Thursday, December 18, 2008

AAA 26 - OK, so I lied...

I know I said that I wasn't going to post write ups or embeds for many of my videos for a while, but this draft was particularly good - both because I won (two in a row - yeah!), but also because each round featured tightly contested games that were nail biters all the way down the line. I made plenty of mistakes in tight situations (like not pinging several times throughout the matches), but fortunately they didn't accumulate into a match loss.

Draft



I ended up in a solid Jund deck, but no real bombs to speak of outside of Mycloth. The pingers plus reasonable beater plan can really backfire if they wipe the board (there was a Jund Charm floating around after all), or they produce larger creatures than your pingers can deal with. Speaking of which...

Round 1



The trick here was to apply damage and overwhelm before his numerous fatties can effect the game. Game 1 we did just that by maximizing Blister Beetles to remove creatures, beat down, and ping with Iguanar. Game 2 an unanswered Rip-Clan Crasher put us in the danger zone while deftly we tried to maneuver into a winning position. I'll leave it at that but this is a must see... Game 3 had pingers and Beetles working in harmony to clear the way for a Iguanar backed swarm.

Round 2



Game 1 was lost on the back of a very poor decision. If you can help it - never... EVER get hit with Quietus Spike early in the game. Game 2 I was able to keep the way clear for my tiny army to do their thing. Game 3 showed that a cluttered board is Hissing Iguanar's best friend, and the race for eight mana can be a tight one.

Round 3



A poor strategic decision kept us out of Game 1 where we blow out Beetle to kill a Sculptor only to have his Master come and destroy us instead. Game 2 healthy fear of Metallurgeon and has us killing it early, paving the way for our removal engines to do their thing yet again. Game 3 was all back and forth all game while his Windwrite Mage whittled down my life while keeping me from planting a game ending haymaker. A 8/8 Mycloth meets its maker, but not before unloading 4 of its buddies to stick around. With his hand depleted I turn a liability into an asset and follow it up an awesome one two punch to win the game.

Good stuff.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I'm still here!

Hey, in case you haven't been checking the Viddler page I have been posting up videos, but just been much, much to busy to post them to the blog or my usual forums. There are some Tempest drafts up, and after that madness I went back to some AAA with my usual results.

I'm not sure what's going on, but I seem to be even more brain dead than lately. Its gotten past the point of frustration and now I'm slipping into a cold slow coma of acceptance of my donkeyness.

Keep an eye out here, I WILL be posting in the usual way at some point, but for now I think I'm just going to keep putting the Viddler vidoes up there for your consumption.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A quick update

I've posted a bunch of new drafts on Viddler, but haven't had time to write them up. If you want to check them out early you can go to my Viddler page, but keep in mind that I'm going to be breaking them down in detail very soon (i've been stupidly busy this week).

In other news, Tempest is coming out, and I might actually take a break from shards for a bit to try it out. TTT is the first format that I really clicked with in limited, and I'm curious to see how 10 years of MTG theory has effected the format.

And I get to drop a "Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'" (the Rawhide one, not the crappy nu-metal one) as I decimate someone with Rolling Thunder again. Best... Common... Ever... (Pestilence might have something to say about that actually).

Saturday, November 29, 2008

AAA 12 - The Other Naya

So, since you saw me last I ran a few drafts here and there when I had time. I tried some decks outside of my usual comfort zone with less than optimal results. I tried Esper, Grixis with a white splash (for Hegemon and Sphinx Sovereign), and A Naya deck focused on the 5 power theme rather than my usual Nacatlpaloza.

After all the Thanksgiving activity, its time for another (recorded) draft!

Draft



As usual there were several picks that could of gone in different directions, but overall I was very happy about the course this draft took. The deck feels focused like a laser on getting my fatties down quickly and clearing the way for them to smash a face or two.

Naya Charm vs Branching Bolt is an interesting choice. I think that the charm gives you more flexibility (tapping all their creatures is a major effect) in exchange for not being able to go 2-for-1 and being a bit tougher on mana.

Round 1



I think the keep in game 1 is justified, but it didn't end well at all. Games 2 & 3 are quick affairs as my opponent doesn't have time to effect the board much at all. Manaplasm is awesome in game 3, although the timely Sigil Blessing was the real back breaker. Oh and if he had let me continue the game I could of done the Naya Charm chain for the win as I hadn't played my land for the turn yet. Good times.

Round 2



So... uh... yeah. Not really sure what to say here. I'm guessing my opponent won his first match on the back of Devour, but with the Excommunicates I'm not too worried about that.

EDIT - It was pointed out to me by Penguinguru917 on the mtgsalvation boards that my opponent this round had an 80 card deck round 1 - suggesting that he got screwed out of deckbuilding and possibly even draft picks. Makes sense to me. Sorry about that EveningHope!

Keith and the Girl!

I split the finals. I like to play it out when I do a video, but if its offered I usually take it.

The way things are shaping up I will probably do a draft or two more this weekend, so keep checking back for updates!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

AAA Bonus - A little something extra

Well since Friday's draft was light on game footage, here is a little bonus for ya. I did a draft the morning and was recording, but the server conked out halfway through. I got back on, but it seemed like half of the table was absent... making for some interesting late picks. I cut the video because the draft was corrupted (and it took forever), but the actual games were pretty interesting so I decided to post some of the replays.

AAA Bonus



Hope that will tide you over for a while. Thanksgiving is next week and a ton of other stuff is going on as well, so I might be a little light this week on posts. I'll try to get at least one up though.

Friday, November 21, 2008

AAA 11 - Where did everyone go?!?

So, a bit of a weird one. Draft and Round 1 go as normal.

Then my 2nd round opponent concedes game 1 in the face of a 6/6 Thorn-Trash Viashino. Then he mulls to 5 and literally plays his second land and then concedes. Basically nothing happened in these games and the round was over in 6 minutes. A good chunk of that is sideboarding and him just sitting there (probably cursing his hand). I have the video, but its not worth posting.

Then my finals opponent is a no show. Four packs the easy but boring way.

I debated even posting the draft, but the draft was interesting and the first round wasn't bad... and I might not get to draft again this weekend.

Lets do it!

Draft



Video downloads not working right now, I'll put the links up when they are working...

With vision of Grixis still fresh in my mind from the last draft I start down that road until I'm snapped back to Jund with a 10th pick Carrion Thrash. Branching Bolt in pack 2 seals the deal and I end up with a pretty nice Jund deck with Infest and Jund Charm and a ton of other removal.

Round 1



Video downloads not working right now, I'll put the links up when they are working...

Game 1 is rough as I have little offense and what I can muster up is stymied by card advantage and the Hegemon we opened in Pack 2.

Game 2 We get a couple of 4/4s out force through damage until he concedes. I thought that Magma Spray didn't allow regen for some reason, but tapping his Skeletal Kathari and killing a chump blocker in the process was still good enough.

Game 3 We maneuver a Rockslide Elemental out of the range of a Jund Charm sweep with the help of a 2-for-1 Branching Bolt. We end up using the Charm to pump and save the Elemental from an Agony Warp instead. We could of burned out all the other creatures in play to save it and make it slightly bigger, but opted for the more conservative play. After the Elemental is dealt with, we follow up with an Infest to clear the board with the exception of my Carrion Trash, and then Dreg Reaver joins him for the win.

Well, I hope that tides you over for a while. I'll try to squeeze in another draft this weekend if I can find the time. Till next time!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

AAA 10 - Tappin Islands

Yep, it had to happen eventually. AD is tapping for blue.

Draft



Click here to download this video!

Ok, so before I have to hear about it 10 times I totally did not see the Corpse Connoisseur in the pack where I took the Covenant of Minds. It is the obvious pick since I have enough unearth creatures to make it great and I was creature light... I just had a blind spot over that card for some reason. It happens I guess.

Other than that I think the draft went well. I did try to float some UBR cards around that didn't come back, but the cards I took over them weren't exactly slouches. Also, I wasn't too distraught over running 2x Dreg Reavers. Sometimes you just need a solid body at a reasonable price and you can pick them up late. I'm a little less happy about the Submersions, but the back half of packs 2 & 3 were light on playables and we had to make our count somehow.

Round 1



Click here to download this video!

Game 1 was a blowout with quick beats and removal. I miss a ping in there somewhere.

Game 2 was more interesting. First I mull to 5, which I think gave my opponent a bit too much confidence to try to sit back and not risk his Topan Ascetic. Then he does what I was afraid I was going to do in a previous draft and Realm Razors in a terrible position. I make a mistake here as I should of realized that the Razor was going to neuter his Nacatl and ping it before the Razor effect goes off. If he drops a Mountain or a Plains I won't be able to respond and it brings the kitty back out of range. Fortunately he plays an Island and I am able to get the upper hand post Razor, forcing him to lose his Geddon stick to a Blister Beetle and ping. Oops!

Post Razor things get even more interesting as I make a major mental error that I don't realize until the last possible moment. I'm sure its obvious to you guys, but playing in an unfamiliar side of the color wheel really messed up my head. (At least I didn't burn for 8 or something like that!) My head start and Hissing Iguanar keep me from punting this game away though, even in the face of an onslaught of bombs thrown at me from my opponent.

Round 2



Click here to download this video!

Game 1 - Lets hear it for main deck Volcanic Submersions! Another small mistake when I thought I was being clever - I don't play a Swamp that would give me 6 mana on the turn I Covenant in case I draw a Mountain and a Magma Spray (which I do), but I should of just played the Swamp and left a Mountain open so all I have to draw is the Spay.

Shadowfeed in for Swerve... good call or not?

Game 2 - I exasperate his mana troubles by killing off his Etherium Sculptor and the game is over quickly. It's possible that the tap land kept him from playing a 4cc spell on a critical turn.

Round 3



Click here to download this video!

Game 1 is a blowout. Game 2 is more interesting as I try to maximize pingers to damage him and remove blockers. 2x Goblets are keeping it close life total wise. Kederekt Leviathan/Prince of Thralls do not justify their casting costs as I replay most of my board and then dig for a finisher in Covenent of the Minds. My first three have a lethal Grixis Charm, so he has to give me five - which contain an equally lethal Iguanar.

So, pretty impressed overall with the Grixis deck. A lot of things went my way this draft, like 2x Necropolis, and having main deck Submersions against an Esper deck. Still, I think I'm more apt to get out of my safe zone and try some other archtypes... maybe I'll even play Esper one of these days and pick up those 11th pick charms.

Till next time!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

AAA 09 - Blame WotC

Ok, so here we go again - not to spoil it, but I'm not drafting blue...

Draft



Click here to download this video!

Our first pick was very committal, but I think that destroying three permanents is worth the risk of abandoning our first pick. Fortunately, the rest of the pack was accommodating with Spray and Druid coming around later than expected. Besides opening the Vein Drinker, the rest of the draft when well but not spectacular.

Round 1



Click here to download this video!

Not much to say here as both games were blowouts. Lightning Talons did some nice work here getting in for a lot of damage... I'm coming around.

Round 2



Click here to download this video!

A bad non-mulligan in game 1 leads to all Forests and a loss. In the next two games our opponent concedes a bit prematurely both times. The board positions were definitely favorable for us, but I don't think it was an unwinnable situation for him either time. Killing early Nacatl's were key for these games. Chalk up another point for Talons.

Round 3



Click here to download this video!

Man, Elspeth... how do you deal?!? I don't think I would of had much a chance anyway, but the Planeswalker completely dominated me in these games.

Friday, November 14, 2008

AAA 08 - Suprise Naya again!

Ok, Ok. I swear I'm going to try to draft some blue at some point... I promise!

(I'm going to try to link the download link for each video below, if it doesn't work let me know and I will think of something else!)

Draft



Download this video here!

Could of gone several different ways in the beginning, but a 7th pick Nacatl was all systems go for another Naya deck. The rest of the table played nice and we got a solid deck with a genuine bomb in Caldera Hellion. I'm still on the fence on Realm Razor, although I think I was being way to shy to use him in this draft...

Round 1



Download this video here!

Ok, so I think I could of played better here. Game 1 I was probably not going to win, but maybe I blew my Excommunicate too early? I'd still have the Dragon problem though, and it looks like a turn earlier as he missed a land drop when he replayed the druid.

Game 2 I make a mistake I've made before when I forget that either pump/counters/devour makes the creature eligible for the 5 power bonuses. Showing him the Hellion with the Gift was a drag, and he played around it all game.

Game 3 was Naya in action all the way. Well, that and he mulls to 5 on the play.

Round 2



Download this video here!

Game 1 was a slow start vs another slow start. Even at quarter speed, my tempo wins the game. Redraw and recast Craw Wurm ftl!

Game 2 I make him Redraw and recast Craw Wurm again while pounding him with the Capsule freed Thoctor. I make a couple of misplays such as not Realm Razoring when all that is on the board is Battlemage and Iguanar and he is tapped out with a lot of land and I have an Obelisk (not to mention I could of stopped playing lands once I got to 6 mana). I shut the door with the Razor and force him to block the lizard or die and I'm left with the only perms on the board. If he tops a removal spell and the mana to cast it, then I get my lands back as well and we start fresh from there.

Also I pay life I don't need to for the Prince since I'm going to wipe the board anyway he can have my guys. He top decks nicely, but so do I and I shut the game down with the Razor and O-Ring.

Round 3



Download this video here!

Game 1 I go 4-for-none with Hellion. Then I blast out a potentially scary Hydra and the game is done.

Game 2 is mired in early mana fixing, but keeping up aggression helps win this game in short order.

My first 8-4 win in AAA! Some sloppy play, but then there always is...

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

AAA 04-07 - Blerg!

Hmmm... Lets just get this over with shall we?

I'll say this, I haven't reviewed these at all, but I know I have a major problem switching to the blue side of the color wheel... even when everything is pointing in that direction. Well, that and I suck. Really, really suck.

I'm going to try again tonight, but I'll let you guys digest these for a while before I post some more.

Enjoy!

AAA 04 - Draft



AAA 04 - Round 1



AAA 05 - Draft



AAA 05 - Round 1



AAA 06 - Draft



AAA 06 - Round 1



AAA 07 - Draft



AAA 07 - Round 1



AAA 07 - Round 2

Sunday, November 2, 2008

AAA 03 - "MOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!"

Since Viddler has a download feature, I'm going to stop posting on FileFront. To access the video page and the download link, just click on the Viddler logo in the corner of the video.

Ok, so lets get started...

Draft



I like this how this draft turned out. Not as loaded up on Squires/Nacatls as in AAA 02, but with better mana balance and better late game creatures. And Elspeth. Lets not forget about her.

Round 1



Game one should of been a mull. Even if we get the mana we needed we weren't going to get there with such a mediocre hand. Games one and two were one sided as my opponent put up little resistance.

Round 2



So... sorry about the audio problems. I tried to cut around the commotion, but it was too distracting to try to talk, call her mom's cell on my cell, deal with the irate girlfriend, and play magic at the same time, so I just stopped the commentary.

The first game proved to me the first pick quality of Sigil of Distinction. Even if I manage to get rid of his Rhino, I have to deal with another monster after that. Eeek. Games two and three went better thanks to help from Elspeth, although I think I should of played out the Benediction first in game 3.

Round 3



First time I've seen a 5 color deck in action. Game one he just spins his wheels looking for a threat, but doesn't get one down in time to matter. I had a chance to win game 2, but with 7 cards in hand and access to all that mana I thought it would be safer to kill the Gargoyle and try to win out with the threats I had. Little did I know a nasty Hellkite was awaiting me once he got his green mana. Game three he was able to stall me out until he got Hellkite out again. Yeesh.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

AAA 01 & 02

Can't breath? Doped up on Benedryl? Sounds like a perfect time to draft! I ran two practice drafts before these with 2nd and 1st place finishes.

(I'm trying out a different video host, as the FileFront solution wasn't cutting it. Viddler seems like an amazing host, as the videos are nearly full screen resolution and they stream quickly. If you are having issues with the videos let me know and I will try to resolve them, and in the meantime I will mirror the .avi files on FileFront.)

AAA 01 - Draft



A bit all over the place here, but we kept a focus on R/B with splashes on the sides for U and G. I'm interested to see where others would have diverged from my draft as there were many directions that we could of gone. We end up with a deck that has to stretch on playables and lacks focus and is creature light. Still we have a lot of removal, so we might be ok.

AAA 01 - Round 1



Blah, Devour and lack of creatures is a pain. Dealing with a Broodmate isn't a picnic either. I make a few mistakes (like not pinging a creature about to die with the Cultist) but ultimately I just ran out of gas in game 3.

AAA 02 - Draft



Things come together pretty well, except in pack 3 we end up a little heavier in red than I would of liked to be with 3x Squires and 2x Nacatl. Maybe I should of put in the Thorn-Trash, but I was a little turned off to it (and Devour) in the last draft. The mana was a bit weird, but with luck we'll be able to get our aggressive starts and use our removal and finishers to end the game.

AAA 02 - Round 1



The tension between mana fixing and early drops is on full display in this draft, fortunately he only gets the 2 Tower Gargoyles in game one and we are able to keep up pressure on him through out games 2 and three.

AAA 02 - Round 2



I make a huge mistake in game one when I didn't tap and ping correctly to ensure he wouldn't have enough damage to kill me on the next turn. I put this mistake behind me and move on to win the match.

AAA 02 - Round 3



Besides a brain freeze that makes me look like I'm slow rolling my opponent, I win this round pretty handily.

So far I'm impressed with Angelic Benediction (even though I was tapping the wrong creature left and right). In a heavy Exalted deck taking out their best blocker gives you a lot of power in the mid-game, forcing them into bad blocks or taking a lot of damage. I've seen some people down this card, but these matches show that they can be a total beating.

Well, thanks for watching, and we'll see you next time.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

AverageDrafter - SSE 05

I'm going to try to squeeze in some more SSE before the Alara drafts start firing and we can put this whole silly 2 set block nonsense behind us.

The Draft


Click here to download the full screen video!

So, the first round of packs seemed to have very little depth in them. Our early decision to go white was reasonably rewarded with Skulk, Cohort, and Procession. Not bad for such terrible packs.

In pack two we seem to be heading back to G/W with a pair of Hungry Spriggans, but a 5th pick Puncture Bolt forces us to reconsider red as our second color. At the end of Pack 2 we are firmly ensconced in white, but are still on the fence about our second color.

Pack 3 beefs up our removal with 2 Unmakes and a Bliss. We also pick up a nice sub-theme of U/B Mimics and Aura.

I also make a last minute (literally!) change to the deck by switching to B/W to run Soul Snuffers over Puncture Bolt. You can see these changes in the beginning of Round 1. The only problem was that I didn't have time to properly make the adjustment. I should have included Scar and Corrosive Mentor in the main deck, but pressed for time (and wanting to record the change) I made the 1 for 1 swap and adjusted my mana.

Round 1

I want you to pause this video at 31:45 (right after his Flame Jab to my dome), and try to figure out what he is up to. I think this exercise will help everyone add another layer of thinking to their play. You have to remember their is another human being across the table from you. If they do something weird or out of place you really have to stop and figure out what they are up to before you continue.


Click here to download the full screen video!

So... did you figure it out? There was a proper course of action to take here had I reasoned out his side of the equation. His activation of the Scrapbasket during his main phase should of been my second clue.

Draft 2


Click here to download the full screen video!

Wow, I just ripped everything I needed, right when I needed it in this round. Not much else to say really. Sometimes Mimics just go off.

Round 3


Click here to download the full screen video!

Pretty straight forward play here. I hate Parapet Watchers!

Well, another 1st in SSE. I'd like to play in the 8-4, but they never fill. With the new set I will start running in more 8-4s if I can.

Till then!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

AverageDrafter - SSE 04

Kind of a weird one this trip round. Lets get to it shall we?

Draft


Download the full screen version of this video here!

Ok, so what can I say? I was a little perplexed in the first pack as I pick up a 10th pick Puncture Bolt. 10th. Lets take a look at what cards were taken out of the pack once we passed it for Glamer Spinners...

Spawnwrithe
Safehold Sentry
Wanderbrine Rootcutters
Last Breath
Safehold Duo
Loch Korrigan
Cursecatcher

Lets just move on then shall we...

White was cut a bit (no surprise given the list above), but green seemed to be wide open. The 8th Pick Seedcradle Witch foreshadowed my eventual color selection even if it did take me a while to get there.

I was really pleased with my deck and I think my drafting has improved quite a bit since I started playing again these last few videos.

Round 1


Download the full screen version of this video here!

Game 1 was a bit odd. I got greedy and Blissed the Duo rather than getting rid of the Steel of the Godhead on it with my Wickerbough Elder. Greedy, but fine until I blew the Elder counter on the Elsewhere Flask for the pump (I didn't even do it for fear of a splashed Jaws of Stone or something) and he was able to get rid of the Bliss. Fortunately his misplays outweighed mine, and I squeaked by with a victory.

Game 2 he was mana light and I had a boatload of excellent tricks at my disposal.

Round 2

My opponent no shows - he was a 1300 when the draft started. I think we can account for one of those non-Puncture Bolt picks.

Round 3


Download the full screen version of this video here!

Game 1 again my opponent has mana problems.

Game 2 my opponent makes some poor mana tapping choices and cannot save himself some damage via regeneration. This sets me up for a probably ill advised but nonetheless successful finish with Barkshell Blessing and Seedcradle Witch. After the match he IMs me asking me if I topdecked the Blessing and that he had Firespout in hand and was ready to wreck me with it.

Now looking back at those games, if it was true, I would call it greedy and a mistake on his part to wait another turn. If he Firespouts and regens the Duo then Unmakes the next turn he's in a much better position than if he just Unmakes (on his main phase at that). Getting rid of the Seedcradle (and his pumpable buddies) is more important than dealing with the Caviler at that stage of the game. Damage wise he's better off taking three from the Caviler next turn than 5 from my unblocked team with pump. I'm also not likely to commit more to the board when I have Seedcradle active and am not under any pressure.

Not very compelling matches, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

SSE 03

So, I wanted to burn through the remaining SSE I have before Shards hits MTGO (have you noticed the big price gap between S and E packs? I don't recall it ever being that big for other packs). I haven't posted in about a week, so I thought I'd bring you guys along for the ride.

Draft


Click Here for the full screen version of this video!

So, there were some choices here between power and constancy, especially pack 3 pick 2. I think I made the right call for the most part, as I tend to prefer consistency. In deck construction I had the option to mess around with including some lower power cards in favor of heavier red and/or splashing blue for the Banishing Knack. I like had I ended up though, but I could see going another way with it...

Round 1


Click Here for the full screen version of this video!

Like I say, I'm a little distracted for much of this video. I miss two obvious points of damage in game one, and misplay Turn to Mist in game 2 (an earlier Scar on the Troll would of been good as well, but that was more of a play decision for good or bad).

Round 2


Click Here for the full screen version of this video!

I play solidly here and win both games in short order. Game two could of gotten out of hand if my opponent had shown more aggression.

Round 3


Click Here for the full screen version of this video!

A weird round to say the least. I'll just leave it at that.

Thanks for watching!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

SSE 02 - Full clout y'all! Full clout y'all!

And when the mic is in my mouth I turn it out y'all!

Back again for another SSE 4-3-2-2.

Draft (text version of this draft appears at the end of the post)


Click here for the full screen version of this video

I think the only major blunder here was taking the Finks over the Stinger P1P1. I was still of the mindset that I could go white, but the first pack clearly was pushing my blue/black.

Round 1


Click here for the full screen version of this video


Click here for the full screen version of this video

I made a few mistakes in game one, but the Valleymaker was going to make life difficult anyway, and the Rise of the Hobgoblins sealed the deal.

Game 2 things get a little tense with the return of the Hobgoblins and the Druegar Mine-Captain. Despite a nasty trick late in the game, I pull out enough defense to end the race in my favor.

Game 3 Clout on a Hedge-Mage give me the muscle and Sigg gives me the fuel for an easy victory.

Round 2


Click here for the full screen version of this video

Game one I could of won a turn earlier if I had used my Leechbonder on my big attack. Game two shows a perfect example of trying to get greedy with Firespout. I knocked him down so low that the Clouted Bandit took him out in two turns.

Round 3


Click here for the full screen version of this video

Game 1 a Clouted Bandit does the job as I hold down the fort against his formidable offense.

Game 2 a mistake passes a tap down of his Marauders, and the damage puts me in lethal range of his Flame Javelin.

Game 3 he lures my team into blocking his Marauders and wipes my board. He then proceeds to put gas on the table as I muster up land.

All in all a good draft, I have some play errors to be sure, but I also made some sound decisions in tough situations. I actually feel like I'm getting better with these last two drafts.

Pack 1 pick 1:
Crabapple Cohort, Traitor's Roar, Gravelgill Duo, Torture, Fists of the Demigod, Rune-Cervin Rider, Rustrazor Butcher, Safewright Quest, Aphotic Wisps, Woeleecher, Memory Sluice, Reknit, Spiteflame Witch, Spectral Procession, Worldpurge
--> Spectral Procession

Pack 1 pick 2:
Juvenile Gloomwidow, Tattermunge Duo, Sickle Ripper, Torpor Dust, Blight Sickle, Somnomancer, Giantbaiting, Blazethorn Scarecrow, Emberstrike Duo, Gleeful Sabotage, Kithkin Shielddare, Moonring Island, Drove of Elves, Spiteful Visions
--> Somnomancer

Pack 1 pick 3:
Rattleblaze Scarecrow, Fists of the Demigod, Helm of the Ghastlord, Gravelgill Duo, Emberstrike Duo, Barrenton Medic, Whimwader, Giantbaiting, Viridescent Wisps, Reknit, Merrow Grimeblotter, Thoughtweft Gambit, Enchanted Evening
--> Barrenton Medic

Pack 1 pick 4:
Rune-Cervin Rider, Revelsong Horn (FOIL), Disturbing Plot, Parapet Watchers, Watchwing Scarecrow, Ashenmoor Cohort, Thornwatch Scarecrow, Mine Excavation, Spell Syphon, Inescapable Brute, Madblind Mountain, Crowd of Cinders
--> Watchwing Scarecrow

Pack 1 pick 5:
Sootstoke Kindler, Faerie Macabre, Helm of the Ghastlord, Foxfire Oak, Splitting Headache, Woeleecher, Prismwake Merrow, Crimson Wisps, Kithkin Rabble, Horde of Boggarts, Wound Reflection
--> Kithkin Rabble

Pack 1 pick 6:
Juvenile Gloomwidow, Gravelgill Axeshark, Rattleblaze Scarecrow, Viridescent Wisps, Cinderbones, Mine Excavation, Blazethorn Scarecrow, Spell Syphon, Moonring Island, Fossil Find
--> Gravelgill Axeshark

Pack 1 pick 7:
Disturbing Plot, Nurturer Initiate, Rustrazor Butcher, Aphotic Wisps, Kithkin Shielddare, Fate Transfer, Poison the Well, Flow of Ideas, Mana Reflection
--> Flow of Ideas

Pack 1 pick 8:
Blight Sickle, Ashenmoor Cohort, Apothecary Initiate, Whimwader, Thornwatch Scarecrow, Raking Canopy, Beseech the Queen, Cauldron of Souls
--> Beseech the Queen

Pack 1 pick 9:
Traitor's Roar, Gravelgill Duo, Torture, Fists of the Demigod, Aphotic Wisps, Memory Sluice, Worldpurge
--> Gravelgill Duo

Pack 1 pick 10:
Blight Sickle, Blazethorn Scarecrow, Emberstrike Duo, Gleeful Sabotage, Moonring Island, Spiteful Visions
--> Spiteful Visions

Pack 1 pick 11:
Rattleblaze Scarecrow, Fists of the Demigod, Gravelgill Duo, Whimwader, Merrow Grimeblotter
--> Merrow Grimeblotter

Pack 1 pick 12:
Disturbing Plot, Ashenmoor Cohort, Mine Excavation, Madblind Mountain
--> Madblind Mountain

Pack 1 pick 13:
Splitting Headache, Prismwake Merrow, Crimson Wisps
--> Prismwake Merrow

Pack 1 pick 14:
Mine Excavation, Moonring Island
--> Moonring Island

Pack 1 pick 15:
Disturbing Plot
--> Disturbing Plot

Pack 2 pick 1:
Consign to Dream, Oona's Gatewarden, Runes of the Deus, Safehold Duo, Scuttlemutt, Medicine Runner, Loamdragger Giant, Drowner Initiate, Pili-Pala, Bloodshed Fever, Reknit (FOIL), Wasp Lancer, Kitchen Finks, Deepchannel Mentor, Wort, the Raidmother
--> Kitchen Finks

Pack 2 pick 2:
Merrow Wavebreakers, Scar, Mudbrawler Cohort, Raven's Run Dragoon, Chainbreaker, Silkbind Faerie, Hollowsage (FOIL), Zealous Guardian, Loch Korrigan, Ember Gale, Niveous Wisps, River's Grasp, Tatterkite, Lockjaw Snapper
--> Silkbind Faerie

Pack 2 pick 3:
Medicine Runner, Kinscaer Harpoonist, Cinderhaze Wretch, Farhaven Elf, Scuttlemutt, Sinking Feeling, Inquisitor's Snare, Gloomwidow's Feast, Manaforge Cinder, Scuzzback Scrapper, Faerie Swarm, Horde of Boggarts, Mossbridge Troll
--> Scuttlemutt

Pack 2 pick 4:
Merrow Wavebreakers, Gloomlance, Boggart Arsonists, Runes of the Deus, Scrapbasket, Strip Bare, Drowner Initiate, Scarscale Ritual, Intimidator Initiate, Gnarled Effigy, Umbral Mantle, Sygg, River Cutthroat
--> Sygg, River Cutthroat

Pack 2 pick 5:
Consign to Dream, Woodfall Primus (FOIL), Blistering Dieflyn, Wingrattle Scarecrow, Put Away, Elvish Hexhunter, Smash to Smithereens, Smolder Initiate, Leech Bonder, Flourishing Defenses, Advice from the Fae
--> Leech Bonder

Pack 2 pick 6:
Wanderbrine Rootcutters, Scar, Boggart Arsonists, Presence of Gond, Briarberry Cohort, Niveous Wisps, Zealous Guardian, Rite of Consumption, Bloodshed Fever, Loamdragger Giant
--> Briarberry Cohort

Pack 2 pick 7:
Ghastly Discovery, Oona's Gatewarden, Cinderhaze Wretch, Cerulean Wisps, Strip Bare, Intimidator Initiate, Elsewhere Flask, Gloomwidow, Bloodmark Mentor
--> Oona's Gatewarden

Pack 2 pick 8:
Ghastly Discovery, Gloomlance, Chainbreaker, Turn to Mist, Scarscale Ritual, Cerulean Wisps, Ember Gale, Repel Intruders
--> Gloomlance

Pack 2 pick 9:
Oona's Gatewarden, Runes of the Deus, Loamdragger Giant, Drowner Initiate, Bloodshed Fever, Reknit (FOIL), Deepchannel Mentor
--> Oona's Gatewarden

Pack 2 pick 10:
Merrow Wavebreakers, Chainbreaker, Hollowsage (FOIL), Zealous Guardian, Loch Korrigan, Ember Gale
--> Merrow Wavebreakers

Pack 2 pick 11:
Kinscaer Harpoonist, Sinking Feeling, Manaforge Cinder, Scuzzback Scrapper, Horde of Boggarts
--> Kinscaer Harpoonist

Pack 2 pick 12:
Merrow Wavebreakers, Strip Bare, Drowner Initiate, Intimidator Initiate
--> Intimidator Initiate

Pack 2 pick 13:
Put Away, Smash to Smithereens, Smolder Initiate
--> Put Away

Pack 2 pick 14:
Rite of Consumption, Bloodshed Fever
--> Rite of Consumption

Pack 2 pick 15:
Ghastly Discovery
--> Ghastly Discovery

Pack 3 pick 1:
Grazing Kelpie, Double Cleave, Talara's Bane, Duergar Assailant, Scourge of the Nobilis, Heartlash Cinder, Shell Skulkin, Nettle Sentinel, Snakeform, Wilderness Hypnotist, Soul Reap, Bloodied Ghost, Quillspike, Duergar Mine-Captain, Inundate
--> Soul Reap

Pack 3 pick 2:
Noggle Bandit, Merrow Levitator, Banishing Knack, Slippery Bogle, Cenn's Enlistment, Battlegate Mimic, Rendclaw Trow, Clout of the Dominus, Gwyllion Hedge-Mage, Rise of the Hobgoblins, Jawbone Skulkin, Fire at Will, Stalker Hag, Springjack Shepherd
--> Noggle Bandit

Pack 3 pick 3:
Fire at Will, Stream Hopper, Hag Hedge-Mage, Slippery Bogle, Phosphorescent Feast, Gift of the Deity, Dream Thief, Noggle Bridgebreaker, Wilderness Hypnotist, Raven's Crime, Ballynock Trapper, Duergar Hedge-Mage, Cenn's Enlistment
--> Dream Thief

Pack 3 pick 4:
Nightsky Mimic, Inside Out, Moonhold, Kithkin Spellduster, Shell Skulkin, Noggle Bandit, Shorecrasher Mimic, Antler Skulkin, Hobgoblin Dragoon, Drain the Well, Odious Trow, Favor of the Overbeing
--> Noggle Bandit

Pack 3 pick 5:
Hoof Skulkin, Nip Gwyllion, Hotheaded Giant, Grazing Kelpie, Banishing Knack, Merrow Bonegnawer, Noggle Hedge-Mage, Selkie Hedge-Mage, Woodlurker Mimic, Creakwood Ghoul, Battlegate Mimic
--> Noggle Hedge-Mage

Pack 3 pick 6:
Batwing Brume, Raven's Crime, Harvest Gwyllion, Favor of the Overbeing, Unwilling Recruit, Sanity Grinding, Jawbone Skulkin, Heartlash Cinder, Kithkin Zealot, Monstrify
--> Harvest Gwyllion

Pack 3 pick 7:
Merrow Levitator, Tilling Treefolk, Nip Gwyllion, Cinder Pyromancer, Trapjaw Kelpie, Merrow Bonegnawer, Gilder Bairn, Fang Skulkin, Crumbling Ashes
--> Crumbling Ashes

Pack 3 pick 8:
Monstrify, Inside Out, Smoldering Butcher, Clout of the Dominus, Idle Thoughts, Altar Golem, Marshdrinker Giant, Beckon Apparition
--> Smoldering Butcher

Pack 3 pick 9:
Double Cleave, Talara's Bane, Duergar Assailant, Scourge of the Nobilis, Heartlash Cinder, Shell Skulkin, Wilderness Hypnotist
--> Wilderness Hypnotist

Pack 3 pick 10:
Slippery Bogle, Cenn's Enlistment, Battlegate Mimic, Clout of the Dominus, Jawbone Skulkin, Springjack Shepherd
--> Clout of the Dominus

Pack 3 pick 11:
Stream Hopper, Phosphorescent Feast, Noggle Bridgebreaker, Wilderness Hypnotist, Raven's Crime
--> Noggle Bridgebreaker

Pack 3 pick 12:
Shell Skulkin, Antler Skulkin, Drain the Well, Odious Trow
--> Odious Trow

Pack 3 pick 13:
Hotheaded Giant, Merrow Bonegnawer, Creakwood Ghoul
--> Hotheaded Giant

Pack 3 pick 14:
Jawbone Skulkin, Heartlash Cinder
--> Heartlash Cinder

Pack 3 pick 15:
Nip Gwyllion
--> Nip Gwyllion

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

SSE 01 - He Has Risen

Wow, so... what's been up with you guys?

Me? Well I got bored with Magic after Eventide rolled in. Why? Well a combination of general dislike for the 1st set, 1st set, 2nd set draft format (which we had to have twice this year), lack of interest in Eventide, and distaste for what the pack did to the format. So while I played about 10 or so drafts I never really felt too excited to make a video on it.

Then I stopped playing MTGO altogether for a while. Then I got hit by Hurricane Ike and didn't have power for two weeks, and cable/internet for an additional one week. Blah.

Well the good news is I'm back to full civilization as of yesterday and itching to make some more videos.

Draft


Click here for full screen version!

Round 1


Click here for full screen version!

Round 2


Click here for full screen version!

Round 3


Click here for full screen version!

I'm going to keep my comments to a minimum. I think the draft went well and I followed what cards were being presented to me. I'm still not sure if shoehorning the other two colors was the right call, but both additions managed to win me games, and didn't feel too much like it was impeding my progress.

I would like to blame my play mistakes on rust, but who are we kidding. I actually played a bit more thoughtfully than usual in most of these games, but a major mistake in round 2 nearly cost me the draft.

For easier reference to comment on - here is the draft in text format:

Pack 1 pick 1:
Knollspine Invocation
--> Knollspine Invocation

Pack 1 pick 2:
Raven's Run Dragoon, Runes of the Deus, Medicine Runner, Kinscaer Harpoonist, Cinderhaze Wretch, Scarscale Ritual, Intimidator Initiate, Sinking Feeling, Inquisitor's Snare, Gloomwidow's Feast, Armored Ascension, Puresight Merrow, Dream Salvage, Godhead of Awe
--> Godhead of Awe

Pack 1 pick 3:
Scuttlemutt, Old Ghastbark, Merrow Wavebreakers, Scar, Raven's Run Dragoon, Scuzzback Scrapper, Elvish Hexhunter, Goldenglow Moth, Zealous Guardian, Loch Korrigan, Grief Tyrant, Corrosive Mentor, Fire-Lit Thicket
--> Scuttlemutt

Pack 1 pick 4:
Oona's Gatewarden, Runes of the Deus, Safehold Duo, Ember Gale, Niveous Wisps, Loamdragger Giant, Drowner Initiate, Pili-Pala, Plumeveil, Glamer Spinners, Deepchannel Mentor, Mass Calcify
--> Plumeveil

Pack 1 pick 5:
Scuttlemutt, Medicine Runner, Ghastly Discovery, Wildslayer Elves, Gloomlance, Bloodshed Fever, Manamorphose, Scarscale Ritual, Elsewhere Flask, Tattermunge Witch, Drove of Elves
--> Scuttlemutt

Pack 1 pick 6:
Safehold Duo, Wingrattle Scarecrow, Old Ghastbark, Ghastly Discovery, Oona's Gatewarden, Manaforge Cinder, Cerulean Wisps, Strip Bare, Plumeveil, Flow of Ideas
--> Plumeveil

Pack 1 pick 7:
Wildslayer Elves, Cinderhaze Wretch, Wanderbrine Rootcutters, Boggart Arsonists, Intimidator Initiate, Niveous Wisps, Rite of Consumption, Tattermunge Maniac, Corrosive Mentor
--> Niveous Wisps

Pack 1 pick 8:
Presence of Gond, Safehold Sentry, Consign to Dream, Bloodshed Fever, Loamdragger Giant, Put Away, Mistmeadow Witch, Wild Swing
--> Mistmeadow Witch

Pack 1 pick 9:
Shield of the Oversoul, Merrow Wavebreakers, Smash to Smithereens, Smolder Initiate, Scrapbasket, Strip Bare, Roughshod Mentor
--> Merrow Wavebreakers

Pack 1 pick 10:
Runes of the Deus, Scarscale Ritual, Sinking Feeling, Inquisitor's Snare, Gloomwidow's Feast, Dream Salvage
--> Inquisitor's Snare

Pack 1 pick 11:
Merrow Wavebreakers, Raven's Run Dragoon, Elvish Hexhunter, Goldenglow Moth, Loch Korrigan
--> Raven's Run Dragoon

Pack 1 pick 12:
Runes of the Deus, Niveous Wisps, Loamdragger Giant, Deepchannel Mentor
--> Niveous Wisps

Pack 1 pick 13:
Bloodshed Fever, Manamorphose, Drove of Elves
--> Drove of Elves

Pack 1 pick 14:
Wingrattle Scarecrow, Strip Bare
--> Wingrattle Scarecrow

Pack 1 pick 15:
Cinderhaze Wretch
--> Cinderhaze Wretch

Pack 2 pick 1:
Steel of the Godhead, Rattleblaze Scarecrow, Barrenton Cragtreads, Devoted Druid, Tattermunge Duo, Disturbing Plot, Blazethorn Scarecrow, Spell Syphon, Rustrazor Butcher, Aphotic Wisps, Kithkin Shielddare, Blowfly Infestation, Mercy Killing, Tatterkite, Tyrannize
--> Steel of the Godhead

Pack 2 pick 2:
Curse of Chains, Thistledown Duo, Juvenile Gloomwidow, Power of Fire, Gravelgill Axeshark, Prismwake Merrow, Crimson Wisps, Viridescent Wisps, Cinderbones, Mine Excavation, Cursecatcher, Bloodmark Mentor, Howl of the Night Pack, Elemental Mastery
--> Curse of Chains

Pack 2 pick 3:
Watchwing Scarecrow, Ballynock Cohort, Barkshell Blessing, Sootstoke Kindler, Faerie Macabre, Spell Syphon, Inescapable Brute, Foxfire Oak, Splitting Headache, Woeleecher, Heap Doll, Resplendent Mentor, Reaper King
--> Ballynock Cohort

Pack 2 pick 4:
Rune-Cervin Rider, Scuzzback Marauders, Disturbing Plot, Giantbaiting, Viridescent Wisps, Ashenmoor Cohort, Thornwatch Scarecrow, Mine Excavation, Mistveil Plains, Dawnglow Infusion, Gloomwidow, Fracturing Gust
--> Rune-Cervin Rider

Pack 2 pick 5:
Blight Sickle, Somnomancer, Crabapple Cohort, Sootstoke Kindler, Gleeful Sabotage, Kithkin Shielddare, Flow of Ideas (FOIL), Inescapable Brute, Safewright Quest, Madblind Mountain, Mercy Killing
--> Somnomancer

Pack 2 pick 6:
Fists of the Demigod, Rune-Cervin Rider, Juvenile Gloomwidow, Torpor Dust, Woeleecher, Giantbaiting, Blazethorn Scarecrow, Beseech the Queen, Horde of Boggarts, Impromptu Raid
--> Rune-Cervin Rider

Pack 2 pick 7:
Traitor's Roar, Toil to Renown, Thornwatch Scarecrow, Safewright Quest, Aphotic Wisps, Revelsong Horn, Pale Wayfarer, Illuminated Folio, Savor the Moment
--> Illuminated Folio

Pack 2 pick 8:
Parapet Watchers, Poison the Well, Gleeful Sabotage, Ashenmoor Cohort, Apothecary Initiate, Whimwader, Leechridden Swamp, Raking Canopy
--> Raking Canopy

Pack 2 pick 9:
Rattleblaze Scarecrow, Devoted Druid, Disturbing Plot, Blazethorn Scarecrow, Spell Syphon, Aphotic Wisps, Tyrannize
--> Devoted Druid

Pack 2 pick 10:
Juvenile Gloomwidow, Crimson Wisps, Viridescent Wisps, Mine Excavation, Cursecatcher, Bloodmark Mentor
--> Bloodmark Mentor

Pack 2 pick 11:
Inescapable Brute, Foxfire Oak, Splitting Headache, Woeleecher, Heap Doll
--> Woeleecher

Pack 2 pick 12:
Mine Excavation, Mistveil Plains, Dawnglow Infusion, Fracturing Gust
--> Fracturing Gust

Pack 2 pick 13:
Gleeful Sabotage, Inescapable Brute, Madblind Mountain
--> Gleeful Sabotage

Pack 2 pick 14:
Woeleecher, Blazethorn Scarecrow
--> Woeleecher

Pack 2 pick 15:
Toil to Renown
--> Toil to Renown

Pack 3 pick 1:
Battlegate Mimic, Nettle Sentinel, Grazing Kelpie, Waves of Aggression, Moonhold, Unwilling Recruit, Soul Reap, Odious Trow, Antler Skulkin, Fire at Will, Desecrator Hag, Inside Out, Nip Gwyllion, Belligerent Hatchling, Merrow Levitator
--> Belligerent Hatchling

Pack 3 pick 2:
Scourge of the Nobilis (FOIL), Groundling Pouncer, Rendclaw Trow, Soul Reap, Banishing Knack, Merrow Bonegnawer, Noggle Bandit, Fang Skulkin, Batwing Brume, Stream Hopper, Noggle Hedge-Mage, Recumbent Bliss, Hotheaded Giant, Kithkin Zealot
--> Recumbent Bliss

Pack 3 pick 3:
Jawbone Skulkin, Cankerous Thirst, Cinder Pyromancer, Trapjaw Kelpie, Raven's Crime, Marshdrinker Giant, Springjack Pasture, Scourge of the Nobilis, Heartlash Cinder, Gilder Bairn, Nightsky Mimic, Nip Gwyllion, Riverfall Mimic
--> Nightsky Mimic

Pack 3 pick 4:
Beckon Apparition, Bloodied Ghost, Duergar Mine-Captain, Crumbling Ashes, Edge of the Divinity, Unmake, Flame Jab, Merrow Bonegnawer, Hoof Skulkin, Inside Out, Tilling Treefolk, Noggle Bridgebreaker
--> Unmake

Pack 3 pick 5:
Fire at Will, Double Cleave, Smoldering Butcher, Gwyllion Hedge-Mage, Idle Thoughts, Wilderness Hypnotist, Gift of the Deity, Duergar Assailant, Stream Hopper, Monstrify, Ward of Bones
--> Fire at Will

Pack 3 pick 6:
Desecrator Hag, Wickerbough Elder, Merrow Levitator, Kithkin Zealot, Hotheaded Giant, Hag Hedge-Mage, Cinder Pyromancer, Trapjaw Kelpie, Antler Skulkin, Riverfall Mimic
--> Wickerbough Elder

Pack 3 pick 7:
Slippery Bogle, Stigma Lasher, Twinblade Slasher, Duergar Hedge-Mage, Kithkin Spellduster, Noggle Bridgebreaker, Gift of the Deity, Dream Thief, Beckon Apparition
--> Stigma Lasher

Pack 3 pick 8:
Shell Skulkin, Drain the Well, Harvest Gwyllion, Phosphorescent Feast, Cenn's Enlistment, Hobgoblin Dragoon, Raven's Crime, Creakwood Ghoul
--> Harvest Gwyllion

Pack 3 pick 9:
Grazing Kelpie, Moonhold, Odious Trow, Antler Skulkin, Fire at Will, Desecrator Hag, Inside Out
--> Fire at Will

Pack 3 pick 10:
Scourge of the Nobilis (FOIL), Merrow Bonegnawer, Fang Skulkin, Batwing Brume, Stream Hopper, Kithkin Zealot
--> Batwing Brume

Pack 3 pick 11:
Jawbone Skulkin, Trapjaw Kelpie, Raven's Crime, Marshdrinker Giant, Heartlash Cinder
--> Marshdrinker Giant

Pack 3 pick 12:
Beckon Apparition, Crumbling Ashes, Merrow Bonegnawer, Tilling Treefolk
--> Beckon Apparition

Pack 3 pick 13:
Double Cleave, Gift of the Deity, Ward of Bones
--> Ward of Bones

Pack 3 pick 14:
Kithkin Zealot, Antler Skulkin
--> Kithkin Zealot

Pack 3 pick 15:
Beckon Apparition
--> Beckon Apparition

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

SSS 14 & 15 - Glen Elendraville

I've been kinda burned out lately on making videos, but I did manage to grab a couple so I figured I should share them...

SSS 14 - Draft


Click here for full screen version!

Only the draft for this one. I lost in the second round, but every game was decided by mulls and screw (on both sides) so I didn't bother to process them.

I sold myself too hard on G/W and passed up some great red cards like Jaws of Stone, and Puncture Bolt. I also passed up one Armored Ascension to have another fall in my lap. Its been a while since I did this draft, but looking back on it I should of gone with the red (Witch and Ascension not withstanding).

Not particularly proud of this draft, as I made some major errors, but the deck turned out reasonably well regardless.

SSS 15 - Draft

(Note: I'm still mispronouncing Torpor Dust, just out of habit now. Gravelgill is one that just about everyone screws up too. I bet most people don't even notice the "l" in there.)


Click here for full screen version!

From the looks of things, you might suspect that this table was substandard players, but it was an above average crowd (ratings wise) even for a 8-4. It's not often that you see a 5th pick Prison Term and a tabled Mistmeadow Witch.

I could of made the switch to white to accommodate these cards, but there wasn't too much else flowing and the heavy commitment to U/B hybrids meant that the mana would have to bend quite a bit to make them fit. Conversely if stick with U/B, the mana become practically a non-issue, not to mention that Beseech the Queen gives me twice the access to the Liege. The two Gloomlances helped compensate for the difference. I could of splashed for the Mistmeadow, but I was making some deep cuts already, and didn't see the need to make room for the 2 or so Plains needed to make that worth while.

So on with the games.

I will warn you now... I was literally half asleep when I was playing the games of this draft. I can't say I'm disappointed by the results, but the road to get there was rather embarrassing. Particularly in Round 2 I was fading in and out and made quite a few major tactical and procedural errors. But I've put up every draft I've recorded, so why hide my shame now?

Round 1


Click here for full screen version!

This was a mid 1800 player, so I can only think he was experimenting with this archetype. I can see the logic, but the 1/1 brigade just doesn't have the muscle to pull this off... particularly in G/W.

Round 2


Click here for full screen version!

Yeah, so I started nodding off a bit here...

Game 1 - I like wining the game with a River's Grasp in hand.

Game 2 - Yeah, I messed this one up bad, but without a way to deal with the Windbrisk Raptor, I was a goner anyways.

Game 3 - Really bad play on both of our parts as he either forgets that his Witch untaps his Chained Cohort, or he chooses not to use it pre-combat for fear of losing a 1/1. I just completely forgot until he does it next turn... but its too late to get the job done as his Last Breath on my Liege takes me out of fatal range.

Round 3


Click here for full screen version!

Game 1 - Biting Tethers picks a great time to make its first appearance of the draft as I steal his Liege and knock his men back down to size when he was about to kill me.

Game 2 - He gets a quick start, but reigns it in as our Liege's stare each other down from across the red zone. I pass priority before making the correct blocks on his final turn, but it doesn't matter as he doesn't have a trick and my Witch activates for 27 damage in one glorious alpha strike.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

SSS 12 & 13 - Pros and Joes

So I did about 5 drafts on my own, and for the most part I totally stunk up the place (yes... more so than usual thanks). A combination of trying new archetypes (U/B mill is pretty bad BTW), playing under the influence of muscle relaxers (hey I was sore from moving furniture all weekend!), and not being used to playing without you guys looking over my shoulder caused me to lose quite a few points and packs over these drafts.

Ah well, lets get back on track shall we?

OK, in SSS 12 I noticed a couple of pro names in the draft including Paulo Vitor Damo da Rosa so I should be in for an interesting draft to say the least.

SSS 12 - Draft


Download the full screen version here.

Pack 1 Pick 2 was a tough decision. I could see arguments either way on Oversoul or Prison Term, mainly over the commitment that Oversoul takes. I figure that Term was good but just removal, where as Oversoul should win most games on its own.

I think the rest of the draft went more or less to script as I drafted a fairly solid G/W deck featuring several combat dominating creatures and a good array of tricks to help them along the way.

I'm relieved when I see my first round opponent is not a recognizable name.

SSS 12 - Round 1


Download the full screen version here.

Good games overall. I made some mistakes in game 1, but since he had no pressure on me they were no big deal. A couple of top decked Seedcradles forces through the Oversoul vs Warcrawler and the game is in the bag.

Game 2 sees a ton of pressure come my way, and I end up on the losing end of a race even though I get 3rd turn Oversoul with a Tower Above on it to take out Warcrawler. I make a major mistake in attacking with the Sentry into his Lurebound as he doesn't have to block that turn to live. I also screw up by playing the Mudbrawler over the Ghastbark as it takes out Druid as a chump blocker next turn.

The correct play here is to just attack with the Oversoul and just see what he does. This gives us more options if we draw into an out on the following turn.

Game 3 has another Oversoul met with another Warcrawler. I haven't gone through thoroughly this one yet, but I'm sure I misplayed quite a bit... but I don't think with his final creature rush I had much of a chance to win anyways.

OK, so not exactly the performance I was hoping for, but hey... lets get back into action. It was getting late so I just jump on to the next 4-3-2-2 that was firing.

SSS 13 - Draft


Download the full screen version here.

This one just came together beautifully. Having 4 solid pieces of removal from pack one alone gives me a good feeling. Obviously the talent level in this draft was a major step down from SSS 12, but the deck I drafted was so much fun I was excited to play 3 full rounds with it.

I could of gone mono-red to take full advantage of the Jaws, but I would weaken my creature base significantly to do so.

Round 1


Download the full screen version here.

Game 1 features Spawnwrithe getting out of hand (with the help of a perfectly timed Giantbaiting). This guy is so dangerous that with just a little help he can blow a game wide open.

Game 2 was... well it was a major slog. We both drew a ton of land, and his defensive cards kept me from making much headway until he made a mistake and gave me his Puca's Mischief. That allowed me to grab his Trip Noose (for my Chained Spriggan no less) and the rest was history.

SSS 13 - Round 2


Download the full screen version here.

Two quick ones as Giantbaiting and Spawnwrithe do their things.

SSS 13 - Round 3


Download the full screen version here.

Game 1 I misplay when I use a Puncture Bolt to finish off a 6/6 Plumeveil (thanks to 4th turn Liege) that has already claimed two creatures. Had I held on it it and used it to take out the Liege (with help from a Power of Fire) I might of been able to win this game.

Game 2 I play around the Liege this time and keep up enough of an offense to finish him with a Jaws for 3.

Game 3 I skirt around combat tricks long enough use Ember Gale to knock him down from 17 to 7, then clean up with Jaws of Stone.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

SSS 08-11 - I think I blew out my brain...

Yep, four new videos to digest, and these might be it for a while. I've gorged myself on drafts and I think I might actually work on my old house.

For those of you not interested in my comments or the games, I've compressed drafts 08-11 into one video at 4x speed. If you are interested in watching the full length videos, including the games, then check out the links below.

In a nutshell:

SSS 08 - 8-4 Lost 2nd round.
SSS 09 - 4-3-2-2 Lost 2nd round. (1st round opponent didn't show)
SSS 10 - 4-3-2-2 Lost 2nd round. (Two of the most annoying rounds I've ever played)
SSS 11 - 8-4 Won Draft.

Basically broke even on packs, I'll take it.

SSS 08-11 - Drafts Only


Download this file in all its full screen glory from Filefront.



SSS 08

SSS 08 - Draft

SSS 08 - Round 1

SSS 08 - Round 2



SSS 09

SSS 09 - Draft

SSS 09 - Round 2



SSS 10

SSS 10 - Draft

SSS 10 - Round 1

SSS 10 - Round 2



SSS 11

SSS 11 - Draft

SSS 11 - Round 1

SSS 11 - Round 2

SSS 11 - Round 3



I think I'm going to lay low for a little bit and see what bubbles up on Modosharks updated new site. If all goes well I might slink back into the shadows and let everyone check out the new drafters while I just draft on my own. Thanks to everyone who has posted so far, and I'll see you all again soon enough.