Originally Posted by
CookedChestnuts
To somewhat settle this whole Stifle VS Spell Pierce argument (I've tested both), they are both fine, and it should be a meta call. I play Stifle main, and 3 Pierce in the board. My board is currently:
2 Ancient Grudge
3 Submerge (Considering cutting another card for the 2-2 Submerge/Mind Harness split)
3 Surgical Extraction
1 Red Elemental Blast
2 Pyroblast
3 Spell Pierce
1 Tormod's Crypt
I would rather have Stifle as a 'blowout' for game 1, or at least something to still keep me in the game versus decks like Zoo/Maverick. Spell Pierce main against those decks only hits removal/burn, and unique cards like Library and Green Sun's Zenith. Meanwhile, Stifling Knight of the Reliquary, Mother of Runes, Grim Lavamancers, Fetchlands, Scryb Ranger, equipping, etc. is a lot better than "Oh shit, I played my land, can't Pierce this Maverick players Stoneforge Mystic, he goes and gets Batterskull/Sword of Fire and Ice, and now I proceed to die." Also boarding out Stifles is very awesome because your opponent is basically forced to play around Stifle (not saying they won't fetch until you're tapped out, but they won't necessarily keep that one/two land hand if they're both fetches and you're on the play).
I find the decks where I board in Pierce, Stifle is very strong as well (Storm combo, UW Stoneforge, general control matchups, etc). Pierce shines in the Storm matchup, but this deck basically has that matchup in the bag, between Delver/Goyf/Mongoose clock, recurring Lightning Bolts, Dazes, Force of Wills, Stifles, Spell Pierces, Spell Snares, the potential for Counterbalance/Sensei's Divining Top post board (I don't play that version, but it's a force nonetheless), that matchup is baby town frollics.