So... this might sound crazy, but is this deck really right for Cryptic Command? I may be wrong, but a lot times when i have it in my hand it feels like it's a bit too slow, don't get me wrong, in the right situation I believe it's the best topdeck in modern, but i was thinking of replacing the 2 I run with 2 Elspeth, Knight Errand ,mainly because a turn 3 geist and a turn 4 elspeth represent 9 damage per swing, and in case we don't draw Geist to play on turn 3, it represents a clock and it's very hard to deal with for any non combo deck.
I am of the opinion that this deck has a very strong tempo plan, and playing Cryptics make that plan much less effective. This deck is not ideal as a control deck, so not running cryptics is the better option for me.
So... this might sound crazy, but is this deck really right for Cryptic Command? I may be wrong, but a lot times when i have it in my hand it feels like it's a bit too slow, don't get me wrong, in the right situation I believe it's the best topdeck in modern, but i was thinking of replacing the 2 I run with 2 Elspeth, Knight Errand ,mainly because a turn 3 geist and a turn 4 elspeth represent 9 damage per swing, and in case we don't draw Geist to play on turn 3, it represents a clock and it's very hard to deal with for any non combo deck.
I am of the opinion that this deck has a very strong tempo plan, and playing Cryptics make that plan much less effective. This deck is not ideal as a control deck, so not running cryptics is the better option for me.
I don't think there is necessarily a right or wrong answer on cryptic. A lot will be matchup and play-style dependent. I've fluctuated between 0 and 3 in my UWR midrange list and recently settled on 2 for the time being. I don't like starting with it usually, but it's nice to draw into and becomes useful later in the game once you've put a threat into play and are protecting it. It can lead to absolute blowouts later in the game when you get a second use out of it with snapcaster mage.
Elspeth is good, though I feel is better suited to use with geist in more of a bant or 4-5 color zoo list that plays more creatures and taps out more often. If you drop geist on turn 3, elspeth and cryptic provide a different means to an end in that they help you win with geist. I really don't like tapping out on my turn with my list though, so cryptic gets the nod for me allowing for either protection of a threat or the ability to flash in another body at end of turn.
So... this might sound crazy, but is this deck really right for Cryptic Command? I may be wrong, but a lot times when i have it in my hand it feels like it's a bit too slow, don't get me wrong, in the right situation I believe it's the best topdeck in modern, but i was thinking of replacing the 2 I run with 2 Elspeth, Knight Errand ,mainly because a turn 3 geist and a turn 4 elspeth represent 9 damage per swing, and in case we don't draw Geist to play on turn 3, it represents a clock and it's very hard to deal with for any non combo deck.
I am of the opinion that this deck has a very strong tempo plan, and playing Cryptics make that plan much less effective. This deck is not ideal as a control deck, so not running cryptics is the better option for me.
Half of Cryptic Command is the absolute definition of a great tempo card: tap all their dudes, and return target permanent to its owner's hand. What gets more tempo than that? The only consistent lines this deck has to out-tempo and race decks (which is when it truly shines) always involve Geist and Cryptic Command. Its a card that helps you win the game out of nowhere, while providing the flexibility to get you out of some tight spots late game. I'd never run fewer than 2 in this deck, though I've been a believer in 3 copies for the past 6 months or so.
The issue I have with taking out cryptic is it is the MOST powerful thing this deck can do. If you take out cryptic, we have a very hard time winning games where we are in a bad board state. Similar to what I said above, lets say you have a Geist down that they couldn't remove due to hexproof and its turn 6 or 7 and you have just a snapcaster in hand. They have 4 to 5 creatures down, an empty hand, and are at 15 life. You are at 5 or less life. Topdecking a cryptic is the only thing that gets you out of this situation.
Before you say "you shouldn't be in that situation to begin with," I would point out that if you are already ahead on board, using a cryptic for counterspell + draw is AMAZING.
If the board is even but your opponent is at <10 life, Cryptic to tap + Colonnade = GG.
Cryptic is great in this deck because, although it is expensive, it enables geist, is our only lategame hardcounter, provides tempo with card draw, and can even bounce. In test matches, I cannot tell you how satisfying it is to have cryptic + spell snare in hand against faeries...
I play 2, but I don't think it is just coincidence that the GP Prague winning deck ran 3...
So... this might sound crazy, but is this deck really right for Cryptic Command? I may be wrong, but a lot times when i have it in my hand it feels like it's a bit too slow, don't get me wrong, in the right situation I believe it's the best topdeck in modern, but i was thinking of replacing the 2 I run with 2 Elspeth, Knight Errand ,mainly because a turn 3 geist and a turn 4 elspeth represent 9 damage per swing, and in case we don't draw Geist to play on turn 3, it represents a clock and it's very hard to deal with for any non combo deck.
I am of the opinion that this deck has a very strong tempo plan, and playing Cryptics make that plan much less effective. This deck is not ideal as a control deck, so not running cryptics is the better option for me.
Just saying, it is obviously good enough to win a Grand Prix. I don't see how it can be viewed as a bad card when it was played successfully in the most recent Grand Prix win of this deck.
Half of Cryptic Command is the absolute definition of a great tempo card: tap all their dudes, and return target permanent to its owner's hand. What gets more tempo than that?
The fact that it costs 1UUU is my beef with it being a 'tempo' card.
Also, GP Prague had no Wild Nacatl. Other than merfolk and infect, the top-16 had no aggro decks which makes CC bad.
Command isnt bad, but it IS slow. Btw, Wrduardo, you do realize all your examples involve an opponent with 0 cards in ahnd, right? I would never cast command into an open mana 1~3 card hand, unless i know exactly what they have, specially not vs fae.
Command isnt bad, but this is tempo, not control, you cant play 3~4 4CMC cards that arent a threath by themselves.
1 or 2 commands may be okay, anymore than that and you are just asking to get tectonic edged/fulminator mage´d.
It really depends on how fast your meta is. A slower one defninatly supports a few cryptics as it is absurdly powerful but as stated it has a tough mana cost. Its certainly not dead against a nacatl though as it is a virtual fog against zoo and other aggro decks. The problem is that it sometimes only delays your death unless you have a beater than can take advantage of the opurtunity.
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Currently Playing:
Modern: RUGScapeshift[RUG...Occasionally with goyfs RUGTarmotwinRUG(RIP)
Legacy: UWxuwr miracles and stonebladeUWx
Commander: UWRShu Yun/Ruhan SmashUWR
Cryptic Command is just simply too good. I run Mystic Gate just to help me cast this card it's so good. I was once on the hate train for that card as well, but it's just too good.
Behind on board? Cryptic Command is helpful. Ahead on board? Cryptic Command is helpful. Bottom line, Cryptic Command is helpful. In one way or another, it has a use.
Now, the GP Prague winning list was running 3. That Modern meta was a tad bit slower than this one might end up being. So I think 3 is a bit greedy, and some could argue it's flat out wrong. However, not running at least 2 is just insane. Why would you do that?
That's the suite of spells that my deck currently runs. I'll probably end up with -1 Cryptic Command in favor of cards like +1 Mana Leak, +1 Flame Slash, or +1 Path to Exile.
The metagame is getting faster, playing 2 or more commands will end with you staring down 2 wild nacatls witha command in hand. That ain gonna end well, my friend.
You absolutely need 4 pte now, playing 3 its no longer an acceptable concession. Also, spell snare is gaining strenght if the faery hype has any real lasting influence in the metagame. Of course, if the deck ends up not performing as expected, you could cut one or two and get the commands back, but as of now, playing command over snare vs fae is suicide, you are NEVER gonna win the counter war like that.
The nice thing is we can all talk about "personal choices," but tournament results are the only thing that's going to matter. I'll be keeping an eye on the Dailies and the two big upcoming tournaments to monitor Cryptic use in the new Modern. I predict it will still be very good.
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What about Brimaz, king of oreskos in the new meta. Tested him and hes good but not great and have tried 2-2 splits with him and geists but I haven't seen any dailies with him. Has anyone else shifted over to him or tried him?
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Currently Playing:
Modern: RUGScapeshift[RUG...Occasionally with goyfs RUGTarmotwinRUG(RIP)
Legacy: UWxuwr miracles and stonebladeUWx
Commander: UWRShu Yun/Ruhan SmashUWR
Electrolyze is the card that I'm unsure of at this point. Still a great value card, but if Zoo becomes everywhere it's a pretty bad card. Could be Spell Snare instead.
What about Brimaz, king of oreskos in the new meta. Tested him and hes good but not great and have tried 2-2 splits with him and geists but I haven't seen any dailies with him. Has anyone else shifted over to him or tried him?
I've been doing well with him, but I don't play on MTGO so...
I'm toying with the idea of replacing geists with blade splicers and doing a 3/4 split of brimaz and blade splicer for a more controllish deck. Might go into U/W.
I have been looking at builds and have noticed some have Geist and some have Ajani instead. Are they equally tempo style, I like the Ajani build on paper but I need to see them play. Any videos out there?
Our meta is very control and combo heavy. We have 2-3 Splinter twins, 2-3 American control, 1 U/R control, 2 Melira Pod (Which I lose to EVERY week), a weird U/W control deck with a ton of blink effects that was pretty good, Tron, 3 Affinity, Scapeshift... It's all over the place. Affinity isn't ever a problem as long as I have a few removal. Splinter Twin is always a scary match up but I usually win. I lose game 1 to Tron every week and then hit it with Sowing Salt. Scapeshift I feel like should be a good match up but I lost the one time we played. Anyway, I'm struggling with some card choices. I know most mid-range don't run Spinx's Rev but I've been a fan. I'm also running more Cryptics than most people do but with all the control/combo in our meta, having a hard counter is pretty nice.
My sideboard changes every week and is a mess. I'm currently running 2 Aven Mindcensor, 2 Counterflux, 2 Engineered Explosives, 1 Path to Exile, 2 Sowing Salt, 2 Supreme Verdict, 2 Spellskite, and 2 Thundermaw Hellkite. However, Pod destroys me. And I'm finding my control matchups to be harder and harder every week. For Pod I was thinking about Torpor Orb. I don't usually lose to them comboing, I generally get Finks and Red Cap hitting me over and over and gaining lots of life. Plus, the Orb hurts Twin, the one bloom titan deck we have, and the other control decks (If they run snapcaster and Clique). It however shuts down my Snapcaster and Clique as well. Not sure what to do about it. Another card I was thinking about is Luminarch Ascension. It seems really strong against control and Tron.
Anyway... any advice on my sideboard or deck list would be appreciated. And even general play style notes. I tend to play very conservatively against all the control decks but maybe I'd be better off trying to be aggressive with my Geists immediately.
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I am of the opinion that this deck has a very strong tempo plan, and playing Cryptics make that plan much less effective. This deck is not ideal as a control deck, so not running cryptics is the better option for me.
Modern: Jund Legacy: RUG Delver EDH: Captain Sisay
I don't think there is necessarily a right or wrong answer on cryptic. A lot will be matchup and play-style dependent. I've fluctuated between 0 and 3 in my UWR midrange list and recently settled on 2 for the time being. I don't like starting with it usually, but it's nice to draw into and becomes useful later in the game once you've put a threat into play and are protecting it. It can lead to absolute blowouts later in the game when you get a second use out of it with snapcaster mage.
Elspeth is good, though I feel is better suited to use with geist in more of a bant or 4-5 color zoo list that plays more creatures and taps out more often. If you drop geist on turn 3, elspeth and cryptic provide a different means to an end in that they help you win with geist. I really don't like tapping out on my turn with my list though, so cryptic gets the nod for me allowing for either protection of a threat or the ability to flash in another body at end of turn.
Half of Cryptic Command is the absolute definition of a great tempo card: tap all their dudes, and return target permanent to its owner's hand. What gets more tempo than that? The only consistent lines this deck has to out-tempo and race decks (which is when it truly shines) always involve Geist and Cryptic Command. Its a card that helps you win the game out of nowhere, while providing the flexibility to get you out of some tight spots late game. I'd never run fewer than 2 in this deck, though I've been a believer in 3 copies for the past 6 months or so.
Before you say "you shouldn't be in that situation to begin with," I would point out that if you are already ahead on board, using a cryptic for counterspell + draw is AMAZING.
If the board is even but your opponent is at <10 life, Cryptic to tap + Colonnade = GG.
Cryptic is great in this deck because, although it is expensive, it enables geist, is our only lategame hardcounter, provides tempo with card draw, and can even bounce. In test matches, I cannot tell you how satisfying it is to have cryptic + spell snare in hand against faeries...
I play 2, but I don't think it is just coincidence that the GP Prague winning deck ran 3...
I'm still advocating the Gifts Ungiven/Unburial Rites/Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite/Iona, Shield of Emeria sideboard plan.
Just saying, it is obviously good enough to win a Grand Prix. I don't see how it can be viewed as a bad card when it was played successfully in the most recent Grand Prix win of this deck.
Storm Crow is strictly worse than Seacoast Drake.
The fact that it costs 1UUU is my beef with it being a 'tempo' card.
Also, GP Prague had no Wild Nacatl. Other than merfolk and infect, the top-16 had no aggro decks which makes CC bad.
Modern: Jund Legacy: RUG Delver EDH: Captain Sisay
Command isnt bad, but this is tempo, not control, you cant play 3~4 4CMC cards that arent a threath by themselves.
1 or 2 commands may be okay, anymore than that and you are just asking to get tectonic edged/fulminator mage´d.
Modern:
RUGScapeshift[RUG...Occasionally with goyfs
RUGTarmotwinRUG(RIP)
Legacy:
UWxuwr miracles and stonebladeUWx
Commander:
UWRShu Yun/Ruhan SmashUWR
Behind on board? Cryptic Command is helpful. Ahead on board? Cryptic Command is helpful. Bottom line, Cryptic Command is helpful. In one way or another, it has a use.
Now, the GP Prague winning list was running 3. That Modern meta was a tad bit slower than this one might end up being. So I think 3 is a bit greedy, and some could argue it's flat out wrong. However, not running at least 2 is just insane. Why would you do that?
3x Electrolyze
4x Lightning Bolt
4x Lightning Helix
2x Mana Leak
3x Path to Exile
3x Remand
That's the suite of spells that my deck currently runs. I'll probably end up with -1 Cryptic Command in favor of cards like +1 Mana Leak, +1 Flame Slash, or +1 Path to Exile.
3 lightning helix
4 lightning bolt
3 path to exile
2 mana leak
3 remand
2 spell snare
2 electrolyze
1 flame slash
How does everyone like spell snares? I love them but may phase them out for something else.
Modern:
RUGScapeshift[RUG...Occasionally with goyfs
RUGTarmotwinRUG(RIP)
Legacy:
UWxuwr miracles and stonebladeUWx
Commander:
UWRShu Yun/Ruhan SmashUWR
You absolutely need 4 pte now, playing 3 its no longer an acceptable concession. Also, spell snare is gaining strenght if the faery hype has any real lasting influence in the metagame. Of course, if the deck ends up not performing as expected, you could cut one or two and get the commands back, but as of now, playing command over snare vs fae is suicide, you are NEVER gonna win the counter war like that.
UWRMiraclesRWU
Modern
UWRControlRWU
Standard
Ummm no...
Trade Thread
4 Arid Mesa
2 Steam Vents
2 Hallowed Fountain
1 Sacred Foundry
3 Tectonic Edge
3 Celestial Colonnade
2 Island
1 Mountain
1 Plains
3 Electrolyze
4 Remand
4 Lightning Helix
4 Lightning Bolt
4 Path to Exile
3 Cryptic Command
4 Snapcaster Mage
3 Vendilion Clique
1 Thundermaw Hellkite
1 Restoration Angel
I plan on taking this deck to Richmond, and I'm thinking of tweaking the numbers.
Maybe -1 Remand, -1 CC for 2 Spell Snare? Stormbreath in main, TMaw in side? a 2nd Resto somewhere?
My sideboard has been:
4 Leyline of Sanctity
2 Stony Silence
2 Wear/Tear
2 Relic of Progenitus
2 Supreme Verdict
I'm not sure of much here, besides the Stony, Wear/Tear, & Supreme.
Sorry for the format, I can't get the deck tags to work like they used to.
Any critiques or opinions are very welcome!
http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=292409
Modern:
RUGScapeshift[RUG...Occasionally with goyfs
RUGTarmotwinRUG(RIP)
Legacy:
UWxuwr miracles and stonebladeUWx
Commander:
UWRShu Yun/Ruhan SmashUWR
3x Arid Mesa
4x Celestial Colonnade
2x Hallowed Fountain
2x Island
1x Mountain
1x Mystic Gate
1x Plains
1x Sacred Foundry
4x Scalding Tarn
3x Steam Vents
1x Sulfur Falls
2x Tectonic Edge
3x Electrolyze
4x Lightning Bolt
4x Lightning Helix
2x Mana Leak
4x Path to Exile
3x Remand
4x Geist of Saint Traft
2x Restoration Angel
4x Snapcaster Mage
1x Thundermaw Hellkite
2x Vendilion Clique
1x Celestial Purge
1x Counterflux
1x Engineered Explosives
1x something
2x Relic of Progenitus
2x Stone Rain / Stony Silence
1x Stormbreath Dragon
1x Supreme Verdict
2x Threads of Disloyalty
2x Wear / Tear
Electrolyze is the card that I'm unsure of at this point. Still a great value card, but if Zoo becomes everywhere it's a pretty bad card. Could be Spell Snare instead.
I've been doing well with him, but I don't play on MTGO so...
I'm toying with the idea of replacing geists with blade splicers and doing a 3/4 split of brimaz and blade splicer for a more controllish deck. Might go into U/W.
Modern: Jund Legacy: RUG Delver EDH: Captain Sisay
2 Restoration Angel
4 Snapcaster Mage
2 Vendillion Clique
4 Arid Mesa
4 Celestial Colonnade
1 Glacial Fortress
2 Hallowed Fountain
2 Island
1 Mountain
1 Plains
1 Sacred Foundry
4 Scalding Tarn
2 Steam Vents
1 Sulfur Falls
3 Tectonic Edge
3 Electrolyze
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Lightning Helix
2 Mana Leak
3 Path to Exile
2 Remand
2 Sphinx's Revelation
Our meta is very control and combo heavy. We have 2-3 Splinter twins, 2-3 American control, 1 U/R control, 2 Melira Pod (Which I lose to EVERY week), a weird U/W control deck with a ton of blink effects that was pretty good, Tron, 3 Affinity, Scapeshift... It's all over the place. Affinity isn't ever a problem as long as I have a few removal. Splinter Twin is always a scary match up but I usually win. I lose game 1 to Tron every week and then hit it with Sowing Salt. Scapeshift I feel like should be a good match up but I lost the one time we played. Anyway, I'm struggling with some card choices. I know most mid-range don't run Spinx's Rev but I've been a fan. I'm also running more Cryptics than most people do but with all the control/combo in our meta, having a hard counter is pretty nice.
My sideboard changes every week and is a mess. I'm currently running 2 Aven Mindcensor, 2 Counterflux, 2 Engineered Explosives, 1 Path to Exile, 2 Sowing Salt, 2 Supreme Verdict, 2 Spellskite, and 2 Thundermaw Hellkite. However, Pod destroys me. And I'm finding my control matchups to be harder and harder every week. For Pod I was thinking about Torpor Orb. I don't usually lose to them comboing, I generally get Finks and Red Cap hitting me over and over and gaining lots of life. Plus, the Orb hurts Twin, the one bloom titan deck we have, and the other control decks (If they run snapcaster and Clique). It however shuts down my Snapcaster and Clique as well. Not sure what to do about it. Another card I was thinking about is Luminarch Ascension. It seems really strong against control and Tron.
Anyway... any advice on my sideboard or deck list would be appreciated. And even general play style notes. I tend to play very conservatively against all the control decks but maybe I'd be better off trying to be aggressive with my Geists immediately.