Something I realized the other day: is Wizard Lightning something that will find a place in burn? If you're running 2-4 Grim Lavamancer, seems like it could reliably be literal Lightning Bolt 5-8, not sorcery speed, and can hit any target. At worst case, it's Rift Bolt that can only be cast for 3, but still has the instant speed advantage. If nothing else, it might bring Lavamancer back into stronger popularity.
But what do you cut for it? Burn doesn't want to shed a boros charm or a rift bolt or anything else for it.
That was my initial point. Is it possible that Wizard Lightning is comparable to Rift Bolt, and therefore has potential to replace it? I think they both have valid pros and cons when put against each other, such as WL being instant speed and easily castable for R, while RB is reliably hitting on turn 2 and not needing creatures for cost reduction. They almost have the same function late game.
Something I realized the other day: is Wizard Lightning something that will find a place in burn? If you're running 2-4 Grim Lavamancer, seems like it could reliably be literal Lightning Bolt 5-8, not sorcery speed, and can hit any target. At worst case, it's Rift Bolt that can only be cast for 3, but still has the instant speed advantage. If nothing else, it might bring Lavamancer back into stronger popularity.
What's our plan against the new-ish Serum Power Eldrazi deck? Is it similar enough to Eldrazi Tron that I should board the same way?
I'd say they're fairly similar. You're still worried about Chalice and Reality Smasher, so I'd focus more on DRev and Bridge. Molten Rain is also pretty good if you get it in early enough.
I haven't been to many tournaments since Humans has been exploding more in popularity, and I notice it's a more or less even matchup for burn. I had a thought pop into my head that I don't know if anyone else has tried: Torpor Orb. Apart from something like Kataki, War's Wage Humans doesn't seem to play any non ETB artifact hate, so in theory would it just shut them down? Or is there some better SB tech against Humans?
I think I'd prefer countersquall or even just negate to jace's defeat. It isn't like there are a ton of blue creatures worth countering.
True, even something like Disdainful Stroke might be a better answer to more threats in the format. However, I can certainly think of a few other blue spells I'd rather counter, not just creatures. (Although countering Snapcaster Mage is a not insignificant option.)
Perhaps we can take it as understood that the poster meant Jace's Defeat.
I'm honestly starting to think his defeat may be one of the better answers in the format. Sorcery speed removal is not something you want to bank on as an answer against control. Instead of creature based damage or sorceries, it'll be interesting to see which faster answers become the most prominently used against Jace, or even BBE.
For those of you who dropped Atarka's Command, mind sharing your thoughts on why? There's been a huge spike of burn in my area and I'm tempted to give Boros Drev a shot despite how much I like AC.
I piloted a Naya list (for the record, my list was sans Nacatl) to 3rd place at states a couple weeks ago, and I'm also considering straight up Boros as opposed to Naya.
The thing I ultimately like is that the mana is more consistent. There were plenty of times where I wanted to cast both SB destructive revelry and Atarka's command, but could only do one or the other. Otherwise it was fetching for basics at first, then drawing a RG spell after not having a fetch available. I think having white for Boros Charm and Lightning Helix is enough. It also allows for more useful sideboarding. My ideal SB would be something like this:
Obviously this is mostly a meta call, but I think that currently helps out for a decent few of our bad match-ups. As for main board, nothing wrong with having 3-4 foundries instead of no grounds. If you previously run copperline forge, either more mountains or Clifftop retreat would do in a pinch. It's not that green stretched the mana too much, it just didn't seem necessary for one MB option and one SB option. Most of the time I was playing A-command, it was for the Skullcrack effect, so I think there's plenty of validity to running 4x Skullcrack in your 60.
I've been playing standard Magic for the last 10 years, and I have every desire to keep playing. However, there are a few factors, and one of them is not price!
1. Only local players play in Columbus, Georgia. I have to drive an hour out, sometimes farther north in Georgia, sometimes all the way to Alabama, if I even want to consider playing an FNM or tournament. While I would if I had the time, it's still a bit much to ask for someone who never really played all that competitively, but still enjoys the game.
2. My girlfriend, hopefully future wife someday, has changed my aspect on money. Nowadays, as much money as I can goes to savings for our future someday. (I promise this post has some complaint about the prices, so bare with me.)
3. Being a college student, as many people may know, restricts you to some degree on how much money you can spend at any given moment, especially under the reminder that you're in fact saving up for a more important future event.
The solution, as I see it, is simple: don't play anymore standard until Jace rotates out. I do want to play some form of blue, but I can't because I don't have $400 dollars. Well I do, but given my situation it can't really go to Jaces right now. Once the $100 card rotates out, it seems to me that everything else hovering around $20 will become the higher priced cards; and THAT is something I can deal with. I could give $80 to a playset of good cards, not $80 towards almost buying one card that is all but required to play competitive Magic.
It seems to me though that there are many solutions to the current Standard format pricing, the main of which is buying other, less expensive - but still good - cards. I mean, where did all of the hatred/love go for Primeval Titan and Vengevine? Those are some of the best green cards printed in recent memory - now alongside Green Sun's Zenith - and people are still focusing on Jace? Doesn't exactly seem realistic, at least to me. Good decks are still out there without the need for Jace so that you can play blue.
I do have one question about one particular card. It's not exactly a complaint as much as it is...and inquiry. I haven't been playing Magic within the last year or so, and haven't been following it as regularly, but there is one card that has peaked my interest.
Stoneforge Mystic: anyone care to explain why the hell THAT jumped up to $20 a piece? Did people suddenly wake up and realize some of the equipments can be good? Are people playing WW more frequently? Is there another format where it is thriving? (If so, I'd guess Legacy, but what do I know...) I'm not angry by any means about this; in fact, I'm actually quite happy! Back in the day when I played more frequently, I played Boros, and added a playset of these puppies for the future artifact set, and I was lucky enough to get these at around $6 a pop. And I'll be honest, I thought even THAT was a bit expensive for something like this. Any explanations at all?
Wait, the only music we are allowed to like *now* is music we know for a fact we will still like in 2012? Did everyone else get crystal balls while I was off playing Super Smash Bros or something?
The point isn't that you can only like music now that you're sure you'll like in *insert number here* years. The idea is that you're pointing out the fact that people only like music because it's trendy to like - Lady Gaga - or trendy to hate - Justin Bieber - instead of liking them or hating them as a dedicated fan/hater.
Again, as I've previously stated, I actually do like Lady Gaga's music, and respect her as a singer and musician after listening to both her CD and her live/acoustic performances. Also, she has a new album coming out next year and I, personally, can't wait.
Ignorant of what? Why are they important? And why isn't that importance easy to grasp or appreciate (for all the people) in their very same work?
...I'm confused now. Are you arguing with your own personal beliefs or playing devil's advocate? If you're just going to bring up the point of why is this or that important, then you're seemingly emulating the behavior of a child constantly asking "why?" to every answer they're given. No offense meant, I'm simply wondering why you're asking these questions ad infinitum.
As to why I would defend this point so much: whether my avatar tells it or not, I'm a dedicated classicist, and am currently pursuing a career at a music school where, one day God willing, I will be able to play in a professional symphony. I've immersed myself in this study for nearly a decade of my life, and plan on continuing through with it for the rest of my life. This music really matters to me; and while it rarely happens, it still sometimes seems offensive when someone compares the people who are at the very foundation of music to those who do very little that is musical and claim that it's better simply because they don't like it.
As of further note, I'd also like to mention that William Hung is not the only offender in this right. There are plenty of artists and entertainers alike who barely try at their music and are still regarded by some people as being superior to those who were around in the 17th and 18th century. After learning what the original music writers did and went through to accomplish their musical achievements (as a music major, I've taken courses in music history, so I know what I mean here) and they're being compared to people who don't try at all, THAT to me is the definition of ignorance.
For the record, Jolly, I've not been offended by anything you've said yet. People make fun of people I like all the time; so much so that I just don't care about it anymore. That said, let me address one more thing before we should really put this to rest:
And with that, let me ask you guys this question again. Can you truly say that you will feel this strongly about Lady Gaga by summer of 2012?
Quite simply...yes. Why? For the same reason that there are still strong fans of Queen after so many decades; because they, while popular, still leave a strong impression, and acquire a strong, dedicated fan-base.
Well, I know a lot of people who would pick an entertainer's music over any classical anytime. And that's what I'm asking: why do people like music "without quality"?
You say there has to be a line drawn... but where, how, why?
The line is drawn between simply not liking the classics versus out right ignorance of their importance. Anyone who would say that an "entertainer's" music is better than an actual "musician's" music simply because they like it more is being ridiculously ignorant.
Cool stuff, man. Thanks for noticing me as a reg. 
That was my initial point. Is it possible that Wizard Lightning is comparable to Rift Bolt, and therefore has potential to replace it? I think they both have valid pros and cons when put against each other, such as WL being instant speed and easily castable for R, while RB is reliably hitting on turn 2 and not needing creatures for cost reduction. They almost have the same function late game.
I'd say they're fairly similar. You're still worried about Chalice and Reality Smasher, so I'd focus more on DRev and Bridge. Molten Rain is also pretty good if you get it in early enough.
True, even something like Disdainful Stroke might be a better answer to more threats in the format. However, I can certainly think of a few other blue spells I'd rather counter, not just creatures. (Although countering Snapcaster Mage is a not insignificant option.)
Perhaps we can take it as understood that the poster meant Jace's Defeat.
I'm honestly starting to think his defeat may be one of the better answers in the format. Sorcery speed removal is not something you want to bank on as an answer against control. Instead of creature based damage or sorceries, it'll be interesting to see which faster answers become the most prominently used against Jace, or even BBE.
I piloted a Naya list (for the record, my list was sans Nacatl) to 3rd place at states a couple weeks ago, and I'm also considering straight up Boros as opposed to Naya.
The thing I ultimately like is that the mana is more consistent. There were plenty of times where I wanted to cast both SB destructive revelry and Atarka's command, but could only do one or the other. Otherwise it was fetching for basics at first, then drawing a RG spell after not having a fetch available. I think having white for Boros Charm and Lightning Helix is enough. It also allows for more useful sideboarding. My ideal SB would be something like this:
3x Molten Rain
2x Smash to Smithereens
2x Wear // Tear
2x Path to Exile
2x Celestial Purge
1x Grafdigger's Cage
1x Anger of the Gods
Obviously this is mostly a meta call, but I think that currently helps out for a decent few of our bad match-ups. As for main board, nothing wrong with having 3-4 foundries instead of no grounds. If you previously run copperline forge, either more mountains or Clifftop retreat would do in a pinch. It's not that green stretched the mana too much, it just didn't seem necessary for one MB option and one SB option. Most of the time I was playing A-command, it was for the Skullcrack effect, so I think there's plenty of validity to running 4x Skullcrack in your 60.
Primeval Titan
Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas
Gideon Jura
Thoughtseize
Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre
Then somewhere in one of the bottom corners, in cool text, have the phrase: "Aleksi Briclot: the most expensive art in Magic"
No rush for this one; I know you've got a lot of requests, so whenever you can would be great.
1. Only local players play in Columbus, Georgia. I have to drive an hour out, sometimes farther north in Georgia, sometimes all the way to Alabama, if I even want to consider playing an FNM or tournament. While I would if I had the time, it's still a bit much to ask for someone who never really played all that competitively, but still enjoys the game.
2. My girlfriend, hopefully future wife someday, has changed my aspect on money. Nowadays, as much money as I can goes to savings for our future someday. (I promise this post has some complaint about the prices, so bare with me.)
3. Being a college student, as many people may know, restricts you to some degree on how much money you can spend at any given moment, especially under the reminder that you're in fact saving up for a more important future event.
The solution, as I see it, is simple: don't play anymore standard until Jace rotates out. I do want to play some form of blue, but I can't because I don't have $400 dollars. Well I do, but given my situation it can't really go to Jaces right now. Once the $100 card rotates out, it seems to me that everything else hovering around $20 will become the higher priced cards; and THAT is something I can deal with. I could give $80 to a playset of good cards, not $80 towards almost buying one card that is all but required to play competitive Magic.
It seems to me though that there are many solutions to the current Standard format pricing, the main of which is buying other, less expensive - but still good - cards. I mean, where did all of the hatred/love go for Primeval Titan and Vengevine? Those are some of the best green cards printed in recent memory - now alongside Green Sun's Zenith - and people are still focusing on Jace? Doesn't exactly seem realistic, at least to me. Good decks are still out there without the need for Jace so that you can play blue.
I do have one question about one particular card. It's not exactly a complaint as much as it is...and inquiry. I haven't been playing Magic within the last year or so, and haven't been following it as regularly, but there is one card that has peaked my interest.
Stoneforge Mystic: anyone care to explain why the hell THAT jumped up to $20 a piece? Did people suddenly wake up and realize some of the equipments can be good? Are people playing WW more frequently? Is there another format where it is thriving? (If so, I'd guess Legacy, but what do I know...) I'm not angry by any means about this; in fact, I'm actually quite happy! Back in the day when I played more frequently, I played Boros, and added a playset of these puppies for the future artifact set, and I was lucky enough to get these at around $6 a pop. And I'll be honest, I thought even THAT was a bit expensive for something like this. Any explanations at all?
Man, a lot has gone down in that time, but it's been fun.
The point isn't that you can only like music now that you're sure you'll like in *insert number here* years. The idea is that you're pointing out the fact that people only like music because it's trendy to like - Lady Gaga - or trendy to hate - Justin Bieber - instead of liking them or hating them as a dedicated fan/hater.
Again, as I've previously stated, I actually do like Lady Gaga's music, and respect her as a singer and musician after listening to both her CD and her live/acoustic performances. Also, she has a new album coming out next year and I, personally, can't wait.
EDIT: You were being sarcastic...point removed.
...I'm confused now. Are you arguing with your own personal beliefs or playing devil's advocate? If you're just going to bring up the point of why is this or that important, then you're seemingly emulating the behavior of a child constantly asking "why?" to every answer they're given. No offense meant, I'm simply wondering why you're asking these questions ad infinitum.
As to why I would defend this point so much: whether my avatar tells it or not, I'm a dedicated classicist, and am currently pursuing a career at a music school where, one day God willing, I will be able to play in a professional symphony. I've immersed myself in this study for nearly a decade of my life, and plan on continuing through with it for the rest of my life. This music really matters to me; and while it rarely happens, it still sometimes seems offensive when someone compares the people who are at the very foundation of music to those who do very little that is musical and claim that it's better simply because they don't like it.
As of further note, I'd also like to mention that William Hung is not the only offender in this right. There are plenty of artists and entertainers alike who barely try at their music and are still regarded by some people as being superior to those who were around in the 17th and 18th century. After learning what the original music writers did and went through to accomplish their musical achievements (as a music major, I've taken courses in music history, so I know what I mean here) and they're being compared to people who don't try at all, THAT to me is the definition of ignorance.
Quite simply...yes. Why? For the same reason that there are still strong fans of Queen after so many decades; because they, while popular, still leave a strong impression, and acquire a strong, dedicated fan-base.
The line is drawn between simply not liking the classics versus out right ignorance of their importance. Anyone who would say that an "entertainer's" music is better than an actual "musician's" music simply because they like it more is being ridiculously ignorant.