I'm new to the forum! I introduce myself telling you that I've played since Onslaught (back old times in 2002), mainly casual and with friends, but I would like to try something new and play a little Modern (perhaps in some tournaments). I share with you in my first post, my attempt of creating a defender modern deck based of Arcades, the Strategist. As many will probably see, it is not even close to be finished, and I'm struggling to decide respect some cards that could potentially deserve a slot or two. The main deck list (without sideboard yet) is as follows:
I think the mana base is weak, giving the lack of pain lands, and some fetchs would also be nice. Therefore the idea of introducing Arboreal Grazer to help the deck to get where it is supposed to (having the four manas for Arcades, the Strategist). I don't know if adding more Sylvan Caryatid would be useful somehow, or maybe another mana generator as Noble Hierarch or as Axebane Guardian.
One of the parts of the deck that seems weaker to me is the control/removal part. I can't decide whether to focus on creature removal completing the set of Path to Exile, or adding other mass removals as Citywide Bust. Other option could be instead of creature removal, something like Oblivion Ring or Generous Gift which can also take care of planeswalkers, or counter spells as Negate, Essence Scatter and/or Absorb.
What advices could you give me to ensure my deck has at least a possibility of surviving in a modern tournament? Obviously the meta is important, but I intend to deal with that mainly with the sideboard when the time comes. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm open to every advice.
I think this list might be a little more suited to handle a broader range of competitive meta assuming Hogaak gets banned. Otherwise I'd cut the 2 Vesperlark for 2 Whiplash Trap.
The main is pretty straight forward. Mondo cantrips to drown out your opp. Waffle stomp an enchantment or Arcades and get sideways on 'em. Jeskai Barricade and Mnemonic Wall for a little redundancy and Tetsuko for the unblockable kill shot if there's a clutter blocking your way.
I'm running Wall of Runes over Overgrown Battlement because we really want to dig for an early piece so we can start swinging heavy. The meta is super fast right now and even through Battlement makes for a big turn, I think it's just a turn too late and ideally you want to t1 Caretaker into a t2 Rune. Then activate Caretaker tapping Rune into a cantrip wall or hold mana up for an E Call or flash a Jaskai Barricade, activate Caretaker for a Spell Pierce when they think you've fizzled your t2 play.
Against removal heavy decks you wanna bring in Heroic Intervention, Spellskite, Vesperlark, and if you're real hot for it maybe even a FoN if it's Jund. Against U/w control you def want FoN, Heroic, and FoV. Against Burn, MonoRed Phoenix or other fast damage you bring in Tree, Skite, FoN and keep the Pierce in. Nothing like a Tree with haste from Hall of Bandit Lord. I think you just pray against Tron. Bring in FoN, FoV, and Path's for Wurncoil.
I think Humans might actually be the easiest matchup.
Well, that's about all my brain can handle for now.
Notable mentions: Teyo, the Shieldmage(burn hate), Tower Defense(alpha strike) Aether Vial("ramp"), Huatli, the Sun's Heart(other burn hate)
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I'm new to the forum! I introduce myself telling you that I've played since Onslaught (back old times in 2002), mainly casual and with friends, but I would like to try something new and play a little Modern (perhaps in some tournaments). I share with you in my first post, my attempt of creating a defender modern deck based of Arcades, the Strategist. As many will probably see, it is not even close to be finished, and I'm struggling to decide respect some cards that could potentially deserve a slot or two. The main deck list (without sideboard yet) is as follows:
2 x Sylvan Caryatid
1 x Spellskite
3 x Orator of Ojutai
3 x Wall of Blossoms
3 x Steel Wall
3 x Wall of Runes
3 x Overgrown Battlement
3 x Arcades, the Strategist
3 x Arboreal Grazer
1 x Wall of Denial
3 x High Alert
INSTANTS(10):
2 x Negate
2 x Essence Scatter
4 x Tower Defense
2 x Path to Exile
LANDS(22):
4 x Hinterland Harbor
2 x Sunpetal Grove
4 x Glacial Fortress
2 x Hallowed Fountain
1 x Breeding Pool
1 x Unclaimed Territory
1 x Temple Garden
3 x Forest
2 x Island
2 x Plains
I think the mana base is weak, giving the lack of pain lands, and some fetchs would also be nice. Therefore the idea of introducing Arboreal Grazer to help the deck to get where it is supposed to (having the four manas for Arcades, the Strategist). I don't know if adding more Sylvan Caryatid would be useful somehow, or maybe another mana generator as Noble Hierarch or as Axebane Guardian.
Regarding the creatures, I have so many options I would like to try. Obviously, more than one Spellskite is mandatory in order to keep Arcades, the Strategist safe. I've also considered using Novice Knight as a one drop with Curious Obsession on turn two, in order to force my opponent to use a removal spell (or block). Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive seems promising as well as a finishing condition together with Tower Defense. Teyo, the Shieldmage could be awesome too, when combined with Arcades, the Strategist on the battlefield, giving also extra protection against burn decks (maybe some Leyline of Sanctity would work as well). Other possibility for a finisher could be Tree of Redemption.
One of the parts of the deck that seems weaker to me is the control/removal part. I can't decide whether to focus on creature removal completing the set of Path to Exile, or adding other mass removals as Citywide Bust. Other option could be instead of creature removal, something like Oblivion Ring or Generous Gift which can also take care of planeswalkers, or counter spells as Negate, Essence Scatter and/or Absorb.
Last but not least, I have some doubts whether it would be useful to include some "tutor" such as Chord of Calling, Green Sun's Zenith, or cheaper ones as Commune with Nature or Bond of Flourishing, just to ensure myself one of more Arcades, the Strategist.
What advices could you give me to ensure my deck has at least a possibility of surviving in a modern tournament? Obviously the meta is important, but I intend to deal with that mainly with the sideboard when the time comes. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm open to every advice.
Thank you all for your time and cheers!
4 Saruli Caretaker
4 Wall of Runes
3 Wall of Omens
4 Wall of Blossoms
3 Arcades, the Strategist
2 Wall of Denial
1 Mnemonic Wall
3 Jeskai Barricade
1 Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive
INSTANTS/SORCERIES 9
3 Eladamri's Call
2 Slaughter the Strong
3 Spell Pierce
1 Dive Down
ENCHANTMENTS 4
3 High Alert
1 Assault Formation
LANDS 22
3 Misty Rainforest
2 Windswept Heath
2 Flooded Strand
2 Waterlogged Grove
1 Horizon Canopy
1 Breeding Pool
1 Temple Garden
1 Hallowed Fountain
3 Botanical Garden
3 Forest
1 Island
1 Plains
1 Hall of the Bandit Lord
SIDEBOARD
1 Slaughter the Strong
2 Path to Exile
1 Tree of Redemption
2 Heroic Intervention
1 Vesperlark
2 Force of Negation
3 Ravenous Trap
2 Force of Vigor
1 Spellskite
I think this list might be a little more suited to handle a broader range of competitive meta assuming Hogaak gets banned. Otherwise I'd cut the 2 Vesperlark for 2 Whiplash Trap.
The main is pretty straight forward. Mondo cantrips to drown out your opp. Waffle stomp an enchantment or Arcades and get sideways on 'em. Jeskai Barricade and Mnemonic Wall for a little redundancy and Tetsuko for the unblockable kill shot if there's a clutter blocking your way.
I'm running Wall of Runes over Overgrown Battlement because we really want to dig for an early piece so we can start swinging heavy. The meta is super fast right now and even through Battlement makes for a big turn, I think it's just a turn too late and ideally you want to t1 Caretaker into a t2 Rune. Then activate Caretaker tapping Rune into a cantrip wall or hold mana up for an E Call or flash a Jaskai Barricade, activate Caretaker for a Spell Pierce when they think you've fizzled your t2 play.
Against removal heavy decks you wanna bring in Heroic Intervention, Spellskite, Vesperlark, and if you're real hot for it maybe even a FoN if it's Jund. Against U/w control you def want FoN, Heroic, and FoV. Against Burn, MonoRed Phoenix or other fast damage you bring in Tree, Skite, FoN and keep the Pierce in. Nothing like a Tree with haste from Hall of Bandit Lord. I think you just pray against Tron. Bring in FoN, FoV, and Path's for Wurncoil.
I think Humans might actually be the easiest matchup.
Well, that's about all my brain can handle for now.
Notable mentions: Teyo, the Shieldmage(burn hate), Tower Defense(alpha strike) Aether Vial("ramp"), Huatli, the Sun's Heart(other burn hate)