In a complementary article to Mike Flores, Steve looks at the G/W versus R/G matchup from the Gruul perspective. While the results were the same, and the strength of the Elephants was paramount, the R/G beatdown staple is one deck that can simply destroy anything. Block Constructed promises to be a fun and varied format… but when the dust settles, with the beatdown machine remain triumphant?
The Pro Tour hits Charleston this weekend. The format? Team Ravnica Block Constructed. Online, the Ravnica Block Constructed metagame consists largely of BGW Control variants… but in team, those cards will be spread pretty thin. Mike examines the cards and archetypes that’ll make waves in the team format, and while such stalwarts as Loxodon Hierarch are a given, is Simic Sky Swallower really overrated? This is a must-read article for those doing battle this weekend!
While conventional wisdom tells us that a three-color deck is the RGD Draft path of choice, there is merit in ignoring such advice. Nick believes that utilizing a two-color strategy, while sacrificing power, can reap considerable benefits in tempo and consistancy. He breaks down two of the more successful two-color archetypes, providing pick choices and sample decklists, and does so without touching a drop of Blue mana!
Magic is fun. For most of us, fun is what got us into the game, no matter where we may have gone from there. There are a lot of old-school pros that have dropped the game over the years. They had lost the joy of the game, and had started looking at their Expected Values on Pro-Tour preparation and the return for time spent on playtesting, and they moved over to poker where they could expect it to be “worth” it. One funny thing, though. Magic is fun, even if they stopped having so much fun with it. These old pros keep showing up again and again, not treating it like a job, but instead just realizing and remembering what a good time it can be.
Today, I have several topics to explore. None are sufficient for an article of their very own, so I am combining them to create a miscellany; a nice tableau of article-ettes. Therefore, without further ado, let’s head into the bite-sized article nuggets.
Steve tells of his torrid time at Grand Prix Toronto, and his more profitable performance at a subsequent Pro Tour Qualifier. Plus, he shares an intriguing draft strategy that values Skarrgan Pit-Skulk above all else. Confused? Then read on…
Jeroen returns for his usual Wednesday column, answering questions from tournament players and casual spellslingers across the globe. Today sees the Dutchman tackle the subject of Draft picks. What are the cards you should be seeing in picks five through eight? How do you maximize your splash mana? And which pro player has the worst taste in music? All this, and more, available with a simple click of the mouse…
Adrian returns with his second article in two days. Not content with “merely” creating a tournament-winning Vintage deck, Mr Sullivan has focused his considerable deckbuilding talent on the Ravnica Block Constructed metagame. He presents Lasik.dec, a combo build that packs one hell of a punch. Undecided on what to play at Pro Tour Charleston? Maybe Adrian has the answer…
Mark concludes his tale from Grand Prix Toronto, sharing in-depth draft analysis and game runthroughs. His Top 8 match versus Jelger Weigersma was a mammoth encounter, and Mark experienced both highs and lows while marching towards his outstanding finish. With zero byes, he nearly went all the way… an excellent and enlightening read.
Blisterguy returns to the trading rooms of Magic Online, documenting the facts and collating the figures. He also waxes lyrical on everyone’s favorite online casual format: Momir Vig Basic.
Rich returns with another RGD walkthrough… one that’ll be close to every MTGO player’s heart. What do the best drafters in the world take when they open not one, not two, but three rare shocklands?
The irrepressible JMS returns to StarCityGames with a Casual Constructed plea: Play Tribal Wars! In this enlightening article, Jay deconstructs the Tribal format for Standard play, and presents a handy crib-sheet for the Tribes That Can, and the Tribes That Most Certainly Cannot. Looking for a new casual challenge? Then look no further!
(Oh, and JMS? It’s great to have you back!)
When Magic Online was officially released, I bought the software. I have never bought or traded for any cards online until very recently, but my account was still valuable just to be able to watch replays of premier events. Years later, I have finally purchased my first card, and it was the bargain of a lifetime. For only 2 tickets, I now have the Momir Vig avatar, which (along with basic lands) completes the most competitive deck in one very entertaining format: Momir Basic.
Last week, Jeff began an epic narration of his wonderful run in the 2006 Magic Invitational. Today, he rounds off the report with his usual skill and grace. With the ultimate in Magical glory on the line, he faces all comers… and documents each and every thought along the way. A sublime conclusion to an incredible series.
In last weekend’s SCG Power 9 Rochester tournaments, Day 1 saw a rogue deck, designed by Adrian and piloted by Tommy Kolowith, take the top honors. Adrian is no stranger to deck success. Both Eminent Domain and Kooky Jooky made a splash in their respective Standard scenes. Want the lowdown behind this fresh and funky Vintage creation? Card analysis, decklists, and matchup info… only a mouseclick away!
