I'm not sure who you are asking. I personally love creatures with lots of text, playing to the board and synergy, so I love playing Snek and multi-color Humans. When I find myself playing a control deck, I end up rooting for the opponent to succeed.
This means you can play something that fits your preferences to some extent and still get great results. If you like the reactive game, I would go for something like that first 4-color "Mardu" list, with Spell Queller and Metallic Rebuke. If you want to play to the board, Sneks, Delirium or Temur energy seem fine.
Looking to get into Standard. I have nothing of the current standard rotation as I only played Modern and haven't played any Modern in over a year. I usually play mid range and control, I played UR Storm for fun also. I'm looking at the current decks and I'm not too sure which ones will get hit hard by the next rotation, which I believe is September(correct me if I'm wrong). Any help is appreciated, any links or pointing me in the right direction is a plus.
so I was thinking of either doing black, blue, and red or Red, white, and blue for a standard deck. any advice? The black one would be centered around the three new gods, while the white one would be centered around hour of revelation and God pharaohs gift with the locust god Welcome! Per "Standard Main Forum- What Belongs Here," "what should I play" threads belong in that thread. Merging. - hoser2
Hey guys, I wanna now if worth to build this deck: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/standard-grixis-colossus-39150#paper
Because I'm focused on the next rotation, and this deck will suffer minimum with that. But, the Elder Deep-Fiend will drop.
So....is it still worth it?
Sorry for the bad english kkkk
What's good y'all, I want to learn tempo and was wondering what a solid version is. I know it's still early in the format and hard to tell. As far as I know, I've seen a Temur Gro, UG Gro, UR, and UB pirates. How good actually is Deeproot Champion, like that's the only reason why green is in the Temur version and has far as I can tell that extra color for one card just adds inconsistency to the mana base. The builds of the UB Pirates decks have looked more like tribal aggro, but I'd be interested in playing a more spell heavy version that plays more like traditional tempo. Per Standard Main Forum- What Belongs Here, 'What does not belong: ... "What Should I Play" threads (there's a thread for that)'. I believe that the intent is for all "What should I play?" threads to run in that thread. Merging this thread there. Thanks -hoser2
I am getting back into Magic for the first time in 4-5 years (I was playing WUR control then). Money is no longer an issue for me but would like to buy a T1 deck that may have some longevity between rotations. This makes me think UW control might be a good choice. The idea of energy decks currently turns me off because I don't exactly understand how they work and I am trying to find something more familiar but their success can't be denied after the PT ABQ. I am probably going to make a decision within the week, with more research. I just need to pull the trigger on a deck.
No existing deck will survive the next rotation, so they are all equal in that regard. It sounds like you enjoy control, so UW seems like a good choice. Jeskai Approach just top8ed the Pro Tour, so that might be worth considering. The energy decks are midrange, with Temur/4-Color as piles of good stuff and fixing. Constrictor and Pummeler energy decks are more synergistic.
Thank you for the quick reply. I do enjoy control and I am more than likely going to go with Jeskai Approach. I did read up on your forum post for "GBx Snek" and I was super interested. I was just unsure if this compared to the energy constrictor decks I have been seeing on the PT decks page.
Thank you for the quick reply. I do enjoy control and I am more than likely going to go with Jeskai Approach. I did read up on your forum post for "GBx Snek" and I was super interested. I was just unsure if this compared to the energy constrictor decks I have been seeing on the PT decks page.
Yeah, kinda the same. It's jargon, but people have been referring to Winding Constrictor as snek (mispronounced "snake"). It's a peeve of mine that Sultai Energy as referred to by commentators can be either of two different decks: Sultai Constrictor and Sultai Midrange. However, my use of the "Snek" jargon is confusing for people who haven't been following the meta.
Should I keep playing temur energy or switch to grixis energy?
Yes.
It depends on your priorities.
For winning, the answer isn't clear. Per Mtggoldfish reports, both have 5-0ed mtgo competitive leagues. There are more Grixis decks listed, but these are not representative samples.
At the moment, it's wide open. Personal preference might as well rule. Are you bored with Temur? Do you want to save effort by not churning cards?
Personally, I would choose Grixis because I prefer playing Siphoner to Servant.
I'm bored with Hidden Stockpile. I'm looking for a new midrange deck that is Tier 2 at least, has some interesting discussion going on, and is not red. I don't do red.
I'm bored with Hidden Stockpile. I'm looking for a new midrange deck that is Tier 2 at least, has some interesting discussion going on, and is not red. I don't do red.
Approach and Constrictor are both solid competitive choices with active discussion groups currently in the proven section. God-Pharoah's Gift decks have a discussion group in established. I think the UW Heroic deck is discussed as W/U Sram in deck creation but I haven't really looked. That gives you control, midrange, combo, aggro-combo. There is a GW aggro deck, but I'm not sure we have an active discussion for it. Oh, sorry, you want midrange w/out R. Constrictor might be your best bet. There's a spectrum of Sultai Mid-range with varying degrees of reanimation, but they are marginal in terms of your tier and discussion criteria.
My friend and I are getting back into MTG casually. We would like a deck that we can play each other often and have a good match up as well as bring to the local game stores when they are playing standard and be able to join without getting slaughtered.
Much of your analysis seems spot on. I think mono-R is the worst matchup for Approach decks (people who actually play them can chime in here). That said, in an insular meta of 2, you may be able to essentially pre-sideboard to make the matchup reasonable. Then when you go to play at a store, you can restore to a more normal configuration. Mono B should give you a lot of quick, fun games without much blocking. I don't know how good the matchup is, though. Mono-R is the preeminent deck in the format.
IMO, the biggest thing is what deck you want to play. You've played before and I think your gravitating to a control deck is significant. By the book, the best matchup against an aggro deck is often a slightly "bigger" deck leaning toward midrange like RG Monsters (out of your price range) or, one of my favorites, GB Constrictor. Another option to compete would be a token deck with lifegain like Abzan Tokens or BW Vampires.
If control is your jam, UB Control did very well at GP Memphis and you should consider Drake Haven (excellent, though slightly dated, article here).
Hi, since the announcement of the release of the new challenge decks i though i could get back to FNMs after my 3 years break. I was thinking about buying the monored one since looked the most competitive and had a pw that could be useful for later use on commander games, but they are already sold out on all my LGS pre-orders or are 50$ xD.
So am looking into the other three, i really like the vehicles and the counter surge, are they any good compared to the monored? or any of them can hold their ground against the current meta with some upgrades? Leaving card values and rotations aside wich one should i buy? Thanks for your help
Hi, since the announcement of the release of the new challenge decks i though i could get back to FNMs after my 3 years break. I was thinking about buying the monored one since looked the most competitive and had a pw that could be useful for later use on commander games, but they are already sold out on all my LGS pre-orders or are 50$ xD.
So am looking into the other three, i really like the vehicles and the counter surge, are they any good compared to the monored? or any of them can hold their ground against the current meta with some upgrades? Leaving card values and rotations aside wich one should i buy? Thanks for your help
I think the Vehicle Surge might actually be the most competitive. It has the full four Hearts and Scroungers and looks like an excellent value. In addition, I think an aggro deck will suffer least from not being a full powered list. Over more turns, a less well tuned midrange or control deck seems like it would be more likely to be exposed.
Counter Surge is a nerfed version of my favorite deck and also a fine value, but it hasn't been putting up great results lately. In addition, the single Walking Ballista seems like a power down. With Cartouche of Ambition in the sideboard, I don't see how they put Dreamstealer in place of Bristling Hydra. The Verdurous Gearhulks and Glint-Sleeve Siphoners are for real.
I think the Vehicle Surge might actually be the most competitive. It has the full four Hearts and Scroungers and looks like an excellent value. In addition, I think an aggro deck will suffer least from not being a full powered list. Over more turns, a less well tuned midrange or control deck seems like it would be more likely to be exposed.
Counter Surge is a nerfed version of my favorite deck and also a fine value, but it hasn't been putting up great results lately. In addition, the single Walking Ballista seems like a power down. With Cartouche of Ambition in the sideboard, I don't see how they put Dreamstealer in place of Bristling Hydra. The Verdurous Gearhulks and Glint-Sleeve Siphoners are for real.
@Bagern - mtggoldfish publishes a good breakdown of the meta with prices here. There are multiple decks listed under $150. Decks are really a little less expensive than these, since you can often order things for less than Than TCG mid
There's actually a lot of variety in standard at the moment since people are playing around and building all sorts of stuff. There's tribal decks like the ever deadly "Thalid Bowl", others are totally in on the knights deck (I literally bought a playmat and box with matching artwork sleeves), and then the GP grinders rushing at the typical culprits. What it really comes down to is what deck sounds good that has decent substitutes for the expensive cards every competitive player is after. In general, Ixalan based decks (outside of monsters) is going to be the cheap entry point right now.
Also, for reference these are the hottest cards and what they are being used for in the current format:
1) Karn, Scion of Urza: He's primarily being used as the win condition in artifact centric decks and his card draw ability is sort of a secondary benefit. Decks that use him are various UB improvise lists, Vehicles decks since the token synergizes with the vehicles, and sometimes treasures and constructs tribal decks.
2) Tefiri, Hero of Dominaria: Like Karn he's basically used to give draw power. Unlike Karn, he mostly acts as the punching bag while trying to fish for a win condition. He's by far one of the most over priced cards in the entire set of Dominaria and is going to drop in the future for sure. He's just really expensive right now because there's not even a close second choice for a 5 mana draw engine. Dovin Baan is a semi decent substitute, but it doesn't let you keep mana open and he ticks down from drawing cards, so it may be better to just use Glimmer of Genius. I actually recommend that direction since it also helps enable Aether hub, which is a great budget mana fixer.
3) Goblin Chainwhirler: This guy is a meta call. The reason he is getting pricey is because of all the X/1 creatures in the format, making him really good against opposing aggro lists while also picking off elves and other small fry. I'd say for 20 dollars a playset he is worth the cost if someone is going to play red, regardless of situation.
4) Walking Ballista: Again, he's expensive for a lot of the same reasons that chainwhirler is. The only reason he is eclipsing the goblin is because it slots into any deck, and some decks have no real way to effectively deal with small creatures. It also scales well mid to late game, which lends itself better to mid-range decks. fungal Infection, Dual Shot, and shock / magma spray are all okay subs. I'd go for the former since the idea is to two for one, and even if someone isn't in a thalid deck, getting a 1/1 token after killing a target is a good deal.
5) Fatal Push, Vraska's Contempt: Yeah... I wish I could name subs for these, but there aren't any. Hour of Glory is the closest thing to contempt that is available. If you're into white Cast Out is the best sub for contempt. There's absolutely nothing to sub for Fatal Push except red burn spells or pre-emptive discard / hand disruption.
I'm missing a few up here, but the take away is that the format isn't as bad as it looks price wise, it's just competitive players going the "me too" thing and all the sellers speculating on where the money is.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Technically, a lot of these cards are no longer in "Standard," and hence not really appropriate for this section of the forum. I think you will get best results by posting here. That said, I will try to make a suggestion via PM.
The latest online results tell me that you can win with a lot of decks: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/tournament/competitive-standard-league-2017-06-20#paper
This means you can play something that fits your preferences to some extent and still get great results. If you like the reactive game, I would go for something like that first 4-color "Mardu" list, with Spell Queller and Metallic Rebuke. If you want to play to the board, Sneks, Delirium or Temur energy seem fine.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
Otherwise, Aetherflux Reservoir Combo and New Perspectives Cycling are combo decks that you might prefer that are minimally affected by rotation.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
Welcome! Per "Standard Main Forum- What Belongs Here," "what should I play" threads belong in that thread. Merging. - hoser2
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/standard-grixis-colossus-39150#paper
Because I'm focused on the next rotation, and this deck will suffer minimum with that. But, the Elder Deep-Fiend will drop.
So....is it still worth it?
Sorry for the bad english kkkk
In general, I think building around the Locust God is going to be bad.
Per Standard Main Forum- What Belongs Here, 'What does not belong: ... "What Should I Play" threads (there's a thread for that)'. I believe that the intent is for all "What should I play?" threads to run in that thread. Merging this thread there. Thanks -hoser2
Standard-
Modern (Semi-retired)-
RBudget GoblinsR
WBudget Death and TaxesW
EDH-
RWBAlesha, Who Smiles At DeathRWB
GGGFreyalise, Llanowar's FuryGGG
UBW$100 Sharuum the HegemonUBW
Standard
UB UB Midrange UB
Modern
GRWUBTribal Flames ZooGRWUB
RUGTemur DelverRUG
Legacy
UW Stoneblade UW
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
It depends on your priorities.
For winning, the answer isn't clear. Per Mtggoldfish reports, both have 5-0ed mtgo competitive leagues. There are more Grixis decks listed, but these are not representative samples.
At the moment, it's wide open. Personal preference might as well rule. Are you bored with Temur? Do you want to save effort by not churning cards?
Personally, I would choose Grixis because I prefer playing Siphoner to Servant.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
My friend and I are getting back into MTG casually. We would like a deck that we can play each other often and have a good match up as well as bring to the local game stores when they are playing standard and be able to join without getting slaughtered.
He loves playing red and has chosen this:
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/standard-mono-red-aggro-44987#paper
What would be a good counter / match up? I was looking at these two:
https://mtgdecks.net/Standard/wub-control-decklist-by-sekine-kazuki-730241
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/standard-mono-black-aggro-43060#paper
The blue seems fun but to get to turn 8 or 9 against his red aggro seems like a long shot. My budget for buying a standard deck is $200-300
Thanks!!!
Much of your analysis seems spot on. I think mono-R is the worst matchup for Approach decks (people who actually play them can chime in here). That said, in an insular meta of 2, you may be able to essentially pre-sideboard to make the matchup reasonable. Then when you go to play at a store, you can restore to a more normal configuration. Mono B should give you a lot of quick, fun games without much blocking. I don't know how good the matchup is, though. Mono-R is the preeminent deck in the format.
IMO, the biggest thing is what deck you want to play. You've played before and I think your gravitating to a control deck is significant. By the book, the best matchup against an aggro deck is often a slightly "bigger" deck leaning toward midrange like RG Monsters (out of your price range) or, one of my favorites, GB Constrictor. Another option to compete would be a token deck with lifegain like Abzan Tokens or BW Vampires.
If control is your jam, UB Control did very well at GP Memphis and you should consider Drake Haven (excellent, though slightly dated, article here).
Hope this helps!
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
So am looking into the other three, i really like the vehicles and the counter surge, are they any good compared to the monored? or any of them can hold their ground against the current meta with some upgrades? Leaving card values and rotations aside wich one should i buy? Thanks for your help
Counter Surge is a nerfed version of my favorite deck and also a fine value, but it hasn't been putting up great results lately. In addition, the single Walking Ballista seems like a power down. With Cartouche of Ambition in the sideboard, I don't see how they put Dreamstealer in place of Bristling Hydra. The Verdurous Gearhulks and Glint-Sleeve Siphoners are for real.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
So vehicles it is then, thanks !
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
Also, for reference these are the hottest cards and what they are being used for in the current format:
1) Karn, Scion of Urza: He's primarily being used as the win condition in artifact centric decks and his card draw ability is sort of a secondary benefit. Decks that use him are various UB improvise lists, Vehicles decks since the token synergizes with the vehicles, and sometimes treasures and constructs tribal decks.
2) Tefiri, Hero of Dominaria: Like Karn he's basically used to give draw power. Unlike Karn, he mostly acts as the punching bag while trying to fish for a win condition. He's by far one of the most over priced cards in the entire set of Dominaria and is going to drop in the future for sure. He's just really expensive right now because there's not even a close second choice for a 5 mana draw engine. Dovin Baan is a semi decent substitute, but it doesn't let you keep mana open and he ticks down from drawing cards, so it may be better to just use Glimmer of Genius. I actually recommend that direction since it also helps enable Aether hub, which is a great budget mana fixer.
3) Goblin Chainwhirler: This guy is a meta call. The reason he is getting pricey is because of all the X/1 creatures in the format, making him really good against opposing aggro lists while also picking off elves and other small fry. I'd say for 20 dollars a playset he is worth the cost if someone is going to play red, regardless of situation.
4) Walking Ballista: Again, he's expensive for a lot of the same reasons that chainwhirler is. The only reason he is eclipsing the goblin is because it slots into any deck, and some decks have no real way to effectively deal with small creatures. It also scales well mid to late game, which lends itself better to mid-range decks. fungal Infection, Dual Shot, and shock / magma spray are all okay subs. I'd go for the former since the idea is to two for one, and even if someone isn't in a thalid deck, getting a 1/1 token after killing a target is a good deal.
5) Fatal Push, Vraska's Contempt: Yeah... I wish I could name subs for these, but there aren't any. Hour of Glory is the closest thing to contempt that is available. If you're into white Cast Out is the best sub for contempt. There's absolutely nothing to sub for Fatal Push except red burn spells or pre-emptive discard / hand disruption.
I'm missing a few up here, but the take away is that the format isn't as bad as it looks price wise, it's just competitive players going the "me too" thing and all the sellers speculating on where the money is.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.
Technically, a lot of these cards are no longer in "Standard," and hence not really appropriate for this section of the forum. I think you will get best results by posting here. That said, I will try to make a suggestion via PM.
RNA Standard: Grixis Midrange, Jund Deathwhirler, Sultai Vannifar
GRN Standard: Red Midrange, Mono-Blue Tempo, Wr Aggro, Gruul Experimental Dinosaurs, Sultai Midrange, Jeskai Midrange
Modern: Bant Spirits
Forcing a single archetype in all formats: too many colors, bad mana.