Lo and behold, I have made a primer!
viewtopic.php?f=41&t=2275
Who would have thought that...
Still a work in progress, but it's a start. Let's move all UR Delver discussions there.
Search found 22 matches
Return to “[Article] - Winning my way into Modern.”
- Mon Feb 03, 2014 12:18 am
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Sat Feb 01, 2014 7:51 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Sat Feb 01, 2014 7:03 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
I think I'll try this one next time:
[deck]
Lands (18)
3 Scalding Tarn
1 Arid Mesa
4 Steam Vents
1 Faerie Conclave
3 Mountain
6 Island
Creatures (11)
4 Delver of Secrets
4 Young Pyromancer
2 Snapcaster Mage
1 Grim Lavamancer
Artifacts (3)
2 Runechanter's Pike
1 Isochron Scepter
Spells (28)
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Lightning Bolt
3 Magma Jet
3 Mana Leak
4 Remand
4 Vapor Snag
2 Spell Pierce
Sideboard (15)
2 Tormod's Crypt
3 Combust
2 Arc Trail
2 Pillar of Flame
1 Mana Leak
2 Negate
3 Flashfreeze
[/deck]
I'm tempted to try dropping the Scepter for a third Runechanter's Pike, because it was such a welcome draw. Isochron Scepter is good, but force you to keep some good stuff to imprint. It might be a bad topdeck, and it's often drawn late because it's a singleton. A second Lavamancer might be good as well. You don't want any wasted draws with this deck, that I
noticed yesterday.
[deck]
Lands (18)
3 Scalding Tarn
1 Arid Mesa
4 Steam Vents
1 Faerie Conclave
3 Mountain
6 Island
Creatures (11)
4 Delver of Secrets
4 Young Pyromancer
2 Snapcaster Mage
1 Grim Lavamancer
Artifacts (3)
2 Runechanter's Pike
1 Isochron Scepter
Spells (28)
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Lightning Bolt
3 Magma Jet
3 Mana Leak
4 Remand
4 Vapor Snag
2 Spell Pierce
Sideboard (15)
2 Tormod's Crypt
3 Combust
2 Arc Trail
2 Pillar of Flame
1 Mana Leak
2 Negate
3 Flashfreeze
[/deck]
I'm tempted to try dropping the Scepter for a third Runechanter's Pike, because it was such a welcome draw. Isochron Scepter is good, but force you to keep some good stuff to imprint. It might be a bad topdeck, and it's often drawn late because it's a singleton. A second Lavamancer might be good as well. You don't want any wasted draws with this deck, that I
noticed yesterday.
- Sat Feb 01, 2014 6:53 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Sat Feb 01, 2014 1:03 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Sat Feb 01, 2014 9:00 am
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Fri Jan 31, 2014 10:45 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
Ok, so some short notes.
Match 1: Gruul Zoo
I knew when I saw a Kird Ape first round that this would be tough. I've played enough Gruul Zoo myself to know how fast it can be. This deck had a full set of Tarmogoyfs as well, and when multiple of them hit the table it's hard to win. I realized that I need more anti-creature stuff in the deck. 0-2
Match 2: Domain Zoo of some kind
This match went better. First game went a bit grindy, but I managed to get a win. Second game I was in control and he got a bit mana flooded. Runechanter's Pike takes away large chunks of life. 2-0
Match 3: Mono Green Ramp
First game went really grindy, me with lots of creatures out, creating blockers with YP and holding the hordes of big creatures at bay with Pike-equipped creatures. In the end I just get overwhelmed though. Second game was a walk in the park. Removed every mana elf, got some Delvers flipped, a YP out and just was
in control the whole game. Third game needed to go fast, only five minutes left due to the lengthy first game. I kept a one lander. In my defense it was a Scalding Tarn, with two Delvers, one Magma Spray, one Lavamancer, and something else. Drew Delvers during the first rounds, I sat with them all either on the table or in my hand. Did they flip? No, not fast enough. Did I draw another land? No way...should have mulliganed that one after all. 1-2
Match 4: 4 Color Gifts
What can I say, don't have any graveyard manipulation so he had an inevitable win against me. 0-2
So 1-3 match record, I'm going to put the blame on lack of experience with the deck for this one. In general the deck felt solid, there's not much I want to change. The pikes were great to have, they either do damage quickly or create a big blocker (or attack, then blocker when you have the mana). The single Scepter stays for now, got to play it against the green deck. Don't think I want two though. Lavamancer was ok as well. The
spell section and sideboard need to be tweaked though. I need more spells that can handle creatures or protect mine. The fourth Vapor Snag might be worth it. And Magma Spray was ok, but I sometimes would have liked them to be Pillar of Flames in order to burn my opponent. So those I will change. Flame Slash might be needed to take down big creatures. So sideboard...I'm actually considering a couple of Flashfreeze, maybe three. They seem very flexible against our meta game, several green creatures, and many play with red spells (Bolt, Pillar, Helix) or Abrupt Decay. I could use Negate and Essence Scatter, but I think Flashfreeze might be better and more flexible. I need some anti-graveyard stuff. I think I will go with some Tormod's Crypts for now, don't have any Relic of Progenitus. Faerie Macabre might be better though, you usually just want to remove specific cards and instant speed would be nice to have. Surgical Extraction is another option, and those wouldn't disturb the Delver flipping either. What
else did I think about...right, creature protection. We seem to have a removal heavy meta, so I'm thinking Mizzium Skin? But maybe a full set of Vapor Snag is enough? Turn to Mist?
Oh, and despite my losses I got a promo Warleader's Helix. Got lucky in the random draw for one.
Match 1: Gruul Zoo
I knew when I saw a Kird Ape first round that this would be tough. I've played enough Gruul Zoo myself to know how fast it can be. This deck had a full set of Tarmogoyfs as well, and when multiple of them hit the table it's hard to win. I realized that I need more anti-creature stuff in the deck. 0-2
Match 2: Domain Zoo of some kind
This match went better. First game went a bit grindy, but I managed to get a win. Second game I was in control and he got a bit mana flooded. Runechanter's Pike takes away large chunks of life. 2-0
Match 3: Mono Green Ramp
First game went really grindy, me with lots of creatures out, creating blockers with YP and holding the hordes of big creatures at bay with Pike-equipped creatures. In the end I just get overwhelmed though. Second game was a walk in the park. Removed every mana elf, got some Delvers flipped, a YP out and just was
in control the whole game. Third game needed to go fast, only five minutes left due to the lengthy first game. I kept a one lander. In my defense it was a Scalding Tarn, with two Delvers, one Magma Spray, one Lavamancer, and something else. Drew Delvers during the first rounds, I sat with them all either on the table or in my hand. Did they flip? No, not fast enough. Did I draw another land? No way...should have mulliganed that one after all. 1-2
Match 4: 4 Color Gifts
What can I say, don't have any graveyard manipulation so he had an inevitable win against me. 0-2
So 1-3 match record, I'm going to put the blame on lack of experience with the deck for this one. In general the deck felt solid, there's not much I want to change. The pikes were great to have, they either do damage quickly or create a big blocker (or attack, then blocker when you have the mana). The single Scepter stays for now, got to play it against the green deck. Don't think I want two though. Lavamancer was ok as well. The
spell section and sideboard need to be tweaked though. I need more spells that can handle creatures or protect mine. The fourth Vapor Snag might be worth it. And Magma Spray was ok, but I sometimes would have liked them to be Pillar of Flames in order to burn my opponent. So those I will change. Flame Slash might be needed to take down big creatures. So sideboard...I'm actually considering a couple of Flashfreeze, maybe three. They seem very flexible against our meta game, several green creatures, and many play with red spells (Bolt, Pillar, Helix) or Abrupt Decay. I could use Negate and Essence Scatter, but I think Flashfreeze might be better and more flexible. I need some anti-graveyard stuff. I think I will go with some Tormod's Crypts for now, don't have any Relic of Progenitus. Faerie Macabre might be better though, you usually just want to remove specific cards and instant speed would be nice to have. Surgical Extraction is another option, and those wouldn't disturb the Delver flipping either. What
else did I think about...right, creature protection. We seem to have a removal heavy meta, so I'm thinking Mizzium Skin? But maybe a full set of Vapor Snag is enough? Turn to Mist?
Oh, and despite my losses I got a promo Warleader's Helix. Got lucky in the random draw for one.
- Fri Jan 31, 2014 11:45 am
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
Ok, last chance to grab one of the Warleader's Helix promos tonight. FNM Modern, so time to try this out:
[deck]
Lands (18)
3 Scalding Tarn
1 Arid Mesa
4 Steam Vents
1 Faerie Conclave
3 Mountain
6 Island
Creatures (11)
4 Delver of Secrets
4 Young Pyromancer
2 Snapcaster Mage
1 Grim Lavamancer
Artifacts (3)
2 Runechanter's Pike
1 Isochron Scepter
Spells (28)
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Magma Spray
2 Magma Jet
3 Mana Leak
4 Remand
3 Vapor Snag
2 Spell Pierce
Sideboard (15)
1 Hibernation
3 Combust
2 Dispel
2 Hurkyl's Recall
2 Magma Spray
2 Shattering Blow
2 Negate
1 Mana Leak
[/deck]
[deck]
Lands (18)
3 Scalding Tarn
1 Arid Mesa
4 Steam Vents
1 Faerie Conclave
3 Mountain
6 Island
Creatures (11)
4 Delver of Secrets
4 Young Pyromancer
2 Snapcaster Mage
1 Grim Lavamancer
Artifacts (3)
2 Runechanter's Pike
1 Isochron Scepter
Spells (28)
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Magma Spray
2 Magma Jet
3 Mana Leak
4 Remand
3 Vapor Snag
2 Spell Pierce
Sideboard (15)
1 Hibernation
3 Combust
2 Dispel
2 Hurkyl's Recall
2 Magma Spray
2 Shattering Blow
2 Negate
1 Mana Leak
[/deck]
- Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:09 am
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Mon Jan 27, 2014 6:34 am
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
I'm not that worried about it. But it's a good point. How high can those fetches go, really? They're bound to be reprinted sooner or later. Right now I could get three Snapcasters of my own for my two Verdant Catacombs (selling them for store credits). Perhaps I should go for it...those VCs aren't really working in any deck I want to play right now.
- Sun Jan 26, 2014 11:03 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
Right, so this is what I've sleeved up so far:
[deck]
Lands (18)
3 Scalding Tarn
1 Arid Mesa
4 Steam Vents
1 Faerie Conclave
3 Mountain
6 Island
Creatures (11)
4 Delver of Secrets
4 Young Pyromancer
2 Snapcaster Mage
1 Grim Lavamancer
Artifacts (3)
2 Runechanter's Pike
1 Isochron Scepter
Spells (28)
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Magma Spray
2 Burst Lightning
4 Mana Leak
4 Remand
2 Vapor Snag
2 Spell Pierce
Sideboard (15)
1 Hibernation
3 Combust
2 Dispel
2 Hurkyl's Recall
2 Magma Spray
2 Shattering Blow
2 Gigadrowse
1 Vapor Snag
[/deck]
The Grim Lavamancer is supposed to be a Snapcaster Mage, I hope to be able to borrow the third one from another friend of mine. Dropped the Gigadrowses to the sideboard for now, but I debating whether to drop them and the single Hibernation completely. I'd be adding more counters in their place. Is Flashfreeze worth it?
n
Lands are a bit worrying as well. I can't do much about the fetches, and I don't have any Sulfur Falls or Shivan Reefs. Thinking about adding two City of Brass, but I don't like it. Other options (Gemstone Mine?) aren't good either.
[deck]
Lands (18)
3 Scalding Tarn
1 Arid Mesa
4 Steam Vents
1 Faerie Conclave
3 Mountain
6 Island
Creatures (11)
4 Delver of Secrets
4 Young Pyromancer
2 Snapcaster Mage
1 Grim Lavamancer
Artifacts (3)
2 Runechanter's Pike
1 Isochron Scepter
Spells (28)
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Magma Spray
2 Burst Lightning
4 Mana Leak
4 Remand
2 Vapor Snag
2 Spell Pierce
Sideboard (15)
1 Hibernation
3 Combust
2 Dispel
2 Hurkyl's Recall
2 Magma Spray
2 Shattering Blow
2 Gigadrowse
1 Vapor Snag
[/deck]
The Grim Lavamancer is supposed to be a Snapcaster Mage, I hope to be able to borrow the third one from another friend of mine. Dropped the Gigadrowses to the sideboard for now, but I debating whether to drop them and the single Hibernation completely. I'd be adding more counters in their place. Is Flashfreeze worth it?
n
Lands are a bit worrying as well. I can't do much about the fetches, and I don't have any Sulfur Falls or Shivan Reefs. Thinking about adding two City of Brass, but I don't like it. Other options (Gemstone Mine?) aren't good either.
- Fri Jan 24, 2014 7:55 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
Hmm...Squelch is a cantrip...
- Fri Jan 24, 2014 7:40 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Fri Jan 24, 2014 7:04 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Fri Jan 24, 2014 6:52 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
[deck]
Lands (18)
3 Scalding Tarn
1 Arid Mesa
4 Steam Vents
1 Faerie Conclave
3 Mountain
6 Island
Creatures (11)
4 Delver of Secrets
4 Young Pyromancer
3 Snapcaster Mage
Artifacts (3)
2 Runechanter's Pike
1 Isochron Scepter
Spells (28)
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Magma Spray
2 Burst Lightning
2 Gigadrowse
4 Mana Leak
2 Remand
2 Vapor Snag
2 Spell Pierce
Sideboard (15)
1 Hibernation
3 Combust
2 Dispel
2 Hurkyl's Recall
2 Magma Spray
2 Shattering Blow
2 Izzet Charm
1 Vapor Snag
[/deck]
Very unsure about the SB to be honest, it feels like a pile. More confident with the maindeck. Oh well, it's a start.
Lands (18)
3 Scalding Tarn
1 Arid Mesa
4 Steam Vents
1 Faerie Conclave
3 Mountain
6 Island
Creatures (11)
4 Delver of Secrets
4 Young Pyromancer
3 Snapcaster Mage
Artifacts (3)
2 Runechanter's Pike
1 Isochron Scepter
Spells (28)
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Magma Spray
2 Burst Lightning
2 Gigadrowse
4 Mana Leak
2 Remand
2 Vapor Snag
2 Spell Pierce
Sideboard (15)
1 Hibernation
3 Combust
2 Dispel
2 Hurkyl's Recall
2 Magma Spray
2 Shattering Blow
2 Izzet Charm
1 Vapor Snag
[/deck]
Very unsure about the SB to be honest, it feels like a pile. More confident with the maindeck. Oh well, it's a start.
- Fri Jan 24, 2014 5:51 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
@Alex, I always forget Hurkyl's Recall is Modern legal. A few of those will certainly go into the sideboard.
@Valdarith, I've seen your list, but for some reason I copied an earlier version into my OneNote deck repository. Good point on Threads and Needle. As for the rest, I currently don't have any Electrolyzes or Counterfluxes, and only one Hibernation. So I can't copy your SB as such.
I haven't decided on my maindeck yet. I really like the idea of a single Isochron Scepter, so I'm going to try that. I don't have four Snapcasters anyway, so it will take one of those slots. And I'm thinking of trying 1-2 Gigadrowse in the deck as well.
@Valdarith, I've seen your list, but for some reason I copied an earlier version into my OneNote deck repository. Good point on Threads and Needle. As for the rest, I currently don't have any Electrolyzes or Counterfluxes, and only one Hibernation. So I can't copy your SB as such.
I haven't decided on my maindeck yet. I really like the idea of a single Isochron Scepter, so I'm going to try that. I don't have four Snapcasters anyway, so it will take one of those slots. And I'm thinking of trying 1-2 Gigadrowse in the deck as well.
- Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:17 am
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
I'm planning on trying this out in my next Modern FNM. I've acquired the Snapcasters (read: borrowed...) that was missing from this list (ok, my lands are a bit different). Any recent changes? Sideboard? I'm thinkingI'm at work, going from memory, so here it goes :
[Deck]
Creature 12
4 Delver of Secrets
2 Grim Lavamancer
3 Snapcaster Mage
3 Young Pyromancer
Weapon 2
2 Runechanter's Pike
Spells 28
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Pillar of Flame
2 Burst Lightning
2 Vapor Snag
4 Serum Visions
4 Gitaxian Probe
2 Thought Scour
4 Mana Leak
2 Remand
2 Spell Pierce
Land 18
4 Scalding Tarn
2 Misty Rainforest
3 Steam Vents
1 Sulfur Falls
2 Mountain
4 Island
2 Mutavault
[/deck]
Trust me, there's plenty of room for tweaks.
about adding a single Isochron Scepter for some lulz (in this case I'd change Pillar of Flame into Magma Spray).
As for sideboard: I'm thinking Molten Rain, Threads of Disloyalty, Magma Spray, Combust, Pithing Needle, Forked Bolt, Hibernation.
Has anyone tried cards like Exhaustion and Early Frost for some tempo play? But maybe that dilutes the deck too much for little gain?
- Thu Dec 19, 2013 9:45 am
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Fri Sep 20, 2013 6:54 am
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
From what I've played around (just goldfishing yet) with my modern (and my extended) goblin deck, here are some things I've noticed:
- Goblin Wardriver just feels so slow. I'd rather play two 1-drops on turn 2 than him. He feels more like a turn 4 play after Chieftain or together with Bushwhacker (if you can find 4 lands). I'd definitely drop them down to 2 and add an Akki Avalanchers. Perhaps just go with 2 Dynacharge instead of those last 2 Wardrivers.
- You want to drop two goblins on your second turn. Either 1-drops, War Marshal, or Krenko's Command. That way you can get 4 goblins with Chieftain on turn three, or 5 with 1-drop + Bushwhacker. In this case you just finish up on turn four. With Goblin Guides you can win on turn three, but there goes the budget version.
- Teetering Peaks can mess up some starting hands, but at 1-2 of them it isn't so bad. But I'm not sure it's worth it either.
This is what I'
d try:
[deck]
Creatures (25)
4 Foundry Street Denizen
4 Legion Loyalist
4 Goblin Bushwhacker
2 Frenzied Goblin
3 Akki Avalanchers
4 Mogg War Marshal
4 Goblin Chieftain
Spells (15)
3 Dynacharge
4 Lightning Bolt
4 Goblin Grenade
4 Krenko's Command
Lands (20)
20 Mountain
Sideboard (15)
3 Tormod's Crypt
2 Electrickery
2 Krenko's Mob Boss (might want an extra mountain in the side for him)
2 Pillar of Flame
2 Smash to Smithereens
2 Dragon's Claw
2 Combust
[/deck]
- Goblin Wardriver just feels so slow. I'd rather play two 1-drops on turn 2 than him. He feels more like a turn 4 play after Chieftain or together with Bushwhacker (if you can find 4 lands). I'd definitely drop them down to 2 and add an Akki Avalanchers. Perhaps just go with 2 Dynacharge instead of those last 2 Wardrivers.
- You want to drop two goblins on your second turn. Either 1-drops, War Marshal, or Krenko's Command. That way you can get 4 goblins with Chieftain on turn three, or 5 with 1-drop + Bushwhacker. In this case you just finish up on turn four. With Goblin Guides you can win on turn three, but there goes the budget version.
- Teetering Peaks can mess up some starting hands, but at 1-2 of them it isn't so bad. But I'm not sure it's worth it either.
This is what I'
d try:
[deck]
Creatures (25)
4 Foundry Street Denizen
4 Legion Loyalist
4 Goblin Bushwhacker
2 Frenzied Goblin
3 Akki Avalanchers
4 Mogg War Marshal
4 Goblin Chieftain
Spells (15)
3 Dynacharge
4 Lightning Bolt
4 Goblin Grenade
4 Krenko's Command
Lands (20)
20 Mountain
Sideboard (15)
3 Tormod's Crypt
2 Electrickery
2 Krenko's Mob Boss (might want an extra mountain in the side for him)
2 Pillar of Flame
2 Smash to Smithereens
2 Dragon's Claw
2 Combust
[/deck]
- Thu Sep 19, 2013 8:22 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:29 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
- Mon Jul 29, 2013 1:58 pm
- Forum: Scalding Tarn (Modern)
- Topic: [Article] - Winning my way into Modern.
- Replies: 162
- Views: 65529
The Seismic Assault version would be immune to Rakdos Charm, and perhaps safer altogether. How would that list look? just replace Zombie Infestation with Seismic Assault and the Swamps with Mountains? Or is the casting cost of SA too difficult without duals?That would be the literal most brutal beats ever. One does not simply "forget" about a beating that bad.Yet another reason why I love my 4 sideboard Rakdos Charm.
I want to play that deck! But my go-to place is all out of Reliquary Towers, wtf...!
About red/green lands in the AIR
deck, what about Karplusan Forest? It's cheaper than both Rootbound Crag and Copperline Gorge, and always comes untapped in play.