All other things being equal, if you have a 6 person draft, is it easier for a new player to beat an experienced player in a core set or block? Just to simplify the question, let's say we're talking about the first set of a block. i'm guessing the extra complexity and synergy of the block set help out the experienced player, but I'd like to hear what you all think.
I'm not sure why the player count is relevant, but yes, I'd expect the novice to have a better shot in a core set rather than a block draft. Block sets have more complexity than core sets, and thus have a higher skill ceiling. Sometimes a bomby block set can give novices a strong shot (think AVR)...but only if the boss are readily identifiable to novices.
I have seen the novice beat the experienced player, it is not often but it can happen especially if the novice has two many threats early on they can't get their a deck flowing
Well, I've only drafted M14 and I think in that core set specifically good players had a larger edge. The games tended to go long, and long games means more decisions which means good players will have more opportunities to get an edge. However in general I agree that a block set would probably confer a greater advantage.
Well, I've only drafted M14 and I think in that core set specifically good players had a larger edge. The games tended to go long, and long games means more decisions which means good players will have more opportunities to get an edge. However in general I agree that a block set would probably confer a greater advantage.
M14 was special in that regard. Generally core sets are simpler to understand, with fewer wacky interactions and subtle archetypes... whether that gives a new player* an edge is a good question, but a player who is experienced in the game but new to drafting would probably have an easier time with core sets.
*I hate the term "newb." It sounds derogatory. I say this as a personal opinion which is in no way related to my official capacity here, just making conversation.
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Well, I've only drafted M14 and I think in that core set specifically good players had a larger edge. The games tended to go long, and long games means more decisions which means good players will have more opportunities to get an edge. However in general I agree that a block set would probably confer a greater advantage.
M14 was special in that regard. Generally core sets are simpler to understand, with fewer wacky interactions and subtle archetypes... whether that gives a new player* an edge is a good question, but a player who is experienced in the game but new to drafting would probably have an easier time with core sets.
*I hate the term "newb." It sounds derogatory. I say this as a personal opinion which is in no way related to my official capacity here, just making conversation.
I agree M14 is a set which strongly, strongly favors the experienced player. The first time I drafted it (when I went in unprepared), I was crushed by people that knew the format well. I took a 'take the best cards' approach, opened legitimate bombs (Opportunity, Serra Angel) and was crushed by synergistic decks built from weaker cards.
Nothing wrong with getting crushed, however, if you learn and improve from the experience.
Also on the newb thing - I use the term "newb" as a non-derogatory term for a new player, and "noob" as a derogatory term for an arrogant bad player.
It's impossible to even guess at this point; the commons and uncommons basically make the format, and we haven't seen enough to form opinions. Probably about a week before the prerelease we'll be able to speculate.
M14 was special in that regard. Generally core sets are simpler to understand, with fewer wacky interactions and subtle archetypes... whether that gives a new player* an edge is a good question, but a player who is experienced in the game but new to drafting would probably have an easier time with core sets.
*I hate the term "newb." It sounds derogatory. I say this as a personal opinion which is in no way related to my official capacity here, just making conversation.
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I agree M14 is a set which strongly, strongly favors the experienced player. The first time I drafted it (when I went in unprepared), I was crushed by people that knew the format well. I took a 'take the best cards' approach, opened legitimate bombs (Opportunity, Serra Angel) and was crushed by synergistic decks built from weaker cards.
Nothing wrong with getting crushed, however, if you learn and improve from the experience.
Also on the newb thing - I use the term "newb" as a non-derogatory term for a new player, and "noob" as a derogatory term for an arrogant bad player.
Do you think that m15 is shaping up to be like m14, with a high skill ceiling? Or will it be like past core sets?