Planeswalking: A Magic Blog

Thoughts on decks and Magic related events.

[magictheblogging]

Preparing for a GP

This will be the first time in my history as a magic player that I am setting aside time to finally test a format. With the modern banning coming up, I am hesitant to start testing. However, the deck I am settled on perfecting for the coming format in Richmond is Scapeshift.

Scapeshift is a modern deck based around the card Scapeshift and the land Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle. Essentially, you get to seven lands and cast Scapeshift. You get 6 mountains and Valakut to trigger and deal 18 damage in one turn. In the modern format, there are several spells, fetch lands, and other effects that hurt an opponent's life total that allow this combo to be viable.

I prefer Scapeshift because it is mostly creature-less making it better against control and decks that want to one-for-one you. It's more about board control than getting the combo piece on to the board as well as less vulnerable to targeted removal which makes majority of the match-ups stronger.

My current list:

(7) Creatures:

4 Sakura-Tribe Elder

2 Snapcaster Mage

1 Primeval Titan

(28) Spells:

4 Scapeshift

4 Search for Tomorrow

3 Farseek

3 Cryptic Command

3 Remand

3 Peer through the Depths

3 Lightning Bolt

3 Izzet Charm

2 Firespout

(25) Lands:

2 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle

4 Misty Rainforest

4 Steam Vents

4 Stomping Ground

2 Breeding Pool

1 Flooded Strand

3 Forest

3 Island

2 Mountain

(15) Sideboard:

2 Wurmcoil Engine

1 Primeval Titan

4 Obstinate Baloth

2 Pyroclasm

2 Dispel

1 Echoing Truth

1 Remand

2 Ancient Grudge

I'll be updating periodically to make changes and post my play testing results.

Thanks so much for reading and keep playing Magic everyone!

[magictheblogging]

Cube and Leporatora

While I have not been an avid Magic player in the recent years, I do keep up with streamers. It is a way to relax and enjoy someone else's work. My favorite format to watch, like many others, is Cube. But what is Cube?

Cube: It is a draft format in which powerful cards from all sets of Magic, The Gathering are separated into packs. From these packs, you choose cards to build a unique limited deck to your liking. Some popular decks in the Cube format are Storm, Mono-Green Ramp, and Mono Red. Each Cube draft is different and allows for Magic players, both new and old, to experience the game in a way that is unlike any other.

My favorite Cube drafter is:

NumottheNummy

Twitch Link: http://www.twitch.tv/numotthenummy/profile 

He is a funny guy that is one of the more informative and interesting drafters. While some times he goes for ridiculous decks, he is always entertaining and keeps the chat lively and engaged. Numot always keeps the game lighthearted and for that, I will watch him until he stops streaming.

_________________________________________________________

In the past few days, there has been a hilarious addition to streaming. That is Frank Lepore and Melissa DeTora. The new 'Magic' couple have begun to record videos and live stream in multiple formats. Their joking interactions and mocking attitudes towards each other allow for an insight into their relationship while entertaining viewers.

To be honest, I was not watching the stream on Thursday, January 8th, 2014. However, my boyfriend told me that it was worthwhile. So, I am typing this up and laughing my ass off at the same time. Frank's mocking tone and Melissa's serious focus on matches offset each other in juxtapose amusement.

I cannot help but also Squee with enjoyment at their tiny but cute interactions. It's a worthwhile 4 hours and it makes me smile to see both players happy. It's a good change to the streaming environment and I look forward to what's next for them.

Frank and Melissa's Recent Stream on Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/franklepore/b/494044587

Thanks for reading and see you next time.

- Magic, the Blogging