Magic: The Gathering,GO TEAM MS!

[PeregrineV]

Don't know anything about clans but am starting up my Magic online play again. If anyone has any tips or wants to play I'm PeregrineV on there too.

[PeregrineV]

I can do MWS, but need patience from my opponent. You have to do everything, where MTGO does it for you.

[PeregrineV]

Don't know anything about clans but am starting up my Magic online play again. If anyone has any tips or wants to play I'm PeregrineV on there too.

Do you have Xbox live? Only reason I've kept somewhat up is because of the 2 live arcade games

I play Duels of the Planeswalkers on Steam (PC), and MTGO on the PC also. Do they have it on X-Box?

[PeregrineV]

I <3 MY B/U ZOMBIES DECK.

I just need to pick up another Diregraf Captain & Tragic Slip. Been playing with the idea of putting in a couple Grimgrin, Corpse-Borns but I think my deck is okay w/out it.

Evil Twin

It doubles as another Zombie and also as removal of any of your opponents foul beasts.

And it's in your colors!

[PeregrineV]

Yeah, If you are zombie heavy, it's another zombie. If they have bigger badass creatures, it's removal, and you still keep yours, no sacrifice involved.

[PeregrineV]

Any French readers here?

[PeregrineV]

I think Thunderous Wrath means no Lightning Bolt reprint in M13.

[PeregrineV]

I think lightning bolt reprint was a mistake in the first place, so I'm not too sad about it.

But I also don't get the connection.

It's a 1/1 thing. 1 mana= 1 point of damage.

Cards that provide more are better

Lightning Bolt is 3 damage for one red, cast anytime.
Thunderous Wrath is 5 for one red. Now this is only true if you cast it when you draw it, but it combos like a bitch.



3 red mana= 10 damage.
6 red mana= 15 damage

[PeregrineV]

I was in favor of reprinting L-Bolt, I just don't think they did it in the right context. L-Bolt is a very useful tool for countering creature-creep. They just needed to back it with decent permission, rather than more burn.

I replaced it with Galvanic Blast. Since I like artifacts, it works very well for me (for now, I suppose).

[PeregrineV]

Soulbound Haste will make some sick stuff happen.

[PeregrineV]

Any French readers here?

You reveal top card, if it matches a creature type with a creature you control, you can cast without paying mana cost.

Explains how Big Angel "A" can get tricked onto the battlefield.

[PeregrineV]

Ulamog and Emrakul don't need haste. They're death on wheels.

I love borrowing death.

[PeregrineV]

Green removal has arrived!

[PeregrineV]

how does one beat a red burn deck without overloading their deck with counterspells?

I seem to beat all of my friends with my UW Fliers EXCEPT FOR GAMMA because he just blasts away everything I put on the field with instant cards

If he blasts you, he's not blasting your creatures, which means he's taking damage from you. If he's blasting you, then in theory you are damaging him with your creatures.

And if he is focusing on burn, then he probably has less "other" removal type cards (for enchantments, artifacts, etc.). Whatever he can't get to, add to your sideboard. (see Grey's list)

Not sure if your doing casual or Standard, but here are some helpers.

[PeregrineV]

P.S. Green Removal has been here for ages, and is excellent, it's called Beast Within.

Sorry, green removal without giving them a 3/3 critter.

[PeregrineV]

I'm tempted to poke around on MODO again, it's been a long time. If so, I may check out pauper, being a responsible adult and all. Anyone else on here interested in Pauper as a format?

I have a Standard deck that almost doubles as a Pauper deck with a few changes.

Otherwise, I like it since it keeps the focus off cash

[PeregrineV]

2nd time going to a dragt tonight... what should I do besides UW Fliers

40 cards- no more (16-18 land)
Get creature removal to remove his creatures
Watch mana curve- bigger cast costs are ok in limited since its a slower format generally
Have a win con
Have fun

My opinion only, if you pull a card that pays for it all, take it.
Also, I find multiples of cards, if you can get them, are really helpful.

[PeregrineV]

If I have managed to teach you anything about drafting, I hope it is that going into a draft with preconceived notions about which direction you are going to go is a bad idea. First couple of picks you try to pick the best card available, send good signals, and read the cards you're seeing to determine what of your options is open, then you do that.

And this. You don't know what your going to pull, so keep options open until you see what opens.

[PeregrineV]

I mean, the point of curve is that you want to minimize your bigger casting costs. Especially in this format, where a curve topping out with maybe 2 5 drops or so is probably ideal, with most of your meat at the 2-3 slot.

What I'm saying is don't load up on only 1-2 drop weenies and basically be at a standstill because he has a fat 5/5 that can block anything you attack with. Cards you might not consider in Standard for being "too slow" can be made to work in limited.

[PeregrineV]

Pre-release starts tonight? Anyone going?

[PeregrineV]

Friday ended 2-2. Pulled the black legendary demon, but the rest of my black pull was subpar. Ended up using green-red. the one green card that stops blocking if you have less than her power is kind of kick ass.

Today went 3-1. Pulled the aura angel. She came out twice. Also got the black demon guy again, so may be a black standard demon deck. But 8 to cast is just so high.

How did everyone else do?

[PeregrineV]

Made the plunge. Just bought playsets of every common/uncommon in ISD/DKA/AVR. Going to hand pick rares and go off and running into the world of paper magic again

Congrats! That's the best way to do it. It even works in MTGO.

Anyone going to the midnight pre-release of M13? And/or Saturday/Sunday pre-releases?

[PeregrineV]

Phylactery Lich FTW!

[PeregrineV]

I'd be interested. Maybe it'll get me to the site more often. I have MWS, but will try cockatrice if it's free.

[PeregrineV]

Currently at the prerelease. Choose Azorius guild to start out, but there seems to be more buzz about this set than other recent sets. Anyone know why? Nothing about them is making me giddy with joy....

definitely want the blue-red guild when that one comes out.

[PeregrineV]

Played Azorius Friday night (with a splash of red). Went 0-2-2.

Played Radkos Saturday, went 2-1-1, made like 16th place out of 48. Wanted to play Izzet, but wanted the promos and bought an Izzet intro pack.

I like the UR color pattern, but I didn't seem to get any cards that really helped my decks. Did get a Radkos lord of riots, but didn't get a red/black dual land even.

Maybe the release party will go better.

[PeregrineV]

Dude, CALL A JUDGE. If he's stalling on purpose, it's an infraction. If he's cheating, (which that take-back was), it's an infraction. If he's cheating with land, it's an infraction. Get the fucker a DQ, he'll learn pretty quickly to count his lands. Given that he's clearly not a new player, he's cheating.

Don't let people get away with stupid bullshit. If he's using lands that you can't readily tell the difference between them and swamps, call a judge, because those are illegal. If he wants to be a dick to you, then don't worry about being laid back or being "nice".

This.
+
He used up his time in turn 1.
+
You: "I guess you should have killed me faster the first game." with a shit eating grin as you shuffle at whatever speed you want.
+
nutshot like you previously described.

Our group is kind of regulars, so we don't have much dickery like that. Only time someone tried something this time was the Izzet player. He was one mana shy of winning the game when I had 1 life left. And he could have done his mana differently, but instead of helping him I pointed out he lacked the mana, so he passed turn and I was able to beat him.

[PeregrineV]

Anyone know the promo cards for each guild? Also, anyone going to pre-releases this weekend?

[PeregrineV]

Really liked this pre-release.

Friday night I picked Boros, and went 3-1. My loss was 2-1 against Orzhev, and I was his only opponent to make him sweat (almost had our third game, too).

Sunday, got the only box left, BG. Won the first game against Boros, tied the next against Orzhev (best game ever), got spanked hard by RG, and then won against Dimir.

Supposedly Friday they will have a 6pack limited tournament, so looking forward to that too.

[PeregrineV]

Anyone going to Austin Magic thingie this weekend? TGC Player thing, I think.

[PeregrineV]

I feel like I should probably get back into Magic, since I haven't played since the original Ravnica. Any suggestions on a red-white deck?

If your going standard R/W, you can start here:
http://community.wizards.com/go/forum/v ... _Deck_Help

or here:

http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20

[PeregrineV]

EDH Help needed

found a casual group at work, and we played EDH recently (been playing 2-headed giant).

Spoiler: Political Puppets

I played the Policial Puppets pre-made deck straight from the box (switched out Switcheroo for some blue card draw) and played against

Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts
Isperia, Supreme Judge

and

Gisela, Blade of Goldnight .

Goat guy came out early, Gisela not until about turn 9. Teysa played artifact lockdown, and was bounced off the field.
Gisela came out, was exiled.

Gave away 2-3 cards, so was drawing 3-4 a turn.

Creature armies where big, until Insurrection came out. Used it to kill off tow players entirely.

Leaving me with Isperia. Who had flyers who couldn't attack me, and I had defenders.

He got ahold of some milling and was dragging me down 4 cards a turn (goat gone by now).

then Nin, the Pain Artist came out and I was able to mill him 19, 22, 18, 24 cards and barely pull out the win with 12 cards left myself.

Fun game. But still want to make Animar deck.

So would like help making Animar Deck.

What EDH staples do I need?

Cards I want to play for sure (unless there is a reason not too?)

Spoiler: Animar Deck (In Progress)

[PeregrineV]

I see how some of them can be used. Not sure on the others.

[PeregrineV]

Each of them is a card that you can donate to your opponent.

Words of War: When you're on your upkeep and have donated 4-5 permanents elsewhere, you convert the draws into shocks. 5 triggers on upkeep = 10 damage to someone's face or 5 Shocks to point at creatures, and you don't miss your own land drops.

Illusions/Delusions - Donate to your opponent, laugh while they try to pay the cumulative upkeep costs or take 10/20 damage to the face

Thought Lash - same deal. They either exile cards slowly, or they instantly deck themselves and die on that upkeep. Extra points are awarded if you can hit them with a Mindslaver to force them not to pay the Upkeep trigger

Pyromancer's Swath - Unless they're playing heavy burn or have a bunch of card draw, you've stripped their hand, and left them with a shitty effect to try and get value from

Steel Golem - Now they can't cast creature spells until they find either a sac outlet or a kill spell

Transcendence - In EDH, where you start at 40, this is usually a one-shot kill. Land the Transcendence, donate it to them, they lose unless they find a "destroy target enchantment" spell.

Celestial Dawn (one i forgot) - Due to the rules of EDH, if they don't have a White commander, they can't produce white mana. This locks every non-white player out of casting anything other than pure colourless spells.

Ordered a few of these to beef up the GOAT. But for today, looks like it will be stanadrd goat, but Niv-Mizzet is incoming.

The drums of war beat once more...



Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts and Grief Counselor, will transition the downtrodden masses to a better afterlife. Join ussssssssss.

Gisella, Blade of Goldnight, will eat cake while the other planeswalkers battle over her ruby slippers – and her little dog too.

Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind, will draw cards, doing horrific damage to planeswalkers that don’t halve incoming damage or are immune to creatures.

Zedruu, the Greathearted, will ALL YOUR CREATURES ARE BELONG TO ME!

[PeregrineV]

Will be crossposted, cause it's cool.

[PeregrineV]

Sorry I missed that. If anyone here does well, let us all know.

[PeregrineV]

Wooo Magic Celebration day. Opened a Bonescythe Sliver, foil Steelform, and a Serra Angel, then got a Scourge of Valkas in my prize. Also won a Heroes v Monsters in a door prize.

Apparently the LGS here is only a sort off greedy/cheap dick during the summer.

I got a Silence, my prize was a Foil trading post, and I bought the Heroes and Monsters duel deck for $20.

But I did get to play some Magic.

[PeregrineV]

Went 2-2 with Black/White on Friday, and 3-1 (2-0, 2-0, 2-1, 2-0) with Red/Green on Sunday.

I want to make a new standard deck, so will be back with lists for critique.

[PeregrineV]

Can people help me out and tell me why this card is so good?

[PeregrineV]

Here is the Top 16 Decklists from Waco.
http://magic.tcgplayer.com/db/deck_sear ... 20-%20Waco

With a special appearance by me

Congrats!!

[PeregrineV]

I just see a lot more incentive to block/kill it, because not only do they lose a creature, it hurts them too.
Opposite of Goblin Arsonist, seems to me.

[PeregrineV]

Don't get the point of counterfeiting when you can print proxies of any card.

[PeregrineV]

Don't get the point of counterfeiting when you can print proxies of any card.

Um. Some people play in tournaments.

If you mean some people play in professional tournaments, then if it truly becomes a concern then there will be an inspection of each of and every card at each tournament.

And if someone wins a tournament with counterfeit cards, does that reduce the strength of their play?

Just saying, do you want to be the best because your the best, or you have the best cards money can buy?

(counterfeiting is bad.)

[PeregrineV]

Friday night Pre-release

Choose White, ended up going white with a green splash for Fleecemane Lion and 2 Reap What is Sown. Went 2-1-1, with the tie being a 45 minute game against a green/white deck. On the plus, I did get a Xenagos.

Saturday I choose Red, and went Red/green and ended up going 3-2. Lost to a black/blue deck and another Red/green deck.

Kind of want the Green boss from the pre-release, but didn't want to play another 6 hours on Sunday. Maybe at the release I'll try again.

[PeregrineV]

Commercial advertisement

http://forum.mafiascum.net/viewtopic.ph ... 6#p5977506

Go sign up and play.

[PeregrineV]

Going to try for 3 pre-releases this weekend. Will also try to document it better for a post-game report and criticism.

[PeregrineV]

Going to try for 3 pre-releases this weekend. Will also try to document it better for a post-game report and criticism.

Of course, sudden obligations turned this to just the Friday midnight release. And apparently if you miss the noon start time, there are no others.

Picked Mardu, based on mechanics I liked and colors I liked. Promo was the Goblin that steals when flipped up.
Went 2-2, but only because last opponent went home.

Won first match, lost 2nd one to stupid Anafenza, the Foremost who came out twice, once with the Molting Snakeskin on it. Since my removals were Arc, Utter end and 2 Killshots, that one did not end well.
3rd game I lost to multiple Ainok Bond-Kin and he got his goblin maker out.

Good news is I had very few mana issues running all three colors. Had a single triple land, and 2 or 3 duals, and ran one banner. Only mulliganed to 6 once in all hands, including practice hands. Black was slightly more dominant in terms of colors, with white and red being about the same.

Mardu was the most popular clan picked, followed by Azban. I played Mardu, Mardu, Azban. And won the first 2-0, rest went to 2-1.

But, I think I will be doing the release event (a single $30 sealed at 7pm Friday), so that will be fun. I will either try Temur or Azban, but only because I did Mardu already.

[PeregrineV]

[PeregrineV]

Also just read about the Magic board game in development.

http://www.gatheringmagic.com/alexullma ... formation/

[PeregrineV]

Does anyone here play Duels of the Planeswalkers? I got an email about a study.

Hello!

My name is <redacted>, I am a recruiter working with Plannerzone, Inc., a market research firm that works with Wizards of the Coast. We are currently looking for people like you, who either play Duels of the Planeswalkers or play Magic: The Gathering, for an online study that will take place November 1-4.

Your name was provided to us by the folks at Wizards of the Coast.

I'm writing this email to see if you would be interested in taking part in this forum. Due to the timing of this study, I would need to confirm with you in the next couple of days. The confirmation will include asking you a few qualifying questions.

There will be a cash gratuity for all who complete the forum.

Please reply via email with the times to contact you by phone to ask the qualifying questions and set you up to take part in this study, or feel free to give me a call at the number below.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

She is going to check is referrals are acceptable. If anyone wants to be referred, send me a PM and is she says yes, I'll pass on names, emails.

[PeregrineV]

Does it seem pretty legit, PV?

I called, but the category I fell into was full.

Looks a lot like a scam.

If so, they forgot to ask for money.

complete the forum.

Who would say this.

You log in once a day to talk about your "playing habits" or somesuch (30-45 mins). Since I already do that here, and I like Magic, I was not opposed to the idea.

[PeregrineV]

I feel like that would just have the True-Name Nemesis issue again with the blue deck being sold out everywhere and the rest sitting on shelves.

They have made it perfectly clear that they are willing to print the shit out of commander products. Everyone who bought out that deck to sit on is pretty sad about it.

Some people will make the same mistake, but I wager not as many.

I finally got a hold of the True-Name commander deck(2013) from Walmart for normal price, instead of the jacked up prices people wanted.

[PeregrineV]

We have a Grand Prix coming to town, and I'm thinking of entering it, but haven't been keeping up with standard lately.

Anyone going to it, or have any ideas for standard decks I should play? Not a big blue fan, but can do it if needed.

Already plan on looking at recent events, but it seems this group has some above average players, so would like to hear opinions.

[PeregrineV]

We have a Grand Prix coming to town, and I'm thinking of entering it, but haven't been keeping up with standard lately.

Anyone going to it, or have any ideas for standard decks I should play? Not a big blue fan, but can do it if needed.

Already plan on looking at recent events, but it seems this group has some above average players, so would like to hear opinions.

If you're new to the format, I think your best bet is to either try to just have a deck with a solid matchup against everything (Abzan midrange) or a deck that if you win the no hate in sideboards lottery will just take it down (Jeskai combo)

I think jeskai burn is a bad deck for someone who is not very well versed in the format, since its a deck that is very much tuned for specific metagames.

I think you'd be giving up a lot of percentage points if you played it without knowing the expected field beforehand.

Prefer the first, will look into that first.

[PeregrineV]

That entire time I lived in Texas, and never once mentioned you lived in the area, PV! I am disappointed

Given it's Texas, expect RG monsters and Abzan to be the decks to beat. I know the DFW crowd really loves Stormbreath and Siege Rhino decks, although there will be some Jeskai players.

I actually think the tier 2 decks are strong right now, Sultai/4c Reanimator, Ascendency combo and especially UB control would be the 'meta' decks IMO. Mono Red is a bad idea, I think. I've been wrong before though.

I'm on the MS map, but I don't get out much.

[PeregrineV]

We have a Grand Prix coming to town, and I'm thinking of entering it, but haven't been keeping up with standard lately.

Anyone going to it, or have any ideas for standard decks I should play? Not a big blue fan, but can do it if needed.

Already plan on looking at recent events, but it seems this group has some above average players, so would like to hear opinions.

If you're new to the format, I think your best bet is to either try to just have a deck with a solid matchup against everything (Abzan midrange) or a deck that if you win the no hate in sideboards lottery will just take it down (Jeskai combo)

I think jeskai burn is a bad deck for someone who is not very well versed in the format, since its a deck that is very much tuned for specific metagames.

I think you'd be giving up a lot of percentage points if you played it without knowing the expected field beforehand.

Prefer the first, will look into that first.

Is this the one to start with?

2 Sorin, Solemn Visitor
2 Ajani, Mentor of Heroes
3 Elspeth, Sun's Champion

Creature (16)
2 Elvish Mystic
4 Sylvan Caryatid
4 Courser of Kruphix
2 Wingmate Roc
4 Siege Rhino

4 Thoughtseize

Instant (9)
4 Abzan Charm
3 Hero's Downfall
2 Utter End

Land (24)
3 Forest
2 Plains
4 Windswept Heath
4 Temple of Malady
4 Sandsteppe Citadel
2 Llanowar Wastes
2 Caves of Koilos
1 Mana Confluence
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1 Temple of Silence


Sideboard (15)
1 End Hostilities
1 Duneblast
1 Mass Calcify
3 Drown in Sorrow
3 Bile Blight
2 Murderous Cut
1 Unravel the Æther
1 Liliana Vess
2 Nissa, Worldwaker

[PeregrineV]

PV, I know the houston area actually really loves their Jeskai and Abzan, so I expect to see a lot of that. I am actually playing Jeskai or RDW myself for the tournament.

I found an Azban $$$ deck and a budget Azban version, but need to go through all my standard cards and see what really pops up.

[PeregrineV]

If the budget version does not play siege rhino then its not worth playing fyi.

That is THE card in the deck.

The budget version saves money through reducing lands/planeswalkers.

It does require the Rhinos

[PeregrineV]

What happens if you play Oblivion Ring targeting an Oblivion Ring which has removed an Oblivion Ring with no other non-land permanents on the board?

The game results in a draw.

[PeregrineV]

I don't plan on doing the GP/PTQ circuit anymore. It's just so expensive and unfulfilling and takes forever. I realized that at the last SCG I went to.

I might still do limited GPs, I guess, because I'm 1. Actually good at limited and 2. feel like my entry fee doesn't go completely to waste.

Otherwise, I think I'm content atm to be an FNM hero.

I prefer limited because of reason #2.

I like the fact they have the side events, which can include limited.

[PeregrineV]

Any chance one of you guys wants to buy a Modern Burn list on MTGO? I have Eidolons and crap and have no desire to play it. I'll even kick in the stuff you need to convert to Legacy Burn for free.

¿Cuánto cuesta?

[PeregrineV]

With GP San Antonio coming up shortly, who is all going that is here on MS?

PV is!

Already registered!

Still working on the deck I'll use, but don't expect to win, just have fun.

[PeregrineV]

@Klazam- where did you get that Giant Lotus card?

[PeregrineV]

I'm wondering who here plays? Is there interest/enough players from MS to get a MS clan going?

My name is Sheastrausman.

I probably am going to buy into modern at GP also. I probably will be going for either affinity or pod.

You going to the SA GP?

[PeregrineV]

Absolutely excellent article by PV

http://www.channelfireball.com/articles ... aled-deck/

I got excited, then realized I didn't write anything....

[PeregrineV]

Absolutely excellent article by PV

http://www.channelfireball.com/articles ... aled-deck/

I got excited, then realized I didn't write anything....

I thought about this when posting the comment.

You mean you're not a dashingly handsome, Brazilian, hall of fame magic player?

I am, but was in disguise as none of those things (except I play Magic) I guess this secret identity is ruined.

[PeregrineV]

Going to ask in here, at the Grand Prix level, if time is called and th alast 5 turns are played, and both players are still alive at the end of those 5 turns, is it a draw, or is there a winner based on some criteria?

[PeregrineV]

Going to ask in here, at the Grand Prix level, if time is called and th alast 5 turns are played, and both players are still alive at the end of those 5 turns, is it a draw, or is there a winner based on some criteria?

Couple things to keep in mind here. The most important point is 3. I have seen SO many newer players get DQd from tournaments for this when they had no idea they were even doing anything wrong.

1) The rules prescribe several scenarios. If it is game 2, then the player who won the first game wins the match 1-0. If it is game 1 or game 3 then the game is a draw.
2) However, it often correct etiquette in a grand prix setting (where a draw helps neither player, especially day 1) for one player to concede to the other one depending on if they felt that player was likely to win the game given more turns. This is often best brought up before the five turns are called, but don't be afraid to ask for a scoop if you feel like you were a huge favorite to win that game and don't be afraid to concede if you feel like you were a huge dog to win that game.
3) It's worth noting here that this ends up getting some players in trouble. It is illegal to use any outside method to determine the winner of a game. This includes flipping a coin, rolling dice, rock paper scissors, looking at the top X cards of your library to see what might have been drawn by each player. Anything that you can think of to determine that game of magic that was not public info at the time of that game of magic. If you do anything like this, it is improperly determining the outcome and you can and will be DQ'd if a judge sees you do it.
4) Some people will get upset if you ask for the win, just say something like "it's fine if you'd prefer to draw. I just asked because a draw helps neither of us and I was winning on board. But go ahead and mark the draw on the slip and I'll sign it. Some people will ask you to scoop and be upset when you don't do it. Use your best judgement here. I am likely to lose I always scoop, and if I was likely to win I always ask for a concession. If the outcome is unclear, I usually don't think either of these things should happen. Like I said. Use your judgement, don't get flustered by your opponent pressuring you.

Want to discuss this more after work...

[PeregrineV]

Going to ask in here, at the Grand Prix level, if time is called and th alast 5 turns are played, and both players are still alive at the end of those 5 turns, is it a draw, or is there a winner based on some criteria?

Couple things to keep in mind here. The most important point is 3. I have seen SO many newer players get DQd from tournaments for this when they had no idea they were even doing anything wrong.

1) The rules prescribe several scenarios. If it is game 2, then the player who won the first game wins the match 1-0. If it is game 1 or game 3 then the game is a draw.
2) However, it often correct etiquette in a grand prix setting (where a draw helps neither player, especially day 1) for one player to concede to the other one depending on if they felt that player was likely to win the game given more turns. This is often best brought up before the five turns are called, but don't be afraid to ask for a scoop if you feel like you were a huge favorite to win that game and don't be afraid to concede if you feel like you were a huge dog to win that game.
3) It's worth noting here that this ends up getting some players in trouble. It is illegal to use any outside method to determine the winner of a game. This includes flipping a coin, rolling dice, rock paper scissors, looking at the top X cards of your library to see what might have been drawn by each player. Anything that you can think of to determine that game of magic that was not public info at the time of that game of magic. If you do anything like this, it is improperly determining the outcome and you can and will be DQ'd if a judge sees you do it.
4) Some people will get upset if you ask for the win, just say something like "it's fine if you'd prefer to draw. I just asked because a draw helps neither of us and I was winning on board. But go ahead and mark the draw on the slip and I'll sign it. Some people will ask you to scoop and be upset when you don't do it. Use your best judgement here. I am likely to lose I always scoop, and if I was likely to win I always ask for a concession. If the outcome is unclear, I usually don't think either of these things should happen. Like I said. Use your judgement, don't get flustered by your opponent pressuring you.

Want to discuss this more after work...

I did not know #1 about the game 2 thing. so it can never be 1-0-1 officially?

We played the draw method before, but occasionally at FNM we get people who go by life total. Since they are not regulars, I usually tend to just let it go (and it depends on how nice they are) so they have a pleasant experience. I would rather go to the GP as fully informed as possible.

#2- I really like to play to win. Sometimes, I may make an incorrect assumption, and don't want to inadvertently scoop based on my incorrect assumption. If I am mathematically going to get smashed and have no answers in my hand, then I'll scoop. Otherwise, my last GP had some of the dickest Magic players I ever met. If they were one or 2 turns from a bomb, I still wouldn't want to give them the win for being pricks. I'll take the draw, since, technically, I was alive, he was alive after 5 turns.

But, I see your point, and with standard it will probably become more obvious who would have won (it was sealed before).

#3- So if I "make a decision" based totally on the board state at the time of the draw, then that's fine, but anything else is bad?

#4 is good advice. I have never asked for the scoop, but almost every time a player does scoop, they are pissed about it. I can't imagine anyone going gracefully.

For my part, if someone just needs to attack me to win, and they don't play too conservatively, then I'll say "You got me" and scoop, but if they pull stuff that could conceivably give me another turn (even during the 5 turns), then I feel like a draw is fair, should it happen.

[PeregrineV]

OK, this is the budget Azban deck I was shooting for.
http://www.mtggoldfish.com/articles/100 ... reanimator

// Deck file for Magic Workstation (http://www.magicworkstation.com)

// Lands
1 [M15] Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
4 [KTK] Sandsteppe Citadel
3 [KTK] Jungle Hollow
3 [KTK] Blossoming Sands
3 [KTK] Plains (2)
2 [M13] Swamp (3)
5 [ZEN] Forest (2)

// Creatures
4 [KTK] Siege Rhino
1 [THS] Ashen Rider
4 [M15] Satyr Wayfinder
4 [FBP] Rattleclaw Mystic
4 [M15] Elvish Mystic
3 [M15] Hornet Queen
2 [M15] Resolute Archangel

// Spells
2 [THS] Whip of Erebos
2 [KTK] Murderous Cut
2 [M15] Endless Obedience
4 [THS] Commune with the Gods
3 [JOU] Nyx Weaver
2 [JOU] Banishing Light
1 [KTK] Empty the Pits
1 [KTK] See the Unwritten

// Sideboard
SB: 4 [KTK] Despise
SB: 3 [BNG] Bile Blight
SB: 3 [M15] Reclamation Sage
SB: 2 [KTK] Necropolis Fiend
SB: 3 [KTK] Abzan Charm

[PeregrineV]

This is what I ended up with.

// Deck file for Magic Workstation (http://www.magicworkstation.com)

// Lands (21)
3 [KTK] Blossoming Sands
4 [ZEN] Forest
4 [KTK] Sandsteppe Citadel
3 [KTK] Jungle Hollow
3 [KTK] Plains
3 [M13] Swamp
1 [M15] Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth

// Creatures (26)
1 [KTK] Swarm of Bloodflies
1 [THS] Medomai the Ageless
4 [M15] Satyr Wayfinder
2 [FBP] Rattleclaw Mystic
1 [M15] Undergrowth Scavenger
4 [KTK] Siege Rhino
4 [M15] Elvish Mystic
2 [M15] Resolute Archangel
1 [THS] Fleecemane Lion
2 [M15] Hornet Queen
1 [THS] Sylvan Caryatid
1 [BNG] Courser of Kruphix
2 [JOU] Nyx Weaver

// Spells (13)
2 [KTK] Utter End
1 [M15] Liliana Vess
2 [THS] Whip of Erebos
1 [THS] Hero's Downfall
1 [KTK] Empty the Pits
1 [KTK] See the Unwritten
2 [M15] Endless Obedience
2 [THS] Commune with the Gods
1 [JOU] Banishing Light

// Sideboard
SB: 1 [THS] Thoughtseize
SB: 2 [BNG] Bile Blight
SB: 1 [KTK] Necropolis Fiend
SB: 2 [KTK] Abzan Charm
SB: 1 [KTK] Death Frenzy
SB: 1 [THS] Spear of Heliod
SB: 1 [M15] Undergrowth Scavenger
SB: 3 [KTK] Despise
SB: 3 [M15] Back to Nature

[PeregrineV]

I have 2 more lilianas. Should I include her? and take out something else? I have 2 Caves of Kolios (WB). Should I use those instead of something else?

And other thoughts or opinions?

[PeregrineV]

The weird high casting stuff is supposd to be for whip and empty the pits and endless obidiene- at least that is the way I understand the deck is supposed to work.

[PeregrineV]

Murderous cut was mentioned as the budget version of utter end and heroes downfall. I didn't hAve enough communes so I put my removal mainboard.

[PeregrineV]

The roc didn't make the budget cut this time, maybe upgrade next month.

I think the large number of mana dorks is because of the high casting cost creatures that is says can maybe be hardcasted.

[PeregrineV]

So far testing if it can hold its own Against jeskI fireworks and rich man's azban midrange. Wins about half the time.
Not yet used against live person. Lol

[PeregrineV]

So far testing if it can hold its own Against jeskI fireworks and rich man's azban midrange. Wins about half the time.
Not yet used against live person. Lol

[PeregrineV]

Heyo, I am playing magic casually and really enjoy commander right now.

Any suggestions for some good cheap Angel cards/ Equipment? Equipment because I want to make a fun tiny leaders deck with them plus they would fit into the white deck I bought and Angels because I enjoy the theme and want to make a standard with it.

Thanks!

Which angel are you using as a commandeR?

[PeregrineV]

Looking at spoilers.

[PeregrineV]

Does Grim Contest take into account if a creature has deathtouch? I get it's like Fight except for toughness, but want to make sure that includes lifelink and deathtouch.

[PeregrineV]

If you exile a face down card with Banishing Light, and that card returns to the battlefield, is it as the card, or as the facedown 2/2 card?

[PeregrineV]

Trying for a RDW standard deck using only the cards I currently have.

I do have one Stoke the flames, but not sure it fits in here.

Constructive criticism appreciated. And how to make it better.

http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/05-02-15-rdw-standard/

[PeregrineV]

I don't even know where to begin, it's like you got a bunch of pieces for different decks all slammed together into one, I see things for an enchantment theme, red devotion, red heroic, and about three different kinds of red combo.

The first thing I would do is cut the shrapnel blast/artifact theme; just to enable shrapnel blast you have like six cards that are just dead in the deck and the slightly playable hammer. I tried to build a red/blue artifact deck right after KTK came out and it wasn't nearly consistent enough with even more artifacts than you're running.

Then I would try to figure out a singular direction for things, do you want to go all in on a single creature, do you want to get wide, burn versus creatures and just go with it.

I was looking around for some Red decks, and there are very few that don't splash any colors. But, the construction of those seem ....boring?

One of the reasons I like mine is that because damage could come from anywhere, it's hard to plan/defend against it.

This is just a stop-gap, but I feel like it's missing something, just don't know what.

Trying to splash blue maybe for Ensoul artifact. A 5/5 Land Mine sacrificed to do 5 seems like fun.

[PeregrineV]

OK, might be thinking of playing Modern (and trying to win- I have plenty of modern causal decks).

What staples should I get (regardless of final color choice)?

And one current thought/idea I have for a deck is Mono Black devotion. Would that be doable in Modern?

Finally, costs. Not rich here.

2nd part
Pauper tournament next Thursday.

I like Pauper. Easy to get cards, cheap decks to build.

Thoughts on current popular pauper decks.

Then, the best way to beat them.

[PeregrineV]

For the pauper tournament, which banlist? I've never played it in paper but I imagine legal Hymn to Tourach is a big deal for the mono black deck. Although given that Treasure Cruise is still legal in the format, you're likely supposed to just play delver if you really want to win.

If you anticipate a lot of delver, one of the appeals of Stompy is it has a decently favourable delver matchup - but it requires a lot of practice to get it right. Don't play your pump into open mana and risk getting blown out by snap (in game 1), spellstutter is their best card against you, but generally you can play under their permission and threaten to race. Post board resolving a scattershot archer is suuuuper good. The deck also benefits from Treasure Cruise being legal, because although it makes delver stronger in the abstract, it actually involves making it worse against stompy AND as a benefit it pushes mono black out of the meta, which would otherwise prey on the green men.

If you like combo, play esper familiars. It's just a much better deck than Eye Candy, imo. I don't like playing it into a delver meta, but if you're against a lot of slow decks, it is straight up the most resilient deck I have ever played - it's just a pile of divinations, after all. I've won many times after being torn apart by discard, I've won after a mull to 4, it's just really strong. But, you know, get in reps with it.

I've honestly never been a fan of the Tron decks that replaced the Post decks. I don't like falling behind while assembling tron, and I don't think the catchup cards are powerful enough to make up for the slow starts you can get. But sure, whatever.

If you want something off the wall, I have like 30 tier 2 or 3 decklists <.>

Not sure. They said to google it.

Cloudpost
Cranial Plating
Empty the Warrens
Frantic Search
Grapeshot
Invigorate
Temporal Fissure

are all banned, but then it is also assuming MTGO not paper Magic. I'll probably have to get clarification.

[PeregrineV]

For the pauper tournament, which banlist? I've never played it in paper but I imagine legal Hymn to Tourach is a big deal for the mono black deck. Although given that Treasure Cruise is still legal in the format, you're likely supposed to just play delver if you really want to win.

If you anticipate a lot of delver, one of the appeals of Stompy is it has a decently favourable delver matchup - but it requires a lot of practice to get it right. Don't play your pump into open mana and risk getting blown out by snap (in game 1), spellstutter is their best card against you, but generally you can play under their permission and threaten to race. Post board resolving a scattershot archer is suuuuper good. The deck also benefits from Treasure Cruise being legal, because although it makes delver stronger in the abstract, it actually involves making it worse against stompy AND as a benefit it pushes mono black out of the meta, which would otherwise prey on the green men.

If you like combo, play esper familiars. It's just a much better deck than Eye Candy, imo. I don't like playing it into a delver meta, but if you're against a lot of slow decks, it is straight up the most resilient deck I have ever played - it's just a pile of divinations, after all. I've won many times after being torn apart by discard, I've won after a mull to 4, it's just really strong. But, you know, get in reps with it.

I've honestly never been a fan of the Tron decks that replaced the Post decks. I don't like falling behind while assembling tron, and I don't think the catchup cards are powerful enough to make up for the slow starts you can get. But sure, whatever.

If you want something off the wall, I have like 30 tier 2 or 3 decklists <.>

Not sure what to anticipate. The shop having it is full of competitive players. With Pauper, $$$-wise, I might have a chance. I want to assume they will play common fast winning decks, then find the one that beats those most often.

[PeregrineV]

I played my budget Azban Whip deck. Went 1-1-2.

One guy had nothing but UB counters + Tasigur + Silumgar. Needless to say, lost to him.

Beat another guy that had Azban regular, tied the other Azban deck and tied the RG aggro deck

[PeregrineV]

OK, first Pauper for tonight's tournaments.

Thoughts? Replacements? Improvements?

I kind of wanted to prepare for anything, since this the the first at the store.

http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/19-02-15-black-pauper/

[PeregrineV]

If you can find them, there's a bunch of really really strong mono-black cards in Pauper. I used to run this: http://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/pa ... 164#online

Assuming they're letting you use Hymn to Tourach (which you should ask ahead of time), it would replace Wrench Mind and Liliana's Specter in that list.

Got 4 of right now, and an Mind Wrench in case they get all card-drawy.

[PeregrineV]

Rite of Consumption I missed the first pass. Need to see how fast the meta is, and maybe use that instead, since it's a fling with lifelink. Booldhunter Bat + Mortis Dogs could give me more bang for the buck.

[PeregrineV]

I read the decklist, but you really need to confirm that Hymn to Tourach is allowed. If this is a group of people who only play Pauper online, they likely won't realize that Hymn is printed as a common in Paper. It's only ever printed as an uncommon online, so it isn't legal in Pauper online. You might not be allowed to run it at all.

I asked what cards were banned, and they game me this
http://archive.wizards.com/Magic/tcg/re ... s%2Fpauper
And when I said "So as long as it's been printed as a common in a set, according to Gatherer, I can use it?"
They said "As long as it's not in this list." (and I would assume a common).

They are trying is out with a free Pauper tournament, so right now I'm going to say Hymn is legal up until someone complains.

[PeregrineV]

One of mono black's most appealing cards is crypt rats. Alternately, pestilence also works in that slot, but it's quite clunky.

That would get around hexproof. But, since I'm OK with blocking and creatures dying, not sure yet if I need it.

Problem is, haven't tested in actual match play yet.

[PeregrineV]

If Hymn gets nixed somehow, then Mind Rot, Mire's Troll, Wrench Mind and Tendrils of Despair will have to cover their job.

[PeregrineV]

No garys? Strong card in mono black pauper.

Affinity looks strong in to you, but that might be because I play affinity pauper and you have no targeted hate.

Almost all my permanents are only towards devotion, and my mana tops out at 4 (Bloodhunter Bat and Mortis Dogs), so not sure if they fit in this one.

Lifegain will be through bats and Consume Spirit.

[PeregrineV]

[PeregrineV]

Passed my Rules Advisor test! Planning to upgrade to Level 1 Judge as soon as I'm living somewhere where organized play actually happens.

Does a Siege Rhino with lifelink give it's controller 6 life when it enters the battlefield against a single opponent?

[PeregrineV]

Cool----
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript ... =392381112

[PeregrineV]

But the Delve ability was not "Soulflayer's Delve ability", so does it still matter?

Spoiler: Answer inside

So my judge mentor, a friend of mine, and I all initially thought that it was "no" because it's a different instance of Delve than it was cast with. But apparently the answer is that it

does

get the abilities of anything delved with it because, and I quote, "Soulflayer".

I've been trying to figure this out with rules explanation, and as best as I can figure out: Hooting Mandrillsflayer is a Souflayer here because a card's name on a card refers to "this card", so it sees that it was cast with Delve, and those count towards Hooting Mandrillsflayer's new second ability.

Basically, Soulflayer is super weird(also see: confusion over Soulflayer/Torrent Elemental right when Fate Reforged came out). It has been called a "stupid, made-up card"

I would think that any abilities Soulflayer had at the time it was copied would be what the copy of Hooting Mandrills becomes. Delve (for Hooting Mandrills, at least) was just an alternate casting cost, and has no effect on the card once it has entered play. However, Soulflayer was already affected, and whatever keywords it "gained" from the delve would merely be copied by Polymorphous Rush.

Like Supplant Form on a Warden of the First Tree after it's second ability has been used. It comes in as a Human Warrior with base power and toughness 3/3, but also has all of the abilities of the basic Warden.

[PeregrineV]

But the Delve ability was not "Soulflayer's Delve ability", so does it still matter?

Spoiler: Answer inside

So my judge mentor, a friend of mine, and I all initially thought that it was "no" because it's a different instance of Delve than it was cast with. But apparently the answer is that it

does

get the abilities of anything delved with it because, and I quote, "Soulflayer".

I've been trying to figure this out with rules explanation, and as best as I can figure out: Hooting Mandrillsflayer is a Souflayer here because a card's name on a card refers to "this card", so it sees that it was cast with Delve, and those count towards Hooting Mandrillsflayer's new second ability.

Basically, Soulflayer is super weird(also see: confusion over Soulflayer/Torrent Elemental right when Fate Reforged came out). It has been called a "stupid, made-up card"

Hmm. Then do you give the Hooting Madrills copy the abilities the Original Souflayer had in addition to the ones from it's own delve ability? Seems like the delve ability (ie, the cards used to cast it) might not be able to be retraced if it happens to far along in the game, since exile is not generally not tracked by the cause exiling it.

[PeregrineV]

Passed my Rules Advisor test! Planning to upgrade to Level 1 Judge as soon as I'm living somewhere where organized play actually happens.

Does a Siege Rhino with lifelink give it's controller 6 life when it enters the battlefield against a single opponent?

Nope, life loss is not damage, so lifelink doesn't matter.

Good. It took some explaining to the guy, but none of us are officical judges.

[PeregrineV]

Actually, Supplant Form on a Warden of the First Tree doesn't come in as a 3/3 Human Warrior. When you copy something, you copy the base card, not any effects that have been applied to it. If you copy a Grizzly Bears that has had Giant Growth cast on it, the copy comes in as a 2/2. So Supplant Form on the Warden will come in as a 1/1.

Similarly, when you become a copy of Soulflayer, you have the latter ability of "If a creature with X was exiled with Delve to play this creature, you get specific abilities". Soulflayer does not have, say "Flying" printed on it, so you can't copy the Flying if that Soulflayer has Flying from a creature being exiled via Delve.

On the Warden, the second ability sets the creature type and base power/toughness to 3/3. It's not an enchantment or counter that's being copied, it's had it's basic characteristics changed.

Similar with soulflayer, it doesn't "get" or "gain" the ability, it "has" the ability. So copying a soulflayer that "has" flying should give you a Flying Soulflayer.

the Delve part on the mandrills is a separate issue. I think since Delve cost is not tracked by creatures or purpose, it could lead to arguments/unresolvable disputes.

Looking again-
Card Text:
Delve (Each card you exile from your graveyard while casting this spell pays for 1.)
If a creature card with flying was exiled with

Soulflayer's delve ability

, Soulflayer has flying. The same is true for first strike, double strike, deathtouch, haste, hexproof, indestructible, Lifelink, reach, trample, and vigilance.

Based on the bolded, the cards exiled by Hooting Madrill's Devle ability are not the same cards exiled by (new-Soulflayer-but-used-to-be-Mandrills) delve ability. If the copy spell changed Mandrills, then the new Soulflayer is not green, nor no longer an Ape, so how it was cast would not be relevant to the New Soulflayer (who is only a copy of the old Soulfayer)
I think.

Anyways, that's probably why I'm not a judge.

[PeregrineV]

If you phyrexian metamorph a nissa'd forest, you get a forest.

I would think you get a 4/4 Basic Land- Forest Elemental Artifact creature with trample.

[PeregrineV]

Grrrr....I'll solve this.

[PeregrineV]

Grrrr....I'll solve this.

Solve which? The copy thing? If you don't believe the rest of us, load up MTGO and try it in a solitaire game, or go http://chat.magicjudges.org/mtgrules/ and ask the judges in JudgeChat.

I mean digging through the comprehensive rules understand how/what/where.

I started it, then got sidetracked by pre-release, but I think if I assign any and all effects/changes as effects that temporarily change a card (instead of thinking it's a permanent change like I fell is implied) then layers work fine, and I get it. I think I still disagree with it, but I get it.

[PeregrineV]

Solve which? The copy thing? If you don't believe the rest of us, load up MTGO and try it in a solitaire game, or go http://chat.magicjudges.org/mtgrules/ and ask the judges in JudgeChat.

I don't know if it's gotten better but I can tell you as a judge that I absolutely hate it when someone says 'it works that way online.'

I hate it too, but this case is one where he can easily prove or disprove his own belief by checking in the client, instead of arguing with us. Also, depending on how recently you were on MTGO, it actually has gotten a lot better (mostly in the past year. They've done dick-all about actually making the client look nicer, but they've fixed a buttload of backend issues and made it function way more consistently.

It's not arguing. I respect people in this thread enough that I bother asking for advice and rules clarifications and stuff like that. If I question an answer, it's because I need more explanation because I still don't get it. (I may get that it is that way, but I like to know the WHY).

[PeregrineV]

No one at my shop got the Foe-Razer Regent promo. I got the closest with 18 points.

I think the shop owner was wrong on the rules, though, because instead of the composite total of both throws, she took the best throw out of two?

Friday night, followed the rules. Saturday followed the rules. Sunday, I think was pure generosity if anyone cared to try at that point.

[PeregrineV]

Was sent this by someone in my casual group.

Interview with WotC about the state of Modern: https://youtu.be/gYrslokS2Ac

[PeregrineV]

We had a draft and Wrestlemania 31 watching party last night. Didn't pull anything spectacular, but ran white/red and dash was a winner.

Also, Outpost Siege and Sprinting Warbrute were totally awesome.

[PeregrineV]

[SNIPPED] is the whole thing. I'll cut any of you guys a good deal. This is mostly just me seeing a giant pile of cards I don't play with and wanting to use them for something useful.

EDIT: That link didn't work. Looking for other stuff.

Maybe a Google doc link?

I'd be interested in stuff.

[PeregrineV]

I've been trying to use one of my (in theory) favorite new dragons, and have come up with this deck, but it's been winning at a rate just under 50%.

Ideas for sideboard and improvements?

http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/blue-whi ... orch-deck/

[PeregrineV]

Alos, the rules game, again.

I cast a Sunscorch Regent


Opponent controls a dragon, and casts a


I cast a

on his attempt to counter my spell.

Is his spell countered, or is he able to pay to let his spell go through.

Is my dragon in play, in my hand, both, or neither, or something else?

[PeregrineV]

Rules-

Opponent casts

by paying one black and exiling 5 graveyard cards.

I cast

to counter it, with 1 card in my graveyard when I cast it.

Can he exile an additional graveyard card (since Tasigaur was cast using Delve) to pay that extra cost?

And it is only 1, since I only have 1 card in the graveyard? Or does the Disdain spell count itself?

[PeregrineV]

Narset's a weird include in that deck because none of your spells are useful rebounded. Are you only using her to +1 and find counters?

And the only creature you have that turns on stubborn denial is your dragon?

You have no way of exiling torrent elemental from your graveyard?

Oujatai's command is only ever a 4 mana counter-draw. Playing blue-white-lategame without end hostilities or DTT/cruise is weird

I have her and she is in the colors, but I do question he actual usefulness in this deck. She does act as a distraction, drawing resources as my opponent goes after her. Otherwise, aside from giving me a peek at the next card, she hasn't done much - when she has come out.

Stubborn denial- yes.
I mostly like the card because it only costs one blue. That one blue can up the cost, or full counter (maybe, at some point, in the future, maybe).

Torrent Elemntal-
No. He gets exiled against Anafenza, the Foremost so far during play, but not any other way yet. I have nothing to exile him.

Oujatai's command-
Yeah. Had one, wanted to try it, see it as another counter.

[PeregrineV]

I have 3 treasure cruises, should I just use that for card draw?

[PeregrineV]

That deck looks like a pile of cards to me. What is it even doing?

Ojutai's command is a weird one. It's good if you want to use the first mode I think, and otherwise it's a rather mediocre way to gain life against aggressive decks. Essence Scatter + Draw is a bit meh for four mana

Narset is imo a build around, which you haven't done.

Plan was to counter early, big blocker on 2, Beastmaster/Seige for card draw on 3, turn 4, more counters, turn 5 dragon or elemental.

Seige, if not doing card draw, can make it more expensive to target me or my guys.

glint acts as removal counter since hexproof.

Impersonator becomes planeswalkers or Shamans of the great hunt (most copied cards so far).

That was kind of the plan, and also based on cards I have, since dropping more than $10 on a deck is not an option at this point.

[PeregrineV]

Sunscorch is just kind of Not Good. It's a great limited card, but stacking +1/+1 counters on it will mean very little if you tap out for it turn 5 and, say, an opponent on Abzan Midrange/Control goes "Ultimate Price your Sunscorch, Anafenza The Foremost/Courser/hold up Downfall, go". Sunscorch is good in Limited because removal is at a premium and most people are relying on damage/fight effects at the moment. Standard decks do not have that issue.

Yes, this is all true.

The only way he really sticks is if there are other, worse threats that have to be dealt with. But then I'm giving up spots for what are probably better cards.

[PeregrineV]

I actually was trying a one-of Sunscorch in UB dragon control and it did lots of work.

Although I may be burned at the stake for saying this, I might try him in my Azban deck.

[PeregrineV]

Free Modern tounament tonight. Last week if was All monored burn all the time.

Is there a reason that people play modern?

[PeregrineV]

Free Modern tounament tonight. Last week if was All monored burn all the time.

Is there a reason that people play modern?

Because the meta at-large is really fun?

Yes, but the more I read about the decks it seems like it's Rock, Paper, Scissors, and anything else kind of gets beaten down by any of the 2, making it...a casual deck?

[PeregrineV]

Sunscorch is just kind of Not Good. It's a great limited card, but stacking +1/+1 counters on it will mean very little if you tap out for it turn 5 and, say, an opponent on Abzan Midrange/Control goes "Ultimate Price your Sunscorch, Anafenza The Foremost/Courser/hold up Downfall, go". Sunscorch is good in Limited because removal is at a premium and most people are relying on damage/fight effects at the moment. Standard decks do not have that issue.

Yes, this is all true.

The only way he really sticks is if there are other, worse threats that have to be dealt with. But then I'm giving up spots for what are probably better cards.

Gave up on this one for now.

But, put the Dragons in the Azban deck (I was already running white.... )

[PeregrineV]

I'm sporting Temur Dragons right now. Basically RG Ramp, running blue for Kiora, Sarkhan Unbroken, and 2 Icefall Regents. Sarkhan/Kiora have been outstanding against most of the decks I've come up against, but Icefall is just awful in a ton of matches. I'm thinking I want to cut the Icefalls for Stormbreaths in the maindeck, and move them to the side.

Why are the Regents bad? What are they doing/not doing that you expected them to? or is it something else?

[PeregrineV]

Another Rules question-

Battlefield Thaumaturge

+

Launch the Fleet


Equal unlimited targets for

??

[PeregrineV]

Then it helps these cards...and probably more.

http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Searc ... e]&format=[%22Standard%22]

[PeregrineV]

Can I get someone to look at a brew list. This one is much more in my budget and will (apart from three cards across the entire list) be able to be used post rotation. It seems to do ok in early testing, but that has only been on cockatrice. Need to wait for cards to get in before I can actually try it out in paper.

It's basically GU face down.

Do you have a link?

[PeregrineV]

I, too, would like a playset of Deathmist Raptor, but don't have $80 to drop on them. I do think Whisperwood Elemental would really help, and it's only $12 ATM.

Another artifact that may help is Stormrider Rig, since it's free to attach to a creature when they enter the battlefield.

More later...

[PeregrineV]

Did a fast GR deck, and barely lost to WGU because he got dragonlords while I got crap, and he topdecked them three times at the right time, when I had only 2 removal.

WR seems to win me the most games lately.

[PeregrineV]

This is useful to me, because i got lots of old stuff.

[PeregrineV]

Rules question-

Players may not rearrange the cards in their graveyards.

True or false?

[PeregrineV]

http://www.vice.com/video/the-mystical- ... e=vicefbus

A documentary of some kind, but has some current stuff.

[PeregrineV]

Really torn on whether to get a box. If I do, torn, on whether to open it or keep unopened for future resale.

[PeregrineV]

They are talking about $30-$40 drafts at the store. I actually have most of these cards already, so really want to understand the overpricing/underprinting strategy.

[PeregrineV]

Someone local looking for advice, so naturally I come here. This is the deck they plan to play, and thier SB strategy. Any advice I should pass on?

2 Battlefield Forge
2 Caves of Koilos
4 Temple of Triumph
3 Mountain
1 Swamp
1 Temple of Silence
3 Temple of Malice
2 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
3 Bloodstained Mire
4 Nomad Outpost
4 Soulfire Grand Master
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
4 Stormbreath Dragon
2 Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury
4 Thunderbreak Regent
4 Thoughtseize
4 Draconic Roar
4 Crackling Doom
1 Murderous Cut
2 Kolaghan's Command
2 Foul-Tongue Invocation

Sideboard:
4 Anger of the Gods
2 Read the Bones
1 Mastery of the Unseen
1 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
2 Outpost Siege
1 Crux of Fate
1 Mardu Charm
2 Raise the Alarm
1 Virulent Plague

Matchups:

Atarka Red

In - 4 Anger, 1 Plague, 1 Crux, 2 Raise, 1 Charm
Out - 4 Thoughtseize, 2 Stormbreath, 2 Doom, 1 Cut

Esper Dragons

In (play) - 2 Bones, 1 Mastery, 2 Siege
Out (play) - 4 Roar, 1 Cut
In (draw) - 2 Bones, 1 Mastery, 2 Siege, 1 Charm
Out (draw) - 4 Roar, 1 Cut, 1 Battlefield Forge

Abzan Aggro

In (play) - 2 Read Bones
Out (play) - 2 Command
In (draw) - 2 Bones, 1 Elspeth, 1 Crux
Out (draw) - 2 Command, 2 Rabble

G/W based

In (play) - 4 Anger, 1 Mastery, 1 Elspeth, 1 Crux
Out (play) - 4 Soulfire, 2 Foul-Tongue, 1 Thoughtseize
In (draw) - 4 Anger, 1 Mastery, 1 Elspeth, 1 Crux
Out (draw) - 4 Soulfire, 2 Foul-Tongue, 1 Rabble

Sidisi Whip

In - 2 Siege, 4 Anger, 2 Bones, 1 Mastery, 1 Elspeth, 1 Plague
Out - 4 Grandmaster , 2 Foul-Tongue, 4 Rabble (or Thoughtseize on play?), 1 Caves of Koilos

[PeregrineV]

"Today's spoilers"




Embermaw Hellion

Type: Creature - Hellion
Rarity: Rare
Trample
If another red source you control would Deal Damage to a permanent or player, it deals that damage plus one to that permanent or player instead.

[PeregrineV]

Daethblade Predator

Deathtouch

Whenever Deathblade Predator deals combat damage to a player, that player loses life equal to the number of creature cards in your graveyard.

[PeregrineV]

Would anyone be interested in me doing a limited set review?

That would be cool.

[PeregrineV]

Really great pre-release weekend. More details as I get to typing them up.

[PeregrineV]

Boom, won my PPTQ today, got to decide if I'm going to Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, or flying out to San Jose.

Congrats!!

[PeregrineV]

Really great pre-release weekend. More details as I get to typing them up.

Friday I ended up with Green-White on a White box.Went 2-2, but everyone was fun to play with so even when I lost, it was fun games. Probably would have won another, but we misplayed Managorger Hydra.

Also pulled a Nissa, so that also helped make it a great day/night.


Sunday I picked a Red box, and ended up going Red-Blue. I had some Thopter synergy (I thought), but

only works if you already control an artifact.
So I sideboarded it out, and went 4-0-1 (the last guy and I split the prize- I got 14 packs instead of 16 or 12).

Also, they have a drawing for a free box of Orgins, and I won that Sunday. So that made Sunday even better.

Trying to work a Blue-Red Standard Deck, but not sure it would be fast enough for the format.

[PeregrineV]

Oh, and a Friday sealed I drew crap, and draft I pulled crap. Ended up going mono-green, just to use the ridiculous land draw I had.

[PeregrineV]

I didn't think it was possible, but WotC actually made standard fun again after Dragon of Oh God This is So Fucking Boring!

I'm playing Sultai Thopter Spy Network control. It actually has so much game and I can't wait for the pros to dash my hopes at the PT.

Mana is a little shakey(since it's a 3 color deck with 4 colorless lands), but I'm splashing for two copies of Sultai Charm (beats Gaea's Revenge) and a Conclave Naturalist out of the board.

Hangarback Walker is amazing and is my big speculation target for the PT (it's seriously nutso). TSN is cool and will be awesome as long as Darksteel Citadel is in the format. It's literally Bitterblossom that also draws you cards. Tomb of the Spirit Dragon is a good card and definitely a land worth boarding in against aggressive decks. I'm running one Jace in the board as my other Origins card (and a Languish bleh), and he's been decent but not amazing.

But, seriously, fuck Gaea's Revenge and especially fuck you dude on Cockatrice who boarded in 2 Terra Stompers, 4 Revenges and 1 Mistcutter Hydra. What is even your problem?

I like Mistcutter. It knocks the crap out of that guy who plays blue/black and does nothing but draw cards, counter my spells, and swing in with that retarded 3/7 dragon. (No offense to mentally disabled dragons).

[PeregrineV]

Also, might try playing that. I used tomb in my Myr deck and it stopped the burn in modern- should be great here too.

[PeregrineV]

If you want bulk stuff ebay is ok. I would actually suggest that it is best to play draft events to start out.

You don't have to play to win and can just pick cards in the colours you want to play outside of draft. It's a good way to build up cards without splitting across all five colours. Plus you get to play in a fun event at the same time.

This right here. Any sealed event will get you cards. If you cruise Gatherer like I do, then you can buy the cards you like off Ebay or other online stores.
Also, I like to buy a least a fat pack for a set, since you get packs plus a box to put them in. If you're really new, the lands come in handy too.

[PeregrineV]

Great Game Day.

They tied it to thier free Sunday standard event, and I went 3-1-1 with my Azban whip deck, only losing to Silumgar control (and I won't say he slow-played, but c'mon, we went 1-0-1). Got 7th and then lost to 2nd (RDW) in the top8 swiss thing.

Played against black-white warriors. Citadel siege was a pain, because it really sped up my need for answers.

Played against Red-blue. But he was fairly new, so it was more fun socializing.

Played against traditional Abzan. That was the 1-1-1 tie.

Played against another fairly new guy, but he had a decent red Goblin deck.

Also played Force of Will with the red/white duel decks a friend of mine bought.

All in all, a good Sunday.

[PeregrineV]

Force of Will is like Magic if they designed it like Yu-Gi-Oh.

I find it so similar to Magic, learning it took about 10 minutes. Probably less.

I do think the art is great. As in, it's very well done. I like the card names, and the concept. I like the combat mechanics, where you can attack a creature, and can strategically attack in a given order.

I'm ok on the land thing.

Otherwise, it's very much like Magic, which I already have a whole lot of cards for, and money invested in.

So, I play other people's decks.

Green white Fairy Tales is fun. Big guys to stomp others with.

Vampires is kind of boring.

Abdul's is some kind of control.

Grimm is creatures only.

The "fat packs" are $50. The boosters are the same price as magic, but only have 10 cards.

So, when not playing Magic, the game is a second best option.

[PeregrineV]

Bought the Eldrazi v Zendkiar duel decks this Friday. Played 4 games. Eldrazi won all 4 pretty handily. They have this thing called removal that removes whatever Zendikar tries to put on the board. Will do more testing, but definitely not seeing the balance in the two decks.

[PeregrineV]

Another rules question.

Player 1 uses Gideon's +1 to make him a 5/5 Human Soldier Ally.



Player two, in response to the attack, casts Supplant Form.


Is the token that player 2 now controls a Gideon planeswalker with 4 counters on it that is in 5/5 Human Soldier Ally mode?

[PeregrineV]

[PeregrineV]

Been tweaking my deck a bit.

Spoiler: stuff

Land (26) - 2x Blighted Cataract, 2x Evolving Wilds, 4x Prairie Stream, 4x Tranquil Cove, 6x Island, 8x Plains

Went down to 2 Blighted Cataract because drawing multiples early really really hurts. Shelled out ~5 tix for the other two Streams, probably not picking up Flooded Strands though. Maybe in paper I can use my Windswept Heaths or something. Also went up to 26 land, because I kept getting stuck on 3-4 Mana, even with Monastery Siege down, an uncomfortable amount of time.

Removal (21) - 3 Quarantine Field, 4 Planar Outburst, 2 Pacifism, 3 Silkwrap, 1 Celestial Flare, 4 Stasis Snare, 2 Suppression Bonds, 2 Citadel Siege
Card draw/Engines (9) - 4x Sphinx's Tutelage, 3x Monastery Siege, 2x Ugin's Insight
Protection etc (4) - 2x Negate, 1x Disdainful Stroke, 1x Starfield of Nyx

Took out a Silkwrap for one MB Disdainful Stroke, because I am tired of losing to Gx Ramp decks with Ugins and Ulamogs and it helps that game 1 slightly. Plus it has targets in most decks (Atarka Red's Become Immenses, control's PWs, various midrange stuff). I can see adjusting that back to 4 depending on meta.

Also took out an Ugin's Insight, as I don't usually

need

to draw more than one per game, and lots of games I don't have time to take a turn off until I completely lock down my opponent's creatures.

SB: 4x Arashin Cleric, 2x Orbs of Warding, 1x Dampening Pulse, 1x Celestial Flare, 1x End Hostilities, 2x Negate, 2x Disdainful Stroke, 2x Dispel

Dropped the Cranial Archives completely for more Strokes. Could see dropping an Arashin Cleric but not sure what I'd throw in (maybe the 4th Silkwrap?). Could also see running 3/1 Outburst/Hostilities main with a second Hostilities in the side, if I'm running into more decks with Awaken (Esper Control) or something like the RB/Grixis Eldrazi deck with Ghostfire Blades etc.

How are you doing gamewise compared to Saff's videos?

[PeregrineV]

New Duel Deck- Blessed vs Cursed.

Yay!

[PeregrineV]

I got a rules question base don a cliarificaiton of a new card (Hissing Quagmire).

An ability that turns a land into a creature also sets that creature’s power and toughness. If the land was already a creature (for example, if it was the target of a spell with awaken), this will overwrite the previous effect that set its power and toughness. Effects that modify its power or toughness will continue to apply no matter when they started to take effect. The same is true for counters that change its power or toughness (such as +1/+1 counters) and effects that switch its power and toughness. For example, if Hissing Quagmire has been made a 0/0 creature with three +1/+1 counters on it, activating its last ability will turn it into a 5/5 creature that’s still a land.

If the land was made a 0/0 elemental with three +1/+1 counters, but is then made a 2/2, what does it become at the end of the turn? A 0/0 again?

[PeregrineV]

Layers and timestamps my friend.

How this works is that multiple characteristic defining abilities that effect the same layer for one card, so they're applied in timestamp order. In this case we have the following P/T layers to deal with:

7b: Power/Toughness setting effects.
-Awaken spell sets P/T to 0/0
-Activated Ability of Hissing Quagmire sets its p/t to 2/2

Whichever thing happens second will take precedence because thats how effects in the same layer work.

So if you activated it and THEN awakened it it would be a 0/0 for the turn, but if you awaken and THEN activate it it would be a 2/2

then we get to

7d: Power/Toughness changes from counters.
- X +1/+1 counters are on the land.

So whichever the base toughness is based off of the time stamps in layer 7b, you add the number of counters to it.

The second part is that when the activated wears off (at the end of the turn) it is still a 0/0 because we still have the awaken modifer in 7b but we do not any longer have the other modification in 7b.

Source: I'm a level 1 judge.

So layer 7b modiifers use timestamps?

If I have him out, and play hissing Quagmire, I can have hissing become a 3/3 Elemental with haste.

If I were to activate his Hissing ability, would he still be able to attack? Would he now be a 2/2 with haste and deathtouch? If I want him to be a 3/3 with deaththouch, that's not possible, correct?

[PeregrineV]

And if I turn him into a 2/2 deathtouch in response to the landfall trigger, then apply the landfall trigger, is he a 3/3 with haste, daethouch, and vigilance?

[PeregrineV]

Plus, I have mixed feelings about the unlimited use of wastes in constructed but "only what you open" use in sealed.

[PeregrineV]

The the ability layer applied before or after the P/T assignment layer?

[PeregrineV]

Went 2-2, but even that wasn't the full story. I made a black red Argo with plenty of removal and only a few cards with cc4. But the first game, his RW aggro was more aggro than mine. He won the first and third, and almost the second.

Next match he was running WG and I took him out pretty quickly. He got a Kolziek though, so tho was cool.

Played another early finished and beat his BU deck. Boulder Salvo can hate perfectly well on fliers.

Third match, all of the games were tight. He was running WU aggro, and I was taking him down pretty well until I hit a pocket of 5 lands in a row. When I had the Tunneling Geopede, it was great. When I didn't, I took him to 5 and he stalled me out. They were all three fun tough games, fun Except for the losing.

Last round my opponent noShowed, and I played EDH instead.

I did pull a Nisssa, but not enough green support to play her, and not enough mana fixers.

One combo I liked was the 1/4 vampire that gains you a life when it taps, along with the 3/3 vampire that gets a counter when you gain life. Ones an ally, and the holdout land lets you tap the vamp for mana.
Need to find a way to use that.

Another prerelease at 3!

[PeregrineV]

Won our 60+ person prerelease tournament on Saturday. Came in first at 5-1, and won by .05 points (so I was informed). Will post deck list later to request feedback.

Today did 2HG. We went 3-1 but still came in 5th because pair-down and tiebreakers. But still a lot of fun.

[PeregrineV]

[PeregrineV]

Temur Devoid Assault Formation

What version are you guys looking at? I had one in playetest, but it's light on removal.

[PeregrineV]

Made it to day 2 for my first ever gp!

[PeregrineV]

I finally won a game day! Yay!!!

Did it with blue/black zombies. It's funny because I took that deck to a game day and went 0-4 just yesterday but today went 4-0. Just needed that little bit of tweaking I guess?

Congratulations!! The mat looks cool.

I went 0-3, then won because I had a bye, so decided to not sit around for another 3 hours and went home.

[PeregrineV]

I was at GP Louisville this weekend for Team Sealed. It was a fun weekend. I may give a fuller explanation when I am back in front of a computer and not on my phone.

I'd like to hear about it!

[PeregrineV]

Just saw the event type is Unified Modern Team.



I'll be at the SA event, not sure if I'm doing that one just yet.

[PeregrineV]

hey, can anyone offer any useful thoughts on this?

http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/08-12-16-white-soldiers/

one big thing that I'm gonna do that I just haven't gotten the chance to do is replace several more of the Plains with utility lands, since other than Emeria and Emeria Shepherd there's very little reason to have that many Plains, so if you have any suggestions about specific lands I should be including, then that would definitely be helpful.

Brave the Elements?
Patrol Signaler?


will look for lands too

[PeregrineV]

I don;t get this-

While you’re casting your free spell, the Expertise spell is still on the stack. It will be put into its owner’s graveyard after the free spell is cast. The free spell can’t target the Expertise card in your graveyard. It can target the Expertise spell on the stack, but the Expertise spell will become an illegal target before the free spell resolves.

[PeregrineV]

Mser meet up there like last SA right PV

I think it was 2, it might be 3 this time!

[PeregrineV]

Opened Tezzeret and Herald of Anguish at the prerelease. Feels good.

I think my best was Heart of Kiran. I've been told to sell or trade asap since its value is only going to drop.

[PeregrineV]

Who is going to GP San Antonio?

Probably.

[PeregrineV]

It was a good 3 packs.

sweet!

[PeregrineV]

Anyone have any good pre-releases? I was only able to play in one (2HG), and we went 2-3, but I hadn't played in so long, it was fun just playing.

[PeregrineV]

I haven't opened a pack since alara...the first alara...if there is a second alara...

Since the theme seems to be going back to old sets, there should be a Return to Alara in the next 3-5 years.

Resharding Alara?

[PeregrineV]

My 2HG was prettyy fun. I was random matched with a partner, but he was fun to play with. I played UG, and I hardly ever play blue, so that was interesting. He pulled a Nissa, and she was useful for drawing attention when she came out, but other than that we didn't get much utility from her. She had to +2 to survive, which means she wasn't 0 or -6 ing.

He played WB, mostly focused on lifegain and more control. We didn't get any good red cards, unfortunately.

I opened my other event packs, and did get a new Liliana, so that's good.

I think I'll start doing standard again, I kind of missed playing.

[PeregrineV]

Rumors I've heard suggest we're getting a third Mirrodin block.

That works, I like artifacts.

[PeregrineV]

Rumors I've heard suggest we're getting a third Mirrodin block.

Ah good. Another artifact block. Those have

never

caused problems

That's the spirit!!!

[PeregrineV]

Got to open 6 boxes for the Hour set for individual card sales last week. Best was masterpiece Blood Moon and Opposition.

Might get back into standard again- these card prices arent too ridiculous.

[PeregrineV]

Hey, what are people currently playing in standard, if any?

Modern?

Are you ready for Ixalian release?

[PeregrineV]

I like this set so far.

3 pre-releases

Played Red/Green/White dinos (1-1-2)
Played Black/Green/Blue Jank (2-1-1)
Played 2HG (I was the red/white citter blaster deck, my other head was blue/green control mill) went 2-2

Drafted last night, played Dino pirates (did ok at first, because I had enough Crushing Canopy, but my little guys couldn't get past BIG BUTT.
Really enjoyed the games though. It was like a 90% dick-free weekend.