I love the Ballista idea, I actually split Warboss and Ballista 2/2. I've been running the stock list for over a year straight, and I totally stand by the list, I just try not to steer everyone to it when they've customized the list to their liking. Your list is very close now, and I expect you can do well.
Also, I forgot to mention this yesterday, but with GB, Tron, Humans etc.. Magus of the Moon could be decent over the Jaya in the board. Just a thought.
i’ve been on the fence about that Jaya in the board anyway
I know a guy in the Facebook group has been trying that strategy vs TITI, but I dont know how its working for him as he doesnt post event reports. I personally think its a bit slow as well. Shields of Velis Vel is basically the same thing but 1 mana and instant, it can even be cast via Sliver Hive and found via Homing sliver. I prefer to remove the TITI instead of allowing it to transform, hence my board plan includes bringing in Warping Wail and keeping Dismember in.
kind of what i thought about being a bit slow. i didn’t think about Warping Wail, that’s great idea. i ran that to counter terminus for a bit so adding it back in should be no problem
You're welcome! Everyone here is always happy to help. Good luck and make sure we get a tournament report!
i will do my best on the report.
i started watching some of FluffyWolf’s streams last night, already picked up a trick or two. Going to continue with both streams when i can through the week and work on some sideboard notes as well.
here is where i am on the list, with what i know of the meta and suggestions made. i’m thinking of going back down to 3 warboss and adding a walking ballista
Maindeck (60)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
4 Legion Warboss
4 Simian Spirit Guide
1 Hazoret the Fervent
4 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
1 Koth of the Hammer
4 Desperate Ritual
2 Magma Jet
2 Anger of the Gods
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Blood Moon
3 Gemstone Caverns
14 Mountain
3 Ramunap Ruins
1 Scavenger Grounds
Sideboard (15)
3 Eidolon of the Great Revel
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
1 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Shattering Spree
2 Abrade
1 Anger of the Gods
2 Ravenous Trap
2 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Torpor Orb
1 Witchbane Orb
In matchups like Humans, Spirits, etc, where they puke out creatures, the tokens our goblins make just die and we end up with useless 2/2s. Against those matchups we take a control role, siding out aggro and bringing in Angers, Torpor Orb/Spyglass/Matrix, etc, whatever you need, and plan to lock the opponent out and win with walkers or Hazoret discard. For matchups like Control, Storm, Tron, etc, where ending the game quickly is most important, we side out useless lock pieces for more aggro. That leaves matchups like Burn, where we have no problem killing their creatures, but it's hard to empty your hand for Bridge, where you swap some goblins for Eidolons, drop Bridges for Angers and Witchbane Orb, in your case (gotta watch out for those curses!). Fluffywolf or Stickballruss will help you clear all that kind of stuff if you watch their streams.
As for Hazoret, have you considered Koth of the Hammer? Many of us run him with 14 Mountains with no problem, and he ends the game pretty quick behind Bridge. I wouldn't worry too much about a discard outlet, we have 34 free cards in the deck (21 land, 9 Rituals and Chalice), we can just throw them away in a pinch.
that makes sense, i really appreciate all the help.
I have considered Koth, and actually have one on hand. i will try to get in a few games during the week and try it out. and definitely try to catch a couple of streams....very much appreciated.
also, assuming i took out Purphoros for the 4th Warboss as you mentioned, at that point would you leave in the second Hazoret? My trepidation is in removing too many sac outlets in order to stay behind the bridge.
I totally get your reasoning behind Jet, but I wanted to expand on Purphoros. Yes, he feels like he could be great in some situations, but he's a 4-drop that does nothing when you play him, and if he's actually effective, you're probably already winning the game. If he's able to swing, you've probably already won, and if you have some Rabbles going you're probably ahead.. game 1 behind a hellbent Bridge vs a creature deck is probably close to GG anyway, which is the only time I can see him being good, because in games 2-3 you're boarding out as many goblins as possible, making him a dead card. Obviously you'll side him out, meaning you'll have to keep a less than optimal card in in it's place.
i see you’re point about already being ahead.
i do have a question though, being newer to the deck, and maybe just playing things differently...i don’t typically side out many goblins for games 2 or 3. maybe one or two here or there. my theory is that usually people will be boarding in their artifact/enchantment hate there by weakening the Blood Moon/Chalice/Bridge plan. my question is, what is your theory behind boarding out most goblins. I’m not questioning you as you are obviously more well versed in the deck than i by far, i’m genuinely asking (to be clear because this is the internet after all)
Good luck at your IQ, Charlie! I really like Jaya here with the information you have on the meta, and assuming you don't run into alot of unknown players, I like the extra Warboss. I'm not too sure about Purphoros though.. along with already having 6 other 4 drops, I might cut him for Warboss number 4.
Interesting choice with Magma Jet.. obviously for the scry, which is great. While 2 damage rather than 3 is not too bad given your expected matchups (a few humans are x/3, but not much else), Abrade is much better against Amulet and Tron.
If you expect to see a number of Humans, 2 Hazoret in the main is risky. I always side Hazoret out against Humans because of Phantasmal Image, as it's hard to beat a Haz on the wrong side of the field. It's going to be tough to side out all the dead cards in this matchup with so many creatures in the main, you'll probably just have to risk it.
Cutting Uba Mask could free up a spot in the side for another control card that's good in creature matchups, as you don't expect to see Control, and packing 7-8 Rabble should help that matchup anyway.. I might consider another Anger. It gives you 1 more card to bring in for a dead creature.
Lastly, Mutavault vs Scavenger Grounds.. the 2 decks you expect to see the most of are graveyard based.. that might be a good switch as well.
Good luck and be sure to let us know how you do!
thanks for the reply....i. regards to Jaya, i’m definitely including it to help with Thing in the Ice for the Phoenix match-up, the additional discard/burn abilities also fall in line with staying behind a Bridge and could give me a reason to cut the second Hazoret, like you said, i hadn’t thought of the Phantasmal Image copy so i appreciate the point there. My main reason for two was to keep behind the bridge with discard and failing that, it’s hard to remove.
As far as Purphoros goes it serves several purposes as well...1) it’s a big threat that’s relatively hard to remove, it’s triggered ability works very nicely with rabblemaster and warboss’ token making abilites doing 2 damage anytime you make a token so if you are just hiding behind bridge and not attacking you are at least still doing damage while building a wide board of tokens in case your bridge is blown up and lastly, the activated ability is nice when you are holding a card in order to attack with goblin tokens underneath your own Bridge by pumping them after attacks are declared.
Magma Jet is my maindeck choice over Abrade for two reasons, those being the scry, as you said, which i have found very helpful to smooth draws and to set up Chandra’s +1 and knowing what you’re going to flip with it. and also because when i’ve lost with the deck it’s because i got a lock and couldn’t close quick enough so while it’s not much, having the option to burn the opponent for 2 rather than only creatures is helpful. I also considered Lava Coil for the exile but with Anger it seems redundant and more benefit would come from scry & burn damage
Control, i forgot control. there are a few (UW & Jeskai) however of the ones i know, they have gone to phoenix mostly or bounce between other decks. so yes the Uba Mask is there for those but it seems like it may be okay against the looting decks as well (however i have not tested that)
Mutavault and Scavenger Grounds i go back and forth on but your point is correct with what i know. however they mostly become slightly irrelevant in my experience once Blood Moon hits the board. so i’ve always been iffy on either
has anyone thought about/tried using Mirror Entity in order to get around the bounce from a flipped Thing in the Ice?
maybe it’s too slow, but seems it could be something. it’s not a tap ability so you could activate the turn it comes down making it good to vial in or coco for in response and you would only have to pay x=1 to keep your board. in addition to that since it’s a Changeling and therefore all creature types at all times you would be able to use Homing Sliver’s slivercycling to find it if need be.
okay everyone, i have a local SCG IQ coming up next weekend where i plan on taking the deck so i’m here asking for everyone’s tips, tricks and guidelines they play by. Knowing what most of the local players play i expect to see a good bit of Izzet Phoenix and Dredge, as well as, Amulet Titan, GB Rock, Humans, Tron and possibly Living End to name the ones i know. Haven’t seen any Whir Prison around but i wouldn’t be surprised if someone brings it.
so, if anyone has any tried and true tips, let’s have’em
here’s the list i’m planning on taking. If there are any glaring omissions or something that one would think would be better changed, i’m all ears to suggestions with explanation. By that same token, if there’s a question regarding my choices i’m happy to explain and have a discussion
Maindeck (60)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
3 Legion Warboss
4 Simian Spirit Guide
2 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge
4 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
4 Desperate Ritual
2 Magma Jet
2 Anger of the Gods
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Blood Moon
3 Gemstone Caverns
14 Mountain
1 Mutavault
3 Ramunap Ruins
Sideboard (15)
3 Eidolon of the Great Revel
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
1 Shattering Spree
2 Abrade
1 Anger of the Gods
2 Ravenous Trap
1 Ratchet Bomb
2 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Uba Mask
1 Witchbane Orb
Tom Ross is back and playing Infect at SCG Open in Vegas this weekend. So far the main deck seems pretty stock from what has been shown on camera and here’s his sideboard:
i’ve been on the fence about that Jaya in the board anyway
kind of what i thought about being a bit slow. i didn’t think about Warping Wail, that’s great idea. i ran that to counter terminus for a bit so adding it back in should be no problem
i will do my best on the report.
i started watching some of FluffyWolf’s streams last night, already picked up a trick or two. Going to continue with both streams when i can through the week and work on some sideboard notes as well.
here is where i am on the list, with what i know of the meta and suggestions made. i’m thinking of going back down to 3 warboss and adding a walking ballista
Maindeck (60)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
4 Legion Warboss
4 Simian Spirit Guide
1 Hazoret the Fervent
4 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
1 Koth of the Hammer
4 Desperate Ritual
2 Magma Jet
2 Anger of the Gods
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Blood Moon
3 Gemstone Caverns
14 Mountain
3 Ramunap Ruins
1 Scavenger Grounds
Sideboard (15)
3 Eidolon of the Great Revel
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
1 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Shattering Spree
2 Abrade
1 Anger of the Gods
2 Ravenous Trap
2 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Torpor Orb
1 Witchbane Orb
that makes sense, i really appreciate all the help.
I have considered Koth, and actually have one on hand. i will try to get in a few games during the week and try it out. and definitely try to catch a couple of streams....very much appreciated.
i see you’re point about already being ahead.
i do have a question though, being newer to the deck, and maybe just playing things differently...i don’t typically side out many goblins for games 2 or 3. maybe one or two here or there. my theory is that usually people will be boarding in their artifact/enchantment hate there by weakening the Blood Moon/Chalice/Bridge plan. my question is, what is your theory behind boarding out most goblins. I’m not questioning you as you are obviously more well versed in the deck than i by far, i’m genuinely asking (to be clear because this is the internet after all)
thanks for the reply....i. regards to Jaya, i’m definitely including it to help with Thing in the Ice for the Phoenix match-up, the additional discard/burn abilities also fall in line with staying behind a Bridge and could give me a reason to cut the second Hazoret, like you said, i hadn’t thought of the Phantasmal Image copy so i appreciate the point there. My main reason for two was to keep behind the bridge with discard and failing that, it’s hard to remove.
As far as Purphoros goes it serves several purposes as well...1) it’s a big threat that’s relatively hard to remove, it’s triggered ability works very nicely with rabblemaster and warboss’ token making abilites doing 2 damage anytime you make a token so if you are just hiding behind bridge and not attacking you are at least still doing damage while building a wide board of tokens in case your bridge is blown up and lastly, the activated ability is nice when you are holding a card in order to attack with goblin tokens underneath your own Bridge by pumping them after attacks are declared.
Magma Jet is my maindeck choice over Abrade for two reasons, those being the scry, as you said, which i have found very helpful to smooth draws and to set up Chandra’s +1 and knowing what you’re going to flip with it. and also because when i’ve lost with the deck it’s because i got a lock and couldn’t close quick enough so while it’s not much, having the option to burn the opponent for 2 rather than only creatures is helpful. I also considered Lava Coil for the exile but with Anger it seems redundant and more benefit would come from scry & burn damage
Control, i forgot control. there are a few (UW & Jeskai) however of the ones i know, they have gone to phoenix mostly or bounce between other decks. so yes the Uba Mask is there for those but it seems like it may be okay against the looting decks as well (however i have not tested that)
Mutavault and Scavenger Grounds i go back and forth on but your point is correct with what i know. however they mostly become slightly irrelevant in my experience once Blood Moon hits the board. so i’ve always been iffy on either
maybe it’s too slow, but seems it could be something. it’s not a tap ability so you could activate the turn it comes down making it good to vial in or coco for in response and you would only have to pay x=1 to keep your board. in addition to that since it’s a Changeling and therefore all creature types at all times you would be able to use Homing Sliver’s slivercycling to find it if need be.
like i said, maybe too slow but....thoughts?
so, if anyone has any tried and true tips, let’s have’em
here’s the list i’m planning on taking. If there are any glaring omissions or something that one would think would be better changed, i’m all ears to suggestions with explanation. By that same token, if there’s a question regarding my choices i’m happy to explain and have a discussion
Maindeck (60)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
3 Legion Warboss
4 Simian Spirit Guide
2 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge
4 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
4 Desperate Ritual
2 Magma Jet
2 Anger of the Gods
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Blood Moon
3 Gemstone Caverns
14 Mountain
1 Mutavault
3 Ramunap Ruins
Sideboard (15)
3 Eidolon of the Great Revel
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
1 Shattering Spree
2 Abrade
1 Anger of the Gods
2 Ravenous Trap
1 Ratchet Bomb
2 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Uba Mask
1 Witchbane Orb
Mono-White Eldrazi & Taxes 2-1
Humans 2-0
UW Control 2-0
Living End 2-1
pretty stoked to finally get the 4-0. Decklist below
Maindeck (60)
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
1 Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
3 Legion Warboss
4 Simian Spirit Guide
2 Hazoret the Fervent
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge
1 Walking Ballista
4 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
4 Desperate Ritual
2 Magma Jet
1 Anger of the Gods
4 Chalice of the Void
4 Ensnaring Bridge
4 Blood Moon
3 Gemstone Caverns
14 Mountain
3 Ramunap Ruins
1 Mutavault
Sideboard (15)
2 Eidolon of the Great Revel
1 Surgical Extraction
2 Lava Coil
2 Anger of the Gods
2 Ravenous Trap
1 Dragon's Claw
2 Ratchet Bomb
2 Sorcerous Spyglass
1 Witchbane Orb
1 - Spellskite
2 - Dispel
1 - Distortion Strike
2 - Nature’s Claim
2 - Spell Pierce
2 - Dissenter’s Deliverance
1 - Dismember
1 - Carrion Call
1 - Grafdigger’s Cage
1 - Relic of Progenitus
2 - Shapers’ Sanctuary
anybody got any idea what the Carrion Call is for?