higher than like 15 other walkers?
With your Ajani Steadfast rating you did something like that. "He sucks, but at least he's better than Ajani, Mentor of Heroes because of X". It gives more justification to your spots.
WUBRGProgenitus
URGMaelstrom Wanderer
WUBOloro, Ageless Ascetic
WURZedruu, the Greathearted
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher ($100)
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician ($100)
UGKruphix, God of Horizons ($100)(retired)UTalrand, Sky Summoner (French 1v1, $100)
I reread it and I think it is vastly improved. You're on your way to joining Phil and Blackjack in the EDH literature pantheon, somewhere out there...
Thanks I enjoying the feedback. The primers have helped a lot with practice but now that i have my own place where I can use adult words I need to find a middle ground between snark and helpful insight.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
Usually can filter out the 'YT seasoning' that is being mentioned, so that doesn't bother me yet, but if you can, keep it reigned in.
Glad to see that I'm not alone in my thoughts with Ablaze either...I felt really proud of seeing her work out in my "I draw ALL the cards!" Niv deck.
EDH decks: 1. RGWMayael's Big BeatsRETIRED!
2. BUWMerieke Ri Berit and the 40 Thieves
3. URNiv's Wheeling and Dealing!
4. BURThe Walking Dead
5. GWSisay's Legends of Tomorrow
6. RWBRise of Markov
7. GElvez and stuffz(W)
8. RCrush your enemies(W)
9. BSign right here...(W)
The Unidentified Fantastic Flying Girl.
EDH
Xenagos, the God of Stompy
The Gitrog Monster: Oppressive Value.
Marchesa, Marionette Master - Undying Robots
Yuriko, the Hydra Omnivore
I make dolls as a hobby.
Yeah Atraxa being added the format and being huge has changed a lot.
I personally have never played against her but since she's been in a lot of the Ajani cards have been getting more play so they should all be a little higher.
I think Goldmane is still the worst of the Ajani's and added a little on him to reflect that but you're right he should still be a few slots above
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
I don't entirely agree with the list, but I find the rankings interesting. Not entirely off, but I think there is certainly a bias against the combat step in the article. Which is fine, but I'm certainly a fan of it.
The 2 places I disagree with are Ajani, Mentor and Ajani Steadfast. The ability to filter from Mentor in non-blue colors is fantastic, particularly if your deck leans more white than green. In my Sigarda humans deck, and most creature heavy, white leaning Selesnya decks, Mentor can put in work. And never underestimate +1/+1 counter strategies and their synergies. Even just pumping up a flyer can be effectice; not game winning, but effective.
Steadfast is great in both superfriends as one of the staple walkers and in voltron builds. He's a role player, and he does that very well.
Obviously everyone plays differently and has different styles, but I think the Ajani pair have wider applications than they're being given credit for.
EDH - Yes, Each One is Named After a Song. I love tying music to my decks.
B Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief B - Fear of the Dark
WG Sigarda, Heron's Grace WG - Strength in Numbers
RG Xenagos, God of Revels RG - Fullmoon (It's werewolves)
RW Archangel Avacyn // Avacyn, the Purifier RW - The End is Nigh
60 Card Kitchen Table Decks
WUB Avacyn, Spirit Ferrier
RG Arlinn Kord's Howlpack
We hit the area of where we're playing with some decent cards and I'm trying to make sure I can find homes for there guys and let you know decent strategys for them all while still keeping my snarky attitude.
Hope you enjoy
http://diestodoomblade.blogspot.com/2017/01/ranking-planeswalkers-3-60-51.html
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
Also, on a style note, much better job this time.
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
I graded Ob higher than I normally would since he can be a commander.
I've never seen Kaya in anything but I can see her being ok in Black/White stax, still don't think it's super good.
Nickels would be good in superfriends and he is super powerful but that mana cost is insane. And unlike Ugin he can't just wipe everything.
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
Definitely think the quality of writing has improved over the entries. We may disagree on rankings, but I'm enjoying the discussion and alternate opinions. I'm gonna keep following. Thanks for taking some of the criticisms in.
EDH - Yes, Each One is Named After a Song. I love tying music to my decks.
B Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief B - Fear of the Dark
WG Sigarda, Heron's Grace WG - Strength in Numbers
RG Xenagos, God of Revels RG - Fullmoon (It's werewolves)
RW Archangel Avacyn // Avacyn, the Purifier RW - The End is Nigh
60 Card Kitchen Table Decks
WUB Avacyn, Spirit Ferrier
RG Arlinn Kord's Howlpack
Of course. I want to keep my opinions in but tone it in a way isn't childish or whatever. I tried something and it didn't really work. That's fine, I want to learn from the mistakes and make good content for you guys. Even if there isn't agreement all the time it's fine
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
Actually was completely unaware of Kaya, and I THINK I may have an EDH home for her. When I get her in there and put her through the paces, I might have more info.
Chandra Firebrand needs to be in my Niv deck(even though turns aren't the HUGE draw).
EDH decks: 1. RGWMayael's Big BeatsRETIRED!
2. BUWMerieke Ri Berit and the 40 Thieves
3. URNiv's Wheeling and Dealing!
4. BURThe Walking Dead
5. GWSisay's Legends of Tomorrow
6. RWBRise of Markov
7. GElvez and stuffz(W)
8. RCrush your enemies(W)
9. BSign right here...(W)
http://diestodoomblade.blogspot.com/2017/01/ranking-planeswalkers-giveaway.html
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
In mono black, she is amazing. She doesn't look scary to the table and doesn't draw "Kill me now!" hate. She finds you swamps every turn to keep the lands and mana flowing. The middle ability is a lot of fun with Ghoulcaller Gisa because the +x/+x can allow you to create a lot of zombies in one turn in addition to the obvious removal utility of her -x/-x option. Her ultimate should win you the game in mono black. While not infinite black mana, but it might as well be.
Next, using Scroll Rack in conjunction with Liliana is tech. While not as powerful as Land Tax (three cards), the idea is the same and you don't have to maintain land parity. I have the 4 color commander Breya, Etherium Shaper. I can find a shock land with Liliana, then activate scroll rack for six cards in hand at end of turn, put what I want to draw on top, bury the swamp shock land, and then go find it again on my main phase, then dig another 6 or seven deep and repeat the process as needed. Fantastic library manipulation.
My point is that she is frequently underrated because Liliana of the Veil is a card and all other Liliana's aren't. Kind of like how every Jace is now looked at as "Not the mind sculptor."
You won't see her in the next list
Maybe put your list in the giveaway and win some cards?
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
Sarkhan actually does have potential, mostly because 1) his +1 is a cantrip, 2) he can protect himself, and 3) his ult is basically a better Dragonstorm. His biggest problem is the lack of a home, but, like Kaya, he fits in a lot of places.
On phasing:
I agree but you'll see her very soon. And I hope it makes sense why I put her above Ob with the article
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
http://diestodoomblade.blogspot.com/2017/01/ranking-planeswalkers-4-50-41.html
Anyway I've started my own gameplay channel in which I play games (Magic also)
Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/dies_to_doom_blade
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/UpsidedownHandshake
NOT surprised to see Elspeth 2.0...that was a weak incarnation, honestly.
EDH decks: 1. RGWMayael's Big BeatsRETIRED!
2. BUWMerieke Ri Berit and the 40 Thieves
3. URNiv's Wheeling and Dealing!
4. BURThe Walking Dead
5. GWSisay's Legends of Tomorrow
6. RWBRise of Markov
7. GElvez and stuffz(W)
8. RCrush your enemies(W)
9. BSign right here...(W)