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?
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.
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!
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.
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?
Yes, it’s time for another edition of “Drafting With Rich!” As usual, the Canadian maestro shares his RGD Draft pick order and final decklist, with a little commentary on his performance and overall direction. For a more detailed deconstruction, come visit the forums!
Having myself fallen one round short of the joy of drafting Coldsnap, it is left to the two Grand Prix tournaments from last weekend to illumine us as to what is actually going on with the Limited formats that we will be seeing as key highlights this weekend at various National Championships…
I was a little mean at some points earlier this week, but today’s article is going to be all sunshine and cuddles. I’m not really a vicious, angry person, and the few people who saw me drunk can attest to this. You really have to take what I say with a grain of salt, which of course means it’s what I really think, but I don’t want to suffer the consequences of saying it. Thus, if I insulted you in some way – this week or ever – then I was kidding. Ha ha!
I guess for me the moral of this whole blog is that if you want to be a serious gamer, you really need to play as many games as possible. Zelda, Poker, Draft, Worlds Decks, Megaman, Survivor, Standard… they all expand your capacity for strategic thought. The more strategies become second nature to you, the faster you can make correct decisions.
This week, Wizards of the Coast has given the community a chance to select one of eleven dragons for Selecting 10th Edition. I give you the straight rundown on each of the contenders, including the order they will finish in the vote, and the order they should finish in the vote, all things considered.
With U.S. Nationals starting tomorrow, Josh looks back at an old control favorite that has dropped from the limelight… U/R Tron. It’s a strong control option, to be sure… but are the versions splashing Green for the dangerous Simic Sky Swallower strictly superior to the two-color versions? Can the plain ol’ Blue/Red take the title of Strongest Control Deck in Standard? The answers lie within…
Jeoren rounds out his comprehensive Coldsnap rundown with a look at the Green, Gold, Artifact, and Land cards. We all know that Ohran Viper is one of the best cards in the set… but does it take the top spot? If not, what does? As usual, Jeroen evaluates the cards with one eye on Constructed and the other on Limited. Tomorrow, he brings us a wrap-up article full of strong opinions… be sure to tune in!
Rich shares his Drafting technique in today’s installment of “Drafting With Rich!” As usual, he runs through a complete RGD draft from pick one to pick forty-five, and adds a brief commentary on his performance and final build. If you’d like some more detailed deconstruction, come visit the forums!
Abe takes a mighty stab at producing a Snow Matters Five-Color 250-card deck. While not designed to be competitive, it is certainly a lot of fun for the casual player…
After thoroughly destroying Ben Goodman in the previous round, Talen turns his laser eyes toward fresh meat. His opponent this week? Josh Claytor.
NOTE: This match has been moved to Saturday July 29th, 7pm EST, in the Anything Goes room on MTGO. Be there!
