Oh man... I should back out of this but, I seem to be a glutton for punishment.

[QUOTE=paladin3056;680228]It seems that it would be hard to dissuade you but it would be so much better to playtest with it, that's how I got into to liking the shaman. [/quote]

Um... I have tested it.

[QUOTE=damionblackgear;679963]I've been [B][U]VERY[/U][/B] happy with testing and would recommend it to anyone who's using a bird as a Zenith target (singleton). [/QUOTE]

That's from the same page. I have tested shaman as a 1 of (Birds replacement). That's why I feel I can have some input on the subject. I try not to comment heavily on cards I have no idea of how they interact with the deck. The weird thing is how I normally test things, at tournament, which I have not had access to due to parenting responsibilities (weird, I don't have a kid but I'm playing daddy... I guess that's life).

[quote]If that doesn't convince you then nothing would but that's ok :cool:[/quote]
I skipped adding the rest of the stuff because there's a limit to the number of characters and I'm long winded so I'll just sum this up. The rest of your arguements are mine from my post. We agree, shaman is good. I merely mention some downsides (consistency) as well.

You did mention that 6-8 fetches would be enough though and I have to say, "I disagree." (Claymore, you're up :wink:)

[QUOTE=Claymore;680330] I was testing with 7 and still had a few games where neither myself nor the opponent (RUG Delver) had burned a fetch turn 2.[/quote]

If you want this card to be as consistent as possible, you should be adjusting to a maximum number of fetches without disrupting your manabase too much. There is no real argument against that. If you want a better shot at this being a mana source on turn 2, increase the number of lands you can put into the graveyard by turn 2 (fetches, wastes, etc). The issue with that is that you do "bite" into the Knights already laid claim (land base of the deck and the utility lands in it) when you start doing that. @Hanni I'm adding you to this about this point.

[QUOTE=Hanni;680400]...it's not that hard to fit in a few more fetches instead of extra duels/basics to accommodate them.[/QUOTE]

Change a Duel into a fetch --> Knight has 1 less fetch available to her.
Change a utility land --> Knight has 1 less "trick" to abuse.

When you start making those tweaks, you change other things as well. It's not as easy as just changing some things in for others. Every card in a list is chosen for a reason. We just have a case where, Card A may be able to be flat out replaced with Card B.

The some things are missing some very important understandings when comparing cards:
1) When making comparisons, you have to use things that would be in the comparable realm.
2) Comparing outside abilities (the abilities not directly comparable) is fine as long as you compare their outside abilities with respect to the current state of a general meta.
3) You can compare cards against the cards they'll be replacing for the overall functionality of the deck (this allows you to skip 1 and 2).

1 - The point of comparing Bird, Noble, and every other mana-dork to Shaman is because that's what you're replacing, a Mana Dork. You're replacing a card that is directly responsible for one thing, and one thing only. If you're playing a Hierarch, the comparison is that your Hierarch is allowing you to swing for 1 more damage. With Bird, it's that you're able to produce all colors (and fly... I guess). With shaman you have extra abilities (eat graveyard and change life totals) as well as an extra +1/+1. You are however losing the 100% consistency of being able to produce that extra mana. Each has risks and rewards.

2 - You can't give locked advice (100% correct) for a local meta unless you're part of that meta. Player A may have 15 burn decks in his meta of 20. For Player A [cards] worship[/cards] + [cards]Troll Acetic[/cards] may be one the best combo's ever printed. They may swear by that day and night while the rest of us are confused as to why they're playing that. My best example is (Mirrislegend, I need your list for a moment, might as well get in this as well) -

[QUOTE=Mirrislegend;679864]SB:
3 Timely Reinforcements
3 Engineered Explosives
3 Thalia
1 Teeg
4 Surgical Extraction
1 Choke[/quote]

Look at the sideboard. 3 Timely, 4 Extraction? I'd assume Mirrislegend's meta is Goblins, Burn, Dredge, traditional storm combo, and/or Reanimator... with a random blue deck. I wouldn't think he ever see's much Canadian Thresh or Maverick from his board. In his meta, this may be exactly what he needs to power past the field, but for my meta, it's too focused on specific answers to certain archetypes for me to use. So comparing Mirri's sideboard to my current sideboard -

[cards]
1 Duress
3 Surgical Extraction
1 Ulvenwald Tracker
3 Thalia, Gaudian of Threban
1 Abrupt Decay
2 Golgari Charm
3 Choke
1 Timely Reinforcements[/cards]

- isn't practical or really possible when you look at our local metagames. They are very different. So, you have to generalize the metagame. The SCG circuit is probably the best example of an overall metagame right now as they are really the only thing that's showing EVERYONE legacy on a regular basis and people like to imitate.

So, when you look at it that way, you can't compare Vial to Shaman (I know it wasn't done. I'm just keeping to the cards people have brought up so far. Don't everyone get their panties in a bunch). Those are two very different cards that do very different things. You can, however, compare Shaman to the current mana-dorks (Birds and Hierarch) as that's not only what he'll be replacing but they're also directly relate-able in terms of ability (mana-dorks).

Now we start getting into numbers for replacements. To do that, you have to look at what you're replacing, how many you currently have, and what you're wanting from both cards. In my case, I have 1 Birds to replace. Now, to be fair, you're requesting I test more than one shaman, not taking this into consideration.

[QUOTE=paladin3056;680228]But trust me test her as maybe a 3-4 of, then tell me if she doesn't work for you.[/QUOTE]

I'd say I'd test this but it really requires me to drastically change [URL="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajlcb05L1-_idFNmS0l1bW5QSl83NnpyMXdPaVp6NXc"]my list[/URL]. There's [URL="http://www.mtgthesource.com/forums/showthread.php?19432-Deck-The-Rock&p=680179&viewfull=1#post680179"]a reason[/URL] I don't run 4 Birds (Hanni, you noted that as well, there's the clearification). Even though I've already explained why I don't play more birds, I'll sum it up, "They're fixing, not ramp, and worst topdecks the later the game gets"

Now, that doesn't mean that everyone should be running only one. Some people have adapted the Maverick approach of [URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiMHTK15Pik"]9,001[/URL] creatures and 8-11 spells and [URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1iV24hL8Rk"]those people[/URL] may be able to successfully play 1-4 Hierarch/Birds now. They may even be able to include some number of Shaman as a replacement but, I would not advise 4 for as i believe you'll be decreasing consistency.

I'd go over again how 4-ofs are cards that you want to see asap and how I don't feel shaman is in that boat yet but, I feel like I did a semi-OK job of that [URL="http://www.mtgthesource.com/forums/showthread.php?19432-Deck-The-Rock&p=680179&viewfull=1#post680179"]last time[/URL] and am not willing to do it again. 1-2 I'm fine with. 3 is pushing it but, I'll bite if you're able to [B][URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O7iUiftbKU"]prove it[/URL][/B]. I pretty much am in this boat until then.
[QUOTE=Mirrislegend;680380]I doubt I'll ever play more than 2 in Legacy[/QUOTE]

Video's finished. Watch how bad I am ;)

The Intro

"Round" 1

"Round" 2

"Round" 3

"Round" 4

"Round" 5

Bug Update

I wanted to give everyone a quick update to the Bug Gifts deck I've been working on.

A couple of things have changed, including the number of accelerates and the actual kind (no more cobra... sad panda). I've found that, even though Cobra allows for some pretty off the wall stuff to happen (Turn 3: Gifts with protection) the 1cc mana producers allow for consistency. Being able to jump from 1 to 3 mana on turn 2 has been very helpful. We did, however, drop a land to bring it in.

I've also changed to more than just Birds. Deathrite Shaman (New card from RTR) has been pulling weight as a mana producer, even though it's been cut from a 4-of down to a 2-of. My fetch land count increased due to the little guy (quick note: If you're going to nit-pick about gender, this is probably the wrong place for you). It's main purpose is to keep not only graveyards in check, but also operate as a constant life gain/"burn" option. It went down to 2 as it was typically eating my own lands making loam worse. the good news is that I typically didn't need the mana ability beyond the 3rd turn. Also, it's easier to cast than birds.

We dropped the Mana Leak as well. It was nice to have an absolute counter but the extra card drawn is typically better.

The sideboard's where most of the changes have been occurring. Valakut is now a thing and people are testing it heavily at the moment. I think it's worth it to realize that the deck will be real by the time I'll get to play this at a big tournament (GP Chicago is the closest thing to me at the time) so I'd like to be prepared.

To help out with matches like that, and really anything with a non-basic, I've added Fulminator Mage to the board. I'm still not sure on the number of them to use (3 may be too many with everything else) but I'm possitive that I want it in more than just that match (mainly Jund coming to mind).

I've also been giving some thought to Crime//Punishment as an alternate to Engineered Explosive. Neither of them can hit man-lands, so that's irrelevant. It's more so for the fact that they'll cost the same (one, all at once) but one has the ability to steal things from my opponent.

I've also been going back and forth between Obstinate Baloth and Thragtusk. Both are amazing with the already Maindeck'd Crystal Shard (Baloth vs discard, Tusk all on it's own) but the costs are not the same. Is a 4cc spell that's double color (2GG) better than 5cc but only single color (4G)? That's where the dilemma comes in.

Venser's the last real big change. It's more of a catch all answer that works with Shard. I'm using it over Mystic Snake as it can bounce permanents as well. Those of you who played with Capsize should understand how strong the ability to bounce a permanent every turn can be (again, Shard required) but it also buys you time vs whatever you're playing against. All in all, I've had fun bouncing Omens, Breaches, Kiki Jiki, and the like buying another turn to solve the issue before I lost to it.

There are still two open slots not listed in the board (board counts to 13 right now) so there's still options available. I was thinking of extra counters but I'm not sure if that' going to be correct. Ensnaring Bridge could be an option as well. I haven't had enough time to really look into it. What are your thoughts on all of this. Feel free to leave a comment below.

- Current List (I got lazy so I'm not linking anymore)-

3 Birds of Paradise
2 Deathrite Shaman
1 Snapcaster Mage
2 Kitchen Finks
1 Eternal Witness
2 Shriekmaw
1 Havengul Lich

1 Inquisition of Kozilek
1 Raven's Crime
1 Thoughtseize
1 Life from the Loam
1 Primal Command

1 Slaughter Pact
2 Disfigure
1 Noxious Revival
1 Spell Pierce
2 Spell Snare
3 Remand
2 Abrupt Decay
2 Gifts Ungiven

2 Engineered Explosives
1 Crystal Shard
1 Batterskull

3 Liliana of the Veil

4 Mysty Rainforest
4 Verdant Catacombs
2 Overgrown Tomb
1 Breeding Pool
1 Watery Grave
2 Creeping Tarpit
1 Twilight Mire
1 Flooded Grove
1 Acedemy Ruins
2 Ghost Quarters
1 Forest
1 Island
1 Swamp

60 Total
Sideboard

1 Engineered Explosives
1 Nihil Spellbomb
1 Surgical Extraction
1 Thoughtseize
3 Spellskite
3 Fulminator Mage

1 Obstinate Baloth
2 Venser, Shaper Savant

The Best... Why?

Remember when everyone told you blue was the best color? I think you were lied to.

I'm not a super reactive player. Counterspells allow you to be reactive. If you think about it though, that mean's you're waiting for your opponent to do something. Why not stop it beforehand? Granted, discard loses to topdecks but, counters lose to discard.

Don't believe me? Look at Eva Green or Rock vs Canadian Thresh. Both of their discard spells pretty much function as either removal or overmaster (aka, you get a creature or the counter). If they're forcing, you get a hymn from any spell they force.

"Those cards weren't random, they chose them."

You're right random person. Your opponent chooses to use his force of will and is allowed to select the card to remove but, you didn't know which card (unless you have more information) or that they even had a force. So, to you, those 2 cards are random.

But what about combo decks? I've got no complaints here. Counterspells are better in this match because you can stop a problematic card. There is an issue though. Excluding Belcher and Cheeri0s, every combo deck plays either discard or counters of their own. So, they'll be able to fight your counters. how long they have? That depends on your clock.

Instead of focusing on just the counters, let's look at "card-draw." Now you may be wondering why I put that in quotes but, there is little to no actual card draw played in legacy anymore (if you haven't noticed yet, I'm really focusing on legacy here).

"Ian, brainstorm draws 3 cards."

Correct random person, brainstorm does draw 3 cards... then you put 2 back. Now, if my math is correct here, +3 cards drawn, -2 cards put back, -1 card for the actual brainstorm = 0 cards gained (I've been complained to before so, if the words confused you 3-2-1 = 0). Oh, and Ps. This math works for ponder and preordain as well.

In short, you've filtered your hand/draw. If you have a shuffle effect, you're simply reducing the probability that you're going to draw the cards you put back.

Now, we're playing a strategy based card game that is based on resources. I won't argue that filtering a bad card(s) out isn't a good thing. If you can get better resources to use then by all means, go for it. I find that having to play using those filter styles of cards isn't as effective.

Now when I think of real blue card draw in the format, I think of Meditate. Meditate literally allows you to draw more than just a replacement card and is about the only one of these left in the format. I'm not saying that it's the only one legal, just that it's one of the few that are still being used.

So why do these things give blue the advantage over other? I can have real card advantage using other colors as well.

White - pretty S.O.L. (you'll have to look that up if you don't know what it means, use urban dictionary or slang terms) in the matter. White's limited to things like Land Tax and Stoneforge Mystic to tutor instead of draw.

Red - Faithless looting and Browbeat are the two most popular forms of drawing cards in the format. The later has been missing for some time... with good reason.

Green - Sylvan Library functions as your main Draw in the deck. Operating as both draw and filter, the advantage here? it's a permanent. That means reusable.

Black - probably the best suited to draw cards/put them into hand. Things like Dark Confidant (from now on will be Bob in this blog) and Phyrexian Arena keep you drawing with a little downside if you've designed your deck well. Even Sign in Blood actually draws a card.

So why is blue best? Black has the ability to do exactly what Blue does, preemptively. So why isn't black the best color in magic? Because some pro said it was. Why? Because some one put Belcher and other turn 1-3 combo decks together. Counters were needed to beat the decks that won the game before they were prepared.

So, what about now? We're not in the age where Pros-Bloom could do very well against the non-blue decks. Most of them have a way to completely run it into the ground. Solidarity is still a thing (evolved, but still a thing) and hates discard way more than a counterspell. Even TES and AnT aren't the bad match they use to be to the non-blue decks.

I mean come on, when the Green and White aggro deck is considered a threat to your combo deck, why is Blue still the best color? well, one current well listened to player promotes it...

... and some players will swear by anything he says (Pro and Joe). Get enough of these people with influence pushing and you have a little blue loving cult.

Anywho, it isn't simple to understand/explain but, it's a beginner color. Handicaps are great. Give a person a strong enough handicap and they can compete in any event. 5 byes at a GP. -10 strokes on you golf game. Start at 15 points in basketball or football. All of these things would allow for you to have a better chance at winning.

So, the "best color" is the one that will allow you a natural handicap. What happens when you're able to take that away from them? What if you're able to play at a level where their handicap, is turned against them? Suddenly, blue doesn't look too good. The question is how do you do that? That's a question you'll have to find your own answer.




Oh, and if you don't understand the handicap, brainstorm allows them to filter their hand. Something unique to it. That's it. Nothing spectacular.

Modern Gifts list Updated. I'll keep you all in the know and see what I can do as Rav's return gets closer. 

4 Lotus Cobra

1 Snapcaster Mage

2 Kitchen Finks

1 Eternal Witness

2 Shriekmaw

1 Havengul Lich

1 Inquisition of Kozilek

1 Raven's Crime

1 Thoughtseize

1 Life of the Loam

1 Primal Command

1 Slaughter Pact

2 Disfigure

1 Noxious Revival

2 Spell Pierce

1 Spell Snare

1 Mana Leak

2 Remand

2 Abrupt Decay

2 Gifts Ungiven

2 Engineered Explosives

1 Crystal Shard

1 Batterskull

3 Liliana of the Veil

3 Mysty Rainforest

4 Verdant Catacombs

2 Overgrown Tomb

1 Breeding Pool

1 Watery Grave

2 Creeping Tarpit

2 Twilight Mire

1 Flooded Grove

1 Acedemy Ruins

2 Ghost Quarters

2 Forest

1 Island

1 Swamp

60 Total

Sideboard

1 Engineered Explosives

1 Nihil Spellbomb

1 Surgical Extraction

2 Thoughtseize

3 Spellskite

1 Mana Leak

2 Redirect

1 Abrupt Decay

1 Mystic Snake

1 Thragtusk

1 Curse of Death's Hold

We're still running the Curse in the board. I got a lot of hate on that one so I'll explain it this way. If you land that, Twin decks that don't use angel, are dead. Tusk is better with the Crystal Shard (although weaker against Liliana). Snake's on the ropes alongside the Redirect. I'm thinking of Fulminator Mage as the replacement.

Legacy Bant deck. If you've ever met me you'll know I require some type of substance to look at a comment. "Just play this" is not a valid comment. Would you not play something because someone told you to just play something? No. So, explain why you think I should.


1 Bird of Paradise
3 Noble Hierach
3 Stoneforge Mystic
1 Scavenging Ooze
1 Tarmogoyf
1 Qasali Pridemage
3 Knight of the Reliquary
2 Vendellion Clique

2 Green Sun's Zenith

4 Brainstorm
3 Stifle
4 Swords to Plowshares
3 Daze
4 Force of Will

1 Umezawa's Jitte
1 Batterskull

2 Jace, the Mind Sculptor

3 Misty Rainforest
3 Flooded Strand
1 Windswept Heath
2 Tropical Island
1 Tundra
1 Savannah
2 Horizon Canopy
1 Dryad Arbor
1 Karakas
3 Wasteland
1 Plains
1 Island
1 Forest

60 Total

2 Engineered Explosives
1 Flusterstorm
2 Spell Pierce
3 Surgical Extraction
1 Ulvenwald Tracker
3 Meddling Mage
2 Krosan Grip
1 Thrun, The Last Troll

15 Total

Thoughts? Idea?

Figured I'd try posting a video. This one's from my Youtube channel.