[Article] Rocking Junk: Why you do not need Blue to win in Legacy

[sdematt]

Greetings all.

I just wanted to talk a little bit about Junk and why it may be a choice to think about in Legacy at the moment.

Thoughts? Comments? Post here!

http://www.eternalcentral.com/?p=3385

-Matt

[lordofthepit]

Greetings all.

I just wanted to talk a little bit about Junk and why it may be a choice to think about in Legacy at the moment.

Thoughts? Comments? Post here!

http://www.eternalcentral.com/?p=3385

-Matt

Nice article, but not the best thing you ever wrote: that would be in my signature. :tongue:

[Phoenix Ignition]

Why you don't need blue to win in Legacy: A story of second place losing to a mono blue deck.


Sorry, I had to say it. I agree with your article other than the result :tongue:

[sdematt]

That's part of the irony, but variance is variance. I'm not sweating it too much. Also, sorry the article is a bit of a read.

-Matt

[yutang]

An enjoyable read, this is very helpful as I am considering selling my RUG Delver and moving onto the Rock.

[TheInfamousBearAssassin]

Why you don't need blue to win in Legacy: A story of second place losing to a mono blue deck.


Sorry, I had to say it. I agree with your article other than the result :tongue:


Recently, I placed second at the StarCityGames Legacy Open in Seattle (WA, USA) playing a deck without Force of Will, Brainstorm, and Counterspells. This high finish is just one example of how much variety that can exist, as well as succeed, in the format.

I really enjoy the alternate emphasis that can be read in this line.

[HammerAndSickled]

Alternatively: "Why you don't need Blue to win in Legacy: you just need all the best cards from the other colors combined" :tongue:

[lavafrogg]

I love the article but do not like how you treat my girl Lilliana!

[Amon Amarth]

I really enjoyed this article. I like long, in-depth explanations of card choices because I'm a Junk neophyte, so the article length didn't bother me. I'm not really a fan of Garruk Relentless but you made a strong case for his inclusion, even as a 61st card. When is part two coming out?

[DrJones]

The title of this article sounds too much like "Don't let the truth ruin a good story". I'll read it because I like Junk decks, but even if you had won that match, statistically blue would still be THE color to play to win a legacy tournament.

[zendo]

It's my understanding that WOTC created another entire eternal format for people who do not like to play against blue.

It is an option instead of playing a Junk deck.

[sdematt]

It's my understanding that WOTC created another entire eternal format for people who do not like to play against blue.

It is an option instead of playing a Junk deck.

If this is directed at me, I'm not sure if you understood the point of the article. The article was not an article crying over Blue's dominance, I'm saying that this is quite the opposite, as shown with this deck.

I'm not even going to talk about Modern.

@ Part Two

I'm hoping to have Part 2 out prior to Christmas, but no promises. It'll definitely be before GP Denver, and I'll probably talk about what you should/could be playing, and what to watch out for. Would there be interested in that?

-Matt

[zendo]

If this is directed at me, I'm not sure if you understood the point of the article. The article was not an article crying over Blue's dominance, I'm saying that this is quite the opposite, as shown with this deck.

My aplogies. No it was not directed at you, more of a general observation that I felt compelled to vocalize. I did enjoy the article, and found it very usefull. I tend to maintain at least two legacy decks at a time; one with blue, and one without. (currently blade control and nic fit). Although I do favor blue, sitting on the other end of that threat is an enjoyable challenge.

I look forward to part two, and will hopefully have constructive input.

[Plague Sliver]

Solidly written.

This made me chuckle:


Alternatively: "Why you don't need Blue to win in Legacy: you just need all the best cards from the other colors combined" :tongue:

[FieryBalrog]

Why you don't need blue to win in Legacy: A story of second place losing to a mono blue deck.

neatly describing the last 3 years of Legacy beautifully.

except for the past few months it's more like a blue deck losing to another blue deck. And the occasional non-Brainstorm deck making a cursory appearance in a top 8.

People have this need to bullshit about this, too. It's OK, just admit that the color wheel is complete garbage when it comes to balanced game design, and move on. There's nothing wrong with enjoying such a scenario, there's just something wrong with being in denial.

[Mon,Goblin Chief]

Good work! Well written, informative and well argued. The article really helps understanding the intricacies that go into building a solid Junk/Aggro-Rock style deck. I particularly enjoyed the discussion on Sylvan/Top and Dark Confidant as tools to keep up with blue library manipulation (and I wholeheartedly agree, for what it's worth). I'm still ways off actually playing a deck like this - far too much jamming of guys into the red zone ;p - but you show that the power level definitely is there for those whose leanings are different.

[DragoFireheart]

Greetings all.

I just wanted to talk a little bit about Junk and why it may be a choice to think about in Legacy at the moment.

Thoughts? Comments? Post here!

http://www.eternalcentral.com/?p=3385

-Matt

Summary:


Deathrite Shaman
Abrupt Decay

[Maximus]

I have some oppositions to the article, but that may be because I'm an excessively critical reader. If you'd like more detailed feedback I could type something out, but for the most part it's fine as-is.

The deck looks pretty cool though.

[sdematt]

I have some oppositions to the article, but that may be because I'm an excessively critical reader. If you'd like more detailed feedback I could type something out, but for the most part it's fine as-is.

The deck looks pretty cool though.

You could PM me your critique if you so desired.

-Matt

[SMR0079]

Well done sir. We've been developing a near identical list with success here in Seattle.

The only nitpicks I have is not maxing out on Decay, GSZ, and possibly Shaman. I value consistency over all else, and prefer my main deck to be streamlined with answers in the board for more flexibility once we know our opponent. We are also running main deck Teeg and Sylvan Safekeeper. You can also have a better board with ETutor package.

[feline]

Grats again on being able to write said article, I could imagine writing for a whole day just pouring out whatever I was focusing on and having a blast when I got to finally finalize it, if I ever get the chance to do an article myself anywhere I'd love to do one, especially about the format and the statistics I am constantly reviewing because I'm obsessive compulsive or something ha ha. Speaking of which, in redoing a metagame overview that is post Return to Ravnica Legacy only, you're the highest placing Junk/Rock deck to place at the bigger 100+ person events listed from http://www.thecouncil.es (which includes alot of european tourneys) as well as Starcitygames.com events since RTR legacy. >^,^<