I think the best GY-hate card, from the perspective of fighting opposing Digs/Cruises, has got to be Deathrite Shaman. In the past, the "Deathblade with basics" blends of these two decks haven't been successful, but maybe there's a way to do it with these new cards.

I haven't had the chance to do much with Treasure Cruise yet, as I instinctively feel that Dig Through Time must be better for this deck. Here's what I've found.

  • Resolving Dig is often a prelude to glorious victory
  • I can often tap out and pay 3-5 mana for Dig at EOT with little danger
  • Dig's best friend is Thoughtseize
  • Dig also likes serious removal, Council's Judgment or Vindicate, and sweepers


The best Digs I resolved were fairly late in the game on a relatively clean board. What surprised me most was probably #2, that Dig is actually quite easy on the graveyard. Just saving Dig as one of my last spells, to put me ahead when everything else gets traded 1-for-1, and being an instant means that I can tap whatever mana I've built up to pay for it. So I think the load that a normal Esper deck places on the graveyard, Lingering Souls and Snapcaster, is not a problem for Diggers in the same way it might pose a problem for Cruisers.

Thoughtseize was totally the best card to have after resolving a Dig. In 7 cards I could usually find a threat that would devastate the board if left unanswered. The Modern "Force of Will" takes their answer for one mana, if they have it, and then I get to play it. Strong removal or a sweeper were good too, if I was a little behind on the board.

My own conclusion is that Dig must be played in this kind of deck. It's not win-more. This one card can bring you from behind to parity, or from parity to advantage, all by itself.