I was also at Esper at first a week or so ago but now switched to UW. Sure you lose The Scarab God, Fatal Push and Vraska's Contempt but you'll get a more solid base in return. I've checked Chapin's list, tweaked it a little because I wasn't very happy with Evolving Wilds among other things.
This is where I'm at now, feels good. After game 1 it's possible to transition to a more creature based deck if required while still keeping your control options open. Any comments are welcome. Also trying out 1 Slaughter the Strong main as a cheaper sweeper for all the big boys out there.
I like your build, a lot more than the pro's build that's for sure. Having said that I feel that Teferi main deck is not a good choice, the reason is that against aggro decks which are any type of Red decks, or the new Knight decks as well as R/G dinos you will be dead before Teferi comes out and even if he is out the opp won't care much about him and just run you over with creatures. I would test him as a 1 of or at most 2 of in the maindeck.
Second I like that you included Slaughter the strong and I think this should be a 2 of in the deck at least, there will be a lot of big creatures coming out fast including turn 4 Carnage Tyrant and we need this card to deal with him. I know settle deals with him as does fumigate but it's good to have a 3 mana answer as well.
I'm not sold on blink of an eye, because I run T. Gearhulk main deck so I'd rather run commit instead and also the 1 Pull from tomorrow is too situational and will not work at all in most games, and if you can cast it for a lot it means you're winning anyway.
I would also go up to 4 on Essence scatter, it will be a creature heavy meta so this spell is golden.
As for the sideboard, I don't know what's up with the 1 spell pierce and 1 solemnity but they're not so good as just 1 of. I also think now that T. Gearhulk should be main-decked instead of sideboarded in, because what will you side them in against? Against aggro they are too slow, against control they don't really do much but there's more effective cards to side in the mirror match than gearhulks.
I will be posting my decklist next week, after Dominaria is out and I can get some cards to playtest.
With T. Gearhulk, by your statement, we shouldn't be running it at all (which I disagree with tbh)
If it's too slow maindeck and too slow and situational to side in, why not just run something else. I plan on dumping gearhulks for more spells as I will be running less instants and more enchantments like seal away.
I also feel forsake the worldly should be incorporated in the 75 somewhere. It is house to blow up opposing cast outs/bindings and is fairly decent vs vehicles.
And cycle is good too
Yeah, I can see how that can be misunderstood, my point was that you should play Gearhulk main deck and you can side it out against aggro Red decks since it's too slow, but you shouldn't just have it in the sideboard because it doesn't work too well against mid-range/control decks in game 2 if you have to side it in.
Basically, if your deck is built to make use of T. GEarhulk then play it main deck, but don't have it in the sideboard just because. I'm gonna have my deck be built around using Gearhulk and thus running some good instants as well as some other combos with it, you can all see it when I post my decklist next week. I've mentioned a couple of things already but people didn't take it seriously so you'll just have to wait and see next week!
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Slaughter the strong is too narrow and situational maindeck. Knights or RDW dont care about it. Cant be flashed back by Gearhulk.
No need to wait till next week for cards, when the cards are already available on xmage now for testing.
Blessing is pointless. I don't want to cast approach then shuffle it to a random spot in my deck. And I'd rather run a few gearhulks, angels or PWs if I am worried about having an alternate win condition.
Having seen this come up on other threads in other formats, I am willing to say that blessing may be one of the most overrated cards ever.
@kPal - I do a lot of my testing on xMage, was really glad to see it get updated yesterday with the new stuff.
I am all over the place right now with my list but here are my thoughts so far: Teferi, Hero of Dominaria - Super strong card. Does not win the game but will keep you from losing it (hope that makes sense). All 3 modes are very relevant. The combination of him and Gideon makes a very nice pair. Right now running 2-3 main. Seal Away - the 2 mana spot removal we have been missing. This with Settle means your opponent does not have a good move to make if you have 4 mana open. Pretty much an automatic 4 set. Syncopate - This has replaced Censor in my deck. I do miss the cycling ability but the Exile effect is worth it. 3-4 in main, 1-2 in the sideboard. Unwind - Cost one more than Negate but if it resolves it is free. Currently trying 2 main and 2 Sideboard. Also, have 2-3 negates in the side. Oath of Teferi - This card makes Teferi stupid. No, really it is stupid. Draw 2, untap 4 lands each turn. If you have a flipped Search, now draw a 4th card for your turn. Then untapped them and do it again on their turn. Plus Gideon twice each turn? Ok, maybe I am getting a little to excited but so far it has been very strong. 2 main board.
Let me know what you guys think, I will post my updated list later this weekend. I can already see my deck making players rage quit.
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Modern
Currently Playing UW UW Control/Miracles R Skred Red
Testing is ongoing, and I am waiting for access to DOM cards to bring those into the mix: Karn was the main reason I thought of it, Seal Away and Syncopate would be good upgrades to the removal/counters, and there could be some good Historic synergies. So far, it has great game against UR GPG: the Pacification Array shuts down the infinite Combat Celebrant finish, and the artifact subtheme makes running 3 Crook of Condemnation in the SB no problem, and in fact very desirable. With the Arrays and flipped compasses, there's a point at which you can achieve lockdown control of the board with an absurd amount of mana to access, and wins often come through Ipnu rivulets (running 9 deserts).
I need to work on the ratio of counterspells, removal, and sweepers to address weaknesses to creatures, PWs, and go-wide (token) decks, but it's been a fun deck to play for sure. I'll keep testing and if it gets anywhere near competitive, will report back...
@kPal - I do a lot of my testing on xMage, was really glad to see it get updated yesterday with the new stuff.
I am all over the place right now with my list but here are my thoughts so far: Teferi, Hero of Dominaria - Super strong card. Does not win the game but will keep you from losing it (hope that makes sense). All 3 modes are very relevant. The combination of him and Gideon makes a very nice pair. Right now running 2-3 main. Seal Away - the 2 mana spot removal we have been missing. This with Settle means your opponent does not have a good move to make if you have 4 mana open. Pretty much an automatic 4 set. Syncopate - This has replaced Censor in my deck. I do miss the cycling ability but the Exile effect is worth it. 3-4 in main, 1-2 in the sideboard. Unwind - Cost one more than Negate but if it resolves it is free. Currently trying 2 main and 2 Sideboard. Also, have 2-3 negates in the side. Oath of Teferi - This card makes Teferi stupid. No, really it is stupid. Draw 2, untap 4 lands each turn. If you have a flipped Search, now draw a 4th card for your turn. Then untapped them and do it again on their turn. Plus Gideon twice each turn? Ok, maybe I am getting a little to excited but so far it has been very strong. 2 main board.
Let me know what you guys think, I will post my updated list later this weekend. I can already see my deck making players rage quit.
Hey there PM;
I'm looking forward to Teferi, Hero of Dominaria! Hard to see how all of these cards fit into one deck but I'm feeling optimistic about UW Control at the moment. I'm a little bit surprised at Unwind over Negate main since Teferi frees up two mana it seemed natural to protect him with Negate.
I am looking forward to seeing your list! Still Esper?!?
Testing is ongoing, and I am waiting for access to DOM cards to bring those into the mix: Karn was the main reason I thought of it, Seal Away and Syncopate would be good upgrades to the removal/counters, and there could be some good Historic synergies. So far, it has great game against UR GPG: the Pacification Array shuts down the infinite Combat Celebrant finish, and the artifact subtheme makes running 3 Crook of Condemnation in the SB no problem, and in fact very desirable. With the Arrays and flipped compasses, there's a point at which you can achieve lockdown control of the board with an absurd amount of mana to access, and wins often come through Ipnu rivulets (running 9 deserts).
I need to work on the ratio of counterspells, removal, and sweepers to address weaknesses to creatures, PWs, and go-wide (token) decks, but it's been a fun deck to play for sure. I'll keep testing and if it gets anywhere near competitive, will report back...
The sounds like a really interesting build! I've played with Mono White Approach and White-Black Control and both utilize Thaumatic Compass. I think the WB build had four even. That card really does so much.
Assuming you have Teferi in play should have more then enough mana to make sure you opponent cannot go over it. That said I really wish Teferi was 4 CMC so you more easily combo him with his own enchantment. It be fine if was green I guess.
I'm working on a flash only deck right now. What I mean is that aside from enchantments and artifacts all the other cards should be played on my opp's turn, so I'm looking to not play Fumigate, and just have Seal Away, settle the wreckage, cast out and commit to deal with threats and of course counterspells.
Sup fellas! Looking at this list for FNM. I haven't played Standard in a very... very long time. This seems about as close to "Do nothing control" as I can reasonably get, so it should be fun... for me. *evil laugh*
Overall, I plan on doing my thing game one. Good ole classic control magic. Counter some spells. Kill some creatures. Draw some cards and play the Approach. Nothing special here. After board, we have options for different threat packages and some hole fillers in our game 1 plan. Authority of the Consuls is basically an ace in the hole to the Izzet GPG deck. Or at least it seems like it. Crook also gives additional game against Scarab God based decks. Essense Scatter for the low to the ground. Renewed Faith if I feel like I'm under a particularly high amount of pressure and Censor sucks for some reason. Glyph Keeper + Gideon is good in control mirrors. Lyra feels like she'd do well in most late game situations and against the more aggro/midrange Monsters builds.
At least... that word vomit is my plan. We'll see how it goes.
Sup fellas! Looking at this list for FNM. I haven't played Standard in a very... very long time. This seems about as close to "Do nothing control" as I can reasonably get, so it should be fun... for me. *evil laugh*
Overall, I plan on doing my thing game one. Good ole classic control magic. Counter some spells. Kill some creatures. Draw some cards and play the Approach. Nothing special here. After board, we have options for different threat packages and some hole fillers in our game 1 plan. Authority of the Consuls is basically an ace in the hole to the Izzet GPG deck. Or at least it seems like it. Crook also gives additional game against Scarab God based decks. Essense Scatter for the low to the ground. Renewed Faith if I feel like I'm under a particularly high amount of pressure and Censor sucks for some reason. Glyph Keeper + Gideon is good in control mirrors. Lyra feels like she'd do well in most late game situations and against the more aggro/midrange Monsters builds.
At least... that word vomit is my plan. We'll see how it goes.
Looks interesting but where is your alternate win condition in game 1, you are putting all your eggs in one basket with just Approach. Also in the sideboard why do you have just 1 spell pierce and 2 essence scatters, you should be playing the scatters main deck because pretty much every day has some creatures.
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Sup fellas! Looking at this list for FNM. I haven't played Standard in a very... very long time. This seems about as close to "Do nothing control" as I can reasonably get, so it should be fun... for me. *evil laugh*
Overall, I plan on doing my thing game one. Good ole classic control magic. Counter some spells. Kill some creatures. Draw some cards and play the Approach. Nothing special here. After board, we have options for different threat packages and some hole fillers in our game 1 plan. Authority of the Consuls is basically an ace in the hole to the Izzet GPG deck. Or at least it seems like it. Crook also gives additional game against Scarab God based decks. Essense Scatter for the low to the ground. Renewed Faith if I feel like I'm under a particularly high amount of pressure and Censor sucks for some reason. Glyph Keeper + Gideon is good in control mirrors. Lyra feels like she'd do well in most late game situations and against the more aggro/midrange Monsters builds.
At least... that word vomit is my plan. We'll see how it goes.
Looks interesting but where is your alternate win condition in game 1, you are putting all your eggs in one basket with just Approach. Also in the sideboard why do you have just 1 spell pierce and 2 essence scatters, you should be playing the scatters main deck because pretty much every day has some creatures.
Practically every single UW Control deck plays only Approach as the win condition game 1
Thanks, it's the same with siren stormtamer, many people got tricked by that since if you sac it then you make yourself have hexproof, but the angel is easier to see. I'm not sure how many people will play the angel though.
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Two copies of Rap Capashen, Ship's Mage, which is a 3/3 human wizard with flash and flying for 2WU. PLUS it lets you cast historic spells as though they had flash. In that deck, it means instant speed searches for azcanta, teferis, lyra dawnbringers and walking ballistas. That is huge. Even without the extra effect, 3/3 flash evasive body for four is a respectable way to put pressure considering how little evasion there is in the format.
I think whether this somewhat lower to the ground deck beats approach is how big mono red is, and the impact llanowar elves has, and that's about it.
Hi, a few weeks ago i purchased the second sun control challenger deck and i upgraded to something very similar to this list http://mtgtop8.com/event?e=19019&d=319684&f=ST.
Thing is i have spend enough for my budget regarding this hobby, and i can't afford 2 or 3 tefferis right now, so my question is, how good would be adding The immortal sun to the sideboard againts other control decks?, or have you guys another sideboard option against the mirror or UB control?, thank you in advance.
Hi, a few weeks ago i purchased the second sun control challenger deck and i upgraded to something very similar to this list http://mtgtop8.com/event?e=19019&d=319684&f=ST.
Thing is i have spend enough for my budget regarding this hobby, and i can't afford 2 or 3 tefferis right now, so my question is, how good would be adding The immortal sun to the sideboard againts other control decks?, or have you guys another sideboard option against the mirror or UB control?, thank you in advance.
Yeah, I can see how that can be misunderstood, my point was that you should play Gearhulk main deck and you can side it out against aggro Red decks since it's too slow, but you shouldn't just have it in the sideboard because it doesn't work too well against mid-range/control decks in game 2 if you have to side it in.
Basically, if your deck is built to make use of T. GEarhulk then play it main deck, but don't have it in the sideboard just because. I'm gonna have my deck be built around using Gearhulk and thus running some good instants as well as some other combos with it, you can all see it when I post my decklist next week. I've mentioned a couple of things already but people didn't take it seriously so you'll just have to wait and see next week!
Check out my Youtube channel where I upload MTG content videos twice a week!
Mtg Lifestyle
Gaea's Blessing.
No need to wait till next week for cards, when the cards are already available on xmage now for testing.
C Long Live Eldrazi C
May not be relevant, but it's something to keep in mind.
...huh?
Blessing is pointless. I don't want to cast approach then shuffle it to a random spot in my deck. And I'd rather run a few gearhulks, angels or PWs if I am worried about having an alternate win condition.
Having seen this come up on other threads in other formats, I am willing to say that blessing may be one of the most overrated cards ever.
I am all over the place right now with my list but here are my thoughts so far:
Teferi, Hero of Dominaria - Super strong card. Does not win the game but will keep you from losing it (hope that makes sense). All 3 modes are very relevant. The combination of him and Gideon makes a very nice pair. Right now running 2-3 main.
Seal Away - the 2 mana spot removal we have been missing. This with Settle means your opponent does not have a good move to make if you have 4 mana open. Pretty much an automatic 4 set.
Syncopate - This has replaced Censor in my deck. I do miss the cycling ability but the Exile effect is worth it. 3-4 in main, 1-2 in the sideboard.
Unwind - Cost one more than Negate but if it resolves it is free. Currently trying 2 main and 2 Sideboard. Also, have 2-3 negates in the side.
Oath of Teferi - This card makes Teferi stupid. No, really it is stupid. Draw 2, untap 4 lands each turn. If you have a flipped Search, now draw a 4th card for your turn. Then untapped them and do it again on their turn. Plus Gideon twice each turn? Ok, maybe I am getting a little to excited but so far it has been very strong. 2 main board.
Let me know what you guys think, I will post my updated list later this weekend. I can already see my deck making players rage quit.
Modern
Currently Playing
UW UW Control/Miracles
R Skred Red
Retired
BU Faeries
RGW Naya Burn
BW B/W Tokens
Ever since I mentioned stupid Inspiring Statuary, I've been tinkering with a Bant Approach deck that uses Treasure Map, Thaumatic Compass, and Pacification Array (and/or Edifice of Authority) along with Hour of Promise to ramp up into double Approach pretty quickly (once as early as T5).
Testing is ongoing, and I am waiting for access to DOM cards to bring those into the mix: Karn was the main reason I thought of it, Seal Away and Syncopate would be good upgrades to the removal/counters, and there could be some good Historic synergies. So far, it has great game against UR GPG: the Pacification Array shuts down the infinite Combat Celebrant finish, and the artifact subtheme makes running 3 Crook of Condemnation in the SB no problem, and in fact very desirable. With the Arrays and flipped compasses, there's a point at which you can achieve lockdown control of the board with an absurd amount of mana to access, and wins often come through Ipnu rivulets (running 9 deserts).
I need to work on the ratio of counterspells, removal, and sweepers to address weaknesses to creatures, PWs, and go-wide (token) decks, but it's been a fun deck to play for sure. I'll keep testing and if it gets anywhere near competitive, will report back...
Hey there PM;
I'm looking forward to Teferi, Hero of Dominaria! Hard to see how all of these cards fit into one deck but I'm feeling optimistic about UW Control at the moment. I'm a little bit surprised at Unwind over Negate main since Teferi frees up two mana it seemed natural to protect him with Negate.
I am looking forward to seeing your list! Still Esper?!?
The sounds like a really interesting build! I've played with Mono White Approach and White-Black Control and both utilize Thaumatic Compass. I think the WB build had four even. That card really does so much.
C Long Live Eldrazi C
Assuming you have Teferi in play should have more then enough mana to make sure you opponent cannot go over it. That said I really wish Teferi was 4 CMC so you more easily combo him with his own enchantment. It be fine if was green I guess.
I'm looking at playing 4 Seal Away, 3 Settle the wreckage, 3 Cast out and 2 Commit//memory in the main deck.
The sideboard will, of course, be modified as well and change the deck a lot so that the opponent will not know what to expect and be surprised.
Check out my Youtube channel where I upload MTG content videos twice a week!
Mtg Lifestyle
4x Opt
1x Blink of an Eye
2x Censor
2x Negate
3x Disallow
4x Supreme Will
3x Glimmer of Genius
2x Settle the Wreckage
3x Fumigate
3x Approach of the Second Sun
(8)Enchantments
4x Seal Away
2x Search for Azcanta
2x Cast Out
2x Field of Ruin
4x Glacial Fortress
3x Ipnu Rivulet
4x Irrigated Farmland
5x Island
5x Plains
2x Scavenger Grounds
(3)Creatures
1x Glyph Keeper
2x Lyra Dawnbringer
(1)Planeswalker
1x Gideon of the Trials
(5)Spells
1x Spell Pierce
2x Essence Scatter
2x Renewed Faith
1x Crook of Condemnation
(5)Enchantments
3x Authority of the Consuls
2x Ixalan's Binding
Overall, I plan on doing my thing game one. Good ole classic control magic. Counter some spells. Kill some creatures. Draw some cards and play the Approach. Nothing special here. After board, we have options for different threat packages and some hole fillers in our game 1 plan. Authority of the Consuls is basically an ace in the hole to the Izzet GPG deck. Or at least it seems like it. Crook also gives additional game against Scarab God based decks. Essense Scatter for the low to the ground. Renewed Faith if I feel like I'm under a particularly high amount of pressure and Censor sucks for some reason. Glyph Keeper + Gideon is good in control mirrors. Lyra feels like she'd do well in most late game situations and against the more aggro/midrange Monsters builds.
At least... that word vomit is my plan. We'll see how it goes.
Looks interesting but where is your alternate win condition in game 1, you are putting all your eggs in one basket with just Approach. Also in the sideboard why do you have just 1 spell pierce and 2 essence scatters, you should be playing the scatters main deck because pretty much every day has some creatures.
Check out my Youtube channel where I upload MTG content videos twice a week!
Mtg Lifestyle
C Long Live Eldrazi C
Cheers,
DC
Thanks, it's the same with siren stormtamer, many people got tricked by that since if you sac it then you make yourself have hexproof, but the angel is easier to see. I'm not sure how many people will play the angel though.
Check out my Youtube channel where I upload MTG content videos twice a week!
Mtg Lifestyle
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/1061449#paper
Two copies of Rap Capashen, Ship's Mage, which is a 3/3 human wizard with flash and flying for 2WU. PLUS it lets you cast historic spells as though they had flash. In that deck, it means instant speed searches for azcanta, teferis, lyra dawnbringers and walking ballistas. That is huge. Even without the extra effect, 3/3 flash evasive body for four is a respectable way to put pressure considering how little evasion there is in the format.
I think whether this somewhat lower to the ground deck beats approach is how big mono red is, and the impact llanowar elves has, and that's about it.
Grixis Midrange 2-0
GB Saprolings 2-0
GR Monsters 2-1
Mardu Midrange 2-0
4x Seal Away
2x Baffling End
2x Search for Azcanta
3x Essence Scatter
3x Disallow
4x Glimmer of Genius
3x Settle the Wreckage
4x Cast Out
3x Fumigate
2x Teferi, Hero of Dominaria
4x Approach of the Second Sun
Lands 26
2x Ipnu Rivulet
2x Field of Ruin
4x Glacial Fortress
4x Irrigated Farmland
8x Plains
6x Island
3x Authority of the Counsels
4x Negate
2x Forsake the Wordly
2x Gideon of the Trials
3x Lyra Dawnbringer
1x Nezahal, Primal Tide
C Long Live Eldrazi C
Nice How Good Were Teferi And The Other New Cards?
Nicely done kPal! UW is in a fun place right now with a couple sub-themes to choose from (Approach, Control (TGH), Historic (Lyra)).
Thing is i have spend enough for my budget regarding this hobby, and i can't afford 2 or 3 tefferis right now, so my question is, how good would be adding The immortal sun to the sideboard againts other control decks?, or have you guys another sideboard option against the mirror or UB control?, thank you in advance.
C Long Live Eldrazi C
C Long Live Eldrazi C