I prefer the GiftShift/Scapegift/Shifts Ungiven version over Bring to Light. Stretching to four colors has lost me games. Being able to find silver bullets is important for this deck, and Gifts Ungiven gives us that while not moving to 4C. However, I only have about 20 games with the BtL list, so I will do more testing before completely writing it off.
sorry if this is poorly formatted, but its what I'm running right now. Haven't had too much testing with it to tweak against metas but it does well enough in cockatrice.
I agree with the others -- I'm not a huge fan of BTL because, although it's not a bad card, it's not worth the hit to the mana base; which is already a bit stretched due to the whole mountains requirement.
BTL does add some to the deck, admittedly, however it also incentivizes you to throw odd one-ofs in your maindeck and to fill your sideboard with too many bombs that are best when cast via BTL rather than more general answers. In addition, BTL is clunky since it costs 5. Honestly, I think Gifts Ungiven is prolly better than BTL, but I've never tested Shifts Not-Given (I like that name more than Shifts Ungiven). I think we really have the best tools available in RUG -- especially since Dismember is always an option.
I've been running BTL and have been having great results at my previous few GPTs with it. I've top-8'd 2/4 and missed the others due to my own punts. My list is located here: Deckbox
The addition of Relic was due to knowing two Living End players were present and it replaced my second Electrolyze.
The mainboard Maelstrom Pulse is frankly ridiculous, dealing with multiple blood moon effects game one, wiping Merfolk boards, etc. The Nourish in the side is likely going to be replaced by Pulse of Murasa due to being a Semi-Timely effect or ensuring I hit a land drop.
So is BTL now in every scapeshift deck? I still play "the old" RUG version, and it works just fine.
Tried on BTL when Hoogland wrote about it and didn't care for it so I'm still on RUG and plan to play either it or RG at the upcoming SCG Atlanta Classic. This is my hot mess before I set it down for the holidays to play RG.
I've been playing Titanshift lately and wondering if there is some happy medium between RUG and it. I made it to the finals of a GPT this past weekend with this list (could have won too, but had a dumb misplay in G3 with assigning Valakut triggers).
I've been running BTL and have been having great results at my previous few GPTs with it. I've top-8'd 2/4 and missed the others due to my own punts. My list is located here: Deckbox
The addition of Relic was due to knowing two Living End players were present and it replaced my second Electrolyze.
The mainboard Maelstrom Pulse is frankly ridiculous, dealing with multiple blood moon effects game one, wiping Merfolk boards, etc. The Nourish in the side is likely going to be replaced by Pulse of Murasa due to being a Semi-Timely effect or ensuring I hit a land drop.
Decklist is quit spicy. It looks great tho. I think the Pulse can be a Decay, but that is personla preference to. How about the Pia maindeck, how does it work for you?
I have been testing RUG version now. Just the old regular build. It feels great, never had a game where I couldnt close it. The two maindeck Lumbering Falls are new hero's in the deck. Beside that. I have been testen against Twin, Jund, Junk, Grixis Control and Bogles. So not that bad mu. I still need some testing vs Infect and Burn. Tron looks awfull now with the new Ulamog... #bannhammer!... Besides that, I think both decks have pro's and con's. I have always been an Toolbox player with Birthing Pod. So I keep on testing the RUG and after a month or so I will make the BTL version and keep testing with that. The silver bullets are great. But I think you will have to many hands with double BTL or BTL and sAPESHIfT. It feels so clunky for me. But time will tell. Next to that, I love Anticipate instead of Worldly Counsil. And there are so many options in the BTL build. So keep the posts comming!
I've been running BTL and have been having great results at my previous few GPTs with it. I've top-8'd 2/4 and missed the others due to my own punts. My list is located here: Deckbox
The addition of Relic was due to knowing two Living End players were present and it replaced my second Electrolyze.
The mainboard Maelstrom Pulse is frankly ridiculous, dealing with multiple blood moon effects game one, wiping Merfolk boards, etc. The Nourish in the side is likely going to be replaced by Pulse of Murasa due to being a Semi-Timely effect or ensuring I hit a land drop.
Decklist is quit spicy. It looks great tho. I think the Pulse can be a Decay, but that is personla preference to. How about the Pia maindeck, how does it work for you?
I have been testing RUG version now. Just the old regular build. It feels great, never had a game where I couldnt close it. The two maindeck Lumbering Falls are new hero's in the deck. Beside that. I have been testen against Twin, Jund, Junk, Grixis Control and Bogles. So not that bad mu. I still need some testing vs Infect and Burn. Tron looks awfull now with the new Ulamog... #bannhammer!... Besides that, I think both decks have pro's and con's. I have always been an Toolbox player with Birthing Pod. So I keep on testing the RUG and after a month or so I will make the BTL version and keep testing with that. The silver bullets are great. But I think you will have to many hands with double BTL or BTL and sAPESHIfT. It feels so clunky for me. But time will tell. Next to that, I love Anticipate instead of Worldly Counsil. And there are so many options in the BTL build. So keep the posts comming!
The pulse turning into decay could happen if you were in a meta without Leyline and less blood moons. I have both so I prefer the Pulse as it has got me out of a lot of sticky situations that Decay could not have: killing early tasigur/Angler, multiple blood moons (3), double Master of Waves, etc.
Pia and Kiran is also great, they slow down aggro decks game 1 and provide a useful grindy card against GBx that can also remove a late twin.
So after reading above lists, I have been trying the BTL (RUG/b) list and another think-twin-no-ramp list, but I think like the toolbox play-style more. However, the 5 CMC of BLT sometimes really is the trouble maker. Also I have a difficult time play against control/twin decks.
I googled some of the gift-shift idea and have been testing it on Untap...
Since I've never been a brewer (or an optimizer?), can you guys give me some suggestions? Thank you so much~
So after reading above lists, I have been trying the BTL (RUG/b) list and another think-twin-no-ramp list, but I think like the toolbox play-style more. However, the 5 CMC of BLT sometimes really is the trouble maker. Also I have a difficult time play against control/twin decks.
I googled some of the gift-shift idea and have been testing it on Untap...
Since I've never been a brewer (or an optimizer?), can you guys give me some suggestions? Thank you so much~
I'd love to see a Firespout in here so you can Gifts for Spout, Anger, Noxious, Snapcaster. I think that Electrolyze is the best cut. In addition, I don't think that Explore is where you want to be -- maybe Rampant Growth for the Gifts package? Lol you could even try Life from the Loam.
Also, Think Twice works pretty well with both Gifts and Noxious. Just sayin. ;D
so after testing over night, I feel that gift vs. BTL is really a tough call.
My thoughts on gift is that it's more proactive, and you need to plan your game ahead.
I almost never use gift on finding ramp spells. Always put it on win-con search. in the meantime, leave mana open for counters/burn
On the other hand, BTL is more of a "ramp to UUU, 4 color, and top-deck win"
I constantly use BTL to find the RIGHT answer to current problem (but 50/50 there's nothing I can do), or simply ramp with Hunting Wilds, then wait to topdeck another BTL/scapeshift...
no sure.... maybe I play the deck wrong?
On the side, what's the best alternative wincon you guys would suggest besides Obstinate Baloth?
There were quite a bit times I got screwed by my opponent taking out all my scapeshift, forbidding me casting scapeshift, or just playing multiple leylines.....
Gifts is unlike BTL in that it's not really the "all-purpose tutor" that BTL is, but it's more of a selective card draw spell. Yes, you can use it to find Shift, which is nice, but I'd imagine that you should use it as a way to prolong the game (against aggro/midrange) or set up your hand (against Control) more often than tutoring up the combo.
For example, Gifts'ing up Snap, Negate, Dispel, Remand against control is going to set you up for the critical turn when you finally decide to go for it. Gifts'ing up a wrath package against Affinity or Zoo is going to stabilize you.
You really only need to Gifts up a Shift if you have the resources to protect it, but no combo in hand.
so after testing over night, I feel that gift vs. BTL is really a tough call.
My thoughts on gift is that it's more proactive, and you need to plan your game ahead.
I almost never use gift on finding ramp spells. Always put it on win-con search. in the meantime, leave mana open for counters/burn
On the other hand, BTL is more of a "ramp to UUU, 4 color, and top-deck win"
I constantly use BTL to find the RIGHT answer to current problem (but 50/50 there's nothing I can do), or simply ramp with Hunting Wilds, then wait to topdeck another BTL/scapeshift...
no sure.... maybe I play the deck wrong?
On the side, what's the best alternative wincon you guys would suggest besides Obstinate Baloth?
There were quite a bit times I got screwed by my opponent taking out all my scapeshift, forbidding me casting scapeshift, or just playing multiple leylines.....
I've got a sideboard plan that includes Ranger of Eos and x2 Dragonmaster Outcast. BTL for the ranger, or naturally draw one of the three cards. After a ranger and reveal you can usually put them down next turn with counter backup, and this also means the counter is there to protect them and they need two removals if you can land both or you're making dragons, and who doesn't like dragons
As far as wincons go, Thrun, the Last Troll is a very good one. You could always just side into Thragtusks and Inferno Titans and stuff. Gifts+Rites combo is an option if you're on Shifts Not-Given, and it's probably really good with Prismatic Omen if you run that too.
4 Remand
4 Scapeshift
4 Search for Tomorrow
4 Anticipate
2 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
4 Steam Vents
4 Stomping Ground
2 Mountain
4 Island
3 Forest
4 Misty Rainforest
1 Breeding Pool
4 Cryptic Command
1 Anger of the Gods
1 Explore
2 Snapcaster Mage
2 Pia and Kiran Nalaar
1 Pyroclasm
3 Peer Through Depths
1 Farseek
1 Electrolyze
2 Obstinate Baloth
1 Inferno Titan
2 Dispel
1 Anger of the Gods
1 Ancient Grudge
1 Electrolyze
1 Negate
1 Lightning Bolt
1 Glen Elendra
2 Hurkyl's Recall
sorry if this is poorly formatted, but its what I'm running right now. Haven't had too much testing with it to tweak against metas but it does well enough in cockatrice.
BTL does add some to the deck, admittedly, however it also incentivizes you to throw odd one-ofs in your maindeck and to fill your sideboard with too many bombs that are best when cast via BTL rather than more general answers. In addition, BTL is clunky since it costs 5. Honestly, I think Gifts Ungiven is prolly better than BTL, but I've never tested Shifts Not-Given (I like that name more than Shifts Ungiven). I think we really have the best tools available in RUG -- especially since Dismember is always an option.
UWB Esper Draw-Go Control (clicky)
UW Azorius Control (clicky)
Currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry.
EDH: I've decided I don't like multiplayer formats.
The addition of Relic was due to knowing two Living End players were present and it replaced my second Electrolyze.
The mainboard Maelstrom Pulse is frankly ridiculous, dealing with multiple blood moon effects game one, wiping Merfolk boards, etc. The Nourish in the side is likely going to be replaced by Pulse of Murasa due to being a Semi-Timely effect or ensuring I hit a land drop.
Tried on BTL when Hoogland wrote about it and didn't care for it so I'm still on RUG and plan to play either it or RG at the upcoming SCG Atlanta Classic. This is my hot mess before I set it down for the holidays to play RG.
I've been playing Titanshift lately and wondering if there is some happy medium between RUG and it. I made it to the finals of a GPT this past weekend with this list (could have won too, but had a dumb misplay in G3 with assigning Valakut triggers).
Fetch-Shock-Blog
Moderator of /r/Scapeshift
GU Infect | x Affinity | RWG Naya Burn | W Death and Taxes | U Merfolk | BURG BTL Scapeshift | WUUW Titan | R Goblins | BURGW Suicide Zoo
Decklist is quit spicy. It looks great tho. I think the Pulse can be a Decay, but that is personla preference to. How about the Pia maindeck, how does it work for you?
I have been testing RUG version now. Just the old regular build. It feels great, never had a game where I couldnt close it. The two maindeck Lumbering Falls are new hero's in the deck. Beside that. I have been testen against Twin, Jund, Junk, Grixis Control and Bogles. So not that bad mu. I still need some testing vs Infect and Burn. Tron looks awfull now with the new Ulamog... #bannhammer!... Besides that, I think both decks have pro's and con's. I have always been an Toolbox player with Birthing Pod. So I keep on testing the RUG and after a month or so I will make the BTL version and keep testing with that. The silver bullets are great. But I think you will have to many hands with double BTL or BTL and sAPESHIfT. It feels so clunky for me. But time will tell. Next to that, I love Anticipate instead of Worldly Counsil. And there are so many options in the BTL build. So keep the posts comming!
The pulse turning into decay could happen if you were in a meta without Leyline and less blood moons. I have both so I prefer the Pulse as it has got me out of a lot of sticky situations that Decay could not have: killing early tasigur/Angler, multiple blood moons (3), double Master of Waves, etc.
Pia and Kiran is also great, they slow down aggro decks game 1 and provide a useful grindy card against GBx that can also remove a late twin.
I googled some of the gift-shift idea and have been testing it on Untap...
Since I've never been a brewer (or an optimizer?), can you guys give me some suggestions? Thank you so much~
2 Island
1 Mountain
1 Forest
1 Snow-Covered Forest
1 Snow-Covered Mountain
1 Snow-Covered Island
1 Cinder Glade
4 Misty Rainforest
2 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
1 Flooded Grove
2 Breeding Pool
4 Stomping Ground
4 Steam Vents
Creatures 6
2 Snapcaster Mage
4 Sakura-Tribe Elder
4 Search for Tomorrow
1 Farseek
1 Explore
Other Spells 23
3 Gifts Ungiven
2 Scapeshift
1 Noxious Revival
2 Anticipate
1 Anger of the Gods
3 Cryptic Command
4 Remand
1 Dispel
1 Into the Roil
2 Lightning Bolt
2 Izzet Charm
1 Electrolyze
1 Firespout
1 Anger of the Gods
2 Destructive Revelry
2 Spellskite
4 Obstinate Baloth
1 Negate
1 Ancient Grudge
1 Crumble to Dust
1 Shatterstorm
1 Pyroclasm
I'd love to see a Firespout in here so you can Gifts for Spout, Anger, Noxious, Snapcaster. I think that Electrolyze is the best cut. In addition, I don't think that Explore is where you want to be -- maybe Rampant Growth for the Gifts package? Lol you could even try Life from the Loam.
Also, Think Twice works pretty well with both Gifts and Noxious. Just sayin. ;D
UWB Esper Draw-Go Control (clicky)
UW Azorius Control (clicky)
Currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry.
EDH: I've decided I don't like multiplayer formats.
If you gift for firespout it will deal 0 damage, Same with Radiant flames.
You may be thinking Bring to Light or something, Gifts will only get you cards in which you need to cast later.
http://www.cubetutor.com/visualspoiler/20765
you're right, I was thinking of Bring to Light. My bad!
My thoughts on gift is that it's more proactive, and you need to plan your game ahead.
I almost never use gift on finding ramp spells. Always put it on win-con search. in the meantime, leave mana open for counters/burn
On the other hand, BTL is more of a "ramp to UUU, 4 color, and top-deck win"
I constantly use BTL to find the RIGHT answer to current problem (but 50/50 there's nothing I can do), or simply ramp with Hunting Wilds, then wait to topdeck another BTL/scapeshift...
no sure.... maybe I play the deck wrong?
On the side, what's the best alternative wincon you guys would suggest besides Obstinate Baloth?
There were quite a bit times I got screwed by my opponent taking out all my scapeshift, forbidding me casting scapeshift, or just playing multiple leylines.....
For example, Gifts'ing up Snap, Negate, Dispel, Remand against control is going to set you up for the critical turn when you finally decide to go for it. Gifts'ing up a wrath package against Affinity or Zoo is going to stabilize you.
You really only need to Gifts up a Shift if you have the resources to protect it, but no combo in hand.
UWB Esper Draw-Go Control (clicky)
UW Azorius Control (clicky)
Currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry.
EDH: I've decided I don't like multiplayer formats.
I've got a sideboard plan that includes Ranger of Eos and x2 Dragonmaster Outcast. BTL for the ranger, or naturally draw one of the three cards. After a ranger and reveal you can usually put them down next turn with counter backup, and this also means the counter is there to protect them and they need two removals if you can land both or you're making dragons, and who doesn't like dragons
UWB Esper Draw-Go Control (clicky)
UW Azorius Control (clicky)
Currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry.
EDH: I've decided I don't like multiplayer formats.