The idea would be to control with disruption, removal and countermagic and when the game turns to topdeck mode, lock down the game, beating with whatever we have in the battlefield + manlands, and the already ticking clock of Maralen of the Mornsong.
We do not want to combo asap, as we could lose easily if we can't find the right answer to any threat our opponent can cast. That's why I like the idea of using Infernal Tutor, we can get more countermagic, another snapcaster for the post-lockdown, or just go straight to the missing piece of the combo to finish off the game, as our key cards will empty our hand.
Wow, what an awesome concept! I had been working on a similar U/B deck for a while, that functioned to "lock" the opponent using Sword of Feast and Famine and manlands. It really felt like it had potential, but left too many opportunities for the opponent to come back with some insane topdeck before closing the deal. However, the Maralen-Mindlock combo may be exactly what that type of deck needs. The main concerns are it is a slow, fragile combo, so you really need to focus on the control and lock elements to ensure a game state where the combo goes unchallenged. Also, once the combo is online, you still need to be able to outrace the opponent, since you both will take 3 per turn.
With those thoughts in mind, here's a direction the list could take:
Sleight of Hand, Darkblast, and Dig Through Time dodge Maralen's restriction and feed off each other. Dig Through Time in particular is nice in this style of deck and helps ensure consistency for your combo. I increased the Maralen count to 3 because she is so fragile- Mindlock Orb you are less likely to need multiples of so 2 is probably fine. Liliana of the Veil I upped to 4- you can always pitch an extra copy, and people generally don't let her stick around that long anyways. I have stripped back on the counterspells to simply 2 Cryptic Command - there are lots of sorcery speed elements you want to be tapping out for, so you won't be able to hold up mana all the time. Cryptic is so danged versatile that it warrants slots, though.
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The idea would be to control with disruption, removal and countermagic and when the game turns to topdeck mode, lock down the game, beating with whatever we have in the battlefield + manlands, and the already ticking clock of Maralen of the Mornsong.
We do not want to combo asap, as we could lose easily if we can't find the right answer to any threat our opponent can cast. That's why I like the idea of using Infernal Tutor, we can get more countermagic, another snapcaster for the post-lockdown, or just go straight to the missing piece of the combo to finish off the game, as our key cards will empty our hand.
So far this is what I could put together:
2 Mindlock Orb
2 Maralen of the Mornsong
Control pieces:
4 Inquisition of Kozilek
3 Liliana of the Veil
1 Disfigure
1 Dismember
1 Smother
1 Geth's Verdict
2 Snapcaster Mage
4 Remand
1 Mana Leak
2 Spell Snare
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
1 Spell Pierce
4 Infernal Tutor
Beaters:
2 Vendilion Clique
4 Pack rat
Lands:
4 Creeping Tar Pit
4 Darkslick Shores
4 River of Tears
4 Mutavault
4 Island
2 Swamp
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1 Tectonic Edge
1 Ghost Quarter
I'm open to ideas, and really keen on making this work (if possible at all).
Cheers!
With those thoughts in mind, here's a direction the list could take:
3 Swamp
4 Watery Grave
4 Creeping Tar Pit
4 Darkslick Shores
4 Mutavault
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1 Tectonic Edge
2 Snapcaster Mage
3 Maralen of the Mornsong
3 Sleight of Hand
3 Darkblast
4 Inquisition of Kozilek
2 Smother
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
4 Liliana of the Veil
2 Mindlock Orb
2 Damnation
2 Cryptic Command
3 Dig Through Time
Sleight of Hand, Darkblast, and Dig Through Time dodge Maralen's restriction and feed off each other. Dig Through Time in particular is nice in this style of deck and helps ensure consistency for your combo. I increased the Maralen count to 3 because she is so fragile- Mindlock Orb you are less likely to need multiples of so 2 is probably fine. Liliana of the Veil I upped to 4- you can always pitch an extra copy, and people generally don't let her stick around that long anyways. I have stripped back on the counterspells to simply 2 Cryptic Command - there are lots of sorcery speed elements you want to be tapping out for, so you won't be able to hold up mana all the time. Cryptic is so danged versatile that it warrants slots, though.