Originally Posted by
hungryLIKEALION
Personally, I believe there are only two playable 1cc burn spells; Lightning Bolt and Chain Lightning. Obviously Bolt is an auto 4 of. Chain is very good, but not absolutely neccesary. Zoo usually wants to have at least an eight pack of burn spells. When Chain Lightning is not present, Lightning Helix almost assuredly is. However, there is easily room in the deck for 12 burn spells. Right now I'm running 9 burn spells, 4 bolt, 4 helix, 1 chain. As I acquire more chain lightnings I'll probably add them in place of other non-burn spells. (For example, I intend to cut my reckless charges for them.) I don't play fireblast, so the chains will basically be sliding into those slots.
Point is, if you don't want to cut a 1cc burn spell for helix, you don't have to. If you really like fireblast and the 1cc burn package, then power to you. However, I have had a great many experiences with Lightning Helix where it has proved its worth to me. It's great for the mirror, can be used to trick decks like dredge or occasionally storm where you pull yourself out of lethal range via lifegain, it more or less cantrips with library in play, and it's instant speed; These are all very useful traits for a spell to have. Plus, it dodges chalice@1.
But yeah, I would never say Helix in the sideboard. Play it main if you're gonna play it. If you need the lifegain, I say yes, the 2cc is worth it. It's a great spell.