Vivisection: A little too slow and inconsistent for constructed play in my opinion, it is essentially 4 mana + the mana spent on your creature. Even when you use it on a perilous myr you are getting 2 damage and 3 cards for six mana (albeit spread out) which I don't feel is worth it. Not to mention times you have no creatures and topdeck a vivisection.
- I think Tez's gamble would be a good substitute for vivi.
Consecrated Sphinx: is high because of block and the fact it is a really fun card (casual appeal). Also many players are expecting it to shine when/if the titans leave. Geth can be replacement for consecrated situationaly. Flying is much better than intimidate in block and Consecrated sphinx tends to be a little faster on ending games. Though both do end games. (Of note dismember will kill Geth, unlike Sphinx).
@Paul - Swords actually aren't that good in SOM block currently, which goes to show how card's environments affect their power. No stoneforge and a lot of artifact creatures help make them less relevant. Things could change in the NPH environment.
Hero and Inkmoth - both insanely powerful in their decks. The ability for your opponent to play tempered steel and win just with inkmoth as you sit with only sorc - speed removal is insane. Hero swings on its own for 7+ damage the first go around, not to mention the swarm that usually accompanies it, it is a finisher that is extremely important.
I have to say that I think you overvalue or overstate Commando decks' place in the current meta. Commando decks have dropped off the face of the earth because they are weak to all the major decks right now: WW, B Infect, and UB Tezz infect all are poor matchups for Commando. Commando used to beat up on things like certain Koth builds, the Forgemaster Tezz builds, and 3-4 color control decks. Those are all but nonexistent now, and I really doubt that Commando decks are viable.
@ Paul: I meant hawks holding swords and jace. Sry for the confusion
@ Statisfreak: I agree completely... some games inkmoth is an allstar. Hero is a removal magent and often times people will board in 4 GFTT just for her. (the only other card GFTT hits is glint hawk). What I meant is that I have seen a number of players play the deck with out them, and still have a bit of success. But why play Mono blue control in legacy w/o FOW. The same reason you are playing Tempered steel without hero or inkmoth.
@This is mich: keep in mind you cant vivisection your commandoes. That would leave you just 7 potential targets for it in your deck. Some board states you cant cast skinrender on. (often the U/B control mirror will have two commandoes on board and maybe a rager.
@Thisismich: Replacing Consecrated Sphinx will be tough as it provides (obviously) a huge swing in both cards and potentially board presence. From my experience playing against UB Control (with MonoRed and MonoWhite), Vivisection would probably fall short. However, I agree that Carnifex Demon has the same ability to swing board position as Sphinx, especially if one can hold it until activating immediately. For someone attempting to build, I would try to at least pick up two Sphinx and then max out on Carnifex Demons (or try a Geth as I have had moderate success with it in a RB Control build. I wonder if Volition Reins would also be a capable replacement as it, too, has the potential to swing board position (though completely reactive whereas Sphinx is proactive).
@GrazingCattle: I think it will be interesting post-NPH to see what Tempered Steel builds look like, especially with 3/1 first strikers for 2. I, though, would be hesitant to take a deck sans Hero/Inkmoth into tournaments. Over the last two weeks in 2-mans, I have played 32 matches (with 22 wins) and a handful of those have occurred because of inkmoth and significantly more have occurred because of Hero.
Fun cast this week. You guys seem to be hitting your stride. For the record the announcement came last night which I assume was right after you submitted this. :)
I just started getting into legacy and now your articles are getting me interested in classic! Just need to get my Forces. Hopefully before the end of June.
The community cup team looks very promising. I find it interesting that Marshall from Limited Resources made the team. It is interesting as Ryan, aka Godot, from Limited Reources just got hired by WOTC and may be playing on WOTC's side.
Nice to see another DISC golfer (not Disk, Paul...Nevinyrral makes those ;) on mtgo!
Yay for Modern!!! This will probably be my go to casual format outside of Commander. This breathes new life into a lot of my old extended decks!
Thanks Keeps :) Yeah Surfing Ninja Monkeys from NC instead :p (The monkey part is fake but the rest is true.)
Hehe yeah I guess I didn't quite make the connection for you in game. I figured you knew but oh well. :)
Thanks.
>I am known as Winter.Wolf on MODO
*sound of sudden epiphany*
Now I get it! :-D
Great interview, by the way.
Well a 4/4 is strictly better than a 1/1, but I hope you wouldn't name Serra Angel if somebody asked about a 1/1 creature with flying and vigilance.
When you revamp the site, make it so we can hover over linked card names and have the card image pop up. That would be so nice!
Do you want cheap Wastelands or do you want to be able to sell off your extra Diabolic Edicts? You can't have both.
Oh wait, Wasteland didn't get any cheaper...
pretty neat interview. Now i am certain mtgotraders isn't ran by super robots from outer space ;p
also of note, all tse and mvw went into the toliet, well resale that is!
Thank you all for the comments
Vivisection: A little too slow and inconsistent for constructed play in my opinion, it is essentially 4 mana + the mana spent on your creature. Even when you use it on a perilous myr you are getting 2 damage and 3 cards for six mana (albeit spread out) which I don't feel is worth it. Not to mention times you have no creatures and topdeck a vivisection.
- I think Tez's gamble would be a good substitute for vivi.
Consecrated Sphinx: is high because of block and the fact it is a really fun card (casual appeal). Also many players are expecting it to shine when/if the titans leave. Geth can be replacement for consecrated situationaly. Flying is much better than intimidate in block and Consecrated sphinx tends to be a little faster on ending games. Though both do end games. (Of note dismember will kill Geth, unlike Sphinx).
@Paul - Swords actually aren't that good in SOM block currently, which goes to show how card's environments affect their power. No stoneforge and a lot of artifact creatures help make them less relevant. Things could change in the NPH environment.
Hero and Inkmoth - both insanely powerful in their decks. The ability for your opponent to play tempered steel and win just with inkmoth as you sit with only sorc - speed removal is insane. Hero swings on its own for 7+ damage the first go around, not to mention the swarm that usually accompanies it, it is a finisher that is extremely important.
I am telling you, their Tuesday news-iness is a conspiracy against us!
I have to say that I think you overvalue or overstate Commando decks' place in the current meta. Commando decks have dropped off the face of the earth because they are weak to all the major decks right now: WW, B Infect, and UB Tezz infect all are poor matchups for Commando. Commando used to beat up on things like certain Koth builds, the Forgemaster Tezz builds, and 3-4 color control decks. Those are all but nonexistent now, and I really doubt that Commando decks are viable.
you are correct... never mind the crazy man behind the curtain!
but then again you are playing vivisection... so... ya
Sure you can Vivisection commandoes. Vivisection doesn't target.
@ Paul: I meant hawks holding swords and jace. Sry for the confusion
@ Statisfreak: I agree completely... some games inkmoth is an allstar. Hero is a removal magent and often times people will board in 4 GFTT just for her. (the only other card GFTT hits is glint hawk). What I meant is that I have seen a number of players play the deck with out them, and still have a bit of success. But why play Mono blue control in legacy w/o FOW. The same reason you are playing Tempered steel without hero or inkmoth.
@This is mich: keep in mind you cant vivisection your commandoes. That would leave you just 7 potential targets for it in your deck. Some board states you cant cast skinrender on. (often the U/B control mirror will have two commandoes on board and maybe a rager.
Puremtgo remains the best site for mtgo articles and mtgotraders the best/cheapest way to get singles.
Thanks!
@Thisismich: Replacing Consecrated Sphinx will be tough as it provides (obviously) a huge swing in both cards and potentially board presence. From my experience playing against UB Control (with MonoRed and MonoWhite), Vivisection would probably fall short. However, I agree that Carnifex Demon has the same ability to swing board position as Sphinx, especially if one can hold it until activating immediately. For someone attempting to build, I would try to at least pick up two Sphinx and then max out on Carnifex Demons (or try a Geth as I have had moderate success with it in a RB Control build. I wonder if Volition Reins would also be a capable replacement as it, too, has the potential to swing board position (though completely reactive whereas Sphinx is proactive).
@GrazingCattle: I think it will be interesting post-NPH to see what Tempered Steel builds look like, especially with 3/1 first strikers for 2. I, though, would be hesitant to take a deck sans Hero/Inkmoth into tournaments. Over the last two weeks in 2-mans, I have played 32 matches (with 22 wins) and a handful of those have occurred because of inkmoth and significantly more have occurred because of Hero.
Steve.... long time no see. Are you still writing articles for a different site? I miss your old "Explorations" articles.
It was indeed. :D
Thanks, I don't have time to test the New Phyrexia card, it's interesting read your oppinion :)
Fun cast this week. You guys seem to be hitting your stride. For the record the announcement came last night which I assume was right after you submitted this. :)
I am pretty sure i become a better player watching your vids. Bravo!
I just started getting into legacy and now your articles are getting me interested in classic! Just need to get my Forces. Hopefully before the end of June.
The community cup team looks very promising. I find it interesting that Marshall from Limited Resources made the team. It is interesting as Ryan, aka Godot, from Limited Reources just got hired by WOTC and may be playing on WOTC's side.
love me some disc golf!
if you ever get the chance heath, i suggest playing in the sothern part of the big island in hawaii.
nothing like playing disc golf on the edge of the world!