Hot damn Brimaz. Instantly at least a 2-of in my GW aggro, maybe 3 if he actually ends up performing really well. Don't want to overload because he's legendary, but dayum. Really love it. I definitely don't mind replacing my Loxodon Smiter's for some of that guy. Avoids multicolor hate and has some great synergy with token population that occasionally happens with Rootborn Defenses and Trostani.
Very happy that the mono-colored mythics are relatively playable (except the Black one so far). The other two are very interesting cards as well. Minotaurs definitely don't mind getting more minotaurs to work with, although not sure what minotaurs will play on the lower end of the curve.
The instant blue is very interesting. The triple blue is rather limiting in what decks it can be played in, and it is true that Mono U is the biggest hitter in standard right now, but I just don't see what benefit Mono U has of playing this, considering the tokens have a converted mana cost of 0, right? So no aid to devotion? Regardless, I'm sure it has much farther reaching implications than standard. Definitely a fun card overall.
No reason to run Elvish Mystic in that deck unless you're trying to power out an early Ajani for some reason.
You're better off replacing it with 4 Selesnya Charm mainboard so you can exile gods, combat trick with a blocker and win the game if you need to.
Also you should cut 1 Selesnya Guildgate and add in 1-2 Plains.
I would also consider a Trostani.
Thanks for the advice. Elvish Mystic is really there to get out those turn 2 Loxodons or Witchstalkers, and I know that's rather situational but I feel as though they are necessary. But you might be right. I do like Selesnya Charm's versatility, and mainboarding removal probably doesn't hurt.
I agree on the Selesnya guildgates...they're quite annoying when you need the mana and don't get the mana. I was seriously thinking about ditching them entirely but I don't know. I'll take out 1, although I do not think the deck needs more than 23 lands. I curve out at 4, and the last thing I need is to get mana flooded when I need to be pulling creatures. When the GW scrylands come out I'll put a few of those in there.
Why do you suggest Trostani? She's a solid creature, no doubt, but aside from the life gain and occasional synergy with Advent of the Wurm or Voice of Resurgence tokens, what help is she really? She doesn't really compliment the full-on aggro style. Maybe I'm overlooking something, and I surely haven't tested, so I'd like to know what your reasoning is.
Garp74: Thanks a lot for the helpful information! I did not know FNM's did not require decklists. That reduces a lot of the preparation I'll need to do, and allow me to tinker with my deck until the last second for the cards I need to find.
Jok3r the Beast: Thanks. I already have a DCI number from going to a few prereleases, so that isn't a problem.
delfam: Sure, I'm running G/W Hexproof Aggro.
The list I'm hoping to run, if I get the cards I'm looking for prior to the tournament:
If you have any advice, feel free to share. I do dislike Gladecover Scout quite a bit which is why I'm looking for some more Voice of Resurgence. However, I don't even know my meta really, so the sideboard is just a guess. I'll tinker with the list once I get some experience, which is exactly why I'm going to the FNM.
Hey everyone, I'm new to standard. I have never attended any tournament outside of prereleases so I have a few questions regarding what I need to do.
Do I need to come with a printed decklist prepared, or do I fill it out there? I like to be prepared with everything before I get there, so is there some online decklist I can fill out and print out at home?
The tournament I plan to go to is just a standard FNM tournament. Is there something I should be aware of? Are there differences between FNM tournaments and other non-FNM standard tournaments?
And lastly, I'm sure this will differ between every person's experience and place they go to, but how many people usually attend your FNM? Do people get there early enough to hang out, play a few games, trade, all before the tournament? The reason I ask is because I would like to trade for a few cards that I do not have yet for my deck that I plan to play with.
Just a little bit of anxiety that hopefully you more experienced players can help me relieve. Thanks!
I've recently read up on GW enchants and some current builds that are around at the moment. I am hoping to take this deck to my FNM maybe next week or the week after, but I'd like some help fine tuning it first. I didn't realize there was a thread for this kind of deck, so I made my own thread. Not sure how to delete my own threads, though.
Any advice is appreciated, whether it be main deck or sideboard suggestions. Feel free to suggest anything (except adding Voice of Resurgence, I do NOT have that kind of money at the moment).
One of the things I am wondering about is the usefulness of Gladecover Scout. Should I drop the count of Gladecover Scout to 2 and have 3 Loxodon Smiter? Heck, is Gladecover worth it at all? I've seen builds that don't run a single one so that is a possibility as well.
What about the number of Ratchet Bomb? Is 2 too excessive? Should I increase the count of something else or replace it entirely? Am I overlooking any match ups that my sideboard could help with?
I have yet to test Rootborn Defenses, but I feel as though it will be a good answer to board sweeps. Should I consider something else for that spot in the sideboard?
Another possibility was switching between Bow of Nylea to Spear of Heliod. I always thought the versatility of Bow of Nylea was fantastic, but the deck does lack removal outside of the side board, so maybe Spear of Heliod will allow me to better answer some threats? Or should I have neither, and go for more effective auras, such as Gift of Orzhova?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, even ones outside of the questions and possibilities above.
I've recently read up on GW enchants and some current builds that are around at the moment. I am hoping to take this deck to my FNM maybe next week or the week after, but I'd like some help fine tuning it first.
Any advice is appreciated, whether it be main deck or sideboard suggestions. Feel free to suggest anything (except adding Voice of Resurgence, I do NOT have that kind of money at the moment).
One of the things I am wondering about is the usefulness of Gladecover Scout. Should I drop the count of Gladecover Scout to 2 and have 3 Loxodon Smiter? Heck, is Gladecover worth it at all? I've seen builds that don't run a single one so that is a possibility as well.
What about the number of Ratchet Bomb? Is 2 too excessive? Should I increase the count of something else or replace it entirely? Am I overlooking any match ups that my sideboard could help with?
I have yet to test Rootborn Defenses, but I feel as though it will be a good answer to board sweeps. Should I consider something else for that spot in the sideboard?
Another possibility was switching between Bow of Nylea to Spear of Heliod. I always thought the versatility of Bow of Nylea was fantastic, but the deck does lack removal outside of the side board, so maybe Spear of Heliod will allow me to better answer some threats? Or should I have neither, and go for more effective auras, such as Gift of Orzhova?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, even ones outside of the questions and possibilities above.
EDIT: Just realized there was a G/W/x thread that covers this kind of deck...I shall post in there.
I recently expanded my casual magic group and now there are a lot more decks in the mix I need to be ready for. My old group used to never even use sideboards, so I have extremely little experience with them. We don't play in specific formats so I technically have access to any cards I want, but I usually only have access to the cards sold at my local card shop, which is all the recent stuff plus some old stuff.
What I need help with is handling control in general, but more specifically UG control. Not sure what aggro needs to sideboard to handle that, but suggestions would be very helpful. Simic Charms, counterspells, and other blue control has shut me down some games and I'm not sure how I should counter that.
Also, if you see ways to make the deck itself better, you can suggest that, too. Hopefully I will have access to the cards you mention. The deck runs rather smoothly with the occasional mana problems because I don't have the best access to dual land mana fixers but I'm slowly trying to update the mana base as I get more cash.
I pull a lot of foil mythics. They go in the front page of my binder. I've got 3 foil Misthollow Griffins, 2 foil Vraska, a foil Skaab Ruinator, 2 foil Archangel's Light, a foil Tibalt, and so on. Just once I would like to pull a good foil mythic.
Hey, at least you're pulling foil mythics! I wouldn't be complaining about that kind of luck, but I guess you're used to it haha.
To stay somewhat on topic, today I bought a fat pack and pulled Render Silent, Foil Render Silent, and Breeding Pool. I've been having decent luck with the little amount of packs I've bought of Dragon's Maze. Still no Ral or Voice though
I mean, you have to sort by rarity, right? None of the commons can touch the good uncommons/rares/mythics.
Agreed, so I shall do the same.
Standout commons:
-Deputy of Acquittals:
The amount of times this surprised blocked and saved me from removal or annoying cards (AKA: Stab Wound) is uncountable. I would definitely regard it as a high pick if you're aiming for those colors.
-Viashino Firstblade
Very very aggressive card, dropping down as a 4/4 on turn 3 is sick.
-Beetleform Mage
I pulled it in my pool but didn't end up going down those colors. Being able to give yourself evasion and +2/+2 for TWO mana is rather incredible for a common. Drop it down on turn 3 (or any other turn too) and if your opponent has no answer, it's a clock. The amount of fliers with over 4 toughness was not so prevalent in Dragon's Maze limited, especially not as early as turn 3 or 4.
-Zhur-Taa Druid
Mana and damage, what more could you ask for?
I can see why some would like the Gatekeepers, I personally did not like it and unless you know you can consistently use it's benefits, I would not pick it very early.
Standout Uncommons:
-Armed // Dangerous
Killer card, as long as you have two target-able creatures, you get in a free attack with +1/+1 and double strike. Great surprise finisher.
-Turn // Burn
A card that can act as a combat trick, a damage spell, or an almost kill any creature card? Heck yeah I'll take it.
Chose Boros and got Azorius as secret ally. Went 4-0 with 'Murica colors with a splash of Black for Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch. I made a more in-depth post in another thread but overall great fun. As I was winning more games, my opponents were getting more and more competitive. I'm not much of a competitive player at all, really chill, but my opponents got real bummed out from losing, even if it was a great game. I was just happy to have gotten at least 2 wins to guarantee myself some pack prizes.
I felt a lot of the great cards in my pool were from Gatecrash (my Ravnica Azorius pool was not so hot) and I know other people had similar complaints but overall, it was a lot of fun.
Had a fantastic time at the prerelease. Brought with me a good friend who never played Magic outside of my own home and I think he had fun, regardless of his 1-3 record.
Funniest moment would have to be when my opponent, in the first game of the final round (both of us were 3-0), finally got his 7th mana for Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts as well as a Lavinia of the Tenth already out and he felt so ready to destroy me. Next turn I play a Supreme Verdict. The look on his face was priceless.
9 prize packs in the end, total 15 Dragon's Maze packs, I pulled no money cards or anything of good use to me. Got 2 Master of Cruelties, and traded for a Legion's Initiative, but overall, the fun was in the playing and not the pulls. Glad to see mostly everyone had a good time!
Boros or Orzhov, and maybe Selesnya, seem like the safest bet, especially after the good that Boros did for me during the Gatecrash prerelease, but I am worried that Dragon's Maze limited will not be a very fast format, so while I may get going early, I do not want to be shut down and burnt out late-game.
There's not much token love in Dragon's Maze so I'm not sure I want to invest in Selesnya. Overall, looking at the guild pack contents, it looks like every Boros rare is playable and quite a few of them are limited bombs.
I cannot wait for the weekend to come, been waiting for Dragon's Maze prereleases for so long!
Very happy that the mono-colored mythics are relatively playable (except the Black one so far). The other two are very interesting cards as well. Minotaurs definitely don't mind getting more minotaurs to work with, although not sure what minotaurs will play on the lower end of the curve.
The instant blue is very interesting. The triple blue is rather limiting in what decks it can be played in, and it is true that Mono U is the biggest hitter in standard right now, but I just don't see what benefit Mono U has of playing this, considering the tokens have a converted mana cost of 0, right? So no aid to devotion? Regardless, I'm sure it has much farther reaching implications than standard. Definitely a fun card overall.
Thanks for the advice. Elvish Mystic is really there to get out those turn 2 Loxodons or Witchstalkers, and I know that's rather situational but I feel as though they are necessary. But you might be right. I do like Selesnya Charm's versatility, and mainboarding removal probably doesn't hurt.
I agree on the Selesnya guildgates...they're quite annoying when you need the mana and don't get the mana. I was seriously thinking about ditching them entirely but I don't know. I'll take out 1, although I do not think the deck needs more than 23 lands. I curve out at 4, and the last thing I need is to get mana flooded when I need to be pulling creatures. When the GW scrylands come out I'll put a few of those in there.
Why do you suggest Trostani? She's a solid creature, no doubt, but aside from the life gain and occasional synergy with Advent of the Wurm or Voice of Resurgence tokens, what help is she really? She doesn't really compliment the full-on aggro style. Maybe I'm overlooking something, and I surely haven't tested, so I'd like to know what your reasoning is.
Jok3r the Beast: Thanks. I already have a DCI number from going to a few prereleases, so that isn't a problem.
delfam: Sure, I'm running G/W Hexproof Aggro.
The list I'm hoping to run, if I get the cards I'm looking for prior to the tournament:
9x Forest
6x Plains
4x Temple Garden
3x Selesnya Guildgate
1x Rogue's Passage
Creatures (23)
4x Elvish Mystic
4x Voice of Resurgence
4x Fleecemane Lion
4x Witchstalker
4x Boon Satyr
3x Loxodon Smiter
4x Ethereal Armor
4x Unflinching Courage
Instants (4)
4x Advent of the Wurm
Planeswalkers (2)
2x Ajani, Caller of the Pride
3x Mistcutter Hydra
2x Glare of Heresy
3x Selesnya Charm
2x Ratchet Bomb
2x Rootborn Defenses
2x Ranger's Guile
1x Pithing Needle
What I will probably end up running due to lack of cards:
9x Forest
6x Plains
4x Temple Garden
3x Selesnya Guildgate
1x Rogue's Passage
Creatures (21)
4x Elvish Mystic
3x Gladecover Scout
2x Voice of Resurgence
4x Fleecemane Lion
4x Witchstalker
4x Boon Satyr
2x Loxodon Smiter
4x Ethereal Armor
4x Unflinching Courage
Instants (4)
4x Advent of the Wurm
Planeswalkers (2)
2x Ajani, Caller of the Pride
3x Mistcutter Hydra
2x Glare of Heresy
3x Selesnya Charm
2x Ratchet Bomb
2x Rootborn Defenses
2x Ranger's Guile
1x Pithing Needle
If you have any advice, feel free to share. I do dislike Gladecover Scout quite a bit which is why I'm looking for some more Voice of Resurgence. However, I don't even know my meta really, so the sideboard is just a guess. I'll tinker with the list once I get some experience, which is exactly why I'm going to the FNM.
Do I need to come with a printed decklist prepared, or do I fill it out there? I like to be prepared with everything before I get there, so is there some online decklist I can fill out and print out at home?
The tournament I plan to go to is just a standard FNM tournament. Is there something I should be aware of? Are there differences between FNM tournaments and other non-FNM standard tournaments?
And lastly, I'm sure this will differ between every person's experience and place they go to, but how many people usually attend your FNM? Do people get there early enough to hang out, play a few games, trade, all before the tournament? The reason I ask is because I would like to trade for a few cards that I do not have yet for my deck that I plan to play with.
Just a little bit of anxiety that hopefully you more experienced players can help me relieve. Thanks!
Any advice is appreciated, whether it be main deck or sideboard suggestions. Feel free to suggest anything (except adding Voice of Resurgence, I do NOT have that kind of money at the moment).
9x Forest
6x Plains
4x Temple Garden
3x Selesnya Guildgate
1x Rogue's Passage
Creatures (21)
4x Elvish Mystic
3x Gladecover Scout
4x Fleecemane Lion
4x Witchstalker
4x Boon Satyr
2x Loxodon Smiter
4x Ethereal Armor
4x Unflinching Courage
2x Bow of Nylea
Instants (4)
4x Advent of the Wurm
Planeswalkers (2)
2x Ajani, Caller of the Pride
3x Mistcutter Hydra
2x Glare of Heresy
3x Selesnya Charm
2x Ratchet Bomb
2x Rootborn Defenses
2x Ranger's Guile
1x Pithing Needle
One of the things I am wondering about is the usefulness of Gladecover Scout. Should I drop the count of Gladecover Scout to 2 and have 3 Loxodon Smiter? Heck, is Gladecover worth it at all? I've seen builds that don't run a single one so that is a possibility as well.
What about the number of Ratchet Bomb? Is 2 too excessive? Should I increase the count of something else or replace it entirely? Am I overlooking any match ups that my sideboard could help with?
I have yet to test Rootborn Defenses, but I feel as though it will be a good answer to board sweeps. Should I consider something else for that spot in the sideboard?
Another possibility was switching between Bow of Nylea to Spear of Heliod. I always thought the versatility of Bow of Nylea was fantastic, but the deck does lack removal outside of the side board, so maybe Spear of Heliod will allow me to better answer some threats? Or should I have neither, and go for more effective auras, such as Gift of Orzhova?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, even ones outside of the questions and possibilities above.
Any advice is appreciated, whether it be main deck or sideboard suggestions. Feel free to suggest anything (except adding Voice of Resurgence, I do NOT have that kind of money at the moment).
9x Forest
6x Plains
4x Temple Garden
3x Selesnya Guildgate
1x Rogue's Passage
Creatures (21)
4x Elvish Mystic
3x Gladecover Scout
4x Fleecemane Lion
4x Witchstalker
4x Boon Satyr
2x Loxodon Smiter
4x Ethereal Armor
4x Unflinching Courage
2x Bow of Nylea
Instants (4)
4x Advent of the Wurm
Planeswalkers (2)
2x Ajani, Caller of the Pride
3x Mistcutter Hydra
2x Glare of Heresy
3x Selesnya Charm
2x Ratchet Bomb
2x Rootborn Defenses
2x Ranger's Guile
1x Pithing Needle
One of the things I am wondering about is the usefulness of Gladecover Scout. Should I drop the count of Gladecover Scout to 2 and have 3 Loxodon Smiter? Heck, is Gladecover worth it at all? I've seen builds that don't run a single one so that is a possibility as well.
What about the number of Ratchet Bomb? Is 2 too excessive? Should I increase the count of something else or replace it entirely? Am I overlooking any match ups that my sideboard could help with?
I have yet to test Rootborn Defenses, but I feel as though it will be a good answer to board sweeps. Should I consider something else for that spot in the sideboard?
Another possibility was switching between Bow of Nylea to Spear of Heliod. I always thought the versatility of Bow of Nylea was fantastic, but the deck does lack removal outside of the side board, so maybe Spear of Heliod will allow me to better answer some threats? Or should I have neither, and go for more effective auras, such as Gift of Orzhova?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, even ones outside of the questions and possibilities above.
EDIT: Just realized there was a G/W/x thread that covers this kind of deck...I shall post in there.
Archived at poster's request. -rujasu
Here is the deck:
4 Legion Loyalist
3 Ash Zealot
1 Lightning Mauler
2 Frontline Medic
2 Boros Reckoner
3 Mirran Crusader
1 Silverblade Paladin
3 Hellrider
1 Spark Trooper
3 Thundermaw Hellkite
2 Aurelia, the Warleader
2 Ajani, Caller of the Pride
Instants/Sorceries
4 Boros Charm
4 Path to Exile
Enchantments
2 Legion's Initiative
Artifacts
1 Sensei's Divining Top
Lands
9 Mountain
6 Plains
1 Clifftop Retreat
3 Temple of Triumph
3 Sacred Foundry
What I need help with is handling control in general, but more specifically UG control. Not sure what aggro needs to sideboard to handle that, but suggestions would be very helpful. Simic Charms, counterspells, and other blue control has shut me down some games and I'm not sure how I should counter that.
Also, if you see ways to make the deck itself better, you can suggest that, too. Hopefully I will have access to the cards you mention. The deck runs rather smoothly with the occasional mana problems because I don't have the best access to dual land mana fixers but I'm slowly trying to update the mana base as I get more cash.
Hey, at least you're pulling foil mythics! I wouldn't be complaining about that kind of luck, but I guess you're used to it haha.
To stay somewhat on topic, today I bought a fat pack and pulled Render Silent, Foil Render Silent, and Breeding Pool. I've been having decent luck with the little amount of packs I've bought of Dragon's Maze. Still no Ral or Voice though
Agreed, so I shall do the same.
Standout commons:
-Deputy of Acquittals:
The amount of times this surprised blocked and saved me from removal or annoying cards (AKA: Stab Wound) is uncountable. I would definitely regard it as a high pick if you're aiming for those colors.
-Viashino Firstblade
Very very aggressive card, dropping down as a 4/4 on turn 3 is sick.
-Beetleform Mage
I pulled it in my pool but didn't end up going down those colors. Being able to give yourself evasion and +2/+2 for TWO mana is rather incredible for a common. Drop it down on turn 3 (or any other turn too) and if your opponent has no answer, it's a clock. The amount of fliers with over 4 toughness was not so prevalent in Dragon's Maze limited, especially not as early as turn 3 or 4.
-Zhur-Taa Druid
Mana and damage, what more could you ask for?
I can see why some would like the Gatekeepers, I personally did not like it and unless you know you can consistently use it's benefits, I would not pick it very early.
Standout Uncommons:
-Armed // Dangerous
Killer card, as long as you have two target-able creatures, you get in a free attack with +1/+1 and double strike. Great surprise finisher.
-Turn // Burn
A card that can act as a combat trick, a damage spell, or an almost kill any creature card? Heck yeah I'll take it.
Shout-outs go to Unflinching Courage, Gruul War Chant, and Warleader's Helix. I don't really feel the need to go over the rares because they are rather obvious at times, but some bombs I would pick without a doubt are Blood Baron of Vizkopa, Master of Cruelties, Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch, Ruric Thar, the Unbowed, Tajic, Blade of the Legion, and Savageborn Hydra. Just my opinion on the matter.
I got a great pool with multiples of Deputy of Acquittals and seriously nice cards like Assemble the Legion and Supreme Verdict, as well as Madcap Skills. Holy Mantle was a great card to keep in your hand until the right moment.
I felt a lot of the great cards in my pool were from Gatecrash (my Ravnica Azorius pool was not so hot) and I know other people had similar complaints but overall, it was a lot of fun.
I went 4-0, choosing Boros as my main guild and getting Azorius as my secret ally. Notable pulls were Supreme Verdict, Assemble the Legion, Lavinia of the Tenth, Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch, and Turn//Burn. In the end, I went Red/White/Blue with a splash of black just for Exava, which came in very handy in my aggro set up.
My games were rather straight forward, aggro and quick going with Viashino Firstblade, pumping Soulsworn Spirit with enchantments like Madcap Skills or Holy Mantle for quick easy damage, and Deputy of Acquittals to save my cards from removal or enchantments (like friggin Stab Wound >_>) and flash surprise block.
Funniest moment would have to be when my opponent, in the first game of the final round (both of us were 3-0), finally got his 7th mana for Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts as well as a Lavinia of the Tenth already out and he felt so ready to destroy me. Next turn I play a Supreme Verdict. The look on his face was priceless.
9 prize packs in the end, total 15 Dragon's Maze packs, I pulled no money cards or anything of good use to me. Got 2 Master of Cruelties, and traded for a Legion's Initiative, but overall, the fun was in the playing and not the pulls. Glad to see mostly everyone had a good time!
There's not much token love in Dragon's Maze so I'm not sure I want to invest in Selesnya. Overall, looking at the guild pack contents, it looks like every Boros rare is playable and quite a few of them are limited bombs.
I cannot wait for the weekend to come, been waiting for Dragon's Maze prereleases for so long!