Yeah, we dont have the patience to keep track of all the banned/restricted lists. If they printed it, it's legal. We call it gentalmans casual, don't play it if you dont want it played. Since I have 40+ decks, most people are playing off my deck boxes anyway so everything is good.
Green Black Grave Pact decks work well too. Most effective strategy is generally a liner combo deck like Splinter Twin though. Then you're not worried about anyone else.
Although, if you're not trying to dominate.. WG with low end wipes/ramp into high end threats is generally a good direction to go that's effective.
The SB was mostly a patchwork type of thing. I know I wanted more sweepers for token matches, Tyrants for control, plaguecrafter for control and midrange. An extra copy of Vine Mare for black decks. Beast whisperer is something I'm trying out of the side for control and Duress is just something I've seen in all the SBs so I'm giving it a go.
To be fair, I'm not saying Knight of Autumn is bad, I just don't understand it's inclusion. Unless you just need lifegain to help get you to the finish line.
I gotta say, I really don't see White being a worthwhile splash. At least not for those cards.
So I have been trying some different things on my Stompy Rock list and ended up with something that has swept the field, though control decks are still an issue.
Ferox is definitely an all-star. It's lack of trample is really the only thing holding it back. Still a solid choice, even in the build I'm running with multiple non-creature spells.
I think the only problem is due to opportunity cost and/or curve considerations.
I agree, it is really cool there's so many different ways to build, that's that's always been a Golgari strength. The best build will generally change with the meta though.
I was also thinking of giving Find // Finality a shot. It's weird though, I want the first half for control but the second half for aggro. That makes me think it's only good in the mirror matches. Though, I suppose, if you're liberal with blocking to keep a board more manageable before you start dropping bombs it could be really strong.
Bloodfast and Whisperer along with shocks seem pretty sketchy in the current meta. It hasn't came back to bite you much? I imagine if you had Wildgrowth Walker in the main it would be much better in the long term.
Splashing for Clarion and Banefire from the side is a strong move for sure. However, I wonder if going any deeper is worth it..
I would imagine you'd be better off dropping the RW angel and a single Lyra for 4 copies of Benalish Marshall for added pressure against control and Stompy decks. Also, swapping Vanguard for Dauntless Bodyguard.
I say this because I ran a similar build that was mono-white that had the same basic gameplan and had a good game against the UW control menace last standard season. I also used Ajani as well though and he makes games get out of control.
I wanted the curve to top out at 4 so I have a good chance of staying on par with super aggressive decks as well as getting below control decks. In general, it works well for both.
Sometimes aggro still gives me issues, I'm trying Golden Demise for that matchup.
CA from Reaper and Whisperer has been phenomenal. Much better than the Treasure Maps I ran last Standard.
Guildmage, while looking a bit like draft chaff has put in significant work. A manasink in the late game to push through board stalls and a way to help stabilize against aggressive decks.
While the list is mostly still in flux, I haven't noticed any glaring weaknesses in execution of my game plan.
Now, the sideboard is definitely still in flux. I'm not quite sure which direction I want to go with it.. I know 4 Duress and 2 Golden Demise are going to be a part of it. Though, I'm also testing 2 Doom Whisperer, 2 Plaguecrafter, 3 Vine Mare, 1 Carnage Tyrant, and 1 of that Undergrowth Legend that makes tokens and can sack them for CA. (sorry, I forget it's name)
21 Lands are entirely too little for that deck, even if you had 8 manadorks.
I'd drop the Status/Statue, they don't pull a lot of weight. I leaned towards Cast Down as my complementary removal of choice. Even then, I only have room for 4-6 Removal spells so I let the Stomp take care of the rest.
I like that you're using Guildmage. I think it fits the archetype perfectly and I'm also using 2. I expect it to become a meta card in Stompy variants for how much utility it has.
Ochran is interesting, you really only need it against swarm decks to punch through though. I haven't ran into a situation where I wanted it, but I have ran into situations where I wanted Golden Demise though.
I feel like a lot of your sideboard should be in your maindeck. Sideboards are generally to shore up bad matches and you have a lot of general purpose good cards in there.
How is Lich working for you? I was thinking about giving it a go, but am currently trying Midnight Reaper.
Whisperer and Reaper really do a number for CA, much better than Treasure Map I ran in the last standard. Guildmage helps punch through those ground stalls and gives some cushion against other aggressive decks.
Anyway, what do y'all think? Glaring weaknesses? Too many lands? Any ideas for a sideboard?
I might need to replace Thrashing with some District Guide.
I definitely want to brew some Golgari Rock since its my favorite guild.. However, Midrange control decks are generally built against a meta. So, without further knowledge of how it's going to shake out I would probably lean towards a more Stompy type build that splashes for 2 Trophy, 2 Cast Down, and 3 Contempt.
I run an Angel Knight blend of a deck for curve filler that works pretty well. I wouldn't use more than 3 of each Shaili or Lyra since theyre Legendary
4 Brainstorm
4 Daze
3 Fieldmist Borderpost
3 Gideon of the Trials
2 Gush
11 Island
4 Magus of the Tabernacle
4 Mana Leak
3 Mana Tithe
9 Plains
3 Ponder
4 Sol Ring
4 Winter Orb
Green Black Grave Pact decks work well too. Most effective strategy is generally a liner combo deck like Splinter Twin though. Then you're not worried about anyone else.
Although, if you're not trying to dominate.. WG with low end wipes/ramp into high end threats is generally a good direction to go that's effective.
To be fair, I'm not saying Knight of Autumn is bad, I just don't understand it's inclusion. Unless you just need lifegain to help get you to the finish line.
So I have been trying some different things on my Stompy Rock list and ended up with something that has swept the field, though control decks are still an issue.
4 Overgrown Tomb
4 Woodland Cemetery
2 Golgari Guildgate
10 Forest
3 Swamp
(29) Creature Spells
4 Llanowar Elves
4 Pelt Collector
4 Merfolk Branchwalker
3 Kraul Harpooner
4 Steel Leaf Champion
2 Thrashing Brontodon
2 Midnight Reaper
2 Nullhide Ferox
2 Vine Mare
2 Doom Whisperer
3 Assassin's Trophy
2 Cast Down
1 Find // Finality
2 Vraska, Golgari Queen
4 Duress
2 Graveyard Marshal
2 Plaguecrafter
2 Golden Demise
2 Beast Whisperer
1 Vine Mare
2 Carnage Tyrant
As I said, the control match is hit or miss. Depending on my curve. Any suggestions for it?
I think the only problem is due to opportunity cost and/or curve considerations.
I was also thinking of giving Find // Finality a shot. It's weird though, I want the first half for control but the second half for aggro. That makes me think it's only good in the mirror matches. Though, I suppose, if you're liberal with blocking to keep a board more manageable before you start dropping bombs it could be really strong.
Bloodfast and Whisperer along with shocks seem pretty sketchy in the current meta. It hasn't came back to bite you much? I imagine if you had Wildgrowth Walker in the main it would be much better in the long term.
I would imagine you'd be better off dropping the RW angel and a single Lyra for 4 copies of Benalish Marshall for added pressure against control and Stompy decks. Also, swapping Vanguard for Dauntless Bodyguard.
I say this because I ran a similar build that was mono-white that had the same basic gameplan and had a good game against the UW control menace last standard season. I also used Ajani as well though and he makes games get out of control.
4 Llanowar Elves
4 Pelt Collector
4 Merfolk Branchwalker
3 Kraul Harpooner
2 Swarm Guildmage
4 Steel-Leaf Champion
2 Thrashing Brontodon
2 Midnight Reaper
2 Beast Whisperer
2 Nullhide Ferox
3 Assassin's Trophy
2 Cast Down
1 Golden Demise
2 Vraska, Golgari Queen
(23) Lands
4 Overgrown Tomb
4 Woodland Cemetery
2 Golgari Guildgate
10 Forest
3 Swamp
I wanted the curve to top out at 4 so I have a good chance of staying on par with super aggressive decks as well as getting below control decks. In general, it works well for both.
Sometimes aggro still gives me issues, I'm trying Golden Demise for that matchup.
CA from Reaper and Whisperer has been phenomenal. Much better than the Treasure Maps I ran last Standard.
Guildmage, while looking a bit like draft chaff has put in significant work. A manasink in the late game to push through board stalls and a way to help stabilize against aggressive decks.
While the list is mostly still in flux, I haven't noticed any glaring weaknesses in execution of my game plan.
Now, the sideboard is definitely still in flux. I'm not quite sure which direction I want to go with it.. I know 4 Duress and 2 Golden Demise are going to be a part of it. Though, I'm also testing 2 Doom Whisperer, 2 Plaguecrafter, 3 Vine Mare, 1 Carnage Tyrant, and 1 of that Undergrowth Legend that makes tokens and can sack them for CA. (sorry, I forget it's name)
I'd drop the Status/Statue, they don't pull a lot of weight. I leaned towards Cast Down as my complementary removal of choice. Even then, I only have room for 4-6 Removal spells so I let the Stomp take care of the rest.
I like that you're using Guildmage. I think it fits the archetype perfectly and I'm also using 2. I expect it to become a meta card in Stompy variants for how much utility it has.
Ochran is interesting, you really only need it against swarm decks to punch through though. I haven't ran into a situation where I wanted it, but I have ran into situations where I wanted Golden Demise though.
I feel like a lot of your sideboard should be in your maindeck. Sideboards are generally to shore up bad matches and you have a lot of general purpose good cards in there.
How is Lich working for you? I was thinking about giving it a go, but am currently trying Midnight Reaper.
4 Llanowar Elves
4 Pelt Collector
3 Kraul Harpooner
4 Merfolk Branchwalker
2 Swarm Guildmage
2 Midnight Reaper
4 Steel Leaf Champion
2 Thrashing Brontodon
2 Beast Whisperer
2 Nullhide Ferox
3 Assassin's Trophy
2 Cast Down
2 Vraska, Golgari Queen
(24) Lands
4 Overgrown Tomb
4 Woodland Cemetery
13 Forest
3 Swamp
Whisperer and Reaper really do a number for CA, much better than Treasure Map I ran in the last standard. Guildmage helps punch through those ground stalls and gives some cushion against other aggressive decks.
Anyway, what do y'all think? Glaring weaknesses? Too many lands? Any ideas for a sideboard?
I might need to replace Thrashing with some District Guide.
Jeskai Control
Stompy
GWx Tokens
UR Spells
Knights
W Midrange
BGx Rock
Rb Aggro
...off the top of my head.