The GP video is a perfect example of why 4 rats is always right imo. I was at the GP, thought about playing 2 rats in the week leading up to the GP, tested it, and tbh, it seemed pretty meh. Rats win you tons of games. As for his blue splash for the notion thief, I think it was more to be cute. Don't think it did much for him on either day (the notion thief), though some cards were easier to cast after being stolen with specter.
I am only sort of casually playing this deck now (modern is just more fun for me right now), but I have gone to four lifebane zombies, and it has been a treat to play. The lifebanes just do so much, and I don't regret taking out the nightveils
The GP video is a perfect example of why 4 rats is always right imo. I was at the GP, thought about playing 2 rats in the week leading up to the GP, tested it, and tbh, it seemed pretty meh. Rats win you tons of games. As for his blue splash for the notion thief, I think it was more to be cute. Don't think it did much for him on either day (the notion thief), though some cards were easier to cast after being stolen with specter.
I am only sort of casually playing this deck now (modern is just more fun for me right now), but I have gone to four lifebane zombies, and it has been a treat to play. The lifebanes just do so much, and I don't regret taking out the nightveils
Did you remove them out of the 75 or are they boarded. That's an interesting take. I would rather have the Specters even if it's for the Devotion.
A 2/3 flier that potentally nets you cards, or a 3/1 intimidate that rips or creatures.
The Zombie is dead against mono red (not a big deal) and the mirror.
I've finally decided to switch over to MBD. Had couple extra event tickets on mtgo after selling my Jace's and Revelations.
Noticed a couple of things. First one is mono black seems to be weaker than U/w control against hyper aggressive decks (RW burn, RDW etc). RDW and other creature based aggro decks has never been a problem for me with UW, just RW burn.
Second is Pack Rat. I don't know about you guys but it seems pretty weak for me. I almost always take 4 out against pretty much anything on game 2. I've been looking for a 2 cmc replacement for him but I can't find any. It seems this card is only being played because there are no other options?
This is what I'm running btw
Hey guys, long time lurker, first time poster--just wanted to say a few words about this post: if Pack Rat seems weak, it isn't being played properly. It has a unique (and almost counter-intuitive) strategy that requires full commitment as soon as it hits the board, assuming you are playing against aggro. If you Thoughtseize into Pack Rat against aggro on the play, it is very unlikely that you can lose that match. Hope that sures up any concern regarding the monoB aggro matchup.
I cannot agree with this more. Great point about our friend pack rat. I am still torn on this lifebane specter situation. I am running out of time to test it for Cincinnati. Anyone have some experience with which one is better? I know you want specter in the mirror and mono blue but it would seem the zombie would be better against the rest of the field.
Herald of Torment main board and Lifebane Zombie in the side. We don't need the triple devotion as bad as mono blue does because we really aren't looking to drop a god or poop fifteen tokens onto the field. It just lowers our gray merchant by 1. What do we gain? We trade profitably with Nightveil Specter and can block and trade a Lifebane Zombie or we can have the hilarious interaction of bestowing a Herald onto a pack rat and send our bat into the red zone for infinity win points.
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Would Dark Confidant still be good if he punched you in the face for 5 damage a turn?
Herald of Torment main board and Lifebane Zombie in the side. We don't need the triple devotion as bad as mono blue does because we really aren't looking to drop a god or poop fifteen tokens onto the field. It just lowers our gray merchant by 1. What do we gain? We trade profitably with Nightveil Specter and can block and trade a Lifebane Zombie or we can have the hilarious interaction of bestowing a Herald onto a pack rat and send our bat into the red zone for infinity win points.
How many are you running? a full 4?
Something else to consider.............Ughh
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The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
Herald of Torment main board and Lifebane Zombie in the side. We don't need the triple devotion as bad as mono blue does because we really aren't looking to drop a god or poop fifteen tokens onto the field. It just lowers our gray merchant by 1. What do we gain? We trade profitably with Nightveil Specter and can block and trade a Lifebane Zombie or we can have the hilarious interaction of bestowing a Herald onto a pack rat and send our bat into the red zone for infinity win points.
How many are you running? a full 4?
Something else to consider.............Ughh
One thing I hesitate with hearld... he looses you life. With WR burn... that may be a problem.
My head is also swimming here boys. Play tested today for another 4 hours or so. I again had trouble with gr monsters losing more than half the games. I split with u/w ephara today as well. I did beat the hex proof deck 4 games in a row. Here is where I'm at, we are going to see a lot of that r/w burn deck. It's been picking up speed as of late and just won the star city open. Coming in quietly at 10th was the hex proof deck. We are also going to see a lot of that in Cinncy. I think devour flesh might have to be a 4 of. I was talking with some people and whip of Erebos might be good coming out of the board. If I'm right and we do see a lot of rw burn at Cinncy, the whip is back breaking. I know I said I was set on nightveil, but after today I feel like we have a much better game 1 vs rg monsters. But that of course weakens out game against the rw burn deck. They can just shock the life bane and to be honest it's not that great of a blocker anyway. Thoughts gentlemen?
My head is also swimming here boys. Play tested today for another 4 hours or so. I again had trouble with gr monsters losing more than half the games. I split with u/w ephara today as well. I did beat the hex proof deck 4 games in a row. Here is where I'm at, we are going to see a lot of that r/w burn deck. It's been picking up speed as of late and just won the star city open. Coming in quietly at 10th was the hex proof deck. We are also going to see a lot of that in Cinncy. I think devour flesh might have to be a 4 of. I was talking with some people and whip of Erebos might be good coming out of the board. If I'm right and we do see a lot of rw burn at Cinncy, the whip is back breaking. I know I said I was set on nightveil, but after today I feel like we have a much better game 1 vs rg monsters. But that of course weakens out game against the rw burn deck. They can just shock the life bane and to be honest it's not that great of a blocker anyway. Thoughts gentlemen?
My build is vastly different than the norm (Since I run ashiok). As such in my personal build I can not have whip. I must choose between whip or pack rat... and a fourth pack rat is just so much better.
AS to zombie... it can go either way. The problem I ran into with zombie: its far less superior against aggro decks/burn/MBD
My head is also swimming here boys. Play tested today for another 4 hours or so. I again had trouble with gr monsters losing more than half the games. I split with u/w ephara today as well. I did beat the hex proof deck 4 games in a row. Here is where I'm at, we are going to see a lot of that r/w burn deck. It's been picking up speed as of late and just won the star city open. Coming in quietly at 10th was the hex proof deck. We are also going to see a lot of that in Cinncy. I think devour flesh might have to be a 4 of. I was talking with some people and whip of Erebos might be good coming out of the board. If I'm right and we do see a lot of rw burn at Cinncy, the whip is back breaking. I know I said I was set on nightveil, but after today I feel like we have a much better game 1 vs rg monsters. But that of course weakens out game against the rw burn deck. They can just shock the life bane and to be honest it's not that great of a blocker anyway. Thoughts gentlemen?
I'm honestly not too worried about the hexproof deck. So it spiked an SCG Open. Big deal. It didn't even top 8. RW Burn has consistently been putting up good finishes over the past few weeks, so I agree with playing Whip out of the board. So yes, I think Nightveil is still better in the main, although I run a version with both.
I gotta agree with Soviet & PJI with Nightveil staying in the main. It's the better choice, and not as narrow as Zombie Thank goodness I don't have to see top 8 decks on a consistent basis.
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The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
My head is also swimming here boys. Play tested today for another 4 hours or so. I again had trouble with gr monsters losing more than half the games. I split with u/w ephara today as well. I did beat the hex proof deck 4 games in a row. Here is where I'm at, we are going to see a lot of that r/w burn deck. It's been picking up speed as of late and just won the star city open. Coming in quietly at 10th was the hex proof deck. We are also going to see a lot of that in Cinncy. I think devour flesh might have to be a 4 of. I was talking with some people and whip of Erebos might be good coming out of the board. If I'm right and we do see a lot of rw burn at Cinncy, the whip is back breaking. I know I said I was set on nightveil, but after today I feel like we have a much better game 1 vs rg monsters. But that of course weakens out game against the rw burn deck. They can just shock the life bane and to be honest it's not that great of a blocker anyway. Thoughts gentlemen?
I'm honestly not too worried about the hexproof deck. So it spiked an SCG Open. Big deal. It didn't even top 8. RW Burn has consistently been putting up good finishes over the past few weeks, so I agree with playing Whip out of the board. So yes, I think Nightveil is still better in the main, although I run a version with both.
GW Hexproof has also been spiking on MODO. The only thing I am uncertain about now, is my SB. I'm not sure how I should tweak it to be most effective come Saturday.
My head is also swimming here boys. Play tested today for another 4 hours or so. I again had trouble with gr monsters losing more than half the games. I split with u/w ephara today as well. I did beat the hex proof deck 4 games in a row. Here is where I'm at, we are going to see a lot of that r/w burn deck. It's been picking up speed as of late and just won the star city open. Coming in quietly at 10th was the hex proof deck. We are also going to see a lot of that in Cinncy. I think devour flesh might have to be a 4 of. I was talking with some people and whip of Erebos might be good coming out of the board. If I'm right and we do see a lot of rw burn at Cinncy, the whip is back breaking. I know I said I was set on nightveil, but after today I feel like we have a much better game 1 vs rg monsters. But that of course weakens out game against the rw burn deck. They can just shock the life bane and to be honest it's not that great of a blocker anyway. Thoughts gentlemen?
I'm honestly not too worried about the hexproof deck. So it spiked an SCG Open. Big deal. It didn't even top 8. RW Burn has consistently been putting up good finishes over the past few weeks, so I agree with playing Whip out of the board. So yes, I think Nightveil is still better in the main, although I run a version with both.
GW Hexproof has also been spiking on MODO. The only thing I am uncertain about now, is my SB. I'm not sure how I should tweak it to be most effective come Saturday.
Why the Watery Graves? You don't have anything that requires :symu:? Unless you left out Notion Theif, Ashiok or Syncopate.
Maybe throw a Glaring Spotlight or 2 in the SB?
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The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
Not that I m trying to throw wrenches into this, but what about Disciple of Phenax?
It hits any card in their hand. I am considering it for the SB. If it comes down on curve, there is a good chance your getting at least 3 devotion, up to 5 (if Nightveil is on the board) Something to consider. It also shores up the Hex-proof match up.
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The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
Not that I m trying to throw wrenches into this, but what about Disciple of Phenax?
It hits any card in their hand. I am considering it for the SB. If it comes down on curve, there is a good chance your getting at least 3 devotion, up to 5 (if Nightveil is on the board) Something to consider. It also shores up the Hex-proof match up.
Too slow.
As far as Ashiok, I like it. It works well with the synergy I have created for my deck. I wouldn't recommend it though unless you have alot of time to play test... playing Ashiok successfully in MBD is no easy task. You can very easily loose a game simply because you - or + ashiok at the wrong time.
But it gives me more options. Which I like.
I'm trying to decide if I should add a 4th zombie in the sb... and if so... how I should make room for it. My original deck had the one connections moved to the main in place of a pack rat.
As far as Ashiok, I like it. It works well with the synergy I have created for my deck. I wouldn't recommend it though unless you have alot of time to play test... playing Ashiok successfully in MBD is no easy task. You can very easily loose a game simply because you - or + ashiok at the wrong time.
But it gives me more options. Which I like.
I'm trying to decide if I should add a 4th zombie in the sb... and if so... how I should make room for it. My original deck had the one connections moved to the main in place of a pack rat.
Good point. I always overlook the speed of cards.
As for the 4th Zombie, I will anticipate that you will see a nice handful of GR and BW or Esper at Cincy, so I would remove the UC from the board and addthe 4th Zombie in it's place.
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The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
I believe this deck can function on 3 UC, and I am considering removing one for either another Swamp or MD removal. Not sure.
The only reason I hesitate to remove the fourth one sb... underworld connections is needed VS control above all else. (and you need 4 of them in that matchup).
Running on 3 UC also cripples you against the mirror.
Honestly... I'm actually thinking a third UC is necessary in the mirror (in my build). Of course... that's also because I run x2 ashiok, nightmare weavers. Which acts like quasi-underworld connections. VS BW Midrange I usually do not add a 4th connections and don't regret it.
The question becomes; however, is having an extra duress better or worse than an extra connections?
I am only sort of casually playing this deck now (modern is just more fun for me right now), but I have gone to four lifebane zombies, and it has been a treat to play. The lifebanes just do so much, and I don't regret taking out the nightveils
Did you remove them out of the 75 or are they boarded. That's an interesting take. I would rather have the Specters even if it's for the Devotion.
A 2/3 flier that potentally nets you cards, or a 3/1 intimidate that rips or creatures.
The Zombie is dead against mono red (not a big deal) and the mirror.
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
-MH
Modern
BUGLantern ControlBUG
Herald of Torment main board and Lifebane Zombie in the side. We don't need the triple devotion as bad as mono blue does because we really aren't looking to drop a god or poop fifteen tokens onto the field. It just lowers our gray merchant by 1. What do we gain? We trade profitably with Nightveil Specter and can block and trade a Lifebane Zombie or we can have the hilarious interaction of bestowing a Herald onto a pack rat and send our bat into the red zone for infinity win points.
How many are you running? a full 4?
Something else to consider.............Ughh
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
One thing I hesitate with hearld... he looses you life. With WR burn... that may be a problem.
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
Stream: twitch.tv/axman
Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
Stream: twitch.tv/axman
Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA
Thanks to xeno for the sig and avvy!!!
My build is vastly different than the norm (Since I run ashiok). As such in my personal build I can not have whip. I must choose between whip or pack rat... and a fourth pack rat is just so much better.
AS to zombie... it can go either way. The problem I ran into with zombie: its far less superior against aggro decks/burn/MBD
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
Stream: twitch.tv/axman
Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA
I'm honestly not too worried about the hexproof deck. So it spiked an SCG Open. Big deal. It didn't even top 8. RW Burn has consistently been putting up good finishes over the past few weeks, so I agree with playing Whip out of the board. So yes, I think Nightveil is still better in the main, although I run a version with both.
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
GW Hexproof has also been spiking on MODO. The only thing I am uncertain about now, is my SB. I'm not sure how I should tweak it to be most effective come Saturday.
11 Swamp
4 Temple of Deceit
4 Watery Grave
2 Island
4 Desecration Demon
4 Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4 Nightveil Specter
4 Pack Rat
4 Thoughtseize
3 Underworld Connections
4 Hero's Downfall
4 Devour Flesh
2 Bile Blight
2 Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
3 Lifebane Zombie
2 Doom Blade
1 Underworld Connections
1 Pithing Needle
4 Duress
2 Erebos, god of the Dead
2 Drown in Sorrow
Any suggestions welcome.
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
Stream: twitch.tv/axman
Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA
Why the Watery Graves? You don't have anything that requires :symu:? Unless you left out Notion Theif, Ashiok or Syncopate.
Maybe throw a Glaring Spotlight or 2 in the SB?
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
From the SB,
-1 UC
-1 Duress
+2 Glaring Spotlight
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
I'm not necessarily worried about hexproof. I just don't want to make my game worse vs the matchup by removing fleshes.
PS: I really think I want to add betrayal... but I'm not sure what I can remove for it. (and if those reductions would be worth it)
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
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Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
It hits any card in their hand. I am considering it for the SB. If it comes down on curve, there is a good chance your getting at least 3 devotion, up to 5 (if Nightveil is on the board) Something to consider. It also shores up the Hex-proof match up.
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
Too slow.
As far as Ashiok, I like it. It works well with the synergy I have created for my deck. I wouldn't recommend it though unless you have alot of time to play test... playing Ashiok successfully in MBD is no easy task. You can very easily loose a game simply because you - or + ashiok at the wrong time.
But it gives me more options. Which I like.
I'm trying to decide if I should add a 4th zombie in the sb... and if so... how I should make room for it. My original deck had the one connections moved to the main in place of a pack rat.
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
Stream: twitch.tv/axman
Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA
Good point. I always overlook the speed of cards.
As for the 4th Zombie, I will anticipate that you will see a nice handful of GR and BW or Esper at Cincy, so I would remove the UC from the board and addthe 4th Zombie in it's place.
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
The funniest thing about this particular signature is that by the time you realize it doesn't say anything it's too late to stop reading it....
The only reason I hesitate to remove the fourth one sb... underworld connections is needed VS control above all else. (and you need 4 of them in that matchup).
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
Stream: twitch.tv/axman
Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA
BMono Black DevotionB
BB/w ControlW
Honestly... I'm actually thinking a third UC is necessary in the mirror (in my build). Of course... that's also because I run x2 ashiok, nightmare weavers. Which acts like quasi-underworld connections. VS BW Midrange I usually do not add a 4th connections and don't regret it.
The question becomes; however, is having an extra duress better or worse than an extra connections?
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
Stream: twitch.tv/axman
Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA
BMono Black DevotionB
BB/w ControlW
Ashiok is not a dead card late game. The only time its a dead card is if your opponent has a field full of creatures and you're looking for an answer.
Twitter: twitter.com/axmanonline
Stream: twitch.tv/axman
Current Decks
Modern: Affinity
Standard: BW Control
Legacy: Death and Taxes :symw::symr:
Vintage: NA