Mono U lifegain

[Tru3z3rox]

I used to have a life gain deck which was actually quite competitive in an aggro meta, but died down with the rise of combo. I thought now would be a good time to bring it back. The point of the deck is to beat down with life linkers and gain tons of life to stabilize against burn and tempo and aggro decks. The "oops I win" con is test of endurance. Basically the idea is to rob tempo decks of their advantages and completely destroy red based damage decks.

List:

Deck
Lands:
16 Plains
2 Emeria, the Sky Ruin

Sorceries:
4 Survival Cache

Instants:
4 Scent of Jasmine
4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Path to Exile

Planeswalkers:
2 Ajani Goldmane

Enchantments:
2 Test of Endurance

Creatures:
3 Transcendent Master
4 Martyr of Sands
4 Serra Ascendant
4 Ajani's Pridemate
4 Augury Adept
3 Divinity of Pride

[Roman Candle]

Here's what I would play.


4 Martyr of Sands
3 Ranger of Eos
1 Student of Warfare/Figure of Destiny
3 Eternal Dragon

3 Proclamation of Rebirth
4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Path to Exile
3 Wrath of God
3 Decree of Justice
4 Sensei's Divining Top
3 Elspeth, Knight Errant

4 Scrying Sheets
2 Emeria, the Sky Ruin
16 Snow-Covered Plains


Basically, cards like Serra Ascendant, Ajani's Pridemate, Test of Endurance, and Divinity of Pride are inherently weak because they rely on you gaining life, which is a poor thing to focus your gameplan on. While my list above gains a lot of life, it doesn't play nearly as many bad cards as yours -- the lifegain "engine" is made up of just 4 Martyr of Sands, 3 Ranger of Eos, and 3 Proclamation of Rebirth.

[Tru3z3rox]

Here's what I would play.


4 Martyr of Sands
3 Ranger of Eos
1 Student of Warfare/Figure of Destiny
3 Eternal Dragon

3 Proclamation of Rebirth
4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Path to Exile
3 Wrath of God
3 Decree of Justice
4 Sensei's Divining Top
3 Elspeth, Knight Errant

4 Scrying Sheets
2 Emeria, the Sky Ruin
16 Snow-Covered Plains


Basically, cards like Serra Ascendant, Ajani's Pridemate, Test of Endurance, and Divinity of Pride are inherently weak because they rely on you gaining life, which is a poor thing to focus your gameplan on. While my list above gains a lot of life, it doesn't play nearly as many bad cards as yours -- the lifegain "engine" is made up of just 4 Martyr of Sands, 3 Ranger of Eos, and 3 Proclamation of Rebirth.

Your engine is good too, but I prefer to have more synergy and actually achieve something with the life I gain if I can. Pridemate grows as I use defensive spells and with ajani himself. The caches and augury adepts provide card advantage and the removal guarantees the board be clear of scary creatures (WOG is NOT necessary). A fine board card, but anyway not necessary. Serra Ascendent is a 1 drop that becomes a 6/6 Flying lifelink creature by turn 4 the LATEST. Divinity of Pride has evasion inherent and becomes an 8/8 quickly as well. The deck functions on synergies instead of a life engine just to survive.

P.S. - The only flex slots I feel are the Tests of Endurance and the Scent of Jasmines.

[legendofzadeh]

@romancandle

I hardly think your list is better, it pretty much looks like you are going to be sitting there and crossing your finger till you have 4 land. And that is hardly a gain life deck, its not even worth comparing so I'm not even really sure why you posted it... (It also looks like a single extirpate would ruin your day.) So no need to bad mouth others ideas.

@tru3x3rox

have you considered "reverse damage" probably not mainboard, but perhaps in the side, I also like Knight of medowgrain, since she has first strike ajani's pridemage would be pumped before normal combat damage is dealt.

[Tru3z3rox]

@romancandle

I hardly think your list is better, it pretty much looks like you are going to be sitting there and crossing your finger till you have 4 land. And that is hardly a gain life deck, its not even worth comparing so I'm not even really sure why you posted it... (It also looks like a single extirpate would ruin your day.) So no need to bad mouth others ideas.

@tru3x3rox

have you considered "reverse damage" probably not mainboard, but perhaps in the side, I also like Knights of medowgrain, since she has first strike ajani's pridemage would be oumped before normal combat damage is dealt.

Meadowgrain is good, but only early game. Pridemate grows and grows because I will be gaining life each turn from multiple sources. I see it as life's knight of the reliquary. Reverse damage is unecessary in most cases. I think I'd always prefer harms way over that.

Edit: Sorry I thought you meant INSTEAD of pridemate. Yes he is actually quite good with pridemate...good idea.

[Roman Candle]

Your engine is good too, but I prefer to have more synergy and actually achieve something with the life I can if I can. Pridemate grows as I use defensive spells and with ajani himself. The caches and augury adepts provide card advantage and the removal guarantees the board be clear of scary creatures (WOG is NOT necessary). A fine board card, but anyway not necessary. Serra Ascendent is a 1 drop that becomes a 6/6 Flying lifelink creature by turn 4 the LATEST. Divinity of Pride has evasion inherent and becomes an 8/8 quickly as well. The deck functions on synergies instead of a life engine just to survive.

P.S. - The only flex slots I feel are the Tests of Endurance and the Scent of Jasmines.

Synergy only gets you so far. Triskelion and Blade of the Bloodchief have synergy, but no one plays those cards because they suck. My deck doesn't play bad cards. Augury Adept and Survival Cache are terrible sources of CA. Survival Cache just ends up doing nothing against Zoo without spending turns jumping through hoops to enable it, or playing Scent of Jasmine which is a -1 anyway. And even when it does, since when is Divination anywhere near playable in Legacy. Augury Adept is never going to get to swing. 2/2's without evasion never really get to attack in this format, especially when they don't lose summoning sickness until turn 4.

For Ajani's Pridemate to be able to take down an average Goyf, you need to trigger it three times. Without it getting Bolted or StP'd or Path'd, or without you getting overrun by Nacatls and Goyfs.

I really doubt you're getting Serra Ascendant to a 6/6 on turn 4 against a competent player with any regularity. Especially against like Zoo.

Divinity of Pride is laughably bad. Assuming it even resolves (a difficult task for a three-drop in this format, let alone a fucking five-drop), it has no way of protecting itself from a Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, which would be a huge tempo swing against you.

[Roman Candle]

@romancandle

I hardly think your list is better, it pretty much looks like you are going to be sitting there and crossing your finger till you have 4 land. And that is hardly a gain life deck, its not even worth comparing so I'm not even really sure why you posted it... (It also looks like a single extirpate would ruin your day.) So no need to bad mouth others ideas.

Regarding your first point:



4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Path to Exile


Although I will submit to the deck needing some number of Oblivion Rings somewhere. I made that list at like 3:30 in the morning in two minutes.

Its the closest to a life gain deck that is anywhere near remotely playable in Legacy. Furthermore, nobody plays Extirpate and even if they do, then that means I've already used Martyr once and that I can go about actually winning the game now.

When you post on a highly competitive forum like the Source, I assume you're looking for help. I don't look at it as badmouthing someone's ideas, I see it as giving a player the best chance at succeeding at a tournament. If you want to play a theme deck without wanting to make it better, go post in the casual forum.



Knight of Meadowgrain


That card is terrible. 2 power doesn't do anything in this format.

[legendofzadeh]

Regarding your first point:



Its the closest to a life gain deck that is anywhere near remotely playable in Legacy. Furthermore, nobody plays Extirpate and even if they do, then that means I've already used Martyr once and that I can go about actually winning the game now.

When you post on a highly competitive forum like the Source, I assume you're looking for help. I don't look at it as badmouthing someone's ideas, I see it as giving a player the best chance at succeeding at a tournament. If you want to play a theme deck without wanting to make it better, go post in the casual forum.

Yeah this is also a forum for "new and developmental decks"

and apparently these 4 path and swords will get you to turn 4... but for some reason the ones that Tru3z3rox has in his deck wont get him there...

instead of completely changing the deck to what you would play, instead maybe suggest something that may fit in and improve his decklist.

[Tru3z3rox]

Synergy only gets you so far. Triskelion and Blade of the Bloodchief have synergy, but no one plays those cards because they suck. My deck doesn't play bad cards. Augury Adept and Survival Cache are terrible sources of CA. Survival Cache just ends up doing nothing against Zoo without spending turns jumping through hoops to enable it, or playing Scent of Jasmine which is a -1 anyway. And even when it does, since when is Divination anywhere near playable in Legacy. Augury Adept is never going to get to swing. 2/2's without evasion never really get to attack in this format, especially when they don't lose summoning sickness until turn 4.

For Ajani's Pridemate to be able to take down an average Goyf, you need to trigger it three times. Without it getting Bolted or StP'd or Path'd, or without you getting overrun by Nacatls and Goyfs.

I really doubt you're getting Serra Ascendant to a 6/6 on turn 4 against a competent player with any regularity. Especially against like Zoo.

Divinity of Pride is laughably bad. Assuming it even resolves (a difficult task for a three-drop in this format, let alone a fucking five-drop), it has no way of protecting itself from a Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, which would be a huge tempo swing against you.

Syngery does get you far...especially when it is passive synergy. All of those creatures (Sans transcendent) don't need me to look after them for them to grow.

@Augury Adept
You have a point of not having evasion, but that is why I run 8 REMOVAL SPELLS.

@Pridemate
Goyf starts small, but grows faster...fine. Pridemate has more POTENTIAL growth and can eventually outclass goyf and even KotR. He doesn't rely on any part of my field to be big..just my life.

@Survival Cache
This list gains so much life and is aggressive at the same time so those situations are quite rare. My 1 martyr/scent will outclass 4 bolts. A 1:4 is a damn good deal to me, don't you think?

@Serra Ascendant
Again...requires no upkeep or attention on my part...just doing what the deck does.

@Divinity of Pride
You don't give it enough credit. It being 5 mana actually enables it to resolves MORE OFTEN especially against counterbalance. Do you think a gain life deck with tons of creature removal can't stall until turn 5 to play it? And also by that point it may hit play as an 8/8 Flying Lifelink?

Your points, while having credibility are very narrow sighted. Please think outside of the box and look at the list again.


P.S. - The only thing I feel I am missing is Mother of Runes. I'm not sure how and where she would fit in.

[Roman Candle]

Yeah this is also a forum for "new and developmental decks"

and apparently these 4 path and swords will get you to turn 4... but for some reason the ones that Tru3z3rox has in his deck wont get him there...

instead of completely changing the deck to what you would play, instead maybe suggest something that may fit in and improve his decklist.

This forum is meant for decks that need to be tuned to see high level competitive play. Obviously the OP wanted to play a lifegain deck in tournaments, so I provided him with the most likely to be competitive lifegain list that I could think of.

I never said his Paths and StP's won't get him to turn 4, I said that his deck doesn't do anything powerful or interesting after turn 4 or really at any stage of the game.

[Tru3z3rox]

Oh and addressing my creatures eating removal....isn't that the case for ANY CREATURE? I hardly think mine are different, yes most of my creatures demand it EARLY. If you let them grow they quickly get out of bolt range. Also if I choose to run mother of runes somewhere in my list that will make your point even more moot.

P.S. - Lifegain decks are not strong early game. They thrive in the mid-late game and can easily outclass even combo decks. I think gaining 10-20 life in response to a turn 2 tendrils is pretty damn good. Using removal and life gain to survive to midgame and then beat face.

[Roman Candle]

I'm not going to argue about this. All I'm saying is, in a format of 1 mana 3/3's, Goyfs, and combo decks that can kill as early as turn 2, playing Ajani's Pridemate on turn 2 is going to be far too weak.

[legendofzadeh]

This forum is meant for decks that need to be tuned to see high level competitive play. Obviously the OP wanted to play a lifegain deck in tournaments, so I provided him with the most likely to be competitive lifegain list that I could think of.

I never said his Paths and StP's won't get him to turn 4, I said that his deck doesn't do anything powerful or interesting after turn 4 or really at any stage of the game.


or decks that people feel they want to tune for competitive play (plus i would assume they have a better understanding of their local meta then you would)

It really gets on my nerves that some players can be so narrow sighted, MTG is a game, and what fun would it be without new ideas, plus playing against just zoo, merfolk and charbeltcher over and over can be repetitive and boring. Its good to see new ideas and explore them with others. THAT is the purpose of a forum.

I am also curious what god figure decree'ed "Its the closest to a life gain deck that is anywhere near remotely playable in Legacy."

open your mind, there is nothing wrong with a new deck idea, even if you personally consider it "subpar"

[Tru3z3rox]

I'm not going to argue about this. All I'm saying is, in a format of 1 mana 3/3's, Goyfs, and combo decks that can kill as early as turn 2, playing Ajani's Pridemate on turn 2 is going to be far too weak.

I know zoo very well and I always have them in mind when I construct a deck. I only care about 3 threats in zoo (aside from burns):

Knight of the Reliquary
Tarmogoyf
Wild Nacatl

8 Removal spells is more than enough to deal with those until my creatures outclass them. A few bolts to the face doesn't bother me. Nor does a path or two at my creatures.


Deck discussion thrives on people talking so don't get discouraged. Just articulate your ideas and propose them in a friendly and organized fashion and you should be fine. Provide explanations (as I've done) instead of just suggesting cards that are superior in your eyes to others.

[legendofzadeh]

Deck discussion thrives on people talking so don't get discouraged. Just articulate your ideas and propose them in a friendly and organized fashion and you should be fine. Provide explanations (as I've done) instead of just suggesting cards that are superior in your eyes to other.

right on.

[Gurzigost]

I don't think Elspeth is good in this deck. A better (and at the same time, an additional,) kill condition for this deck would be better in its place. Also, I would only run 3 tops. I guess it's a personal preference, but I always see three being a good number.

Ajani Goldmane?

Just my thoughts. And calm down guys. We're all here for the same reason (or should be).

[Darkenslight]

I believe that Ajani AND Elspeth fit into the deck. Also, I'd consider playing 2 of Transcendent Master, because it becomes a monster lifelinker.

[Iare]

List:

Deck
Lands:
16 Plains
2 Emeria, the Sky Ruin

Sorceries:
4 Survival Cache

Instants:
4 Scent of Jasmine
4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Path to Exile

Planeswalkers:
2 Ajani Goldmane

Enchantments:
2 Test of Endurance

Creatures:
3 Transcendent Master
4 Martyr of Sands
4 Serra Ascendant
4 Ajani's Pridemate
4 Augury Adept
3 Divinity of Pride

Hmm, I wish you the best luck with Mono white control in general. I'm a big fan of the archetype in multiplayer and EDH and its tons of fun so really honestly if you can make it competitive more power to you. Now for the obligatory advice, Elspeth is awesome you should run Elspeth seriously she is as good as sex. Transcendent master, augury adept, and test of endurance all seem very very underwhelming I would cut all of them and start from there some things to test Elspeth, Wall of hope? , Wrath of God , wing shards, something that catnips?, Elspeth , mooore land, tithe , reprisal , oblivion ring , and mother of runes. Those are the only cards I can think of atm without splashing a color for vindicate or lightning heilx.

Edit dropping Emeria is probably a good idea too adding some tech like Kor Haven is advised. Also, you could try Flagstones of Trokair/ Armageddon package to crush opposing control who is probably better than you.

[SpoCk0nd0pe]

U=blue, your deck is obviously mono W

[DrJones]

I have to stop for a moment here and laugh as hard as I can at the people that say that a lifegaining deck has to be worried about ZOO. If there's something tempo decks with burn cannot do, is racing a deck that gains 10 life every turn. If your life-gaining deck loses against ZOO, it will lose against EVERYTHING in the format.

[The Treefolk Master]

I would play a pair of Elspeths, 3 Emerias, 3-4 Baneslayer Angels. Maybe try Gideon too.

Don't you thinks running, er, 8 Sword effects is a little too much?

Also, you could consider Mana Tithe.

Also, try a pair of Wrath Effects, as an emergency button.

Luminarch Ascension against control decks would also be good.

[Tru3z3rox]

U=blue, your deck is obviously mono W

Yes I know. It was a mistake (I am accustomed to playing blue) that turned into a funny joke.

[Tru3z3rox]

List:

Deck
Lands:
16 Plains
2 Emeria, the Sky Ruin

Sorceries:
4 Survival Cache

Instants:
4 Scent of Jasmine
4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Path to Exile

Planeswalkers:
2 Ajani Goldmane

Enchantments:
2 Test of Endurance

Creatures:
3 Transcendent Master
4 Martyr of Sands
4 Serra Ascendant
4 Ajani's Pridemate
4 Augury Adept
3 Divinity of Pride

Hmm, I wish you the best luck with Mono white control in general. I'm a big fan of the archetype in multiplayer and EDH and its tons of fun so really honestly if you can make it competitive more power to you. Now for the obligatory advice, Elspeth is awesome you should run Elspeth seriously she is as good as sex. Transcendent master, augury adept, and test of endurance all seem very very underwhelming I would cut all of them and start from there some things to test Elspeth, Wall of hope? , Wrath of God , wing shards, something that catnips?, Elspeth , mooore land, tithe , reprisal , oblivion ring , and mother of runes. Those are the only cards I can think of atm without splashing a color for vindicate or lightning heilx.

Edit dropping Emeria is probably a good idea too adding some tech like Kor Haven is advised. Also, you could try Flagstones of Trokair/ Armageddon package to crush opposing control who is probably better than you.

I may end up dropping transcedent master, but augury adept is godly and test of endurance needs to be my secondary win condition incase my creatures are dropping like flies. I've currently made room for 4 mother of runes (tech to get augury adept through). I'll test the list in the upcoming weeks.

@Elspeth
Yes Elspeth is good in any aggressive white deck, but I believe Ajani is better in this case. He has synergy with the rest of the cards (pumps them with vigilance and eventually meets the life requirement for them to grow). I'll see if I can fit her in, but as of now I don't think she is required.

@Emeria
There is no way that I can drop it. It gives my late game lands something to do and gives me a good late game engine.

@Armageddon
With no vial/mana accel I don't think armageddon is worth it. Many of my key spells are 3+ mana and I only run 18-19 lands in the deck. I think it is rather unlikely that I can make it work.

[Tru3z3rox]

I have to stop for a moment here and laugh as hard as I can at the people that say that a lifegaining deck has to be worried about ZOO. If there's something tempo decks with burn cannot do, is racing a deck that gains 10 life every turn. If your life-gaining deck loses against ZOO, it will lose against EVERYTHING in the format.

Finally someone that sees what I'm trying to say!

[Tru3z3rox]

I would play a pair of Elspeths, 3 Emerias, 3-4 Baneslayer Angels. Maybe try Gideon too.

Don't you thinks running, er, 8 Sword effects is a little too much?

Also, you could consider Mana Tithe.

Also, try a pair of Wrath Effects, as an emergency button.

Luminarch Ascension against control decks would also be good.

I'd play tithe over mana tithe. I don't care much about countering them..just removing their creatures. I think this deck needs 8 targeted removal to keep the board clean. This deck needs to make it to mid game to become strong. Hence the heavy creature control.

Here is my new list with the inclusion of mother of runes (I deemed to be necessary):


Lands:
16 Plains
2 Emeria, the Sky Ruin

Sorceries:
3 Survival Cache

Instants:
4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Path to Exile

Planeswalkers:
2 Ajani Goldmane

Artifacts:
4 Aether Vial
2 Umezawa's Jitte

Creatures:
4 Mother of Runes
4 Martyr of Sands
4 Serra Ascendant
4 Ajani's Pridemate
4 Augury Adept
4 Knight of the Meadowgrain

Jitte and knight of meadowgrain are good inclusions and synergize well with pridemate. Mother of Runes makes Augury unblockable and 8 spot removals help out. Also mother makes any creature wield jitte like a god.

[Darkenslight]

No Felidar Sovereign or Test of Endurance make my head hurt. Also, I believe that a Whispersilk Cloak or two might benefit the deck.

[Tru3z3rox]

No Felidar Sovereign or Test of Endurance make my head hurt. Also, I believe that a Whispersilk Cloak or two might benefit the deck.

Felidar is too expensive and I want to the deck to be more aggressive instead of just trying to hit 50. That can easily be stopped.

[Iare]

I didn't say remove Ajani, but you really should run Espeth along side him seriously you won't be dissapointed. Also, knight of meadowgrain is jank ... Vial isn't white and is probably not necessary I would check out Tithe and more lands.

[Tru3z3rox]

I didn't say remove Ajani, but you really should run Espeth along side him seriously you won't be dissapointed. Also, knight of meadowgrain is jank ... Vial isn't white and is probably not necessary I would check out Tithe and more lands.

I guess if I tried elspeth it would be more worth it to run tithe. I just have a very good curve with the deck, so that is why I like vial. I'm going to play test with just ajani in there for now though.

[Mystical_Jackass]

I don't know about the OP's list... ToE, Divinity of Pride, Cache, etc. seem pretty janky.

Roman_Candle's list seemed a little closer to the curve you need to play competetive, I'm thinking even some Jitte's and... bah, the creature that fetches for equipment, I'm tired and can't remember atm lol, that chick.

Ajani seems sorta weak, the R/W Ajani at least provides some better control... Elspeth would just be plain all around better. Then you could run Moat, another amazing card. I think ~3 WoG/Cataclysm would offer good control too.


I guess I don't really see the point of Test of Endurance or Sovereign... seem like "win more" cards. If you're at 50+ life, your deck runs scrying sheets and plenty of board control, you're prolly already gonna win ya know.

I've actually found a life gain combo that works better than ToE: Painter's Servant + Grindstone

[Tru3z3rox]

I don't know about the OP's list... ToE, Divinity of Pride, Cache, etc. seem pretty janky.

Roman_Candle's list seemed a little closer to the curve you need to play competetive, I'm thinking even some Jitte's and... bah, the creature that fetches for equipment, I'm tired and can't remember atm lol, that chick.

Ajani seems sorta weak, the R/W Ajani at least provides some better control... Elspeth would just be plain all around better. Then you could run Moat, another amazing card. I think ~3 WoG/Cataclysm would offer good control too.


I guess I don't really see the point of Test of Endurance or Sovereign... seem like "win more" cards. If you're at 50+ life, your deck runs scrying sheets and plenty of board control, you're prolly already gonna win ya know.

I've actually found a life gain combo that works better than ToE: Painter's Servant + Grindstone

I tweaked my list. Check it out. Ajani is not so bad. I really like the +1/+1 counters on ALL of my creatures and the vigilance. Can't afford moat, so the only option would be magus of the moat. The only situation in which I'd do that is if I ran elspeth.

[Tru3z3rox]

I was inspired a bit by soul sisters and thought the amalgamation of the two could prove worth it. Here is my new list:

Lands:
15 Plains
4 Wasteland

Instants:
4 Swords to Plowshares
2 Oblivion Ring

Planeswalkers:
2 Elspeth Tirel

Artifacts:
4 Aether Vial
2 Umezawa's Jitte

Creatures:
4 Mother of Runes
4 Auriok Champion
4 Serra Ascendant
4 Ajani's Pridemate
4 Augury Adept
4 Soul Warden
4 Soul's Attendent


I'd like to squeeze ranger of eos in here somehow, but I'm not too sure what could be cut. Perhaps two augury adepts...

[SpeedOfDark]

Hi, interesting deck.

As much as the "soul sisters" theme has obvious and decent synergy, I think you already have plenty of creatures fighting for the 1 mana slot, some of them superior to the sisters. I'm not saying I wouldn't run any sisters, just thinking that 8 is a bit too much.

Have you considered kitchen finks as a potential creature?

Normally you will pay 3 mana and get a 3/2, then a 2/1 the next turn, and gain 4 life (2 life gain activations), which is a pretty good deal considering your deck's game plan. The worst case scenario is if he gets exiled, but even then you still get 2 life and 1 activation out of the trade (not to mention your opponent should save his exile effects for your real threats).

Also, he is a secondary win condition with goldmane, if you take that path.

[silvanel]

I actualy been working on a life deck and that's what I came up to so far.

14 plain
4x mishra factory

4x path to exile
2x sword to plowshare
3x survival cache
4x oblivion ring

4x adjani pridemate
4x Serra Ascendant
4x Martyr of Sands ( works wonder with pridemate since it trigger 3 times)
4x knight of meadowgrain
4x mother of runes
3x serra avenger
1x Stoneforge Mystic

4x aether vial
2x jitte


I was surprised how good it was. Still need a few change but overall job well done vs zoo, dredge, counterballance,and burn.