Dylan Brown gives my ET community a shoutout and shares his thoughts on the deck during the event. He also emphasizes the significance of Narset Transcendent in ET.
In an effort to organize the information I've discussed in our community, I'll be sharing each piece of content in its own Google Document for your reference.
- Esper Transcendent: Competitive MTGO League & Event Top Performers -
Note: This post will be comprised of the top performers and their performances from Competitive MTGO Leagues and any event beyond FNM. Decklists will be included if provided. If not, feel free to tag player in a comment for their decklist.
Congratulations to the following members of #TeamTranscendent!
Darrel Feltner
Competitive MTGO League - 11/16
Record: 5-0
Jonathan Simon
GPT Prague - 1/6/17
Record: 1st (5-0)
Dag Erik Børnich
MTGO Competitive League - 1/27/17
Record: 5-0
Living End: 2-0
Grixis Control: 2-1
Grixis Control: 2-1
Ad Naus: 2-0
Jund: 2-1 https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/557947#paper
Esper Transcendent is a proactive Esper Walkers Control deck that takes advantage of Narset Transcendent, but is also designed to be heavily disruptive, synergistic, resilient, and versatile. The deck is comprised of many cross-performing and multi-functional cards (a.k.a. Modal Spells), with intricate interactions and unique lines of play, that allow the player to navigate from various angles.
The decks general concept is to control the game through significant hand, battlefield, graveyard, and deck disruption, while generating value, stabilization, and pressure via Snapcaster Mage, Lingering Souls, Esper Charm, and Planeswalkers, namely Liliana of the Veil and Narset Transcendent. Overall, it is a flexible and efficient Control deck that can effectively transition between defensive and aggressive capabilities (giving it a strong early, mid, and late game), and is designed to be viable vs various archetypes and adaptable against any meta.
Hey, guys. I've been off UW for the last few weeks because I've been playing my new competitive rogue, Esper Transcendent. I've shared the deck in the 'Deck Creation' forum, so I won't be posting about this deck here. I'll be more than happy to answer questions, though.
Esper Transcendent is a proactive Esper Walkers Control deck that takes advantage of Narset Transcendent, but is also designed to be heavily disruptive, synergistic, resilient, and versatile. The deck is comprised of many cross-performing and multi-functional cards, with intricate interactions and lines of play, that allow the player to navigate from various angles.
The decks general concept is to control the game through significant hand, battlefield, graveyard, and deck disruption, while generating value, stabilization, and pressure via Snapcaster Mage, Lingering Souls, Esper Charm, Batterskull, and Planeswalkers. Overall, it is a flexible Control deck that is designed to be viable vs various archetypes and adaptable against any meta.
The deck is sitting around 60% win pct. on MTGO after 75 matches, across Tier 1, 2, and rogues. More impressively, it's hovering around 68% vs Tier 1, currently with a 17-8 record:
16-3 (84%) vs non-Dredge. (1-5 vs Dredge)
100% vs Jund (4-0), Affinity (4-0), Zooicide (3-0), and Infect (3-0).
The deck has been piloted by one of my good friends and veteran Magic players, Darrel Feltner.
Given your own statistics, this deck has a problem with Dredge. If I was to play this deck in a Grand Prix and I was expecting a lot of Dredge, is there anything I could specifically do to deal with the issue of Dredge?
I'm giving the deck a go on Cockatrice. Feels really fun. Unfortunately it's quite expensive for me to finish up in paper.
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Well, I can saw a woman in two, but you won't wanna look in the box when I'm through.
Ive been testing this deck with a couple other guys on cockatrice because I love the unique way this deck does esper control. Esper is by far my favorite shard so i've always wanted the colors to work in modern and I think this deck is the best example so far. I have a couple questions about the list though and I know you have been playing the deck for far longer so I would appreciate your insight. Why concealed courtyard over darkslick shores? I figured the deck wanted to either serum or use hand attack on turn 1 and shores fits right into this plan. Lastly, have you never had trouble running 4 esper charm? I ended up trimming one for a murderous cut in the mb because I felt I would have 2 esper charms sitting in my hand when I wanted an answer.
I haven't had any particular issues outside of hitting a tapped land when I needed it untapped. I chose Concealed over Darkslick because we are dominantly White. Personally, I wouldn't cut the 2nd GQ and I prefer the Basics at 5 - especially for double W vs Moon. I can agree with cutting the manlands to 2 and maybe splitting Concealed with Darkslick, but that's about it.
If you're playing my version, which I highly suggest you do ;), please follow the following guide for your design.
Main Deck Flex:
1 Collective Brutality (Deck: 0-2)
-This can be 3rd Thoughtseize or 4th Inquisition of Kozilek. Bear in mind that if you play 3 Thoughtseize, you definitely want to consider keeping Blessed Alliance at 2 and possibly swapping 4th Esper Charm for 1 Timely Reinforcements.
1 Blessed Alliance (Deck: 2-3)
-I'd say this should be at 2 - one of the reasons we are good vs Infect, Zooicide, Suicide Bloo G1 and can hang with Burn, but this can also be a different removal and 2nd - or 3rd - BA can be in the side.
1 Esper Charm (Deck: 4)
-The deck wants 4 so you'd want to side the 4th vs Midrange/Combo/Control, but this slot can be a another creature (4th Snapcaster Mage, 1 Tasigur, the Golden Fang, etc.), removal, 1 Timely Reinfocements, 3rd Thoughtseize, 2nd Collective Brutality, 1 Negate, or even 1 Surgical Extraction as tech and to capitalize on our hand disruption plan.
1 Supreme Verdict (Deck: 3-4)
-This can be EE, Flaying Tendrils, another removal, or Planeswalker (preferably 4 cmc - Sorin, Lord of Innistrad, Elspeth, Knight-Errant, Dovin Baan, Jace, Architect of Thought, etc.), but the 3rd Verdict would then be in the side because you want 3 minimum in 75.
Note: Gideon, Ally of Zendikar and Batterskull, while not as 'core' as the others, really have no replacements for their important roles in the main.
---------------------------------
Sideboard Core:
-Engineered Explosives (1-2)
-Surgical Extraction (2-4)
Note: This can be split with Extirpate (for decks packing U).
-Negate (2-4)
-Celestial Purge (1-2)
Note: If Blessed Alliance is a 1 of in your main, then the side should include at least 1.
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I'm the founder and community manager of the following pages on Facebook:
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Have you tested Jace, Vryn's Prodigy much at all? Figured he would fit into this strategy fairly well.
I played him early on. He's an option that can compliment Snap, but doesn't replace him. While he may have a higher ceiling, it's slower than Snap and doesn't provide the same kind of immediate utility that Snap can, especially with Snap/Charm. He also dies to removal, which we're trying to dodge, or have less of an impact, as best as we could. There's enough value between Snap and Narset, but Jace could be a 2 of or so alongside Snap if you're inclined to try him. I just don't think he's necessary.
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I'm the founder and community manager of the following pages on Facebook:
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
I think the deck needs a top8/top16/day2 paper or 5-0 MTGO finish to get into developing competitive. Which event did the deck place at?
It's still new, bud. Generally speaking, the deck has been performing well for many testing it in my community and Reddit at local leagues and online vs a variety of archetypes, especially top tiered decks. Last night it was streamed on Twitch by Suicide Bloo designer, H0lydiva. It's getting good traction and positive feedback. It's also leading in Jeff Hoogland's Top 16 Tier 4 contest poll:
It needs to put up some results and have proof it's seeing play before mods will consider this deck for Developing Competitive.
That's fair. My statement was rhetorical. I'm confident it will in time. Let's just say, if Jund and Junk can put up 5-0's in competitive MTGO Leagues, so can this. It consistently crushes Jund(k), too (H0lydiva did last night 2-0 vs Jund), but it's sitting 60/40 vs Infect, Affinity, Zooicide, Ad Nauseam, and Sun & Moon.
Unfortunately, I'm not on MTGO, but I know players who are and others who will be taking it to RPTQs and GPs. In the meantime, I'll share updates here.
I like this deck a lot. I'll probably remove Batterskull for something else though, i just can't see the reason why it's there.
Its role here isn't to rely on it or even jam it turn 5. It's one of the decks recovery/stabilizers like Gideon Jura, and is clutch to replenish your life from fetches, shocks, Thoughtseize, and damage from creatures/burn. It also happens to have a lot of synergy in the deck:
-Non-creature for Narset Transcendent
-Equippable to Snapcaster Mage, Lingering Souls, Gideon, Ally of Zendikar, and Gideon Jura
-Immune to Supreme Verdict
It's a fantastic card for this deck's design and gameplan. After hundreds of games of testing, it more than proved itself and has no replacement for its role.
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I'm the founder and community manager of the following pages on Facebook:
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Any reason to prefer Narset Transcendent to the 4th Snapcaster Mage and 2x Jace, Vryn's Prodigy ?
They all serve the role of getting more value from your spells but Narset just seems too clunky and slow at 4-mana and doesn't actually win the game.
I would also probably move the Elspeth, Sun's Champion to the MD as it is a legitimate finisher/stabilizer for the deck.
Any reason to prefer Narset Transcendent to the 4th Snapcaster Mage and 2x Jace, Vryn's Prodigy ?
They all serve the role of getting more value from your spells but Narset just seems too clunky and slow at 4-mana and doesn't actually win the game.
I would also probably move the Elspeth, Sun's Champion to the MD as it is a legitimate finisher/stabilizer for the deck.
Please play the deck first. Narset is one of the main reasons this deck has been performing the way it has. Lots of info on it via the links I provided and in my communinity. You have to look passed the Narset stigma to accept what this deck can do and how it does it. Also, players have scooped to Narset several times, for me and others who have been playing it. She's fantastic vs Combo/Control (esp those with a high spell count) and several Midrange decks. She also does a lot vs Aggro decks that don't win by T3.
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I'm the founder and community manager of the following pages on Facebook:
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
I thought the question was valid - curious about the answer myself. It seems a bit strange/aggressive to respond in such a dismissive way ("please play the deck first") to a benignly worded question like that. Are you able to articulate the rationale for choosing Narset Transcendent over more common inclusions in Esper control decks like snapcaster mage and/or jace, vryn's prodigy?
When you refuse to discuss your choices here and instead just direct people to other links, your reply gives the impression that you are just generating traffic to other sites rather than posting here for the purposes of discussion.
I thought the question was valid - curious about the answer myself. It seems a bit strange/aggressive to respond in such a dismissive way ("please play the deck first") to a benignly worded question like that. Are you able to articulate the rationale for choosing Narset Transcendant over more common inclusions in Esper control decks like snapcaster mage and/or jace, vryn's prodigy?
When you refuse to discuss your choices here and instead just direct people to other links, your reply gives the impression that you are just generating traffic to other sites rather than posting here for the purposes of discussion.
That was not my intention at all. I apologize if that's the way it came across. My apologies.
As for Narset, she's the backbone and core of this deck's ability to apply board pressure post-hand disruption. Her large loyalty puts several decks in a predicament to attack her or the player. When combined with the deck's spells, such as Lingering Souls (6 Spirits for 1 Souls) and Esper Charm (up to 4 cards drawn/discarded + 2 more when it's Flashbacked with Snap), provide a ton of value after you've disrupted your opponent's hand and field. How you utilize Narset depends on the MU. Vs Combo/Control, you may want to consider threatening them with her final by +'ing her, or you're in a position where you can Rebound hand disruption, fuel your hand with Charm (or cripple their hand), etc. and then use Snap to Flashback those spells for more value.
Vs Aggro/Midrange, you might want to Rebound Souls, Path, Blessed, Verdict, etc. When played alongside Gideon (each) and Batterskull, the deck presents multiple angles that are difficult to navigate against. This has been the feedback echoed by players who have been playing against it. Past lists playing Narset were more linear and solely focused on Narset, which was incorrect.
This deck focuses on exactly what I described in the deck's description in the OP and does it consistently.
I hope that clarifies my response to your question. Once again, I'm sorry if my initial response came across as condescending. I'm not like that at all.
http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/02-11-16-esper-narset/
2x Concealed Courtyard
2x Creeping Tar Pit
3x Flooded Strand
2x Ghost Quarter
1x Godless Shrine
2x Hallowed Fountain
1x Island
2x Marsh Flats
1x Plains
3x Polluted Delta
2x Shambling Vent
2x Swamp
1x Watery Grave
1x Collective Brutality
3x Inquisition of Kozilek
4x Lingering Souls
4x Serum Visions
2x Supreme Verdict
3x Thoughtseize
Instant (8)
2x Esper Charm
3x Fatal Push
3x Path to Exile
Planeswalker (7)
1x Gideon, Ally of Zendikar
4x Liliana of the Veil
2x Narset Transcendent
Creature (4)
3x Snapcaster Mage
1x Tasigur, the Golden Fang
1x Baneslayer Angel
3x Countersquall
1x Disenchant
2x Geist of Saint Traft
1x Lost Legacy
2x Meddling Mage
2x Rest in Peace
1x Surgical Extraction
2x Timely Reinforcements
-------
GP Brisbane - 2/19/17
Dylan Brown - 21st
Esper Transcendent
http://magic.wizards.com/en/events/coverage/gpbri17/9-32-decklists-2017-02-19
Day 1:
Lantern (L)
Grixis Control (W)
Affinity (L)
Affinity (W)
Boggles (W)
Kiki chord (W)
Abzan (W)
Jund (W)
Abzan (W)
Day 2:
Death's Shadow Jund (W)
Goryo's Expertise (W)
Cheerios (W)
Grixis Delver (W)
Burn (W)
Dredge (L)
Dylan Brown gives my ET community a shoutout and shares his thoughts on the deck during the event. He also emphasizes the significance of Narset Transcendent in ET.
http://magic.wizards.com/en/events/coverage/gpbri17/top-5-moments-grand-prix-brisbane-2017-02-19
----------------
Esper Transcendent Articles/Content (Chronological Order):
1. Counter Magic vs Hand Disruption (Featuring Esper Transcendent) - The Spike Feed
https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=qtIk1rjBLsY
2. Modern Monday: Transcendent Esper - Frank Lepore
http://www.channelfireball.com/videos/modern-monday-transcendent-esper/
3. Daily Digest: Modern Transcendent - by Ross Merriam
http://www.starcitygames.com/article/34376_Daily-Digest-Modern-Transcendent.html
4. Modern Esper with Mr. Amati - by Ali Aintrazi
http://www.gatheringmagic.com/aliaintrazi-12232016-esper-in-modern-with-mr-amati/
5. Esper Transcendent - by Gregg Ong
http://www.thedaelybrew.com/blog/2016/12/16/esper-transcendent
6. Transcending the Meta & Evolving Control with Esper Transcendent - by Core Murph
"Awakening a Potential Sleeping Giant in Modern."
https://cardknocklifepodcast.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/transcending-the-meta-evolving-control-with-esper-transcendent/
-------------------
In an effort to organize the information I've discussed in our community, I'll be sharing each piece of content in its own Google Document for your reference.
Table of Contents:
1. The Runed Halo Guide
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10fAugZq4Y29uTHQFsA3PhbPbLkamnnKMeVtP5B7XGv4
2. ET Sideboard Design Philosophy
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14i5FqU6gJ2NNYLitrzwDBHj5ST7KDENsyxQ7ryYKZtE
3. Evaluating Narset Transcendent
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12u496olgqB6lrNETlMAq7PrzBABTuxRRuZQ3-1ZJYQA
4. Geist of Saint Traft & Gideon, Ally of Zendikar
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11_hpCIm8EcrJjxlTT2YegYOB8Y_VJY27OT8Sgg2Zj3I
5. The Return of Baneslayer Angel
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15_FsbJjOLS7V6xOKXbDqt30O6ITO4n4-vGromAZ7fNQ
6. Utilizing Esper Charm
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K-JphlaRXRKCbrRS9-QXDgJejhqs1bzBKCKGhsHr4D8
7. Top ET Planeswalkers
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11ggN-897JF5kqyHa5Qast8D4S6XsgXo_C0tAlQNhWDo
8. Evaluating Collective Brutality
https://docs.google.com/document/d/110mvdixNpPPenWCvM6Jk4DLkaLB0DVI0lU-x3OHBL6g
9. MU Analysis: ET vs Tron
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16k79D4qR7K0LMFE8KupmwEAGEoWQ4vL3F3FuOyDzPaI
10. Why Esper Transcendent?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17gEsYUetMCyDZjWe37zCndlMmMuI4fw-DfWBduLUMSs
11. Esper Transcendent: Core & Flex Design Guide
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u6IgVzXBFD3g_sGhGCMBqbqEjaETxYar0f2p-GzdBf0/edit
12. ET's MU's: Favored, Fair, & Unfavored
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-gnPUq35a84Pg0XSSMMv_5WIOCX9GqapWlqh_nZ8wjQ
13. Bornich's ET MTGO Data: https://docs.google.com/document/d/175wJb84htHHpnKpi2X8N9_6Xvd6ZAGWWdyHGcDLzc2s
------------------
- Esper Transcendent: Competitive MTGO League & Event Top Performers -
Note: This post will be comprised of the top performers and their performances from Competitive MTGO Leagues and any event beyond FNM. Decklists will be included if provided. If not, feel free to tag player in a comment for their decklist.
Congratulations to the following members of #TeamTranscendent!
Darrel Feltner
Competitive MTGO League - 11/16
Record: 5-0
Jonathan Simon
GPT Prague - 1/6/17
Record: 1st (5-0)
Thomas I. Fulks
IQ Maryland - 1/7/17
Record: 5th (6-1)
http://sales.starcitygames.com//deckdatabase/displaydeck.php?DeckID=110824
Anonymous (Requested Confidentiality)
GPT Los Angelas - 1/7/17
Record: 8th (3-2-1)
Levi Ward
GPT Vancouver - 1/8/17
Record: 3rd (3-1-1)
Brandon Dempsey
IQ New Holland - 1/8/17
Record: 1st
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/544629#paper
Dag Erik Børnich
MTGO Competitive League - 1/27/17
Record: 5-0
Living End: 2-0
Grixis Control: 2-1
Grixis Control: 2-1
Ad Naus: 2-0
Jund: 2-1
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/557947#paper
Sean Cain
GPT Newcastle - 3rd Place (18 players)
1/29/17
http://mtgtop8.com/event?e=14611&d=287688&f=MO
GeistofIWin
MTGO Competitive League - 2/5/17
Record: 5-0
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/564647#paper
Sneak-Show-Eternal
MTGO Competitive League - 2/6/17
Record: 5-0
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/565455#paper
Ryan Powell
GPT Vancouver - 2/17/17
1st (5-0)
https://mtgdecks.net/deck/grand_prix_vancouver_2017_trial_winning_decklists/modern/esper_control_ryan_powell/670643/
Dylan Brown
GP Brisbane - 2/19/17
21st
https://magic.wizards.com/en/events/coverage/gpbri17/9-32-decklists-2017-02-19
https://mtgdecks.net/deck/
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/576116#paper
------------------
Esper Transcendent is a proactive Esper Walkers Control deck that takes advantage of Narset Transcendent, but is also designed to be heavily disruptive, synergistic, resilient, and versatile. The deck is comprised of many cross-performing and multi-functional cards (a.k.a. Modal Spells), with intricate interactions and unique lines of play, that allow the player to navigate from various angles.
The decks general concept is to control the game through significant hand, battlefield, graveyard, and deck disruption, while generating value, stabilization, and pressure via Snapcaster Mage, Lingering Souls, Esper Charm, and Planeswalkers, namely Liliana of the Veil and Narset Transcendent. Overall, it is a flexible and efficient Control deck that can effectively transition between defensive and aggressive capabilities (giving it a strong early, mid, and late game), and is designed to be viable vs various archetypes and adaptable against any meta.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/
I contributed to that Primer with my content in the OP. I was avid there and just wanted them to know why I wasn't active the past few weeks.
Also, this is very much Control, but it's proactive.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/
http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/the-game/modern/developing-competitive-modern/571123-modern-esper-draw-go
I'm not sure that the 'innovation' of adding narset makes it a different deck...
KnightfallGWUR
Azorius Control UW
Burn RBG
They are very different. Esper Draw Go plays via more draw, more counters, less win cons, and no main deck Souls.
Each navigate from a different axis with different gameplans.
About the only similarities are Path, Verdict, Charm, and Snap.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/
I'm giving the deck a go on Cockatrice. Feels really fun. Unfortunately it's quite expensive for me to finish up in paper.
Esper Transcendent - Reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernMagic/comments/5gfja7/esper_transcendent_decklist_primer_data_community/?st=IWASPUIN&sh=0be5b9be
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/
https://cardknocklifepodcast.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/transcending-the-meta-evolving-control-with-esper-transcendent/
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/
I haven't had any particular issues outside of hitting a tapped land when I needed it untapped. I chose Concealed over Darkslick because we are dominantly White. Personally, I wouldn't cut the 2nd GQ and I prefer the Basics at 5 - especially for double W vs Moon. I can agree with cutting the manlands to 2 and maybe splitting Concealed with Darkslick, but that's about it.
[Main & Side Core & Flex]
Updated: 12/8/16
http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/02-11-16-esper-narset/
If you're playing my version, which I highly suggest you do ;), please follow the following guide for your design.
Main Deck Flex:
1 Collective Brutality (Deck: 0-2)
-This can be 3rd Thoughtseize or 4th Inquisition of Kozilek. Bear in mind that if you play 3 Thoughtseize, you definitely want to consider keeping Blessed Alliance at 2 and possibly swapping 4th Esper Charm for 1 Timely Reinforcements.
1 Blessed Alliance (Deck: 2-3)
-I'd say this should be at 2 - one of the reasons we are good vs Infect, Zooicide, Suicide Bloo G1 and can hang with Burn, but this can also be a different removal and 2nd - or 3rd - BA can be in the side.
1 Esper Charm (Deck: 4)
-The deck wants 4 so you'd want to side the 4th vs Midrange/Combo/Control, but this slot can be a another creature (4th Snapcaster Mage, 1 Tasigur, the Golden Fang, etc.), removal, 1 Timely Reinfocements, 3rd Thoughtseize, 2nd Collective Brutality, 1 Negate, or even 1 Surgical Extraction as tech and to capitalize on our hand disruption plan.
1 Supreme Verdict (Deck: 3-4)
-This can be EE, Flaying Tendrils, another removal, or Planeswalker (preferably 4 cmc - Sorin, Lord of Innistrad, Elspeth, Knight-Errant, Dovin Baan, Jace, Architect of Thought, etc.), but the 3rd Verdict would then be in the side because you want 3 minimum in 75.
Note: Gideon, Ally of Zendikar and Batterskull, while not as 'core' as the others, really have no replacements for their important roles in the main.
---------------------------------
Sideboard Core:
-Engineered Explosives (1-2)
-Surgical Extraction (2-4)
Note: This can be split with Extirpate (for decks packing U).
-Negate (2-4)
-Celestial Purge (1-2)
Note: If Blessed Alliance is a 1 of in your main, then the side should include at least 1.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
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I played him early on. He's an option that can compliment Snap, but doesn't replace him. While he may have a higher ceiling, it's slower than Snap and doesn't provide the same kind of immediate utility that Snap can, especially with Snap/Charm. He also dies to removal, which we're trying to dodge, or have less of an impact, as best as we could. There's enough value between Snap and Narset, but Jace could be a 2 of or so alongside Snap if you're inclined to try him. I just don't think he's necessary.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
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MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/
KnightfallGWUR
Azorius Control UW
Burn RBG
It's still new, bud. Generally speaking, the deck has been performing well for many testing it in my community and Reddit at local leagues and online vs a variety of archetypes, especially top tiered decks. Last night it was streamed on Twitch by Suicide Bloo designer, H0lydiva. It's getting good traction and positive feedback. It's also leading in Jeff Hoogland's Top 16 Tier 4 contest poll:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernMagic/comments/5hc60j/jeff_hooglands_top_16_tier_4_contest_vote_now/?st=IWK0HNZE&sh=155925d7
Reddit:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernMagic/comments/5gfja7/esper_transcendent_decklist_primer_data_community/?st=IWK0ID36&sh=6a2223cc
Article:
https://cardknocklifepodcast.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/transcending-the-meta-evolving-control-with-esper-transcendent/
It's only a matter of time, but this is a great start. I'll keep you guys updated.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
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Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
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MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
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Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
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Curse PremiumThat's fair. My statement was rhetorical. I'm confident it will in time. Let's just say, if Jund and Junk can put up 5-0's in competitive MTGO Leagues, so can this. It consistently crushes Jund(k), too (H0lydiva did last night 2-0 vs Jund), but it's sitting 60/40 vs Infect, Affinity, Zooicide, Ad Nauseam, and Sun & Moon.
Unfortunately, I'm not on MTGO, but I know players who are and others who will be taking it to RPTQs and GPs. In the meantime, I'll share updates here.
For more on the deck, refer to the following:
Team Transcendent Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TeamTranscendent/
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
Facebook.com/ModernUWxControl
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
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RB Aggro (2-1)
BW Eldrazi (2-0)
UW Midrange (2-0)
BW Eldrazi (2-0)
RG Breach (2-1)
Modern, here we come!
My Update: 12/11/16
http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/02-11-16-esper-narset/
Note: I'll be testing Vendilion Clique, too.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
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MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
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Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
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Modern Tallowisp Spirits - A Modern Tallowisp Deck UW
Eldrazi Ninjas - Summoning Octopus Jutsu YYYYAAAHHHH!
STANDARD
Naban Wizards
Its role here isn't to rely on it or even jam it turn 5. It's one of the decks recovery/stabilizers like Gideon Jura, and is clutch to replenish your life from fetches, shocks, Thoughtseize, and damage from creatures/burn. It also happens to have a lot of synergy in the deck:
-Non-creature for Narset Transcendent
-Equippable to Snapcaster Mage, Lingering Souls, Gideon, Ally of Zendikar, and Gideon Jura
-Immune to Supreme Verdict
It's a fantastic card for this deck's design and gameplan. After hundreds of games of testing, it more than proved itself and has no replacement for its role.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
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They all serve the role of getting more value from your spells but Narset just seems too clunky and slow at 4-mana and doesn't actually win the game.
I would also probably move the Elspeth, Sun's Champion to the MD as it is a legitimate finisher/stabilizer for the deck.
Please play the deck first. Narset is one of the main reasons this deck has been performing the way it has. Lots of info on it via the links I provided and in my communinity. You have to look passed the Narset stigma to accept what this deck can do and how it does it. Also, players have scooped to Narset several times, for me and others who have been playing it. She's fantastic vs Combo/Control (esp those with a high spell count) and several Midrange decks. She also does a lot vs Aggro decks that don't win by T3.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
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MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
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Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
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When you refuse to discuss your choices here and instead just direct people to other links, your reply gives the impression that you are just generating traffic to other sites rather than posting here for the purposes of discussion.
KnightfallGWUR
Azorius Control UW
Burn RBG
That was not my intention at all. I apologize if that's the way it came across. My apologies.
As for Narset, she's the backbone and core of this deck's ability to apply board pressure post-hand disruption. Her large loyalty puts several decks in a predicament to attack her or the player. When combined with the deck's spells, such as Lingering Souls (6 Spirits for 1 Souls) and Esper Charm (up to 4 cards drawn/discarded + 2 more when it's Flashbacked with Snap), provide a ton of value after you've disrupted your opponent's hand and field. How you utilize Narset depends on the MU. Vs Combo/Control, you may want to consider threatening them with her final by +'ing her, or you're in a position where you can Rebound hand disruption, fuel your hand with Charm (or cripple their hand), etc. and then use Snap to Flashback those spells for more value.
Vs Aggro/Midrange, you might want to Rebound Souls, Path, Blessed, Verdict, etc. When played alongside Gideon (each) and Batterskull, the deck presents multiple angles that are difficult to navigate against. This has been the feedback echoed by players who have been playing against it. Past lists playing Narset were more linear and solely focused on Narset, which was incorrect.
This deck focuses on exactly what I described in the deck's description in the OP and does it consistently.
I hope that clarifies my response to your question. Once again, I'm sorry if my initial response came across as condescending. I'm not like that at all.
MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control
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MTG Modern - Competitive: UWx Midrange/Control Community
Facebook.com/Groups/MTGModernUWx
I'm also an Admin for one of the premier Modern communities on Facebook:
Magic the Gathering: Modern Meta Masters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMetaMasters/