Magic Online Musings: This Week on MTGO #25
Blisterguy shares the latest news from Magic Online, with Premier Event results and card price fluctuations. He also brings us the highs and lows of reporting on control mirror matches…
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SCG Daily – Pro Tour: Charleston
In Charleston, we finally got the chance to have all of us together at the same time. For the final tweaks in our decklists, we grouped ourselves by archetypes. Since every team agreed with sticking to Plan A, and each player was concerned the most with his own deck, why not discuss the final changes with someone who’s going to play the exact same deck and leave your team mates to do the same?
Coldsnap In Limited: Artifacts and Draft Archetypes
Julien completes his look at the Limited application of Coldsnap with an examination of the Artifacts. He also runs through a number of the more powerful two-color combinations, supplying some excellent advice on picks and play strategies. While U.S. and English Nationals have been and gone (and believe me, you’ll be hearing about English Nats a lot from me…), others have still to sample the vagaries of the triple Coldsnap format. Julien’s article is a fine primer for those wishing to improve their chances.
On The Tour Again – A PTQ Kobe Report *Winner*
Nick brings us the stories from his recent PTQ win, qualifying him for Pro Tour: Kobe. After receiving a fine RGD pool, the first he’s received in some time, he highlights the cards that brought home the metaphorical bacon. With detailed match walkthroughs and some interesting Limited insights, Nick’s report is a fine primer for those attending RGD Limited PTQs in the future.
From Right Field: Quick Hits, Volume 2
Chris revisits his popular “Train of Thought” article format… and no, I’m not talking about the card-drawing sorcery. He tackles a number of interesting points, throws in a decklist, and shares some quality cheesecake. What’s not to like?
Coldsnap: Colorless and Control
It’s one of my favorite times of the year: new cards, potential for new decks, and my creativity gone wild. I’ve learned my lesson from trying to do the card-by-card reviews. I don’t have the patience. I’m prone to burnout. So this time this review focuses on the only cards you need to worry about.
SCG Daily – At Bernardo’s Place
At Pro Tour: Prague most of the teams for Charleston were already formed. I was teaming with Bernardo da Costa Cabral and Kamiel Cornelissen. We approached some other friendly teams, inquiring about playtesting together. I let Bernardo know about my availability — I could move at any time, to any place, for testing purposes. In the end it was decided we should all gather in Brussels in Bernardo’s own house, after Grand Prix: Torino.
Bluffing Drains and Storming Brains: Playing Control in Vintage
There’s no doubt that Stephen Menedian is one of the premier Vintage thinkers in the game today. This article tackles some of the more tricky decisions facing those packing Force of Will in the current Type 1 metagame… so that’s almost everyone. When do you Force? When do you Drain? When do you hold back, and when does playing into a Force reap the rewards? A strong article, packed with positive theoretical tips.
Drafting With Rich #26
Rich continues his excellent series of RGD Draft walkthroughs, presenting each pick as it happened and highlighting each card chosen. He shares his final decklist, and gives us a brief overview of his results and processes. As usual, for more detailed draft deconstruction, come visit us in the forums!
The Weekly Guild Build – Practice Makes Better
Veteran Japan reporter and Sealed Deck workhorse Eli Kaplan steps in for the Ferrett, with a satchel of issues and miscellaneous thoughts as he brushes up for Grand Prix: Hiroshima.
You Lika The Juice? – Back Home
I now have the time to come back home and write for StarCityGames.com on a consistent basis. Writing the Dailies the other week was a lot of fun, and I look forward to the freedom and flexibility afforded to writers here. It feels good to be back – I started writing for Pete back in 1999! When I saw that Steven Menendian was recently celebrating his 100th column for Star City, it made me wonder – how many columns have I written here?
SCG Daily – Grand Prix: Torino
June was a crazy month for me. I found myself dashing from one place to another. I had the idea of writing an article about my experiences playing Magic in four different countries, but eventually I realized that writing a series would be better, because of both the size and content of the article.
Food For Thought: Configuring Rakdos-Dimir
Mike presents a new Standard deck for us today, one that’s been through the wringer for a number of weeks. While it posts some fantastic results against a plethora of powerful metagame decks, it’s not quite there yet. It’s a pure blast to play… but can Mike and the forums find the perfect build in time to shake up the Standard scene? Read, discuss, enjoy!
The Remie Rundown: On Coldsnap – Pulling No Punches
For the past week, Jeroen has been analysing the runners and riders of Coldsnap. Each card has been weighted for both Constructed and Limited play. In today’s wrap-up article, Mr Remie shares his opinions on the set as a whole… and believe me, he pulls no punches. A forthright and passionate article, and one that’s sure to fire up the forums.
Playing With Melanie – A R/B/U Deck For Standard
Patrick continues to impress… this week’s article takes a fresh look at a popular color combination: Red/Black/Blue. As usual, Pat throws his deck against a host of metagame stalwarts, and records a ten-game suite against each. U.S. (and English) Nationals are upon us… could Pat’s new creation be the surprise weapon of choice?