"To drive your enemies before you. To hear the lamentations of their women. To strand your foe upon a highly elevated, steep-faced, windswept plain. Prevent their escape. Force them to abandon all attempts to play Magic." The Art of Magic
- ’Stack Tzu
Will these cheeky words prophesize a birth of a dominant R/w Pyro Prison architecture? Will they? Nahhh, I doubt it. Heh heh. Shadowrider created the blending of white into 'The Stock List' to gallop into a Top 8 finish in a Saturday Classic, 100+ competitors, a couple weeks ago. And, I saw another couple pilots score 5-0s with similar lists - including our Russ Colosi.
A Flash in the Pan or a deck that's here to stay? Well, as always, that depends upon the meta. I fired off (4) tournaments yesterday: 0-2, 3-2, 3-2, 2-3. As the day drew on, I tinkered with the deck construction. It ended up being different than my previous posting by the following numbers:
MAINDECK: [3 cards] MINUS Chandra, Torch of Defiance, Lightning Helix, Legion Warboss ||| PLUS Leyline of Sanctity, Pyretic Ritual, Pia & Kiran Nalaar
SIDEBOARD: [3 cards] MINUS Leyline of Sanctity, Worship, Deflecting Palm ||| PLUS Dragon's Claw, Spellskite, Dire Fleet Daredevil
The improvements were marked and expected. Mainboard: I already identified Chandra/Lightning Helix as my 59th/60th cards in need of upgrades. And, Pyretic Ritual? C'Mon! You know I can't quit you! You're back, baby. Sideboard: Dragon's Claw addresses omnipresent red. Spellskite is the same thing & redundancy for locks, plus it's a horror vs. Titi. Dire Fleet Daredevil is straight up a devious selection that capitalizes on the heavy spell decks that are everywhere. Honestly, if I had this construction in the early tournaments, I definitely think I could have swung an extra win in each round.
So, this is a R/w Decklist, right? Then, where are the white cards? Maindeck count: 1. ONE? Well, in defense of Leyline, it IS a helluva choice. Besides, I was running Witchbane Orb in the maindeck for a while. To be fair, Engineered Explosives could be considered a white card, and it has been gangbusters. Well, is white worth it? Hmmmm. The answer is found in the sideboard. Enough? Well, maybe. White mana requirements severely hamper smooth land development. The recent adjustments may make a powerful case for R/W, but I'm going to rule in favor of..... MONO-RED PYRO PRISON.
LOCKS
Let's break it down. 1/4 of the deck is locks (15 spells), and that's before we even look at the sideboard which is straight up assassin. Point of order - I'm counting Eidolons as locks || the 4th wall.
CREATURES
(7) Rabble. Like the count for Eidolon, this is 1 less than a traditional approach. It's a 2 color deck with loads of options that synergize, so space is at a premium. The Hazoret speaks for itself - being a god and all.
PLANESWALKERS
4 Chandra. If I had any sort of filter, it would be 3. I count the 4th Chandra as my 60th spell. There are no other walkers. I've been unimpressed with Ajani, Vengeant. The best part of the Lion is the life gain. The blowing up of lands is generally useless, since they will have laid out a big enough board threat. The tap down option is also kind of anemic. Lastly, he comes in very low on the loyalty counter.
REMOVAL
4 Singletons. Slagstorm and Lightning Helix are self-explanatory. Collective Defiance was talked about above. Engineered Explosives is renaissance. It fills in as a 4th sweeper in the (75), offers an actual 1 drop [our only one] -- this becomes extremely valuable when facing Red Burn. But, also, it can blow out decks with lethal 2 drops like Jund/BG rock. It's an easy drop when we need to get under a bridge. I think it's a fine card to carry the Pyro Prison...er, Prairie Prison banner.
LANDS
I've altered the count to diminish the Plains count, because it is so useless in game 1. And, in game 2, you just gotta hope it cracks out for finding white. But, it is not uncommon to get screwed out of white because you've raced out a Moon effect. This is an unfixable flaw in R/W. I am tempted to drop the rugged prairie for a mountain - gotta crunch some more numbers.
SIDEBOARD
Starting with the White spells, they are thermonuclear bombs: RiP, Leyline, and Stony. The only reason we are talking about this decks are these cards. Other white cards are Lightning Helix, Worship, Deflecting Palm, and Engineered Explosives. The Helix is the 59th card in the main deck, and is almost an abrade. Worship is a very late drop, but again - just game winning against certain decks that can not kill multiple creatures or enchantments (surprisingly that includes a lot of constructions). Deflecting Palm is the 'ace up your sleeve'. Like Batterskull, these cards are terrific additions when you're removing our #1 safety blanket: (4) Ensnaring Bridge. It makes you feel better about going full on Sword and leaving the Shields in the sideboard.
SUMMARY
I do not have this deck in paper, just on MTGO. It's been serviceable in performance. I've been trying a lot of variations and taking risky lines of play to learn the angles. Overall?
Hazoret is overwhelmingly strong. Recently, I've had 2 in the main, and only moved down to 1 for lack of space. Grafdigger's Cage is a must play in mono-red regardless of conflict with Chalice --- attrition what hurts us juuuuust might hurt them more.
Gimps - you nailed it. Good Call. No second guess.
Strong is the Natehill damage and liking the Ziggurot naming. Nothing is coming to mind that seems all that solid yet, though. You know? I mean 'Sun and Moon' have had years to come up with a cool deck name and pretty much ended their thinking with.....sun and moon. Since our variant is more aggressive, how about 'Freezer Burn'.
Alright, before the R/w Boros Pyro Prison decklist (name yet to be determined, thinking....Candy Cane, SPF 61, White Sun, Gaslighter, Sunburn...all underwhelming). Anyhoo....
MAINDECK --- Pretty typical (4+) Rabble // (4) Eidolon build. The only quirks are an absence of targeted removal and the addition of a single slagstorm and 1 collective defiance. Since it's a 3-module card, it's got a long story to tell about its right to be in the line-up. Sufficed to say that the occasions of 2-3 mode castings for serious game altering glee have been sufficient.
SIDEBOARD --- A lot there, eh? 1st, Dragon's Claw. Yup. Have you seen the meta? IN. Similarly, Witchbane Orb covers burn and so many other combo decks. Batterskull? We did cover the burn topic earlier right? And, when you yank out all bridges, this is the best safety blanket you can hope to deploy. It's also terrific against mid-late game fair/control decks.
It's been devised after a lot of testing. If pressed, I'd play this over any version of Boros Pyro Prison deck variant out there....wellllll, maybe. When you know that you're going to see a very high percentage of the same tiered decks that fall to white hoser cards then another prudent line of thinking might prevail.
GL to all. May all your thrown boulders hit their mark!
Welcome Gimps! And, points on your Rending Volley suggestion. Wise.
A few voices not heard around the campfire for some time have returned. Fond head nods to tjuppus, joandpaulson, natehill61, and avalancherider.
Strategy notes and a fixed sideboarding guide, as ever, are the #1 topic requested here. The primer information has aged. The concern is that today’s Pyro Prison decks are evolving at a rapid rate.
CONSIDER: Showtime’s 6 trophy list in MTGO Modern Competitive Leagues is ONLY a few cards different from my published 5-1 $30 buy-in 1K list from November - when you account for Anger of the Gods. I did a 2/2 split while he put all 4 in the side.
Buuuut, our sideboards are significantly different, because he has skillfully adapted to today’s meta. I had 3 sweepers main AND predictably faced 3 spirits decks that day. Showtime is packing No sweepers main. Instead they’re in the SB alongside Tons of graveyard hate.
So, it’s tough to devise point-for-point swaps in a Sideboard Guide.
On top of that, there is a renewed push to integrate White into Pyro Prison.
Koth almighty!
Teaser: I’ll publish my Boros Prison deck variant before FNM. Surprise additions?
Main deck: Engineered Explosives
Side Board: Worship
I faced that R/w Dragonrider deck last (different pilot), and he 2-0ed me. Like a typical mirror, lucky draws play a big role. Nonetheless, it’s an intriguing list. Rule of Law (damping sphere) becomes quality Leyline of sanctity (witchbane orb) is a house WITH a huge back porch Rest In Peace (leyline of the void / ravenous trap) has lots of applications. Lightning Helix (abrade/magma jet) becomes necessary in a world of Burn. However, I’ve remarked before that the first 3 gained life is usually negated by fetch/shock. Stony silence (damping matrix) turns off mana abilities as well as green lights our use of Hazoret and Jaya.
We’ve been putting 2nd string plAyers on the field forever. Why? Traditionally Pale Moon decks simply don’t win.
Is this Meta the dawning of a new Red Sun rising?
WHITE SUN???
The deck is the definition of a Toolbox deck. All threats are frontloaded. The SB holds all answers. NOW, is this the new and next best??? Hmmmmm.....will merely say that it comes with mana discipline costs: R/W is hard to blend especially when you're trying to land a blood moon asap.
I did take out a revision for a spin in the Competitive Modern Challenge. QUESTION: as ever and always |||| Is White Worth it?
Well, in this rodeo. I am
MAINDECK: (3) White spells --- troubling [2 helix and 1 ajani, vengeant]
SIDEBOARD: (9) White Spells --- reassuring
Aaaaand......
Hey Jokerstyle - The land destruction angle has been tried. The biggest issue is that Molten Rain and Stone Rain cost 3. And, that slot is sooooo overcrowded for us. With Modern being so fast, it's hard to get ahead of people with mana dorks or utopia sprawl on an LD plan.
xBankX1 - Taking the boots to the competition and giving them a kickin' (4) 4-1s in the last couple days. Outstanding! As for mono-red Burn, I do keep in some Bridges. If it's straight red Burn 'traditional', then I take out all of the bridges. What do I bring in against Phoenix, mono-red?
@Migueljf: Stickballruss explained the 'odd couple' perfectly. Early Eidolon can serve to present a clock, block/trade a creature, or shut down a spell heavy deck. As for times in games 2 and 3, you will still leave in BOTH cards against: Grixis Death's Shadow, TitanShift, AmuletTitan and Thing In the Ice-U/R.
@Stickballruss: Sharp observation on Combust making a comeback. What was once a card specifically engineered to combat Splinter Twin decks has now got usage against the newest of scourge Thing in the Ice. It's narrow, but also the perfect answer card to a deck that's dominating the meta these days. Restoration Angel, yeah. Spirits. And, anything that knocks Thalia on her buttocks is fine by me.
@Showtime_MTG: How did you arrive at your assemblage? Any lessons learned along the way that could serve as cautionary tales ("don't try this - it doesn't work"). Jaya Ballard, Task Mage has been a star...see above regarding comments on TiTi and a crafty way to derail U/W Control too. Russ talked about upping the threat count. My top pick: What about Pia and Kiran Nalaar?? They are dynamite against TiTi, Jund, B/G Rock, GDS, and U/W control.
FluffyWolf divined up a Pyro Prison deck based upon Direct Damage and Spectacular mechanics. He left behind the Bridge, and soldiered forth in a Modern Competitive Tournament on MODO. Brother nailed down a 5-0, AND he faced two Hardened Scales decks. It was a blast to watch.
So, I tweaked it a little bit, and tried a Casual League. 3-2. Losses were to Spirits (usually a favored matchup) and B/W Edlrazi (coin flip). I removed any utility land that couldn't get us red (Except g. cavern). I dropped the curve way down since we're cheating in the spells, and hopefully drawing through for the win - only (2) 4-Cmc spells.
Thoughts: Again, this is Fluffy's idea and this is my very similar build. Ummmmm....who knows It's very early on. I would say that I think 1 mystery to solve is Rift Bolt vs. Skewer: which is better? Can we still pack larger CMC spells? Are we hopelessly overrun in game 1 without 4 Bridge in the main? Are there enough damage points to an opponent that can trigger our Spectacular cheat codes?
Biggest Initial Drawback: That's easy to answer. Sideboard. This build hogs up our slots with (4) Bridge and (4) Anger plus the need for any other cards which can serve as 2-cmc quick protect spells like (1) Abrade and (1) Spellskite. That leaves us with FIVE slots.
But, I did add a later 4-drop spell, since we're so light on them in the main deck. Burning Earth. It delivered a phenomenal win against Tron, and I can see it working in more traditional Pyro Prison lists as well.
I've been reviewing the report from DFray85 - wise construction that plays all the heavy hitters of locks, threats, and removal. The Cavalcade of Calamity goes a little too narrow as aggression only application (as you noted in your follow up post). Another 'ping' mechanic that also has more utility is Purphoros, God of the Forge. When he clicks? Voodoo Chile: chopping down mountains with the edge of his hand!
I studied your matchups in your 6-0 run.
R1 2-0 Infect
R2 2-0 Lantern Control
R3 2-1 Rock
R4 2-0 Jeskai Control
R5 2-1 Jund
T8 2-1 Dredge
Judging on the meta, I'd remove the (2) CoC and try:
1.) Magus of the Moon: Great against Jund / BG Rock (keeps them off double-black Liliana at a minimum, man lands, and kills their Fetch land/Field of Ruin fetch tricks.) It's also great against Infect.
2.) Dire Fleet Daredevil: Now, this may be too sneaky for its own good. BUT, judging from your specific matchups, she's fantastic against Jeskai. Plenty of targets against Jund/BG Rock. And, a 2/1 first strike against Dredge stops Bloodghast dead and can negate an Ancient Grudge, Conflagrate, Life from the Loam...even a free dig/draw of a Faithless Looting would be a common option.
And, in this matchup, it's all about finding the right answers ASAP.
Perennial allstar Zayl pops in again! I noted that Showtime_MTG also clued into power of your best gal, Jaya Ballard, Task Mage. Yup - a 1 is a solid bet. I was trying Scab-Clan Berserker in the maindeck, but testing proved that it too often got blocked up by a wall OR it couldn't get through blockers to turn itself on. So, I'm onto Jaya and Legion Warboss again.
Showtime_MTG is up to (6) Trophies in Modern Competitive Leagues. I think you picked the right avatar name, buddy.
Lastly, Jokerstyle - superb write-up. I think the decklist is sound. The (10) rituals may be a little too much gas that will later turn into 'hot air' since you don't have a lot of filtering cards like: Tormenting Voice, Faithless Looting, Zhalfirin Void, Sarkhan, Fireblood, etc. etc. Comments on the sideboard would be that Alpine Moon and Damping Sphere have largely been left behind (damping sphere has a little more usage) because they don't provide a clock of damage & their roles are already being played by Eidolon, Chalice, and Moon. And, good on ya for keeping the faith with Witchbane Orb. Look to and respect...The Orb!!!
@DFray85: 6-0 at an FNM. That's Outstanding! At first glance, Cavalcade of Calamity didn't catch my eye. But, that record and the impact it can have upon against a difficult matchup of Jund/Rock has me taking pause....it's still a pass for me, because it's too narrow in application as aggression only. Overall, it comes down to playing a card that can have an immediate impact on the board/game state with a little more utility. Similar concept is Purphoros, God of the Forge for a 'ping' mechanic in an 8-Rabble Goblin Gun design. And, it does a bit more. But, hey, you already proved that it works - cool maneuvering!
@Showtime_Mtg: He has climbed to the top of the mountain 5 times, and it is...good (XBankx1 is also throwing big rocks out there). Beyond your skillful tournament success with Pyro Prison, your write-ups exhibit logistical understandings of the underpinnings of success with this deck. Thus, you've crafted your own brand of (75) to suit.
ANALYZING THE BUILD
In order to succeed with an attrition based, soft lock prison deck, your cards must be slightly more impactful than your opponents cards. When possible, shut down entire lines of their development with a Power Lock (Bridge, Chalice, Moon, and sometimes Eidolon). Otherwise, claim 2-for-1 advantage with your spells (Goblin shooters, Planeswalkers, Sweepers and Gods).
1-for-1 Spot Removal
Showtime --- 0 [No spot removal]
xBankX1 --- 4 [2 abrade and 2 dismember]
Joymonger --- 4 [3 abrade and 1 lavacoil]
Fluffywolf --- 2 [2 Abrade]
Raystack --- X [we'll get to how I answer that question later]
O.K. What is the king of spot removal in Pyro Prison? Abrade. It's not really debatable. When it was first published, mountain folk adopted it at varying speeds, but every single one of us eventually put it in our (60). I was the last to do so. Why? I detest 1-for-1 removal. Ultimately, I gave in because it provided enough of an assist to our cage building. Metas change. And, now it has - thankfully - moved back to the sideboard again for both me and Showtime.
However, I still believe we have to pack some sort of removal in our Main Deck. All due respect to Showtime's titanic record of wins, I have a question about: 3-CMC spell count vs. Lack of Removal Spells
(17) 3-CMC spells with no spot or sweeper removal. Is this too crowded of a CMC slot? The challenge since creating the deck has been to avoid too many spells that cost 3. It strains a smooth ramp, particularly when you consider there are no 1-CMC spells.
The inclusion of Eidolon of the Great Revel (as Showtime observed above) populated a slot that allows us to present threats 1 turn earlier than before. Since Eidolon can trade for damage (removal) from attackers AND offer shock damage to spell based decks, this reduces our reliance upon our 'crutch card', the king of spot removal: Abrade.
If you ratchet up the threat density to include 8-Rabbles and 4 Eidolons, is that enough to abandon the need for ANY removal cards whatsoever in the main deck? It's been working for Showtime. But, I talked with Russ Colosi last night, and reflected upon the tournament observations of @Midnwalker about this topic. We think it's a reach too far.
The principal concern is getting run over by a creature deck. Even if you do rip a bridge into play, you won't be able to dump down your hand fast enough - because it's full of 3-cmc spells.
But, that's just a theory. One that Showtime has repeatedly proven wrong, so I took his exact decklist out for a competitive league. It did well. 3-2. Small sample size, but I want to be fair and informed about my analysis.
Anyway, I am extraordinarily impressed and overjoyed with seeing Showtime's face at the campfire. Clever construction & premier analysis in your posts here. AND...2nd place on the MTGO Trophy leaderboard - worldwide.
I'll wrap up by deciphering X. I reported that I run 'X' 1-for-1 spot removal in my Pyro Prison deck. Depending on your interpretation, I run anywhere between 0 and 4.
2 Slagstorm
1 Collective Defiance
1 Goblin Cratermaker
The top 2 could be considered creature removal, be it One or Many, but they can also be considered a Lightning Bolt to the opponent's 20. The 3rd could be considered a spot removal spell, but it could also be considered a Bear. And, rather than abrade - which is often held after turn 2 - I always play out a cratermaker on turn 2 which creates disruption/clock.
The keen eye will immediately call into question my 3-CMC count. It's (18). That's 1 more than Showtime's and I just got done questioning his crowded 3-CMC slot! True. But 3 of my spells are removal. And, there's an exploding teddy bear which got rolled out a turn earlier. If I'm facing creature attack, I have a few more answers.
There really is no right or wrong - just a discussion board. And, I hope that Showtime receives my words with the spirit in which they are given.
Mountain Hugs to Tjuppus, Dfray, akaHoudini (welcome back), and user-9949249 for joining the clan. Question though....is user-9949249 a bot. What's with the name?? Are we being spied upon!!
Amok22 --- Dude, so good to hear your voice again. I remember your wisdom playing a role in my undefeated 1K run a couple years ago. As for a decklist to give a run, I believe my current list can hold its own out there.
Again, 'Maximum' because it employs the 4th wall of the soft-lock prison in the main deck: Eidolon of the Great Revel. Beyond that, recent evolutions have a 5th eidolon in the main deck: Scab-Clan Berserker. Chaining-Spell Combo decks are devastated by this mechanic, and for those decks that ramp slowly? They are also punished by an early drop 'bear' that has shocking repercussions. Finally, if it's a creature heavy deck, then Eidolon will often trade in blocks which slows their swarm attack.
The sly advantage of running Eidolon in the main deck is that it frees up 4 slots in the sideboard. So, by front loading all of the Pyro Prison threats into the main deck, the sideboard becomes a toolbox. Go-Wide answers that all but eliminate the need for spot removal. Of which this decks runs exactly 1 spell. One. An abrade in the 15.
This is possible because of the pressure. Consider 'Free-Win Red'. It has almost no pressure. It relies upon locks and planeswalkers. That's it. 'Pyro Prison' employs creature based win conditions, and even more locks in the sideboard. Now, this doesn't come without an expense. Eidolon will burn you, but it does so on an attrition based metric. Trust that some of our locks will blank and some will hit with tiger uppercut force. Threat density is at a maximum in Pyro Prison || Maximum. Leave behind the extra Chandras, Abrades, Anger of the Gods, and Pia and Kirans. Come play with fire!
When comparing 8 rituals versus 9, it comes down to composition, Joymonger. If you can 'smoothly ramp' by casting spells through a missed 3rd land drop, then 8 rituals is fine. IF you see an immediate return on your ritual use (Chandra/Koth/Avaricious/Sarkhan(though his stock is dropping - as corroborated by Midn8Walker), then inflate away: use 9-10 rituals.
'Smoothly ramp' is better defined by: Do you have a lot of spells which inhabit your 2-cmc stable? Most common affirmative is (4) Eidiolon, but not necessarily Abrade since you'll often hold it back. BUT, a Goblin Cratermaster is guaranteed turn 2 drop.
Hazoret vs. Chandra? Which one is better in a starting hand? Which one delivers more immediate impact? If you're creature light, can your Chandra be protected by a blocking critter? How do cumulative draws of the same card suss out? If you are running 4 Chandra, how often do you side 1-2 out anyway? Lots to consider...
"To drive your enemies before you. To hear the lamentations of their women. To strand your foe upon a highly elevated, steep-faced, windswept plain. Prevent their escape. Force them to abandon all attempts to play Magic."
The Art of Magic
- ’Stack Tzu
Will these cheeky words prophesize a birth of a dominant R/w Pyro Prison architecture? Will they? Nahhh, I doubt it. Heh heh. Shadowrider created the blending of white into 'The Stock List' to gallop into a Top 8 finish in a Saturday Classic, 100+ competitors, a couple weeks ago. And, I saw another couple pilots score 5-0s with similar lists - including our Russ Colosi.
A Flash in the Pan or a deck that's here to stay? Well, as always, that depends upon the meta. I fired off (4) tournaments yesterday: 0-2, 3-2, 3-2, 2-3. As the day drew on, I tinkered with the deck construction. It ended up being different than my previous posting by the following numbers:
MAINDECK: [3 cards] MINUS Chandra, Torch of Defiance, Lightning Helix, Legion Warboss ||| PLUS Leyline of Sanctity, Pyretic Ritual, Pia & Kiran Nalaar
SIDEBOARD: [3 cards] MINUS Leyline of Sanctity, Worship, Deflecting Palm ||| PLUS Dragon's Claw, Spellskite, Dire Fleet Daredevil
The improvements were marked and expected. Mainboard: I already identified Chandra/Lightning Helix as my 59th/60th cards in need of upgrades. And, Pyretic Ritual? C'Mon! You know I can't quit you! You're back, baby. Sideboard: Dragon's Claw addresses omnipresent red. Spellskite is the same thing & redundancy for locks, plus it's a horror vs. Titi. Dire Fleet Daredevil is straight up a devious selection that capitalizes on the heavy spell decks that are everywhere. Honestly, if I had this construction in the early tournaments, I definitely think I could have swung an extra win in each round.
Revised List
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Blood Moon
3 Eidolon of the Great Revel
1 Leyline of Sanctity
CREATURES (8)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
2 Legion Warboss
1 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Pia and Kiran Nalaar
PLANESWALKERS (3)
3 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
REMOVAL (3)
1 Slagstorm
1 Collective Defiance
1 Engineered Explosives
4 Simian Spirit Guide
4 Desperate Ritual
1 Pyretic Ritual
LANDS (21)
6 Mountains
2 Plains
4 Arid Mesa
4 Inspiring Vantage
1 Sacred Foundry
1 Rugged Prairie
3 Gemstone Caverns
2 Leyline of Sanctity
3 Rest in Peace
2 Stony Silence
2 Anger of the Gods
1 Torpor Orb
1 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Magus of the Moon
1 Dragon's Claw
1 Spellskite
1 Dire Fleet Daredevil
So, this is a R/w Decklist, right? Then, where are the white cards? Maindeck count: 1. ONE? Well, in defense of Leyline, it IS a helluva choice. Besides, I was running Witchbane Orb in the maindeck for a while. To be fair, Engineered Explosives could be considered a white card, and it has been gangbusters. Well, is white worth it? Hmmmm. The answer is found in the sideboard. Enough? Well, maybe. White mana requirements severely hamper smooth land development. The recent adjustments may make a powerful case for R/W, but I'm going to rule in favor of.....
MONO-RED PYRO PRISON.
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Blood Moon
3 Eidolon of the Great Revel
Creatures (8)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
3 Legion Warboss
1 Hazoret the Fervent
Planeswalkers (4)
4 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
Removal (4)
1 Slagstorm
1 Collective Defiance
1 Lightning Helix
1 Engineered Explosives
4 Simian Spirit Guide
4 Desperate Ritual
Lands (21)
6 Mountains
2 Plains
4 Arid Mesa
4 Inspiring Vantage
1 Sacred Foundry
1 Rugged Prairie
3 Gemstone Caverns
3 Leyline of Sanctity
2 Rest in Peace
2 Stony Silence
2 Anger of the Gods
1 Torpor Orb
1 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Deflecting Palm
1 Magus of the Moon
1 Worship
1 Batterskull
LOCKS
Let's break it down. 1/4 of the deck is locks (15 spells), and that's before we even look at the sideboard which is straight up assassin. Point of order - I'm counting Eidolons as locks || the 4th wall.
CREATURES
(7) Rabble. Like the count for Eidolon, this is 1 less than a traditional approach. It's a 2 color deck with loads of options that synergize, so space is at a premium. The Hazoret speaks for itself - being a god and all.
PLANESWALKERS
4 Chandra. If I had any sort of filter, it would be 3. I count the 4th Chandra as my 60th spell. There are no other walkers. I've been unimpressed with Ajani, Vengeant. The best part of the Lion is the life gain. The blowing up of lands is generally useless, since they will have laid out a big enough board threat. The tap down option is also kind of anemic. Lastly, he comes in very low on the loyalty counter.
REMOVAL
4 Singletons. Slagstorm and Lightning Helix are self-explanatory. Collective Defiance was talked about above. Engineered Explosives is renaissance. It fills in as a 4th sweeper in the (75), offers an actual 1 drop [our only one] -- this becomes extremely valuable when facing Red Burn. But, also, it can blow out decks with lethal 2 drops like Jund/BG rock. It's an easy drop when we need to get under a bridge. I think it's a fine card to carry the Pyro Prison...er, Prairie Prison banner.
LANDS
I've altered the count to diminish the Plains count, because it is so useless in game 1. And, in game 2, you just gotta hope it cracks out for finding white. But, it is not uncommon to get screwed out of white because you've raced out a Moon effect. This is an unfixable flaw in R/W. I am tempted to drop the rugged prairie for a mountain - gotta crunch some more numbers.
SIDEBOARD
Starting with the White spells, they are thermonuclear bombs: RiP, Leyline, and Stony. The only reason we are talking about this decks are these cards. Other white cards are Lightning Helix, Worship, Deflecting Palm, and Engineered Explosives. The Helix is the 59th card in the main deck, and is almost an abrade. Worship is a very late drop, but again - just game winning against certain decks that can not kill multiple creatures or enchantments (surprisingly that includes a lot of constructions). Deflecting Palm is the 'ace up your sleeve'. Like Batterskull, these cards are terrific additions when you're removing our #1 safety blanket: (4) Ensnaring Bridge. It makes you feel better about going full on Sword and leaving the Shields in the sideboard.
SUMMARY
I do not have this deck in paper, just on MTGO. It's been serviceable in performance. I've been trying a lot of variations and taking risky lines of play to learn the angles. Overall?
Gimps - you nailed it. Good Call. No second guess.
Strong is the Natehill damage and liking the Ziggurot naming. Nothing is coming to mind that seems all that solid yet, though. You know? I mean 'Sun and Moon' have had years to come up with a cool deck name and pretty much ended their thinking with.....sun and moon. Since our variant is more aggressive, how about 'Freezer Burn'.
Nope. At best, it sounds like a Batman Villain.
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Blood Moon
Creatures (12)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
4 Eidolon of the Great Revel
3 Legion Warboss
1 Hazoret the Fervent
Planeswalkers (4)
4 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
1 Slagstorm
1 Collective Defiance
Accelerators (9)
4 Simian Spirit Guide
4 Desperate Ritual
1 Pyretic Ritual
Lands (21)
14 Mountains
3 Gemstone Caverns
3 Ramunap Ruins
1 Mutavault
2 Anger of the Gods
1 Abrade
1 Damping Matrix
2 Torpor Orb
2 Grafdigger's Cage
1 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Dragon's Claw
1 Witchbane Orb
1 Ravenous Trap
1 Magus of the Moon
1 Dismember
1 Batterskull
MAINDECK --- Pretty typical (4+) Rabble // (4) Eidolon build. The only quirks are an absence of targeted removal and the addition of a single slagstorm and 1 collective defiance. Since it's a 3-module card, it's got a long story to tell about its right to be in the line-up. Sufficed to say that the occasions of 2-3 mode castings for serious game altering glee have been sufficient.
SIDEBOARD --- A lot there, eh? 1st, Dragon's Claw. Yup. Have you seen the meta? IN. Similarly, Witchbane Orb covers burn and so many other combo decks. Batterskull? We did cover the burn topic earlier right? And, when you yank out all bridges, this is the best safety blanket you can hope to deploy. It's also terrific against mid-late game fair/control decks.
It's been devised after a lot of testing. If pressed, I'd play this over any version of Boros Pyro Prison deck variant out there....wellllll, maybe. When you know that you're going to see a very high percentage of the same tiered decks that fall to white hoser cards then another prudent line of thinking might prevail.
GL to all. May all your thrown boulders hit their mark!
A few voices not heard around the campfire for some time have returned. Fond head nods to tjuppus, joandpaulson, natehill61, and avalancherider.
Strategy notes and a fixed sideboarding guide, as ever, are the #1 topic requested here. The primer information has aged. The concern is that today’s Pyro Prison decks are evolving at a rapid rate.
CONSIDER: Showtime’s 6 trophy list in MTGO Modern Competitive Leagues is ONLY a few cards different from my published 5-1 $30 buy-in 1K list from November - when you account for Anger of the Gods. I did a 2/2 split while he put all 4 in the side.
Buuuut, our sideboards are significantly different, because he has skillfully adapted to today’s meta. I had 3 sweepers main AND predictably faced 3 spirits decks that day. Showtime is packing No sweepers main. Instead they’re in the SB alongside Tons of graveyard hate.
So, it’s tough to devise point-for-point swaps in a Sideboard Guide.
On top of that, there is a renewed push to integrate White into Pyro Prison.
Koth almighty!
Teaser: I’ll publish my Boros Prison deck variant before FNM. Surprise additions?
Main deck: Engineered Explosives
Side Board: Worship
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/1632985#paper
I faced that R/w Dragonrider deck last (different pilot), and he 2-0ed me. Like a typical mirror, lucky draws play a big role. Nonetheless, it’s an intriguing list.
Rule of Law (damping sphere) becomes quality
Leyline of sanctity (witchbane orb) is a house WITH a huge back porch
Rest In Peace (leyline of the void / ravenous trap) has lots of applications.
Lightning Helix (abrade/magma jet) becomes necessary in a world of Burn. However, I’ve remarked before that the first 3 gained life is usually negated by fetch/shock.
Stony silence (damping matrix) turns off mana abilities as well as green lights our use of Hazoret and Jaya.
We’ve been putting 2nd string plAyers on the field forever. Why? Traditionally Pale Moon decks simply don’t win.
Is this Meta the dawning of a new Red Sun rising?
WHITE SUN???
The deck is the definition of a Toolbox deck. All threats are frontloaded. The SB holds all answers. NOW, is this the new and next best??? Hmmmmm.....will merely say that it comes with mana discipline costs: R/W is hard to blend especially when you're trying to land a blood moon asap.
I did take out a revision for a spin in the Competitive Modern Challenge. QUESTION: as ever and always |||| Is White Worth it?
Well, in this rodeo. I am
MAINDECK: (3) White spells --- troubling [2 helix and 1 ajani, vengeant]
SIDEBOARD: (9) White Spells --- reassuring
Aaaaand......
xBankX1 - Taking the boots to the competition and giving them a kickin' (4) 4-1s in the last couple days. Outstanding! As for mono-red Burn, I do keep in some Bridges. If it's straight red Burn 'traditional', then I take out all of the bridges. What do I bring in against Phoenix, mono-red?
IN: Witchbane Orb, Spellskite, 2 Anger, 1 Ravenous Trap, 1 Grafdigger's Cage
OUT: 4 Blood Moon, 1 Ensnaring Bridge, 1 Slagstorm
@Stickballruss: Sharp observation on Combust making a comeback. What was once a card specifically engineered to combat Splinter Twin decks has now got usage against the newest of scourge Thing in the Ice. It's narrow, but also the perfect answer card to a deck that's dominating the meta these days. Restoration Angel, yeah. Spirits. And, anything that knocks Thalia on her buttocks is fine by me.
@Showtime_MTG: How did you arrive at your assemblage? Any lessons learned along the way that could serve as cautionary tales ("don't try this - it doesn't work"). Jaya Ballard, Task Mage has been a star...see above regarding comments on TiTi and a crafty way to derail U/W Control too. Russ talked about upping the threat count. My top pick: What about Pia and Kiran Nalaar?? They are dynamite against TiTi, Jund, B/G Rock, GDS, and U/W control.
The original 5-0 build by FluffyWolf. Start watching at 1 hour 52 minutes.
So, I tweaked it a little bit, and tried a Casual League. 3-2. Losses were to Spirits (usually a favored matchup) and B/W Edlrazi (coin flip). I removed any utility land that couldn't get us red (Except g. cavern). I dropped the curve way down since we're cheating in the spells, and hopefully drawing through for the win - only (2) 4-Cmc spells.
Thoughts: Again, this is Fluffy's idea and this is my very similar build. Ummmmm....who knows
Biggest Initial Drawback: That's easy to answer. Sideboard. This build hogs up our slots with (4) Bridge and (4) Anger plus the need for any other cards which can serve as 2-cmc quick protect spells like (1) Abrade and (1) Spellskite. That leaves us with FIVE slots.
But, I did add a later 4-drop spell, since we're so light on them in the main deck. Burning Earth. It delivered a phenomenal win against Tron, and I can see it working in more traditional Pyro Prison lists as well.
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Blood Moon
Creatures (12)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
4 Eidolon of the Great Revel
4 Legion Warboss
Planeswalkers (2)
2 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
Removal (6)
3 Skewer the Critics
3 Rift Bolt
4 Simian Spirit Guide
4 Desperate Ritual
3 Light up the Stage
Lands (21)
14 Mountains
3 Gemstone Caverns
4 Ramunap Ruins
4 Ensnarning Bridge
4 Anger of the Gods
1 Abrade
1 Damping Matrix
1 Torpor Orb
1 Grafdigger's Cage
1 Spellskite
1 Burning Earth
1 Ravenous Trap
I've been reviewing the report from DFray85 - wise construction that plays all the heavy hitters of locks, threats, and removal. The Cavalcade of Calamity goes a little too narrow as aggression only application (as you noted in your follow up post). Another 'ping' mechanic that also has more utility is Purphoros, God of the Forge. When he clicks? Voodoo Chile: chopping down mountains with the edge of his hand!
I studied your matchups in your 6-0 run.
R1 2-0 Infect
R2 2-0 Lantern Control
R3 2-1 Rock
R4 2-0 Jeskai Control
R5 2-1 Jund
T8 2-1 Dredge
Judging on the meta, I'd remove the (2) CoC and try:
1.) Magus of the Moon: Great against Jund / BG Rock (keeps them off double-black Liliana at a minimum, man lands, and kills their Fetch land/Field of Ruin fetch tricks.) It's also great against Infect.
2.) Dire Fleet Daredevil: Now, this may be too sneaky for its own good. BUT, judging from your specific matchups, she's fantastic against Jeskai. Plenty of targets against Jund/BG Rock. And, a 2/1 first strike against Dredge stops Bloodghast dead and can negate an Ancient Grudge, Conflagrate, Life from the Loam...even a free dig/draw of a Faithless Looting would be a common option.
And, in this matchup, it's all about finding the right answers ASAP.
Perennial allstar Zayl pops in again! I noted that Showtime_MTG also clued into power of your best gal, Jaya Ballard, Task Mage. Yup - a 1 is a solid bet. I was trying Scab-Clan Berserker in the maindeck, but testing proved that it too often got blocked up by a wall OR it couldn't get through blockers to turn itself on. So, I'm onto Jaya and Legion Warboss again.
Showtime_MTG is up to (6) Trophies in Modern Competitive Leagues. I think you picked the right avatar name, buddy.
Lastly, Jokerstyle - superb write-up. I think the decklist is sound. The (10) rituals may be a little too much gas that will later turn into 'hot air' since you don't have a lot of filtering cards like: Tormenting Voice, Faithless Looting, Zhalfirin Void, Sarkhan, Fireblood, etc. etc. Comments on the sideboard would be that Alpine Moon and Damping Sphere have largely been left behind (damping sphere has a little more usage) because they don't provide a clock of damage & their roles are already being played by Eidolon, Chalice, and Moon. And, good on ya for keeping the faith with Witchbane Orb. Look to and respect...The Orb!!!
@Showtime_Mtg: He has climbed to the top of the mountain 5 times, and it is...good (XBankx1 is also throwing big rocks out there). Beyond your skillful tournament success with Pyro Prison, your write-ups exhibit logistical understandings of the underpinnings of success with this deck. Thus, you've crafted your own brand of (75) to suit.
ANALYZING THE BUILD
In order to succeed with an attrition based, soft lock prison deck, your cards must be slightly more impactful than your opponents cards. When possible, shut down entire lines of their development with a Power Lock (Bridge, Chalice, Moon, and sometimes Eidolon). Otherwise, claim 2-for-1 advantage with your spells (Goblin shooters, Planeswalkers, Sweepers and Gods).
1-for-1 Spot Removal
Showtime --- 0 [No spot removal]
xBankX1 --- 4 [2 abrade and 2 dismember]
Joymonger --- 4 [3 abrade and 1 lavacoil]
Fluffywolf --- 2 [2 Abrade]
Raystack --- X [we'll get to how I answer that question later]
O.K. What is the king of spot removal in Pyro Prison? Abrade. It's not really debatable. When it was first published, mountain folk adopted it at varying speeds, but every single one of us eventually put it in our (60). I was the last to do so. Why? I detest 1-for-1 removal. Ultimately, I gave in because it provided enough of an assist to our cage building. Metas change. And, now it has - thankfully - moved back to the sideboard again for both me and Showtime.
However, I still believe we have to pack some sort of removal in our Main Deck. All due respect to Showtime's titanic record of wins, I have a question about:
3-CMC spell count vs. Lack of Removal Spells
4 Eidolon of the Great Revel
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
1 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
4 Legion Warboss
4 Simian Spirit Guide
Instant (5)
4 Desperate Ritual
1 Pyretic Ritual
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Ensnaring Bridge
Enchantment (4)
4 Blood Moon
3 Gemstone Caverns
13 Mountain
1 Mutavault
4 Ramunap Ruins
2 Abrade
4 Anger of the Gods
1 Damping Sphere
1 Trinisphere
4 Leyline of the Void
1 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Spellskite
1 Torpor Orb
(17) 3-CMC spells with no spot or sweeper removal. Is this too crowded of a CMC slot? The challenge since creating the deck has been to avoid too many spells that cost 3. It strains a smooth ramp, particularly when you consider there are no 1-CMC spells.
The inclusion of Eidolon of the Great Revel (as Showtime observed above) populated a slot that allows us to present threats 1 turn earlier than before. Since Eidolon can trade for damage (removal) from attackers AND offer shock damage to spell based decks, this reduces our reliance upon our 'crutch card', the king of spot removal: Abrade.
If you ratchet up the threat density to include 8-Rabbles and 4 Eidolons, is that enough to abandon the need for ANY removal cards whatsoever in the main deck? It's been working for Showtime. But, I talked with Russ Colosi last night, and reflected upon the tournament observations of @Midnwalker about this topic. We think it's a reach too far.
The principal concern is getting run over by a creature deck. Even if you do rip a bridge into play, you won't be able to dump down your hand fast enough - because it's full of 3-cmc spells.
But, that's just a theory. One that Showtime has repeatedly proven wrong, so I took his exact decklist out for a competitive league. It did well. 3-2. Small sample size, but I want to be fair and informed about my analysis.
Anyway, I am extraordinarily impressed and overjoyed with seeing Showtime's face at the campfire. Clever construction & premier analysis in your posts here. AND...2nd place on the MTGO Trophy leaderboard - worldwide.
I'll wrap up by deciphering X. I reported that I run 'X' 1-for-1 spot removal in my Pyro Prison deck. Depending on your interpretation, I run anywhere between 0 and 4.
- 2 Slagstorm
- 1 Collective Defiance
- 1 Goblin Cratermaker
The top 2 could be considered creature removal, be it One or Many, but they can also be considered a Lightning Bolt to the opponent's 20. The 3rd could be considered a spot removal spell, but it could also be considered a Bear. And, rather than abrade - which is often held after turn 2 - I always play out a cratermaker on turn 2 which creates disruption/clock.Let's see the list
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Blood Moon
Creatures (13)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
4 Eidolon of the Great Revel
2 Legion Warboss
1 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Goblin Cratermaker
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
3 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
Utility Removal (3)
2 Slagstorm
1 Collective Defiance
Accelerators (8)
4 Simian Spirit Guide
4 Desperate Ritual
Lands (21)
14 Mountains
3 Gemstone Caverns
3 Ramunap Ruins
1 Mutavault
2 Anger of the Gods
2 Abrade
2 Damping Matrix
2 Torpor Orb
2 Grafdigger's Cage
1 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Spellskite
1 Witchbane Orb
1 Ravenous Trap
1 Magus of the Moon
The keen eye will immediately call into question my 3-CMC count. It's (18). That's 1 more than Showtime's and I just got done questioning his crowded 3-CMC slot! True. But 3 of my spells are removal. And, there's an exploding teddy bear which got rolled out a turn earlier. If I'm facing creature attack, I have a few more answers.
There really is no right or wrong - just a discussion board. And, I hope that Showtime receives my words with the spirit in which they are given.
Mountain Hugs to Tjuppus, Dfray, akaHoudini (welcome back), and user-9949249 for joining the clan. Question though....is user-9949249 a bot. What's with the name?? Are we being spied upon!!
Mtgthewary --- https://discordapp.com/channels/442575196700934144/442575197397057557
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Blood Moon
Creatures (14)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
2 Legion Warboss
4 Eidolon of the Great Revel
2 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Goblin Cratermaker
1 Scab-Clan Berserker
2 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
Sweeper Removal (3)
2 Slagstorm
1 Collective Defiance
Accelerators (8)
4 Simian Spirit Guide
4 Desperate Ritual
Lands (21)
14 Mountains
3 Gemstone Caverns
3 Ramunap Ruins
1 Mutavault
2 Anger of the Gods
1 Abrade
2 Damping Matrix
2 Torpor Orb
2 Grafdigger's Cage
1 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Damping Sphere
1 Spellskite
1 Witchbane Orb
1 Ravenous Trap
1 Magus of the Moon
Again, 'Maximum' because it employs the 4th wall of the soft-lock prison in the main deck: Eidolon of the Great Revel. Beyond that, recent evolutions have a 5th eidolon in the main deck: Scab-Clan Berserker. Chaining-Spell Combo decks are devastated by this mechanic, and for those decks that ramp slowly? They are also punished by an early drop 'bear' that has shocking repercussions. Finally, if it's a creature heavy deck, then Eidolon will often trade in blocks which slows their swarm attack.
The sly advantage of running Eidolon in the main deck is that it frees up 4 slots in the sideboard. So, by front loading all of the Pyro Prison threats into the main deck, the sideboard becomes a toolbox. Go-Wide answers that all but eliminate the need for spot removal. Of which this decks runs exactly 1 spell. One. An abrade in the 15.
This is possible because of the pressure. Consider 'Free-Win Red'. It has almost no pressure. It relies upon locks and planeswalkers. That's it. 'Pyro Prison' employs creature based win conditions, and even more locks in the sideboard. Now, this doesn't come without an expense. Eidolon will burn you, but it does so on an attrition based metric. Trust that some of our locks will blank and some will hit with tiger uppercut force. Threat density is at a maximum in Pyro Prison || Maximum. Leave behind the extra Chandras, Abrades, Anger of the Gods, and Pia and Kirans. Come play with fire!
'Smoothly ramp' is better defined by: Do you have a lot of spells which inhabit your 2-cmc stable? Most common affirmative is (4) Eidiolon, but not necessarily Abrade since you'll often hold it back. BUT, a Goblin Cratermaster is guaranteed turn 2 drop.
Hazoret vs. Chandra? Which one is better in a starting hand? Which one delivers more immediate impact? If you're creature light, can your Chandra be protected by a blocking critter? How do cumulative draws of the same card suss out? If you are running 4 Chandra, how often do you side 1-2 out anyway? Lots to consider...