"I'll show you the true meaning of cheap cards!" (and the true meaning of horrible MS paint skills)
--------------------
[INTRODUCTION - skip this if you want to get right to the action]
It's been a while...
WELCOME TO EPISODE III OF THE BUDGET DECK CHALLENGE! (RTR BLOCK + THEROS BLOCK)
As customary, this is where the newest "budget deck challenge" decks will be placed following the upcoming rotation. So let me ask you...
Are you frustrated with how expensive standard is? Do you thrive on challenge and uphill battles? Do you consider yourself a master deckbuilder even when faced with restrictions?
...well my friend, you have come to the right place. Do you have what it takes? Time to put your $10 where your mouth is and step up to the plate!
So how do you participate? Just read below. And yes, we are going back to our roots, and doing this on a $10 bill. This ain't supposed to be easy.
[RULES - yeah they suck but it's kind of necessary for a challenge...]
1. Deck must be Standard Legal: RTR / GTC / DGM / M14 / THS
2. Deck must be $10 or less using tcgplayer "low" as a metric (Lightly Played or better)
.......... This total includes the cost of your sideboard, if you have one
.......... Prices fluctuate, so be sure to Timestamp your deck to lock in prices
.......... Basic Lands = FREE (people just give them away)
3. Deck should be focused on being competitive, not casual
As long as you Timestamp your deck, it's legal even if prices go up the next day. However, if you mod the deck, you need a new Timestamp and you will no longer be legal if you are over the limit. Plan carefully!
[REQUIRED FORMATTING - so that everything looks real fresh and clean]
We need our builds to all look similar in formatting, so listen up. If your format meets the requirement in the spoiler tags, you get a highlight and a link on the main page. If not, you are still welcome to post, but no link.
*** BACKGROUND ***
Tell us about how you built this deck, and what it plans to accomplish. How does it win? What are the synergies, key plays, or anything else we need to know prior to making this deck and piloting it. Also note why you selected certain cards for the deck.
Feel free to add in an explanation for the sideboard, suggestions for people with more budget, and suggested other maindeck cards to use.
*** THE DECKLIST ***
TIMESTAMP: INSERT YOUR DATE AND TIME HERE (Deck completed, sleeved up and ready to play)
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
AVERAGE CMC: This is equal to total casting costs of all cards / number of total spells
TYPE: BDC10 ($10.00 LIMIT)
CURRENT COST: PRICE
REMAINING BUDGET: Remaining Budget
[RESOURCES - need inspiration? start here]
Yakusoku's Budget Guide to Standard - This guy has been around for a long time before I came to this board, and is the original budget deckbuilder. Great resource for all budgets!
Simon's Budget Guide to Playing on a Budget - An excellent thread with a ton of decks. Lots of variety, something for everyone and all play styles, even combo! Gotta check this one out!
[SPECIAL THANKS - gotta thank other people besides myself]
Thank you to everyone that follows the work of myself and everyone else in the budget forum.
Magic is an expensive game, and can be prohibitive at times. It's because of the regulars in the budget forum that everyone can enjoy magic at a competitive level, not just the rich kids. It's the regulars here that I learn from every day that help me to keep my game sharp.
Budget decks are part of standard. Be sure you remind your opponent of such as you grind his car payment deck into the dust.
AND DON'T FORGET TO READ THE FAQ BELOW THE DECK LISTINGS FOR GETTING STARTED!
Name:URScientific Progress goes EXPLODE! Submitted: 9/26/13 Cost: $9.88 (Timestamp: 10/2/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10796691&postcount=17 Summary:Control/Midrange Type - A deck that matches aggro with tough blockers, locks the board then goes BIG for the kill!
Name:WUAzorius Department of Motor Vehicles Submitted: 11/1/13 Cost: $9.99 (Timestamp: 11/3/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=11063248&postcount=64 Summary:Control Type - A deck that exists to keep the opponent from getting anything done with denial, scry and removal!
Name:UBMaking Mill Viable in Constructed Since 2013 Submitted: 11/10/13 Cost: $7.01 (Timestamp: 11/11/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=11119637&postcount=72 Summary:Control Type - A deck that makes mill playable via spells that do mill + other functions along with threats that utilize milled cards.
*** All decks are 100% standard legal and ready to play RIGHT NOW! ***
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ] Name:WURUWR Control Submitted: 9/23/13 Cost: $9.54 (Timestamp: 9/23/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10772791&postcount=5 Summary:Control Type - An incredible budget control build with all the classic control elements
Creator: [ Iplaywhite ] Name:WRRed/White Token Army Submitted: 9/26/13 Cost: $9.69 (Timestamp: 9/26/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10791870&postcount=16 Summary:Aggro Type - A deck that goes wide with lots of tokens, then goes in for a huge attack
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ] Name:BRArise, my Master Submitted: 9/27/13 Cost: $9.93 (Timestamp: 9/27/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10797848&postcount=18 Summary:Combo Type - A demonic combo based deck that can kill you with the combo pieces themselves!
Creator: [ darksk8e245 ] Name:WBGWBg Extort Submitted: 9/27/13 Cost: $2.49 (Timestamp: 9/27/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10800641&postcount=19 Summary:Aggro Type - A really affordable deck that uses extort and creatures to grind the opponent down
Creator: [ Iplaywhite ] Name:BRChaos Erupts Submitted: 9/27/13 Cost: $9.78 (Timestamp: 9/27/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10801240&postcount=20 Summary:Aggro Type - A lightning fast deck whose sole purpose is to kill the opponent with massive early damage output
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ] Name:WBRAngels & Demons Submitted: 9/29/13 Cost: $9.89 (Timestamp: 9/30/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10817318&postcount=27 Summary:Midrange Type - A solid midrange deck with powerful budget game enders and a framework that preys on the standard meta
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ] Name:WRGNaya Zoo Submitted: 9/30/13 Cost: $9.87 (Timestamp: 10/1/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10825377&postcount=33 Summary:Aggro Type - An aggressive deck that uses the best budget early drops available to Naya along with burn to overwhelm the opponent
Creator: [ Darkninja107 ] Name:RGGruul Acres Submitted: 10/1/13 Cost: $9.12 (Timestamp: 10/1/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10830083&postcount=34 Summary:Ramp Type - A fast mana deck that ramps into huge fatties that will crush your opponents into the dust
Creator: [ Bad Mojo ] Name:BBlack Sucks (You!) Submitted: 10/2/13 Cost: $8.78 (Timestamp: 10/1/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10835630&postcount=37 Summary:Combo Type - A deck that revolves around Sanguine Bond and Whip of Erebos to kill in just a few massive life swings
Creator: [ chowdahrogansorah ] Name:UGSimic Monstrosities Submitted: 10/7/13 Cost: $6.79 (Timestamp: 10/7/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10869370&postcount=42 Summary:Midrange Type - A deck that goes big with early game control leading to monstrous results later in the game
Creator: [ ZServ ] Name:WRBudget Winning Wieners Submitted: 10/7/13 Cost: $9.97 (Timestamp: 10/7/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10875363&postcount=44 Summary:Aggro Type - A fast, hard hitting aggro deck featuring tricks with heroic and good matchups vs other aggro decks
Creator: [ Drowning ] Name:WRNivmagus Heroic Submitted: 10/9/13 Cost: $9.91 (Timestamp: 10/10/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10894348&postcount=47 Summary:Aggro Type - An aggro deck that abuses the interaction between heroic and nivmagus elemental coupled with burn and sweeper protection
Creator: [ Maclojack ] Name:WGSelsnya Aggro Submitted: 10/10/13 Cost: $8.42 (Timestamp: 10/10/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10897475&postcount=48 Summary:Aggro Type - A deck that uses bloodrush combined with early drops to pull off massive damage attacks
Creator: [ Zwei ] Name:UBGInfinite Spiral Submitted: 10/11/13 Cost: $9.31 (Timestamp: 10/12/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10906604&postcount=52 Summary:Combo Type - A deck that marks the true return of combo to budget standard by milling the opponents deck in one fell swoop
Creator: [ TawClaw ] Name:BNot an Ethical Merchant Submitted: 10/15/13 Cost: $9.94 (Timestamp: 10/15/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10936530&postcount=54 Summary:Aggro/Midrange Type - A deck that masses devotion and uses it for huge, game changing life swings
Creator: [ Realize ] Name:WUBlue / White Aggro Submitted: 10/16/13 Cost: $9.24 (Timestamp: 10/16/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10944245&postcount=58 Summary:Aggro Type - A deck that combines cheap and strong creatures with evasion and tempo to end the game quickly
Creator: [ Valdarith ] Name:WUHeroic Tempo Submitted: 10/21/13 Cost: $6.61 (Timestamp: 10/21/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10979243&postcount=59 Summary:Aggro/Tempo Type - A deck that utilizes quality heroic creatures with top cover to ride early threats to victory
Creator: [ Bad Mojo ] Name:BRRakdos Deck Wins Submitted: 10/21/13 Cost: $7.43 (Timestamp: 10/24/13) Link:http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=11006176&postcount=60 Summary:Aggro/Tempo Type - A rushdown deck with haste and evasion that ends the game in a speedy manner with overwhelming numbers
[SO YOU FOUND A DECK YOU LIKE AND WANT TO BUILD IT... TIPS AND TRICKS FAQ V1.0!]
...This is a highly recommended read...
So you found a deck you want to build and it's time to put it together. If you really wanted to, it's possible to whip out the credit card and hop on tcgplayer to purchase the entire deck. Don't be surprised when you check out if $10 becomes $18. Shipping is a real thing, most of all for multiple small sales from different vendors. Try out these steps to ensure you really can build these decks for a $10 bill:
1) Check your collection first
This one is self explanatory. Search your collection and get together any of the cards in the list. Use older prints if necessary. If a deck calls for a Doom Blade, don't be hesitant to use an M12 one.
2) Check with your playgroup
A lot of the commons and uncommons your buddies may just hand you for free. Some of this is real chaff that competitive players would leave on a table after drafting or opening packs so you may be doing them a favor taking those Omenspeakers off their hands. Everything else they may just trade with you.
3) Check your LGS
Now obviously you may not want to do this for the rares or money uncommons. However, scan their website or binder to see if some of the uncommons and commons, and even a few rares are for sale @ or less than tcgplayer "low". Sometimes you can score and if you use the website you can order online and pickup what you need. Don't forget that people frequent the LGS and may trade with you also (DO NOT GET RIPPED OFF, CHECK YOUR PRICES). If you trade down, sometimes you can get a premium.
4) Check Market Street
Shameless Plug. Don't forget there are a few sellers with bulk rares on their lists, or maybe you can ask while ordering more expensive stuff for your modern or unlimited budget standard deck for a few .25 rares as throw-ins. Don't be afraid to make offers as well. We sellers don't bite
5) BE PATIENT!!!
It takes time to put together a deck for the right price. If you are impatient, you will overpay and come in over budget. Get out to the LGS and talk to people, don't be afraid to make friends and to ask for stuff. Even your lands you can get for free usually from the draft box if you are new to the game and have no cards at all. I know people use guildgates for coasters sometimes. But take your time, and wait for your opportunities, and explore all your options.
This is the evolution of my old Orzhov deck. It's upgraded with new M14 cards and soon Theros cards. The object is to "combo" using Alms Beast to cause BACKBREAKING life swings. You can finish using Vizkopa Guildmage to do as much as a 21 point swing with a single attack! Combine this with efficient beaters and removal, and you are ready to steal some games. Remember not to be afraid to drop Gift on a Thrill-Kill or Priest if the opening is there and you think it's possible to connect a few times.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
1) Vizkopa Guildmage + Alms Beast + Gift of Orzhova: This is where the deck gets it's name. You go from losing to winning, or winning to really winning with a single connect. We are talking +7 life for you and -14 life for them. In magical xmas land, have Ajani down and use his -3 for a OHKO.
2) Sin Collector: This guy is important. If you suspect removal, drop him first to check out their hand and get rid of their answer to your combo before you build Voltron.
3) Deathpact Angel: This is your plan B. A hard to deal with huge flying beater with SWEET artwork. Love it.
4) Orzhov Charm: Don't be afraid to use it's 1st mode to save your Gift'ed Alms Beast when necessary.
I built this deck for a friend who was getting into Magic some time ago, in order to get him out of the casual range. With the rotation of Innistrad and the coming of Theros, the deck gained a reasonable amount of new toys. It's a UWR control that aims to ride a single threat to victory and defeat the opponent by controlling the board with counterspells and removal, using sweepers against agro and some burn that serves both for removal and added reach. Opportunity is the budget substitute for the almighty Sphinx's Revelation, and Planar Cleansing is a wallet-friendly sweeper that also hits Planeswalkers. Prognostic Sphinx is our Aetherling substitute, and Spellheart Chimera has great evasion and has a virtual Runechanter's Pike and 3 toughness. Lyev Skyknight is there for budget reasons, but he is an evasive beater that gains us some tempo, which is needed since our sweeper costs 6. It has had great results for being on such a low budget.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS Azorius Charm + Essence Scatter: This can be a backbreaking play for the opponent, since it negates their draw and can send back a problematic creature that we couldn't counter before, so we can do it the second time it drops. Planar Cleansing: It's our boardwipe. Costs 2 more but can hit planeswalkers and enchantments as well. Opportunity: Instant matters. Refills our hand EOT t6 to cast Cleansing just after that and establish our control from there. Omenspeaker,as well as the scry cards: These help us filter our draws early in the game and ensure we do Land drops, get our answers, and draw a Cleansing / Opportunity in time. Omenspeaker also walls aggro. Prognostic Sphinx / Spellheart Chimera: Our finishers. Chimera comes down really quick and grows from there, just watch out because it's vulnerable to all forms of removal. Sphinx starts smoothing our draws since it starts connecting, has a big butt so dodges damage based removal, and we can discard a card to protect it from Dreadbore, Doom Blade and Putrefy.
Red Deck Wins is a well known archetype and it's usually the best deck to start out with during rotation because of it's cheapness as well as it's effectiveness as an aggro deck. And this standard season is no different and I present to you the deck below.
This version plays much like the RDWs at the start of RTR standard. It hits quick and it hits hard. It can easily end the game with a burn spell if your opponent isn't careful. And with the inclusion of Magma Jet, top decking isn't going to feel so bad because you can ensure what you're going to draw into.
***BACKGROUND***
Focused in Midrange, Junk Reanimator was a big contender last season. With the arrival of Theros, we lost Unburial Rites, but gained Whip of Erebos, so it will still be a contender. Plus, with Flashback, Snapcaster and Undying gone, graveyard hate will be less hard on us. Reanimator's core is very cheap to build, and there are a lot of budget fatties to reanimate, and it looks to build value via EtB effects from said fatties. I've always loved Graveyard Interactions, so if you're looking for a budget deck that has a decent chance at a FNM and at the same time is a blast to play, this is definitely your deck.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
- Elvish Mystic: Helps us accelerate into our reanimation spells, since they all cost 5 at least. Can also ramp into an early hardcasted Nemesis of Mortals.
- Lotleth Troll: Ditches our fatties from the hand, stalls aggro, helps us build board presence against control, and becomes a must deal threat. On top of it, he regenerates.
- Jarad's Orders: Now we can't run Grisly Salvage since our reanimation spells don't have flashback. Unintentionally ditching reanimation spells can cost you a game. We run Commune with the Gods because it can fetch a Whip if it's between those 5 cards, but that's it. Jarad's Order take a creature from the deck (that can be pitched to Lotleth Troll, or hardcasted because it's low-cost) and an answer we need to the yard for an Entomb-like effect.
- The primordials: Luminate Primordial acts as an Ashen Rider substitute with it's Swords to Plowshares EtB effect and is very efficient defensively with both Vigilance and 7 toughness. Sepulchral Primordial has evasion, hits hard, and can reanimate an opponent's creature from the yard, which in the mirror can be pretty backbreaking and lulzy.
- Nemesis of Mortals + Lotleth Troll / Commune with the Gods / Jarad's Orders: This can grow out of hand pretty fast. Constantly ditching dudes to the yard makes this extremely easy to hardcast, and both the casting and the Monstruous activation is accelerated even more by Elvish Mystic.
- Rescue from the Underworld + Any of the EtB creatures: Rescue is our go-to reanimate card. Why? Simple. First, it's an instant, so it can be cast EOT to negate it's "drawback". Second, can be cast in response to a boardwipe to save a dude and bring him back and another one that didn't survive the wrath effect. And third: it's "drawback" isn't. Both creatures entering again the battlefield means two EtB triggers. This effect is magnified on Death triggers from Ashen Rider and Angel of Serenity too, but since those don't belong here, we won't talk about it.
- Giant Adephage + Whip of Erebos: Reanimate Adephage, hit. Copy it. The original one goes to exile, but you still have one Adephage left.
- Rot Farm Skeleton + Jarad's Orders: Once you have Whip ready and some reanimation spell in your hand, ditch Skeleton to the yard with orders. Then, Skeleton will start dredging all the deck by itself while reanimating, and since you already have whip and some sort of reanimation spell backup, it's not unsafe to start dredging carelessly through your deck. Plus, Skeleton is a hard to deal with threat against control.
*** BACKGROUND ***
Maze's End Turbofog has been a rather fringe deck since its win con's introduction; nevertheless, it has seen competitive play on a small scale. Normally the deck includes board wipes in the form of Supreme Verdict and card draw with Sphinx's Revelation. Obviously our friend Alexander Hamilton won't let us use either of them, so we have to resort to Planar Cleansing and Opportunity, which are both decent options themselves. There are about five Fog effects we can use in Standard; this deck makes use of four of them. Basically, this deck lengthens the game as long as possible before pulling a victory out of its hat.
*** CARD CHOICE ***
Fog effects: We've got four of them, taking up a grand total of fourteen slots. Fog is the cheapest, so we play four. Druid's Deliverance and Defend the Hearth do basically the same thing for one more mana, so we run four of one and three of the other; it doesn't matter which is which in this deck. Finally, Riot Control is great for the incidental lifegain, but at three mana we can't quite run four, opting to play three instead.
Creatures: Omenspeaker is your Augur of Bolas replacement, sifting through your deck while not actually replacing itself. Gatecreeper Vinedoes replace itself and gets you closer to your win condition, but can't attack. I play four Gatecreepers and three Omenspeakers; you may choose to reverse this.
Card draw: Urban Evolution is literally Explore and Divination stapled together. Playing an extra land is something this deck absolutely wants to do. Run four. Meanwhile, Opportunity is cool, but at six mana it's best to run just one.
Board wipes: Sadly, the only real budget option is Planar Cleansing. On the one hand it's six mana, but on the other hand this deck desperately needs board wipes, and so we run three.
Other maindeck cards: Two Negates serve as disruption, while two Warleader's Helixes (Helices?) take care of creatures or can give an eight-life swing when you need it.
Sideboard: Crackling Perimeter is an alternate win condition that sidesteps Burning Earth and Pithing Needle (assuming they name Maze's End); running four pretty much ensures that we'll find one. Dispel counters a whole lot of relevant Standard cards, so we run two in the board. Celestial Flare is a little rough on the mana, but Gatecreeper takes care of that; you may choose to replace one or both copies with Renounce the Guilds for about 15 cents each. Selesnya Charm is a great utility card, exiling dudes or making an emergency blocker or attacker as needed; run two of them. Fade into Antiquity is a little overcosted considering Revoke Existence, but it's our only real Standard option to deal with Gods, so we run two. As for the one-ofs, they can vary; Azorius Charm is removal or a cantrip, and Warleader's Helix and Opportunity serve the same purpose as they do in the main deck.
I gotta say I'm blown away at the sheer quality of the decks I'm seeing posted. It's hard to believe the level of decks people are brewing on just a $10 budget! If you got a $10 bill, no excuses not to pilot of of these creations at your FNM and see how many dreams you can crush! (don't forget to remind them they just lost to a $10 deck)
Don't forget to update your posts if things change due to playtesting!
(PS: I've made a small update to my deck as well, check it out)
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
I didn't think I was gonna build minotaurs after rotation and had planned on giving my minotaur stuff to a friend. Then the prerelease happened. I went on Saturday and opened both a Rageblood Shaman and a Kragma Warcaller along with ten other minotaurs and absolutely crushed every game I didn't get mana flooded in(no salt here). I saw the great interaction between the two lords and how good a 2/3 for 2 could be. So I sleeved up the deck and it has been pretty consistent. And surprisingly it is extremely cheap to make without watering down the deck too much. The fun interactions in the deck include Rageblood Shaman and Kragma Warcaller on the field at the same time. I've also heard a double striking trampler (Orduun Vetran and any cretaure with Boros Charm) is very good. With Magma Jet and Lightning Strike acting as removal and reach against control, I feel this deck has potential. For those with bigger budgets, I would recommending picking up Boros Reckoner and Purphoros, God of the Forge as they add so much to the deck.
I gotta say I'm blown away at the sheer quality of the decks I'm seeing posted. It's hard to believe the level of decks people are brewing on just a $10 budget! If you got a $10 bill, no excuses not to pilot of of these creations at your FNM and see how many dreams you can crush! (don't forget to remind them they just lost to a $10 deck)
Don't forget to update your posts if things change due to playtesting!
(PS: I've made a small update to my deck as well, check it out)
I think it's because guildgates allow for very diverse deck having a 3 color manabase on a budget thanks to them being common, so people is not bound to RDW or similar things all the time. Just my two cents here.
So, two aggro decks, two control decks and one midrange deck, huh? Time for a tempo one.
***BACKGROUND***
Bant Flash was certainly a deck before Innistrad rotated. Running cards like Snapcaster Mage, Restoration Angel, Wolfir Avenger and Advent of the Wurm, coupled with some tempo-controlling cards and a couple of Thragtusk and Sphinx's Revelation for winning the game. Sadly for us, we lack Wolfir Avenger, which was a great, resilient beater, that was hard to deal with for both control and creature based decks. This deck doesn't run definite answers in the mainboard but Bounce and delay, because we don't care how fast we are as long as we're faster than our opponent. Playstyle is simple: Drop an early threat, maybe a saber, and protect and ride it to victory. Your unused mana for counters and other instants can turn into flashy creatures EOT, and thus, we normally don't use our main phases to cast anything save early drops and saber.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS: Civic Saber: Every single one of our creatures save for the tokens are 2-colored, so this turns effectively into Bonesplitter. For those of you who don't have experience with the card, let's put it simple: as long as you have creatures to equip, it is a "2/0 with Haste for 1". Judge's Familiar: Dropping this T1 puts us a step ahead. It's a Cursecatcher with flying that can start swinging for 3 through the air as soon as T2 if we drop and equip Saber there. Lyev Skyknight: Another tempo swing, this evasive beater drops, delays the opponent and starts swinging for 3 (5 with Saber) through the air. Advent of the Wurm: Our bombiest card. It would be optimal to run 3, but for budget reasons they're only 2. Selesnya Charm: It's removal. It's a flash-2drop. It's a combat trick that can kill a dude. It's endgame reach. What more can we ask? Centaur Healer, Azorius Charm, Horizon Chimera: Our sources of lifegain. Both Centaur and Chimera are solid creatures on their own and both can carry saber to fasten the opponent's clock. Charm is a beast tempo play, lifegain, and cycles, all in 1. Hussar Patrol: Has low power, but with high toughness and vigilance he can play an offensive and defensive role at the same time. If equipped with Saber, he becomes a must answer threat. Opportunity: Same as UWR control. It's our Revelation substitute. Aetherize: Backbreaking tempo play. "Wraths" their side and lets us swing for those final points. Azorius Charm / Aetherize + Essence Scatter: Huge tempo swing. We negate them a draw / return all of their board and counter their more problematic creature Horizon Chimera + Opportunity: Sphinx's Rev on a 3/2 flying trample beatstick. If we cast opportunity with Chimera Out, it's a Revelation where X=4, but for W less.
*****Background*****
I loved playing red/green aggro since 1994. This is an all in fast aggro, with the burn to help back it up for control. There is almost no defense or control here, this deck aims to win fast or not at all. It will get out faster then then most decks and have a stream of quick creatures that have to be answered. Add in bloodrush to pump and burn it aims to go for the throat in a few turns.
Non budget options
I've chosen to run all basic lands instead of gates to avoid the enter play tapped effect that would slow this deck down. You may have to mulligan slightly more often for that reason. Adding grull gate would only add $.40 to the cost, not a problem. Adding scry and/or shock lands would help the speed on this. Magma Jet would be a welcome addition to this to let us pick through the library faster. And experiment one is a great one drop, just slightly out of the budget for this deck. Mizzium Mortars, the best burn in standard would add a lot of firepower to the deck.
I built the deck because I wanted to build a budget Young Pyromancer Tokens Deck.
How does it win? The idea is to put out as many tokens as possible and use Path of bravery/Phantom warrior buffs or Righteous Charge to push through damage
Synergies: Instant's/ Sorceries w/ Young Pyromancer, Path of Bravery/ Phantom Warrior stack.
Included Soul tithe as versatile removal that can target anything.
Sideboard: Lightening strike for reach/ removal, fortify quicker more versatile Righteous Charge but only gives you one or the other as a buff, shock as removal and reach, Rootborn defenses for sweepers and added populate.
Suggestions for people with more budget/other maindeck cards to use:
Budget: This deck really wants Guttersnipe as an alternate win condition/ mini Purphoros; also as another budget long game card consider Scion of Vitu-Ghazi
I love playing control decks, and after the beating that was the last standard season by all kinds of wicked fast, cheap creature decks, I got fed up and put together something close to what you see below. The goal was rather than backpedal for the entire game trying to stabilize, was to match their drops turn for turn with tough blockers that could turn into game winning attackers when the time was right. If the ground gummed up, I would ramp into an overloaded Mortars and go all in for the win. The results were really impressive, and as such whenever I saw a Boros or Gruul deck in my playgroup, out came my trusty Izzet deck. This is the budget version, with some tuning coming from the new M14 and Theros sets.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
1) Frostburn Weird, Nivix Cyclops, Fluxcharger: These guys are the bread and butter defending crew, because they are resilient.
2) Stalled ground game + Mizzium Mortars or Teleportal: The more the ground gets crowded the better. Overload either, then go HUGE for a massive pile of unanswered damage.
3) Goblin Electomancer: Ramps your spells, letting you cast Flames for 2 mana to wipe out their early offense. Also beats for 2 - 3 once their board is clear.
***BACKGROUND***
Mr. Hiss said yesterday that he was surprised that this deck wasn't posted yet. It's a combo deck built around Shadowborn Apostle, and has numerous engines to protect it. If they die, we just can Immortal Servitude them back. They can even play the beatdown using Door of Destinies. For controlling purposes, since this deck is at it's weakest early in the game and is susceptible to removal, I've decided it's best to splash R for some burn and removal and quality demons.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
- Magma Jet & Read the Bones: Help us scry and smoothen our draws since we're reliant in both Door of Destinies or Immortal servitude since Apostles are so weak. They double as removal and card draw respectively.
- Door of Destinies: Name human as soon as it enters to boost the Apostles and stop them from dying so easily. Multiples can be set to demons, and if all else fails you can play Apostle beatdown.
- Immortal Servitude: Lets us reuse our binned Apostles for more demon summonings or because we just got wiped. It will be counted as 4 CMC for calculation's sake of the average CMC, since we will be casting it for 1 most of the time.
- Shadowborn Apostle: The cornerstone of the deck. This brings our silver bullets from the deck or beat down the opponent.
- Rakdos Keyrune: Accelerates Door / Servitude and can help beat and defend so we're not so reliant on a bunch of 1/1's.
- Shadowborn Apostle + Immortal Servitude / Door of Destinies: We rely on this to win.
The goal of this deck is to extort your opponent, gaining life while making your opponent lose life. Many of the creatures in this deck have extort. I'm using Ready (Ready/Willing) most of the time as a finisher to wipe my opponent’s board.
This is a rakdos aggro deck that is trying to beat you down as fast as possible by putting as much haste and power down as possible for the swings and beats!
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
1) Madcap Skills on a hasty guy can be a beating, in general madcap skills is a great card for the deck
2) Dynacharge- Overload it and its usually good night opponent, even if you don't you if you get a one drop and 2 in hand you could swing for 6 turn 2 (although it's probably better to wait)
3) Exava/ Lord Rakdos Cheap, awesome and late game/closeout potential, yes please.
Not trying to burst any bubbles, but I just wanted to point out that some these decks (the ones I looked at) are actually going to run you between $20 - $30 if you purchase the cards online (TCG Player). Obviously, they'll cost less if you already own some of the cards. $20 - $30 still a good price for a somewhat competitive deck, but it is definitely more than $10.
EDIT: I didn't see the "timestamp" clause in the "restrictions" section of the rules before I posted this.
Not trying to burst any bubbles, but I just wanted to point out that some these decks (the ones I looked at) are actually going to run you between $20 - $30 if you purchase the cards online (TCG Player). Obviously, they'll cost less if you already own some of the cards. $20 - $30 still a good price for a somewhat competitive deck, but it is definitely more than $10.
EDIT: I didn't see the "timestamp" clause in the "restrictions" section of the rules before I posted this.
No problem. I actually agree with you on that. Prices fluctuate daily, and as such no deck really stays at the same price for longer than a week it feels like lately.
Generally speaking, ordering all the cards from one vendor will still possibly end with you paying more than $10 due to shipping and price variance, but tcgplayer "low" is what you can generally expect to buy or sell cards at in market street on this site, which is why I used it as the metric for this challenge.
I'm speaking from experience as well, having 212 unique, 356 total sales on market street to date.
Plus, if you really wanted to build the deck most people will just pull from their own collections, and their playgroup. I know if I offered tcgplayer "low" for a card to anyone in my group they would gladly accept (most of them trade their cards into the LGS at buylist, which is like 50% of "low").
Any deck I've posted, I've built in real life prior to posting, and have done so at or below the posted cost. This is a mix of my about 20% my own collection, and 80% buying cards and trading with my playgroup to accomplish this.
Here are some of the prices I got on various decks using TCG Player's mass product entry and cart optimizer (including shipping):
Red Deck Wins: $16
URW Control: $25
Assault From the Grave: $22
Flash of the Blade: $22
Ragin' Cajun Cows: $22
So shipping and price variance clearly makes a large difference.
However, if you can find some people or a shop in your area who has all of the cards you need and is willing to sell TCG low (as Shinbatsu mentioned), then you'd be all set.
By, the way, I really appreciate people taking the time to post their deck-lists on here. These are really high-quality decks given the prices!
Hey shinbatsu, I noticed the Read the Bones you added to the list over the 5-cost Exile card. Great call, lol. When I was testing the deck out, it felt clunky, and by getting rid of some removal for some scry/draw, it felt a bit smoother.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Currently Running:
Nothing, I have just gotten back after a long hiatus, and am just now starting to rebuild my collection.
Here are some of the prices I got on various decks using TCG Player's mass product entry and cart optimizer (including shipping):
Red Deck Wins: $16
URW Control: $25
Assault From the Grave: $22
Flash of the Blade: $22
Ragin' Cajun Cows: $22
So shipping and price variance clearly makes a large difference.
However, if you can find some people or a shop in your area who has all of the cards you need and is willing to sell TCG low (as Shinbatsu mentioned), then you'd be all set.
By, the way, I really appreciate people taking the time to post their deck-lists on here. These are really high-quality decks given the prices!
You make a really good point and backed it up with some hard numbers, and as such I was super interested in trying it out for myself on my own deck. So I ran my BW deck and got this:
TCGplayer cart optimized value: $18.38
This was a real surprise to me. That's a far cry from $10.00! I dug a little deeper and it turns out the optimizer just goes for whatever is cheapest based on shipping + price. This leads to price anomalies because sellers who have low shipping jack up the card prices to compensate:
High Priest of Penance @ .79
Orzhov Charm @ .39
Orzhov Guildgate @ .14 (seriously?)
Read the Bones @ .24
Vizkopa Guildmage @ .34
Deathpact Angel @ .87
Gift of Orzhova @ .31
Ajani, Caller of the Pride @ 4.50
Sin Collector @ .34
Basic Lands were .06 ea + shipping!
Who would pay the above prices? If I tried to charge any of that on Market Street or in my playgroup I'd sell nothing. This brings up a really good point that I feel should be addressed:
Person A: New player, no playgroup, no LGS, no collection. Wants the deck shipped, and wants it now. Uses credit card + tcgplayer. Deck will cost $18
Person B: Looking for a budget deck. Sees the list. Decides he/she doesn't want to take any time to put the deck together. Uses credit card + tcgplayer. Deck will cost $18
Person C: Looking for a budget deck. Sees the list. Checks personal collection, asks friends, stops by LGS. Will build deck for $10 or close to it.
Because this is such a vital point, I felt it necessary to do a breakdown of how Person C (me) actually built the budget deck ran through the optimizer in real life. Note the following:
09 Plains @ .00 ea (Got these free)
10 Swamp @ .00 ea (Got these free)
04 Orzhov Guildgate @ .00 ea (Had these lying around from box opens, buddy has a ton I could have got for .25 / playset)
04 Thrill Kill Assassin @ .25 set (Bought these a few weeks ago from playgroup, cheap lousy uncommons no one plays)
02 High Priest of Penance @ .50 ea (Purchased from a friend at work)
02 Banisher Priest @ .25 (Traded a bulk rare worth .25 for 2x)
04 Sin Collector @ .50 set (Purchased from playgroup, buddy who opened a box + fat pack of GTC)
04 Alms Beast @ 1.00 set (Purchased from same friend selling me priests)
02 Deathpact Angel @ 1.00 both (Purchased from Alms beast/priest guy. It's a bulk mythic, easy to find)
01 Ajani, Caller of the Pride @ 3.00 (this guy isn't worth close to 4.50, I could not even sell this guy @ 3.75 for weeks and weeks on my sales thread. $3.00 is my cost, so he is $3.00. Pulled from my sales binder)
02 Smite @ .00 (got these for free, no one wants them)
02 Executioner's Swing @ .00 (got these for free, no one wants them)
04 Orzhov Charm @ 1.00 set (bought the playset from my mtg drinking buddy)
02 Read the Bones @ .00 both (got these from the prerelease, just lying around. Could have got free from my buddies fat pack or LGS sells for .05 ea)
04 Gift of Orzhova @ ??? (I had these lying around. Let's just say .96 / set since the LGS asks .24 ea around here)
here is the total: $8.46
took me about 1 week to get everything together
Thank you very much for bringing this up. I'm going to write a guide and have it put up below the main page that will outline tips and tricks to actually putting a deck together and coming in on target budget. This is really important stuff, and as such my apologies for the wall of text.
Hey shinbatsu, I noticed the Read the Bones you added to the list over the 5-cost Exile card. Great call, lol. When I was testing the deck out, it felt clunky, and by getting rid of some removal for some scry/draw, it felt a bit smoother.
I agree lol. You will love the latest update, it's even smoother.
banner by shinbatsu --- Updated 11/10/2013
"I'll show you the true meaning of cheap cards!" (and the true meaning of horrible MS paint skills)
--------------------
[INTRODUCTION - skip this if you want to get right to the action]
It's been a while...
WELCOME TO EPISODE III OF THE BUDGET DECK CHALLENGE! (RTR BLOCK + THEROS BLOCK)
As customary, this is where the newest "budget deck challenge" decks will be placed following the upcoming rotation. So let me ask you...
Are you frustrated with how expensive standard is? Do you thrive on challenge and uphill battles? Do you consider yourself a master deckbuilder even when faced with restrictions?
...well my friend, you have come to the right place. Do you have what it takes? Time to put your $10 where your mouth is and step up to the plate!
So how do you participate? Just read below. And yes, we are going back to our roots, and doing this on a $10 bill. This ain't supposed to be easy.
[RULES - yeah they suck but it's kind of necessary for a challenge...]
1. Deck must be Standard Legal: RTR / GTC / DGM / M14 / THS
2. Deck must be $10 or less using tcgplayer "low" as a metric (Lightly Played or better)
.......... This total includes the cost of your sideboard, if you have one
.......... Prices fluctuate, so be sure to Timestamp your deck to lock in prices
.......... Basic Lands = FREE (people just give them away)
3. Deck should be focused on being competitive, not casual
As long as you Timestamp your deck, it's legal even if prices go up the next day. However, if you mod the deck, you need a new Timestamp and you will no longer be legal if you are over the limit. Plan carefully!
[REQUIRED FORMATTING - so that everything looks real fresh and clean]
We need our builds to all look similar in formatting, so listen up. If your format meets the requirement in the spoiler tags, you get a highlight and a link on the main page. If not, you are still welcome to post, but no link.
Tell us about how you built this deck, and what it plans to accomplish. How does it win? What are the synergies, key plays, or anything else we need to know prior to making this deck and piloting it. Also note why you selected certain cards for the deck.
Feel free to add in an explanation for the sideboard, suggestions for people with more budget, and suggested other maindeck cards to use.
*** THE DECKLIST ***
TIMESTAMP: INSERT YOUR DATE AND TIME HERE (Deck completed, sleeved up and ready to play)
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
AVERAGE CMC: This is equal to total casting costs of all cards / number of total spells
TYPE: BDC10 ($10.00 LIMIT)
CURRENT COST: PRICE
REMAINING BUDGET: Remaining Budget
[RESOURCES - need inspiration? start here]
Yakusoku's Budget Guide to Standard - This guy has been around for a long time before I came to this board, and is the original budget deckbuilder. Great resource for all budgets!
Simon's Budget Guide to Playing on a Budget - An excellent thread with a ton of decks. Lots of variety, something for everyone and all play styles, even combo! Gotta check this one out!
[SPECIAL THANKS - gotta thank other people besides myself]
Thank you to everyone that follows the work of myself and everyone else in the budget forum.
Magic is an expensive game, and can be prohibitive at times. It's because of the regulars in the budget forum that everyone can enjoy magic at a competitive level, not just the rich kids. It's the regulars here that I learn from every day that help me to keep my game sharp.
Budget decks are part of standard. Be sure you remind your opponent of such as you grind his car payment deck into the dust.
AND DON'T FORGET TO READ THE FAQ BELOW THE DECK LISTINGS FOR GETTING STARTED!
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
Updated: 11/10/13
*** All decks are 100% standard legal and ready to play RIGHT NOW! ***
Name: WB Death in the Blink of an Eye
Submitted: 9/24/13
Cost: $8.69 (Timestamp: 9/29/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10772465&postcount=4
Summary: Combo/Midrange Type - A voltron combo deck with a solid curve and excellent disruption
Name: UR Scientific Progress goes EXPLODE!
Submitted: 9/26/13
Cost: $9.88 (Timestamp: 10/2/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10796691&postcount=17
Summary: Control/Midrange Type - A deck that matches aggro with tough blockers, locks the board then goes BIG for the kill!
Name: WU Azorius Department of Motor Vehicles
Submitted: 11/1/13
Cost: $9.99 (Timestamp: 11/3/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=11063248&postcount=64
Summary: Control Type - A deck that exists to keep the opponent from getting anything done with denial, scry and removal!
Name: UB Making Mill Viable in Constructed Since 2013
Submitted: 11/10/13
Cost: $7.01 (Timestamp: 11/11/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=11119637&postcount=72
Summary: Control Type - A deck that makes mill playable via spells that do mill + other functions along with threats that utilize milled cards.
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
Updated: 11/7/13
*** All decks are 100% standard legal and ready to play RIGHT NOW! ***
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ]
Name: WUR UWR Control
Submitted: 9/23/13
Cost: $9.54 (Timestamp: 9/23/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10772791&postcount=5
Summary: Control Type - An incredible budget control build with all the classic control elements
Creator: [ |1loneviet1| ]
Name: R Dirt Cheap Dirty RDW
Submitted: 9/24/13
Cost: $8.90 (Timestamp: 9/24/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10780030&postcount=7
Summary: Aggro Type - A violent, lightning fast aggro deck that ends the game quickly
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ]
Name: WBG Assault from the Grave
Submitted: 9/25/13
Cost: $9.91 (Timestamp: 9/25/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10782050&postcount=8
Summary: Midrange Type - A deceptively fast, synergistic reanimator/ramp deck
Creator: [ Something in the Way ]
Name: WUBRG Maze's End
Submitted: 9/26/13
Cost: $8.46 (Timestamp: 9/26/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10788897&postcount=9
Summary: Control Type - A deck that stalls, then pulls wins out of nowhere!
Creator: [ buckinbroncos ]
Name: WBR Ragin' Cajun Cows
Submitted: 9/25/13
Cost: $9.91 (Timestamp: 9/26/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10789372&postcount=11
Summary: Aggro Type - A minotaur themed deck with lots of heavy hitting bovines
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ]
Name: WUG Flash of the Blade
Submitted: 9/26/13
Cost: $10.00 (Timestamp: 9/26/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10790034&postcount=14
Summary: Tempo Type - A deck that is always one step ahead of the opponent!
Creator: [ ahrizel ]
Name: RG Red/Green Aggro
Submitted: 9/26/13
Cost: $7.12 (Timestamp: 9/26/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10791717&postcount=15
Summary: Aggro Type - A deck that runs the enemy over with a flurry of burn and fast creatures
Creator: [ Iplaywhite ]
Name: WR Red/White Token Army
Submitted: 9/26/13
Cost: $9.69 (Timestamp: 9/26/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10791870&postcount=16
Summary: Aggro Type - A deck that goes wide with lots of tokens, then goes in for a huge attack
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ]
Name: BR Arise, my Master
Submitted: 9/27/13
Cost: $9.93 (Timestamp: 9/27/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10797848&postcount=18
Summary: Combo Type - A demonic combo based deck that can kill you with the combo pieces themselves!
Creator: [ darksk8e245 ]
Name: WBG WBg Extort
Submitted: 9/27/13
Cost: $2.49 (Timestamp: 9/27/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10800641&postcount=19
Summary: Aggro Type - A really affordable deck that uses extort and creatures to grind the opponent down
Creator: [ Iplaywhite ]
Name: BR Chaos Erupts
Submitted: 9/27/13
Cost: $9.78 (Timestamp: 9/27/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10801240&postcount=20
Summary: Aggro Type - A lightning fast deck whose sole purpose is to kill the opponent with massive early damage output
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ]
Name: WBR Angels & Demons
Submitted: 9/29/13
Cost: $9.89 (Timestamp: 9/30/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10817318&postcount=27
Summary: Midrange Type - A solid midrange deck with powerful budget game enders and a framework that preys on the standard meta
Creator: [ Zephyr Scarlet ]
Name: WRG Naya Zoo
Submitted: 9/30/13
Cost: $9.87 (Timestamp: 10/1/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10825377&postcount=33
Summary: Aggro Type - An aggressive deck that uses the best budget early drops available to Naya along with burn to overwhelm the opponent
Creator: [ Darkninja107 ]
Name: RG Gruul Acres
Submitted: 10/1/13
Cost: $9.12 (Timestamp: 10/1/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10830083&postcount=34
Summary: Ramp Type - A fast mana deck that ramps into huge fatties that will crush your opponents into the dust
Creator: [ Bad Mojo ]
Name: B Black Sucks (You!)
Submitted: 10/2/13
Cost: $8.78 (Timestamp: 10/1/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10835630&postcount=37
Summary: Combo Type - A deck that revolves around Sanguine Bond and Whip of Erebos to kill in just a few massive life swings
Creator: [ chowdahrogansorah ]
Name: UG Simic Monstrosities
Submitted: 10/7/13
Cost: $6.79 (Timestamp: 10/7/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10869370&postcount=42
Summary: Midrange Type - A deck that goes big with early game control leading to monstrous results later in the game
Creator: [ ZServ ]
Name: WR Budget Winning Wieners
Submitted: 10/7/13
Cost: $9.97 (Timestamp: 10/7/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10875363&postcount=44
Summary: Aggro Type - A fast, hard hitting aggro deck featuring tricks with heroic and good matchups vs other aggro decks
Creator: [ Drowning ]
Name: WR Nivmagus Heroic
Submitted: 10/9/13
Cost: $9.91 (Timestamp: 10/10/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10894348&postcount=47
Summary: Aggro Type - An aggro deck that abuses the interaction between heroic and nivmagus elemental coupled with burn and sweeper protection
Creator: [ Maclojack ]
Name: WG Selsnya Aggro
Submitted: 10/10/13
Cost: $8.42 (Timestamp: 10/10/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10897475&postcount=48
Summary: Aggro Type - A deck that uses bloodrush combined with early drops to pull off massive damage attacks
Creator: [ Zwei ]
Name: UBG Infinite Spiral
Submitted: 10/11/13
Cost: $9.31 (Timestamp: 10/12/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10906604&postcount=52
Summary: Combo Type - A deck that marks the true return of combo to budget standard by milling the opponents deck in one fell swoop
Creator: [ TawClaw ]
Name: B Not an Ethical Merchant
Submitted: 10/15/13
Cost: $9.94 (Timestamp: 10/15/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10936530&postcount=54
Summary: Aggro/Midrange Type - A deck that masses devotion and uses it for huge, game changing life swings
Creator: [ Realize ]
Name: WU Blue / White Aggro
Submitted: 10/16/13
Cost: $9.24 (Timestamp: 10/16/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10944245&postcount=58
Summary: Aggro Type - A deck that combines cheap and strong creatures with evasion and tempo to end the game quickly
Creator: [ Valdarith ]
Name: WU Heroic Tempo
Submitted: 10/21/13
Cost: $6.61 (Timestamp: 10/21/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=10979243&postcount=59
Summary: Aggro/Tempo Type - A deck that utilizes quality heroic creatures with top cover to ride early threats to victory
Creator: [ Bad Mojo ]
Name: BR Rakdos Deck Wins
Submitted: 10/21/13
Cost: $7.43 (Timestamp: 10/24/13)
Link: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showpost.php?p=11006176&postcount=60
Summary: Aggro/Tempo Type - A rushdown deck with haste and evasion that ends the game in a speedy manner with overwhelming numbers
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
...This is a highly recommended read...
So you found a deck you want to build and it's time to put it together. If you really wanted to, it's possible to whip out the credit card and hop on tcgplayer to purchase the entire deck. Don't be surprised when you check out if $10 becomes $18. Shipping is a real thing, most of all for multiple small sales from different vendors. Try out these steps to ensure you really can build these decks for a $10 bill:
1) Check your collection first
This one is self explanatory. Search your collection and get together any of the cards in the list. Use older prints if necessary. If a deck calls for a Doom Blade, don't be hesitant to use an M12 one.
2) Check with your playgroup
A lot of the commons and uncommons your buddies may just hand you for free. Some of this is real chaff that competitive players would leave on a table after drafting or opening packs so you may be doing them a favor taking those Omenspeakers off their hands. Everything else they may just trade with you.
3) Check your LGS
Now obviously you may not want to do this for the rares or money uncommons. However, scan their website or binder to see if some of the uncommons and commons, and even a few rares are for sale @ or less than tcgplayer "low". Sometimes you can score and if you use the website you can order online and pickup what you need. Don't forget that people frequent the LGS and may trade with you also (DO NOT GET RIPPED OFF, CHECK YOUR PRICES). If you trade down, sometimes you can get a premium.
4) Check Market Street
Shameless Plug. Don't forget there are a few sellers with bulk rares on their lists, or maybe you can ask while ordering more expensive stuff for your modern or unlimited budget standard deck for a few .25 rares as throw-ins. Don't be afraid to make offers as well. We sellers don't bite
5) BE PATIENT!!!
It takes time to put together a deck for the right price. If you are impatient, you will overpay and come in over budget. Get out to the LGS and talk to people, don't be afraid to make friends and to ask for stuff. Even your lands you can get for free usually from the draft box if you are new to the game and have no cards at all. I know people use guildgates for coasters sometimes. But take your time, and wait for your opportunities, and explore all your options.
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
*** BACKGROUND ***
This is the evolution of my old Orzhov deck. It's upgraded with new M14 cards and soon Theros cards. The object is to "combo" using Alms Beast to cause BACKBREAKING life swings. You can finish using Vizkopa Guildmage to do as much as a 21 point swing with a single attack! Combine this with efficient beaters and removal, and you are ready to steal some games. Remember not to be afraid to drop Gift on a Thrill-Kill or Priest if the opening is there and you think it's possible to connect a few times.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
1) Vizkopa Guildmage + Alms Beast + Gift of Orzhova: This is where the deck gets it's name. You go from losing to winning, or winning to really winning with a single connect. We are talking +7 life for you and -14 life for them. In magical xmas land, have Ajani down and use his -3 for a OHKO.
2) Sin Collector: This guy is important. If you suspect removal, drop him first to check out their hand and get rid of their answer to your combo before you build Voltron.
3) Deathpact Angel: This is your plan B. A hard to deal with huge flying beater with SWEET artwork. Love it.
4) Orzhov Charm: Don't be afraid to use it's 1st mode to save your Gift'ed Alms Beast when necessary.
*** THE DECKLIST ***
TIMESTAMP: 9/29 @ 1235
9 Plains
10 Swamp
4 Orzhov Guildgate
CREATURES - 22
4 Thrill-Kill Assassin
2 High Priest of Penance
4 Vizkopa Guildmage
2 Banisher Priest
4 Sin Collector
4 Alms Beast
2 Deathpact Angel
1 Ajani, Caller of the Pride
SPELLS - 14
2 Smite
2 Executioner's Swing
4 Orzhov Charm
2 Read the Bones
4 Gift of Orzhova
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 2 / 16 / 13 / 4 / 0 / 2
AVERAGE CMC: 2.81
TYPE: BDC10 ($10.00 LIMIT)
CURRENT COST: $8.69
REMAINING BUDGET: $1.31
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
I built this deck for a friend who was getting into Magic some time ago, in order to get him out of the casual range. With the rotation of Innistrad and the coming of Theros, the deck gained a reasonable amount of new toys. It's a UWR control that aims to ride a single threat to victory and defeat the opponent by controlling the board with counterspells and removal, using sweepers against agro and some burn that serves both for removal and added reach. Opportunity is the budget substitute for the almighty Sphinx's Revelation, and Planar Cleansing is a wallet-friendly sweeper that also hits Planeswalkers. Prognostic Sphinx is our Aetherling substitute, and Spellheart Chimera has great evasion and has a virtual Runechanter's Pike and 3 toughness. Lyev Skyknight is there for budget reasons, but he is an evasive beater that gains us some tempo, which is needed since our sweeper costs 6. It has had great results for being on such a low budget.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS
Azorius Charm + Essence Scatter: This can be a backbreaking play for the opponent, since it negates their draw and can send back a problematic creature that we couldn't counter before, so we can do it the second time it drops.
Planar Cleansing: It's our boardwipe. Costs 2 more but can hit planeswalkers and enchantments as well.
Opportunity: Instant matters. Refills our hand EOT t6 to cast Cleansing just after that and establish our control from there.
Omenspeaker,as well as the scry cards: These help us filter our draws early in the game and ensure we do Land drops, get our answers, and draw a Cleansing / Opportunity in time. Omenspeaker also walls aggro.
Prognostic Sphinx / Spellheart Chimera: Our finishers. Chimera comes down really quick and grows from there, just watch out because it's vulnerable to all forms of removal. Sphinx starts smoothing our draws since it starts connecting, has a big butt so dodges damage based removal, and we can discard a card to protect it from Dreadbore, Doom Blade and Putrefy.
Here's the deck:
***THE DECKLIST***
TIMESTAMP: 24/09/2013
4 Omenspeaker
4 Spellheart Chimera
2 Lyev Skyknight
2 Prognostic Sphinx
Spells (23)
2 Warleader's Helix
3 Essence Scatter
3 Azorius Charm
2 Izzet Charm
3 Lightning Strike
2 Magma Jet
4 Opportunity
4 Planar Cleansing
4 Azorius Guildgate
3 Izzet Guildgate
2 Boros Guildgate
3 Unknown Shores
5 Island
4 Mountain
4 Plains
3 Dispel
2 Counterflux
3 Ratchet Bomb
2 Turn // Burn
2 Pithing Needle
2 Assemble the Legion
1 Dissolve
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 0 / 15 / 6 / 2 / 2 / 8
AVERAGE CMC: 3.25
CURRENT COST: 9.54 $
REMAINING BUDGET: 0.46 $
Non-budget options: Aetherling instead of Prognostic Sphinx and Supreme Verdict instead of Planar Cleansing. Anger of the Gods instead of Ratchet Bombs in the side for added sweepers and dealing with tokens. Young Pyromancer and Guttersnipe deserve a special mention. Steam Augury is a great CA engine that help us dig deeper. And of course, Boros Reckoner, Sphinx's Revelation and all the rare duals if you have the full budget.
Thanks to DNC from Heroes of the Plane Studios for the sig
Check my Pauper Cube!
Red Deck Wins is a well known archetype and it's usually the best deck to start out with during rotation because of it's cheapness as well as it's effectiveness as an aggro deck. And this standard season is no different and I present to you the deck below.
This version plays much like the RDWs at the start of RTR standard. It hits quick and it hits hard. It can easily end the game with a burn spell if your opponent isn't careful. And with the inclusion of Magma Jet, top decking isn't going to feel so bad because you can ensure what you're going to draw into.
Dirt Cheap Dirty RDW
TIMESTAMP: 9/24/2013
20 Mountain
CREATURES - 27
4 Burning-Tree Emissary
3 Fanatic of Mogis
4 Firefist Striker
4 Foundry Street Denizen
4 Gore-House Chainwalker
4 Minotaur Skullcleaver
4 Rakdos Cackler
2 Dynacharge
4 Lightning Strike
4 Magma Jet
3 Weapon Surge
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 13 / 20 / 4 / 3 / 0 / 0
AVERAGE CMC: 1.28
TYPE: BDC10 ($10.00 LIMIT)
CURRENT COST: $8.90
REMAINING BUDGET: $1.10
***BACKGROUND***
Focused in Midrange, Junk Reanimator was a big contender last season. With the arrival of Theros, we lost Unburial Rites, but gained Whip of Erebos, so it will still be a contender. Plus, with Flashback, Snapcaster and Undying gone, graveyard hate will be less hard on us. Reanimator's core is very cheap to build, and there are a lot of budget fatties to reanimate, and it looks to build value via EtB effects from said fatties. I've always loved Graveyard Interactions, so if you're looking for a budget deck that has a decent chance at a FNM and at the same time is a blast to play, this is definitely your deck.
***THE DECKLIST***
TIMESTAMP 25/09/2013
4 Elvish Mystic
4 Centaur Healer
3 Lotleth Troll
1 Rot Farm Skeleton
2 Nemesis of Mortals
2 Luminate Primordial
1 Sepulchral Primordial
2 Giant Adephage
2 Trostani's Summoner
Spells (15)
4 Rescue from the Underworld
4 Commune with the Gods
1 Obzedat's Aid
2 Jarad's Orders
1 Whip of Erebos
2 Doom Blade
1 Putrefy
4 Golgari Guildgate
3 Selesnya Guildgate
2 Orzhov Guildgate
2 Unknown Shores
6 Forest
4 Swamp
3 Plains
2 Dark Betrayal
3 Sin Collector
3 Duress
3 Golgari Charm
2 Treasured Find
1 Putrefy
1 Devour Flesh
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 4 / 9 / 5 / 3 / 5 / 10
AVERAGE CMC: 3.86
CURRENT COST: 9.91 $
REMAINING BUDGET: 0.09 $
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
- Elvish Mystic: Helps us accelerate into our reanimation spells, since they all cost 5 at least. Can also ramp into an early hardcasted Nemesis of Mortals.
- Lotleth Troll: Ditches our fatties from the hand, stalls aggro, helps us build board presence against control, and becomes a must deal threat. On top of it, he regenerates.
- Jarad's Orders: Now we can't run Grisly Salvage since our reanimation spells don't have flashback. Unintentionally ditching reanimation spells can cost you a game. We run Commune with the Gods because it can fetch a Whip if it's between those 5 cards, but that's it. Jarad's Order take a creature from the deck (that can be pitched to Lotleth Troll, or hardcasted because it's low-cost) and an answer we need to the yard for an Entomb-like effect.
- The primordials: Luminate Primordial acts as an Ashen Rider substitute with it's Swords to Plowshares EtB effect and is very efficient defensively with both Vigilance and 7 toughness. Sepulchral Primordial has evasion, hits hard, and can reanimate an opponent's creature from the yard, which in the mirror can be pretty backbreaking and lulzy.
- Nemesis of Mortals + Lotleth Troll / Commune with the Gods / Jarad's Orders: This can grow out of hand pretty fast. Constantly ditching dudes to the yard makes this extremely easy to hardcast, and both the casting and the Monstruous activation is accelerated even more by Elvish Mystic.
- Rescue from the Underworld + Any of the EtB creatures: Rescue is our go-to reanimate card. Why? Simple. First, it's an instant, so it can be cast EOT to negate it's "drawback". Second, can be cast in response to a boardwipe to save a dude and bring him back and another one that didn't survive the wrath effect. And third: it's "drawback" isn't. Both creatures entering again the battlefield means two EtB triggers. This effect is magnified on Death triggers from Ashen Rider and Angel of Serenity too, but since those don't belong here, we won't talk about it.
- Giant Adephage + Whip of Erebos: Reanimate Adephage, hit. Copy it. The original one goes to exile, but you still have one Adephage left.
- Rot Farm Skeleton + Jarad's Orders: Once you have Whip ready and some reanimation spell in your hand, ditch Skeleton to the yard with orders. Then, Skeleton will start dredging all the deck by itself while reanimating, and since you already have whip and some sort of reanimation spell backup, it's not unsafe to start dredging carelessly through your deck. Plus, Skeleton is a hard to deal with threat against control.
Non-budget options: The aforementioned Ashen Rider and Angel of Serenity are staples. Armada Wurm and Lord of the Void are some inclusions a lot more wallet friendly that got cut due to the 10$ limit. Another Whip of Erebos is a must, as well as the dual lands. You can go on a more, highly recursive route with Deadbridge Chant and some filtering engines like Varolz, the Scar Striped, Deathrite Shaman, Scavenging Ooze, Bow of Nylea and even Elixir of Inmortality. I find a singleton Rot Farm Skeleton pretty good, but if you feel comfortable with 2, there's no problem with it.
Thanks to DNC from Heroes of the Plane Studios for the sig
Check my Pauper Cube!
Maze's End Turbofog has been a rather fringe deck since its win con's introduction; nevertheless, it has seen competitive play on a small scale. Normally the deck includes board wipes in the form of Supreme Verdict and card draw with Sphinx's Revelation. Obviously our friend Alexander Hamilton won't let us use either of them, so we have to resort to Planar Cleansing and Opportunity, which are both decent options themselves. There are about five Fog effects we can use in Standard; this deck makes use of four of them. Basically, this deck lengthens the game as long as possible before pulling a victory out of its hat.
*** TIMESTAMP ***
09/26/2013 0103 EDT
4 Gatecreeper Vine
3 Omenspeaker
Instants: 19
3 Defend the Hearth
4 Druid's Deliverance
4 Fog
2 Negate
1 Opportunity
3 Riot Control
2 Warleader's Helix
Sorceries: 7
3 Planar Cleansing
4 Urban Evolution
3 Azorius Guildgate
2 Boros Guildgate
2 Dimir Guildgate
2 Golgari Guildgate
2 Gruul Guildgate
2 Izzet Guildgate
4 Maze's End
2 Orzhov Guildgate
2 Rakdos Guildgate
3 Selesnya Guildgate
3 Simic Guildgate
1 Azorius Charm
2 Celestial Flare
4 Crackling Perimeter
2 Dispel
2 Fade into Antiquity
1 Opportunity
2 Selesnya Charm
1 Warleader's Helix
(idea taken shamelessly from G Thang's Maze's End Post-Theros; almost all credit for the deck goes to him, as I've simply made it budget-friendly)
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 4 / 16 / 3 / 2 / 4 / 4
AVERAGE CMC: 2.94
CURRENT COST: $8.46
REMAINING BUDGET: $1.54
*** CARD CHOICE ***
Fog effects: We've got four of them, taking up a grand total of fourteen slots. Fog is the cheapest, so we play four. Druid's Deliverance and Defend the Hearth do basically the same thing for one more mana, so we run four of one and three of the other; it doesn't matter which is which in this deck. Finally, Riot Control is great for the incidental lifegain, but at three mana we can't quite run four, opting to play three instead.
Creatures: Omenspeaker is your Augur of Bolas replacement, sifting through your deck while not actually replacing itself. Gatecreeper Vine does replace itself and gets you closer to your win condition, but can't attack. I play four Gatecreepers and three Omenspeakers; you may choose to reverse this.
Card draw: Urban Evolution is literally Explore and Divination stapled together. Playing an extra land is something this deck absolutely wants to do. Run four. Meanwhile, Opportunity is cool, but at six mana it's best to run just one.
Board wipes: Sadly, the only real budget option is Planar Cleansing. On the one hand it's six mana, but on the other hand this deck desperately needs board wipes, and so we run three.
Other maindeck cards: Two Negates serve as disruption, while two Warleader's Helixes (Helices?) take care of creatures or can give an eight-life swing when you need it.
Sideboard: Crackling Perimeter is an alternate win condition that sidesteps Burning Earth and Pithing Needle (assuming they name Maze's End); running four pretty much ensures that we'll find one. Dispel counters a whole lot of relevant Standard cards, so we run two in the board. Celestial Flare is a little rough on the mana, but Gatecreeper takes care of that; you may choose to replace one or both copies with Renounce the Guilds for about 15 cents each. Selesnya Charm is a great utility card, exiling dudes or making an emergency blocker or attacker as needed; run two of them. Fade into Antiquity is a little overcosted considering Revoke Existence, but it's our only real Standard option to deal with Gods, so we run two. As for the one-ofs, they can vary; Azorius Charm is removal or a cantrip, and Warleader's Helix and Opportunity serve the same purpose as they do in the main deck.
Don't forget to update your posts if things change due to playtesting!
(PS: I've made a small update to my deck as well, check it out)
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
I didn't think I was gonna build minotaurs after rotation and had planned on giving my minotaur stuff to a friend. Then the prerelease happened. I went on Saturday and opened both a Rageblood Shaman and a Kragma Warcaller along with ten other minotaurs and absolutely crushed every game I didn't get mana flooded in(no salt here). I saw the great interaction between the two lords and how good a 2/3 for 2 could be. So I sleeved up the deck and it has been pretty consistent. And surprisingly it is extremely cheap to make without watering down the deck too much. The fun interactions in the deck include Rageblood Shaman and Kragma Warcaller on the field at the same time. I've also heard a double striking trampler (Orduun Vetran and any cretaure with Boros Charm) is very good. With Magma Jet and Lightning Strike acting as removal and reach against control, I feel this deck has potential. For those with bigger budgets, I would recommending picking up Boros Reckoner and Purphoros, God of the Forge as they add so much to the deck.
*** THE DECKLIST ***
TIMESTAMP: 9/26/2013 2:15AM
4 Boros Guildgate
4 Rakdos Guildgate
2 Swamp
2 Plains
12 Mountain
CREATURES - 24
4 Rageblood Shaman
4 Kragma Warcaller
4 Deathbellow Raider
4 Fanatic of Mogis
4 Minotaur Skullcleaver
4 Ordruun Veteran
3 Magma Jet
4 Lightning Strike
4 Boros Charm
2 Dynacharge
4 Rootborn Defenses
2 Glare of Heresy
2 Wear//Tear
3 Slaughter Games
3 Skullcrack
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 2 / 15 / 8 / 8 / 4 / 0
AVERAGE CMC: 2.97
TYPE: BDC10 ($10.00 LIMIT)
CURRENT COST: 9.91
REMAINING BUDGET: .09
I think it's because guildgates allow for very diverse deck having a 3 color manabase on a budget thanks to them being common, so people is not bound to RDW or similar things all the time. Just my two cents here.
I can do it if you want after I've posted the next one.
@Something in the Way: Gotta love that. Great piece.
Thanks to DNC from Heroes of the Plane Studios for the sig
Check my Pauper Cube!
***BACKGROUND***
Bant Flash was certainly a deck before Innistrad rotated. Running cards like Snapcaster Mage, Restoration Angel, Wolfir Avenger and Advent of the Wurm, coupled with some tempo-controlling cards and a couple of Thragtusk and Sphinx's Revelation for winning the game. Sadly for us, we lack Wolfir Avenger, which was a great, resilient beater, that was hard to deal with for both control and creature based decks. This deck doesn't run definite answers in the mainboard but Bounce and delay, because we don't care how fast we are as long as we're faster than our opponent. Playstyle is simple: Drop an early threat, maybe a saber, and protect and ride it to victory. Your unused mana for counters and other instants can turn into flashy creatures EOT, and thus, we normally don't use our main phases to cast anything save early drops and saber.
***THE DECKLIST***
TIMESTAMP: 26/09/2013
3 Judge's Familiar
3 Centaur Healer
4 Lyev Skyknight
4 Horiozon Chimera
2 Hussar Patrol
Spells (20)
3 Azorius Charm
4 Selesnya Charm
2 Advent of the Wurm
3 Essence Scatter
2 Opportunity
3 Aetherize
3 Civic Saber
4 Azorius Guildgate
3 Selesnya Guildgate
2 Simic Guildgate
2 Shimmering Grotto
5 Plains
4 Island
4 Forest
3 Pacifism
3 Negate
3 Dissolve
2 Opportunity
1 Aetherize
3 Dispel
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
Civic Saber: Every single one of our creatures save for the tokens are 2-colored, so this turns effectively into Bonesplitter. For those of you who don't have experience with the card, let's put it simple: as long as you have creatures to equip, it is a "2/0 with Haste for 1".
Judge's Familiar: Dropping this T1 puts us a step ahead. It's a Cursecatcher with flying that can start swinging for 3 through the air as soon as T2 if we drop and equip Saber there.
Lyev Skyknight: Another tempo swing, this evasive beater drops, delays the opponent and starts swinging for 3 (5 with Saber) through the air.
Advent of the Wurm: Our bombiest card. It would be optimal to run 3, but for budget reasons they're only 2.
Selesnya Charm: It's removal. It's a flash-2drop. It's a combat trick that can kill a dude. It's endgame reach. What more can we ask?
Centaur Healer, Azorius Charm, Horizon Chimera: Our sources of lifegain. Both Centaur and Chimera are solid creatures on their own and both can carry saber to fasten the opponent's clock. Charm is a beast tempo play, lifegain, and cycles, all in 1.
Hussar Patrol: Has low power, but with high toughness and vigilance he can play an offensive and defensive role at the same time. If equipped with Saber, he becomes a must answer threat.
Opportunity: Same as UWR control. It's our Revelation substitute.
Aetherize: Backbreaking tempo play. "Wraths" their side and lets us swing for those final points.
Azorius Charm / Aetherize + Essence Scatter: Huge tempo swing. We negate them a draw / return all of their board and counter their more problematic creature
Horizon Chimera + Opportunity: Sphinx's Rev on a 3/2 flying trample beatstick. If we cast opportunity with Chimera Out, it's a Revelation where X=4, but for W less.
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6): 6 / 10 / 7 / 11 / 0 / 3
AVERAGE CMC: 3.02
CURRENT COST: 10.00 $ (exactly, lol)
REMAINING BUDGET: None
Non-budget options: Third Advent of the Wurm, and some number of Boon Satyr. Loxodon Smiter, real Sphinx's Revelation and shocklands.
Thanks to DNC from Heroes of the Plane Studios for the sig
Check my Pauper Cube!
I loved playing red/green aggro since 1994. This is an all in fast aggro, with the burn to help back it up for control. There is almost no defense or control here, this deck aims to win fast or not at all. It will get out faster then then most decks and have a stream of quick creatures that have to be answered. Add in bloodrush to pump and burn it aims to go for the throat in a few turns.
******The decklist******
Timestamp-9/26/2013
10 forests
10 mountains
Creatures(28)
4 gladecover scout
4 burning tree emissary
4 wasteland viper
4 kalonian tusker
4 rubblebelt makala
4 ghor-clan rampager
4 rakdos cackler
4 dryad militant
4 shock
4 lightning strike
2 gruul charm
2 clan defiance
2 gruul charm
2 clan defiance
4 chandra's outrage
4 deadly recluse
3 destructive revelry
Curve-0/1/2/3/3+/4/ 0/20/21/0/4/12
Average CMC 1.51
Type BDC10-$10 limit
Cost $7.12
Remaining Budget-$ 2.88
Card choices and explainations
Burning tree emissary-fast acceleration this deck needs
Kalonian Tuskerr3/3 for two-love it
gladecover scouthexproof and a prime target for bloodrush
ghor-clan rampager, rubblebelt makala, and wasteland viper-bloodrushers, and the viper isn't a bad one drop on his own
shock and lightning strike-basic burn, but very effective
gruul charm and clan defiance-are removal, and very handy for flyers or bigger creatures.
Non budget options
I've chosen to run all basic lands instead of gates to avoid the enter play tapped effect that would slow this deck down. You may have to mulligan slightly more often for that reason. Adding grull gate would only add $.40 to the cost, not a problem. Adding scry and/or shock lands would help the speed on this. Magma Jet would be a welcome addition to this to let us pick through the library faster. And experiment one is a great one drop, just slightly out of the budget for this deck. Mizzium Mortars, the best burn in standard would add a lot of firepower to the deck.
How does it win? The idea is to put out as many tokens as possible and use Path of bravery/Phantom warrior buffs or Righteous Charge to push through damage
Synergies: Instant's/ Sorceries w/ Young Pyromancer, Path of Bravery/ Phantom Warrior stack.
Included Soul tithe as versatile removal that can target anything.
Sideboard: Lightening strike for reach/ removal, fortify quicker more versatile Righteous Charge but only gives you one or the other as a buff, shock as removal and reach, Rootborn defenses for sweepers and added populate.
Suggestions for people with more budget/other maindeck cards to use:
Budget: This deck really wants Guttersnipe as an alternate win condition/ mini Purphoros; also as another budget long game card consider Scion of Vitu-Ghazi
More Money: Spear of Heliod for Path of Bravery Purphoros, God of the Forge for probably Phantom Warrior, Mizzium Mortars for Removal/ alt Sweeper; Elspeth, Sun's Champion for long games
Not sure how good it is or isn't but I think I'll have fun playing it for 10 bucks.
*** THE DECKLIST ***
TIMESTAMP: 09/26/13 1PM (Deck completed, sleeved up and ready to play)
9 Mountains
11 Plains
4 Young Pyromancer
4 Precinct Captain
4 Phantom General
4 Molten Birth
4 Goblin Rally
4 Righteous Charge
4 Path of Bravery
4 Soul Tithe
4 Rootborn Defenses
4 Fortify
3 Shock
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 0/12/16/4/4
AVERAGE CMC: 3
TYPE: Token
CURRENT COST: $9.69
REMAINING BUDGET: $0.31
*** BACKGROUND ***
I love playing control decks, and after the beating that was the last standard season by all kinds of wicked fast, cheap creature decks, I got fed up and put together something close to what you see below. The goal was rather than backpedal for the entire game trying to stabilize, was to match their drops turn for turn with tough blockers that could turn into game winning attackers when the time was right. If the ground gummed up, I would ramp into an overloaded Mortars and go all in for the win. The results were really impressive, and as such whenever I saw a Boros or Gruul deck in my playgroup, out came my trusty Izzet deck. This is the budget version, with some tuning coming from the new M14 and Theros sets.
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
1) Frostburn Weird, Nivix Cyclops, Fluxcharger: These guys are the bread and butter defending crew, because they are resilient.
2) Stalled ground game + Mizzium Mortars or Teleportal: The more the ground gets crowded the better. Overload either, then go HUGE for a massive pile of unanswered damage.
3) Goblin Electomancer: Ramps your spells, letting you cast Flames for 2 mana to wipe out their early offense. Also beats for 2 - 3 once their board is clear.
*** THE DECKLIST ***
TIMESTAMP: 10/2 @ 1947
10 Island
10 Mountain
4 Izzet Guildgate
CREATURES - 16
4 Goblin Electromancer
4 Frostburn Weird
3 Nivix Cyclops
2 Spellheart Chimera
2 Fluxcharger
1 Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius
2 Negate
2 Mizzium Mortars
2 Izzet Charm
2 Teleportal
2 Dissolve
2 Flames of the Firebrand
2 Essence Backlash
4 Turn / Burn
2 Thoughtflare
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 0 / 16 / 9 / 4 / 6 / 1
AVERAGE CMC: 3.08
TYPE: BDC10 ($10.00 LIMIT)
CURRENT COST: $9.88
REMAINING BUDGET: $0.12
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
Mr. Hiss said yesterday that he was surprised that this deck wasn't posted yet. It's a combo deck built around Shadowborn Apostle, and has numerous engines to protect it. If they die, we just can Immortal Servitude them back. They can even play the beatdown using Door of Destinies. For controlling purposes, since this deck is at it's weakest early in the game and is susceptible to removal, I've decided it's best to splash R for some burn and removal and quality demons.
16 Shadowborn Apostle
1 Lord of the Void
2 Sire of Insanity
2 Abhorrent Overlord
Spells (16)
2 Rakdos Keyrune
4 Immortal Servitude
3 Door of Destinies
3 Magma Jet
2 Read the Bones
2 Doom Blade
4 Rakdos Guildgate
3 Unknown Shores
12 Swamp
4 Mountain
4 Duress
2 Slaughter Games
3 Xathrid Necromancer
2 Lightning Strike
2 Flames of the Firebrand
1 Master of Cruelties
1 Shadowborn Demon
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
- Magma Jet & Read the Bones: Help us scry and smoothen our draws since we're reliant in both Door of Destinies or Immortal servitude since Apostles are so weak. They double as removal and card draw respectively.
- Door of Destinies: Name human as soon as it enters to boost the Apostles and stop them from dying so easily. Multiples can be set to demons, and if all else fails you can play Apostle beatdown.
- Immortal Servitude: Lets us reuse our binned Apostles for more demon summonings or because we just got wiped. It will be counted as 4 CMC for calculation's sake of the average CMC, since we will be casting it for 1 most of the time.
- Shadowborn Apostle: The cornerstone of the deck. This brings our silver bullets from the deck or beat down the opponent.
- Rakdos Keyrune: Accelerates Door / Servitude and can help beat and defend so we're not so reliant on a bunch of 1/1's.
- Shadowborn Apostle + Immortal Servitude / Door of Destinies: We rely on this to win.
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6): 16 / 5 / 4 / 7 / 0 / 5
AVERAGE CMC: 2.67
CURRENT COST: 9.93 $ (without SB)
REMAINING BUDGET: 0.07 $ (without SB)
Non-budget options: More Shadowborn Demon and Master of Cruelties MB, 4th Door of Destinies
Thanks to DNC from Heroes of the Plane Studios for the sig
Check my Pauper Cube!
The goal of this deck is to extort your opponent, gaining life while making your opponent lose life. Many of the creatures in this deck have extort. I'm using Ready (Ready/Willing) most of the time as a finisher to wipe my opponent’s board.
11 Plain
11 Swamp
Creatures (23)
4 Maw of the Obzedat
3 Sin Collector
4 Tithe Drinker
4 Vizkopa Confessor
2 Syndicate Enforcer
2 Basilica Screecher
4 Dutiful Thrull
2 Ready (Ready/Willing)
2 Debt to the Deathless
4 Divine Favor
Artifacts(7)
4 Orzhov Cluestone
3 Selesnya Cluestone
1 Debt to the Deathless
4 Smite
4 Divine Verdict
2 Avenging Arrow
4 Dawnstrike Paladin
9/27/13
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6): 4 / 10 / 12 / 2 / 10 / 0
Average CMC 3.11
Type BDC10-$10 limit
Cost $2.49
Remaining Budget-$7.51
I really don't know what to add to it. Up for suggestions.
*** BACKGROUND ***
This is a rakdos aggro deck that is trying to beat you down as fast as possible by putting as much haste and power down as possible for the swings and beats!
KEY CARDS & INTERACTIONS:
1) Madcap Skills on a hasty guy can be a beating, in general madcap skills is a great card for the deck
2) Dynacharge- Overload it and its usually good night opponent, even if you don't you if you get a one drop and 2 in hand you could swing for 6 turn 2 (although it's probably better to wait)
3) Exava/ Lord Rakdos Cheap, awesome and late game/closeout potential, yes please.
*** THE DECKLIST ***
TIMESTAMP: 9/27 4:50 EST
LANDS - 21
9 Mountain
8 Swamp
4 Rakdos Guildgate
CREATURES -29
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Foundry Street Denizen
3 Nivmagus Elemental
4 Spike Jester
4 Gore-House Chainwalker
4 Hell-Hole Flailer
2 Pyrewild Shaman
2 Exava, Rakdos Bloodwitch
2 Rakdos, Lord of Riots
4 Dynacharge
4 Madcap Skills
2 Lightning Strike
3 Mindsparker
2 Pithing Needle
3 Mugging
2 Doomblade
2 Devour Flesh
2 Slaughter games
1 Ember Swallower
CURVE (0-1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6+): 15 / 14 / 6 / 4 / 0 / 0
AVERAGE CMC: 1.97 (Maindeck)
TYPE: BDC10 ($10.00 LIMIT)
CURRENT COST: $9.78
REMAINING BUDGET: $0.22
EDIT: I didn't see the "timestamp" clause in the "restrictions" section of the rules before I posted this.
No problem. I actually agree with you on that. Prices fluctuate daily, and as such no deck really stays at the same price for longer than a week it feels like lately.
Generally speaking, ordering all the cards from one vendor will still possibly end with you paying more than $10 due to shipping and price variance, but tcgplayer "low" is what you can generally expect to buy or sell cards at in market street on this site, which is why I used it as the metric for this challenge.
I'm speaking from experience as well, having 212 unique, 356 total sales on market street to date.
Plus, if you really wanted to build the deck most people will just pull from their own collections, and their playgroup. I know if I offered tcgplayer "low" for a card to anyone in my group they would gladly accept (most of them trade their cards into the LGS at buylist, which is like 50% of "low").
Any deck I've posted, I've built in real life prior to posting, and have done so at or below the posted cost. This is a mix of my about 20% my own collection, and 80% buying cards and trading with my playgroup to accomplish this.
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***
Red Deck Wins: $16
URW Control: $25
Assault From the Grave: $22
Flash of the Blade: $22
Ragin' Cajun Cows: $22
So shipping and price variance clearly makes a large difference.
However, if you can find some people or a shop in your area who has all of the cards you need and is willing to sell TCG low (as Shinbatsu mentioned), then you'd be all set.
By, the way, I really appreciate people taking the time to post their deck-lists on here. These are really high-quality decks given the prices!
Currently Running:
Nothing, I have just gotten back after a long hiatus, and am just now starting to rebuild my collection.
You make a really good point and backed it up with some hard numbers, and as such I was super interested in trying it out for myself on my own deck. So I ran my BW deck and got this:
TCGplayer cart optimized value: $18.38
This was a real surprise to me. That's a far cry from $10.00! I dug a little deeper and it turns out the optimizer just goes for whatever is cheapest based on shipping + price. This leads to price anomalies because sellers who have low shipping jack up the card prices to compensate:
High Priest of Penance @ .79
Orzhov Charm @ .39
Orzhov Guildgate @ .14 (seriously?)
Read the Bones @ .24
Vizkopa Guildmage @ .34
Deathpact Angel @ .87
Gift of Orzhova @ .31
Ajani, Caller of the Pride @ 4.50
Sin Collector @ .34
Basic Lands were .06 ea + shipping!
Who would pay the above prices? If I tried to charge any of that on Market Street or in my playgroup I'd sell nothing. This brings up a really good point that I feel should be addressed:
Person A: New player, no playgroup, no LGS, no collection. Wants the deck shipped, and wants it now. Uses credit card + tcgplayer. Deck will cost $18
Person B: Looking for a budget deck. Sees the list. Decides he/she doesn't want to take any time to put the deck together. Uses credit card + tcgplayer. Deck will cost $18
Person C: Looking for a budget deck. Sees the list. Checks personal collection, asks friends, stops by LGS. Will build deck for $10 or close to it.
Because this is such a vital point, I felt it necessary to do a breakdown of how Person C (me) actually built the budget deck ran through the optimizer in real life. Note the following:
09 Plains @ .00 ea (Got these free)
10 Swamp @ .00 ea (Got these free)
04 Orzhov Guildgate @ .00 ea (Had these lying around from box opens, buddy has a ton I could have got for .25 / playset)
04 Thrill Kill Assassin @ .25 set (Bought these a few weeks ago from playgroup, cheap lousy uncommons no one plays)
02 High Priest of Penance @ .50 ea (Purchased from a friend at work)
02 Banisher Priest @ .25 (Traded a bulk rare worth .25 for 2x)
04 Sin Collector @ .50 set (Purchased from playgroup, buddy who opened a box + fat pack of GTC)
04 Alms Beast @ 1.00 set (Purchased from same friend selling me priests)
02 Deathpact Angel @ 1.00 both (Purchased from Alms beast/priest guy. It's a bulk mythic, easy to find)
01 Ajani, Caller of the Pride @ 3.00 (this guy isn't worth close to 4.50, I could not even sell this guy @ 3.75 for weeks and weeks on my sales thread. $3.00 is my cost, so he is $3.00. Pulled from my sales binder)
02 Smite @ .00 (got these for free, no one wants them)
02 Executioner's Swing @ .00 (got these for free, no one wants them)
04 Orzhov Charm @ 1.00 set (bought the playset from my mtg drinking buddy)
02 Read the Bones @ .00 both (got these from the prerelease, just lying around. Could have got free from my buddies fat pack or LGS sells for .05 ea)
04 Gift of Orzhova @ ??? (I had these lying around. Let's just say .96 / set since the LGS asks .24 ea around here)
here is the total: $8.46
took me about 1 week to get everything together
Thank you very much for bringing this up. I'm going to write a guide and have it put up below the main page that will outline tips and tricks to actually putting a deck together and coming in on target budget. This is really important stuff, and as such my apologies for the wall of text.
I agree lol. You will love the latest update, it's even smoother.
BUDGET DECK BUILDER SINCE 93'
Modern ------------------------- WU Azorius Titan Midrange
Commander ------------------- WUG Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
***Are you looking for cards priced below TCG NM "LOW" and with FREE SHIPPING? - Click HERE! for my sales thread - 485 Feedback 100% positive!***