I have been brewing around revealing a large cmc with Yuriko, the Tiger's shadow, and one possibility is Draco. I have dabbled into white, and with Enlightened tutor I can put him onto the top of the deck.
Yeah. I've thought about the same thing. The main issue with that is we start getting into much more expensive land base (which I am trying to avoid) and honestly, It may even lose a little consistency.
White would add a very nice sideboard package, which is huge. Though when we come back to Draco, It's not really something that we'd ever put onto the battlefield. We also wouldn't want to run a lot, maybe two at the most... Which means we'd likely end up having to mulligan perfectly good hands with a Draco in it, since then our Enlightened Tutors after damage wouldn't be as effective. Then we'd have to depend on brainstorm, and not use it until combat. So it'd require not using a cantrip to be any good. It's a 17 point swing, which is one better than my current build- but- having access to Show and Tell, with an Emrakul package... Its a little more intimidating than a 9/9 Flyer that we'd never be able to cast, and likely have to sacrifice at the start of our turn.
I agree though. White is very tempting, I've thought about it a lot. Were I to have the money to afford playing three colours in legacy (the ability to buy Tundra and Underground Sea) I'd definitely be trying it with white. Since a strong solution to Yuriko being blocked, is having our own Karakas, since then we could bounce Yuriko back to our hand every turn and then keep Ninjaing it into play off our flyers.
I've been toying with Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow in legacy since she came out. I have another list here that I'm still developing, but I'm testing Yuriko in a new shell. I plan on using it in GP Toronto (coming up this weekend) in the Legacy Side Events.
I'm currently still deciding my sideboard, any opinions would be appreciated.
I am running the above list, but currently do not own Underground Sea. I play with Watery Grave instead. A friend will likely lend me Underground Seas for the before mentioned event.
While this version of Show and Tell is a lot weaker to Karakas, It has quite a few back up plans available.
When in magical Christmas land, landing a turn 2 Baleful Strix, with a Yuriko, Brainstorm, and Emrakul in hand, results in a turn three 16 damage swing. This can also be achieved if you're lucky enough with a Preordain, or Ponder, to seek out that Emrakul for maximum damage (pre-combat). You can't really complain though, you also have Gurmag Angler (7) Damage, and Omniscience (10) Damage, which can really turn a game in your direction.
You also have the "back-up" plan of little old "Show and Tell" which on it's own can be quite deadly.
Followed with another "back-up" plan of simply landing an early Gurmag Angler.
While it may seem like this deck is trying to do a lot, the fact there are multiple win conditions has resulted in a lot of different types of victories. While the more common win is through Show and Tell, Yuriko has occasionally made an opponent scoop on turn three after a 16 point swing.
This build essentially removes Sneak Attack, and allows a sometimes earlier big swing with Yuriko. While also building advantage through cantrips, and bouncing Baleful Strix.
Another magical hand, Turn 2 Baleful Strix, Turn 3: ???, Turn 4, Yuriko + Lim-Dul's Vault after combat damage. You can set up the top 5, while also assuring that you do at least 11 points on the swing, by either putting Omniscience, or Emrakul on top. Obviously you'd rather Emrakul, but if you're hurting for life, and you're already late game, an 11 point swing is usually good enough.
Any opinions are welcome, please do not suggest switching to regular sneak attack. I am trying to design something with Yuriko in mind, that isn't an aggro deck.
It is possible that if you added wraith cycling and a couple of death's shadow you could even hybridise your idea with ub Death's shadow? That would make it easy to cast Angler, and give a reason to use watery graves. You may end up with a worse DS build on the surface, but you may end up with one that does not keel over to chalice and one that has plenty of high cc cards you need for insta damage, whilst enabling you to play the Ninitsu cards you want. DS is not midrange, your list is, but Ninjitsu sort of synergises with reanimated street wraiths getting bounced and recycled when DS is down. Looking at the list you have lots of midrange elements which is why your bin won't fill quickly- Jitte hardcast for example take some doing, TNN is midrange too,some DS style action might make the deck explosive for t3/4 wins. The midrange cards like Jitte seem to antagonise the fill the bin for Angler plan.
If you don't then I would suggest like many midrange decks in the format, the t2/3 comhbo decks will be hard to control with counters and no discard, and right now Leyline of the Void is where you want to be board wise.
I actually have a near perfect record against sneak and show thankfully, due to my Judge's Familiar effects and my Sakashima's Student. I won a game by putting Baleful Strix into play with his Show and Tell, attacking, (he didn't block) and then Ninjutsu in Sakashima's Student copying the Emrakul, the Aeons Torn he put into play. While I didn't have the annihilate trigger, I still hit him for lethal with the 15/15 student. I also ended up winning one of the games with four Mausoleum Wanderer in play. He'd try to bait me with his cantrips, and couldn't even cast anything.
I'm not quite sure about my matchup against Reanimator though.
I had considered the Death's Shadow build, but it's not really that great combined with Ninja. You want to be able to cast a creature turn one, to assure that you get a turn two Ninjutsu trigger. Death's shadow can't really be played turn one. I do like the suggestion though, since I had actually considered it at one point. (Since I can't afford Underground Sea)
My sideboard is still a work in process. I'm still not quite sure what else I'd need.
Round 1: Burn -- Match:(2 - 1) Record: (1 - 0)
I've discovered that my matchup against burn is quite decent. I've only ever lost a single match against burn thus far, and won about eight matches. The Mausoleum Wanderer,Judge's Familiar and counter spells tend to cause their count to always be a little bit off.
Round 2: Elves -- Match: (2 - 1) Record: (2 - 0)
While my Judge's Familiar, and Mausoleum Wanderer weren't that strong, they still allowed turn two ninjutsu. Spellstutter Sprite, and other counter effects were strong. We always seemed pretty equal in terms of creatures on board. So long as I kept a counter spell in hand, I was always managing to stay ahead. The one game that I lost, I forgot I had a wanderer on field when he used Natural Order. He was hoping I'd forget about it, which I did. Otherwise, I was 2 - 0.
Round 3: Burn -- Match: (1 - 2) Record: (2 - 1)
This is the loss I took against burn, my first loss. Game one was strictly his way, game two went strictly mine. While game three was extremely close. I was down to about six life, and sadly got double fire blasted while I had a Umezawa's Jitte, True-Name Nemesis, and 2 Baleful Strix on board. My attack that turn was lethal, he took the chance and was right- I didn't have a counter.
Round 4: Prison -- Match: (0 - 2) Record: (2 - 2)
This one was rough. I lost game one to a turn one Blood Moon(They went first), with all fetches in hand. Game two, was roughly the same. I managed to get my one island out, and the rest were fetches and didn't draw into another basic. It was rough. It didn't help that he managed to Chalice of the Void on 1, and Chalice of the Void on two right after Blood Moon.
Gurmag Angler is still questionable. I'm really not happy with it. It works really well with Delver decks, but this deck doesn't seem to produce the graveyard that those Delver decks can. It's also not something you can usually return to your hand with Ninjutsu. The deck needs more cards that can either be Ninja'd, or counters. I'm tempted to put Misdirection back into the deck in Gurmag's place. Misdirection is a really strong card game one. It's unexpected, and very easily switched out for better cards during sideboarding. This fact makes me more comfortable, since sideboarding is really hard.
I'm here thanks to unity, with just one suggestion right now. Why aren't you running a card like Gurmag Angler? That card flipped off of Yuriko can be a DEVASTATING blow to your opponent.
I was using Gurmag Angler in my original build. One of the reasons It was removed, is that it quickly became a card that was simply in the deck to deal damage with Yuriko. More often than not, I couldn't actually cast it- and when I had the ability to I was already winning, or had won.
This deck is consistently dealing about (When Yuriko is damaging turn 3);
T3: 2~6 Damage
T4: 3~6 Damage
T5: 9~16 Damage
While a couple damage can be the difference between a game won, and a game lost, I didn't see Gurmag as actually worthwhile in the deck. I wanted a card that either had an ETB trigger, or the ability to progress the top deck further. I may end up testing one or two in the future, since a deck is never truly ever perfect. Though right now, my experience is that the card was simply dead outside of Yuriko's Trigger.
The numbers below reflect changes made in suggestions by Unity24.
3 Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow (3) Damage
2 Vendilion Clique (3) Damage
= 4 Cards that deal (3) Damage (Realistically, since 1 Yuriko will be on the field to trigger the effect.)
Edit; It's also not a fairy or a ninja, it doesn't work well with either of the other themes. (Helping counter with spellstutter, or triggering Yuriko)
Hey, thanks so much for the write up! Love the build and have been tinkering with Yuriko ever since she was spoiled. A few comments on your list. I think you are on the right track with the 1 of Tetsuo. It acts as a nice flex slot while also help getting in that unlockable damage from Yuriko and snapcaster. Another card you might want to consider that the standstill version was playing is Cloud of Faeries as it both turns on spellstutter sprite and is a flier herself. Maybe even add in the 1 of Umezawa's Jitte as playing cloud of faeries into Jitte on turn 2 is quite gross. Cards I'm unsure of snapcaster, bitterblossom, and ponder.
I think you definitely want 4 mutavault as well as maybe going up to 3 or even 4 ninja of the deep hour since drawing a card and getting a trigger for Yuriko is nice. Also, have you tried the build with Standstill yet? I think it could be really powerful but it might be too slow.
Other than that, I think the list looks really cool and I look forward to hearing about it and trying it out for myself. Thanks!
Hey! Thanks for the reply.
You're right, Cloud of Faeries sounds pretty amazing. I'm not quite sure how I missed that card during my build. How many would you recommend? I'd almost think you'd want four, and replace the questionable Snapcaster Mage, and bringing the questionable Bitterblossom with it. It's really nice that you can cast it turn two, while also holding up a Spellstutter Sprite.
Cloud of Faeries is also definitely worthwhile bouncing back to your hand, and has evasion as opposed to Snapcaster Mage. I'd say 3/4 are definitely wanted. Perhaps as you mentioned a very worthy inclusion of Umezawa's Jitte. (It also has flavour with Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive, and this deck is all about flavour)
I have been noticing a trend where I draw double Mutavault hand (and need to mulligan immediately), It could be bad luck- but I'm comfortable with keeping it at three for the time being. I will likely end up testing four eventually.
I'm not quite sold on Standstill, It's a great card, though I am worried it could end up slowing down the deck. The other problem is figuring out a cut. It's possible you'd cut the Ponder. It's definitely worthwhile testing, perhaps when I play in a locals on Wednesday I'll test it out through the sideboard. Swapping the Ponder and Standstill between each game. I'll have to auto forfeit those games(Yuriko Proxy), but my opponents will still play it out and let me test my deck. (They really want me to come back to Legacy)
When Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow was revealed, I completely adored the card immediately. I've been itching to get back into Legacy, and while it may not be a card that can survive the format- I am certainly going to give it a try. This list is "budget", and by "budget" I mean that I cannot afford Underground Sea. While It sucks that I am poor, I will happily run Watery Grave in it's place until I can perhaps afford an upgrade or two.
I'll explain a couple of the things I noticed in play testing, and playing a couple games with proxies.
Creatures!
Baleful Strix - 4
This card is amazing. People are not likely to block it, (especially early) which means dropping this turn two with a Yuriko in hand, nearly guarantees that'll you trigger Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow. While also returning Baleful Strix to your hand. That's free damage, and an extra draw.
Ninja of the Deep Hour - 2
This is quite strong, I am even tempted to somehow move up to three. They're not legendary, and they obviously trigger Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow while also drawing an extra card. They have a CMC = 4, which means that you can also throw it on top of your deck with Brainstorm / Ponder, and hit your opponent for four with a Yuriko trigger, while realistically only costing two to put into play.
Snapcaster Mage - 2
I'm actually not quite sure about this in the build. It can be strong, as an example, before damage with an attacking Yuriko, you can Brainstorm to provide your top deck with further damage. Though with a low count of worthwhile instant targets, I think it loses a lot of the value it holds in other decks. I often find myself casting it on turn two, (opponents turn) and hoping it can swing in on turn three to bring out either Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow or Ninja of the Deep Hour.
Spellstutter Sprite - 4
Another amazing card. Just like Baleful Strix, if I could add more, I would. You're always putting this out on turn two (if available) and bouncing it back with a Ninjutsu trigger the next turn.
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive - 1
I'm on the edge with this card. She is amazing at getting Yuriko through, giving Baleful Strix, and other P/T 1 creatures in the build a little extra evasion. Though I may over think people blocking. At the same time T2 Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive, T3 Swing, Brainstorm(put something big on top), Yuriko Ninjutsu (Damage, Draw) T4 Tetsuko, making Yuriko unblockable-- that can be fun while also pumping up the card advantage.
Vendilion Clique - 2
I don't really thinkn I need to explain this one. Fairy, Draw, Evasion? While It does cost three, It's never a bad idea to bounce it to a ninjutsu.
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow - 3
This card is amazing. I don't really need to explain it. The only reason I don't run four, is that she's Legendary. I may end up changing this.
Force of Will - 4
"Free" counter spell that can hit the opponent for five damage with Yuriko's trigger. Good old damage. Gotta love it.
Misdirection - 2
"Free" protection spell that can hit the opponent for five damage with Yuriko's trigger. I might bump the count up to three. I'm not really sure. Once more: Good old damage. Gotta love it.
Murderous Cut - 2
Helps Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow get some damage in. While also hitting the opponent for five with her trigger. It's somewhat easy to cast since you have so many cantrips, and fetches. This might be moved down to 1, I'm not sure. Two can be a bit clunky, but it's so nice to always have one to toss on top of the deck.
Sorceries!
Ponder - 4
We have only one, but it's a good one. Ponder helps shuffle, and stack the deck with damage. While also getting our lands early.
Enchantment!
Bitterblossom - 2
Eh. It's alright. I don't want to remove it- I wish it allowed me to attack on turn three when I play it on turn two. That's all. It's amazing when you're stuck on the fairy plan.
Land!
I'll only explain the one important one.
Mutavault - 3
This card is amazing. It's not only a fairy, it can be a ninja for Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow tigger's. Amazing!
Well this thread hasn't had much action for a while, but this deck just got a potentially HUGE upgrade. The new ninja commander is possibly a better Ninja of the Deep Hours, which was the deck's best card.
In the past I liked a monoblue version, but with this card, I will try compiling a U/B version.
I have a list I’ve put together on tapped out, I’ll post it here when I’m back home. It’s not standstill, but it’s been testing well!
But seriously, this card is busted. I bet it sees legacy play. Reveal my Gurmag, Force, etc. Return my Snappy or Spellstutter or Baleful Strix. Seems pretty decent.
While It may not be very strong, I've been trying to brew a legacy list with her since she was revealed. As you pointed out, I was thinking about returning snaps, stutters, and baleful strix. People don't ever tend to block a Baleful, so she'd easily come into play off of that, and draw you a card. This seems so much fun! Do you have any other brewing ideas like you mentioned?
Edit: Had to edit, I managed to forget the quote- and quote myself somehow. Lol
In a couple side events, Gideon actually ended up winning my match against death shadow twice, while waiting for my combo. Had Gideon at 9 with an emblem one of those games. Double white isn’t a problem at all.
Another- Burn had to spend one attack, and two burn spells to get rid of it. I really think Gideon is the right choice.
After doing a bunch of testing, this is what I have ended up with. I will sleeve this up today for hopefully *ONE* last chance trial (I want them byes) before the main event tomorrow. I will probably make adjustments, and I will try my best to update everyone with scores. I will be leaving in two hours, for the grueling four hour drive with five people stuffed into one tiny car. Wish me luck!
In regards to JochemW:
That's what I thought about Settle The Wreckage. In a format where you can expect a lot of humans, or at the very least a lot of aggro- the card is a complete house. People will not be expecting it, which is what I also thought about Gideon of the Trials. Though I have been questioning playing him as well. Sadly, I've been sick the last two weeks and have not had a chance to actually play test this build. (Other than solitaire) Mystic Gate is a great idea, I will look around my locals today and see if I can spot one. (I will have to test this deck in a legacy event tonight. It's the last local event before GP Toronto.)
Your comments on the sideboard make complete sense. Faerie won't be that useful unless someone is discarding their own cards to say Faithless Looting for example. Since I will be spending most of the game exiling their creatures. And since I am playing Living End on my turn, instead of the other build which does it on instant speed. It's very likely that Settle the Wreckage would be able to protect me from their own alpha strike creatures anyways.
To Clixxi:
I reealllly hate Street Wraith in the current meta. I'm not as worried against aggro when it comes to Street Wraith, I am more worried about playing against burn with them. Which is possible I may not see much, but- Ugh. I hate the life loss, when I could be taking hits to the face. I don't want to be playing a nasty game of "Stop hitting yourself" at that point.
I'm planning on taking this deck to GP Toronto this coming weekend. Any opinions on it? I'd love to hear what people think about some of my odd choices. I need to make a cut from my sideboard as well, I'm willing to listen to ideas and changes. All opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Yeah. I've thought about the same thing. The main issue with that is we start getting into much more expensive land base (which I am trying to avoid) and honestly, It may even lose a little consistency.
White would add a very nice sideboard package, which is huge. Though when we come back to Draco, It's not really something that we'd ever put onto the battlefield. We also wouldn't want to run a lot, maybe two at the most... Which means we'd likely end up having to mulligan perfectly good hands with a Draco in it, since then our Enlightened Tutors after damage wouldn't be as effective. Then we'd have to depend on brainstorm, and not use it until combat. So it'd require not using a cantrip to be any good. It's a 17 point swing, which is one better than my current build- but- having access to Show and Tell, with an Emrakul package... Its a little more intimidating than a 9/9 Flyer that we'd never be able to cast, and likely have to sacrifice at the start of our turn.
I agree though. White is very tempting, I've thought about it a lot. Were I to have the money to afford playing three colours in legacy (the ability to buy Tundra and Underground Sea) I'd definitely be trying it with white. Since a strong solution to Yuriko being blocked, is having our own Karakas, since then we could bounce Yuriko back to our hand every turn and then keep Ninjaing it into play off our flyers.
I'm currently still deciding my sideboard, any opinions would be appreciated.
4 Baleful Strix
3 Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
2 Gurmag Angler
4 Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow
Instant: 11
4 Brainstorm
4 Force of Will
1 Spell Pierce
2 Lim-Dul's Vault
4 Ponder
2 Preordain
4 Show and Tell
4 Thoughtseize
Enchantment: 3
3 Omniscience
Land: 19
4 Flooded Strand
7 Island
4 Polluted Delta
2 Swamp
2 Underground Sea
While this version of Show and Tell is a lot weaker to Karakas, It has quite a few back up plans available.
When in magical Christmas land, landing a turn 2 Baleful Strix, with a Yuriko, Brainstorm, and Emrakul in hand, results in a turn three 16 damage swing. This can also be achieved if you're lucky enough with a Preordain, or Ponder, to seek out that Emrakul for maximum damage (pre-combat). You can't really complain though, you also have Gurmag Angler (7) Damage, and Omniscience (10) Damage, which can really turn a game in your direction.
You also have the "back-up" plan of little old "Show and Tell" which on it's own can be quite deadly.
Followed with another "back-up" plan of simply landing an early Gurmag Angler.
While it may seem like this deck is trying to do a lot, the fact there are multiple win conditions has resulted in a lot of different types of victories. While the more common win is through Show and Tell, Yuriko has occasionally made an opponent scoop on turn three after a 16 point swing.
This build essentially removes Sneak Attack, and allows a sometimes earlier big swing with Yuriko. While also building advantage through cantrips, and bouncing Baleful Strix.
Another magical hand, Turn 2 Baleful Strix, Turn 3: ???, Turn 4, Yuriko + Lim-Dul's Vault after combat damage. You can set up the top 5, while also assuring that you do at least 11 points on the swing, by either putting Omniscience, or Emrakul on top. Obviously you'd rather Emrakul, but if you're hurting for life, and you're already late game, an 11 point swing is usually good enough.
Any opinions are welcome, please do not suggest switching to regular sneak attack. I am trying to design something with Yuriko in mind, that isn't an aggro deck.
I actually have a near perfect record against sneak and show thankfully, due to my Judge's Familiar effects and my Sakashima's Student. I won a game by putting Baleful Strix into play with his Show and Tell, attacking, (he didn't block) and then Ninjutsu in Sakashima's Student copying the Emrakul, the Aeons Torn he put into play. While I didn't have the annihilate trigger, I still hit him for lethal with the 15/15 student. I also ended up winning one of the games with four Mausoleum Wanderer in play. He'd try to bait me with his cantrips, and couldn't even cast anything.
I'm not quite sure about my matchup against Reanimator though.
A friend of mine recommended that I put 2 Reanimate in the Gurmag Angler slots. I'm considering it, and Misdirection.
I had considered the Death's Shadow build, but it's not really that great combined with Ninja. You want to be able to cast a creature turn one, to assure that you get a turn two Ninjutsu trigger. Death's shadow can't really be played turn one. I do like the suggestion though, since I had actually considered it at one point. (Since I can't afford Underground Sea)
The current list has been changed into this.
4 Baleful Strix
2 Gurmag Angler
2 Judge’s Familiar
4 Mausoleum Wanderer
2 Sakashima’s Student
3 Spellstutter Sprite
3 True-Name Nemesis
3 Yuriko, the Tiger’s Shadow
Artifact: 2
2 Umezawa’s Jitte
Instant: 12
4 Brainstorm
3 Fatal Push
4 Force of Will
1 Murderous Cut
4 Ponder
Land: 19
4 Flooded Strand
4 Island
1 Marsh Flats
4 Polluted Delta
2 Swamp
3 Watery Grave
1 Shizo, Death’s Storehouse
2 Engineered Plague
2 Blue Elemental Blast
2 Diabolic Edict
2 Echoing Truth
2 Spell Pierce
2 Faerie Macabre
My sideboard is still a work in process. I'm still not quite sure what else I'd need.
Round 1: Burn -- Match:(2 - 1) Record: (1 - 0)
I've discovered that my matchup against burn is quite decent. I've only ever lost a single match against burn thus far, and won about eight matches. The Mausoleum Wanderer,Judge's Familiar and counter spells tend to cause their count to always be a little bit off.
Round 2: Elves -- Match: (2 - 1) Record: (2 - 0)
While my Judge's Familiar, and Mausoleum Wanderer weren't that strong, they still allowed turn two ninjutsu. Spellstutter Sprite, and other counter effects were strong. We always seemed pretty equal in terms of creatures on board. So long as I kept a counter spell in hand, I was always managing to stay ahead. The one game that I lost, I forgot I had a wanderer on field when he used Natural Order. He was hoping I'd forget about it, which I did. Otherwise, I was 2 - 0.
Round 3: Burn -- Match: (1 - 2) Record: (2 - 1)
This is the loss I took against burn, my first loss. Game one was strictly his way, game two went strictly mine. While game three was extremely close. I was down to about six life, and sadly got double fire blasted while I had a Umezawa's Jitte, True-Name Nemesis, and 2 Baleful Strix on board. My attack that turn was lethal, he took the chance and was right- I didn't have a counter.
Round 4: Prison -- Match: (0 - 2) Record: (2 - 2)
This one was rough. I lost game one to a turn one Blood Moon(They went first), with all fetches in hand. Game two, was roughly the same. I managed to get my one island out, and the rest were fetches and didn't draw into another basic. It was rough. It didn't help that he managed to Chalice of the Void on 1, and Chalice of the Void on two right after Blood Moon.
Gurmag Angler is still questionable. I'm really not happy with it. It works really well with Delver decks, but this deck doesn't seem to produce the graveyard that those Delver decks can. It's also not something you can usually return to your hand with Ninjutsu. The deck needs more cards that can either be Ninja'd, or counters. I'm tempted to put Misdirection back into the deck in Gurmag's place. Misdirection is a really strong card game one. It's unexpected, and very easily switched out for better cards during sideboarding. This fact makes me more comfortable, since sideboarding is really hard.
I was using Gurmag Angler in my original build. One of the reasons It was removed, is that it quickly became a card that was simply in the deck to deal damage with Yuriko. More often than not, I couldn't actually cast it- and when I had the ability to I was already winning, or had won.
This deck is consistently dealing about (When Yuriko is damaging turn 3);
T3: 2~6 Damage
T4: 3~6 Damage
T5: 9~16 Damage
While a couple damage can be the difference between a game won, and a game lost, I didn't see Gurmag as actually worthwhile in the deck. I wanted a card that either had an ETB trigger, or the ability to progress the top deck further. I may end up testing one or two in the future, since a deck is never truly ever perfect. Though right now, my experience is that the card was simply dead outside of Yuriko's Trigger.
The numbers below reflect changes made in suggestions by Unity24.
You have:
4 Force of Will (5) Damage
2 Misdirection (5) Damage
1 Murderous Cut (5) Damage
= 7 Cards that deal (5) Damage
3 Ninja of the Deep Hours (4) Damage
= 3 Cards that deal (4) Damage
3 Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow (3) Damage
2 Vendilion Clique (3) Damage
= 4 Cards that deal (3) Damage (Realistically, since 1 Yuriko will be on the field to trigger the effect.)
Edit; It's also not a fairy or a ninja, it doesn't work well with either of the other themes. (Helping counter with spellstutter, or triggering Yuriko)
Hey! Thanks for the reply.
You're right, Cloud of Faeries sounds pretty amazing. I'm not quite sure how I missed that card during my build. How many would you recommend? I'd almost think you'd want four, and replace the questionable Snapcaster Mage, and bringing the questionable Bitterblossom with it. It's really nice that you can cast it turn two, while also holding up a Spellstutter Sprite.
Cloud of Faeries is also definitely worthwhile bouncing back to your hand, and has evasion as opposed to Snapcaster Mage. I'd say 3/4 are definitely wanted. Perhaps as you mentioned a very worthy inclusion of Umezawa's Jitte. (It also has flavour with Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive, and this deck is all about flavour)
Possible Additions:
+ 3 Cloud of Faeries
+ 1 Umezawa's Jitte
Possible Subtractions:
- 2 Snapcaster Mage
- 2 Bitterblossom
I have been noticing a trend where I draw double Mutavault hand (and need to mulligan immediately), It could be bad luck- but I'm comfortable with keeping it at three for the time being. I will likely end up testing four eventually.
I'm not quite sold on Standstill, It's a great card, though I am worried it could end up slowing down the deck. The other problem is figuring out a cut. It's possible you'd cut the Ponder. It's definitely worthwhile testing, perhaps when I play in a locals on Wednesday I'll test it out through the sideboard. Swapping the Ponder and Standstill between each game. I'll have to auto forfeit those games(Yuriko Proxy), but my opponents will still play it out and let me test my deck. (They really want me to come back to Legacy)
I'd like to add another Ninja of the Deep Hours but it's tough to find a cut.
Possible Addition:
+ 1 Ninja of the Deep Hours
Possible Subtractions:
- 1 Murderous Cut
What are your thoughts?
4 Baleful Strix
2 Ninja of the Deep Hour
2 Snapcaster Mage
4 Spellstutter Sprite
1 Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive
2 Vendilion Clique
3 Yuriko, the Tiger’s Shadow
4 Brainstorm
4 Fatal Push
4 Force of Will
2 Misdirection
2 Murderous Cut
Sorcery: 4
4 Ponder
2 Bitterblossom
Land: 20
4 Polluted Delta
4 Flooded Strand
3 Watery Grave
3 Mutavault
4 Island
2 Swamp
I'll explain a couple of the things I noticed in play testing, and playing a couple games with proxies.
Creatures!
Baleful Strix - 4
This card is amazing. People are not likely to block it, (especially early) which means dropping this turn two with a Yuriko in hand, nearly guarantees that'll you trigger Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow. While also returning Baleful Strix to your hand. That's free damage, and an extra draw.
Ninja of the Deep Hour - 2
This is quite strong, I am even tempted to somehow move up to three. They're not legendary, and they obviously trigger Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow while also drawing an extra card. They have a CMC = 4, which means that you can also throw it on top of your deck with Brainstorm / Ponder, and hit your opponent for four with a Yuriko trigger, while realistically only costing two to put into play.
Snapcaster Mage - 2
I'm actually not quite sure about this in the build. It can be strong, as an example, before damage with an attacking Yuriko, you can Brainstorm to provide your top deck with further damage. Though with a low count of worthwhile instant targets, I think it loses a lot of the value it holds in other decks. I often find myself casting it on turn two, (opponents turn) and hoping it can swing in on turn three to bring out either Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow or Ninja of the Deep Hour.
Spellstutter Sprite - 4
Another amazing card. Just like Baleful Strix, if I could add more, I would. You're always putting this out on turn two (if available) and bouncing it back with a Ninjutsu trigger the next turn.
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive - 1
I'm on the edge with this card. She is amazing at getting Yuriko through, giving Baleful Strix, and other P/T 1 creatures in the build a little extra evasion. Though I may over think people blocking. At the same time T2 Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive, T3 Swing, Brainstorm(put something big on top), Yuriko Ninjutsu (Damage, Draw) T4 Tetsuko, making Yuriko unblockable-- that can be fun while also pumping up the card advantage.
Vendilion Clique - 2
I don't really thinkn I need to explain this one. Fairy, Draw, Evasion? While It does cost three, It's never a bad idea to bounce it to a ninjutsu.
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow - 3
This card is amazing. I don't really need to explain it. The only reason I don't run four, is that she's Legendary. I may end up changing this.
Instants!
Brainstorm - 4
It's amazing, and it helps increase your damage triggers with Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow.
Fatal Push - 4
Amazing, helps give Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow some needed evasion.
Force of Will - 4
"Free" counter spell that can hit the opponent for five damage with Yuriko's trigger. Good old damage. Gotta love it.
Misdirection - 2
"Free" protection spell that can hit the opponent for five damage with Yuriko's trigger. I might bump the count up to three. I'm not really sure. Once more: Good old damage. Gotta love it.
Murderous Cut - 2
Helps Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow get some damage in. While also hitting the opponent for five with her trigger. It's somewhat easy to cast since you have so many cantrips, and fetches. This might be moved down to 1, I'm not sure. Two can be a bit clunky, but it's so nice to always have one to toss on top of the deck.
Sorceries!
Ponder - 4
We have only one, but it's a good one. Ponder helps shuffle, and stack the deck with damage. While also getting our lands early.
Enchantment!
Bitterblossom - 2
Eh. It's alright. I don't want to remove it- I wish it allowed me to attack on turn three when I play it on turn two. That's all. It's amazing when you're stuck on the fairy plan.
Land!
I'll only explain the one important one.
Mutavault - 3
This card is amazing. It's not only a fairy, it can be a ninja for Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow tigger's. Amazing!
I have a list I’ve put together on tapped out, I’ll post it here when I’m back home. It’s not standstill, but it’s been testing well!
While It may not be very strong, I've been trying to brew a legacy list with her since she was revealed. As you pointed out, I was thinking about returning snaps, stutters, and baleful strix. People don't ever tend to block a Baleful, so she'd easily come into play off of that, and draw you a card. This seems so much fun! Do you have any other brewing ideas like you mentioned?
Edit: Had to edit, I managed to forget the quote- and quote myself somehow. Lol
Another- Burn had to spend one attack, and two burn spells to get rid of it. I really think Gideon is the right choice.
2 Architects of Will
4 Curator of Mysteries
1 Nimble Obstructionist
2 Street Wraith
4 Striped Riverwinder
Artifacts: 1
1 Engineered Explosives
Instants: 14
3 Cryptic Command
4 Path to Exile
3 Remand
1 Settle the Wreckage
1 Spell Pierce
2 Spell Snare
1 Gideon of the Trials
Sorcery: 7
4 Ancestral Vision
3 Living End
Enchantments: 4
4 As Foretold
Lands: 20
1 Bojuka Bog
2 Field of Ruin
4 Flooded Strand
2 Hallowed Fountain
3 Island
1 Mystic Gate
1 Plains
3 Seachrome Coast
3 Tolaria West
1 Grafdigger’s Cage
2 Ceremonious Rejection
2 Disenchant
2 Stony Silence
2 Timely Reinforcements
2 Faerie Macabre
4 Leyline of Sanctity
In regards to JochemW:
That's what I thought about Settle The Wreckage. In a format where you can expect a lot of humans, or at the very least a lot of aggro- the card is a complete house. People will not be expecting it, which is what I also thought about Gideon of the Trials. Though I have been questioning playing him as well. Sadly, I've been sick the last two weeks and have not had a chance to actually play test this build. (Other than solitaire) Mystic Gate is a great idea, I will look around my locals today and see if I can spot one. (I will have to test this deck in a legacy event tonight. It's the last local event before GP Toronto.)
Your comments on the sideboard make complete sense. Faerie won't be that useful unless someone is discarding their own cards to say Faithless Looting for example. Since I will be spending most of the game exiling their creatures. And since I am playing Living End on my turn, instead of the other build which does it on instant speed. It's very likely that Settle the Wreckage would be able to protect me from their own alpha strike creatures anyways.
To Clixxi:
I reealllly hate Street Wraith in the current meta. I'm not as worried against aggro when it comes to Street Wraith, I am more worried about playing against burn with them. Which is possible I may not see much, but- Ugh. I hate the life loss, when I could be taking hits to the face. I don't want to be playing a nasty game of "Stop hitting yourself" at that point.
4 Architects of Will
4 Curator of Mysteries
2 Nimble Obstructionist
4 Striped Riverwinder
Artifacts: 1
1 Engineered Explosives
Instants: 12
3 Cryptic Command
3 Path to Exile
3 Remand
2 Settle the Wreckage
1 Spell Pierce
Planeswalkers: 1
1 Gideon of the Trials
4 Ancestral Vision
4 Living End
Enchantments: 4
4 As Foretold
Lands: 20
1 Bojuka Bog
2 Field of Ruin
4 Flooded Strand
2 Hallowed Fountain
4 Island
1 Plains
3 Seachrome Coast
3 Tolaria West
1 Grafdigger’s Cage
1 Path to Exile
2 Ceremonious Rejection
2 Disenchant
2 Stony Silence
2 Timely Reinforcements
3 Faerie Macabre
3 Leyline of Sanctity