The Dorcish Librarian

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Sealed

A new Magic set is out! Adventures in the Forgotten Realms brings the characters from Dungeons & Dragons to Magic, and I'm thrilled. I've never played DnD, but it seems the perfect crossover. Anyway, Arena is running its typical sealed event. I participated three times.

Deck 1: 3-3

I ran a blue/black deck that worked reasonably well.

1 The Deck of Many Things (AFR) 241

1 Spiked Pit Trap (AFR) 251

2 Evolving Wilds (AFR) 256

1 Krydle of Baldur's Gate (AFR) 226

6 Swamp (AFR) 273

7 Island (AFR) 269

2 Pixie Guide (AFR) 66

1 Shocking Grasp (AFR) 72

2 Charmed Sleep (AFR) 50

1 Air-Cult Elemental (AFR) 45

1 Rimeshield Frost Giant (AFR) 69

1 Shortcut Seeker (AFR) 73

2 Contact Other Plane (AFR) 52

1 You Find the Villains' Lair (AFR) 84

1 Scion of Stygia (AFR) 70

1 Shambling Ghast (AFR) 119

1 Forsworn Paladin (AFR) 104

1 Fates' Reversal (AFR) 102

1 Vampire Spawn (AFR) 123

1 Manticore (AFR) 113

1 Yuan-Ti Fang-Blade (AFR) 128

1 Demogorgon's Clutches (AFR) 96

1 Black Dragon (AFR) 90

1 Baleful Beholder (AFR) 89

1 Herald of Hadar (AFR) 108

Deck 2: 4-3

I ran another blue/black deck. I wanted to explore other colors, but it didn't make sense based on my packs. This one also went well.

1 Evolving Wilds (AFR) 256

2 Spiked Pit Trap (AFR) 251

8 Island (AFR) 269

7 Swamp (AFR) 273

1 Black Dragon (AFR) 90

1 Zombie Ogre (AFR) 129

1 Drider (AFR) 98

1 Manticore (AFR) 113

1 Gelatinous Cube (AFR) 105

1 Demogorgon's Clutches (AFR) 96

1 Precipitous Drop (AFR) 115

1 Skullport Merchant (AFR) 120

1 Clattering Skeletons (AFR) 93

1 Death-Priest of Myrkul (AFR) 95

1 Fly (AFR) 59

1 Secret Door (AFR) 71

1 Arcane Investigator (AFR) 46

2 Pixie Guide (AFR) 66

2 Power of Persuasion (AFR) 67

1 Scion of Stygia (AFR) 70

1 Soulknife Spy (AFR) 75

1 You Find the Villains' Lair (AFR) 84

1 Djinni Windseer (AFR) 55

1 Shortcut Seeker (AFR) 73

1 Rimeshield Frost Giant (AFR) 69

1 Rogue Class (AFR) 230

Deck 3: 0-3

Thump. This white/blue/black one fell flat. Too many colors, I think. Three is hard in a 40-card deck.

1 Monk Class (AFR) 228

5 Island (AFR) 269

5 Swamp (AFR) 273

1 Triumphant Adventurer (AFR) 237

5 Plains (AFR) 265

1 Barrowin of Clan Undurr (AFR) 218

1 Evolving Wilds (AFR) 256

1 Monk of the Open Hand (AFR) 25

1 Portable Hole (AFR) 33

1 Dawnbringer Cleric (AFR) 9

1 Flumph (AFR) 15

1 Steadfast Paladin (AFR) 38

1 Celestial Unicorn (AFR) 5

2 Minimus Containment (AFR) 24

1 Half-Elf Monk (AFR) 19

1 Planar Ally (AFR) 31

1 White Dragon (AFR) 41

1 Hall of Storm Giants (AFR) 257

1 Charmed Sleep (AFR) 50

1 Guild Thief (AFR) 61

1 Silver Raven (AFR) 74

1 Wizard's Spellbook (AFR) 82

1 Arcane Investigator (AFR) 46

1 Shortcut Seeker (AFR) 73

1 Feign Death (AFR) 103

1 Shambling Ghast (AFR) 119

1 Fates' Reversal (AFR) 102

1 Baleful Beholder (AFR) 89

1 Clattering Skeletons (AFR) 93

1 Grim Bounty (AFR) 106

1 Precipitous Drop (AFR) 115

Initial impression: this looks to be a great set; I had a lot of fun.

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Jumpstart Event

Arena is running another Jumpstart event. Released last year, this fun format- "pick two 20-card theme packs, shuffle, and play"- is a hit, and I was glad to see it return. This time around, I played 36 games using 12 combinations. I went 16-20. Here are the stats:

Rainbow Discarding: 4-0

Tree-hugging Cats: 2-0

Goblins Minions: 0-2

Rogues Minotaurs: 1-1

Sea Spirits: 0-3

Devilish Plus One: 1-1

Legion Dinosaurs: 1-1

Well-Read Basri: 2-1

Vampire Elves: 1-2

Goblin Witchcraft: 1-2

Enchanted Vampires: 1-3

Milling Reanimated: 2-4

And here are some of the decks:

Rainbow Discarding:

1 Maelstrom Archangel (JMP) 454

1 Chamber Sentry (JMP) 461

1 Dinrova Horror (JMP) 450

1 Fusion Elemental (JMP) 451

1 Mirrodin's Core (JMP) 492

1 Raging Regisaur (JMP) 455

1 Ironroot Warlord (JMP) 452

1 Alloy Myr (JMP) 457

1 Auger Spree (JMP) 449

1 Terramorphic Expanse (JMP) 78

1 Lawmage's Binding (JMP) 453

1 Prophetic Prism (JMP) 478

1 Rupture Spire (JMP) 495

1 Skittering Surveyor (JMP) 486

1 Prismite (M21) 235

1 Forest (M21) 273

1 Island (M21) 265

1 Mountain (M21) 271

1 Plains (M21) 260

1 Swamp (M21) 268

1 Tinybones, Trinket Thief (JMP) 17

1 Assassin's Strike (JMP) 200

1 Fell Specter (JMP) 233

1 Ravenous Chupacabra (JMP) 269

1 Entomber Exarch (JMP) 227

1 Mind Rot (M21) 115

1 Burglar Rat (JMP) 214

1 Death's Approach (JMP) 222

1 Phyrexian Rager (JMP) 266

1 Slate Street Ruffian (JMP) 279

1 Thriving Moor (JMP) 37

1 Wight of Precinct Six (JMP) 287

1 Swamp (JMP) 55

Tree-hugging Cats:

1 Primordial Sage (JMP) 422

1 Burlfist Oak (M21) 174

1 Warden of the Woods (M21) 213

1 Nature's Way (JMP) 412

1 Wall of Blossoms (JMP) 442

1 Llanowar Visionary (M21) 193

1 Snarespinner (M21) 207

1 Ambassador Oak (JMP) 375

1 Crushing Canopy (JMP) 386

1 Explore (JMP) 393

1 Thriving Grove (JMP) 34

1 Wildsize (JMP) 445

1 Gnarled Sage (M21) 187

1 Forest (JMP) 70

1 Feline Sovereign (M21) 180

1 Enlarge (JMP) 392

1 Keeper of Fables (JMP) 407

1 Nature's Way (JMP) 412

1 Canopy Stalker (M21) 175

1 Sabertooth Mauler (M21) 202

1 Pridemalkin (M21) 196

1 Crushing Canopy (JMP) 386

1 Feral Invocation (JMP) 396

1 Initiate's Companion (JMP) 403

1 Pouncing Cheetah (JMP) 419

1 Thriving Grove (JMP) 34

1 Feral Prowler (JMP) 397

1 Forest (JMP) 74

Goblins Minions:

1 Muxus, Goblin Grandee (JMP) 24

1 Battle-Rattle Shaman (M21) 130

1 Beetleback Chief (JMP) 294

1 Goblin Commando (JMP) 325

1 Makeshift Munitions (JMP) 348

1 Burn Bright (M21) 134

1 Goblin Arsonist (M21) 147

1 Boggart Brute (JMP) 299

1 Goblin Instigator (JMP) 327

1 Goblin Shortcutter (JMP) 330

1 Ornery Goblin (JMP) 353

1 Outnumber (JMP) 354

1 Thriving Bluff (JMP) 33

1 Mountain (JMP) 65

1 Ghoulcaller Gisa (JMP) 236

1 Witch's Cauldron (M21) 129

1 Eliminate (M21) 97

1 Goremand (M21) 101

1 Liliana's Devotee (M21) 109

1 Innocent Blood (JMP) 244

1 Fetid Imp (M21) 98

1 Dutiful Attendant (JMP) 226

1 Ghoulcaller's Accomplice (JMP) 237

1 Nocturnal Feeder (JMP) 16

1 Shambling Goblin (JMP) 277

1 Thriving Moor (JMP) 37

1 Village Rites (M21) 126

1 Swamp (JMP) 54

Rogues Minotaurs:

1 Gonti, Lord of Luxury (JMP) 240

1 Thieves' Guild Enforcer (M21) 125

1 Audacious Thief (JMP) 84

1 Oona's Blackguard (JMP) 261

1 Rogue's Gloves (JMP) 479

1 Stab Wound (JMP) 281

1 Alchemist's Gift (M21) 87

1 Masked Blackguard (M21) 113

1 Lawless Broker (JMP) 249

1 Finishing Blow (M21) 99

1 Nightshade Stinger (JMP) 258

1 Nocturnal Feeder (JMP) 16

1 Thriving Moor (JMP) 37

1 Swamp (JMP) 57

1 Rageblood Shaman (JMP) 357

1 Sethron, Hurloon General (JMP) 25

1 Unleash Fury (M21) 170

1 Traitorous Greed (M21) 166

1 Bloodrage Brawler (JMP) 296

1 Soul Sear (M21) 160

1 Sure Strike (M21) 163

1 Borderland Minotaur (JMP) 301

1 Flurry of Horns (JMP) 321

1 Lightning Visionary (JMP) 22

1 Minotaur Skullcleaver (JMP) 349

1 Minotaur Sureshot (JMP) 350

1 Thriving Bluff (JMP) 33

1 Mountain (JMP) 69

Devilish Plus One:

1 Brash Taunter (M21) 133

1 Traitorous Greed (M21) 166

1 Dance with Devils (JMP) 306

1 Chained Brute (JMP) 19

1 Spiteful Prankster (JMP) 26

1 Havoc Jester (M21) 149

1 Hobblefiend (M21) 152

1 Pitchburn Devils (M21) 156

1 Act of Treason (JMP) 289

1 Collateral Damage (JMP) 305

1 Lightning-Core Excavator (JMP) 32

1 Thriving Bluff (JMP) 33

1 Torch Fiend (JMP) 367

1 Mountain (JMP) 63

1 Rishkar, Peema Renegade (JMP) 425

1 Invigorating Surge (M21) 190

1 Wildwood Scourge (M21) 214

1 Inspiring Call (JMP) 404

1 Nessian Hornbeetle (JMP) 413

1 Trufflesnout (M21) 212

1 Hunter's Edge (M21) 189

1 Pridemalkin (M21) 196

1 Arbor Armament (JMP) 376

1 Fertilid (JMP) 398

1 Pollenbright Druid (JMP) 173

1 Thriving Grove (JMP) 34

1 Forest (JMP) 72

Legion Dinosaurs:

1 Blessed Sanctuary (JMP) 1

1 Selfless Savior (M21) 36

1 Falconer Adept (M21) 18

1 Banishing Light (JMP) 4

1 Basri's Solidarity (M21) 10

1 Valorous Steed (M21) 42

1 Daybreak Charger (M21) 14

1 Makeshift Battalion (M21) 26

1 Inspired Charge (JMP) 110

1 Knight of the Tusk (JMP) 114

1 Legion's Judgment (M21) 24

1 Thriving Heath (JMP) 35

1 Raise the Alarm (JMP) 129

1 Plains (JMP) 38

1 Primal Might (M21) 197

1 Rampaging Brontodon (JMP) 423

1 Drover of the Mighty (JMP) 388

1 Savage Stomp (JMP) 427

1 Thrashing Brontodon (M21) 209

1 Garruk's Uprising (M21) 186

1 Colossal Dreadmaw (M21) 176

1 Commune with Dinosaurs (JMP) 384

1 New Horizons (JMP) 414

1 Orazca Frillback (JMP) 416

1 Thriving Grove (JMP) 34

1 Ornery Dilophosaur (M21) 194

1 Drowsing Tyrannodon (M21) 178

1 Forest (JMP) 73

Well-Read Basri:

1 Basri Ket (M21) 7

1 Basri's Lieutenant (M21) 9

1 Tempered Veteran (M21) 41

1 Siege Striker (M21) 37

1 Faith's Fetters (M21) 17

1 Basri's Solidarity (M21) 10

1 Concordia Pegasus (M21) 12

1 Feat of Resistance (M21) 19

1 Staunch Shieldmate (M21) 39

1 Knight of the Tusk (JMP) 114

1 Legion's Judgment (M21) 24

1 Thriving Heath (JMP) 35

1 Basri's Acolyte (M21) 8

1 Plains (M21) 309

1 Ormos, Archive Keeper (JMP) 13

1 Tolarian Kraken (M21) 80

1 Arcane Encyclopedia (JMP) 459

1 Curiosity (JMP) 147

1 Oneirophage (JMP) 162

1 Capture Sphere (M21) 47

1 Tome Anima (M21) 81

1 Library Larcenist (M21) 55

1 Rousing Read (M21) 67

1 Opt (M21) 59

1 Erratic Visionary (JMP) 150

1 Runed Servitor (JMP) 481

1 Thriving Isle (JMP) 36

1 Island (JMP) 53

Vampire Elves:

1 Exquisite Blood (JMP) 231

1 Sangromancer (JMP) 272

1 Silversmote Ghoul (M21) 122

1 Bloodbond Vampire (JMP) 209

1 Gifted Aetherborn (JMP) 239

1 Sengir Vampire (JMP) 275

1 Sanguine Indulgence (M21) 121

1 Agonizing Syphon (JMP) 199

1 Last Gasp (JMP) 247

1 Nocturnal Feeder (JMP) 16

1 Thriving Moor (JMP) 37

1 Vampire Neonate (JMP) 285

1 Gloom Sower (M21) 100

1 Swamp (JMP) 60

1 Craterhoof Behemoth (JMP) 385

1 Elvish Archdruid (JMP) 391

1 Skyway Sniper (M21) 206

1 Dwynen's Elite (JMP) 389

1 Ghirapur Guide (JMP) 400

1 Silhana Wayfinder (JMP) 430

1 Llanowar Visionary (M21) 193

1 Hunter's Edge (M21) 189

1 Titanic Growth (M21) 210

1 Crushing Canopy (JMP) 386

1 Presence of Gond (JMP) 420

1 Thriving Grove (JMP) 34

1 Wildheart Invoker (JMP) 444

1 Forest (JMP) 77

Goblin Witchcraft:

1 Goblin Chieftain (JMP) 324

1 Goblin Goon (JMP) 326

1 Beetleback Chief (JMP) 294

1 Goblin Commando (JMP) 325

1 Makeshift Munitions (JMP) 348

1 Volley Veteran (JMP) 369

1 Goblin Arsonist (M21) 147

1 Shock (M21) 159

1 Boggart Brute (JMP) 299

1 Goblin Instigator (JMP) 327

1 Goblin Shortcutter (JMP) 330

1 Ornery Goblin (JMP) 353

1 Thriving Bluff (JMP) 33

1 Mountain (JMP) 65

1 Bogbrew Witch (JMP) 211

1 Witch of the Moors (JMP) 18

1 Blood Divination (JMP) 207

1 Bubbling Cauldron (JMP) 460

1 Swarm of Bloodflies (JMP) 282

1 Tempting Witch (JMP) 283

1 Bake into a Pie (JMP) 201

1 Black Cat (JMP) 203

1 Bloodhunter Bat (JMP) 210

1 Festering Newt (JMP) 234

1 Last Gasp (JMP) 247

1 Thriving Moor (JMP) 37

1 Swamp (JMP) 59

Goblin Vampires:

1 Muxus, Goblin Grandee (JMP) 24

1 Battle-Rattle Shaman (M21) 130

1 Beetleback Chief (JMP) 294

1 Goblin Commando (JMP) 325

1 Makeshift Munitions (JMP) 348

1 Burn Bright (M21) 134

1 Goblin Arsonist (M21) 147

1 Boggart Brute (JMP) 299

1 Goblin Instigator (JMP) 327

1 Goblin Shortcutter (JMP) 330

1 Ornery Goblin (JMP) 353

1 Outnumber (JMP) 354

1 Thriving Bluff (JMP) 33

1 Mountain (JMP) 65

1 Exquisite Blood (JMP) 231

1 Sangromancer (JMP) 272

1 Silversmote Ghoul (M21) 122

1 Bloodbond Vampire (JMP) 209

1 Gifted Aetherborn (JMP) 239

1 Sengir Vampire (JMP) 275

1 Sanguine Indulgence (M21) 121

1 Agonizing Syphon (JMP) 199

1 Last Gasp (JMP) 247

1 Nocturnal Feeder (JMP) 16

1 Thriving Moor (JMP) 37

1 Vampire Neonate (JMP) 285

1 Gloom Sower (M21) 100

1 Swamp (JMP) 60

Goblin Pirates:

1 Muxus, Goblin Grandee (JMP) 24

1 Beetleback Chief (JMP) 294

1 Goblin Commando (JMP) 325

1 Makeshift Munitions (JMP) 348

1 Volley Veteran (JMP) 369

1 Goblin Arsonist (M21) 147

1 Shock (M21) 159

1 Boggart Brute (JMP) 299

1 Goblin Instigator (JMP) 327

1 Goblin Shortcutter (JMP) 330

1 Ornery Goblin (JMP) 353

1 Outnumber (JMP) 354

1 Thriving Bluff (JMP) 33

1 Mountain (JMP) 65

1 Corsair Captain (JMP) 11

1 Chart a Course (JMP) 142

1 Curious Obsession (JMP) 148

1 Departed Deckhand (JMP) 149

1 Spectral Sailor (JMP) 178

1 Capture Sphere (M21) 47

1 Kitesail Corsair (JMP) 155

1 Pirate's Cutlass (JMP) 477

1 Prosperous Pirates (JMP) 165

1 Rishadan Airship (JMP) 170

1 Sailor of Means (JMP) 172

1 Thriving Isle (JMP) 36

1 Read the Tides (M21) 62

1 Island (JMP) 52

Milling Reanimated:

Fun times! I hope they run it again in the future (or, better- come out with Jumpstart 2).

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Deck Dump

Arena is great in many ways, but its 75-deck limit seems unnecessarily limiting. Today's post is a 'deck dump' so I can remember certain decks, then delete them to make room for more.

Ill-Gotten

This casual deck could have been named "ping." The goal is to play cards that grind your opponent's down to zero. It doesn't work that well, but is amusing when you can get a few Dogged Pursuit and/or Ill-Gotten Inheritance and/or Revenge of the Ravens out.

4 Duskwielder (KHM) 91

20 Swamp (SLD) 105

4 Revenge of Ravens (ELD) 104

4 Dogged Pursuit (KHM) 85

4 Ill-Gotten Inheritance (RNA) 77

2 Castle Locthwain (ELD) 241

4 Duress (M21) 96

4 Serrated Scorpion (IKO) 99

4 Agonizing Remorse (THB) 83

4 Costly Plunder (XLN) 96

4 Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose (M21) 127

1 Crippling Fear (KHM) 82

1 Witch's Vengeance (ELD) 111

Clerics (v1)

My first take at an Orzhov Clerics deck is a good example of why I'm not a great Magic player. I wasn't quite sure if I wanted this to be aggro, control, or combo, and as a result, it did nothing well. It would explode every now and then, but was a disappointment.

3 Anointed Chorister (M21) 4

1 Fabled Passage (ELD) 244

3 Expedition Healer (ZNR) 13

2 Attended Healer (ZNR) 6

2 Bloodchief's Thirst (ZNR) 94

4 Kor Celebrant (ZNR) 22

2 Shatter the Sky (THB) 37

1 Nullpriest of Oblivion (ZNR) 118

9 Swamp (ZNR) 382

4 Marauding Blight-Priest (ZNR) 112

4 Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose (M21) 127

1 Drana, the Last Bloodchief (ZNR) 98

4 Cleric of Life's Bond (ZNR) 222

2 Orah, Skyclave Hierophant (ZNR) 233

9 Plains (ZNR) 380

3 Brightclimb Pathway (ZNR) 259

2 Temple of Silence (M21) 255

4 Archfiend's Vessel (M21) 88

Clerics (v2)

I made some improvements, adding card draw (Village Rites) and cheaper cards (Speaker of the Heavens), going more aggro/combo. Still not great, but in the right direction.

4 Anointed Chorister (M21) 4

3 Village Rites (M21) 126

3 Bloodchief's Thirst (ZNR) 94

3 Nullpriest of Oblivion (ZNR) 118

8 Swamp (ZNR) 382

3 Marauding Blight-Priest (ZNR) 112

4 Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose (M21) 127

4 Cleric of Life's Bond (ZNR) 222

3 Orah, Skyclave Hierophant (ZNR) 233

8 Plains (ZNR) 380

4 Brightclimb Pathway (ZNR) 259

2 Temple of Silence (M21) 255

4 Archfiend's Vessel (M21) 88

4 Speaker of the Heavens (M21) 38

3 Kor Celebrant (ZNR) 22

Clerics (v3)

This has proven the most successful version, adding Luminarch Aspirant and Mangara.

3 Anointed Chorister (M21) 4

4 Village Rites (M21) 126

4 Bloodchief's Thirst (ZNR) 94

3 Nullpriest of Oblivion (ZNR) 118

8 Swamp (ZNR) 382

3 Marauding Blight-Priest (ZNR) 112

4 Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose (M21) 127

4 Cleric of Life's Bond (ZNR) 222

3 Orah, Skyclave Hierophant (ZNR) 233

8 Plains (ZNR) 380

4 Brightclimb Pathway (ZNR) 259

2 Temple of Silence (M21) 255

4 Archfiend's Vessel (M21) 88

4 Luminarch Aspirant (ZNR) 24

2 Mangara, the Diplomat (M21) 27

Draw 2

This one is simple: draw, draw, draw. My original deck name was "Win or Lose, Draw." Burlfist Oak, enchanted with Setessan Training and aided by card drawing effects, is the heavy hitter here. It does okay, but not as well as I'd like.

4 Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse (M21) 191

23 Forest (IKO) 274

4 Setessan Training (M21) 205

4 Track Down (M21) 211

4 Llanowar Visionary (M21) 193

4 Burlfist Oak (M21) 174

2 Elder Gargaroth (M21) 179

2 Hunter's Edge (M21) 189

4 Skyscanner (M21) 238

2 Heroic Intervention (M21) 188

4 Portcullis Vine (M21) 195

3 Primal Might (M21) 197

Discard

A simple discard deck- slower than I'd like, but can get the job done occasionally.

2 Duress (M20) 97

22 Swamp (ANB) 116

4 Burglar Rat (GRN) 64

4 Liliana's Steward (M21) 111

2 Tinybones, Trinket Thief (JMP) 17

3 Waste Not (M15) 122

3 Mind Rot (M21) 115

4 Plaguecrafter (GRN) 82

2 Rotting Regisaur (M20) 111

2 Liliana, Waker of the Dead (M21) 108

3 Rankle, Master of Pranks (ELD) 101

2 Sangromancer (JMP) 272

1 The Eldest Reborn (DAR) 90

4 Reassembling Skeleton (M19) 116

2 Ayara, First of Locthwain (ELD) 75

21 Green Street

No idea how I got this name (from 21 Jump Street, I assume, but I'm not familiar with the show and have no idea why I associated that with this deck). I recall it doing better than I suspected, but I never use it anymore, so time to go.

4 Pridemalkin (M21) 196

19 Forest (IKO) 274

1 Evolution Sage (WAR) 159

2 Primal Might (M21) 197

4 Hunter's Edge (M21) 189

2 The Great Henge (ELD) 161

2 Syr Faren, the Hengehammer (ELD) 177

2 Yorvo, Lord of Garenbrig (ELD) 185

2 Renata, Called to the Hunt (THB) 196

2 Questing Beast (ELD) 171

1 Elder Gargaroth (M21) 179

2 Pollenbright Druid (WAR) 173

2 Track Down (M21) 211

3 Wildborn Preserver (ELD) 182

2 Wildwood Scourge (M21) 214

4 Pelt Collector (GRN) 141

2 Garruk's Uprising (M21) 186

4 Castle Garenbrig (ELD) 240

Forest's Might

I think this was an Arena original. But it's no longer valid in standard, and there are better 'stompy' decks out there.

1 Ghalta, Primal Hunger (RIX) 130

1 Gigantosaurus (M19) 185

1 Aggressive Mammoth (M19) 302

3 Llanowar Elves (M19) 314

1 Vigilant Baloth (M19) 206

2 Bristling Boar (M19) 170

3 Centaur Courser (M19) 171

3 Rabid Bite (M19) 195

2 Titanic Growth (M19) 205

24 Forest (M19) 277

2 Pelt Collector (GRN) 141

2 Root Snare (M19) 199

1 Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma (M19) 186

1 Carnage Tyrant (XLN) 179

1 Steel Leaf Champion (DAR) 182

2 Thorn Lieutenant (M19) 203

2 Colossal Majesty (M19) 173

1 Thrashing Brontodon (RIX) 148

1 Beast Whisperer (GRN) 123

1 Pelakka Wurm (M19) 192

1 Finale of Devastation (WAR) 160

1 Nissa's Triumph (WAR) 170

2 Blanchwood Armor (M19) 169

1 Crushing Canopy (GRN) 126

That frees up some slots . . . on to new creations.

Monday, May 31, 2021

Season Results (May)

As I mentioned before, Magic Arena calls each month a season. This post captures my May performance.

Pulling stats from untapped.gg and capturing in a spreadsheet across different events:

Observations:

I still really like my mill deck. I need to diversify.
I played for 9 hours in May, better (meaning less time than) average.
This will be my last 'normal' month for some time, as we have big changes coming in June.

Fun times.

Friday, May 28, 2021

State of the Game

This post considers the past few sets and state of the game from my perspective. First up, recent set reviews (going back one year):

Ikoria

When I heard this full name (Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths), I got excited- I love those big creatures. But this set underwhelmed me. Companions were immediately shown to be broken, and required a fast rule change to avoid 'canceling' the cards entirely. The mutate mechanic annoyed me and seemed more fit for digital (how can you keep track of abilities in paper cards if you've stacked five of them?). As with any set, there are a few fun cards in here, but on the whole, I'm glad I didn't collect this one.

Zendikar Rising

A return to the Zendikar plane was more fun than I expected. I didn't collect this one either, per se (I bought some singles of interest), but the landfall and kicker mechanics are fun, and the party concept foreshadows what I expect to see in the forthcoming D&D-themed set.

Kaldheim

Very much looked forward to this one, and I invested heavily in this Nordic-themed set. The boast and foretell mechanics are pretty good, but I really liked the theme here more- especially the focus on dwarves, angels, and elves.

Strixhaven

Magic does their take on Harry Potter . . . and I'm not a fan. Mostly. I can't put my finger on why- perhaps it feels too 'kiddish' in theme. But on the other hand, it's too complex in card abilities- lots of text, and I haven't been able to figure this set out (in part because I don't care enough to invest in learning). But I do like the lesson cards- and the colorless sorceries are most welcome (I like the idea of cards that could go in any deck).

State of the Game

My main concerns are how complex Magic is getting to collect. They used to release booster packs and starter decks for a given set; that was it. You could find any card in the booster packs outside of a few cards unique to the starter decks. There was not variant art or card frame, etc. Easy. But that's all changing, and (in my mind) not for the better:

As previously posted, the card variants are increasing. I don't feel compelled to collect these alternate presentations, but they make the game more confusing for beginners.
There are now four types of booster packs. Yes, four. Draft booster (which is the traditional type), set booster, theme booster, and collector booster. All with different price points, card quantity, rarity probability/distribution, and- this irks me the most- some cards are available only in certain types of booster. This deserves a post all its own. It makes it extremely confusing to collect, and seems like a money grab from Wizards.
The releases are coming more frequently. I count seven expansions to be released in 2021- some are special (like the forthcoming Modern Horizons 2), but that's a lot of cards coming out every year, and I'm not even counting special products (like Commander decks) associated with some of those releases that feature more exclusive cards. Again, seems like a money grab.

So I am concerned, but here's the thing: nobody's forcing me (or you) to buy these things. Wizards will do what makes them money. If people don't buy into these new releases or booster pack types, Wizards will change their approach. I am looking forward to a few sets (the forthcoming D&D sounds fun, and more Innistrad-themed sets are coming), but also expect to sit quite a few out. And I can still have tons of fun with the cards I already own; that's the beauty of this game.

Friday, May 21, 2021

Millie 6

I'm in a rut. I've been playing one deck almost exclusively for the past few months- my "Millie 6" deck.

I previously posted on mono-blue mill decks, and have tried several iterations throughout the past year. I enjoy this alternate win condition, and am extremely happy with my sixth version (hence the deck name). Here's why:

It's a home brew
It's pretty successful (55% win rate, where top decks run ~60%)
It's inexpensive to construct (no mythics, cheap rares)
It's unique (I don't encounter decks quite like it)

Millie 6 is not a control deck (so no counterspells), nor is it aggressive (trying to win quickly with fast damage). I suppose that makes it a tempo or combo deck. It relies on:

Card draw (Gadwick, Frantic Inventory, Opt, Into the Story, Merfolk Windrobber)
Mill spells (Overwhelmed Apprentice, Teferi's Tutelage, Merfolk Windrobber, Ruin Crab, Maddening Cacophony)
Deck sculpting (Overwhelmed Apprentice, Opt)
A bit of interaction (Gadwick to tap opponent's creatures; Lullmage's Domination to take control of them)
Smart blocking (Merfolk Windrobber can block, then be sacrificed before damage to draw a card (if your opponent has 8 or more cards in their graveyard)

The card draw combos with Teferi's Tutelage and is the main milling engine (though Ruin Crabs and Maddening Cacophonys are pretty effective on their own).

Anyway, here's the deck:

21 Island (ANA) 4
1 Castle Vantress (ELD) 242
4 Overwhelmed Apprentice (ELD) 60
3 Gadwick, the Wizened (ELD) 48
4 Frantic Inventory (M21) 50
4 Opt (ELD) 59
4 Into the Story (ELD) 50
4 Teferi's Tutelage (M21) 78
4 Merfolk Windrobber (ZNR) 70
3 Lullmage's Domination (ZNR) 66
4 Ruin Crab (ZNR) 75
4 Maddening Cacophony (ZNR) 67

It's my favorite and most effective mill deck ever; I've won as early as turn 5 (without opponent concession).

Friday, May 7, 2021

From the Jaws of Victory

I had an amusing (and humbling) experience last week- on the cusp of victory, I managed to lose. Here's how it happened, and what I learned from it.

I was playing my "Millie" deck, which has been my go-to for months because it's a home brew and surprisingly successful. Here's the decklist:

21 Island (ANA) 4

1 Castle Vantress (ELD) 242

4 Overwhelmed Apprentice (ELD) 60

3 Gadwick, the Wizened (ELD) 48

4 Frantic Inventory (M21) 50

4 Opt (ELD) 59

4 Into the Story (ELD) 50

4 Teferi's Tutelage (M21) 78

4 Merfolk Windrobber (ZNR) 70

3 Lullmage's Domination (ZNR) 66

4 Ruin Crab (ZNR) 75

4 Maddening Cacophony (ZNR) 67

Things were going well. I had only 3 life, and my opponent had a 6/6 creature, but I milled him to an empty library on my turn, and victory was at hand. I had a Lullmage's Domination in my hand, so I could have taken control of his 6/6, but why bother? On this turn, on his draw step, he would try to draw from an empty library and trigger an alternate losing condition. Easy. I passed my turn and awaited his defeat.

Oops. He had a Fling (an instant that reads "sacrifice a creature to do damage equal to that creature's power to any target"). And the order of steps is untap, upkeep, draw. Since Fling is an instant, he could (and did) play it after his untap step. Six damage to me; I lose.

The main lesson is so basic: it isn't over until it's over. The secondary is also common: don't let up. It felt almost cruel to take his creature- I had beaten him (so I thought), so no need to humiliate or 'run up the score'- but it cost me the game. Lesson(s) learned.

Pages

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Sealed

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Jumpstart Event

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Deck Dump

Monday, May 31, 2021

Season Results (May)

Friday, May 28, 2021

State of the Game

Friday, May 21, 2021

Millie 6

Friday, May 7, 2021

From the Jaws of Victory

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