FrOsTrAtEdFrO

Gold Rush 2011

2011-12-21T00:34:00.000-08:00

First off, kudos to Neutral Grounds! For staging Gold Rush 2011 with a very successful attendance of 468 participants. And with that big number of players, they were flexible enough to accommodate all the attendees and even made special arrangement with a famous "burger chain", just to address the additional playing areas/tables needed for all those who joined. The venue wasn't that "comfortable" though, but the good thing was, they (tournament organizer) acknowledged that fact and have plans for a better run next year. And what's even better was, those who made Day 2 and were still on a winning streak, were all smiles during the event, as seen from the NG album (Gold Rush '11 Day 2 pics).

As for me, I was lucky enough to have a longer sleep, than those who made Day 2. I'll probably try my luck again next year and hopeful for a better showing. For the mean time, allow me to share the deck that I used and how my games went.

Deck List by Jun'ya Iyanaga

Just a brief background on my deck choice. It's more of practically in terms of finances. Since I already have a play set of both the Red-Green lands, Solemn, Thrun and 2 SoFaF. It'll be more wise and will require a lesser investment on my end to acquire the rest of the Wolf Run deck pieces, than opting for the White-Blue Haunted Humans (my primary choice). Even though I liked the Haunted Humans better, based purely from the higher winning percentage against the field (not the Philippines meta) and it's proven success on MtGO. The reality is, it may not be that worth it, to spend that much (cost of the deck) just for one event (Gold Rush 2011). As I don't and can't regularly play constructed in paper magic. With that in mind, I decided to push through with Wolf Run. Besides, it was undefeated during Day 1 of 2011 World Championships and it's winning percentage against the field comes close to to Haunted Humans. So, off to my game results.

Round 1: Won against Brian Acabado, playing Red-White Artifacts (2-0)
>>> I wasn't actually familiar with his build, he's probably running a rogue deck with a mix of Tempered Steel creatures and RDW burn spells? But at the back of my head, my only concern was not losing to a rogue build... ;p

Round 2: Drawn match with Kristian Legaspi, playing Blue-Black Control (1-1-1)
>>> The draw was a consolation, as my opponent told me that he wasn't expecting to lose in our 2nd game as my deck was one of his better match-ups. Oh well, good for me then... :)

Round 3: Lost to John Dahingo, playing Green-Red Wolf Run (0-2)
>>> Just like any mirror-match, whoever had the better draws wins the game. He ramped early to 2 Inferno Titan and that was enough to seal the round, as I was slapped with a game loss for SB issue. Thanks to Vic Lim. Note to self, TRIPLE CHECK your list... ;p

Round 4: Lost to Adrian Ordonez, playing Esper Blade (0-2)
>>> This is where the lacked of play test kicks in. I sided out my spot removals (Galvanic Blast & Shock) and realized it too late. With 2 straight losses, pre-Planeswalker Points system, I would have dropped already, but decided to just continue playing for points and level-up purposes... :)

Round 5: Won against Jonathan Te, playing Green-Red Wolf Run (2-0)

>>> Second mirror-match and my turn to have the better draws. Devil's Play to the face (of my opponent) for both games. My apologies though to Jonathan (a nice guy from Dumaguete and just in case he'll come across this article) if I may have appear to be rude (not intentional), by showing him Devil's Play at end of his turn... :(

Round 6: Won against Mark Zarcadias, playing Blue-Red Counter Burn (2-0)
>>> Opponent got a game loss for showing up late and one game was enough to win the round... :(

Round 7: Won against Jeffrey Kua, playing Bant Pod (2-1)

>>> Lost game 1 to the usual suspects, 3rd turn Pod and the 7 drop Legend. SB card worked their wonder for games 2 & 3. Top deck moments in game 3, Viridian Corrupter for his Pod and Devil's Play for Elesh Norn... ;p

Round 8: Drawn match with John Gonzales, playing Grixis Control (1-1-1)
>>> Too tired to remember about what happened in this game, zzz... ;p

MVP (Card)

And the end of that grueling hot day, I was 4-2-2 and way too far to make the X-2 Day 2 cut-off. It may have been a bad day for me, but it surely was fun and a great day for the MtG Philippines community, as there were a huge turnout of players and even those outside of Manila (like Olongapo, Dumaguete & Cebu) were represented (which some of them I met during the event). Hopefully next year's Gold Rush will be a cooler venue (literally speaking), a bigger attendance and a lot more fun!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Pinoy Magikero!!!

Gold Rush (-ing River) 2011

2011-12-19T22:44:00.000-08:00

I rarely have time to watch news on television and I normally get my daily dose from the radio instead (while driving on the way to work or home) or from the internet. One of those instances was last Monday, I woke up early than usual, roughly around 6am and chanced upon "Umagang Kay Ganda", a morning news show in ABS-CBN. Still sleepy, I sat down and watched, as they were featuring the latest update on tropical storm "Sendong", that hit Mindanao (Cagayan De Oro and Iligan in particular). I was completely unaware of the news, not until that Monday morning. While watching, it just reminded me, how blessed I am and those of us who actually joined the Gold Rush 2011 at Eton Cyberpod event last weekend. The discomfort that I felt during the said event, was still fresh in my mind. I even thought to myself that I may never want to attend such type of events (those tournaments with expected huge attendance) in the future, if it'll still be held in the same venue. I mean, the whole 8 rounds were a grueling challenge, not against your opponent, but the physical and environmental conditions itself. I (and everybody else around) was perspiring the entire time, starting after round 2. Given a chance, I should have brought with me extra shirts (a total of 7 extra shirts). You'll literally want to change your shirt right after every round, as you'll surely be dripping with sweat after every round (except for those playing inside the famous "burger chain" area). So, to cut the story short, either the venue was not really equipped to handle that huge number of attendees or the air-conditioners of the said mall were not functioning properly. Lesson learned, when attending big MtG event/tournament, bring an extra shirt or two, hehehe.

Moving on and putting the said experience aside, we were blessed to be in the said event. Simply because were not one of those who were hit by the storm "Sendong". So, just a break from my tournament report, I would like to take this opportunity and appeal to the MtG community to take part and do our share to help our kababayans. For those of us who are busy and can't do any voluntary work/service, we may opt to send our help through Philippine Red Cross, by SMS or G-CASH (see details below).

SMS
Text RED(space)AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

G-CASH
Text DONATE(space)AMOUNT(space)4-digit M-PIN(space)REDCROSS to 2882

You can donate the following denominations:

Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000

In this season of giving, let it be felt by our kababayans who are in need. Happy Holidays! :)

Esper Control

2011-12-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

Given a choice, I'm mostly likely to play a control type of deck rather than an aggro one. I guess, I'm a control player by heart. But it seems to be the other way around when it comes to tournament results of my deck choices, be it in MtGO or IRL. I normally perform poorly, using a control deck, probably (not as an excuse) because I don't really have that much opportunity to play test such type of decks. Which I believe needs a lot more of familiarity and complex decision making, as compared to playing a straight aggro build.

Knowing my weakness and just to take a break from the Mono Black Infect deck, the deck that I've been grinding with for the past 2 months. I searched and compared builds of Blue-Black Control and Solar Flare. While checking one of the Standard Premier MtGO results on Wizards's What's Happening? site, I came across a list by Sklez, which you may find below. Sklez's deck list have a very close resemblance to Jeremy Neeman's 5-1 build, during the 2011 Worlds Standard portion, with just a card or two difference in the main and board.

Deck List by Sklez

Without any play test, consideration for my play skills and simply relying on the deck's previous performance. I tried the deck in 1 Standard Premier and 3 Standard Daily events. Here's how it goes.

Nov 27 - Standard Premier

Round 1: Lost to teh_godfather, playing Blue-White Control (0-1) > I timed out...

Round 2: Lost to Shadiest,playing Blue-White Control (0-1) > I timed out...

Round 3: Lost to Coexistence, playing Wolf Run Ramp (0-1) > I timed out...

Round 4: Won against Weenee, playing Wolf Run Ramp (2-0)

Round 5: Lost to xMiMx , playing Blue-Red Delver (1-2)

Round 6: Won against Gecko75, playing Wolf Run Ramp (2-0)

Nov 29 - Standard 4-RND

Round 1: Lost to Butakov, playing Blue-White Weenie (0-2)

Round 2: Won against nategoosin, playing Red Deck Wins (2-0)

Round 3: Won against aldisued123, playing Red Deck Wins (2-1)

Round 4: Lost to 84RD, playing Red Deck Wins (0-2)

Dec 1 - Standard 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 6th)

Round 1: Won against tsuru, playing Blue-Black Control (2-1)

Round 2: Won against CrmsonBlade, playing Mono Blue Delver (2-0)

Round 3: Lost to sakurai, playing Wolf Run Ramp (1-2) > I timed out...

Round 4: Won against MituliakV, playing Esper Control (2-0)

Dec 2 - Standard 4-RND

Round 1: Lost to Ghostface_Killah, playing Blue-White Delver (1-2)

Round 2: Lost to Vladimir_M,playing Blue-Black Control (1-2) > I timed out...

Round 3: No show for my opponent

Round 4: Lost to Jnunnally89, playing Esper Control (1-2)

As I've said earlier, I normally perform better with an aggro deck (ehem, excuses), but being my hard-headed self and just to try something new, I end up with a 7-10 record (19-19, total games played). I would have fared better if I gotten used to the deck first, before joining any tournament. I guess, I just don't have that much privilege of time, as I felt that "play testing" alone on MtGO is a bit of "waste of time". Its different in terms of focus, and the learning earned from tournaments (instead of practice) were way greater as there's a lot more "in it" and to look forward to, if you get what I mean?

My personal thoughts on the deck and control decks in general? Well, I would love to still play it in real life or paper magic than on MtGO. It'll also be better to use and limit your choices in an aggro types of deck on MtGO, that's if you're "residing" in the Philippines. I mean, I don't know if it's just me or its an isolated issue with my ISP (be it Smart, Sun or Globe that I'm using), but it's really frustrating to suffer a loss due to time out. Which happened to me, 5 times out of 18 rounds with the said deck. So your practically not just up against your opponent this time, but time itself, which somehow decreases your chances of winning.

To be fair with the deck and the deck designer, even with no practice, poor plays and ISP issues, it still have 50% chances of winning. I believe it has great potential though, and chances of winning greatly increases, especially in the hands of a better and well practiced mage/player, like say, Jeremy Neeman?

Until next time. May the MtGO shuffler and best draws be with you. But, if it's the other way around, don't be a "cry baby". ;p

What Children Really Think About MtG

2011-11-30T21:36:00.001-08:00

And 10 reasons to totally hate Magic. Ouch!? ;p

You may find the article by Ender "EndersGame" Wiggins here. Have fun reading. :)

Mono Red Twilight

2011-11-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

My wife and I watched the Breaking Dawn movie last Saturday. And it got me thinking if Innistrad's R&D team, were somehow influenced by the Twilight saga? I mean with all these vampires and werewolves creatures in the set? Be it coincidental or not, it'll certainly be the theme of the Innistrad Block deck, that I'm currently using. :)

Deck List by xMiMx

Excited with the new Innistrad block format and without any playtest. I found myself queued to an ISD Block Con 4-RND.

Nov 13 - ISD Block Con 4-RND

Round 1: Won against danilo1997, playing Blue/Red/Green Control (2-1)

Round 2: Lost to Deku_the_evil_clown,playing White/Red Humans (0-2)

Round 3: Won against rodeo, playing Red/Green Werewolves (2-0)

Round 4: Lost to IBLO304, playing Green/White Tokens (0-2)

Nov 14 - ISD Block Con 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 6th)

Round 1: Won against guminzhao, playing Red/Green Werewolves (2-1)

Round 2: Lost to IBLO304, playing Green/White Tokens (1-2)

Round 3: Won against larsen, playing Green/White Werewolves (2-0)

Round 4: Won against asadabao, playing Blue/Red/Green Control (2-1)

Even in Innistrad Block, the Green/White Tokens are still a force to be reckoned. I'll love to use the said deck in the future. That's and if I can find a way to shell-out a 100 tickets, for Garruk Relentless's play set!? Hehehe.

For the mean time, I have to make do with my Budget Deck.

May the MtGO shuffler and best draws be with you. But, if it's the other way around, don't be a "cry baby". ;p

InfeXtious Crusader (Version 1.8)

2011-11-21T01:22:00.000-08:00

Browsing through the coverage of 2011 World Championships, especially in the Undefeated Decklists section. I was hoping, that the Infect deck, was somehow represented. Well, given that, it's not that popular and there are a lot more consistent decks out there. It was just a wishful thinking. I just thought that, since the metagame is so diverse, there's really an opportunity to go for a deck, that's not (yet) considered tier 1, but has the potential to win games. But of course, my hopes were so far fetched. Considering that in this high level field of play, especially Worlds, you can't really afford to be experimental or to go rogue. Still, even if most players, tend to choose the more popular archetypes. I'm glad, that there were few "hard-headed" players (like me), who still believed in the Infect's power. You may find the metagame breakdown here.

Going back to my regular programming. With three consecutive 3-1 finish, losing to Blue/White Humans and Green/White Tokens. I decided to make a minor changes in the sideboard, hence, version 1.6.

Version 1.6

Curse of Death's Hold, were replaced by the same number of Black Sun's Zenith, to add more mass removals for aggro match-ups. I saved the recent build and queued in another Standard Daily 4-RND, hoping that my sideboard plan will work.

Nov 04 - Standard 4-RND: Version 1.6

Round 1: Won against Blue/White Humans (2-0)

Round 2: Won against Red Deck Wins (2-0)
Round 3: Lost to Mono Black Infect (1-2)
Round 4: Lost to Blue/White Humans (1-2)

Taking out the Curse of Death's Hold was a bad idea. It's great against mirror (as it makes my creature bigger than my opponent and it neutralizes opposing Inkmoth Nexus) and Moorland Haunt. With that, I decided to bring it back in the sideboard, which means that one Doom Blade and one Go for the Throat, gets cut.

Version 1.7

Nov 04 - Standard 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 14th): Version 1.7

Round 1: Won against Emperok, playing Blue/White Humans (2-0)

Round 2: Lost to bös,playing Blue/Black Control (1-2)
Round 3: Won against shiina, playing Wolf Run Ramp (2-1)
Round 4: Bonus Round against _tehhor_ (2-0) - opponent timed-out, probably an ISP issue and not a good/fair way to win though...

Nov 04 - Standard 4-RND: Version 1.7

Round 1: Lost to Romani, playing Green/White Tokens (1-2)

Round 2: Won against Chomper,playing Red/White Humans (2-1)

Round 3: Won against AirPower25, playing Green/White Tokens (2-0)

Round 4: Lost to Replica.NT, playing Wolf Run Ramp (1-2)

With a last round upset, by Dungrove Elder. I decided, that Tribute to Hunger is needed to address such threats and at the same time, it buys me an additional turn or two from life gained effect. And so, comes, version 1.8.

Version 1.8

Main deck Doom Blade and Go for the Throat, were replaced by two Tribute to Hunger. An additional copy was also added in the sideboard, in place of one Black Sun's Zenith slot.

Nov 05 - Standard 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 2nd): Version 1.8

Round 1: Won against tzio, playing Blue/Black Control (2-0)

Round 2: Won against Yunhao_Wu_CHN,playing Wolf Run Ramp (2-1)
Round 3: Won against Koptilov, playing Blue/White Humans (2-0)
Round 4: Won against _Soku_, playing Green/White Tokens (2-0)

Nov 06 - Standard 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 15th): Version 1.8

Round 1: Won against babones, playing Blue/White Illusion (2-1)

Round 2: Won against Zplitpot,playing Blue/Black Control (2-1)

Round 3: Lost to _Batutinha_, playing Bant Pod (0-2)

Round 4: Won against Tajy, playing Green/White Tokens (2-0)

I guess, there's really something about number 8!? Version 1.8 debuts at 7-1 (14-5).

Until next time. May the MtGO shuffler and best draws be with you. But, if it's the other way around, don't be a "cry baby". ;p

InfeXtious Crusader (Version 1.5) - Part 2

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's another installment to Version 1.5 of the above said deck. These tournament results were a bit late though, as I have to catch-up with reality (work), and joined the PTQ Honolulu 2012 (at Eton Cyberpod Corinthian, Ortigas) last Saturday. It was a decent 5-2 finish, losing both to Nick Ortega and Lawrence Camangon, who both made the final Top 8. Going back, before I give you the deck's latest results, let me show you a summary of the earlier versions of the deck.

Version 1: 3-1 (7-5, total games played)

Version 1.1: 2-2 (5-4, total games played)

Version 1.2: 2-2 (5-5, total games played)

Version 1.4: 8-4 (19-13, total games played)

Moving on, here are the deck's Daily Standard 4-RND results.

Nov 03 - Standard 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 21st): Version 1.5

Round 1: Won against Solar Flare (2-1)

Round 2: Lost to Blue/White Humans (0-2) - 3rd straight loss against this match-up, now at 4-3...
Round 3: Won against Mono Black Infect (2-1) - not really a mirror match, but managed to escaped with an upset...
Round 4: Won against Blue/Black/Red Planeswalker (2-0)

HIGHLIGHTS:

Round 3 Game 2: Phyrexian Vatmother & Skithiryx FDW.

Round 3 Game 3: Inkmoth Nexus FDW.

Round 4 Game 2: Contagion Clasp FDW.

Nov 03 - Standard 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 12th): Version 1.5

Round 1: Lost to Green/White Humans (1-2)

Round 2: Won against Red Deck Wins (2-1)
Round 3: Won against Blue/Red Counter-Burn (2-0)
Round 4: Won against Tempered Steel (2-1)

HIGHLIGHTS:

Round 2 Game 2: Double Phyrexian Crusader, RDW's worst nightmare!

Round 2 Game 3: 3rd Shrine of Burning Rage wasn't enough.

Round 3 Game 1: The Mighty Skithiryx, stands alone.

Round 4 Game 1: Black Sun's Zenith FDW.

Round 4 Game 3: The Triple Threat FDW.

With that, Version 1.5's record is at 9-3 (20-10, total games played).

Until next time. May the MTGO shuffler and best draws be with you.

P.S. I just noticed during the last PTQ Honolulu 2012 at Eton, that there were a good number of Infect decks that are being play-tested in between the sealed rounds. For those who have already tried the deck IRL, please feel free to post your results here. X means your dead. :)

Your Turn And Make It Count

2011-11-07T23:53:00.000-08:00

I just came across Patrick Chapin's article, a few minutes ago, with regard to the trending "Organized Play Changes" topic. If you do happen to care about it or somehow felt affected, kindly take time to join the FB group and sign in the petition below.

FaceBook Group

Petition

Magic's Organized Play Changes, Can Be A Good Thing

2011-11-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

Yup, you’ve read it right! Magic's organized play changes, can be a good thing. That's coming from a girlfriend or a wife's (of a Magic player's) point of view. My apologies and excuse me for generalizing, I know there are also players of the opposite sex, in the MtG community. So, kidding aside, anything that lessens the interest of a Magic player or group of Magic players, is another reason for him or them to be away or totally leave the game. It’ll no longer be a funny remark, to hear MtG players say “that a friend left or stopped playing MtG, because he got a girlfriend or got married”. I mean, I used to say to my friends when I was still single, that having a girlfriend is a distraction to playing Magic. But because WotC, from what they’ve been doing, so far, starting from Planeswalker Points and until recently, it’s kind of alarming. It somehow, makes me feel, that there’s not much to look forward to or makes me a little bit less interested in the game. And if that ever happen, that would mean more time, for a Magic player to be with his wife or girlfriend. That is, if the latter, have not yet fully or effectively took them away, yet from the game. And not that Magic players don't spend time with their love ones, but anything that frees up a few hours of your day, can be spent with someone or something else right?

But why do we spend a considerable amount of time playing Magic cards? For most of us, we all started for the fun of the game and eventually got hooked. This “getting hooked thing” has something to do with the competitive side of the game. And for someone to be in that state of being "competitive", or at least close to that level, we end up spending our resources. That's time and money, for play-testing, joining tournaments and upgrading our deck of choice. We dedicate our resources, because we know or somehow, I felt at some point (pre-Planeswalker Points and recent changes), that WotC have a great Organized Play support (next to VS, but that’s another story). Meaning, you’re looking forward to something of value or worth your time and money. Without that, MtG will just be a plain old game, like a Monopoly (except that MtG has a great game mechanics), but only played occasionally, just to let time past.

Now, that’s where the good thing comes in! Imagine a world without Magic. That’ll definitely free up a few hours of our day. I can already afford to go to gym and enroll in one. Being a family guy, it’ll also mean that I no longer need to squeeze in to my schedule, playing MtGO during the wee hours, just to keep my playing skills in check and be updated with the metagame. Less time explaining to my wife, what I get from still playing Magic (up to this age of 31). I’ll be living a more physically healthier life and enjoy a more or at least a little longer peace and quiet. If you get what I mean?

But of course, all these things that I’ve just said. Were just my funny way of taking these “organized play changes”. I guess, there’s really not much that I can do about it. As the “10-90 Principle” says, “10% of life is made up of what happens to you and 90% of life is decided by how you react”. So, let’s just enjoy the game, while it lasts. ;p

InfeXtious Crusader (Version 1.5)

2011-11-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Phyrexian Crusader was a card name and Mono Black Infect, sounds so dull. So, I decided to coin a name, for the deck that I've been using for the past couple of weeks. With a 4-0 run (see deck list here, ranked 3rd), of version 1.4, I was hopeful that I've finally came up with the "final build". But, that may just seem to be the start of another deck tweaking...

Here's the deck's "Dear Diary" logs:

Oct 27 - Standard 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 19th): Version 1.4

Round 1: Lost to Red Deck Wins (1-2)

Round 2: Won against Blue/Black Control (2-0)
Round 3: Won against Mono Black Infect (2-1) - version 1.2 variant...
Round 4: Won against Blue/Black Control (2-0) - at this point, I'm 4-0 against this match-up (8-1, win-loss record, in terms of total games played)...

Things seems, to be doing pretty well for me, so far, not until, Grand Prix Hiroshima 2011. When all of a sudden, inspired by Martin Juza and the rest of the Top 8 Deck Lists, these Blue/White Humans and Green/White Tokens decks goes rampant.

Oct 30 - Standard 4-RND: Version 1.4

Round 1: Won against Mono Red Goblins (2-1)

Round 2: Lost to Blue/White Humans (1-2) - 1st time against this match-up, make that 4-1...
Round 3: Lost to Blue/White Humans (1-2) - the tide's changing, still up, but now at 4-2...
Round 4: Lost to Green/White/Blue Tokens (0-2) - the deck's worst match-up, down to 0-2 (0-4, win-loss record, in terms of total games played)...

After reading through the results of Grand Prix Hiroshima 2011, it's a bit of a consolation that those decks that whipped my InfeXtious Crusader built, were really decks to beat in their own right. Moving forward, though scathed, but not beaten. I decided to tweak the main deck, a little. Now goes...

Version 1.5

Though Geth's Verdict and Tribute to Hunger were excellent against Hexproof (i.e. Geist of Saint Thraft or Thrun, the Last Troll), it requires proper or if I may say, a perfect timing or scenario. Other than that, it's basically a conditional creature elimination, that gives your opponent a chance to play "the weakest link" on his/her horde of creatures (especially for the U/W Humans and G/W Tokens decks). So, with that, 3 Geth's Verdict, 2 Tribute to Hunger, 1 Tumble Magnet and 1 Tezzeret's Gambit were replaced by 3 Virulent Wound, 2 Victim of Night and 2 Black Sun's Zenith. With a rejuvenated deck, I was queued to another Standard 4-RND event.

Nov 03 - Standard 4-RND (see deck list here, ranked 8th): Version 1.5

Round 1: Won against a Green/Red/Black Heartless Summoning (2-0) - interesting Jund/Ramp variant...

Round 2: Won against Red Deck Wins (2-0)
Round 3: Won against Blue/Black Control (2-0) - this is becoming a favorite match-up as I'm up to 5-0...
Round 4: Lost to Solar Flare (1-1) - due to time out, it's not an excuse (hehehe, could have been a 4-0), but this is one of those instances when I've hoped for a better/faster ISPs in the Philippines...

There goes, the debut of InfeXtious Crusader Version 1.5.

Time to go card-hunting, for paper version of the deck. I hope I'll make it on time for Gold Rush Trials 2011.

Until next time. May the MTGO shuffler and best draws be with you.

Innistrad 8-4 Booster Draft # 1

2011-10-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

A day or two, after winning some packs from a Standard 4-RND event. I excitedly, went on to my 1st Innistrad draft...

The pile that I end-up with is not really an ideal one (but I thought that it'll be fun). Not the type that you would want to use in a very competitive 8-4 queue. But moving on, I decided to play a 4-color (WGbu), just to maximize the power level of the cards that I drafted. Though, I'm personally satisfied with my build. It may have been more ideal, if I just stayed with a WG build. Here's the deck that I played with.

I believed that the deck was decent enough, with 3-4 mana fixers to accommodate the splash colors. There are 3-6 spot and conditional removals. With that, I was hoping for at least a 2-1 finish the very least.

So lets go unto the game results.

Round 1 Game 1 vs RGW: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 1: Booster 1, 1st pick card, showing-off! :)

Round 1 Game 2 vs RGW: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 2: Opponent conceded on turn 7.

Round 2 Game 1 vs RGB: Starting Hand

Won Round 2 Game 1: Mikaeus, the Lunarch and Angelic Overseer FDW!

Round 2 Game 2 vs RGB: Starting Hand

Lost Round 2 Game 2: Grimoire of the Dead, forced me to concede on turn 12.

Round 2 Game 3 vs RGB: Starting Hand

Lost Round 2 Game 3: Multiple misplays and early drops by my opponent, caused me the game on turn 9.

I may not have gotten the results that I wanted, but it reminded me of the saying that goes like, "less talk, less mistake", it'll also apply to playing MTG. That is, "less mistakes, less losses".

Feel free to share your comments.

Until next time. May your next booster be filled with playable and money rares... ;p

Deck Check # 5: Standard - THE EVOLUTION

2011-10-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

I shared my deck list with my brother-in-law (who's a DCI-Certified Level 1 Judge and a casual play-test partner), to ask for his opinion, about my built. Here's what he said.

Taking into consideration his suggestion and based from some occasional builds, that I saw from MTGO Standard Daily results. I tweaked the deck and end-up with the updated version below.

Version 1.1

I moved the Mind Rots to the SB, to make room for Virulent Wound and Nihil Spellbomb (specifically for Solar Flare decks).

Here's how the deck performed.

Round 1: Lost to Solar Flare (1-2) - Nihil Spellbomb didn't do its job! :(
Round 2: Won against W/U Humans (2-0)
Round 3: Lost to Wolf Run Ramp (0-2) - for the 2nd time... :(
Round 4: Won against mono Blue Illusion (2-0)

With a 2-2 record, I felt that I may have done something, but definitely not better.

I instinctively sought out the help of What's Happening? (MTGO tournament results site) and came across Kidsoldja's deck list. Changing my list to Kidsoldja's list, means I needed to shell-out some tickets and literally upgrade my deck, for 3 Liliana of the Veil, 3 Lashwrithe and 2 Black Sun's Zenith (ouch!). I end up with almost identical built, except for an extra Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon (personal preference) and 1 less copy of Lashwrithe. That's version 1.2 below.

Version 1.2

Excited with my new list and confident that I may fare better (based from Kidsoldja's results). I found myself queued for another Standard 4-RND event.

Here's how the deck performed.

Round 1: Lost to Green/White Tokens (0-2)
Round 2: Won against U/B Control (2-1)
Round 3: Won against U/B Control (2-0)
Round 4: Lost to Wolf Run Ramp (1-2) - for the 3rd time and getting frustrated... :(
Another 2-2 result!? I was clueless. I felt that I definitely had a better built. Am I just not lucky with my match-ups? Or there's something wrong with how I played the deck? Well, if I still can remember correctly, there are instances when the Despise and Tumble Magnet main would have made a difference.

With that, back to drawing board. This time, I squeezed in 2 Tumble Magnet's main. So, here's the 3rd revision to my list.

Version 1.3

An hour before a Standard 4-RND event, I was still hesitant to play with the version 1.3 build. I thought that if my original build was working fine before, why make major changes to the deck? So, I decided to go back with my old build and just upgraded the Mind Rot with Liliana of the Veil instead. With few minutes left, I joined another event with the list below.

Version 1.4

Here's how the deck performed.

Round 1: Won against Red Deck Wins (2-0)
Round 2: Won against Mono Blue Artifact (2-1)
Round 3: Won against Wolf Run Ramp (2-1) - yipee! finally! about time to break the losing streak... :)
Round 4: Won against W/U Humans (2-1) - 3rd straight wins against this match-up... :)

HIGHLIGHTS:
Round 2 Game 3: Liliana's discard ability (discarded the crucial Myr Battlesphere) FDW.

Round 3 Game 2: Tumble Magnet FDW.

Round 3 Game 3: My lucky night! Opponent's down to 8 life, with 8 poison counters and I won for the 1st time against Wolf Run Ramp, on the 8th turn. :)

Round 4 Game 3: Phyrexian Crusader FDW.

Just to set the record straight, the 75% winning percentage, was my performance or win-loss record. Which was now down to 69%, due to my previous results. But the deck itself is now at 60% winning percentage. That's 25 wins out of 42 matches.

I'm currently satisfied with my latest build. And I guess, it also felt good to have an original list (of course with some inspirations from the other deck lists). I'll be trying this out in paper magic also, once I'm back in the Philippines and if my schedule allows it, hehehe. But, if you get a chance to do so, and poison-out your opponent. Let me know. ;p

You have something in mind? Feel free to use the comment box below.

Until next time. May the MTGO shuffler and best draws be with you.... :)

Deck Check # 4: Standard - PHYREXIAN CRUSADER

2011-10-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

Even though I already knew that having a decent constructed deck in MTGO is the way, to going infinite, I still didn't managed to keep one. Probably because I get bored easily with playing the same deck again and again, especially if the deck's performing poorly (hehehe). So I usually end up selling the deck pieces, to just eventually play sealed or draft events. The format that I'm always excited about, due to its surprise and unpredictability. Moving on, I stumbled upon, Jacob Van Lunen's "Building On A Budget" article last October 5. I was inspired by the mono black poison deck and went on to build the said deck. I just made a minor modification with the build, which was really necessary, since Sign in Blood is no longer Standard legal. I had it replaced with 3 Mind Rot's and an extra Distress. Here's what the list end up with.

Deck List Inspired by Jacob Van Lunen

Without any play test, I went on to join my 1st Standard Daily Tournament (post Zendikar Block) that I can get my fingers on. Here's how the deck performed.

Round 1: Won against Red Deck Wins (2-1)
Round 2: Lost to Wolf Run Ramp (1-2)
Round 3: Won against U/W Human (2-1)
Round 4: Won against U/W Blade (2-1)

HIGHLIGHTS: Round 1 Game 3: Double Tezzeret's Gambit FDW.
Round 3 Game 3: Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon FDW.
Round 4 Game 3: Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon, again FDW!

To wrap things up, the deck's pretty okay, with 75% winning percentage, so far. Of course, it's still too early to tell, since there's only limited number of rounds/games that I've played it in. I may just be lucky, considering that most of my rounds are always decided on game 3. One thing to note though, my only lost was to the most likely to be a top or seemingly popular deck, Wolf Run Ramp. A deck that I find interesting (an excuse for joining the bandwagon in the future, hehehe). For the mean time, I'll be using this deck for another tournament or two and hopefully, you'll get a chance to do the same.

See that comment box below? That's free to use, so go ahead and leave one.

Until next time. May the MTGO shuffler and best draws be with you.... :)

P.S. You may find the rest of the decklists here.

Pro Tour Philadelphia Deck Tech: Fair-fight Faeries with Gerald Camangon

2011-09-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Proudly Pinoy! A round of applause to Gerald Camangon, for a truly original MODERN built!!! :)

Pro Tour Philadelphia: Inside the Draft with Sebastian Thaler

2011-09-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

My ideal draft style, choosing the best card available and not PUSHING for a preferred colored combination or not letting your early picks, dictate your eventual deck. Thumbs-up to Sebastian Thaler, for jumping on the opportunity, to SHIFT to WHITE... ;p

Deck Check # 3: Zendikar Block - VAMPIRES

2009-12-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

GOING INFINITE!? That's what most, if not all players on MTGO aims for. I mean, who wouldn't want to be playing the game that we all love (with all the conveniences that MTGO offers, less the crashes and lags, of course) and without even spending money to buy tickets or boosters? I'd be more than happy to be in that position. But, the question is, is it even possible!? Well, according to these guys (Luis Scott-Vargas and blisterguy), YES it is! Check out the link to find out how. Moving on, taking their word for it and a time off from booster drafts (as I need to replenish my resources of boosters and tickets), I've been spending my free time grinding in Constructed Zendikar Block 2-Player and Daily Events queues. Here's a recent event that I joined...

Deck List by ryandata

Before I share with you the result of the event, I just want to give you a background of how I came up with my build and deck of choice. I understand that it's a known fact and an obvious choice to pick a Vampires deck in Zendikar Block (given the current pool of cards in the said format). But, in my case, that wasn't the primary reason. My deck choice was purely influenced by what cards I currently have in my collection. Since I heavily draft black/white build in Zendikar Booster Drafts, I end up having a set of Blade of the Bloodchief, Bloodghast and 3 Malakir Bloodwitch. The very reason I still have these cards? Well, I've been going infinite in MTGO since October of this year and I recycle the pricier cards that I got from drafts (mhythic rares, rares and fetches in particular) by selling them to bots, whenever I ran out of boosters and tickets. So, initially, my deck really started as a budget build with 3 Blade of the Bloodchief, set of Bloodghast and 3 Malakir Bloodwitch in the main (without any single fetch lands), a total of only 10 rares. And things, seems to have been going my way, thanks to my MVP (Blade of the Bloodchief) and complimentary uncommon cards (Gatekeeper of Malakir and Vampire Nighthawk). I usually end up with a decent (3-1) finish and managed to upgrade my build slowly (by acquiring a pair of Marsh Flats or Verdant Catacombs), every time I get a better return from my 6 tickets entry fee. So after a few more wins and deck tuning, I finally end up with the above list.

Here's how the deck performed:

Round 1 Game 1: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 1: against a red/green Valakut deck. My opponent didn't have an answer to my early drops and was forced to concede when Malakir Bloodwitch hit the table on turn 6.

Round 1 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 2: Vampire Lacerator and 2 Bloodghast made enough early damage. My opponent's Lavaball Trap resolved on turn 7 (to clear my horde of vampires), but he was to forced to concede the next turn, after I dropped a top-decked land.

Won Round 2 Game 1: against a blue/white control deck. I can't find the replay of this particular game. But, based from what I remembered, my opponent was able to cast a kicked Rite of Replication on my Vampire Nighthawk, giving him 5 copies of the said creature. This was the only instance that I can remember when I managed to win a game against a kicked Rite of Replication and that's because I happened to have 4 Feast of Blood on hand, hehehe.

Round 2 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 2 Game 2: I thought that this round will be quick in my favor, as my opponent mulligan-ed to 5 cards, but my opponent started early with his Spreading Seas and Into the Roil tricks and negated any card disadvantage from his mull. Luckily, he didn't draw any Cancels and I was able to Mind Sludge-d him for two consecutive turns to seal the game and forced him to concede on turn 10.

Round 3 Game 1: Starting Hand

Won Round 3 Game 1: against a white weenie deck. My opponent's Steppe Lynx + Adventuring gear was able to hit me once for 12 damage in one swing. But, my 2nd Disfigure targeted his Steppe Lynx and without a fetch land to save his kitty, my opponent was forced to concede on turn 7.

Round 3 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 3 Game 2: I mulligan-ed to 6 cards, but my two consecutive turns of kicked Gatekeeper of Malakir, slowed my opponent's assault. Enough for Malakir Bloodwitch to resolved and forced opponent to concede on turn 6.

Round 4 Game 1: Starting Hand

Lost Round 4 Game 1: against a mirror (vampires) deck. My opponent got the better draws and forced me to concede on turn 9.

Round 4 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 4 Game 2: it was my turn to have the better draws as my opponent mulligan-ed to 6 cards. Blade of the Bloodchief made the slight difference and forced my opponent to concede on turn 12.

Won Round 4 Game 3: I can't find the replay and can't exactly remember what happened in this game, but I managed to secure an up-set, hehehe.

P.S. I was rewarded with 11 Zendikar booster packs + a foil Zuran Orb for a 4-0 finish. I guess, LSV and blisterguy have made their point. Playing constructed on MTGO is the easier path to GOING INFINITE. :)

Feel free to share your comments/inputs. Thank you for your time and 'til next time...

Zendikar 8-4 Booster Draft # 11

2009-12-15T05:27:00.000-08:00

Pack 1 pick 1:

My Pick:

i should have picked the Mind Sludge for card advantage purposes...

Pack 1 pick 2:

My Pick:

Vampire Lacerator over Vampire Hexmage!? yeah, my bad... :(

Pack 1 pick 3:

My Pick:

late game creature removal effect...

Pack 1 pick 4:

My Pick:

my only obvious pick...

Pack 1 pick 5:

My Pick:

i'm more inclined in picking cards with card advantage as much as possible, but it might have given a clearer signal to the player to my left if i've settled with the Steppe Lynx instead???

Pack 1 pick 6:

My Pick:

i felt off with my picks. on a normal day, i would have picked the Kor Cartographer almost every time over the Hagra Diabolist (except if i'm playing an ally build)...

Pack 1 pick 7:

My Pick:

early drop...

Pack 1 pick 8:

My Pick:

creature removal # 1??? :(

Pack 1 pick 9:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 10:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 12:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 13:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 15:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 1:

My Pick:

rare draft...

Pack 2 pick 2:

My Pick:

i may have forced red, when Kor Skyfisher was the stronger pick...

Pack 2 pick 3:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 4:

My Pick:

number 3!? ;p

Pack 2 pick 5:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 6:

My Pick:

smoother mana base...

Pack 2 pick 7:

My Pick:

tricks...

Pack 2 pick 8:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 9:

My Pick:

counter-draft...

Pack 2 pick 10:

My Pick:

rare draft...

Pack 2 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 12:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 13:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 15:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 1:

My Pick:

creature removal # 2... :(

Pack 3 pick 2:

My Pick:

i should have picked the Hideous End as i still lack creature removals...

Pack 3 pick 3:

My Pick:

creature removal # 3...

Pack 3 pick 4:

My Pick:

counter-draft...

Pack 3 pick 5:

My Pick:

hasty beats...

Pack 3 pick 6:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 7:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 8:

My Pick:

counter-draft, since i have a slow set of removals...

Pack 3 pick 9:

My Pick:

filler/SB card...

Pack 3 pick 10:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 12:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 13:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 15:

My Pick:

This draft converter created by Benjamin Peebles-Mundy.

Visit the draft converter today!

Here's the pile that I end up with. Click on the image to enlarge.

The good: I end up with the strongest color combination (black/red) in the set.
The bad: not the ideal picks in the said color.
The ugly: more than half of my creatures and all of my limited creature removals are 4cc or higher. :(

Here's how the deck performed:

Round 1 Game 1: Starting Hand

Lost Round 1 Game 1: against a blue/red build. I held on to my Spire Barrage and left my opponent's Windrider Eel on the table for too long, enough for him to end the game on turn 8.

Round 1 Game 2: Starting Hand

Lost Round 1 Game 2: Goblin Shortcutter with Adventuring Gear was left unchecked the entire game and ended the game on turn 8.

P.S. I just realized that I've kept a bad hand for both my games, so given my weak deck and poor decision, I never stood a chance.

Overall Standing (Win - Loss): 43 - 27
Draft Record: 40 - 23
Standard Constructed Record: 3 - 4

Feel free to share your comments/inputs. Thank you for your time and 'til next time...

Zendikar 8-4 Booster Draft # 10

2009-12-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

Almost all of my successful results in Zendikar drafts were B/W builds. At some point, it made me feel bored. But when I think about it, if that's what works for me, then I'll just try to duplicate it every time if possible. So, on to another draft...

Pack 1 pick 1:

My Pick:

i was in an 8-4 queue, better to be serious with my picks... :)

Pack 1 pick 2:

My Pick:

no color commitment and an automatic inclusion in an aggressive build...

Pack 1 pick 3:

My Pick:

there were other good blue & green cards, but those were the colors that i try not to get my hands on (in this set) if possible...

Pack 1 pick 4:

My Pick:

early evasive drop...

Pack 1 pick 5:

My Pick:

for creature removal purposes...

Pack 1 pick 6:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 7:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 8:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 9:

My Pick:

counter-draft...

Pack 1 pick 10:

My Pick:

filler/SB card...

Pack 1 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 12:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 13:

My Pick:

to make sure that i get to cast my Spire Barrage, hehehe... ;p

Pack 1 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 15:

My Pick:

so far, i'm leaning towards a R/w build...

Pack 2 pick 1:

My Pick:

creature removal # 1 (i didn't count the Spire Barrage yet)...

Pack 2 pick 2:

My Pick:

creature removal # 2...

Pack 2 pick 3:

My Pick:

early evasive drop...

Pack 2 pick 4:

My Pick:

early drop...

Pack 2 pick 5:

My Pick:

counter-draft...

Pack 2 pick 6:

My Pick:

rare-draft... ;p

Pack 2 pick 7:

My Pick:

counter-draft. green may be slow in this set, but with this guy on the table, he's bound to speed things up...

Pack 2 pick 8:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 9:

My Pick:

i should have picked the Celestial Mantle instead...

Pack 2 pick 10:

My Pick:

counter-draft...

Pack 2 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 12:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 13:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 15:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 1:

My Pick:

i wasn't able to resist the fetch this time...

Pack 3 pick 2:

My Pick:

i should have picked the Kor Aeronaut instead...

Pack 3 pick 3:

My Pick:

creature removal # 3...

Pack 3 pick 4:

My Pick:

counter-draft...

Pack 3 pick 5:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 6:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 7:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 8:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 9:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 10:

My Pick:

early drop...

Pack 3 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 12:

My Pick:

tricks...

Pack 3 pick 13:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 15:

My Pick:

This draft converter created by Benjamin Peebles-Mundy.

Visit the draft converter today!

Here's the pile that i end up with. Click on the image to enlarge.

In general, I felt that I've end up with a decent build. The good part, 80% of my real creatures (excluding Zektar Shrine Expeditions) were within 3cc, so my games are not expected to last long, given that Adventuring Gear and Trusty Machete showed up. The not so good part, I only have 3 creature removals. :(

Here's how the deck performed:

Round 1 Game 1: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 1: against a W/G build. Trusty Machete and Kor Hookmaster forced opponent to concede on turn 12.

Round 1 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 2: 2nd Ondu Cleric bought me enough life to outraced a Sphinx of Jwar Isle and forced opponent to concede on turn 12.

Round 2 Game 1: Starting Hand

Lost Round 2 Game 1: against a W/B build. The much needed Plains came too late on the 9th turn. My opponent's Steppe Lynx and Cliff Threader brought me down to -2 life on turn 10.

Round 2 Game 2: Starting Hand

Lost Round 2 Game 2: unfamiliarity with the rules is not an excuse, and that's what happened in this game. I thought that lethal damage will resolved first before the lifelink ability, but I was wrong. Opponent was down to 1 after my turn and tapped all his creatures on his turn to put me down to 0 life on turn 7.

Overall Standing (Win - Loss): 43 - 26
Draft Record: 40 - 22
Standard Constructed Record: 3 - 4

Feel free to share your comments/inputs. Thank you for your time and 'til next time...

Deck Check # 2: Standard - CRYPT COMBO

2009-11-27T01:39:00.001-08:00

By now, Crypt Combo deck may still be a rogue deck, but almost everyone who plays MtG actively, have already heard of the deck. It's not just getting popularity in MTGO, it even made an appearance in 2009 Magic World Championship, as a Standard Dredge deck piloted by Michael Jacob to a 4-2 record. And just this week, it was featured in Jacob Van Lunen's column (Building on a Budget). Moving on, here's an online standard report of the original deck, during one of the Premiere Standard event in MTGO...

Original Deck List by yaya3

Here's how the deck performed:

Round 1 Game 1: Starting Hand

Lost Round 1 Game 1: against a Jund deck. I kept a 5-card hand and was forced to concede against a double Putrid Leech on turn 5.

Round 1 Game 2: Starting Hand

Lost Round 1 Game 2: Goblin Ruinblaster ruined my day and ended the game on turn 5.

Won Round 2: against a White Weenie deck. Bonus round, opponent conceded the entire round after I won game 1.

Round 3 Game 1: Starting Hand

Won Round 3 Game 1: against a Boros deck. I unearthed Kederekt Leviathan for the 2nd time which forced opponent to concede on turn 6.

Round 3 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 3 Game 2: 2nd Infest forced opponent to concede on turn 6.

Round 4 Game 1: Starting Hand

Lost Round 4 Game 1: against a Boros deck. I was stucked to 3 lands while opponent hit his 1 to 3 drops and ended the game on turn 5.

Round 4 Game 2: Starting Hand

Lost Round 4 Game 2: tried to race my opponent but my Hedron Crab met an early Burst Lightning, leaving me with an empty yard. Lightning Bolt put me down to zero life on turn 7.

Round 5 Game 1: Starting Hand

Lost Round 5 Game 1: against a Vampires deck. I didn't reached the needed mana to cast Traumatize and Vampire Nocturnus and his crew dropped me to -2 life on turn 6.

Round 5 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 5 Game 2: 1st turn Hedron Crab, filled my yard with enough unearth creatures that forced opponent to concede on turn 7.

Round 5 Game 3: Starting Hand

Lost Round 5 Game 3: Crypt of Agadeem didn't showed up. Vampire Nocturnus and his crew ended the on turn 6.

Round 6 Game 1: Starting Hand

Won Round 6 game 1: against a Valakut deck. The deck works like a ramp-combo-burn engine, and my opponent was forced to deal the last needed damage to himself on turn 8.

Round 6 Game 2: Starting Hand

Lost Round 6 Game 2: double Goblin Ruinblaster destroyed both of my black mana sources and ended the game on turn 7.

Round 6 Game 3: Starting Hand

Won Round 6 Game 3: opponent activated a turn 7 Relic Progenitus. A turn 9 Traumatize refilled my yard and my opponent was forced to concede on turn 10.

P.S. I finished with a 3-3 record and here's my personal assessment of the deck:

1. It's definitely fun to play, if you like combo decks.
2. It can win without Crypt of Agadeem, but it needs the Crypt of Agadeem to end the game on turn 5.
3. A Hedron Crab in the opening hand is more preferred than waiting for a post Traumatize, turn 6 kill.
4. Just like any deck, it has it's own strengths and weaknesses. So expect, some people to exploit it's explosiveness, but I'm more looking forward to those who can actually minimize the decks flaws and have it piloted to a TOP 1 FINISH...

Overall Standing (Win - Loss): 42 - 25
Draft Record: 39 - 21
Standard Constructed Record: 3 - 4

Feel free to share your comments/inputs. Thank you for your time and 'til next time...

Zendikar 8-4 Booster Draft # 9

2009-11-24T01:55:00.000-08:00

Losing is an opportunity to get better. At times, it really gets you down, but the only time you become a loser is once you STOP TRYING and LEARNING. So, on to another draft...

Pack 1 pick 1:

My Pick:

offensive and defensive early drop...

Pack 1 pick 2:

My Pick:

creature removal # 1. so far, with the good blue and red cards that i've passed to the player to my left, and if he's reading the signals, i should be expecting good black & white cards in the 2nd pack???

Pack 1 pick 3:

My Pick:

i should have picked the Vampire Lacerator...

Pack 1 pick 4:

My Pick:

early drop...

Pack 1 pick 5:

My Pick:

evasion with late game creature removal effect...

Pack 1 pick 6:

My Pick:

creature removal # 2...

Pack 1 pick 7:

My Pick:

creature removal # 3...

Pack 1 pick 8:

My Pick:

filler/SB card...

Pack 1 pick 9:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 10:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 12:

My Pick:

i should have picked the Pillarfield Ox just in case i'll run short of creatures...

Pack 1 pick 13:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 1:

My Pick:

i've got myself a volleyball team... :)

Pack 2 pick 2:

My Pick:

attacks on my turn and holds the fort at my opponent's turn...

Pack 2 pick 3:

My Pick:

tap, tap...

Pack 2 pick 4:

My Pick:

self explanatory...

Pack 2 pick 5:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 6:

My Pick:

early evasive drop...

Pack 2 pick 7:

My Pick:

destroy target Machete...

Pack 2 pick 8:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 9:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 10:

My Pick:

tricks...

Pack 2 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 12:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 13:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 2 pick 15:

My Pick:

as expected, i've got myself good white cards, i haven't not seen any Kor Skyfishers though???

Pack 3 pick 1:

My Pick:

mana fixer...

Pack 3 pick 2:

My Pick:

creature removal # 4...

Pack 3 pick 3:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 4:

My Pick:

creature removal # 5...

Pack 3 pick 5:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 6:

My Pick:

1st turn Steppe Lynx, 2nd turn Nimbus Wings, hehehe... ;p

Pack 3 pick 7:

My Pick:

cat food...

Pack 3 pick 8:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 9:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 10:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 11:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 12:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 13:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 14:

My Pick:

Pack 3 pick 15:

My Pick:

This draft converter created by Benjamin Peebles-Mundy.

Visit the draft converter today!

Here's the pile that i end up with. Click on the image to enlarge.

Most of my creatures are within 3cc, 9 out of 13 to be exact. I have 5 creature removals which I felt was above ideal. And I splashed in black for creature removal and creatures with creature removal effects.

Here's how the deck performed:

Round 1 Game 1: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 1: against a W/b/u build. My Cliff Threader with Nimbus Wings goes all the way and a kicked Heartstabber Mosquito forced the opponent to concede on turn 10.

Round 1 Game 2: Starting Hand

Lost Round 1 Game 2: double Journey to Nowhere exiled my early drops and a kicked Bold Defense from my opponent dealt the lethal 8 damage on turn 12.

Round 1 Game 3: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 3: this game went the distance because of my opponent's kicked Rite of Replication on my Kor Sanctifier, who got rid of a Luminarch Ascension two turns before it gets online. I did managed to clear some of my opponent's horde with the help of a kicked Bold Defense. A top deck, Blazing Torch, forced my opponent to concede and started whining on turn 16.

Round 2 Game 1: Starting Hand

Lost Round 2 Game 1: against a B/R build. A kicked Goblin Bushwacker ended the game on turn 6.

Won Round 2 Game 2: can't find the replay of this particular game. :(

Round 2 Game 3: Starting Hand

Won Round 2 Game 3: the volleyball team (Conqueror's Pledge) ended the game on turn 12.

Round 3 Game 1: Starting Hand

Won Round 3 game 1: against a B/G/U build. Given the 5-card starting hand, the volleyball team strikes back and ended the game on turn 8.

Round 3 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 3 Game 2: Arrow Volley Trap cleared my opponent's attacking horde and my creatures went all in the next turn and ended the game on turn 9.

Overall Standing (Win - Loss): 39 - 22
Draft Record: 39 - 21
Standard Constructed Record: 0 - 1

Feel free to share your comments/inputs. Thank you for your time and 'til next time...

Zendikar 8-4 Booster Draft # 8

2009-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Players in the 8-4 pod are getting better with the set and it's getting harder to stick to the strong colors as more people are fighting over black, red and white cards. So, on to another draft...

Pack 1 pick 1:

My Pick:

evasion with discard ability...

Pack 1 pick 2:

My Pick:

mass creature removal over Hideous End...

Pack 1 pick 3:

My Pick:

early drop...

Pack 1 pick 4:

My Pick:

SB card and since i'm playing black, i don't want to see this card at the other side of the table...

Pack 1 pick 5:

My Pick:

prefers the Adventuring Gear over Mind Sludge as i'm all aggro mode when in comes to Zendikar set...

Pack 1 pick 6:

My Pick:

great with weenies...

Pack 1 pick 7:

My Pick:

Pack 1 pick 8:

My Pick:

black and white are running dry this early???

Pack 1 pick 9:

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red as 2ndary color, we'll see???

Pack 1 pick 10:

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Pack 1 pick 11:

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i'm not really sure if i've picked the foil one???

Pack 1 pick 12:

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Pack 1 pick 15:

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Pack 2 pick 1:

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works well with weenies...

Pack 2 pick 2:

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creature removal # 2...

Pack 2 pick 3:

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i don't know what made me pick this card when Surrakar Marauder was around???

Pack 2 pick 4:

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recurring early drop...

Pack 2 pick 5:

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still unsettled with my 2nd color???

Pack 2 pick 6:

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+ 2 Adventuring Gear???

Pack 2 pick 7:

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mana flexibility...

Pack 2 pick 8:

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mana fixer and landfall compliment...

Pack 2 pick 9:

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Pack 2 pick 10:

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counter-draft...

Pack 2 pick 11:

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card advantage...

Pack 2 pick 12:

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Pack 2 pick 15:

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Pack 3 pick 1:

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creature removal # 3...

Pack 3 pick 2:

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creature removal effect...

Pack 3 pick 3:

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creature removal # 4...

Pack 3 pick 4:

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early evasive drop? how would that be possible with Gatekeeper of Malakir in the same deck???

Pack 3 pick 5:

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late game creature removal effect...

Pack 3 pick 6:

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defender...

Pack 3 pick 7:

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early drop...

Pack 3 pick 8:

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Pack 3 pick 9:

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Pack 3 pick 10:

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filler if needed...

Pack 3 pick 11:

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Pack 3 pick 14:

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Pack 3 pick 15:

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Here's the pile that i end up with. Click on the image to enlarge.

This time, white was heavily drafted in this pod. I end up with a black splash white build as I didn't have enough black cards to support a mono build. Curve wise, it isn't good as I only have 7 creatures within 3cc. Though I have mass creature removals in the form of 2 Marsh Casualties, it's kicked ability may be too slow for this set. I'll just hope for the best then.

Here's how the game turned-out:

Round 1 Game 1: Starting Hand

Lost Round 1 Game 1: against a R/W build. I kept a bad hand, while opponent was off to a 2nd turn Kor Skyfisher and turn 3 Goblin Warpaint, the game ended on turn 7 with me stucked to 3 lands.

Round 1 Game 2: Starting Hand

Won Round 1 Game 2: opponent got flooded with lands and his lone Kor Hookmaster was Disfigure-d when opponent tried to enchant it with Nimbus Wings. My opponent was forced to concede on turn 7.

Round 1 Game 3: Starting Hand

Lost Round 1 Game 3: I wasn't sure if I kept another bad hand or I was just confident with my build (having 17 lands). To cut the story short, a lone Kazandu Blademaster with Nimbus Wings and Goblin Warpaint ended the game on turn 6.

Overall Standing (Win - Loss): 36 - 22
Draft Record: 36 - 21
Standard Constructed Record: 0 - 1

Feel free to share your comments/inputs. Thank you for your time and 'til next time...