Hello all. July 2 to August 8 is Modern PPTQ season. How does that make you feel? Is anyone planning on grinding or trying to win a PPTQ?
I have been trying to analyze my reasons for playing in this PPTQ season. I had won a PPTQ in my 1st, 2nd, and 4th try during Modern seasons, yet failed miserably at the RPTQs - 2 of those in Standard format. I failed in 6 PPTQs this season with GB twice, Saheeli twice, Marvel once, and now RUG Energy yesterday. I top 8ed only 2 of those tournaments, losing in the top 4 and top 8. So, it's been pretty disappointing for me, but maybe I'm not suppose to win in a format that I hate so much?
On another note, I am very unsure of what to run this season. I was thinking Titan Shift primarily. I am most recently versed in that deck, Grishoalbrand, and Bogles, but I feel like Grishoalbrand or Bogles are both not safe choices right now. I tried Bogles with 4 mainboard Leyline of Sanctity and I felt like it just made the variance go up. I was considering trying out different decks like Knight Retreat or Humans, but I see some glaring weaknesses that I feel like I can't shore up with play skill. What is "your deck(s)" for the season?
*P.S. - I'm not really sure what my goal is. I just enjoy playing competitive Magic (the SCG Invitational is my favorite tournament that I've played multiple times before) much more so than regular REL. I wouldn't mind qualifying for the Pro Tour and playing in one (I didn't play in the only one I qualified for years ago and have not really tried hard since). Playing at the Pro Tour is not really a goal of mine per se, but I wouldn't mind seeing years of playing finally pay off just a little bit. (I also failed at the (my first in a while) Modern GP, 2 wins short of qualifying.)
Legacy - Sneak Show, BR Reanimator, Miracles, UW Stoneblade
Premodern - Trix, RecSur, Enchantress, Reanimator, Elves https://www.facebook.com/groups/PremodernUSA/ Modern - Neobrand, Hogaak Vine, Elves
Standard - Mono Red (6-2 and 5-3 in 2 McQ)
Draft - (I wish I had more time for limited...)
Commander - Norin the Wary, Grimgrin, Adun Oakenshield (taking forever to build) (dead format for me)
If I was attending a PPTQ, I would bring the Tier 1 or Tier 2 deck I knew best, regardless of its perceived positioning. That would mean Ad Nauseam, although I could probably trick myself into playing UW Control because I love the deck, even if I know Ad Naus better. I would avoid a Tier 3 or lower deck, because its low prevalence typically suggests a fundamental lack of viability. Tier 1 and Tier 2 decks are about equally viable depending on pilot skill and familiarity.
the card itself really isn't worth the card board its printed on...does it serve a purpose? Sure its a blue 1 drop that might not be a 1/1. I would not put it in a list and expect to win a PTQ or GP though.
I have been trying to analyze my reasons for playing in this PPTQ season. I had won a PPTQ in my 1st, 2nd, and 4th try during Modern seasons, yet failed miserably at the RPTQs - 2 of those in Standard format. I failed in 6 PPTQs this season with GB twice, Saheeli twice, Marvel once, and now RUG Energy yesterday. I top 8ed only 2 of those tournaments, losing in the top 4 and top 8. So, it's been pretty disappointing for me, but maybe I'm not suppose to win in a format that I hate so much?
On another note, I am very unsure of what to run this season. I was thinking Titan Shift primarily. I am most recently versed in that deck, Grishoalbrand, and Bogles, but I feel like Grishoalbrand or Bogles are both not safe choices right now. I tried Bogles with 4 mainboard Leyline of Sanctity and I felt like it just made the variance go up. I was considering trying out different decks like Knight Retreat or Humans, but I see some glaring weaknesses that I feel like I can't shore up with play skill. What is "your deck(s)" for the season?
*P.S. - I'm not really sure what my goal is. I just enjoy playing competitive Magic (the SCG Invitational is my favorite tournament that I've played multiple times before) much more so than regular REL. I wouldn't mind qualifying for the Pro Tour and playing in one (I didn't play in the only one I qualified for years ago and have not really tried hard since). Playing at the Pro Tour is not really a goal of mine per se, but I wouldn't mind seeing years of playing finally pay off just a little bit. (I also failed at the (my first in a while) Modern GP, 2 wins short of qualifying.)
Premodern - Trix, RecSur, Enchantress, Reanimator, Elves https://www.facebook.com/groups/PremodernUSA/
Modern - Neobrand, Hogaak Vine, Elves
Standard - Mono Red (6-2 and 5-3 in 2 McQ)
Draft - (I wish I had more time for limited...)
Commander -
Norin the Wary, Grimgrin, Adun Oakenshield (taking forever to build)(dead format for me)Counter-Cat
Colorless Eldrazi Stompy
RBGLiving EndRBG
EDH
UFblthpU
BRXantchaRB
BGVarolzGB
URWZedruuWRU
Toolbox Combo decks will take a lot of the top8 spots, the question is, are you better with the deck than the large number of people bringing it.
I'd bring UW control. It is well positioned and new enough to the top tier that people haven't created fixed counter strategies to it yet.