[Article] Unlocking Legacy - Scepter Landstill

[GreenOne]

Unlocking Legacy - Scepter Landstill (http://www.starcitygames.com/magic/legacy/16978_Unlocking_Legacy_Scepter_Landstill.html) by Kevin Binswanger

I saw some of those decks on MWS. I guess this is the reason.

[Omega]

In my opinion, just like Dreadnought, to be able to use, and abuse Isochron Scepter, you need to play it in a deck that can generate cards advantage to compensate the initial disadvantage.

As a tool to enforce control, i think isochron can be a good card. I am surprised that it sees so little play. But i guess disadvantage, along with the high number of krosan grip explain why

Robert

[Brehn]

I saw some of those decks on MWS.

Welcome to 2004.

[Skeggi]

Since then, it seems like all my deck started out with Force of Will, Counterbalance, Sensei's Divining Top, and Counterbalance, but not anymore.
That's alot of Counterbalance.

[FoolofaTook]

"Is Scepter-Landstill right for you? If you like Dreadstill but hate giving up the two-for-ones when your Dreadnought gets Swords to Plowshared, you may want to look into the deck."

So we're supposed to trade the two for one for a different two for one when Scepter gets gripped, EE'd, deeded, stifled, etc? Yes, there are more ways to kill a dreadnought than a scepter, however a dreadnought that lands actually kills the opponent a turn or two later in most cases.

[GreenOne]

Welcome to 2004.
I don't get it.

So we're supposed to trade the two for one for a different two for one when Scepter gets gripped, EE'd, deeded, stifled, etc?
If it get stifled, it's a 1 for 1, cause you don't imprint.

[hi-val]

I'm inclined to move away from using Chant at all and using cards that generate real, aggregate advantage. So many decks will just punk you by eventually killing the Scepter that I'd rather be drawing lots of cards or killing d00ds with something like Helix or AK. I think that blends a lot better with trying to integrate CounterTop.

[Citrus-God]

I'm inclined to move away from using Chant at all and using cards that generate real, aggregate advantage. So many decks will just punk you by eventually killing the Scepter that I'd rather be drawing lots of cards or killing d00ds with something like Helix or AK. I think that blends a lot better with trying to integrate CounterTop.

Another reason to use other cards instead of Chant is because Chant is usually a dead card for you. The most it can do is help you outside of helping you achieve a lock is either make a fog effect, win a counter war or resolve a Scepter. And I'd rather have a card advantage enabler than an Orim's Chant.

Scepters in a control deck should be making card advantage before it gets answered. This allows you to maximize the card advantage made before it was answered. This might make you able to break even from the card advantage or capitalize on it. Usually, you'll be drowned in card disadvantage, but it's a risk if you run Scepters.


With generic Landstill, I make enough Game 1 wins with Humility. Difference is that I have 2 copies. I board them out religiously. Landstill is all about Game 1s when you're playing in the swiss. You usually have Game 2 in your favor if you win Game 1 due to having control of the time.

[Anusien]

I board out Chant a decent amount, but so few decks are prepared for it game 1. Generally what happens is Game 1 you blow somebody out with Isochron Scepter and then you either board it out if it's a serious liability or trim it and just use it very carefully. I'm much less likely to want to imprint Orim's Chant in sideboarded games, but even if you get a couple of uses out of it; you're fine.


So we're supposed to trade the two for one for a different two for one when Scepter gets gripped, EE'd, deeded, stifled, etc? Yes, there are more ways to kill a dreadnought than a scepter, however a dreadnought that lands actually kills the opponent a turn or two later in most cases.
The thing with Dreadnought is that you're awkwardly forced to rely on it in tons of matchups. Here it's just another tool. Plus it's rare that I play Scepter and don't get a use out of it right away, so it's usually like a 2 for 2.

Plus, you have tons of ways to reload anyway (Fact or Fiction is good again!)

Edit: Chant in response to Dreadnought is awesome! But I've considered cutting the 3rd Chant, actually.