Due to standard being so full of removal-heavy decks, you're going to see Kiln Fiend and Surrakar Spellblade will die to removal pretty easily. Most decks these days are geared toward handling decks with 20 creatures, so their removal will be more than enough to handle your 8. Your counterspells can only stop so much of it, I think. Add to that that both of them die very easily to blockers, and it's going to be a rough time.
I agree with venerated teacher, but not training grounds. Tearing a grounds off the topdeck when you already have one is useless (since costs can't go below 1). You need to build the deck focusing on creatures who level up for only one. Knight of Cliffhaven is really just inefficient all over the place, as is Skywatcher Adept. Consider Transcendent Master and Student of Warfare. Coralhelm is a maybe, since he's pretty good even when he's not buffing merfolk.
I've been playing Boros Bushwacker since the deck first emerged way back in Zendikar, and honestly I've loved it so much I'm just not ready to see it go. I've been playing it in the post-Rise FNMs for a bit and it seems to me it's as strong as ever; I almost got an invite to nationals running this thing (lost to some homebrew Bant deck in the finals that crushed Jund and Vamps).
This is based heavily on Gerry T's Worldwake version of Koros. It's much more mid-range than the old Boros build because that suicide-kill tactic doesn't work as well as it used to. Obviously the Stoneforge package is pretty much standard. Anyway, to the new additions:
Devastating Summons: Obviously I'm not the first to come up with this idea, but I'll be one of many to endorse it. This card is sick. Especially in this 25 land build (which could easily go up to 26 and be very efficient), you can easily sac 3-4 lands and still have Ranger of Eos mana. Early game, when I've got 3-4 lands and nothing particularly expensive in sight/plenty of lands in hand, I have no quarrels with sacing a land or two to get some quick creatures. The synergy with Bushwhacker is out of control. Sure, it sucks when it gets countered, but play smart and you don't have to worry about a sudden shortage of lands on your side.
Emerge Unscathed: I'll admit to being pretty hesitant about this one at first. It doesn't fit in all that well with the aggro side of the deck, but like I said, Koros has become a lot more mid-range. This acts as a counterspell to spot removal, then on your turn you get to make one of your creatures (probably) unblockable. With the landfall and equipment working on your creatures, having a single guy be unblockable is pretty scary. Also, against those decks packing removal to stop the reign of terror that is a collared up Cunning Sparkmage, you have a way of keeping him alive. Seriously considering trying to fit in a third one of these.
The sideboard is a little shaky right now. It's a tossup between Vithian Stinger and Stun Sniper for the extra ping creature, and overall I like the Sniper more. She's useful even without a collar on the field. Obviously Baneslayer Angel belongs in here, but I traded mine recently so she's a no-go (at least for my list, she'd be included on the ideal). Flame Slash is our Godsend card to finally get rid of Malakir Bloodwitch (HATE her), Kor Sanctifiers takes down the plethora of artifacts seen in today's meta, and Elspeth is a dream against control decks.
One of the greatest advantages this deck has is its crazy mid-range capabilities due to consistent land draws that keep Lynx and Geopede scary while Sparkmage can keep the board clean, while at the same time you can still nail your opponents in the face for 13 damage on turn three if you've got the right hand. Unlike the older Boros decks, you don't NEED that hand to win at all, but it can and will happen sometimes.
Due to the mid-range qualities, I'm pondering the addition of Ajani Vengeant and maybe Gideon Jura. Some people have suggested Kiln Fiend and Staggershock, but (despite their insane synergy with one another), I'm not really convinced.
Krayon: Ruin Ghost costs 2, you can't fetch it.
I really don't see any need to argue, Skyfisher is simply better. Better body, more versatile, more aggro. Not only can you bounce Rangers and lands, but let's not forget that Bouncing a Bushwacker to kick it again is awesome. Then there's the Mystic in the Stoneforge build.
As far as the optimal equipment in the Stoneforge Mystic build, I'd go with what you have. It gives you options, you won't get flooded, and obviously Stoneforge lets you pick. Might even make Kor Duelist worth running as a one of to fetch with Ranger...maybe.
The thing about Skyfisher over the Ghost is that he can bounce Ranger of Eos as well, which is pretty awesome.
As far as your decklist, I suggest removing one Vanguard for a fourth Ranger.
For your sideboard: four Purges is overkill, as is seven damage redirect spells. Put in something more like White Knight or Quenchable Fire instead.
Pilgrim's Eye is really effective for ensuring land drops, which is especially important due to Emeria, same with the Cartographer. Lifegain is the main point to the deck, but activating the Emeria is secondary and ensures the win/keeps it alive late game.
Felidar Sovereign is a serious consideration, but it really doesn't have the space for him. In today's standard, managing to stay at/above 40 is VERY difficult, even with lots of lifegain. What would you suggestions for what he should replace, though?
So far it's proved really effective against Jund, since so many of the creatures resist bolt and it can make some pretty late-game recoveries from 1 or 2 life. Perimeter Captain stops almost all of their early game threats as well as gaining life. Obviously, Malakir Bloodwitch is a problem.
Sideboard definitely needs some ironing out, so any suggestions there would be great.
Here's the list Paul Rietzl ran in San Diego. Quenchable Fire, almost nobody would see that coming. Love it. What does everyone think of maybe mainboarding Kor Firewalker? I think it's viable, seeing as he's a 2/2 for 2 (granted, a little lacking for Boros) who gains you life even if they aren't playing red; but really, with Naya Boss, Jund, and RDW out there, he could work.
On another note, though, how does this sideboard work? I've been running Boros for awhile, usually with my own personal tweaks on it, but I can't quite figure how some of the lists I find online use the sideboards they put together. When is it a good idea to put in your ONE Ajani Vengeant? Just baffles me.
Also, I'm loving Searing Blaze. Think there's a way to weasel it into this list?
I definitely like Siege Gang Commander, he can easily replace the Twinclaws.
As far as Gemblades, I tested it out in the very original version. Hell, it was practically what inspired the deck. I found it wanting, but thinking back, the deck I was testing it out against was pretty much set up to take mine down. Would I run it in place of Colossal Might or what?
Alright, posted another list. Took this one to FNM. Basilisk Collar was great, good call there. Still on the fence about Violent Outburst and whether it's good or not. Marisi's Twinclaws is looking to be taken out, since it literally never does anything for me. Groundswell is an interesting idea.
I like the idea of Violent Outburst a lot, and I'd been pondering a way to put it in.
Canopy Cover is really good, and the only deck in standard with a mainboard answer to it (ignoring Day of Judgement) is Jund, and I don't mind them wasting a pulse on a two mana enchantment. Not to say I can't be convinced to take it out, but I like it a lot. Gigantiform, on the other hand, I think has to come out, you're right. As cool as an 8/8 trampling double striker is, I may as well just use the pump spells, and taking out the three of them lets me fill out the playsets of Colossal Might and Vines of Vastwood.
Newest version. Replaced Canopy Cover with Basilisk Collar and the results were awesome. Violent Outburst was a little hit or miss, but that's mostly due to Vines of Vastwood being a difficult cascade.
Sideboard still needs some tweaking, I think. And based on my playing so far, Marisi's Twinclaws really just doesn't get there. Ever.
Record so far: 1 FNM, 2-2. Won against Cruel Control and Elves, lost to G/W Junk and Monoblack Sacrifice.
Four is a bit much for just two mana. I'd probably make it three; even Siege Gang Commander could only do two. Granted, you didn't have to tap him, but he had fewer potential targets (goblins only) and did less damage. Making the cannoneer a "sac a creature, 1R: incinerate" it pretty fair IMO.
Here's my list:
1 Goblin Bushwhacker
4 Steppe Lynx
2 Kor Duelist
1 Kitesail Apprentice
4 Plated Geopede
3 Stoneforge Mystic
3 Kor Skyfisher
4 Ranger of Eos
Spells (11):
2 Oblivion Ring
2 Journey to Nowhere
2 Devastating Summons
2 Earthquake
2 Emerge Unscathed
1 Elspeth, Knight-Errant
2 Adventuring Gear
Lands (25):
4 Scalding Tarn
4 Arid Mesa
4 Marsh Flats
2 Evolving Wilds
2 Tectonic Edge
4 Mountain
5 Plains
2 Kor Sanctifiers
4 Goblin Ruinblaster
2 Elspeth, Knight-Errant
2 Flame Slash
1 Cunning Sparkmage
1 Basilisk Collar
2 Stun Sniper
This is based heavily on Gerry T's Worldwake version of Koros. It's much more mid-range than the old Boros build because that suicide-kill tactic doesn't work as well as it used to. Obviously the Stoneforge package is pretty much standard. Anyway, to the new additions:
Devastating Summons: Obviously I'm not the first to come up with this idea, but I'll be one of many to endorse it. This card is sick. Especially in this 25 land build (which could easily go up to 26 and be very efficient), you can easily sac 3-4 lands and still have Ranger of Eos mana. Early game, when I've got 3-4 lands and nothing particularly expensive in sight/plenty of lands in hand, I have no quarrels with sacing a land or two to get some quick creatures. The synergy with Bushwhacker is out of control. Sure, it sucks when it gets countered, but play smart and you don't have to worry about a sudden shortage of lands on your side.
Emerge Unscathed: I'll admit to being pretty hesitant about this one at first. It doesn't fit in all that well with the aggro side of the deck, but like I said, Koros has become a lot more mid-range. This acts as a counterspell to spot removal, then on your turn you get to make one of your creatures (probably) unblockable. With the landfall and equipment working on your creatures, having a single guy be unblockable is pretty scary. Also, against those decks packing removal to stop the reign of terror that is a collared up Cunning Sparkmage, you have a way of keeping him alive. Seriously considering trying to fit in a third one of these.
The sideboard is a little shaky right now. It's a tossup between Vithian Stinger and Stun Sniper for the extra ping creature, and overall I like the Sniper more. She's useful even without a collar on the field. Obviously Baneslayer Angel belongs in here, but I traded mine recently so she's a no-go (at least for my list, she'd be included on the ideal). Flame Slash is our Godsend card to finally get rid of Malakir Bloodwitch (HATE her), Kor Sanctifiers takes down the plethora of artifacts seen in today's meta, and Elspeth is a dream against control decks.
One of the greatest advantages this deck has is its crazy mid-range capabilities due to consistent land draws that keep Lynx and Geopede scary while Sparkmage can keep the board clean, while at the same time you can still nail your opponents in the face for 13 damage on turn three if you've got the right hand. Unlike the older Boros decks, you don't NEED that hand to win at all, but it can and will happen sometimes.
Due to the mid-range qualities, I'm pondering the addition of Ajani Vengeant and maybe Gideon Jura. Some people have suggested Kiln Fiend and Staggershock, but (despite their insane synergy with one another), I'm not really convinced.
I really don't see any need to argue, Skyfisher is simply better. Better body, more versatile, more aggro. Not only can you bounce Rangers and lands, but let's not forget that Bouncing a Bushwacker to kick it again is awesome. Then there's the Mystic in the Stoneforge build.
As far as the optimal equipment in the Stoneforge Mystic build, I'd go with what you have. It gives you options, you won't get flooded, and obviously Stoneforge lets you pick. Might even make Kor Duelist worth running as a one of to fetch with Ranger...maybe.
As far as your decklist, I suggest removing one Vanguard for a fourth Ranger.
For your sideboard: four Purges is overkill, as is seven damage redirect spells. Put in something more like White Knight or Quenchable Fire instead.
Felidar Sovereign is a serious consideration, but it really doesn't have the space for him. In today's standard, managing to stay at/above 40 is VERY difficult, even with lots of lifegain. What would you suggestions for what he should replace, though?
4 Perimeter Captain
3 Pilgrims Eye
4 Kor Cartographer
4 Archon of Redemption
4 Baneslayer Angel
2 Admonition Angel
2 Iona, Shield of Emeria
4 Path to Exile
2 Brave the Elements
2 Journey to Nowhere
2 Oblivion Ring
3 Day of Judgement
2 Conqueror's Pledge
18 Plains
4 Emeria, The Sky Ruin
3 Celestial Purge
4 Kor Firewalker
3 Devout Lightcaster
3 Solemn Offering
2 Oblivion Ring
Pretty basic idea, simple and effective. Mainboard considerations include one or two Devout Lightcaster (since there's so much black in all meta), Knight of the White Orchid (for obvious reasons), and White Knight.
So far it's proved really effective against Jund, since so many of the creatures resist bolt and it can make some pretty late-game recoveries from 1 or 2 life. Perimeter Captain stops almost all of their early game threats as well as gaining life. Obviously, Malakir Bloodwitch is a problem.
Sideboard definitely needs some ironing out, so any suggestions there would be great.
4 Arid Mesa
4 Marsh Flats
4 Mountain
4 Plains
4 Scalding Tarn
2 Sejiri Steppe
3 Terramorphic Expanse
Creatures (26)
1 Elite Vanguard
3 Goblin Bushwhacker
4 Goblin Guide
3 Hellspark Elemental
3 Kor Skyfisher
4 Plated Geopede
4 Ranger of Eos
4 Steppe Lynx
1 Elspeth, Knight-Errant
4 Lightning Bolt
4 Path to Exile
1 Adventuring Gear
1 Ajani Vengeant
2 Baneslayer Angel
3 Earthquake
2 Kor Firewalker
4 Quenchable Fire
2 White Knight
Here's the list Paul Rietzl ran in San Diego. Quenchable Fire, almost nobody would see that coming. Love it. What does everyone think of maybe mainboarding Kor Firewalker? I think it's viable, seeing as he's a 2/2 for 2 (granted, a little lacking for Boros) who gains you life even if they aren't playing red; but really, with Naya Boss, Jund, and RDW out there, he could work.
On another note, though, how does this sideboard work? I've been running Boros for awhile, usually with my own personal tweaks on it, but I can't quite figure how some of the lists I find online use the sideboards they put together. When is it a good idea to put in your ONE Ajani Vengeant? Just baffles me.
Also, I'm loving Searing Blaze. Think there's a way to weasel it into this list?
As far as Gemblades, I tested it out in the very original version. Hell, it was practically what inspired the deck. I found it wanting, but thinking back, the deck I was testing it out against was pretty much set up to take mine down. Would I run it in place of Colossal Might or what?
Basilisk Collar was great, good call there. Still on the fence about Violent Outburst and whether it's good or not. Marisi's Twinclaws is looking to be taken out, since it literally never does anything for me. Groundswell is an interesting idea.
Canopy Cover is really good, and the only deck in standard with a mainboard answer to it (ignoring Day of Judgement) is Jund, and I don't mind them wasting a pulse on a two mana enchantment. Not to say I can't be convinced to take it out, but I like it a lot. Gigantiform, on the other hand, I think has to come out, you're right. As cool as an 8/8 trampling double striker is, I may as well just use the pump spells, and taking out the three of them lets me fill out the playsets of Colossal Might and Vines of Vastwood.
4 Viashino Slaughtermaster
3 Marisi's Twinclaws
4 Bloodbraid Elf
4 Plated Geopede
3 Warren Instigator
3 Great Sable Stag
Spells:
4 Colossal Might
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Violent Outburst
4 Vines of Vastwood
3 Basilisk Collar
4 Rootbound Crag
2 Raging Ravine
2 Teetering Peaks
4 Forest
4 Mountain
3 Scalding Tarn
3 Misty Rainforest
1 Great Sable Stag
3 Goblin Ruinblaster
2 Burst Lightning
3 Manabarbs
3 River Boa
3 Slingbow Trap
Newest version. Replaced Canopy Cover with Basilisk Collar and the results were awesome. Violent Outburst was a little hit or miss, but that's mostly due to Vines of Vastwood being a difficult cascade.
Sideboard still needs some tweaking, I think. And based on my playing so far, Marisi's Twinclaws really just doesn't get there. Ever.
Record so far: 1 FNM, 2-2. Won against Cruel Control and Elves, lost to G/W Junk and Monoblack Sacrifice.