Galroth
07-07-2007, 04:38 PM
I'm considering maindecking either Pyroclasm or Volcanic Spray in a black/red aggro-control deck. Deck aside, I'm having troubles making up my mind on which card is better suited for maindecking.
Pyroclasm
It's more commonly played, and that in itself might suggest it's the better choice. Pyroclasm has found much more play recently due to Empty the Warrends combo, in addition to its effectiveness against Goblins. However, Pyroclasm is limited in that it deals damage only to creatures, thus making Pyroclasm probably better suited for the sideboard.
Volcanic Spray
A card one of my friend's recently turned me on to. In the maindeck it will never be truly dead. It is just as effective against Empty the Warrens combo. However, it's cost is more prohibitive if one wishes to deal a full two damage. I can imagine this scenario comes up more often in the Goblin match-ups. It does deal with Lackey on the play, but will probably not be sufficient to clear whatever Lackey fuels out when on the draw.
When maindecking one of these two cards, which would you choose? Does the ability to hit a player (even if it is just for 2) make Volcanic Spray a better choice even when it may not be as effective against a few of the creatures encountered in the legacy metagame? Or do I really worry about the increased mana cost of that extra point of damage when in many scenarios it might not be necessary?
Pyroclasm
It's more commonly played, and that in itself might suggest it's the better choice. Pyroclasm has found much more play recently due to Empty the Warrends combo, in addition to its effectiveness against Goblins. However, Pyroclasm is limited in that it deals damage only to creatures, thus making Pyroclasm probably better suited for the sideboard.
Volcanic Spray
A card one of my friend's recently turned me on to. In the maindeck it will never be truly dead. It is just as effective against Empty the Warrens combo. However, it's cost is more prohibitive if one wishes to deal a full two damage. I can imagine this scenario comes up more often in the Goblin match-ups. It does deal with Lackey on the play, but will probably not be sufficient to clear whatever Lackey fuels out when on the draw.
When maindecking one of these two cards, which would you choose? Does the ability to hit a player (even if it is just for 2) make Volcanic Spray a better choice even when it may not be as effective against a few of the creatures encountered in the legacy metagame? Or do I really worry about the increased mana cost of that extra point of damage when in many scenarios it might not be necessary?