leyline work wonders againts burn, at least until they find destructive revelry which is a card that shouldnt be printed.
i wonder if i should move out dismember out of the sideboard since infect is not a thing anymore
I feel that even if Burn is a very bad matchup, we have to dedicate sideboard slots for it.
If the goal is to increase our match win percentage specifically against burn, then yes, boarding in life gain cards for burn is the logical conclusion. However, in a blind meta where we can expect diversity, our goal is to increase the total match win percentage. It isn't unreasonable to want to focus on other bad matchups that can be solved more definitively with sideboard slots.
I feel that even if Burn is a very bad matchup, we have to dedicate sideboard slots for it.
If the goal is to increase our match win percentage specifically against burn, then yes, boarding in life gain cards for burn is the logical conclusion. However, in a blind meta where we can expect diversity, our goal is to increase the total match win percentage. It isn't unreasonable to want to focus on other bad matchups that can be solved more definitively with sideboard slots.
I agree with you in a blind meta, we should increase our total win percentage against bad matchups for sure. However, dodging Burn in a 9 round day 1 GP is very unlikely to be so : it's probably the worst matchup we have honestly. Other bad matchups are like Storm or maybe Affinity (probably better than it seems, but it's hard with Ravager). They should surely have sideboard slots as well against control too (like we have 3 Chewer and 2-3 Ricochet Trap).
leyline work wonders againts burn, at least until they find destructive revelry which is a card that shouldnt be printed.
i wonder if i should move out dismember out of the sideboard since infect is not a thing anymore
If you really face that much burn then those dismembers could easily become two more dedicated burn slots.
RW Blaze Commando Soldier Swarm BW Edgewalker Clerics i.e. All the prevention R Ogre Menial (Fallen Feromancer) Tunnelin' Infectors GB Shaman of the Pack Elves URReclusive Artificer Artifact Control GBCatacomb Sifter Sac-Attack
Tiny Leader Decks
WU Geist of Saint Traft WKembha's Cats WRG Marath Slide Control
I agree with you in a blind meta, we should increase our total win percentage against bad matchups for sure. However, dodging Burn in a 9 round day 1 GP is very unlikely to be so : it's probably the worst matchup we have honestly. Other bad matchups are like Storm or maybe Affinity (probably better than it seems, but it's hard with Ravager). They should surely have sideboard slots as well against control too (like we have 3 Chewer and 2-3 Ricochet Trap).
It's more about diminishing returns. Yes we can dedicate life gain options for burn but it's still a crapshoot if it actually works. After SB, they usually sit with 6-7 pieces of anti-life gain and what's worst is that without acceleration, our life gain options happens on turn 3, the same turn we want to fire off living end due to creature pressure.
That's why I advocate for shriekmaw because not only is that card relevant against other matchups, it doesn't fight our tempo and mana situation while still "saving" life against burn. If I maxed out on anti-combo cards like lost legacy/slaughter games effects in lieu of life gain, it would definitively win against the variety of combo decks we're weak to like storm, ad naus, scapeshift, grishoalbrand and can potentially be flexible enough to be used against certain control decks.
Taking in this particular fatal push/DS/midrange meta, burn seems weaker than usual and combined with a historic low conversion to Day 2 and an even worst conversion to T8 in large tournaments, I think this might be the time to risk running no life gain.
The problem with Pulse is that Burn runs Skullcrack, which counters it outright. Gnaw has flashback, so even if Skullcrack resolves the first time you aren't necessarily screwed.
I personally think that Pulse is the best mainboard lifegain in a blind meta, but is worse than other options out of the board.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Blue
You value knowledge, logic, and deceit. You love to pursue wisdom but also to manipulate and deceive. At your best, you are brilliant and progressive. At your worst, you are treacherous and cold. Your symbol is a water droplet. Your enemies are green and red.
I'm not saying I'd run this (especially since it's off-color). But it's interesting to note the return of "When you cycle ~" triggers in this set/block. We could find some playables under our normal curve, like how Shriekmaw lets us interact for 2 mana. Alternately, it's possible that we'll even see some creatures with those effects. Seems like there's a lot of potential room for growth here!
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Playing UX Mana Denial until Modern gets the answers it needs.
WUBRG Humans BRW Mardu Pyromancer UW UW "Control" UR Blue Moon
I'm really stoked about this one. I'm not sure it's the best (fetch and shock for a white source of mana, then, gain 6 , so net only 3 life), but the block could get us some useful tools. Lifegain is really something that I want to work on, so I explore lots of things (Spike Feeder, Gnaw to the Bone, Bow of Nylea, Brindle Boar, etc.)
I'm not saying I'd run this (especially since it's off-color). But it's interesting to note the return of "When you cycle ~" triggers in this set/block. We could find some playables under our normal curve, like how Shriekmaw lets us interact for 2 mana. Alternately, it's possible that we'll even see some creatures with those effects. Seems like there's a lot of potential room for growth here!
I have my fingers crossed for Astral Slide so my two favorite decks living end and astral control can be in modern.
RW Blaze Commando Soldier Swarm BW Edgewalker Clerics i.e. All the prevention R Ogre Menial (Fallen Feromancer) Tunnelin' Infectors GB Shaman of the Pack Elves URReclusive Artificer Artifact Control GBCatacomb Sifter Sac-Attack
Tiny Leader Decks
WU Geist of Saint Traft WKembha's Cats WRG Marath Slide Control
Lost Round 1 0-2 to a Gruul Burn player that went on to a 6-0 record on the night. Game 1 should really have been mine--he had a slowish start despite fully extending--but after 7 cycles, 7 cards in my opener, and 5 draws for turn, I never hit a Cascade spell, nor an LE (Expertise was in my opener). Quite unlucky. Had the opposite problem game 2, with a flood of Cascade spells and only 2 creatures in the yard. Some topdecked Brindle Boars and resolving both other LEs kept me alive for a while, but he drew more gas and eventually finished me.
Round 2 I faced Jeskai Prowess, and in Game 1 managed to Cascade just in time: T1 Swiftspear with 2x Mutagenic Growth on top had me reeling. I wiped the board at 5 life, bringing back six creatures, and all he had for reach was a single Bolt before I swung for lethal. Game 2 he fetched two nonbasics on his first two turns, only for me to power out a T2 Blood Moon thanks to our loyal Simian. GG.
Round 3 was against Esper Spirits, which actually has plenty of tools to disrupt our flow: Mausoleum Wanderer, Selfless Spirit, and Spell Queller are ones to watch out for. Game 1 he laid out a pair each of Wanderers and Selfless Spirits by T3, so I scooped without really revealing what I was playing. Game 2 he extended wide with only a single Wanderer down, and I was able to power past it's countering ability with SSG to Cascade into an easy win. Game 3 my opponent was a lot more cagey, leaving mana open for Queller and trying to play around the LE, but before too long I had enough gas to cast Demonic Dread twice in one turn, the first one having been countered. He threw out a couple fliers the following turn, but then my Blood Moon hit the field, largely locking him out and ensuing my continued advantage until the win.
Loving Blood Moon main; it really is a game changer.
Just an FYI for those who aren't keeping tabs on spoilers, all the Cyclers in Amonkhet so far have been costed at 2. Doesn't seem too likely they'll break that pattern given how many we've seen so far, although it's always possible. (Also possible to appear in Hour of Devastation, as well.)
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Playing UX Mana Denial until Modern gets the answers it needs.
WUBRG Humans BRW Mardu Pyromancer UW UW "Control" UR Blue Moon
Just an FYI for those who aren't keeping tabs on spoilers, all the Cyclers in Amonkhet so far have been costed at 2. Doesn't seem too likely they'll break that pattern given how many we've seen so far, although it's always possible. (Also possible to appear in Hour of Devastation, as well.)
While not ideal, even some cyclers at 2 could find their way into the deck. The Archdemon being the perfect example.
They won't be a immediate 4-of but pushing out Jungle Weavers and Twisted Abominations would be exciting.
RW Blaze Commando Soldier Swarm BW Edgewalker Clerics i.e. All the prevention R Ogre Menial (Fallen Feromancer) Tunnelin' Infectors GB Shaman of the Pack Elves URReclusive Artificer Artifact Control GBCatacomb Sifter Sac-Attack
Tiny Leader Decks
WU Geist of Saint Traft WKembha's Cats WRG Marath Slide Control
So far, nothing has been better than Pale Recluse, Jungle Weaver and Twisted Abomination. They all are good in their way : Recluse fixes the manabase perfectly, Abomination is good for black fetchlands (worse than Recluse) and Weaver is just the meatiest beast we can get out there.
There's just 4 Architects of Will that I see has the creatures to remove when needing space from sideboard most of the time.
I guess flashback pushes it over.
WU Bruna UW | R Kiki-Jiki R | RB New Chainer BR
Legacy - Burn | Pauper - Reanimator | Aristocrats | Burn
@votechainer2016
my sideboard currently look like this:
4 leyline of sanctity
3 ingot chewer
2 anger of the gods
2 ricochet trap
2 dismember
1 krosan grip
1 slaughter games
leyline work wonders againts burn, at least until they find destructive revelry which is a card that shouldnt be printed.
i wonder if i should move out dismember out of the sideboard since infect is not a thing anymore
If the goal is to increase our match win percentage specifically against burn, then yes, boarding in life gain cards for burn is the logical conclusion. However, in a blind meta where we can expect diversity, our goal is to increase the total match win percentage. It isn't unreasonable to want to focus on other bad matchups that can be solved more definitively with sideboard slots.
I agree with you in a blind meta, we should increase our total win percentage against bad matchups for sure. However, dodging Burn in a 9 round day 1 GP is very unlikely to be so : it's probably the worst matchup we have honestly. Other bad matchups are like Storm or maybe Affinity (probably better than it seems, but it's hard with Ravager). They should surely have sideboard slots as well against control too (like we have 3 Chewer and 2-3 Ricochet Trap).
Aggro: Naya Burn RWG
Combo: Scapeshift RG
Control: Jeskai Control UWR
Legacy
Control: Miracles UW
Aggro: Burn R
If you really face that much burn then those dismembers could easily become two more dedicated burn slots.
EDH DECKS:
GBCatacomb Sifter Sac-Attack
It's more about diminishing returns. Yes we can dedicate life gain options for burn but it's still a crapshoot if it actually works. After SB, they usually sit with 6-7 pieces of anti-life gain and what's worst is that without acceleration, our life gain options happens on turn 3, the same turn we want to fire off living end due to creature pressure.
That's why I advocate for shriekmaw because not only is that card relevant against other matchups, it doesn't fight our tempo and mana situation while still "saving" life against burn. If I maxed out on anti-combo cards like lost legacy/slaughter games effects in lieu of life gain, it would definitively win against the variety of combo decks we're weak to like storm, ad naus, scapeshift, grishoalbrand and can potentially be flexible enough to be used against certain control decks.
Taking in this particular fatal push/DS/midrange meta, burn seems weaker than usual and combined with a historic low conversion to Day 2 and an even worst conversion to T8 in large tournaments, I think this might be the time to risk running no life gain.
The problem with Pulse is that Burn runs Skullcrack, which counters it outright. Gnaw has flashback, so even if Skullcrack resolves the first time you aren't necessarily screwed.
I personally think that Pulse is the best mainboard lifegain in a blind meta, but is worse than other options out of the board.
You value knowledge, logic, and deceit. You love to pursue wisdom but also to manipulate and deceive. At your best, you are brilliant and progressive. At your worst, you are treacherous and cold. Your symbol is a water droplet. Your enemies are green and red.
I'm not saying I'd run this (especially since it's off-color). But it's interesting to note the return of "When you cycle ~" triggers in this set/block. We could find some playables under our normal curve, like how Shriekmaw lets us interact for 2 mana. Alternately, it's possible that we'll even see some creatures with those effects. Seems like there's a lot of potential room for growth here!
WUBRG Humans
BRW Mardu Pyromancer
UW UW "Control"
UR Blue Moon
Modern
R/g Breach RG
Living End RBG
Eldrazi Tron C
Angel Chord WBG
Goryo's Vengeance BR
It's a fetchable target for Demonic Dread for when our opponent doesn't give us a target and we can't draw into a Violent Outburst.
WUBRG Humans
BRW Mardu Pyromancer
UW UW "Control"
UR Blue Moon
Aggro: Naya Burn RWG
Combo: Scapeshift RG
Control: Jeskai Control UWR
Legacy
Control: Miracles UW
Aggro: Burn R
I have my fingers crossed for Astral Slide so my two favorite decks living end and astral control can be in modern.
I like cycling.
EDH DECKS:
GBCatacomb Sifter Sac-Attack
I don't see how these really help us at all, but they're cool.
WU Bruna UW | R Kiki-Jiki R | RB New Chainer BR
Legacy - Burn | Pauper - Reanimator | Aristocrats | Burn
@votechainer2016
Fun interaction though is that you can cycle a Pale Recluse for a Sheltered Thicket. Not that it helps LE decks though.
Another fun thing, I bought my second and third Living End just two weeks ago to complete this deck. And the week after, new toys! =)
Lost Round 1 0-2 to a Gruul Burn player that went on to a 6-0 record on the night. Game 1 should really have been mine--he had a slowish start despite fully extending--but after 7 cycles, 7 cards in my opener, and 5 draws for turn, I never hit a Cascade spell, nor an LE (Expertise was in my opener). Quite unlucky. Had the opposite problem game 2, with a flood of Cascade spells and only 2 creatures in the yard. Some topdecked Brindle Boars and resolving both other LEs kept me alive for a while, but he drew more gas and eventually finished me.
Round 2 I faced Jeskai Prowess, and in Game 1 managed to Cascade just in time: T1 Swiftspear with 2x Mutagenic Growth on top had me reeling. I wiped the board at 5 life, bringing back six creatures, and all he had for reach was a single Bolt before I swung for lethal. Game 2 he fetched two nonbasics on his first two turns, only for me to power out a T2 Blood Moon thanks to our loyal Simian. GG.
Round 3 was against Esper Spirits, which actually has plenty of tools to disrupt our flow: Mausoleum Wanderer, Selfless Spirit, and Spell Queller are ones to watch out for. Game 1 he laid out a pair each of Wanderers and Selfless Spirits by T3, so I scooped without really revealing what I was playing. Game 2 he extended wide with only a single Wanderer down, and I was able to power past it's countering ability with SSG to Cascade into an easy win. Game 3 my opponent was a lot more cagey, leaving mana open for Queller and trying to play around the LE, but before too long I had enough gas to cast Demonic Dread twice in one turn, the first one having been countered. He threw out a couple fliers the following turn, but then my Blood Moon hit the field, largely locking him out and ensuing my continued advantage until the win.
Loving Blood Moon main; it really is a game changer.
WUBRG Humans
BRW Mardu Pyromancer
UW UW "Control"
UR Blue Moon
While not ideal, even some cyclers at 2 could find their way into the deck. The Archdemon being the perfect example.
They won't be a immediate 4-of but pushing out Jungle Weavers and Twisted Abominations would be exciting.
EDH DECKS:
GBCatacomb Sifter Sac-Attack
There's just 4 Architects of Will that I see has the creatures to remove when needing space from sideboard most of the time.
Cheers!
Aggro: Naya Burn RWG
Combo: Scapeshift RG
Control: Jeskai Control UWR
Legacy
Control: Miracles UW
Aggro: Burn R