Hello, good people of Earth. I hope that this article finds you well, and that you are on the way to happiness. Today I want to explore a multiplayer format that we occasionally play at my place… a format called Secret Alliances.
Legacy has advanced significantly since my last comprehensive analysis of the format. Many players all over the world are innovating, and the most competitive decks are becoming quite diverse. In this article, I will analyze the formats latest developments, and make some predictions about the metagame at this weekend’s Mana Leak Open 2.
Raphael Levy set off for Grand Prix: Dallas with a pocketful of decks and a confused mind. While he had options, he hadn’t a clue on the final 75-card conficuration he’d be running. After much back and forth deliberation, and a modicum of advice from some of the Magic Elite, he settled with Gaea’s Might Get There… and it paid out in spades. For more fun tales of preparation and play, read on!
After Jeroen’s impassioned plea for questions last week, the Magic community rallied round and sent ‘em in by the dozen. Mr Remie casts his experienced eye over topics as diverse as proper playtesting techniques, the lack of characters on the Pro circuit, and Two-Headed Giant Sealed deck. And in light of his perceived reputation — that of negativity — he promises to be super-positive today!
Extended season is officially winding down, so it’s time to shift focus to the baby of the Constructed formats: Block! Today’s Deconstructing Constructed takes an overview of Time Spiral Block Constructed and hints at some of the highlights we can come to expect when Planar Chaos filters through into the Block Metagame. Volcano Hellion my Stuffy Doll? Gee Gee, my friend…
Mono-White Control, an old favorite of some back in the days of Onslaught (though why anyone shunned Goblins back then is beyond me), may now be more than viable in Planar Chaos Standard. Powered by Gauntlet of Power, does this classic “Turtle” archetype have the tools to get the job done in a world dominated by Dralnu du Louvre and Dragonstorm? Read on to find out!
It’s a funny old time for Magic Online. The metagame has shifted to incorporate Planar Chaos, but nobody has had any real access to the cards. You can buy them, and play them in Constructed events… but you can’t play Sanctioned Limited (until 9am tomorrow). So, while the true MTGO Metagame remains in limbo, I’ve turned my back on Premier Event results, to take a little look at Premier Event playing….
Green is the topic du jour amongst the Magic populace at large… and who better to wade into the debate but the King of the Fatties himself? Jamie adds his own two cents to the Power of Green Debate, and shares a nifty Time Spiral Block deck that harnesses the power of the Forest. Looking for something more visceral than the trickiness of Vesuvan Shapeshifter and pals? Then this is the deck for you!
With GP: Dallas behind us, it’s time to take stock of the most varied and entertaining Extended format for some years. Today’s Deep Analysis sees Richard attempt to define exactly what became of the metagame, and create a workable set of format provisos (the Rules of Engagement) from which we can move forward. In this open and troubling format, how can we approach our future deck decisions with any level of success?
Chris continues with his Angry Man persona and complains long and hard about the blurring of the color pie. He also swallows his pride and champions the very card he rails against so mightily. A rant, some comedy, and an interesting Rakdos Standard decklist… what more could you possibly need?
There was a PTQ in Rockville, Maryland last Saturday. I went 0-2 and dropped to play a City Champs event (in which I finished second, so the day wasn’t a complete loss). You might think that there’s not much to be learned from an 0-2, and sometimes there certainly isn’t. This time, however, my lesson learned comes in two parts…
Another Extended season is wrapping up. This is my ninth so far. I wondered which season was best / my favorite / most broken — and how decks from various years stack up against one another. What is the “best” Extended deck ever? Let’s find out. I’m proposing a tournament: all the great decks, in a single elimination shootout.
The forums demanded, and Nick delivers! Today’s Limited Lessons examines a complete Two-Headed Giant Draft from picks 1 and 2 to the very end. Nick leads us by the hand through the rocky waters of bizarre pick orders and differing card evaluations. There is some strange fruit to be sampled in this format… don’t be left behind!
The Vintage Restricted list is a source of constant controversy. In Magic’s broken format, it’s safe to say that constant policing of degenerate possibility is a must in order to promote a healty balance for the game. Stephen takes a brutal and honest look at the policy in years gone by, and comes up with some startling suggestions for improvement.
The Ferrett is away adventuring on the High Seas, but that doesn’t stop him ponitificating on the Worst Rule in Magic. I must admit that I was sceptical when he outlined his qualms, but the force of his forthright opinion swayed me to his views double-quick. Do you agree with his assertions?
