Thunderbolt has been absurd in the 10 or so matches I have got to play. Restoration Angel is in 58% of decks, so it isnt like you're not going to usually have a target. Kills Olivia out of Jund as well ~ so it is really only a problem in the Mono R mirror; but you're racing so just lava spike them.
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LP, I'm checking your article out as well. Behind all of your swag is the brain of one of the most intelligent Magic players I've ever known. I guess that's one more thing for you to add to the wall of ego that is your Sally sig.
I can go with that. LK, you are the Mace Windu of red mages...cool, tempered logic in deliberation, but capable of just flat kicking tail when the situation warrants it.
And Moorland Haunt tokens (which lets Aristocrat swing through).
I still don't get it though. Rakdos Keyrune isn't that popular or problematic, and Lingering Souls seems way more relevant than Moorland Haunt. I get why Geistflame is good (kinda), just not maindeckable. Flames of the Firebrand seems more impactful, and for less mana.
Anyway, I was posting here to put up my updated decklist after going 3-1 last night. It's basically the same as the one I posted in the tournament thread, but with a 3rd Stonewright over the 4th Pillar, and a 2/2 split on Volley/Flames. Also, I took out the bad SB cards and added in better ones:
I might cut the Pillars altogether for 3 Gore-House Chainwalker in the main. Zombies is dead for the time being, and Pillar isn't nearly as useful as the other burn. I also could see cutting Brimstones altogether, most likely to move the 3rd Pyreheart Wolf and Flames of the Firebrand to the maindeck, which would open up 2 more slots for either 2 Tormod's Crypt or Mizzium/Bonfire/Devil's Play/Traitorous Blood extras.
I'll concede that you guys were right about Brimstone being pretty underwhelming right now, especially for this style of Red. Board presence is more important than anything else, and we don't turn on Morbid on our own terms as well as Rakdos. However, if I were running Vexing Devils, Brimstone would be an automatic playset.
It's also pretty likely that I'm being greedy with all the big spells, particularly the playset of Thundermaw, and that I want another land in the SB for some matchups. If so, it'd probably be another Cavern of Souls, just to fluck up U/W/R and Control decks.
Apparently RDW actually is Tier 1 right now, which is a pleasant surprise to say the least. Can't wait for Boros to come out now!
Figured it’s been awhile since I’ve made a post here so I’m going to show what I’ve been rocking with. It took down an FNM and, after playing with it throughout the week at the LGS, I’m very confident in it. It’s also something I’ve quickly become very comfortable with; it feels like I’m wearing some nicely worn in shoes.
I’ve yet to name it, although “Pyre Hammer” has come to mind, but it plays like 2 decks in 1.
The MD is a low curve Sligh build that tops out at Hellrider. It’s very simple: play guys, go around the opposition with the Wolf, and finish with Hellrider or a Brimstone Volley.
I like the burn package. Pillar is still pretty relevant in my meta. I believe it’s better to just be prepared to face off against Zombies/RDW/other aggro decks than to be caught with my pants down and potentially lose Game 1 because I didn’t have it. I also like having 8 instant speed Burn spells to take out the “surprise” Sublime Archangel/Silverblade Paladin/Silverheart target/Resto target. Spear is Red’s best instant speed removal and Volley is the reach you need to end a game.
Only one MD Hellion Crucible since I hate getting hosed on my T2 Zealot play.
The Wolf is just amazing in this deck. He sets up your winning strike and his undying is very relevant. 3 is the perfect number in this deck.
Post board I transform into a midrange deck that goes over the top with Thundermaw Hellkite. Since I’m prepared for the long haul, I put in Bonfire and Mortars. I’ve won many a game I shouldn’t have because of Bonfire. With the midrange strategy you can play the drawn out game and really live off your top deck. The longer the game goes on, the more potent your draws become. With a gridlocked boardstate, that Bonfire or Thundermaw will usually just turn things around and you can win. The extra Hellion Crucibles up your land count for your higher cost spells and make for amazing late game swings.
Since (usually) the only thing that can over the top of this deck is Reanimator with its even bigger creatures, Traitorous Blood helps put things in this deck’s favor. Sometimes I think I want Conscripts in over Blood, but I don’t wanna raise my curve too much. 4 Thundermaws on 24 land is cutting it pretty close enough. Traitorous Blood is ideal in that 3-slot, especially if you see a T4 Griselbrand from the Reanimator player.
Knowing what to side out helps. I try to make things as general as possible because I don’t like to think too much when playing Red. I know Red is “the thinking man’s color,” but it’s also the color of feeling. I prefer to feel out games with gut instinct. Not that I don’t think things out, but there is also a huge difference between a Red Mage’s thinking and a Blue Mage’s thinking; Red is more instinctual. With boarding, I just try to remember one thing: what MD spells make the least impact in this MU?
Against control decks (mostly) and decks that play high-toughness creatures, Pillar gets yanked.
Against decks where I need more removal and will be blocking more (such as GW aggro), I yank Chainwalkers and keep the Pillars.
Cacklers and Nobles are cut when I switch out to “Sledgehammer mode.” They’re pretty useless when drawn after T3. Against certain decks, like Human based decks or really slow decks, I may keep in Noble because when he gets carried away he can be pretty beastly.
Overall, you wanna yank 12 cards and go with the Thundermaw/Mortars/Bonfire/Crucible package. For example, against GW I would go with this:
Against Reanimator for example, Pillar is very weak, so those come out. Cackler is weak, but I think Noble is still worthy of inclusion. You still want a fast plan for Reanimator in case they stumble. However, you still need a plan for a longer game. I like to go with -4 Cackler, -4 Pillar of Flame, +3 Thundermaw, +2 Hellion Crucible, +3 Traitorous Blood.
My plan for GoST is to just Bonfire/Mortars/block it. It’s about the only Red option I really have; but hey, at least it’s something! Thundermaw becomes very important in games where you see GoST.
Anyway, this is something really simple for me to play and very strong. It’s not as versatile as Dos Rakis (I really miss playing with KoI!) but what you’re lacking from splashing Black, you’re making up for it in consistency and speed. Plus, I think I like feeling like the underdog.
Playing this deck has been a fresh of breath air after been plagued with mana screw from my Dos Rakis build.
I've always been a skeptic of Lightning Mauler, and I think I've been seeing it on decklists for a while now. How is it faring so far in matches?
I like it, but best as a 2-3 of. More important than the early game swings, he also makes your late game 1-drops much much better topdecks. You can surprise people more than you know with the haste soulbond.
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Comments coming when I'm not on my phone, but I wanted to clarify ~ the comment about red being the think colour was a joke they're all thinking colours, I was just trying to bait someone.
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Want to see me in action? Check out my stream! Currently broadcasting Boros Burn in Standard. Full archive available.
Want to play better magic? Come join us at diestoremoval.com
Comments coming when I'm not on my phone, but I wanted to clarify ~ the comment about red being the think colour was a joke they're all thinking colours, I was just trying to bait someone.
Sad thing is, I believe it.
I think it's one of the best things you've said, Z. It made me see Red from a completely different angle.
I'm having trouble cutting out cards in the MD to try Lightning Mauler. I can probably cut one Wolf, though I've been thinking of cutting one out for an extra Hellion anyway. Any suggestions? Pillar of Flame might make the cut, but I'm still thinking if I should really cut it out.
Also the sideboard is pretty much another experiment. Last FNM we had 4 RDW users (including me) and one of those won the night. The single Zealous is pretty much for non-creature steals (Planeswalkers).
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I am passionate, yet I am logical. The fire within me burns, but I am also patient to a point. I am with the Fires of Salvation
The deck is very solid, playing like a mix of Dos Rakis and Sledgehammer. I'd like to find room to fit in some Underworld Connections, dunno what to cut though.
Frostburn Weird vs. Hanweir Watchkeep. I decided that Frostie fits in the sideboard plan for vs. Aggro much better than Hanweir. Usually the first thing I sideboard out in mirror matchups are the Knights of Infamy(with the exception of UW Humans, where I don't need alot of sideboard support anyway). My most important spell in this matchup is Flames of the Firebrand. Therefore, Frostie simply replaces the 2 drop with a 2 drop, instead of clogging the 3 drop spot and my most important removal spell.
Debating upping the Bonfire to 2, and Devil's Play down to 2. Then again, might just cut a Devil's play for the UC. Questions, comments, endorsements on putting it in the opening post of the Sledgehammer thread?
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Figured it’s been awhile since I’ve made a post here so I’m going to show what I’ve been rocking with. It took down an FNM and, after playing with it throughout the week at the LGS, I’m very confident in it. It’s also something I’ve quickly become very comfortable with; it feels like I’m wearing some nicely worn in shoes.
I’ve yet to name it, although “Pyre Hammer” has come to mind, but it plays like 2 decks in 1.
The MD is a low curve Sligh build that tops out at Hellrider. It’s very simple: play guys, go around the opposition with the Wolf, and finish with Hellrider or a Brimstone Volley.
I like the burn package. Pillar is still pretty relevant in my meta. I believe it’s better to just be prepared to face off against Zombies/RDW/other aggro decks than to be caught with my pants down and potentially lose Game 1 because I didn’t have it. I also like having 8 instant speed Burn spells to take out the “surprise” Sublime Archangel/Silverblade Paladin/Silverheart target/Resto target. Spear is Red’s best instant speed removal and Volley is the reach you need to end a game.
Only one MD Hellion Crucible since I hate getting hosed on my T2 Zealot play.
The Wolf is just amazing in this deck. He sets up your winning strike and his undying is very relevant. 3 is the perfect number in this deck.
Post board I transform into a midrange deck that goes over the top with Thundermaw Hellkite. Since I’m prepared for the long haul, I put in Bonfire and Mortars. I’ve won many a game I shouldn’t have because of Bonfire. With the midrange strategy you can play the drawn out game and really live off your top deck. The longer the game goes on, the more potent your draws become. With a gridlocked boardstate, that Bonfire or Thundermaw will usually just turn things around and you can win. The extra Hellion Crucibles up your land count for your higher cost spells and make for amazing late game swings.
Since (usually) the only thing that can over the top of this deck is Reanimator with its even bigger creatures, Traitorous Blood helps put things in this deck’s favor. Sometimes I think I want Conscripts in over Blood, but I don’t wanna raise my curve too much. 4 Thundermaws on 24 land is cutting it pretty close enough. Traitorous Blood is ideal in that 3-slot, especially if you see a T4 Griselbrand from the Reanimator player.
Knowing what to side out helps. I try to make things as general as possible because I don’t like to think too much when playing Red. I know Red is “the thinking man’s color,” but it’s also the color of feeling. I prefer to feel out games with gut instinct. Not that I don’t think things out, but there is also a huge difference between a Red Mage’s thinking and a Blue Mage’s thinking; Red is more instinctual. With boarding, I just try to remember one thing: what MD spells make the least impact in this MU?
Against control decks (mostly) and decks that play high-toughness creatures, Pillar gets yanked.
Against decks where I need more removal and will be blocking more (such as GW aggro), I yank Chainwalkers and keep the Pillars.
Cacklers and Nobles are cut when I switch out to “Sledgehammer mode.” They’re pretty useless when drawn after T3. Against certain decks, like Human based decks or really slow decks, I may keep in Noble because when he gets carried away he can be pretty beastly.
Overall, you wanna yank 12 cards and go with the Thundermaw/Mortars/Bonfire/Crucible package. For example, against GW I would go with this:
Against Reanimator for example, Pillar is very weak, so those come out. Cackler is weak, but I think Noble is still worthy of inclusion. You still want a fast plan for Reanimator in case they stumble. However, you still need a plan for a longer game. I like to go with -4 Cackler, -4 Pillar of Flame, +3 Thundermaw, +2 Hellion Crucible, +3 Traitorous Blood.
My plan for GoST is to just Bonfire/Mortars/block it. It’s about the only Red option I really have; but hey, at least it’s something! Thundermaw becomes very important in games where you see GoST.
Anyway, this is something really simple for me to play and very strong. It’s not as versatile as Dos Rakis (I really miss playing with KoI!) but what you’re lacking from splashing Black, you’re making up for it in consistency and speed. Plus, I think I like feeling like the underdog.
Playing this deck has been a fresh of breath air after been plagued with mana screw from my Dos Rakis build.
Thoughts and criticism are more than appreciated.
This is pure gospel...
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redthirst is redthirst, fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse. He was the leader of the Fires of Salvation, the only clan I'm aware of to get modded off the forums so hard they made their own forums.
Degenerate? Sure. Loudmouth? You bet. Law abiding? No ****ing way.
Taking this to GP Bochum. Z said to post it. Here it is.
I'd cut the maindeck tribute for an extra land. I just can never get there with 23! I don't think Pyreheart wolf is that good in RakDW either. I'd probably cut them for another Connections and another tribute in the board. Depending what you expect in the field, I can also see -1 dreadbore, +1 Grafdigger's Cage.
Good luck!
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Want to play better magic? Come join us at diestoremoval.com
I'm still wondering if Snapcaster Mage is that beneficial to this deck, since we still have the goal of trying to finish the opponent as fast as possible while keeping just enough threats on the board. It still manages an average turn 5 goldfish. Should I switch Snapcaster in, I'd probably switch Ash Zealot.
With regards to the sideboard, it has the plan of getting big with creatures like Niv and Maw. Mizzium Mortars for the usual 4 toughness creatures. Backlash for punishing big creatures and additional counters. Staticaster for tokens. Another guildgate when going big.
Any suggestions on what to change? I will still be testing this in my local meta (which has a lack of reanimator decks and overrun by GW Aggros).
Never really considered pyreheart wolf for the sledghammer build, so I went with it. Went full on aggro with it since wolf makes stromkirk noble and hellrider alot stronger. Pulled hound of griselbrand out for gw decks. Was kinda skeptical about running so few burn mb, but I really liked the curve of it and the creatures just kinda got there on their own.
Matchups were against:
UWR Midrange
G/W Lifegain
Grixis control
G/W Midrange
Jund
Building this over the next week or two, looking for critique/advice. I have no information about my area's meta yet, just moved to Austin, so the SB is a work in progress.
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EDH WBRKaalia of the VastRBW BChainer, Dementia MasterB Legacy 0Manaless Dredge0 RGoblinsR Standard RBWThe AristocratsWBR
Figured it’s been awhile since I’ve made a post here so I’m going to show what I’ve been rocking with. It took down an FNM and, after playing with it throughout the week at the LGS, I’m very confident in it. It’s also something I’ve quickly become very comfortable with; it feels like I’m wearing some nicely worn in shoes.
I’ve yet to name it, although “Pyre Hammer” has come to mind, but it plays like 2 decks in 1.
The MD is a low curve Sligh build that tops out at Hellrider. It’s very simple: play guys, go around the opposition with the Wolf, and finish with Hellrider or a Brimstone Volley.
I like the burn package. Pillar is still pretty relevant in my meta. I believe it’s better to just be prepared to face off against Zombies/RDW/other aggro decks than to be caught with my pants down and potentially lose Game 1 because I didn’t have it. I also like having 8 instant speed Burn spells to take out the “surprise” Sublime Archangel/Silverblade Paladin/Silverheart target/Resto target. Spear is Red’s best instant speed removal and Volley is the reach you need to end a game.
Only one MD Hellion Crucible since I hate getting hosed on my T2 Zealot play.
The Wolf is just amazing in this deck. He sets up your winning strike and his undying is very relevant. 3 is the perfect number in this deck.
Post board I transform into a midrange deck that goes over the top with Thundermaw Hellkite. Since I’m prepared for the long haul, I put in Bonfire and Mortars. I’ve won many a game I shouldn’t have because of Bonfire. With the midrange strategy you can play the drawn out game and really live off your top deck. The longer the game goes on, the more potent your draws become. With a gridlocked boardstate, that Bonfire or Thundermaw will usually just turn things around and you can win. The extra Hellion Crucibles up your land count for your higher cost spells and make for amazing late game swings.
Since (usually) the only thing that can over the top of this deck is Reanimator with its even bigger creatures, Traitorous Blood helps put things in this deck’s favor. Sometimes I think I want Conscripts in over Blood, but I don’t wanna raise my curve too much. 4 Thundermaws on 24 land is cutting it pretty close enough. Traitorous Blood is ideal in that 3-slot, especially if you see a T4 Griselbrand from the Reanimator player.
Knowing what to side out helps. I try to make things as general as possible because I don’t like to think too much when playing Red. I know Red is “the thinking man’s color,” but it’s also the color of feeling. I prefer to feel out games with gut instinct. Not that I don’t think things out, but there is also a huge difference between a Red Mage’s thinking and a Blue Mage’s thinking; Red is more instinctual. With boarding, I just try to remember one thing: what MD spells make the least impact in this MU?
Against control decks (mostly) and decks that play high-toughness creatures, Pillar gets yanked.
Against decks where I need more removal and will be blocking more (such as GW aggro), I yank Chainwalkers and keep the Pillars.
Cacklers and Nobles are cut when I switch out to “Sledgehammer mode.” They’re pretty useless when drawn after T3. Against certain decks, like Human based decks or really slow decks, I may keep in Noble because when he gets carried away he can be pretty beastly.
Overall, you wanna yank 12 cards and go with the Thundermaw/Mortars/Bonfire/Crucible package. For example, against GW I would go with this:
Against Reanimator for example, Pillar is very weak, so those come out. Cackler is weak, but I think Noble is still worthy of inclusion. You still want a fast plan for Reanimator in case they stumble. However, you still need a plan for a longer game. I like to go with -4 Cackler, -4 Pillar of Flame, +3 Thundermaw, +2 Hellion Crucible, +3 Traitorous Blood.
My plan for GoST is to just Bonfire/Mortars/block it. It’s about the only Red option I really have; but hey, at least it’s something! Thundermaw becomes very important in games where you see GoST.
Anyway, this is something really simple for me to play and very strong. It’s not as versatile as Dos Rakis (I really miss playing with KoI!) but what you’re lacking from splashing Black, you’re making up for it in consistency and speed. Plus, I think I like feeling like the underdog.
Playing this deck has been a fresh of breath air after been plagued with mana screw from my Dos Rakis build.
Thoughts and criticism are more than appreciated.
Khaospawn:
I really like your setup! I hadn't considered 4x Thundermaw in a transformational board, but now it's all I want to do. You've given me a new spark to brew with. Thanks!
Building this over the next week or two, looking for critique/advice. I have no information about my area's meta yet, just moved to Austin, so the SB is a work in progress.
I hope the Austin area is good for Magic, I'm planning to move there in about a year. Warn them about me
I really like your setup! I hadn't considered 4x Thundermaw in a transformational board, but now it's all I want to do. You've given me a new spark to brew with. Thanks!
Hi people! Today, after a week of grinding with my burning deck, I want to share with you the list that I’m currently playing. First of all IM NOT JON FINKEL (not even Z-man, who I respect a lot) so I expect that some of you get disappointed by my choices, some of you won’t agree with them and some of you think “this guy sucks”, but the whole point of this is that: that you disagree and we can debate about this, cause that’s the best reaction anyone can have if we want to improve the deck and our way to play it. So, without further explanations, this is the decklist:
Want to see me in action? Check out my stream! Currently broadcasting Boros Burn in Standard. Full archive available.
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Want to see me in action? Check out my stream! Currently broadcasting Boros Burn in Standard. Full archive available.
Want to play better magic? Come join us at diestoremoval.com
I still don't get it though. Rakdos Keyrune isn't that popular or problematic, and Lingering Souls seems way more relevant than Moorland Haunt. I get why Geistflame is good (kinda), just not maindeckable. Flames of the Firebrand seems more impactful, and for less mana.
Anyway, I was posting here to put up my updated decklist after going 3-1 last night. It's basically the same as the one I posted in the tournament thread, but with a 3rd Stonewright over the 4th Pillar, and a 2/2 split on Volley/Flames. Also, I took out the bad SB cards and added in better ones:
4 Rakdos Cackler
3 Stonewright
4 Ash Zealot
2 Lightning Mauler
2 Pyreheart Wolf
4 Hellrider
2 Thundermaw Hellkite
4 Searing Spear
2 Brimstone Volley
2 Flames of the Firebrand
21 Mountain
2 Hellion Crucible
1 Cavern of Souls
3 Traitorous Blood
1 Bonfire of the Damned
2 Mizzium Mortars
3 Thunderbolt
2 Flames of the Firebrand
1 Pyreheart Wolf
1 Devil's Play
2 Thundermaw Hellkite
I might cut the Pillars altogether for 3 Gore-House Chainwalker in the main. Zombies is dead for the time being, and Pillar isn't nearly as useful as the other burn. I also could see cutting Brimstones altogether, most likely to move the 3rd Pyreheart Wolf and Flames of the Firebrand to the maindeck, which would open up 2 more slots for either 2 Tormod's Crypt or Mizzium/Bonfire/Devil's Play/Traitorous Blood extras.
I'll concede that you guys were right about Brimstone being pretty underwhelming right now, especially for this style of Red. Board presence is more important than anything else, and we don't turn on Morbid on our own terms as well as Rakdos. However, if I were running Vexing Devils, Brimstone would be an automatic playset.
It's also pretty likely that I'm being greedy with all the big spells, particularly the playset of Thundermaw, and that I want another land in the SB for some matchups. If so, it'd probably be another Cavern of Souls, just to fluck up U/W/R and Control decks.
Apparently RDW actually is Tier 1 right now, which is a pleasant surprise to say the least. Can't wait for Boros to come out now!
RGB Jund BGR
WGB Junk/Abzan Company WGB
LEGACY
RUGB Delver GURB
EDH
UW Geist of Saint Traft Aggro-Control WU
RUG Riku of Two Reflections Combo GUR
BBB Skithiryx Control BB
My posts have the power of invisiblity and only a few people can read it!
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Stromkirk Noble
3 Stonewright
4 Ash Zealot
4 Gore-House Chainwalker
3 Pyreheart Wolf
4 Hellrider
4 Pillar of Flame
4 Searing Spear
4 Brimstone Volley
Land (22)
1 Hellion Crucible
21 Mountain
4 Thundermaw Hellkite
2 Hellion Crucible
3 Bonfire of the Damned
3 Mizzium Mortars
3 Traitorous Blood
I’ve yet to name it, although “Pyre Hammer” has come to mind, but it plays like 2 decks in 1.
The MD is a low curve Sligh build that tops out at Hellrider. It’s very simple: play guys, go around the opposition with the Wolf, and finish with Hellrider or a Brimstone Volley.
I like the burn package. Pillar is still pretty relevant in my meta. I believe it’s better to just be prepared to face off against Zombies/RDW/other aggro decks than to be caught with my pants down and potentially lose Game 1 because I didn’t have it. I also like having 8 instant speed Burn spells to take out the “surprise” Sublime Archangel/Silverblade Paladin/Silverheart target/Resto target. Spear is Red’s best instant speed removal and Volley is the reach you need to end a game.
Only one MD Hellion Crucible since I hate getting hosed on my T2 Zealot play.
The Wolf is just amazing in this deck. He sets up your winning strike and his undying is very relevant. 3 is the perfect number in this deck.
Post board I transform into a midrange deck that goes over the top with Thundermaw Hellkite. Since I’m prepared for the long haul, I put in Bonfire and Mortars. I’ve won many a game I shouldn’t have because of Bonfire. With the midrange strategy you can play the drawn out game and really live off your top deck. The longer the game goes on, the more potent your draws become. With a gridlocked boardstate, that Bonfire or Thundermaw will usually just turn things around and you can win. The extra Hellion Crucibles up your land count for your higher cost spells and make for amazing late game swings.
Since (usually) the only thing that can over the top of this deck is Reanimator with its even bigger creatures, Traitorous Blood helps put things in this deck’s favor. Sometimes I think I want Conscripts in over Blood, but I don’t wanna raise my curve too much. 4 Thundermaws on 24 land is cutting it pretty close enough. Traitorous Blood is ideal in that 3-slot, especially if you see a T4 Griselbrand from the Reanimator player.
Knowing what to side out helps. I try to make things as general as possible because I don’t like to think too much when playing Red. I know Red is “the thinking man’s color,” but it’s also the color of feeling. I prefer to feel out games with gut instinct. Not that I don’t think things out, but there is also a huge difference between a Red Mage’s thinking and a Blue Mage’s thinking; Red is more instinctual. With boarding, I just try to remember one thing: what MD spells make the least impact in this MU?
Against control decks (mostly) and decks that play high-toughness creatures, Pillar gets yanked.
Against decks where I need more removal and will be blocking more (such as GW aggro), I yank Chainwalkers and keep the Pillars.
Cacklers and Nobles are cut when I switch out to “Sledgehammer mode.” They’re pretty useless when drawn after T3. Against certain decks, like Human based decks or really slow decks, I may keep in Noble because when he gets carried away he can be pretty beastly.
Overall, you wanna yank 12 cards and go with the Thundermaw/Mortars/Bonfire/Crucible package. For example, against GW I would go with this:
3 Stonewright
4 Ash Zealot
3 Pyreheart Wolf
4 Hellrider
4 Thundermaw Hellkite
4 Pillar of Flame
4 Searing Spear
4 Brimstone Volley
3 Bonfire of the Damned
3 Mizzium Mortars
3 Hellion Crucible
21 Mountain
Against Reanimator for example, Pillar is very weak, so those come out. Cackler is weak, but I think Noble is still worthy of inclusion. You still want a fast plan for Reanimator in case they stumble. However, you still need a plan for a longer game. I like to go with -4 Cackler, -4 Pillar of Flame, +3 Thundermaw, +2 Hellion Crucible, +3 Traitorous Blood.
My plan for GoST is to just Bonfire/Mortars/block it. It’s about the only Red option I really have; but hey, at least it’s something! Thundermaw becomes very important in games where you see GoST.
Anyway, this is something really simple for me to play and very strong. It’s not as versatile as Dos Rakis (I really miss playing with KoI!) but what you’re lacking from splashing Black, you’re making up for it in consistency and speed. Plus, I think I like feeling like the underdog.
Playing this deck has been a fresh of breath air after been plagued with mana screw from my Dos Rakis build.
Thoughts and criticism are more than appreciated.
I like it, but best as a 2-3 of. More important than the early game swings, he also makes your late game 1-drops much much better topdecks. You can surprise people more than you know with the haste soulbond.
RGB Jund BGR
WGB Junk/Abzan Company WGB
LEGACY
RUGB Delver GURB
EDH
UW Geist of Saint Traft Aggro-Control WU
RUG Riku of Two Reflections Combo GUR
BBB Skithiryx Control BB
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Sad thing is, I believe it.
I think it's one of the best things you've said, Z. It made me see Red from a completely different angle.
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Stromkirk Noble
2 Stonewright
4 Ash Zealot
3 Gore-House Chainwalker
3 Pyreheart Wolf
4 Hellrider
2 Thundermaw Hellkite
3 Pillar of Flame
4 Searing Spear
1 Thunderbolt
3 Brimstone Volley
Lands
21 Mountain
2 Hellion Crucible
3 Traitorous Blood
2 Flames of the Firebrand
3 Mizzium Mortars
3 Thunderbolt
3 Frostburn Weird
1 Zealous Conscripts
I'm having trouble cutting out cards in the MD to try Lightning Mauler. I can probably cut one Wolf, though I've been thinking of cutting one out for an extra Hellion anyway. Any suggestions? Pillar of Flame might make the cut, but I'm still thinking if I should really cut it out.
Also the sideboard is pretty much another experiment. Last FNM we had 4 RDW users (including me) and one of those won the night. The single Zealous is pretty much for non-creature steals (Planeswalkers).
My posts have the power of invisiblity and only a few people can read it!
4 Ash Zealot
4 Falkenrath Aristocrat
4 Knight of Infamy
4 Stonewright
4 Stromkirk Noble
3 Thundermaw Hellkite
Instants:
4 Searing Spear
1 Bonfire of the Damned
3 Devil's Play
4 Flames of the Firebrand
Land:
4 Blood Crypt
3 Cavern of Souls
4 Dragonskull Summit
12 Mountain
2 Rakdos Guildgate
3 Frostburn Weird
2 Rakdos Charm
3 Thunderbolt
3 Pillar of Flame
2 Sever the Bloodline
2 Slaughter Games
The deck is very solid, playing like a mix of Dos Rakis and Sledgehammer. I'd like to find room to fit in some Underworld Connections, dunno what to cut though.
Frostburn Weird vs. Hanweir Watchkeep. I decided that Frostie fits in the sideboard plan for vs. Aggro much better than Hanweir. Usually the first thing I sideboard out in mirror matchups are the Knights of Infamy(with the exception of UW Humans, where I don't need alot of sideboard support anyway). My most important spell in this matchup is Flames of the Firebrand. Therefore, Frostie simply replaces the 2 drop with a 2 drop, instead of clogging the 3 drop spot and my most important removal spell.
Debating upping the Bonfire to 2, and Devil's Play down to 2. Then again, might just cut a Devil's play for the UC. Questions, comments, endorsements on putting it in the opening post of the Sledgehammer thread?
Fires :symr:f Salvation
This is pure gospel...
RGB Jund BGR
WGB Junk/Abzan Company WGB
LEGACY
RUGB Delver GURB
EDH
UW Geist of Saint Traft Aggro-Control WU
RUG Riku of Two Reflections Combo GUR
BBB Skithiryx Control BB
2 Stonewright
4 Stromkirk Noble
4 Rakdos Cackler
2 Lightning Mauler
4 Gore-House Chainwalker
4 Ash Zealot
2 Pyreheart Wolf
4 Hellrider
2 Thundermaw Hellkite
2 Geistflame
1 Nigthbirds Clutches
4 Searing Spear
2 Brimstone Volley
LANDS [23]
2 Hellion Crucible
21 Mountain
3 Pillar of Flame
3 Mizzium Mortars
4 Thunderbolt
2 Flames of the Firebrand
2 Traitorous Blood
1 Zealous Conscripts
I definitely wouldn't run Nightbird's Clutches, especially if you're running Pyreheart Wolf. Run an extra Hellion Crucible instead in my opinion.
Fires Rf Salvation
Clutches is number 3 wolf but with a bit more explosiveness. it win me a few games already
This ****? This **** right here? This is some real good **** right here.
—Jaya Ballard, task mage
I'd cut the maindeck tribute for an extra land. I just can never get there with 23! I don't think Pyreheart wolf is that good in RakDW either. I'd probably cut them for another Connections and another tribute in the board. Depending what you expect in the field, I can also see -1 dreadbore, +1 Grafdigger's Cage.
Good luck!
Want to see me in action? Check out my stream! Currently broadcasting Boros Burn in Standard. Full archive available.
Want to play better magic? Come join us at diestoremoval.com
Thanks, buddy!
Love the Katt Williams reference. Sometimes when I pile shuffle I start doing that "Everyday I'm hustlin'" thing he does, lol.
Though, I should note that I'm usually slamming pints of Dos Equis during FNM rounds when I do this.
4 Stromkirk Noble
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Ash Zealot
3 Guttersnipe
4 Hellrider
Spells 18
2 Pillar of Flame
2 Thunderbolt
4 Searing Spear
3 Essence Scatter
2 Izzet Charm
2 Brimstone Volley
3 Syncopate
4 Steam Vents
4 Sulfur Falls
2 Izzet Guildgates
2 Desolate Lighthouse
9 Mountain
2 Island
2 Essence Backlash
3 Mizzium Mortars
2 Izzet Staticaster
1 Izzet Guildgate
1 Archwing Dragon
2 Zealous Conscripts
2 Thundermaw Hellkite
2 Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius
I'm still wondering if Snapcaster Mage is that beneficial to this deck, since we still have the goal of trying to finish the opponent as fast as possible while keeping just enough threats on the board. It still manages an average turn 5 goldfish. Should I switch Snapcaster in, I'd probably switch Ash Zealot.
With regards to the sideboard, it has the plan of getting big with creatures like Niv and Maw. Mizzium Mortars for the usual 4 toughness creatures. Backlash for punishing big creatures and additional counters. Staticaster for tokens. Another guildgate when going big.
Any suggestions on what to change? I will still be testing this in my local meta (which has a lack of reanimator decks and overrun by GW Aggros).
My posts have the power of invisiblity and only a few people can read it!
4 Stromkirk Noble
3 Rakdos Cackler
3 Stonewright
4 Ash Zealot
3 Gore-House Chainwalker
4 Pyreheart Wolf
4 Hellrider
4 Thundermaw Hellkite
4 Searing Spear
2 Pillar of Flame
lands (25)
22 Mountain
3 Hellion Crucible
3 Traitorous Blood
3 Mizzium Mortars
4 Flames of the Firebrand
2 Pillar of Flame
3 Hound of Griselbrand
12-11-7-4-4 (counting hellion as t3 play)
Never really considered pyreheart wolf for the sledghammer build, so I went with it. Went full on aggro with it since wolf makes stromkirk noble and hellrider alot stronger. Pulled hound of griselbrand out for gw decks. Was kinda skeptical about running so few burn mb, but I really liked the curve of it and the creatures just kinda got there on their own.
Matchups were against:
UWR Midrange
G/W Lifegain
Grixis control
G/W Midrange
Jund
4x Ash Zealot
4x Falkenrath Aristocrat
3x Hellrider
4x Knight of Infamy
4x Rakdos Cackler
4x Stonewright
4x Stromkirk Noble
2x Brimstone Volley
4x Searing Spear
Artifacts (3)
3x Rakdos Keyrune
Lands (24)
4x Blood Crypt
4x Dragonskull Summit
4x Rakdos Guildgate
9x Mountain
3x Swamp
4x Vampire Nighthawk
3x Crippling Blight
2x Appetite for Brains
3x Dreadbore
3x Pillar of Flame
Building this over the next week or two, looking for critique/advice. I have no information about my area's meta yet, just moved to Austin, so the SB is a work in progress.
EDH
WBRKaalia of the VastRBW
BChainer, Dementia MasterB
Legacy
0Manaless Dredge0
RGoblinsR
Standard
RBWThe AristocratsWBR
Khaospawn:
I really like your setup! I hadn't considered 4x Thundermaw in a transformational board, but now it's all I want to do. You've given me a new spark to brew with. Thanks!
Watch my Twitch.tv stream.
Take the Ham Challenge.
I hope the Austin area is good for Magic, I'm planning to move there in about a year. Warn them about me
Watch my Twitch.tv stream.
Take the Ham Challenge.
Glad I could help.
4 Stromkirk Noble
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Gore-House Chainwalker
4 Lightning Mauler
4 Ash Zealot
4 Pyreheart Wolf
4 Hellrider
3 Pillar of Flame
4 Searing Spear
3 Brimstone Volley
LANDS [22]
21 Mountain
1 Hellion Crucible
4 Flames of the Firebrand
4 Traitorous Blood
4 Reckless Waif
3 Thunderbolt