Need Legacy Deck Suggestions

[Hapless Researcher]

I'm building a legacy deck, and I want to play a deck that is attrition heavy. There's no budget/color restriction, it just has to be a deck I will actually enjoy.

I love playing grindy decks, so if anyone can help me pick something that has game against the meta (I'm a serious spike), let me know!

[GoblinSettler]

Why not the controlling version of Team America?

BUG Control thread (http://www.mtgthesource.com/forums/showthread.php?23429-Deck-Team-America-(Control-Thread))

Or, here are the search results for Legacy decks with Life from the Loam (http://www.thecouncil.es/tcdecks/busqueda.php?token=Decks&tname=&nlow=0&nhigh=0&dlow=0&mlow=0&ylow=0&dhigh=0&mhigh=0&yhigh=0&player=&dname=&format=Legacy&aname=&main=Life+from+the+Loam&nomain=&side=&noside=&strict=on) on TC Decks.

[Zand]

Another option could be some flavour of Nic-Fit, that deck tends to be quite grindy.

[death]

So you want to succeed in legacy... You need 4 Brainstorm + 4 Force of Will, whether you want to play control, aggro-control, or combo. Having said that let me narrow down your choices:

Miracle control
Blade control
BUG control

FWIW, the first two are currently 2nd-3rd best performing decks of the format, next to RUG Tempo, an aggro-control archetype.

[mini1337s]

Why not the controlling version of Team America?

BUG Control thread (http://www.mtgthesource.com/forums/showthread.php?23429-Deck-Team-America-(Control-Thread))

Or, here are the search results for Legacy decks with Life from the Loam (http://www.thecouncil.es/tcdecks/busqueda.php?token=Decks&tname=&nlow=0&nhigh=0&dlow=0&mlow=0&ylow=0&dhigh=0&mhigh=0&yhigh=0&player=&dname=&format=Legacy&aname=&main=Life+from+the+Loam&nomain=&side=&noside=&strict=on) on TC Decks.
I agree that if you are looking for a grind, BUG control is the way to go. Granted, it's expensive, but without budget restrictions, it's going to play out as you like it.
BUG does struggle with aggro decks though, and it's fair to say it's seated as a Tier 2 deck, atleast for the time being. If you are looking for a similar grind, but tier 1, U/W Miracle Control would be a good fit.
Test both decks on MWS and Cockatrice, and try before you buy, but they should play out in the style you are looking for.

[Einherjer]

I'm building a legacy deck, and I want to play a deck that is attrition heavy. There's no budget/color restriction, it just has to be a deck I will actually enjoy.

I love playing grindy decks, so if anyone can help me pick something that has game against the meta (I'm a serious spike), let me know!


He said he is a serious spike, so no BUG Control. I'd suggest you to play Esperblade, it basically trades 1-1, or 1-2, or 0,5-1 and stuff all the time until Batterskull and/or Jace take over the game. Very skill intense, very attrition based and still a serious contender for the top-deck.

Greetings

[cuthbertthecat]

Play lands, it has the best grindy deck mirror.

[Julian23]

Ok, so I have to be playing Devil's Advocate (click it, you will like it) (http://media.beta.photobucket.com/user/nicoleavila75/media/devils_advocate.jpg.html?filters[term]=Simpsons%20Devil%2527s%20Advocate&filters[primary]=images) and say it: There's a certain conflict of interests between being a serious spike and wanting to play an extremely grinding deck in Legacy. Not saying that being grindy is something inherently bad, but I'm a strong believer in that in the long run, you are gonna be better off playing a proactive or midrange deck in a format as fucking crazily diverse as Legacy. I've played my fair share of ultra grindy decks and sometimes killed my opponent by Looping Mox Diamond with Academy Ruins. It's great, it's fun, it can be pretty successful, as Max(?) from Denmark showcased at GP Ghent. But if you're what you describe as a "serious spike", I strongly advice you to play something not-so-grindy.

In case you still want something grindy, go with Esperblade. No BUG Control without Mental Misstep.

Of course, this only applies to rather large tournaments. Local events are a whole different story.

[Megadeus]

Ok, so I have to be playing Devil's Advocate (click it, you will like it) (http://media.beta.photobucket.com/user/nicoleavila75/media/devils_advocate.jpg.html?filters[term]=Simpsons%20Devil%2527s%20Advocate&filters[primary]=images) and say it: There's a certain conflict of interests between being a serious spike and wanting to play an extremely grinding deck in Legacy. Not saying that being grindy is something inherently bad, but I'm a strong believer in that in the long run, you are gonna be better off playing a proactive or midrange deck in a format as fucking crazily diverse as Legacy. I've played my fair share of ultra grindy decks and sometimes killed my opponent by Looping Mox Diamond with Academy Ruins. It's great, it's fun, it can be pretty successful, as Max(?) from Denmark showcased at GP Ghent. But if you're what you describe as a "serious spike", I strongly advice you to play something not-so-grindy.

In case you still want something grindy, go with Esperblade. No BUG Control without Mental Misstep.

Of course, this only applies to rather large tournaments. Local events are a whole different story.

Blade control is a very sweet deck. So many ways to win, and if you never got to play Jace when he was standard, you should try him in Legacy. It is definitely a very skill intensive deck, but it is quite rewarding.

[Sloshthedark]

What's so skill intensive about blade control? it's a typical get into legacy "seriously" deck for standard players...

// if you want to win don't play grindy decks... just play good what you enjoy first

[Valtrix]

If you want grind, then try my intuition miracles. It's certainly more control/attrition based than a typical miracles build, and Intuition is very powerful and very enjoyable to play with. I have been playing Intuition-based control decks for a long time and have always been very happy with them. They are very skill intensive, and since they are so grindy you will need to learn to play quickly to avoid time in round (which is true of most grindy decks). The key thing to be most successful is that you need to metagame a little bit, so the main and SB tend to fluctuate for me fairly frequently depending on what I feel like I need to be better prepared for (while this is true of all decks, I tend to be more concerned about this with control decks, as they need to know what they need to control). I don't know if I like 3 Counterbalance/1 Counterpsell in those slots right now, I think other spells might be stronger than these at the moment, but I'm not sure what yet. Also, the list is 61 cards because I like the extra slot with Intuition and I just like 61 cards in general, so feel free to cut a card if you want.


// Lands
2 [ST] Island (3)
2 [CST] Plains (2)
3 [R] Tundra
1 [LG] Karakas
2 [DK] Maze of Ith
1 [TSP] Academy Ruins
4 [JGC] Flooded Strand
1 [R] Savannah
4 [ZEN] Misty Rainforest
1 [JGC] Windswept Heath
2 [R] Tropical Island
1 [NE] Kor Haven
1 [B] Underground Sea

// Creatures
2 [WWK] Stoneforge Mystic

// Spells
4 [IA] Swords to Plowshares
1 [FD] Engineered Explosives
4 [AL] Force of Will
4 [CMD] Brainstorm
3 [AVR] Terminus
1 [AVR] Entreat the Angels
4 [V09] Sensei's Divining Top
4 [WWK] Jace, the Mind Sculptor
3 [TE] Intuition
1 [RAV] Life from the Loam
1 [NPH] Batterskull
3 [CS] Counterbalance
1 [TE] Counterspell

// Sideboard
SB: 1 [AVR] Terminus
SB: 4 [ZEN] Spell Pierce
SB: 1 [CH] Tormod's Crypt
SB: 1 [EVE] Worm Harvest
SB: 1 [SOM] Nihil Spellbomb
SB: 3 [HOP] Oblivion Ring
SB: 2 Porphyry Nodes
SB: 1 Ensnaring Bridge
SB: 1 Grafdigger's Cage


I also had an idea to try a slightly transformational SB with a reanimate package, replacing the last 4 cards in the SB above with the following:

SB: 1 [EVE] Raven's Crime
SB: 1 [NPH] Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
SB: 1 [ZEN] Iona, Shield of Emeria
SB: 1 [ISD] Unburial Rites

In theory it sounds like it could be very strong since many decks will be crushed with Iona or Elesh Norn, but I haven't had a chance to test it, so try it at your own risk. I like how it sounds enough to try it, although I imagine it would probably be too clunky in the end.

[Hapless Researcher]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

I like playing attrition decks, but midrange is also great fun!

I'm seriously looking into Esper Stoneblade, but will need to test it some first.



Is there any type of successful Deathrite Shaman build in Legacy yet?

[Megadeus]

There was a GWB Deadguy Ale deck that durward created that top 8'd last weekend I believe? Not necessarily a grindy deck, but definitely a cool one. Played shamans, and even I think a Hero of bladehold or two aka offense in a can.

[Arianrhod]

Nic Fit, Esperblade, Rock, and AggroLoam all have my vote. Esperblade is actually the only blue deck that I would classify as a grindfest, honestly. The non-blue control decks tend to be much grinder and more attrition-based than the blue control decks of the format. Don't get something like U/W Miracles, which just takes forever to win, confused with an actual grindy attrition deck. I wouldn't classify Miracles as attrition at all (no offense to Valcrix, as I haven't tried his brew...I'm referring to traditional takes).

It's true that Esperblade is basically Training Wheels Legacy, but, at the same time, if you actually get good with the deck, it will serve you well...if you try it and like it, stick with it! Don't drop it for a different deck, even if you get derided for playing it.

But yeah. Non-blue control is where you will find the attrition decks outside of Esperblade.

Also, as far as Deathrite goes, he's showing up in BUG Control now, and he's already a mainstay of Rock/Junk decks. Sdematt and Dyvith both have solid builds here on Source, if you want to look into Rock/Junk. Nic Fit is adopting him as a 1-of, usually, but not more than that. If you're interested in that deck, just follow the links in my signature. AggroLoam hasn't been popular for a while -- but I'd look up Dave Rice's lists. He's a consummate loamer.

[Hapless Researcher]

Nic Fit, Esperblade, Rock, and AggroLoam all have my vote. Esperblade is actually the only blue deck that I would classify as a grindfest, honestly. The non-blue control decks tend to be much grinder and more attrition-based than the blue control decks of the format. Don't get something like U/W Miracles, which just takes forever to win, confused with an actual grindy attrition deck. I wouldn't classify Miracles as attrition at all (no offense to Valcrix, as I haven't tried his brew...I'm referring to traditional takes).

It's true that Esperblade is basically Training Wheels Legacy, but, at the same time, if you actually get good with the deck, it will serve you well...if you try it and like it, stick with it! Don't drop it for a different deck, even if you get derided for playing it.

But yeah. Non-blue control is where you will find the attrition decks outside of Esperblade.

Also, as far as Deathrite goes, he's showing up in BUG Control now, and he's already a mainstay of Rock/Junk decks. Sdematt and Dyvith both have solid builds here on Source, if you want to look into Rock/Junk. Nic Fit is adopting him as a 1-of, usually, but not more than that. If you're interested in that deck, just follow the links in my signature. AggroLoam hasn't been popular for a while -- but I'd look up Dave Rice's lists. He's a consummate loamer.


Thanks for the feedback. I'm not new to the format, btw. It's just I haven't owned my own Legacy deck in several years (Remember the Hulk brews with Psychatog?). So far Esperblade is a frontrunner, but I have to ask:

I like Junk/Jund type strategies, but how do they fight combo consistently? I mean, the last open a Junk player was doing great until he ran into High Tide.

[Arianrhod]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not new to the format, btw. It's just I haven't owned my own Legacy deck in several years (Remember the Hulk brews with Psychatog?). So far Esperblade is a frontrunner, but I have to ask:

I like Junk/Jund type strategies, but how do they fight combo consistently? I mean, the last open a Junk player was doing great until he ran into High Tide.

Surgical is a popular option, but it only goes so far. If you're worried about combo, Extirpate is still better, since most of the more dangerous combo decks also run Force of Will. Discard is fine, but you need a clock to go with it...there are two ways to achieve this:

A: a traditional clock, aka Goyf, KotR, whatever.
B: a nontraditional clock, aka Liliana of the Veil, Cranial Extraction, Nether Void, etc.

Nic Fit uses option B, Rock/Junk/whatever uses option A. I personally think that option B is better, especially since you have the benefit of Cabal Therapy + dudes to flash it back, which is insanely powerful. Like, vs High Tide as an example, your average Nic Fit has Therapy (+ flashback), Carpet of Flowers (which ramps into your bombs faster/lets you unload a flurry of discard), Cranial Extraction-effect x2 (Jund versions run Slaughter Games, which RUINS High Tide), and then a few flex spots that vary tremendously based on the version. Some opt for extra spot discard, some run Hymn, some run Lilianas, some run Nether Void as a Rector bullet, some run Tsunami, etc. I actually think that Nic Fit is better suited to fighting combo than Rock is; it just takes some practice and some odd sideboard choices.

That said, something like Belcher is still a nightmare. Or if they're on the play and they open up Tomb, Petal, Show, Emrakul. That's the price you pay for not running blue in this format -- sometimes you just autolose to combo. But, that's a fairly small percentage of games....most of the time, you can delay them with well-placed Therapies until you can land a bomb (like Cranial Extraction naming Emrakul).

I can't speak as well for Rock or AggroLoam, since Nic Fit is my baby, but I know that Aggroloam has a HORRIBLE combo matchup. It basically plans to just devour all blue decks in the room, beat fair decks, and get lucky with pairings.

[Megadeus]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not new to the format, btw. It's just I haven't owned my own Legacy deck in several years (Remember the Hulk brews with Psychatog?). So far Esperblade is a frontrunner, but I have to ask:

I like Junk/Jund type strategies, but how do they fight combo consistently? I mean, the last open a Junk player was doing great until he ran into High Tide.

Thalia plus mana denial goes a long way. Also discard effects. It definitrly isn't a great MU. The fact is that at this time combo isnt overly popular. At least in the states anyway.

[Hapless Researcher]

I think I've decided on Stoneblade. It fits my playstyle of "I don't have to win, just make sure you lose."

I like reactive decks.

[mini1337s]

I think I've decided on Stoneblade. It fits my playstyle of "I don't have to win, just make sure you lose."

I like reactive decks.
Another nice think about Stoneblade, particularly if you build the Esper version that splashes black for Thoughtseize and Inquisition of Kozilek, is that if you don't find it's your cup of tea, it's not a huge stretch to move to other control archtypes. If you build the Esper Version you net:

2-3 Underground Sea
4 Force of Will
3-4 Jace, the Mind Sculptor
7-8 Blue Fetches
1-3 Vendilion Clique
3-4 Snapcaster Mage

It's particularly nice if you decide to move into BUG control, which is about as grindtastic as they come.

Good luck!

[kiblast]

Caw Cartel Miracles! (http://www.thecouncil.es/tcdecks/deck.php?id=8476&iddeck=61758)Grindy, suited for long games and you get to resolve HawkCestrals! At least is something different and competitive at the same time.

[Chikenbok]

It fits my playstyle of "I don't have to win, just make sure you lose."

BUG!

I wanted it to seem like I was screaming it at the top of my lungs but alas, non-normative social interactions mediated through popular browsing tools put a damper on that plan.

I'll set up the scenario: You walk into a room full of gamers, creeps, and other degenerates and exclaim, "I don't have to win, I just want to make sure you lose." Suddenly, the door bursts open and a drunken balding graduate student clammers in, fists clenched, he screams, at the top of his lungs, "BUGGGGGGGGG!" You look around, there are no bugs and you recall back on the forum you love so dear, and the deck you'll love to play: BUG Control. The lights go dark, credits roll. (in the background you hear the agony filled moans of your opponents having no fun while your mind decisively and accurately plots out the perfect paths to victory.)

[Beatusnox]

Lands or stasis would be the most grindy control decks I can think of, or 'Geddon stax.

[Megadeus]

BUG!

I wanted it to seem like I was screaming it at the top of my lungs but alas, non-normative social interactions mediated through popular browsing tools put a damper on that plan.

I'll set up the scenario: You walk into a room full of gamers, creeps, and other degenerates and exclaim, "I don't have to win, I just want to make sure you lose." Suddenly, the door bursts open and a drunken balding graduate student clammers in, fists clenched, he screams, at the top of his lungs, "BUGGGGGGGGG!" You look around, there are no bugs and you recall back on the forum you love so dear, and the deck you'll love to play: BUG Control. The lights go dark, credits roll. (in the background you hear the agony filled moans of your opponents having no fun while your mind decisively and accurately plots out the perfect paths to victory.)

I want that deck so bad

[Hapless Researcher]

Caw Cartel Miracles! (http://www.thecouncil.es/tcdecks/deck.php?id=8476&iddeck=61758)Grindy, suited for long games and you get to resolve HawkCestrals! At least is something different and competitive at the same time.


Honestly, it doesn't particularly bother me to play mainstream decks. I honestly would rather play a deck I know puts up results.

I'm too spike to brew for competition.