[Primer/Deck] Pox

[Hardcore]

disclaimer, I'm likely the least experienced pox player currently commenting, but -in the build i'm working on- 8 was just too much because I drew them too early and they were just dead cards that didn't disrupt or put me ahead/opponent behind. Maybe I didn't have the right build (see least experienced comment). But seeing an opening hand with 2 rack effects felt like I was letting the opponent in the game. Heck i'm actually thinking about dropping to 3 rack/affliction and putting in something else, just don't know what yet.

if it matters:
25 lands - mix of waste/urborg/factory/swamp.
4 pox
4 small pox
4 IoK
4 shrieking affliction
4 innocent blood
4 LoTV
4 hymn to tourach

4 BloodGhast
3 Lili, last hope (I play vs lot of elves)

I have the bottom 7 split because I feel if I wanted 8 rack, it would be those to get swapped out for other cards to further the plan. But I felt like trying those out and I like it better than the 8 rack version that is mostly the same core.

It is not important to run many rack effects; it is important to run SOME rack effects.
Preferably in conjuction with a creature like Bloodghast. Then, when you cast Pox, you will kill his blocker, land and card in hand. If the opponent tries to play another creature, he need to play a land. This means he is guaranteed to take six life loss (turn X+1 and X+2)if you are using shrieking affliction.
This approach is very effective against Ensnaring Bridge.