I'm not a fan of what power does to cube design. It adds a skew in balance that a lot of people seem to love, but I dislike. Regardless of how I feel about proxies, I prefer that my cube be subject to rules of design consistency that state that Ancestral Recall shouldn't exist. I always thought it was odd that "powered/ unpowered" is how cubes are described, as a powered cube always seemed to me like a strange niche; almost a gimmick cube. However, that gimmick seems to be the most popular form of my favorite format. Go figure.
I run a single alpha Weakness. It's mostly for nostalgic purposes, but it still gets the job done.
I've considered going powered with proxies before, but I feel like it would radically change my cube environment, and for now, I like it as is. The one that really gets me is Time Walk. It's insane that there's nothing between Time Walk and Time Warp. Like is a Time Walk for 2UU unprintable in a supplemental set?
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I can't say I'm pleased to see you and must warn you I may have to do something about it.
EDH: UGEdric
Pauper: URDelver
Modern: UGRDelver
Draft my cube: Eric's 390 Unpowered
Ancestral Recall is one if not the most, iconic mtg card, barring lotus, moxes, etc. In the way I see Cube (full powered) those cards are a must. Playing with the most powerful mtg cards ever, make my players cheers.
On the other question, I play some alpha/beta cards, as beta berserk, beta ankh of mishra, alpha control magic, ritual, llanowar elves. Also, all the basic lands included in the cube for the players are alpha/beta (250 lands).
I don't currently own any alpha or beta, but I definitely have intentions of picking up as much alpha and beta as I can. I am currently still young, and tight on cash, so I cant pick up the copies I'd like to. In about a month or two However, I'm going to start picking up Collectors Edition copies of Power to replace the full-art Proxies I am currently playing.
I enjoy Power in my cube because It gives me a chance to play with cards you practically cant play with anywhere else.
Opposition is broken. I wouldn't run this outside a very high powered list. The more creature focused your cube is the stupider this card gets. Even in a combo list with a super low blue creature count, it's not hard to P1P1 this card and win the draft with it. Once it's online, the game is generally over if your opponent hasn't been killing all your creatures. And God forbid you have a token deck.
That could have been one way to make this card more reasonable actually. Make the ability only usable with non-token creatures. Even with that limitation though, card is still too good.
I don't really have an opinion on change to Magic sets. I only play cube and am generally not running very many new cards, so how they structure releases is pretty irrelevant to me.
Opposition is disgusting. Agree with wtwlf, if this was a white card it would be so much more ridiculous which is saying something.
Also agree with ahdabans, I follow the other formats and releases because it interests me but the only thing that really matters involving magic with me is cube related. As long as it doesn't kill the game, most changes have been at minimum neutral for me which is a good place to be.
Opposition is brutal, but for some reason I always brick whenever attempting to draft around it sincs it costs 2UU and blue isn't great with tokens. Still, accept no substitutes to Opposition (glares at Glare of Subdual).
I'm fine with the upcoming changes since it ultimately results in more NEW cards every year, and that's good for cube. I never liked drafting
multiple sets at once, would always rather due KLD x3 than AER / AER / KLD. Also, the fact that "blocks" can be anywhere from 1-3 makes Return to X sets more bearable, especially since we'll probably be returning to Zendikar / Ravnica eventually for a third time. Hopefully this means we get an eventual Return to Kamigawa, even if it's just one set!
I excluded Opposition from my cube for a few years, because I thought that the double blue cost didn't go well with the demand for a large number of creatures. And my blue section didn't play well with creatures at the time. I reincluded it when I tried to push blue into a new direction and after more great token makers were made. Boom! It had an even higher impact than I imagined. A few years before, it rarely got picked and now it was the centerpiece of many decks. It can lead to unfun situations, but I've also seen comebacks from under an opposition-lock and it does make certain deckbuilding demands. This means that I am fine with running it, even though few cards in my cube have let to as many concessions (in the sense of rage quits) as this card.
And the original artwork is just fantastic. Urza block has the best art of the whole game, imo.
I was completely baffled when they announced that they would scrap the two block model after less than two years. I think it was a definite improvement over the old model and deserved a chance despite having some hickups. Completely abandoning blocks after two decades is just... wow. I think not mixing sets will lead to better draft formats, the reinclusion of the coreset will lead to a better standard metagame and having story arcs span anything from one to three sets will make for some better stories. So, I think the change is an improvement. However, I am still shocked about the loss of blocks and the short time the two block model got.
Opposition is awesome. My cube is very creature focussed so it is very strong here. First draft it got played in it found its way into an Izzet deck with goblin rabblemaster and krenko, mob boss. went undefeated pretty handily.
I'm not so happy about the return of core sets since I dont really care for reprints. I am happy about the removal of small sets so that draft and limited are more consistent though.
Opposition is one of an unpowered cube's best cards. It pairs with any color, but I like having at least one tutor for it, so I definitely prefer WU or even WUB. GU is the classic pairing, and that's good too.
I like that there are going to be more large sets, but the whole last two years seem to be WotC bumbling around, stumbling into things. We'll see if things mellow out a bit.
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I can't say I'm pleased to see you and must warn you I may have to do something about it.
EDH: UGEdric
Pauper: URDelver
Modern: UGRDelver
Draft my cube: Eric's 390 Unpowered
Opposition is so brutal in my casual millfolk deck, but I cannot imagine it working in cube. I did, however, include it as per everyone's testimonies. I'm actually excited to see it work.
I like how Urza (arguing wirh Barrin?) is still in my cube somehow.
For a long time my favorite deck to draft was any aggressive deck that just wanted to jam 2/1's for 1, but lately I've fallen in love with decks that are base UG and win with Opposition+mana dorks, and a sword or a big fattie.
I am pretty neutral on the shift, and no argument has yet to sway me towards or against the changes to the block cycle. I am, however, very thrilled to see core sets return, and especially happy to see masterpieces gone. I thought the idea was alright in zendikar, but it has always had a negative effect on a booster box's EV.
Opposition is a strong enough card when it does work that I am willing to accept it being one of the least played cards in my cube. It is a powerhouse when it works, usually, but there are still many instances where you do not have the resources to lock the opponent, and I have seen win through opposition with mass removals or just plain racing.
More new cards is better for cube.
Opposition is a really strong buildaround, and I'm happy to include it in my cube, but I actually prefer not to draft it for the sake of newer players so that they can discover it and draft it for themselves, and because getting beaten by Opposition lock is often unfun.
I'm currently running the 7th Edition version, the Urza's Destiny foil's been on my Puca Wants list for quite some time now.
Obviously the new set structure won't affect cube all that much, although we probably will get more playable cube cards to choose from with the end of small sets. For retail limited, I'm looking forward to drafting all big sets, as by the time I've been drafting triple anything for 3 months, I don't really have much use for more cards from that set.
the whole last two years seem to be WotC bumbling around, stumbling into things.
Agreed, hopefully this change works out and sticks.
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465 card Unpowered cube thread. Draft it here and I'll be happy to return the favor.
450 card Peasant cube thread. Draft it here.
He's fine. It helps that green 4s are lacking in the creature department. Sometimes he's a badass, sometimes the 5/5 for 2GG is good enough, but other times he's kinda meh. Not bad, just not exciting.
I never played Polukranos. It always seemed more boring than Deadbridge Goliath, even if it's slightly more powerful, and I don't really want two 5/5s for four. Goliath feels like it has more synergies.
Hmm. If I'm on death row, I'll have fried chicken and popcorn shrimp. I'm vegetarian, so I've denied myself those particular pleasures for many years.
I run a single alpha Weakness. It's mostly for nostalgic purposes, but it still gets the job done.
Low-power cube enthusiast!
My 1570 card cube (no longer updated)
My 415 Peasant+ Artifact and Enchantment Cube
Ever-Expanding "Just throw it in" cube.
I have an alpha/beta Island, I think that's all.
EDH: UGEdric
Pauper: UR Delver
Modern: UGR Delver
Draft my cube: Eric's 390 Unpowered
On the other question, I play some alpha/beta cards, as beta berserk, beta ankh of mishra, alpha control magic, ritual, llanowar elves. Also, all the basic lands included in the cube for the players are alpha/beta (250 lands).
http://www.cubetutor.com/visualspoiler/51268
I don't have any A/B in there. I have an unlimited or two, but no OG MTG cards.
I have several Alpha/Beta cards in the cube. My power and duals are CE, but all my signed OG cards are Alpha/Beta ones.
My 630 Card Powered Cube
My Article - "Cube Design Philosophy"
My Article - "Mana Short: A study in limited resource management."
My 50th Set (P)review - Discusses my top 20 Cube cards from OTJ!
I enjoy Power in my cube because It gives me a chance to play with cards you practically cant play with anywhere else.
How many of you have had your Recall Misdirection'ed?
Opposition
BONUS QUESTION
What do you think about the upcoming changes to Magic sets (elimination of small sets, return of core sets)?
450 card Peasant cube thread. Draft it here.
We'll see. I wish they'd actually stick to a set release schedule long enough to see if it works before changing their minds again.
My 630 Card Powered Cube
My Article - "Cube Design Philosophy"
My Article - "Mana Short: A study in limited resource management."
My 50th Set (P)review - Discusses my top 20 Cube cards from OTJ!
That could have been one way to make this card more reasonable actually. Make the ability only usable with non-token creatures. Even with that limitation though, card is still too good.
I don't really have an opinion on change to Magic sets. I only play cube and am generally not running very many new cards, so how they structure releases is pretty irrelevant to me.
http://riptidelab.com/forum/threads/modular-cube-5-colors.800/
Retro combo cube thread
http://riptidelab.com/forum/threads/retro-combo-cube.1454/
Also agree with ahdabans, I follow the other formats and releases because it interests me but the only thing that really matters involving magic with me is cube related. As long as it doesn't kill the game, most changes have been at minimum neutral for me which is a good place to be.
Also, follow us on twitter! @TurnOneMagic
I'm fine with the upcoming changes since it ultimately results in more NEW cards every year, and that's good for cube. I never liked drafting
multiple sets at once, would always rather due KLD x3 than AER / AER / KLD. Also, the fact that "blocks" can be anywhere from 1-3 makes Return to X sets more bearable, especially since we'll probably be returning to Zendikar / Ravnica eventually for a third time. Hopefully this means we get an eventual Return to Kamigawa, even if it's just one set!
My High Octane Unpowered Cube on CubeCobra
Also, follow us on twitter! @TurnOneMagic
And the original artwork is just fantastic. Urza block has the best art of the whole game, imo.
I was completely baffled when they announced that they would scrap the two block model after less than two years. I think it was a definite improvement over the old model and deserved a chance despite having some hickups. Completely abandoning blocks after two decades is just... wow. I think not mixing sets will lead to better draft formats, the reinclusion of the coreset will lead to a better standard metagame and having story arcs span anything from one to three sets will make for some better stories. So, I think the change is an improvement. However, I am still shocked about the loss of blocks and the short time the two block model got.
Uril, the Miststalker RGW -- Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre C -- Vhati il-Dal BG -- Jor Kadeen, the Prevailer RW -- Animar, Soul of Elements URG
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker R -- Maga, Traitor to Mortals B -- Ghave, Guru of Spores BGW -- Sliver Hivelord WUBRG
I'm not so happy about the return of core sets since I dont really care for reprints. I am happy about the removal of small sets so that draft and limited are more consistent though.
I like that there are going to be more large sets, but the whole last two years seem to be WotC bumbling around, stumbling into things. We'll see if things mellow out a bit.
EDH: UGEdric
Pauper: UR Delver
Modern: UGR Delver
Draft my cube: Eric's 390 Unpowered
I like how Urza (arguing wirh Barrin?) is still in my cube somehow.
I am pretty neutral on the shift, and no argument has yet to sway me towards or against the changes to the block cycle. I am, however, very thrilled to see core sets return, and especially happy to see masterpieces gone. I thought the idea was alright in zendikar, but it has always had a negative effect on a booster box's EV.
More new cards is better for cube.
The list on cube cobra
Read my blog on cube - Latest post June 2nd 2022
I'm currently running the 7th Edition version, the Urza's Destiny foil's been on my Puca Wants list for quite some time now.
Obviously the new set structure won't affect cube all that much, although we probably will get more playable cube cards to choose from with the end of small sets. For retail limited, I'm looking forward to drafting all big sets, as by the time I've been drafting triple anything for 3 months, I don't really have much use for more cards from that set.
Agreed, hopefully this change works out and sticks.
450 card Peasant cube thread. Draft it here.
BONUS QUESTION
If you were on Death Row, what would you request as your last meal?
450 card Peasant cube thread. Draft it here.
Pizza. I love the ***** out of pizza.
Also, follow us on twitter! @TurnOneMagic
It's the last pizza you'll ever eat. What kind of pizza do you want that to be?
450 card Peasant cube thread. Draft it here.
But like, I would eat pretty much any pizza.
Also, follow us on twitter! @TurnOneMagic
Hmm. If I'm on death row, I'll have fried chicken and popcorn shrimp. I'm vegetarian, so I've denied myself those particular pleasures for many years.
Low-power cube enthusiast!
My 1570 card cube (no longer updated)
My 415 Peasant+ Artifact and Enchantment Cube
Ever-Expanding "Just throw it in" cube.