I searched around the forum for the type of deck I'm working on and didn't see anything so I figured I would make my own post. I am basically working on a deck that is heavily based on the M13 Intro Deck, "Depths of Power". I would like advice on how to make it's theme and application more efficient and perhaps what cards I have not included that I should, etc. Basically any advice. So far I've played the deck two times and have won with Stormtide Leviathan both times. Surprisingly I've been able to utilize Fog Bank, Kraken Hatchling, and various spells to stall long enough to drop Stormtide. Using a different variant of this deck that wasn't as focused I utilized Talrand a few times and his ability is most definitely useful. Basically the idea behind this deck is to stall long enough to dig around for Talrand and then utilize spells and flashback to bring in a lot of drakes. Here is the deck list
Alright, while I'm not really in the standard game as of late, there are definitely some changes that need to be made.
First off, to get down to 60 cards:
-2 Stormtide Leviathan
-1 Spelltwine
Both are just not plausible for constructed standard play. Leviathan costs too much too be easily removed and Spelltwine is too dependent upon IF your opponent has something good or not.
+2 Delver of Secrets
+2 Think Twice
+2 Talrand's Invocation
+2 Augur of Bolas
+2 Dissipate
Might also consider replacing some of the Essence Scatter and Negate with 2 more Dissipate and relegating the former spells to the sideboard. Again, I haven't played Standard in some time, but this is what seems like it would at least help in my opinion.
Both are just not plausible for constructed standard play. Leviathan costs too much too be easily removed and Spelltwine is too dependent upon IF your opponent has something good or not.
+2 Delver of Secrets
+2 Think Twice
+2 Talrand's Invocation
+2 Augur of Bolas
+2 Dissipate
I understand why taking stormtide leviathan out makes sense. The card is very powerful and I have won twice with it, but I understand trimming down the deck to focus more on Talrand's win scenario. Spelltwine I've used a few times with success. Most opponents will utilize an instant that I could also utilize as well, and I'm always doing so with my deck so while I understand the reasoning I could still see usage from it. Still it is situational and I'd rather everything be more finely tuned, so I see where you're coming from
I see your thought process on removing mystic retrieval, kraken, artful dodge and clone. While I believe clone to be a versatile card, it isn't needed. Nor is the kraken (although it's nice for defense, a fog bank is better) increasing vengeance wouldn't be too useful only for a handful of times. Although you don't think charmbreaker devils is a good idea? I believe they fit perfectly with this deck, always allowing me to bring back instants and sorceries and rewarding me for playing them just like talrand does. Please tell me why you suggested taking charmbreaker out. Other than that some decent suggestions, so I thank you. Why do you prefer dissipate?
I understand why taking stormtide leviathan out makes sense. The card is very powerful and I have won twice with it, but I understand trimming down the deck to focus more on Talrand's win scenario. Spelltwine I've used a few times with success. Most opponents will utilize an instant that I could also utilize as well, and I'm always doing so with my deck so while I understand the reasoning I could still see usage from it. Still it is situational and I'd rather everything be more finely tuned, so I see where you're coming from
I see your thought process on removing mystic retrieval, kraken, artful dodge and clone. While I believe clone to be a versatile card, it isn't needed. Nor is the kraken (although it's nice for defense, a fog bank is better) increasing vengeance wouldn't be too useful only for a handful of times. Although you don't think charmbreaker devils is a good idea? I believe they fit perfectly with this deck, always allowing me to bring back instants and sorceries and rewarding me for playing them just like talrand does. Please tell me why you suggested taking charmbreaker out. Other than that some decent suggestions, so I thank you. Why do you prefer dissipate?
Charmbreaker Devils suffers from costing too much and not immediately impacting the board. You have to hope that it survives a turn for it to get you back that Instant or Sorcery. Even then, that's really all it does beneficial. While it does get bigger when you cast Instants and Sorceries, its lack of evasion means it will rarely get through. You might think this means the Dodges should go back, but build-your-own-creature is not usually a game you want to play. You want cards that are good on their own and immediately impact the board.
Even Talrand suffers a bit from this, but being cheaper, you can usually cast him and have mana up to right away play a spell or defend him. Also, Talrand rewards you with separate creatures that stay around after Talrand is gone. Those Instants and Sorceries won't be coming back anymore after the Devils are gone.
If you insist on Spelltwine, I think it'd be better sideboard, for when you KNOW you opponent will have an awesome spell for you to nick.
As for Dissipate, while it costs one more, I prefer the ability to counter any spell over the more situational counter one or the other kind of thing. Not to say that Negate and Essence Scatter are bad, just that you get caught with your pants around your ankles in certain situations with them (An aggro deck with Negate; a near/creatureless control deck with Essence Scatter). Dissipate counters anything legally counterable AND makes sure it isn't coming back from the yard to bite you in the butt later.
I made most of the changes you recommended and have enjoyed a more streamlined vision of this deck, so I thank you for that.
I left in 1 Mystic Retrieval and also only had one dissipate to put in, but everything else I changed as you said. I've won a lot with this deck, think twice is amazing and has saved me a few times, and I always have things to do with this deck.
I honestly don't know how else to change this, just get a few more dissipates
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I searched around the forum for the type of deck I'm working on and didn't see anything so I figured I would make my own post. I am basically working on a deck that is heavily based on the M13 Intro Deck, "Depths of Power". I would like advice on how to make it's theme and application more efficient and perhaps what cards I have not included that I should, etc. Basically any advice. So far I've played the deck two times and have won with Stormtide Leviathan both times. Surprisingly I've been able to utilize Fog Bank, Kraken Hatchling, and various spells to stall long enough to drop Stormtide. Using a different variant of this deck that wasn't as focused I utilized Talrand a few times and his ability is most definitely useful. Basically the idea behind this deck is to stall long enough to dig around for Talrand and then utilize spells and flashback to bring in a lot of drakes. Here is the deck list
13 Island
9 Mountain
2 Delver of Secrets
2 Augur of Bolas
3 Fog Bank
2 Kraken Hatchling
1 Clone
2 Charmbreaker Devils
2 Stormtide Leviathan
4 Talrand, Sky Summoner
1 Spelltwine
2 Artful Dodge
1 Increasing Vengence
2 Faithless Looting
2 Mystic Retrieval
2 Essence Scatter
2 Negate
4 Searing Spear
2 Talrand's Invocation
2 Unsummon
So I have 63 cards, would love to get it down to 60 and make sure it's as efficient as possible. Any suggestions at all? Thanks
First off, to get down to 60 cards:
-2 Stormtide Leviathan
-1 Spelltwine
Both are just not plausible for constructed standard play. Leviathan costs too much too be easily removed and Spelltwine is too dependent upon IF your opponent has something good or not.
Now, for just adjustments:
-2 Charmbreaker Devils
-2 Mystic Retrieval
-1 Increasing Vengeance
-2 Kraken Hatchling
-2 Artful Dodge
-1 Clone
+2 Delver of Secrets
+2 Think Twice
+2 Talrand's Invocation
+2 Augur of Bolas
+2 Dissipate
Might also consider replacing some of the Essence Scatter and Negate with 2 more Dissipate and relegating the former spells to the sideboard. Again, I haven't played Standard in some time, but this is what seems like it would at least help in my opinion.
I understand why taking stormtide leviathan out makes sense. The card is very powerful and I have won twice with it, but I understand trimming down the deck to focus more on Talrand's win scenario. Spelltwine I've used a few times with success. Most opponents will utilize an instant that I could also utilize as well, and I'm always doing so with my deck so while I understand the reasoning I could still see usage from it. Still it is situational and I'd rather everything be more finely tuned, so I see where you're coming from
I see your thought process on removing mystic retrieval, kraken, artful dodge and clone. While I believe clone to be a versatile card, it isn't needed. Nor is the kraken (although it's nice for defense, a fog bank is better) increasing vengeance wouldn't be too useful only for a handful of times. Although you don't think charmbreaker devils is a good idea? I believe they fit perfectly with this deck, always allowing me to bring back instants and sorceries and rewarding me for playing them just like talrand does. Please tell me why you suggested taking charmbreaker out. Other than that some decent suggestions, so I thank you. Why do you prefer dissipate?
Charmbreaker Devils suffers from costing too much and not immediately impacting the board. You have to hope that it survives a turn for it to get you back that Instant or Sorcery. Even then, that's really all it does beneficial. While it does get bigger when you cast Instants and Sorceries, its lack of evasion means it will rarely get through. You might think this means the Dodges should go back, but build-your-own-creature is not usually a game you want to play. You want cards that are good on their own and immediately impact the board.
Even Talrand suffers a bit from this, but being cheaper, you can usually cast him and have mana up to right away play a spell or defend him. Also, Talrand rewards you with separate creatures that stay around after Talrand is gone. Those Instants and Sorceries won't be coming back anymore after the Devils are gone.
If you insist on Spelltwine, I think it'd be better sideboard, for when you KNOW you opponent will have an awesome spell for you to nick.
As for Dissipate, while it costs one more, I prefer the ability to counter any spell over the more situational counter one or the other kind of thing. Not to say that Negate and Essence Scatter are bad, just that you get caught with your pants around your ankles in certain situations with them (An aggro deck with Negate; a near/creatureless control deck with Essence Scatter). Dissipate counters anything legally counterable AND makes sure it isn't coming back from the yard to bite you in the butt later.
I left in 1 Mystic Retrieval and also only had one dissipate to put in, but everything else I changed as you said. I've won a lot with this deck, think twice is amazing and has saved me a few times, and I always have things to do with this deck.
I honestly don't know how else to change this, just get a few more dissipates