Triple Treat (Standard) - Apr 6, 2008

I originally planned to join the Block format in the Triple Treat, but laziness got the best of me, and I just joined the Standard format with my current deck. I gave Doran Rock another try, with LD maindecked.



// Lands
4 [MOR] Murmuring Bosk
3 [LRW] Gilt-Leaf Palace
4 [10E] Llanowar Wastes
4 [TSB] Gemstone Mine
2 [FUT] Horizon Canopy
1 [TSB] Pendelhaven
1 [PLC] Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
3 [UNH] Forest
1 [UNH] Swamp

// Creatures
4 [10E] Birds of Paradise
3 [10E] Llanowar Elves
3 [FUT] Tarmogoyf
3 [10E] Troll Ascetic
3 [LRW] Doran, the Siege Tower
3 [LRW] Garruk Wildspeaker
1 [MOR] Chameleon Colossus

// Spells
4 [10E] Rain of Tears
4 [TSP] Mwonvuli Acid-Moss
3 [MOR] Bitterblossom
4 [LRW] Nameless Inversion
2 [LRW] Profane Command

// Sideboard
SB: 4 [PLC] Damnation
SB: 4 [PLC] Extirpate
SB: 1 [LRW] Profane Command
SB: 1 [TSP] Sudden Spoiling
SB: 2 [LRW] Cloudthresher
SB: 2 [TSP] Krosan Grip
SB: 1 [LRW] Primal Command


Round 1: vs. UB Faeries (won)

Faeries seem to be a good matchup for me, as the only decks I've beaten in the past few tourneys were of this archetype. I won this match easily in 2 games.

Game standing: 2-0
Match standing: 1-0


Round 2: vs. UB Faeries (lost)

After the previous round, I wished to face more faeries during the day. My wish was granted, as I faced the same deck on the second round. However, the tides were turned, and I lost the match in 2 games. The difference was that this version of UB Faeries was counter heavy, with a couple of Rune Snags and Cryptic Commands. Like they say, be careful what you wish for.

Game standing: 2-2
Match standing: 1-1


Round 3: vs. Reveillark (lost)

I was actually excited to face a Reveillark deck in the third round, with my maindeck LD tech supposedly "anti-Reveillark". It seemed to pay off in the first game, with my opponent losing very quickly, after 2 Rain of Tears and 1 Mwonvuli Acid Moss. In fact, he was talking about deck-checking me, because he was really uncomfortable that I had LD maindeck. He changed his mind though, probably thinking that after having lost game 1, and deck-checking being a time-consuming procedure, he will probably end up losing the match 0-1 when time runs out. My opponent's mood changed though when he wound up winning games 2 & 3. My LD spells just didn't come out in time, and he was able to cast Crovax, Ascendant Hero to nullify my Bitterblossoms.

Game standing: 3-4
Match standing: 1-2


Round 4: vs. Red Deck Wins (lost)

I lost this match, due to a misplay. Lesson learned: NEVER CAST BITTERBLOSSOM AGAINST A BURN DECK. In addition to the misplay though, my opponent also got some luck on his side, having topdecked the Shard Volley (game 1 - he was down to 1) and Threaten (game 2 - he was down to 3) to pull out the last opportunity wins.

Game standing: 3-6
Match standing: 1-3


Round 5: vs. Doran Rock mirror (lost)

My opponent had the traditional Doran Rock build, without Bitterblossoms and with 4 Garruks. With LD maindeck, I had no chance in winning game 1. After sideboarding though, I thought I had a chance against him, thinking that I had a better Doran build. I began to think I was right, as I won game 2 behind my Bitterblossoms. In game 3 though, he churned out Beast after Beast after Beast from his Garruk after Garruk after Garruk. I didn't have a chance, and lost the match.

Game standing: 4-8
Match standing: 1-4


Round 6: vs. UW Merfolk (won)

When I saw my opponent lay down an Island and then a Plains, I was starting to think that I was up against another Reveillark deck. Good thing I was wrong, when he suddenly cast a Mothdust Changeling, and then a Silvergill Adept -- apparently he had a fish deck. :) I felt confindent playing against a Tier 2 deck, but was surprised when he cast Aquitect's Will and a Lord of Atlantis. Suddenly, I couldn't block any of his creatures! I also couldn't draw any Nameless Inversion, so I was suddenly behind 0-1 after game 1. While sideboarding, I tried to keep my cool, and converted my deck to a traditional build. After boarding, my opponent didn't have a chance, and I easily won games 2 & 3.

Game standing: 6-9
Match standing: 2-4


Round 7: vs. UG Control (lost)

I didn't have a chance in this one, with my opponent either Rune Snagging or Mystic Snaking or Cryptic Commanding and even Vensering those that got through. I lost after 2 quick games. Learning point: Never cast 3 Bitterblossoms. Learning point #2: You can't kill a 2/3 Tarmogoyf with Nameless Inversion when there are no Tribal or Instant cards yet on any graveyard.

Game standing: 6-11
Match standing: 2-5

I've finally come to a conclusion that Land Destruction is not viable in today's Standard metagame. It's just too dependent on luck, and if you don't draw the LD spells early, they're all just dead cards. Plus, I always end up boarding them out anyway, so it's really better to just put more effective cards in their place. LD is just too slow against aggro, and is not good enough against control.

FNM - Apr 4, 2008

Due to the disappointing results from the City Champs, I abandoned the Land Destruction idea in yesterday's FNM, and went with a more traditional Doran Rock deck.



// Lands
4 [MOR] Murmuring Bosk
4 [10E] Llanowar Wastes
3 [LRW] Gilt-Leaf Palace
4 [TSB] Gemstone Mine
1 [TSB] Pendelhaven
1 [PLC] Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
2 [FUT] Horizon Canopy
3 [UNH] Forest
1 [UNH] Swamp

// Creatures
4 [10E] Birds of Paradise
3 [10E] Llanowar Elves
3 [FUT] Tarmogoyf
4 [10E] Troll Ascetic
4 [LRW] Doran, the Siege Tower
3 [LRW] Garruk Wildspeaker
1 [MOR] Chameleon Colossus
2 [LRW] Shriekmaw

// Spells
3 [MOR] Bitterblossom
4 [LRW] Nameless Inversion
2 [PLC] Damnation
3 [LRW] Profane Command
1 [LRW] Primal Command

// Sideboard
SB: 2 [TSB] Tormod's Crypt
SB: 3 [LRW] Oblivion Ring
SB: 2 [PLC] Damnation
SB: 4 [PLC] Extirpate
SB: 2 [LRW] Cloudthresher
SB: 2 [TSP] Krosan Grip


Round 1: vs. Red Deck Wins

Things started well, with me being able to draw both my singleton Primal Command and Chameleon Colossus in my starting hand -- and I then quickly proceeded to win game 1 behind the double-charged changeling. For game 2, I boarded in 4 Extirpates and took out the 2 Damnations and 2 Nameless Inversions. I soon realized that I made a mistake, when I drew both Shriekmaws and being unable to cast them. My opponent beat me without taking any damage. Out: 2 Shriekmaws; In: 2 Nameless Inversions. For game 3, my opponent was again getting his burn engine going. I was able to survive though, even Extirpating his Incinerates, but he just had too much going on, Threatening my Garruk Beasts and sacrificing them to Gargadon. With me at 11 life, he won via double Shard Volley on my Colossus, Shocking me (9 life) and sacrificing all his hands to get Gargadon online ftw.

Game standing: 1-2
Match standing: 0-1


Round 2: vs. Mono-green Elves

I started nicely, by getting an early Bitterblossom online. However, all my other creatures apparently stayed on the bottom of my deck. I eventually lost game 1 via some 1-2 damage elf attacks and my own freaking enchantment. In: 2 Damnations; Out: 1 Primal Command, 1 Shriekmaw. For game 2, we went on a battle of attrition, with me having a few large creatures, and him with a bunch of small guys. Tough luck again for me, with 4 Damnations in the deck, I just couldn't draw one. In the end, I lost when I made a mistake when casting Oblivion Ring. With a choice of getting rid of Imperious Perfect and Door of Destinies, I chose the former. He then proceeded to cast Gilt Leaf Ambush twice, tapping some elves for mana via Heritage Druid, and finally Overrun ftw. He had enough damage through to kill me at 19 life. Oh well.

Game standing: 1-4
Match standing: 0-2


After the game, I decided to drop from the tournament and just look at some binders. I think I really need that final Bitterblossom and probably 2 more Colossi, to get this deck out of its slump. Too bad, I didn't see any.

Finally as consolation, before going home, I just bought us some Pre-release Tickets for Shadowmoor -- and this one I'm really excited for.

None Of The Above

When I arrived at NG Galleria at around 11am, there was a looong line all the way up to Filbars. When I got near the counter a few minutes later, we were told that we will have to be placed on the waiting list. Damn. If I had just arrived a bit earlier. I think I was around 5th on the waiting list.

Eventually though, at around 12:30pm, with the tournament already starting at the 4th floor, we were told that we could still play, but we would have to do it inside the crowded store, standing up or on the floor. Oh well. For the love of the game.

Here's the deck that I used -- Doran Rock LD:



// Lands
4 [MOR] Murmuring Bosk
3 [LRW] Gilt-Leaf Palace
4 [10E] Llanowar Wastes
4 [TSB] Gemstone Mine
2 [FUT] Horizon Canopy
1 [TSB] Pendelhaven
1 [PLC] Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
3 [UNH] Forest
1 [UNH] Swamp

// Creatures
3 [LRW] Doran, the Siege Tower
3 [FUT] Tarmogoyf
4 [10E] Llanowar Elves
4 [10E] Birds of Paradise
2 [LRW] Garruk Wildspeaker
3 [10E] Troll Ascetic
1 [MOR] Chameleon Colossus
2 [LRW] Shriekmaw

// Spells
2 [LRW] Profane Command
4 [TSP] Mwonvuli Acid-Moss
3 [MOR] Bitterblossom
2 [PLC] Damnation
4 [LRW] Nameless Inversion

// Sideboard
SB: 2 [LRW] Oblivion Ring
SB: 4 [PLC] Extirpate
SB: 4 [10E] Rain of Tears
SB: 2 [PLC] Damnation
SB: 2 [LRW] Cloudthresher
SB: 1 [LRW] Primal Command

Round 1: vs. BG Elves

My very first hand of the day was apparently a sign of things to come. One land, no mana elf. Mull to 6. I kept a 1 land hand with a BOP & an Elf. It still wasn't enough though because the 2nd land didn't come until the 3rd turn, and by then, my opponent was swinging with an army of Vanquishers. Game 2 was hard-fought. Me with Doran and BOPs and elves, he would Damnation. Him with 2 Perfects and some mana elves, I would Damnation. Finally, with me at 3 life and my opponent at 4 life, it was down to who would draw his Profane first. Unfortunately for me, he drew it first.

Game standing: 0-2
Match standing: 0-1


Round 2: vs. UB Faeries

Game 1 was a battle of attrition, with me getting all the way down to 1 life due to my Bitterblossom. But with Garruk online, I swung with my army of faeries. Overrun ftw. On game 2, my opponent was stuck at 2 lands, and I ended the game the same way as the first. Another Garruk overrun ftw!

Game standing: 2-2
Match standing: 1-1


Round 3: vs. RG Mana-ramp

I lost game 1 easily due to a single attack of a double-charged Colossus. While boarding for the second game, I just suddenly realized that I had not much answers to Colossi MD -- just the 2 Damnations. I then decided to board in the remaining 2 Damnations in my SB and the 2 Oblivion Rings. That's 6 cards in all... that SHOULD be enough. But apparently, it was NOT. I drew just 1 Damnation the whole game (killing 1 Colossus), but he drew another Colossus ftw. I asked my opponent (who eventually made top 4 in the tourney) after the match how many Colossus he had on his deck, because I didn't see any other creature from him (normally Mana-ramp decks have various sorts of fatties). He said he only had 3 Colossi. Oh well.

Game standing: 2-4
Match standing: 1-2


Round 4: vs. Reveillark

For round 4, we were finally merged to the main tourney area in the 4th floor -- so I no longer had the disadvantage (and excuse) that we were playing while standing up. My opponent had the version of the Reveillark combo deck that used the Bonded Fetch method, so that he could discard combo pieces onto the graveyard... and he did. By bouncing all my permanents. GG. I had lots of SB for his deck though, so I wasn't affected much. In: 4 Extirpates & 4 Rain of Tears. Let's see if that happens again. Unfortunately, I just couldn't draw ANY of my SB. But it was ok, because I was beating him down... all the way down to 2 life... and then suddenly... another combo. GG.

Game standing: 2-6
Match standing: 1-3


Round 5: vs. RG Tarox

In game 5, I finally got matched up against a non-Tier 1 deck. Sure enough, I easily beat him in the first game. But AGAIN unfortunately, I got beat up by some pretty sick draws by my opponent, most notable of which was a Might of Oak'd and Grandeured 22/21 Tarox Bladewing. And I was "comfortably" at 17 life at that time. GG.

Game standing: 3-8
Match standing: 1-4


Round 6: vs. UB Faeries

For round 6, I got faced against a relatively familiar face. I knew this guy topped-4 at a recent FNM. And I knew this guy had a powerful faerie deck. I was wondering then... why was he matched up against me, in my 3-point table? I soon found out why. Apparently, he was a relative noob as well, just like me. In fact, he was more of a noob than me, because he kept on reading and misunderstanding Doran's ability. I easily won the match in 2 games.

Game standing: 5-8
Match standing: 2-4

Round 7: vs. Reveillark

I was once again against a familiar face. I knew my opponent had a Reveillark deck. In fact, when the player beside me was chatting and talking about his recent game that had a Reveillark player go up from 2 life way up to 23 life via Riftwatchers, I told my opponent, "Wag mo gagawin sa akin yun ah." :)

Things didn't start very well because I mulliganed to 4....although it WAS a pretty sick hand, with 2 lands and 2 Bitterblossoms. I eventually found out that 2 Bitterblossoms, plus a Garruk, apparently, equates to a win. :) My opponent was pissed off. Losing to a mulligan to 4 does that to you. On game 2, I lost due to a SB mistake... I forgot to board in my Oblivion Rings, and I had no answer to a Teferi's Moat for Green. Game 3 was well fought. Me down to 3, and my opponent at 5, I lost to flyers which I couldn't block -- he had a Porphyry Nodes disabling my Bitterblossom.

Game standing: 6-10
Match standing: 2-5


It was already 9pm, and I decided to drop because I knew that with 250+ players, I had no chance of getting the Imperious Perfect that we so badly wanted (Sorry Jovs!).

Another tournament, another disappointing result. Maybe I should stick to FNM's in the meantime...