So, I'm currently building my new standard deck. It is Rakdos, and a mix of agro and control. The idea is "play super agro creatures turn 1 and 2, and flood the board with removal and burn until they (quickly) build to lethal. If they stall on dropping dudes for me to nuke, {Rakdos, Lord of Riots} says hello."
Now here's the question. I can only fit so much removal, as much as I'd like to fit all of the below. I would really like some opinions from more active standard players. I currently have 20 cards slots devoted to removal and burn, and am looking at the following cards;
4x {Dreadbore} (non-negotiable)
4x {Hero's Downfall}
4x {Doom Blade}
4x ?
4x ?
For "?" Which of the following are the best in standard? I'm looking at;
{Shock}
Pros - 1 mana. Hits creatures OR players. Great for allowing {Rakdos, Lord of Riots}.
Cons - very limited creature removal power beyond the first couple turns.
{Mizzium Mortars} - I never plan on overloading this.
Pros - great creature removal power for 2 mana. Still useful in removing creatures well into later turns.
Cons - can't target the player if needed, useless vs hexproof. Sorcery speed.
{Magma Jet}
Pros - SCRY. Helps draws. Can target creature or player.
Cons - Costs more than shock for the same damage, shares shock's inability to kill many creatures.
{Lightning Strike}
Pros - 3 damage, better able to remove creatures. Targets creature or player.
Cons - ?
I'm leaning towards Mortars and Lightning strike for me deck, as creature killing power seems like the thing I need, but I'd love to hear from players who are better at standard than myself. Would I be a fool not to use magma jet or shock?
I would definitely use {Mizzium Mortars} because of its board wiping but for the second I am stuck between {Searing Spear} and {Magma Jet}. I would have to give it to {Magma Jet} though because the scrying can help you to better work out your mana drops and to filter out the stuff you don't want from the top of your deck.
I'd go Mortars and Magma Jet. 4 damage kills a lot if creatures, that could potentially open up
A whole new line of attack. Jet because if deals 2, enough for Rakdos and not much mana, and it could get rid of USELESS things.
I agree, Mizzium and Magma. Mizzium's 4 damage is so vital in the meta ({Loxodon Smiter} {Blodd Baron of Vizkopa}!!!
And with my Grixis control, that Magma Jet has saved me by changing my draws. It's just such a good ability
Quote from: DylanW18 on October 07, 2013, 08:47:01 AM
I agree, Mizzium and Magma. Mizzium's 4 damage is so vital in the meta ({Loxodon Smiter} {Blodd Baron of Vizkopa}!!!
And with my Grixis control, that Magma Jet has saved me by changing my draws. It's just such a good ability
Can't agree enough. Magma jet is amazing.
Also in Standard since {Thragtusk} left, more threats have been at 2 toughness (although {Fleecemane Lion} is the exception, for the most part)
Just Scry 2 and deal 2 for 2 is sick. So. much. Value. And uncommon! Only $1-$2
Chandra is a must have if you want to play {rakdos, Lord of riots}.
{Skullcrack}? {Doom Blade}? I'm hoping to see some Cacklers in here :)
Thanks everyone for the tips! Sounds like mortars and magma jet is the way to go.
And yes, LadyGrixis, there are Cacklers ;) got a playset of FNM promos in there!
I'll post the decklist once I'm done figuring out my sideboard, and seeing if I can fit Chandra in somehow. I hate making cuts :P
Edit: Deck posted: "Rakdos Blood And Fire Party!"