Showing posts with label TooSarcastic loves learning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TooSarcastic loves learning. Show all posts
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Magic and Complexity Creep
I had a great time playing casual multiplayer at the Pirate Ship last night with Tim and CBG. I thought I had brought EDH decks with, but had not, so my only "casual" deck was one of my first netdecked lists, from way back in the 20th century. I used Randy Buehler's CounterPhoenix list from 1998 with a few tweaks. I tried to stay as true to the spirit of the deck as possible, and kept most of my card choices pre Masques block (except for the manabase- no one should have to play with Caldera Lake ever again). I also had the Naoki Nakada Caw Go list as well, not for casual but because I have been meaning to try it in Standard. I played that deck for the last game, just for the hell of it. What surprised me was how much more complex control decks are today than they were a decade ago. Frankly the same may be said for aggro decks too, I'm not sure. But the CounterPhoenix build was a deck that, as a control deck of it's day was at the peak of subtlety and while it was no ProsBloom in terms of complexity, like most control decks it wasn't easy to play well. Today it is fairly straightforward. Even with Intuitions, there are only a few targets you really want, and obviously once you have all 4 Shard Phoenixes recurring there is not much else to the deck other than sitting up on Forbid/Capsize mana. Now compare to Caw Go. It is a control deck, and as Conley Woods pointed out in a recent article, control decks are designed to eventually streamline the number of choices that need to be made as the game goes longer. But look at what happens with today's control decks in the long game. Which of Jace's abilities is best to use here? What about Venser's? And Elspeth's? Do I search for SoFaF or SoBaM with Stoneforge? Do I want to get back my Tech Edge with my Sun Titan? How about the Plains I discarded at the end of turn 2 when I searched up 3 Squadron Hawks? What about the Journey to Nowhere? Or the dead Squadron Hawk to get a shuffle for my library prior to using Jace's Brainstorm? Maybe it's no surprise, but Magic in general, and control in particular has become crazy complicated, even in the late game, when in 1998 you'd just be swinging with 4 Shard Phoenixes and ditching lands to buyback your Forbids.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Cube Comparison Thread
Just a quick note for Cube drafters out there. In her weekly article Thea Steele mentioned a pretty cool resource- the MTG Salvation Cube Comparison Thread. Think of it as a meta analysis for Cube cards. Posts include a "Winners/Losers" analysis that tracks which cards are trending hot and which ones are losing value, tools to evaluate an "average" 360 or 720 card Cube (based on 100 Cube lists), and a card ranking based on the number of times all those Cubes included individual cards. There is an Cube list entered into the data by the name of "Fugitive Wizard," it is NOT ours.
I can see consulting some of this data when making cuts or adds to the Cube.
Do you think I should submit our list?
T
I can see consulting some of this data when making cuts or adds to the Cube.
Do you think I should submit our list?
T
Monday, July 5, 2010
TooSarcastic's Cube Draft List v5.0 (through Rise of the Eldrazi)
WHITE (101)
Abolish
Academy Rector
Admonition Angel
Ajani Goldmane
Akroma, Angel of Wrath
Archon of Justice
Armageddon
Austere Command
Aven Mindcensor
Aven Riftwatcher
Balance
Baneslayer Angel
Battlegrace Angel
Blade of the Sixth Pride
Calciderm
Captain of the Watch
Cloudchaser Kestrel
Conquerer's Pledge
Crovax, Ascendant Hero
Day of Judgment
Disenchant
Elite Vanguard
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Emerge Unscathed
Emeria Angel
Eternal Dragon
Exalted Angel
Faith's Fetters
Felidar Sovereign
Feudkiller's Verdict
Flickerwisp
Galepowder Mage
Ghostly Prison
Gideon Jura
Glory
Goldmeadow Harrier
Guardian Seraph
Hallowed Burial
Hand of Honor
Harm's Way
Honor of the Pure
Isamaru, Hound of Konda
Journey to Nowhere
Kami of Ancient Law
Knight of Meadowgrain
Knight of the White Orchid
Kor Hookmaster
Kor Firewalker
Kor Skyfisher
Land Tax
Loam Lion
Longbow Archer
Luminarch Ascension
Marshal's Anthem
Martial Coup
Mirror Entity
Mother of Runes
Oblivion Ring
Marshal's Anthem
Pacifism
Paladin en-Vec
Parallax Wave
Path to Exile
Prison Term
Pristine Angel
Ranger of Eos
Refraction Trap
Return to Dust
Reveillark
Rout
Safe Passage
Samurai of the Pale Curtain
Savannah Lions
Serra Avenger
Soltari Crusader
Soltari Monk
Soltari Priest
Soul Warden
Spectral Procession
Stonecloaker
Stoneforge Mystic
Stonehewer Giant
Story Circle
Student of Warfare
Swords to Plowshares
Temporal Isolation
Transcendent Master
Twilight Shepherd
Wall of Omens
Wall of Reverence
White Knight
White Shield Crusader
Windborn Muse
World Queller
Wrath of God
Yosei, the Morning Star
BLUE (101)
Æther Tradewinds
Æthersnipe
Aeon Chronicler
Ancestral Vision
Arcanis the Omnipotent
Body Double
Boomerang
Braingeyser
Brainstorm
Brine Elemental
Cache Raiders
Calcite Snapper
Capsize
Chronozoa
Clone
Collective Restraint
Compulsive Research
Confiscate
Control Magic
Counterspell
Cryptic Command
Deep Analysis
Dismiss
Djinn of Wishes
Draining Whelk
Enclave Cryptologist
Ethersworn Adjudicator
Exclude
Fact or Fiction
Fathom Seer
Force of Will
Frantic Search
Future Sight
Gifts Ungiven
Glen Elendra Archmage
Hinder
Horizon Drake
Impulse
Inkwell Leviathan
Into the Roil
Jace Beleren
Jace, the Mind Sculptor
Keiga, the Tide Star
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Lighthouse Chronologist
Looter il-Kor
Magus of the Future
Mana Drain
Mana Leak
Man-o'-War
Master Transmuter
Meloku the Clouded Mirror
Merfolk Looter
Mulldrifter
Mystical Teachings
Mystical Tutor
Ninja of the Deep Hours
Ophidian
Opposition
Pestermite
Ponder
Ray of Command
Remand
Repeal
Repulse
Riftwing Cloudskate
Rite of Replication
Rushing River
Sea Gate Oracle
Serendib Efreet
Sower of Temptation
Sphinx of Jwar Isle
Sphinx of Lost Truths
Sphinx of Magosi
Stroke of Genius
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
Tezzeret the Seeker
Thada Adel, Acquisitor
Thirst for Knowledge
Tidespout Tyrant
Tidings
Time Spiral
Time Walk
Time Warp
Tinker
Tradewind Rider
Treachery
Treasure Hunt
Trinket Mage
Vapor Snare
Vendilion Clique
Venser, Shaper Savant
Vesuvan Shapeshifter
Vexing Sphinx
Voidmage Prodigy
Wake Thrasher
Waterfront Bouncer
Willbender
BLACK (101)
Abyssal Persecutor
Animate Dead
Anowon, the Ruin Sage
Ashling, the Extinguisher
Avatar of Woe
Bane of the Living
Beacon of Unrest
Bitterblossom
Bloodghast
Bloodhusk Ritualist
Bone Shredder
Braids, Cabal Minion
Cemetery Reaper
Chainer's Edict
Child of Night
Consuming Vapors
Corpse Connoisseur
Corrupted Zendikon
Damnation
Dark Ritual
Darkblast
Dauthi Slayer
Decree of Pain
Demonic Tutor
Diabolic Edict
Doom Blade
Dregscape Zombie
Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief
Dusk Urchins
Enslave
Entomb
Eyeblight's Ending
Graveborn Muse
Guul Draz Assassin
Halo Hunter
Hand of Cruelty
Hymn to Tourach
Hypnotic Specter
Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni
Kokusho, the Evening Star
Liliana Vess
Living Death
Lord of the Undead
Makeshift Mannequin
Malakir Bloodwitch
Mirri the Cursed
Nameless Inversion
Nantuko Husk
Nantuko Shade
Necromancy
Nezumi Graverobber
Night’s Whisper
Nirkana Revenant
Ob Nixilis, the Fallen
Okiba-Gang Shinobi
Oona's Prowler
Phyrexian Arena
Phyrexian Scuta
Profane Command
Promise of Power
Reanimate
Rend Flesh
Sarcomancy
Sengir Nosferatu
Shriekmaw
Slaughter
Slaughter Pact
Stromgald Crusader
Sudden Death
Tainted Pact
Tendrils of Corruption
Terror
Thoughtseize
Thrashing Wumpus
Tombstalker
Twisted Abomination
Undead Gladiator
Undead Warchief
Vampire Nocturnus
Visara the Dreadful
Viscera Dragger
Withered Wretch
Yawgmoth's Will
RED (101)
Aftershock
Akroma, Angel of Fury
Anger
Avalanche Riders
Blistering Firecat
Blood Knight
Bogardan Hellkite
Burst Lightning
Caldera Hellion
Chain Reaction
Chandra Ablaze
Chandra Nalaar
Comet Storm
Countryside Crusher
Crusher Zendikon
Dead // Gone
Demonfire
Dragonmaster Outcast
Earthquake
Fiery Temper
Flame Slash
Flameblast Dragon
Flametongue Kavu
Fork
Forked Bolt
Gathan Raiders
Goblin Chieftain
Goblin Matron
Godo, Bandit Warlord
Gorilla Shaman
Greater Gargadon
Grim Lavamancer
Hearth Kami
Hellkite Charger
Hell's Thunder
Hellspark Elemental
Hissing Iguanar
Incinerate
Insurrection
Jackal Pup
Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
Jokulhaups
Kamahl, Pit Fighter
Kargan Dragonlord
Kazuul, Tyrant of the Cliffs
Keldon Marauders
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
Kird Ape
Knollspine Invocation
Kumano, Master Yamabushi
Lash Out
Lava Hounds
Lightning Bolt
Lord of Shatterskull Pass
Magma Jet
Magus of the Scroll
Mogg Fanatic
Plated Geopede
Predator Dragon
Puncture Blast
Pyroclasm
Reckless Wurm
Rolling Thunder
Ryusei, the Falling Star
Siege-Gang Commander
Squee, Goblin Nabob
Stigma Lasher
Sudden Shock
Sulfur Elemental
Tahngarth, Talruum Hero
Tarfire
Taurean Mauler
Threaten
Thundermare
Traitorous Instinct
Tribal Flames
Urza's Rage
Viashino Heretic
Warren Instigator
Wheel of Fortune
Word of Seizing
Zo-Zu the Punisher
GREEN (101)
Albino Troll
All Suns' Dawn
Ant Queen
Avenger of Zendikar
Awakening Zone
Berserk
Birds of Paradise
Blastoderm
Borderland Ranger
Briarhorn
Call of the Herd
Caller of the Claw
Carven Caryatid
Chameleon Colossus
Chord of Calling
Civic Wayfinder
Cloudthresher
Defense of the Heart
Deranged Hermit
Devoted Druid
Eternal Witness
Explore
Fertile Ground
Fyndhorn Elves
Garruk Wildspeaker
Genesis
Grazing Gladehart
Great Sable Stag
Harmonize
Harrow
Hystrodon
Indrik Stomphowler
Kodama of the North Tree
Kodama's Reach
Krosan Grip
Leatherback Baloth
Life from the Loam
Llanowar Elves
Lotus Cobra
Master of the Wild Hunt
Mire Boa
Mycoloth
Naturalize
Noble Hierarch
Omnath, Locus of Mana
Overrun
Pelakka Wurm
Phantom Centaur
Plow Under
Primal Command
Protean Hulk
Rampaging Baloths
Rancor
Regrowth
River Boa
Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Scryb Ranger
Scute Mob
Seal of Primordium
Seedborn Muse
Simian Grunts
Spectral Force
Stonewood Invocation
Survival of the Fittest
Sylvan Scrying
Tarmogoyf
Terastodon
Terra Stomper
Thelonite Hermit
Tooth and Nail
Troll Ascetic
Uktabi Orangutan
Vines of Vastwood
Viridian Shaman
Yavimaya Elder
Wall of Blossoms
Wall of Roots
Werebear
Wickerbough Elder
Wild Mongrel
Wild Nacatl
Wolfbriar Elemental
Wood Elves
MULTICOLORED (90)
W/U
Azorius Guildmage
Court Hussar
Mirrorweave
Mistmeadow Witch
Momentary Blink
Plumeveil
Swans of Bryn Argoll
U/B
Nemesis of Reason
Oona, Queen of the Fae
Psychatog
Recoil
Shadowmage Infiltrator
Soul Manipulation
Sphinx Summoner
B/R
Ashenmoor Liege
Bituminous Blast
Blightning
Murderous Redcap
Sarkhan the Mad
Shambling Remains
Terminate
Torrent of Souls
R/G
Bloodbraid Elf
Boartusk Liege
Boggart Ram-Gang
Burning-Tree Shaman
Fires of Yavimaya
Tin Street Hooligan
Sarkhan Vol
G/W
Armadillo Cloak
Enlisted Wurm
Kitchen Finks
Loxodon Hierarch
Mystic Enforcer
Qasali Pridemage
Wilt-Leaf Liege
W/B
Angel of Despair
Debtors' Knell
Mortify
Necromancer's Covenant
Stillmoon Cavalier
Tidehollow Sculler
Vindicate
B/G
Cankerous Thirst
Creakwood Liege
Lord of Extinction
Maelstrom Pulse
Pernicious Deed
Putrefy
Putrid Leech
Spiritmonger
G/U
Mystic Snake
Simic Sky Swallower
Snakeform
Spitting Image
Temporal Spring
Trygon Predator
Voidslime
U/R
Call the Skybreaker
Electrolyze
Fire//Ice
Izzet Chronarch
Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind
Nucklavee
Prophetic Bolt
Suffocating Blast
R/W
Ajani Vengeant
Balefire Liege
Brion Stoutarm
Figure of Destiny
Goblin Legionnaire
Lightning Helix
Orim's Thunder
Tri-Color
Bant Charm
Broodmate Dragon
Doran, the Siege Tower
Lavalanche
Lightning Angel
Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker
Rhox War Monk
Rafiq of the Many
Woolly Thoctar
ARTIFACTS/COLORLESS (65)
Æther Vial
Artisan of Kozilek
Azorius Signet
Basilisk Collar
Bonesplitter
Boros Signet
Bottle Gnomes
Chrome Mox
Coalition Relic
Crystal Shard
Cursed Scroll
Dimir Signet
Duplicant
Eldrazi Conscription
Eldrazi Monument
Gilded Lotus
Golgari Signet
Gorgon Flail
Grafted Wargear
Grim Poppet
Gruul Signet
Hammer of Ruin
Izzet Signet
Juggernaut
Lightning Greaves
Loxodon Warhammer
Masticore
Memory Jar
Mox Diamond
Mox Emerald
Mox Jet
Mox Pearl
Mox Ruby
Mox Sapphire
Nevinyrral's Disk
Orzhov Signet
Pentavus
Phyrexian Furnace
Platinum Angel
Powder Keg
Rakdos Signet
Razormane Masticore
Selesnya Signet
Sensei's Divining Top
Simic Signet
Skullclamp
Smokestack
Sol Ring
Solemn Simulacrum
Su-Chi
Sundering Titan
Sword of Fire and Ice
Sword of Light and Shadow
Tangle Wire
Triskelion
Umezawa's Jitte
LANDS (60)
Academy Ruins
Arid Mesa
Azorius Chancery
Badlands
Bayou
Bazaar of Baghdad
Blood Crypt
Bloodstained Mire
Boros Garrison
Breeding Pool
Celestial Colonnade
City of Brass
Creeping Tar Pit
Dimir Aqueduct
Flooded Strand
Gargoyle Castle
Godless Shrine
Golgari Rot Farm
Gruul Turf
Hallowed Fountain
Izzet Boilerworks
Library of Alexandria
Marsh Flats
Maze of Ith
Misty Rainforest
Murmuring Bosk
Mutavault
Orzhov Basilica
Overgrown Tomb
Plateau
Raging Ravine
Rakdos Carnarium
Riptide Laboratory
Sacred Foundry
Savannah
Scalding Tarn
Scrubland
Selesnya Sanctuary
Simic Growth Chamber
Steam Vents
Stirring Wildwood
Stomping Ground
Strip Mine
Taiga
Temple Garden
Thawing Glaciers
Tropical Island
Tundra
Underground Sea
Urza's Factory
Volcanic Island
Volrath's Stronghold
Watery Grave
Windswept Heath
(Deep) Analysis:
First- we increased the size of the Cube to 720 (a 16 person draft) last update, but I have dragged my feet on updating the list, so if you're seeing this online and are surprised at the difference in size between this and the last update, that's why.
I did these changes autocratically, so if anyone in the playgroup wants to give input regarding these changes feel free. These changes are not written in stone.
NEW MULTICOLOR POLICY:
From this point forward any card with more than one colored mana symbol anywhere in the card frame will be considered multicolored. There are two exceptions- otherwise colorless cards which have colored activation costs or mono-colored cards with colored mana producing abilities. This should really make sorting the Cube more easy.
Example I: Ancient Grudge and Ribbons of Night will no longer be Red and Black cards, respectively. They will be multicolor like Court Hussar and Plaxmanta.
Example II: Cliffrunner Behemoth and Sejiri Merfolk will remain Green and Blue, respectively since although they interact with different colored permanents and lands, respectively, they don't actually contain more than a one type of colored mana symbol in the card frame.
Example III: Obelisk of Alara is still considered colorless despite having multiple colored activation costs.
Example IV: Noble Hierarch and Izzet Signet are considered Green and colorless respectively despite having multi-colored mana producing abilities.
One other benefit was that it allowed me to cut multicolor more deeply without actually giving up that many multicolored slots. I only reduced the number of multicolored cards by five, but I decreased the total number of cards with multiple mana symbols within the card frame by thirteen. I evened up the number of cards in each two color combination as well- eight now. I don't think it matters to the draft experience, but I do think it will matter if a multicolor card goes missing. Finally I actually (slightly) increased the number of tri-colored spells. I want people to be able to draft multicolor as a strategy and be rewarded, but I don't want it to be correct to splash for a third color as a matter of course. Hopefully this enables aggro a little more but also allows hardcore multicolor players to play the most powerful spells without any difficulty. One last thing: I changed the format of displaying mulitcolor to conform with the two-color "guild" model and then tri-colored spells. This is the only way I ever divide them anyway, and if a card is missing it will be much easier to isolate now.
COLORED CARDS:
Blue is Blue- always very strong, with a small variance between the weakest and strongest cards. Green is in a great place as well, with a very narrow power band. These are the most consistent colors and it shows in the difficult cuts I had to make. White is next best off, still a very consistent color right now as well. I took out Hallowed Burial to ease back the mass removal and enable aggro. I would have liked to have cut two board sweepers in White, but the next "worst" White sweepers are probably Planar Cleansing or Rout and I didn't have the heart to cut either. I added some combat tricks to help out decks with lots of creatures to keep alive, hopefully aggro decks. Red and Black are still in rough shape in my opinion. Both have relatively wide power bands that make drafting them as a main color risky. I removed bigger dudes and spells from Red in favor of some cheaper spot removal. No one was playing seven mana dragons anyway. Black- well what can I say about Black? We didn't get a lot of strong additions from Rise to help replace the dreck. At least we are rid of two cards that never saw play. I wanted to remove a Black sweeper like Mutilate, but I couldn't justify leaving in a card like Dead Reckoning to cut a great card like Mutilate, not at this time. M11 should be kinder to us.
ARTIFACTS/COLORLESS:
I only added two Eldrazi spells, Artisan of Kozilek and Eldrazi Conscription. I thought they might be worth the high cost for those effects. I don't know if this was correct. I could also see adding none at all or some of the big Eldrazi like Kozilek or Emrakul. Let me know what you think.
LAND
No changes. But I am hearing what people are saying about dialing back the fixing. If multicolor is still out of control, I think we can cut either the Karoos (probably the best choice) or the Worldwake manlands when we add M11. Be thinking of good lands to replace them with. I would like to see more cards like Kor Haven and Oran-Reif the Vastwood; powerful mono-colored effects. The last option is to cut the signets but I think they're more vulnerable than lands and thus more interesting to play with and against. Let's see how the changes I've made now play out though, first.
Finally: If anyone has a copy of Nirkana Revenant for trade or sale, let me know. I thought I had one, but must have traded it. I have all the other adds.
Here are the most recent changes:
White
In
Oust
Emerge Unscathed
Transcendent Master
Wall of Omens
Student of Warfare
Gideon Jura
Linvala, Keeper of Silence
Out
Planar Cleansing
Jotun Grunt
Stormfront Riders
Blue
In
Coralhelm Commander
Sphinx of Magosi
Lighthouse Chronologist
Sea Gate Oracle
Enclave Cryptologist
Regress
Out
Guile
Illusionary Servant
Mindbreak Trap
Permafrost Trap
Sejiri Merfolk
Black
In
Guul Draz Assassin
Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief
Nirkana Revenant
Consuming Vapors
Out
Bloodchief Ascension
Dead Reckoning
Red
In
Staggershock
Kargan Dragonlord
Lord of Shatterskull Pass
Devastating Summons
Traitorous Instinct
Forked Bolt
Flame Slash
Out
Lavaball Trap
Ricochet Trap
Shivan Hellkite
Devastating Dreams
Green
In
Vengevine
Joraga Treespeaker
Pelakka Wurm
Awakening Zone
Out
Cliffrunner Behemoth
Moldervine Cloak
Tower Above
Multicolor
In
Sarkhan the Mad
Doran, the Siege Tower
Out
Deathbringer Thoctar
Mirari's Wake
Wort, Boggart Auntie
Lim-Dul's Vault
Wrexial, the Risen Deep
Stun Sniper
Intimidation Bolt
Blitz Hellion
Spellbreaker Behemoth
Vithian Renegades
Azorious Herald
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV
Lorescale Coatl
Artifact/Colorless
In
Artisan of Kozilek
Eldrazi Conscription
Out
Karn, Silver Golem
Sigil of Disctinction
Abolish
Academy Rector
Admonition Angel
Ajani Goldmane
Akroma, Angel of Wrath
Archon of Justice
Armageddon
Austere Command
Aven Mindcensor
Aven Riftwatcher
Balance
Baneslayer Angel
Battlegrace Angel
Blade of the Sixth Pride
Calciderm
Captain of the Watch
Cloudchaser Kestrel
Conquerer's Pledge
Crovax, Ascendant Hero
Day of Judgment
Disenchant
Elite Vanguard
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Emerge Unscathed
Emeria Angel
Eternal Dragon
Exalted Angel
Faith's Fetters
Felidar Sovereign
Feudkiller's Verdict
Flickerwisp
Galepowder Mage
Ghostly Prison
Gideon Jura
Glory
Goldmeadow Harrier
Guardian Seraph
Hallowed Burial
Hand of Honor
Harm's Way
Honor of the Pure
Isamaru, Hound of Konda
Journey to Nowhere
Kami of Ancient Law
Knight of Meadowgrain
Knight of the White Orchid
Kor Hookmaster
Kor Firewalker
Kor Skyfisher
Land Tax
Loam Lion
Longbow Archer
Luminarch Ascension
Marshal's Anthem
Martial Coup
Mirror Entity
Mother of Runes
Oblivion Ring
Marshal's Anthem
Pacifism
Paladin en-Vec
Parallax Wave
Path to Exile
Prison Term
Pristine Angel
Ranger of Eos
Refraction Trap
Return to Dust
Reveillark
Rout
Safe Passage
Samurai of the Pale Curtain
Savannah Lions
Serra Avenger
Soltari Crusader
Soltari Monk
Soltari Priest
Soul Warden
Spectral Procession
Stonecloaker
Stoneforge Mystic
Stonehewer Giant
Story Circle
Student of Warfare
Swords to Plowshares
Temporal Isolation
Transcendent Master
Twilight Shepherd
Wall of Omens
Wall of Reverence
White Knight
White Shield Crusader
Windborn Muse
World Queller
Wrath of God
Yosei, the Morning Star
BLUE (101)
Æther Tradewinds
Æthersnipe
Aeon Chronicler
Ancestral Vision
Arcanis the Omnipotent
Body Double
Boomerang
Braingeyser
Brainstorm
Brine Elemental
Cache Raiders
Calcite Snapper
Capsize
Chronozoa
Clone
Collective Restraint
Compulsive Research
Confiscate
Control Magic
Counterspell
Cryptic Command
Deep Analysis
Dismiss
Djinn of Wishes
Draining Whelk
Enclave Cryptologist
Ethersworn Adjudicator
Exclude
Fact or Fiction
Fathom Seer
Force of Will
Frantic Search
Future Sight
Gifts Ungiven
Glen Elendra Archmage
Hinder
Horizon Drake
Impulse
Inkwell Leviathan
Into the Roil
Jace Beleren
Jace, the Mind Sculptor
Keiga, the Tide Star
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Lighthouse Chronologist
Looter il-Kor
Magus of the Future
Mana Drain
Mana Leak
Man-o'-War
Master Transmuter
Meloku the Clouded Mirror
Merfolk Looter
Mulldrifter
Mystical Teachings
Mystical Tutor
Ninja of the Deep Hours
Ophidian
Opposition
Pestermite
Ponder
Ray of Command
Remand
Repeal
Repulse
Riftwing Cloudskate
Rite of Replication
Rushing River
Sea Gate Oracle
Serendib Efreet
Sower of Temptation
Sphinx of Jwar Isle
Sphinx of Lost Truths
Sphinx of Magosi
Stroke of Genius
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
Tezzeret the Seeker
Thada Adel, Acquisitor
Thirst for Knowledge
Tidespout Tyrant
Tidings
Time Spiral
Time Walk
Time Warp
Tinker
Tradewind Rider
Treachery
Treasure Hunt
Trinket Mage
Vapor Snare
Vendilion Clique
Venser, Shaper Savant
Vesuvan Shapeshifter
Vexing Sphinx
Voidmage Prodigy
Wake Thrasher
Waterfront Bouncer
Willbender
BLACK (101)
Abyssal Persecutor
Animate Dead
Anowon, the Ruin Sage
Ashling, the Extinguisher
Avatar of Woe
Bane of the Living
Beacon of Unrest
Bitterblossom
Bloodghast
Bloodhusk Ritualist
Bone Shredder
Braids, Cabal Minion
Cemetery Reaper
Chainer's Edict
Child of Night
Consuming Vapors
Corpse Connoisseur
Corrupted Zendikon
Damnation
Dark Ritual
Darkblast
Dauthi Slayer
Decree of Pain
Demonic Tutor
Diabolic Edict
Doom Blade
Dregscape Zombie
Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief
Dusk Urchins
Enslave
Entomb
Eyeblight's Ending
Graveborn Muse
Guul Draz Assassin
Halo Hunter
Hand of Cruelty
Hymn to Tourach
Hypnotic Specter
Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni
Kokusho, the Evening Star
Liliana Vess
Living Death
Lord of the Undead
Makeshift Mannequin
Malakir Bloodwitch
Mirri the Cursed
Nameless Inversion
Nantuko Husk
Nantuko Shade
Necromancy
Nezumi Graverobber
Night’s Whisper
Nirkana Revenant
Ob Nixilis, the Fallen
Okiba-Gang Shinobi
Oona's Prowler
Phyrexian Arena
Phyrexian Scuta
Profane Command
Promise of Power
Reanimate
Rend Flesh
Sarcomancy
Sengir Nosferatu
Shriekmaw
Slaughter
Slaughter Pact
Stromgald Crusader
Sudden Death
Tainted Pact
Tendrils of Corruption
Terror
Thoughtseize
Thrashing Wumpus
Tombstalker
Twisted Abomination
Undead Gladiator
Undead Warchief
Vampire Nocturnus
Visara the Dreadful
Viscera Dragger
Withered Wretch
Yawgmoth's Will
RED (101)
Aftershock
Akroma, Angel of Fury
Anger
Avalanche Riders
Blistering Firecat
Blood Knight
Bogardan Hellkite
Burst Lightning
Caldera Hellion
Chain Reaction
Chandra Ablaze
Chandra Nalaar
Comet Storm
Countryside Crusher
Crusher Zendikon
Dead // Gone
Demonfire
Dragonmaster Outcast
Earthquake
Fiery Temper
Flame Slash
Flameblast Dragon
Flametongue Kavu
Fork
Forked Bolt
Gathan Raiders
Goblin Chieftain
Goblin Matron
Godo, Bandit Warlord
Gorilla Shaman
Greater Gargadon
Grim Lavamancer
Hearth Kami
Hellkite Charger
Hell's Thunder
Hellspark Elemental
Hissing Iguanar
Incinerate
Insurrection
Jackal Pup
Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
Jokulhaups
Kamahl, Pit Fighter
Kargan Dragonlord
Kazuul, Tyrant of the Cliffs
Keldon Marauders
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
Kird Ape
Knollspine Invocation
Kumano, Master Yamabushi
Lash Out
Lava Hounds
Lightning Bolt
Lord of Shatterskull Pass
Magma Jet
Magus of the Scroll
Mogg Fanatic
Plated Geopede
Predator Dragon
Puncture Blast
Pyroclasm
Reckless Wurm
Rolling Thunder
Ryusei, the Falling Star
Siege-Gang Commander
Squee, Goblin Nabob
Stigma Lasher
Sudden Shock
Sulfur Elemental
Tahngarth, Talruum Hero
Tarfire
Taurean Mauler
Threaten
Thundermare
Traitorous Instinct
Tribal Flames
Urza's Rage
Viashino Heretic
Warren Instigator
Wheel of Fortune
Word of Seizing
Zo-Zu the Punisher
GREEN (101)
Albino Troll
All Suns' Dawn
Ant Queen
Avenger of Zendikar
Awakening Zone
Berserk
Birds of Paradise
Blastoderm
Borderland Ranger
Briarhorn
Call of the Herd
Caller of the Claw
Carven Caryatid
Chameleon Colossus
Chord of Calling
Civic Wayfinder
Cloudthresher
Defense of the Heart
Deranged Hermit
Devoted Druid
Eternal Witness
Explore
Fertile Ground
Fyndhorn Elves
Garruk Wildspeaker
Genesis
Grazing Gladehart
Great Sable Stag
Harmonize
Harrow
Hystrodon
Indrik Stomphowler
Kodama of the North Tree
Kodama's Reach
Krosan Grip
Leatherback Baloth
Life from the Loam
Llanowar Elves
Lotus Cobra
Master of the Wild Hunt
Mire Boa
Mycoloth
Naturalize
Noble Hierarch
Omnath, Locus of Mana
Overrun
Pelakka Wurm
Phantom Centaur
Plow Under
Primal Command
Protean Hulk
Rampaging Baloths
Rancor
Regrowth
River Boa
Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Scryb Ranger
Scute Mob
Seal of Primordium
Seedborn Muse
Simian Grunts
Spectral Force
Stonewood Invocation
Survival of the Fittest
Sylvan Scrying
Tarmogoyf
Terastodon
Terra Stomper
Thelonite Hermit
Tooth and Nail
Troll Ascetic
Uktabi Orangutan
Vines of Vastwood
Viridian Shaman
Yavimaya Elder
Wall of Blossoms
Wall of Roots
Werebear
Wickerbough Elder
Wild Mongrel
Wild Nacatl
Wolfbriar Elemental
Wood Elves
MULTICOLORED (90)
W/U
Azorius Guildmage
Court Hussar
Mirrorweave
Mistmeadow Witch
Momentary Blink
Plumeveil
Swans of Bryn Argoll
U/B
Nemesis of Reason
Oona, Queen of the Fae
Psychatog
Recoil
Shadowmage Infiltrator
Soul Manipulation
Sphinx Summoner
B/R
Ashenmoor Liege
Bituminous Blast
Blightning
Murderous Redcap
Sarkhan the Mad
Shambling Remains
Terminate
Torrent of Souls
R/G
Bloodbraid Elf
Boartusk Liege
Boggart Ram-Gang
Burning-Tree Shaman
Fires of Yavimaya
Tin Street Hooligan
Sarkhan Vol
G/W
Armadillo Cloak
Enlisted Wurm
Kitchen Finks
Loxodon Hierarch
Mystic Enforcer
Qasali Pridemage
Wilt-Leaf Liege
W/B
Angel of Despair
Debtors' Knell
Mortify
Necromancer's Covenant
Stillmoon Cavalier
Tidehollow Sculler
Vindicate
B/G
Cankerous Thirst
Creakwood Liege
Lord of Extinction
Maelstrom Pulse
Pernicious Deed
Putrefy
Putrid Leech
Spiritmonger
G/U
Mystic Snake
Simic Sky Swallower
Snakeform
Spitting Image
Temporal Spring
Trygon Predator
Voidslime
U/R
Call the Skybreaker
Electrolyze
Fire//Ice
Izzet Chronarch
Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind
Nucklavee
Prophetic Bolt
Suffocating Blast
R/W
Ajani Vengeant
Balefire Liege
Brion Stoutarm
Figure of Destiny
Goblin Legionnaire
Lightning Helix
Orim's Thunder
Tri-Color
Bant Charm
Broodmate Dragon
Doran, the Siege Tower
Lavalanche
Lightning Angel
Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker
Rhox War Monk
Rafiq of the Many
Woolly Thoctar
ARTIFACTS/COLORLESS (65)
Æther Vial
Artisan of Kozilek
Azorius Signet
Basilisk Collar
Bonesplitter
Boros Signet
Bottle Gnomes
Chrome Mox
Coalition Relic
Crystal Shard
Cursed Scroll
Dimir Signet
Duplicant
Eldrazi Conscription
Eldrazi Monument
Gilded Lotus
Golgari Signet
Gorgon Flail
Grafted Wargear
Grim Poppet
Gruul Signet
Hammer of Ruin
Izzet Signet
Juggernaut
Lightning Greaves
Loxodon Warhammer
Masticore
Memory Jar
Mox Diamond
Mox Emerald
Mox Jet
Mox Pearl
Mox Ruby
Mox Sapphire
Nevinyrral's Disk
Orzhov Signet
Pentavus
Phyrexian Furnace
Platinum Angel
Powder Keg
Rakdos Signet
Razormane Masticore
Selesnya Signet
Sensei's Divining Top
Simic Signet
Skullclamp
Smokestack
Sol Ring
Solemn Simulacrum
Su-Chi
Sundering Titan
Sword of Fire and Ice
Sword of Light and Shadow
Tangle Wire
Triskelion
Umezawa's Jitte
LANDS (60)
Academy Ruins
Arid Mesa
Azorius Chancery
Badlands
Bayou
Bazaar of Baghdad
Blood Crypt
Bloodstained Mire
Boros Garrison
Breeding Pool
Celestial Colonnade
City of Brass
Creeping Tar Pit
Dimir Aqueduct
Flooded Strand
Gargoyle Castle
Godless Shrine
Golgari Rot Farm
Gruul Turf
Hallowed Fountain
Izzet Boilerworks
Library of Alexandria
Marsh Flats
Maze of Ith
Misty Rainforest
Murmuring Bosk
Mutavault
Orzhov Basilica
Overgrown Tomb
Plateau
Raging Ravine
Rakdos Carnarium
Riptide Laboratory
Sacred Foundry
Savannah
Scalding Tarn
Scrubland
Selesnya Sanctuary
Simic Growth Chamber
Steam Vents
Stirring Wildwood
Stomping Ground
Strip Mine
Taiga
Temple Garden
Thawing Glaciers
Tropical Island
Tundra
Underground Sea
Urza's Factory
Volcanic Island
Volrath's Stronghold
Watery Grave
Windswept Heath
(Deep) Analysis:
First- we increased the size of the Cube to 720 (a 16 person draft) last update, but I have dragged my feet on updating the list, so if you're seeing this online and are surprised at the difference in size between this and the last update, that's why.
I did these changes autocratically, so if anyone in the playgroup wants to give input regarding these changes feel free. These changes are not written in stone.
NEW MULTICOLOR POLICY:
From this point forward any card with more than one colored mana symbol anywhere in the card frame will be considered multicolored. There are two exceptions- otherwise colorless cards which have colored activation costs or mono-colored cards with colored mana producing abilities. This should really make sorting the Cube more easy.
Example I: Ancient Grudge and Ribbons of Night will no longer be Red and Black cards, respectively. They will be multicolor like Court Hussar and Plaxmanta.
Example II: Cliffrunner Behemoth and Sejiri Merfolk will remain Green and Blue, respectively since although they interact with different colored permanents and lands, respectively, they don't actually contain more than a one type of colored mana symbol in the card frame.
Example III: Obelisk of Alara is still considered colorless despite having multiple colored activation costs.
Example IV: Noble Hierarch and Izzet Signet are considered Green and colorless respectively despite having multi-colored mana producing abilities.
One other benefit was that it allowed me to cut multicolor more deeply without actually giving up that many multicolored slots. I only reduced the number of multicolored cards by five, but I decreased the total number of cards with multiple mana symbols within the card frame by thirteen. I evened up the number of cards in each two color combination as well- eight now. I don't think it matters to the draft experience, but I do think it will matter if a multicolor card goes missing. Finally I actually (slightly) increased the number of tri-colored spells. I want people to be able to draft multicolor as a strategy and be rewarded, but I don't want it to be correct to splash for a third color as a matter of course. Hopefully this enables aggro a little more but also allows hardcore multicolor players to play the most powerful spells without any difficulty. One last thing: I changed the format of displaying mulitcolor to conform with the two-color "guild" model and then tri-colored spells. This is the only way I ever divide them anyway, and if a card is missing it will be much easier to isolate now.
COLORED CARDS:
Blue is Blue- always very strong, with a small variance between the weakest and strongest cards. Green is in a great place as well, with a very narrow power band. These are the most consistent colors and it shows in the difficult cuts I had to make. White is next best off, still a very consistent color right now as well. I took out Hallowed Burial to ease back the mass removal and enable aggro. I would have liked to have cut two board sweepers in White, but the next "worst" White sweepers are probably Planar Cleansing or Rout and I didn't have the heart to cut either. I added some combat tricks to help out decks with lots of creatures to keep alive, hopefully aggro decks. Red and Black are still in rough shape in my opinion. Both have relatively wide power bands that make drafting them as a main color risky. I removed bigger dudes and spells from Red in favor of some cheaper spot removal. No one was playing seven mana dragons anyway. Black- well what can I say about Black? We didn't get a lot of strong additions from Rise to help replace the dreck. At least we are rid of two cards that never saw play. I wanted to remove a Black sweeper like Mutilate, but I couldn't justify leaving in a card like Dead Reckoning to cut a great card like Mutilate, not at this time. M11 should be kinder to us.
ARTIFACTS/COLORLESS:
I only added two Eldrazi spells, Artisan of Kozilek and Eldrazi Conscription. I thought they might be worth the high cost for those effects. I don't know if this was correct. I could also see adding none at all or some of the big Eldrazi like Kozilek or Emrakul. Let me know what you think.
LAND
No changes. But I am hearing what people are saying about dialing back the fixing. If multicolor is still out of control, I think we can cut either the Karoos (probably the best choice) or the Worldwake manlands when we add M11. Be thinking of good lands to replace them with. I would like to see more cards like Kor Haven and Oran-Reif the Vastwood; powerful mono-colored effects. The last option is to cut the signets but I think they're more vulnerable than lands and thus more interesting to play with and against. Let's see how the changes I've made now play out though, first.
Finally: If anyone has a copy of Nirkana Revenant for trade or sale, let me know. I thought I had one, but must have traded it. I have all the other adds.
Here are the most recent changes:
White
In
Oust
Emerge Unscathed
Transcendent Master
Wall of Omens
Student of Warfare
Gideon Jura
Linvala, Keeper of Silence
Out
Planar Cleansing
Jotun Grunt
Stormfront Riders
Blue
In
Coralhelm Commander
Sphinx of Magosi
Lighthouse Chronologist
Sea Gate Oracle
Enclave Cryptologist
Regress
Out
Guile
Illusionary Servant
Mindbreak Trap
Permafrost Trap
Sejiri Merfolk
Black
In
Guul Draz Assassin
Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief
Nirkana Revenant
Consuming Vapors
Out
Bloodchief Ascension
Dead Reckoning
Red
In
Staggershock
Kargan Dragonlord
Lord of Shatterskull Pass
Devastating Summons
Traitorous Instinct
Forked Bolt
Flame Slash
Out
Lavaball Trap
Ricochet Trap
Shivan Hellkite
Devastating Dreams
Green
In
Vengevine
Joraga Treespeaker
Pelakka Wurm
Awakening Zone
Out
Cliffrunner Behemoth
Moldervine Cloak
Tower Above
Multicolor
In
Sarkhan the Mad
Doran, the Siege Tower
Out
Deathbringer Thoctar
Mirari's Wake
Wort, Boggart Auntie
Lim-Dul's Vault
Wrexial, the Risen Deep
Stun Sniper
Intimidation Bolt
Blitz Hellion
Spellbreaker Behemoth
Vithian Renegades
Azorious Herald
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV
Lorescale Coatl
Artifact/Colorless
In
Artisan of Kozilek
Eldrazi Conscription
Out
Karn, Silver Golem
Sigil of Disctinction
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
TooSarcastic's Cube Draft List v3.0
WHITE
Academy Rector
Aegis of Honor
Adarkar Valkyrie
Ajani Goldmane
Akroma, Angel of Wrath
Armageddon
Armored Ascension
Arrest
Austere Command
Aven Mindcensor
Aven Riftwatcher
Balance
Blade of the Sixth Pride
Blazing Archon
Calciderm
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary
Cloudchaser Kestrel
Condemn
Crovax, Ascendant Hero
Crusade
Descendant of Kiyomaro
Disenchant
Divine Offering
Empyrial Armor
Enduring Renewal
Enlightened Tutor
Eternal Dragon
Faith's Fetters
Feudkiller's Verdict
Galepowder Mage
Genju of the Fields
Ghostly Prison
Glorious Anthem
Goldmeadow Harrier
Griffin Guide
Humility
Icatian Javelineers
Idyllic Tutor
Jareth, Leonine Titan
Kami of Ancient Law
Kataki, War's Wage
Knight of Meadowgrain
Knight of the Holy Nimbus
Kinsbaile Cavalier
Longbow Archer
Mirror Entity
Momentary Blink
Mother of Runes
Oblivion Ring
Order of the White Shield
Order of Whiteclay
Pacifism
Paladin en-Vec
Pariah
Prison Term
Radiant's Dragoons
Replenish
Reveillark
Reya Dawnbringer
Rule of Law
Sacred Mesa
Samurai of the Pale Curtain
Savannah Lions
Soltari Priest
Soul Warden
Spectral Procession
Stonecloaker
Stonehewer Giant
Story Circle
Swords to Plowshares
Temporal Isolation
Twilight Shepherd
Valor
White Knight
White Shield Crusader
Windborn Muse
Wing Shards
Wrath of God
Yosei, the Morning Star
BLUE
Aeon Chronicler
Aquamoeba
Arcanis the Omnipotent
Court Hussar
Body Double
Boomerang
Braingeyser
Brainstorm
Brine Elemental
Capsize
Clone
Collective Restraint
Compulsive Research
Confiscate
Consign to Dream
Control Magic
Counterspell
Cryptic Command
Cunning Wish
Deep Analysis
Desertion
Dissipate
Drift of Phantasms
Evacuation
Fact or Fiction
Fathom Seer
Force of Will
Force Spike
Frantic Search
Gifts Ungiven
Guile
Hydroblast
Impulse
Jace Beleren
Keiga, the Tide Star
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Looter il-Kor
Magus of the Future
Mana Drain
Mana Leak
Man-o'-War
Meloku the Clouded Mirror
Memory Lapse
Merchant Scroll
Merfolk Looter
Mulldrifter
Mystical Teachings
Mystical Tutor
Ninja of the Deep Hours
Ophidian
Pestermite
Ponder
Propaganda
Psionic Blast
Ray of Command
Remand
Repeal
Repulse
Riftwing Cloudskate
Rhystic Study
Rushing River
Spell Snare
Spiketail Hatchling
Surgespanner
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
Thieving Magpie
Threads of Disloyalty
Tidespout Tyrant
Tidings
Time Walk
Tinker
Trinket Mage
Unstable Mutation
Vendilion Clique
Venser, Shaper Savant
Vesuvan Shapeshifter
Voidmage Prodigy
Waterfront Bouncer
Willbender
Wonder
BLACK
Animate Dead
Augur of Skulls
Avatar of Woe
Bad Moon
Beacon of Unrest
Bitterblossom
Black Knight
Bone Shredder
Braids, Cabal Minion
Chainer's Edict
Carnophage
Corpse Dance
Corrupt
Crypt Rats
Damnation
Dark Confidant
Dark Ritual
Darkblast
Dauthi Horror
Dauthi Slayer
Decree of Pain
Diabolic Edict
Diabolic Servitude
Duress
Entomb
Eyeblight's Ending
Festering Goblin
Funeral Charm
Graveborn Muse
Haakon, Stromgald Scourge
Hatred
Hymn to Tourach
Hypnotic Specter
Incremental Blight
Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni
Korlash, Heir to Blackblade
Knight of Stromgald
Liliana Vess
Living Death
Lord of the Undead
Magus of the Abyss
Makeshift Mannequin
Midnight Banshee
Mind Twist
Nameless Inversion
Nantuko Husk
Necromancy
Necropotence
Nefashu
Nezumi Graverobber
Night of Souls' Betrayal
Nihilith
Null Profusion
Okiba-Gang Shinobi
Oona's Prowler
Paralyze
Persecute
Pestilence
Phyrexian Arena
Plague Sliver
Priest of Gix
Profane Command
Reanimate
Rend Flesh
Sarcomancy
Shriekmaw
Skeletal Scrying
Skeletal Vampire
Skittering Skirge
Slaughter Pact
Smallpox
Smother
Stromgald Crusader
Sudden Death
Tendrils of Corruption
Terror
Thoughtseize
Twisted Abomination
Undead Warchief
Visara the Dreadful
RED
Akroma, Angel of Fury
Ancient Grudge
Anger
Avalanche Riders
Ball Lightning
Blood Knight
Bogardan Hellkite
Boom // Bust
Chandra Nalaar
Countryside Crusher
Dead // Gone
Demonfire
Earthquake
Empty the Warrens
Fiery Temper
Fire Imp
Fireblast
Firebolt
Flame Fusillade
Flame Javelin
Flamebreak
Flametongue Kavu
Fork
Gathan Raiders
Ghostfire
Goblin Bombardment
Goblin Matron
Goblin Recruiter
Godo, Bandit Warlord
Gorilla Shaman
Grapeshot
Greater Gargadon
Grinning Ignus
Guerrilla Tactics
Hearth Kami
Hostility
Incinerate
Insurrection
Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
Jokulhaups
Kamahl, Pit Fighter
Keldon Marauders
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
Kird Ape
Knollspine Dragon
Knollspine Invocation
Lash Out
Lava Hounds
Lightning Bolt
Magma Jet
Magus of the Arena
Magus of the Scroll
Mana Flare
Mogg Fanatic
Mogg War Marshal
Molten Rain
Orcish Lumberjack
Pandemonium
Pyroblast
Pyroclasm
Reckless Wurm
Rolling Thunder
Ryusei, the Falling Star
Seal of Fire
Shard Phoenix
Shivan Hellkite
Shock
Siege-Gang Commander
Squee, Goblin Nabob
Sudden Shock
Sulfur Elemental
Tarfire
Taurean Mauler
Thundermare
Tin Street Hooligan
Threaten
Tribal Flames
Wheel of Fortune
Wildfire
Word of Seizing
GREEN
Arrogant Wurm
Basking Rootwalla
Berserk
Birds of Paradise
Blanchwood Armor
Briarhorn
Call of the Herd
Caller of the Claw
Carven Caryatid
Civic Wayfinder
Chameleon Colossus
Channel
Chord of Calling
Cloudthresher
Cream of the Crop
Crop Rotation
Defense of the Heart
Devoted Druid
Essence Warden
Eternal Witness
Exploration
Fertile Ground
Fyndhorn Elves
Gaea’s Anthem
Garruk Wildspeaker
Giant Growth
Golgari Grave-Troll
Harmonize
Harrow
Hystrodon
Imperious Perfect
Indrik Stomphowler
Kodama of the North Tree
Kodama's Reach
Krosan Grip
Life from the Loam
Living Wish
Llanowar Elves
Might of Oaks
Mirri, Cat Warrior
Moldervine Cloak
Naturalize
Overrun
Phantom Centaur
Plow Under
Primal Command
Prismatic Omen
Protean Hulk
Quirion Ranger
Rancor
Regrowth
River Boa
Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Saproling Burst
Scryb Ranger
Seal of Primordium
Seedborn Muse
Simian Grunts
Squall Line
Spawnwrithe
Spectral Force
Spidersilk Armor
Survival of the Fittest
Sylvan Scrying
Tarmogoyf
Thelonite Hermit
Tooth and Nail
Tower Above
Troll Ascetic
Uktabi Orangutan
Verdant Force
Vinelasher Kudzu
Viridian Shaman
Wall of Blossoms
Wall of Roots
Weatherseed Treefolk
Werebear
Wild Mongrel
Wood Elves
MULTICOLORED
Æthertow
Angel of Despair
Armadillo Cloak
Ashenmoor Liege
Azorius Guildmage
Boartusk Liege
Boggart Ram-Gang
Brion Stoutarm
Burning-Tree Shaman
Debtors' Knell
Desolation Giant
Doran, the Siege Tower
Electrolyze
Fiery Justice
Fire//Ice
Firemane Angel
Firespout
Ghost Council of Orzhova
Goblin Legionnaire
Grave-Shell Scarab
Izzet Chronarch
Kitchen Finks
Lightning Angel
Lightning Helix
Loxodon Hierarch
Memory Plunder
Mirrorweave
Mortify
Murderous Redcap
Mystic Enforcer
Mystic Snake
Nath of the Gilt-Leaf
Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind
Oona, Queen of the Fae
Oversoul of Dusk
Pernicious Deed
Putrefy
Rakdos Guildmage
Recoil
Savage Twister
Selesnya Guildmage
Shadowmage Infiltrator
Silkbind Faerie
Simic Sky Swallower
Stormbind
Suffocating Blast
Sygg, River Cutthroat
Teferi's Moat
Temporal Spring
Terminate
Trygon Predator
Vindicate
Void
Vulturous Zombie
Zur the Enchanter
ARTIFACTS
Azorius Signet
Bosh, Iron Golem
Bottle Gnomes
Coalition Relic
Crystal Shard
Cursed Scroll
Dimir Signet
Duplicant
Fellwar Stone
Gilded Lotus
Golgari Signet
Grim Poppet
Gruul Signet
Icy Manipulator
Izzet Signet
Juggernaut
Lightning Greaves
Lotus Petal
Loxodon Warhammer
Mox Diamond
Mox Emerald
Mox Jet
Mox Pearl
Mox Ruby
Mox Sapphire
Nevinyrral's Disk
Orzhov Signet
Pithing Needle
Platinum Angel
Rakdos Signet
Razormane Masticore
Scroll Rack
Selesnya Signet
Sensei's Divining Top
Serrated Arrows
Simic Signet
Skullclamp
Sol Ring
Solemn Simulacrum
Sundering Titan
Sword of Fire and Ice
Sword of Light and Shadow
Tormod's Crypt
Triskelion
Umezawa's Jitte
LANDS
Academy Ruins
Azorius Chancery
Badlands
Bayou
Bazaar of Baghdad
Blood Crypt
Boros Garrison
Breeding Pool
Dimir Aqueduct
Godless Shrine
Golgari Rot Farm
Gruul Turf
Hallowed Fountain
Izzet Boilerworks
Library of Alexandria
Murmuring Bosk
Mutavault
Orzhov Basilica
Overgrown Tomb
Plateau
Rakdos Carnarium
Sacred Foundry
Savannah
Scrubland
Selesnya Sanctuary
Simic Growth Chamber
Steam Vents
Stomping Ground
Strip Mine
Taiga
Temple Garden
Terramorphic Expanse
Tolarian Academy
Tropical Island
Tundra
Underground Sea
Volcanic Island
Volrath's Stronghold
Watery Grave
Wasteland
Notes:
THE MOVE TO 540 CARDS
After hosting a 12 man event last weekend I am heartily glad that we increased the size of the Cube. It adds to the variation of the drafting experience, and the over all power level has actually increased (in part because of proxies, see below). I think that an 8 person Cube is the best starting number and a good number overall, but going up to a 12 person Cube is worth it if people are willing to invest the time and cards to do it well. If we make the decision to go to a 16 person Cube I will likely relinquish stewardship to another responsible party. I want no part in counting, sorting, alphabetizing, typing, linking, and keeping track of ownership for 720 Goddamned cards. 540 is a great number for drafting, but it took me over six hours just to add the NEW cards to this list.
PROXIES
Yeah, we're proxying, and I would advocate the practice for anyone who wants to use Power in their Cube. In addition to our inclusions of Power, are also proxying Bazaar of Baghadad and Library of Alexandria. Honestly I would not go too proxy crazy with a Cube because fun Cubes can be assembled without really expensive cards, and each Cube should have its own flavor that reflects its ownership. Our Cube seems to have acquired quite an Elder Dragon Highlander feel, without the multiplayer aspect, obviously. In fact I'd describe it like EDH for Limited, if that makes any sense.
POWER
After much discussion we included some. We have Time Walk and the Moxen. The others were excluded for being too broken (i.e. Black Lotus) or too weak (i.e. Timetwister). So far this has worked out for us. It seems unlikely that any but the most die hard Magic geeks would put real Power into a Cube, but if you can afford to, God bless you.
BALANCE
We made efforts to balance out aggro strategies with more controlling cards. I think we have been mostly successful. I think the pendulum may need to swing a little back toward aggro, because I haven't seen a successful pure aggro deck thus far (Pseudonymous Drama Student's Mono Red Deck last night came pretty close). Midrange tempo or combo variants seem very powerful, and true control decks are possible but don't seem overwhelmingly great. I am getting a feeling (I haven't yet counted) we need to increase the ratio of creature to noncreature spells. This is something I'll be keeping at eye on for the future. I have also pushed for more Goblins, simply because the Cube is now 50% larger and we actually took Goblins out during the expansion. In my opinion there should be enough of them to make them the one really dangerous linear strategy in this Cube. People should need to make decisions about hating (objectively) less powerful Goblin cards in case one person at the table is drafting the awesome Goblin deck. We'll see. I might be overruled on this issue.
THE NAME
I would bet that not even half of the cards in the Cube are even mine anymore, so I dithered about as to whether to give it my name. I decided that only way to make the name sound more communal would be to name it after the Blog. Which shares a name with its creator. Who has made it clear that he is really, really not a fan of events that have included the Cube. So I just kept the old name, not out of hubris (well, okay, a little hubris!) but so that it wouldn't seem like some sort of sarcastic joke on Fugie. He's got it tough enough as it is.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Without the incisive insight of Tabasco and The Captain we'd still have an un-Powered 8 person Cube and I'd be sitting in my room wondering why nobody wants to play with it. Thanks for the harassment, the help, and the cards! We could've called it the Tabastictain Cube or something if that didn't sound disgusting. Whatever, you get the idea.
Thanks to Harry Potter, Major_Luck, and everyone else who added cool foils or foreign cards. You know it looks great now.
Thanks to Pseudonymous Drama Student for the foil land, and for the advice. He told me, "Every card in this Cube has a purpose. You need some cards that make people ask, 'What is THAT doing in here?!'"
Thanks to everyone else who has helped "test" and generally been involved in the process. I hope it's been fun. We'll be talking about Eventide additions soon, and any card suggestions (old or new) are welcome in the comments!
My next project is updating the Owners Database, then returning cards that have been cut to their rightful owners. I promise, I am going to be working on it!
T
Academy Rector
Aegis of Honor
Adarkar Valkyrie
Ajani Goldmane
Akroma, Angel of Wrath
Armageddon
Armored Ascension
Arrest
Austere Command
Aven Mindcensor
Aven Riftwatcher
Balance
Blade of the Sixth Pride
Blazing Archon
Calciderm
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary
Cloudchaser Kestrel
Condemn
Crovax, Ascendant Hero
Crusade
Descendant of Kiyomaro
Disenchant
Divine Offering
Empyrial Armor
Enduring Renewal
Enlightened Tutor
Eternal Dragon
Faith's Fetters
Feudkiller's Verdict
Galepowder Mage
Genju of the Fields
Ghostly Prison
Glorious Anthem
Goldmeadow Harrier
Griffin Guide
Humility
Icatian Javelineers
Idyllic Tutor
Jareth, Leonine Titan
Kami of Ancient Law
Kataki, War's Wage
Knight of Meadowgrain
Knight of the Holy Nimbus
Kinsbaile Cavalier
Longbow Archer
Mirror Entity
Momentary Blink
Mother of Runes
Oblivion Ring
Order of the White Shield
Order of Whiteclay
Pacifism
Paladin en-Vec
Pariah
Prison Term
Radiant's Dragoons
Replenish
Reveillark
Reya Dawnbringer
Rule of Law
Sacred Mesa
Samurai of the Pale Curtain
Savannah Lions
Soltari Priest
Soul Warden
Spectral Procession
Stonecloaker
Stonehewer Giant
Story Circle
Swords to Plowshares
Temporal Isolation
Twilight Shepherd
Valor
White Knight
White Shield Crusader
Windborn Muse
Wing Shards
Wrath of God
Yosei, the Morning Star
BLUE
Aeon Chronicler
Aquamoeba
Arcanis the Omnipotent
Court Hussar
Body Double
Boomerang
Braingeyser
Brainstorm
Brine Elemental
Capsize
Clone
Collective Restraint
Compulsive Research
Confiscate
Consign to Dream
Control Magic
Counterspell
Cryptic Command
Cunning Wish
Deep Analysis
Desertion
Dissipate
Drift of Phantasms
Evacuation
Fact or Fiction
Fathom Seer
Force of Will
Force Spike
Frantic Search
Gifts Ungiven
Guile
Hydroblast
Impulse
Jace Beleren
Keiga, the Tide Star
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Looter il-Kor
Magus of the Future
Mana Drain
Mana Leak
Man-o'-War
Meloku the Clouded Mirror
Memory Lapse
Merchant Scroll
Merfolk Looter
Mulldrifter
Mystical Teachings
Mystical Tutor
Ninja of the Deep Hours
Ophidian
Pestermite
Ponder
Propaganda
Psionic Blast
Ray of Command
Remand
Repeal
Repulse
Riftwing Cloudskate
Rhystic Study
Rushing River
Spell Snare
Spiketail Hatchling
Surgespanner
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
Thieving Magpie
Threads of Disloyalty
Tidespout Tyrant
Tidings
Time Walk
Tinker
Trinket Mage
Unstable Mutation
Vendilion Clique
Venser, Shaper Savant
Vesuvan Shapeshifter
Voidmage Prodigy
Waterfront Bouncer
Willbender
Wonder
BLACK
Animate Dead
Augur of Skulls
Avatar of Woe
Bad Moon
Beacon of Unrest
Bitterblossom
Black Knight
Bone Shredder
Braids, Cabal Minion
Chainer's Edict
Carnophage
Corpse Dance
Corrupt
Crypt Rats
Damnation
Dark Confidant
Dark Ritual
Darkblast
Dauthi Horror
Dauthi Slayer
Decree of Pain
Diabolic Edict
Diabolic Servitude
Duress
Entomb
Eyeblight's Ending
Festering Goblin
Funeral Charm
Graveborn Muse
Haakon, Stromgald Scourge
Hatred
Hymn to Tourach
Hypnotic Specter
Incremental Blight
Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni
Korlash, Heir to Blackblade
Knight of Stromgald
Liliana Vess
Living Death
Lord of the Undead
Magus of the Abyss
Makeshift Mannequin
Midnight Banshee
Mind Twist
Nameless Inversion
Nantuko Husk
Necromancy
Necropotence
Nefashu
Nezumi Graverobber
Night of Souls' Betrayal
Nihilith
Null Profusion
Okiba-Gang Shinobi
Oona's Prowler
Paralyze
Persecute
Pestilence
Phyrexian Arena
Plague Sliver
Priest of Gix
Profane Command
Reanimate
Rend Flesh
Sarcomancy
Shriekmaw
Skeletal Scrying
Skeletal Vampire
Skittering Skirge
Slaughter Pact
Smallpox
Smother
Stromgald Crusader
Sudden Death
Tendrils of Corruption
Terror
Thoughtseize
Twisted Abomination
Undead Warchief
Visara the Dreadful
RED
Akroma, Angel of Fury
Ancient Grudge
Anger
Avalanche Riders
Ball Lightning
Blood Knight
Bogardan Hellkite
Boom // Bust
Chandra Nalaar
Countryside Crusher
Dead // Gone
Demonfire
Earthquake
Empty the Warrens
Fiery Temper
Fire Imp
Fireblast
Firebolt
Flame Fusillade
Flame Javelin
Flamebreak
Flametongue Kavu
Fork
Gathan Raiders
Ghostfire
Goblin Bombardment
Goblin Matron
Goblin Recruiter
Godo, Bandit Warlord
Gorilla Shaman
Grapeshot
Greater Gargadon
Grinning Ignus
Guerrilla Tactics
Hearth Kami
Hostility
Incinerate
Insurrection
Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
Jokulhaups
Kamahl, Pit Fighter
Keldon Marauders
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
Kird Ape
Knollspine Dragon
Knollspine Invocation
Lash Out
Lava Hounds
Lightning Bolt
Magma Jet
Magus of the Arena
Magus of the Scroll
Mana Flare
Mogg Fanatic
Mogg War Marshal
Molten Rain
Orcish Lumberjack
Pandemonium
Pyroblast
Pyroclasm
Reckless Wurm
Rolling Thunder
Ryusei, the Falling Star
Seal of Fire
Shard Phoenix
Shivan Hellkite
Shock
Siege-Gang Commander
Squee, Goblin Nabob
Sudden Shock
Sulfur Elemental
Tarfire
Taurean Mauler
Thundermare
Tin Street Hooligan
Threaten
Tribal Flames
Wheel of Fortune
Wildfire
Word of Seizing
GREEN
Arrogant Wurm
Basking Rootwalla
Berserk
Birds of Paradise
Blanchwood Armor
Briarhorn
Call of the Herd
Caller of the Claw
Carven Caryatid
Civic Wayfinder
Chameleon Colossus
Channel
Chord of Calling
Cloudthresher
Cream of the Crop
Crop Rotation
Defense of the Heart
Devoted Druid
Essence Warden
Eternal Witness
Exploration
Fertile Ground
Fyndhorn Elves
Gaea’s Anthem
Garruk Wildspeaker
Giant Growth
Golgari Grave-Troll
Harmonize
Harrow
Hystrodon
Imperious Perfect
Indrik Stomphowler
Kodama of the North Tree
Kodama's Reach
Krosan Grip
Life from the Loam
Living Wish
Llanowar Elves
Might of Oaks
Mirri, Cat Warrior
Moldervine Cloak
Naturalize
Overrun
Phantom Centaur
Plow Under
Primal Command
Prismatic Omen
Protean Hulk
Quirion Ranger
Rancor
Regrowth
River Boa
Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Saproling Burst
Scryb Ranger
Seal of Primordium
Seedborn Muse
Simian Grunts
Squall Line
Spawnwrithe
Spectral Force
Spidersilk Armor
Survival of the Fittest
Sylvan Scrying
Tarmogoyf
Thelonite Hermit
Tooth and Nail
Tower Above
Troll Ascetic
Uktabi Orangutan
Verdant Force
Vinelasher Kudzu
Viridian Shaman
Wall of Blossoms
Wall of Roots
Weatherseed Treefolk
Werebear
Wild Mongrel
Wood Elves
MULTICOLORED
Æthertow
Angel of Despair
Armadillo Cloak
Ashenmoor Liege
Azorius Guildmage
Boartusk Liege
Boggart Ram-Gang
Brion Stoutarm
Burning-Tree Shaman
Debtors' Knell
Desolation Giant
Doran, the Siege Tower
Electrolyze
Fiery Justice
Fire//Ice
Firemane Angel
Firespout
Ghost Council of Orzhova
Goblin Legionnaire
Grave-Shell Scarab
Izzet Chronarch
Kitchen Finks
Lightning Angel
Lightning Helix
Loxodon Hierarch
Memory Plunder
Mirrorweave
Mortify
Murderous Redcap
Mystic Enforcer
Mystic Snake
Nath of the Gilt-Leaf
Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind
Oona, Queen of the Fae
Oversoul of Dusk
Pernicious Deed
Putrefy
Rakdos Guildmage
Recoil
Savage Twister
Selesnya Guildmage
Shadowmage Infiltrator
Silkbind Faerie
Simic Sky Swallower
Stormbind
Suffocating Blast
Sygg, River Cutthroat
Teferi's Moat
Temporal Spring
Terminate
Trygon Predator
Vindicate
Void
Vulturous Zombie
Zur the Enchanter
ARTIFACTS
Azorius Signet
Bosh, Iron Golem
Bottle Gnomes
Coalition Relic
Crystal Shard
Cursed Scroll
Dimir Signet
Duplicant
Fellwar Stone
Gilded Lotus
Golgari Signet
Grim Poppet
Gruul Signet
Icy Manipulator
Izzet Signet
Juggernaut
Lightning Greaves
Lotus Petal
Loxodon Warhammer
Mox Diamond
Mox Emerald
Mox Jet
Mox Pearl
Mox Ruby
Mox Sapphire
Nevinyrral's Disk
Orzhov Signet
Pithing Needle
Platinum Angel
Rakdos Signet
Razormane Masticore
Scroll Rack
Selesnya Signet
Sensei's Divining Top
Serrated Arrows
Simic Signet
Skullclamp
Sol Ring
Solemn Simulacrum
Sundering Titan
Sword of Fire and Ice
Sword of Light and Shadow
Tormod's Crypt
Triskelion
Umezawa's Jitte
LANDS
Academy Ruins
Azorius Chancery
Badlands
Bayou
Bazaar of Baghdad
Blood Crypt
Boros Garrison
Breeding Pool
Dimir Aqueduct
Godless Shrine
Golgari Rot Farm
Gruul Turf
Hallowed Fountain
Izzet Boilerworks
Library of Alexandria
Murmuring Bosk
Mutavault
Orzhov Basilica
Overgrown Tomb
Plateau
Rakdos Carnarium
Sacred Foundry
Savannah
Scrubland
Selesnya Sanctuary
Simic Growth Chamber
Steam Vents
Stomping Ground
Strip Mine
Taiga
Temple Garden
Terramorphic Expanse
Tolarian Academy
Tropical Island
Tundra
Underground Sea
Volcanic Island
Volrath's Stronghold
Watery Grave
Wasteland
Notes:
THE MOVE TO 540 CARDS
After hosting a 12 man event last weekend I am heartily glad that we increased the size of the Cube. It adds to the variation of the drafting experience, and the over all power level has actually increased (in part because of proxies, see below). I think that an 8 person Cube is the best starting number and a good number overall, but going up to a 12 person Cube is worth it if people are willing to invest the time and cards to do it well. If we make the decision to go to a 16 person Cube I will likely relinquish stewardship to another responsible party. I want no part in counting, sorting, alphabetizing, typing, linking, and keeping track of ownership for 720 Goddamned cards. 540 is a great number for drafting, but it took me over six hours just to add the NEW cards to this list.
PROXIES
Yeah, we're proxying, and I would advocate the practice for anyone who wants to use Power in their Cube. In addition to our inclusions of Power, are also proxying Bazaar of Baghadad and Library of Alexandria. Honestly I would not go too proxy crazy with a Cube because fun Cubes can be assembled without really expensive cards, and each Cube should have its own flavor that reflects its ownership. Our Cube seems to have acquired quite an Elder Dragon Highlander feel, without the multiplayer aspect, obviously. In fact I'd describe it like EDH for Limited, if that makes any sense.
POWER
After much discussion we included some. We have Time Walk and the Moxen. The others were excluded for being too broken (i.e. Black Lotus) or too weak (i.e. Timetwister). So far this has worked out for us. It seems unlikely that any but the most die hard Magic geeks would put real Power into a Cube, but if you can afford to, God bless you.
BALANCE
We made efforts to balance out aggro strategies with more controlling cards. I think we have been mostly successful. I think the pendulum may need to swing a little back toward aggro, because I haven't seen a successful pure aggro deck thus far (Pseudonymous Drama Student's Mono Red Deck last night came pretty close). Midrange tempo or combo variants seem very powerful, and true control decks are possible but don't seem overwhelmingly great. I am getting a feeling (I haven't yet counted) we need to increase the ratio of creature to noncreature spells. This is something I'll be keeping at eye on for the future. I have also pushed for more Goblins, simply because the Cube is now 50% larger and we actually took Goblins out during the expansion. In my opinion there should be enough of them to make them the one really dangerous linear strategy in this Cube. People should need to make decisions about hating (objectively) less powerful Goblin cards in case one person at the table is drafting the awesome Goblin deck. We'll see. I might be overruled on this issue.
THE NAME
I would bet that not even half of the cards in the Cube are even mine anymore, so I dithered about as to whether to give it my name. I decided that only way to make the name sound more communal would be to name it after the Blog. Which shares a name with its creator. Who has made it clear that he is really, really not a fan of events that have included the Cube. So I just kept the old name, not out of hubris (well, okay, a little hubris!) but so that it wouldn't seem like some sort of sarcastic joke on Fugie. He's got it tough enough as it is.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Without the incisive insight of Tabasco and The Captain we'd still have an un-Powered 8 person Cube and I'd be sitting in my room wondering why nobody wants to play with it. Thanks for the harassment, the help, and the cards! We could've called it the Tabastictain Cube or something if that didn't sound disgusting. Whatever, you get the idea.
Thanks to Harry Potter, Major_Luck, and everyone else who added cool foils or foreign cards. You know it looks great now.
Thanks to Pseudonymous Drama Student for the foil land, and for the advice. He told me, "Every card in this Cube has a purpose. You need some cards that make people ask, 'What is THAT doing in here?!'"
Thanks to everyone else who has helped "test" and generally been involved in the process. I hope it's been fun. We'll be talking about Eventide additions soon, and any card suggestions (old or new) are welcome in the comments!
My next project is updating the Owners Database, then returning cards that have been cut to their rightful owners. I promise, I am going to be working on it!
T
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)