Net Decks. A discussion.

[Moneekahh]

What is so bad about net decking? I see people saying things like "net decks are no fun", and things of the like. Don't get me wrong, I love to build my own decks, I am always creating a new pauper or EDH deck. But as far as competitive formats (the only one I play is modern, but the same would go for standard or legacy), net decks are the way to go more often than not. I appreciate a rogue deck placing at a tourney as much as the next person, but how often does that happen in comparison to net decks? Also, for me, it's just as fun to play with someone else's deck as it is to play my own. Lets discuss. Do you love or hate net decking, or are you somewhere in between?

[Silent1236]

I don't like when people see that someone won a pro tour, and then build that deck to the letter, and then brag about how good they are at Magic. All that shows is that they have the ability to pay for some cards.  I don't really mind net decking, just don't flaunt it. I personally am not very creative at all, so I do net deck sometimes. However, I built a {U} tron deck before I realized it was a thing, and I've got a homebrew white weenie and homebrew Tfog that I've fallen in love with. It's more fun to play a deck if it is your deck, not somebody else's. know what I mean?

[Monrodesign]

I don't like net decking because I don't like the idea of taking someone else's idea and winning with it, I'd rather put together my own deck and lose than copyright someone.

[Mikefrompluto]

I don't see a problem with net decks. On the tournament level, people do it because they're proven, and they're there to win. 0% of people compete in hopes of NOT winning, so why wouldn't you net deck if it helps you reach that goal? Im an against-the-grain type of person anyway, so I love rogue decks, but I don't get mad at people who "copy" decks. Unless someone is being a turd and I need something to exploit because I'm a vindictive person. But that's another thread for another time.

95% of Magic players also have work and school to focus on, and thus aren't afforded the time it takes to tweak a deck for competitive play, so they net deck. I'd love to devote 100% of my time to making a competitive standard deck that isn't naya, jund, or junk, but bills need to be paid and my wife needs attention too. There's also net decks that have rogue elements to them. My favorite deck to play is my LEDless legacy dredge deck, which has a homebrew feel to it. Other than a few cards, its a standard dredge list but its still a ton of fun to play.

[Kagain123]

For playing in any competitive arena, including FNM, I will net deck for the shell, then tweak it slightly for my meta (example is I use  {Fiendslayer Paladin} in main on my G/W midrange for standard because my opponents love targeted red and black removal).
When just farting around with casual, I make and try out new deck ideas, like my mono black apostle deck.
My main argument to people who hate seeing net decks is this: if you want to win a race, why try using square wheels? If the pros are playing these style decks why not use them? They are playing them because the decks are proven to be more effective and have a higher probability of winning.

[Bookmeister]

I don't like net decks because you lose a crucial piece of the magic learning curve. Figuring out what works well together will help you win. That being said I also firmly believe that if anyone on here took an LSV deck and he took ours, 9 times out of 10 LSV would still win. Having the best deck is only a small part of being able to win at magic so don't deny yourself the experience it takes to get better and better and that is brewing.

[EvACiDe]

For playing in any competitive arena, including FNM, I will net deck for the shell, then tweak it slightly for my meta (example is I use  {Fiendslayer Paladin} in main on my G/W midrange for standard because my opponents love targeted red and black removal).
When just farting around with casual, I make and try out new deck ideas, like my mono black apostle deck.
My main argument to people who hate seeing net decks is this: if you want to win a race, why try using square wheels? If the pros are playing these style decks why not use them? They are playing them because the decks are proven to be more effective and have a higher probability of winning.

This is what I will do. Sometimes ill look at some net decks and get some ideas for a cool combo, or like Kagain said, the "shell" of the deck and make slight tweaks to match my play style or match the meta I play against. All in all, I don't mind net decks. Lets face it, the Internet is here to stay and in my opinion is an acceptable resource.

[Vindog]

I only net deck if I have made something similar and need a sideboard but otherwise it shouldn't be used .

[All-Mana Mania]

I don't see a problem with it but u don't like it. I like to make my own deck. But if I do net deck, I like to put some spices on it

[Mikefrompluto]

acceptable resource.

Exactly. It should be treated more of a resource than anything. If you have an idea of a deck, why wouldn't you look at similar decks to get an idea of where to go with it? I think this is especially acceptable in standard where the card pool isn't as vast as legacy or modern.

[Gorzo]

I'm in between. There's nothing wrong with net decking per se, and if you want to survive on a highly competitive level, you do need to see which cards are at the top and use net decking as a tool to survive.

But what I don't like about it is that it puts a bit of a damper on creativity. I like home brews with a passion - people using their own minds to come up with new, effective ideas on their own makes me happy, because I really like it when people are encouraged to think critically and come up with their own ideas.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying there's no intelligence in net decking. I understand that there is - you have to adapt it as the meta changes, make your own tweaks, and intelligently use your sideboard and play to the deck's full capability by being smart. I get that. But to make a homebrew that does the same and competes on the same level? Requires all that, a creative mind, and more.

Maybe I live in a fantasy world, but I want people to use their brains as much as possible. I have a deep respect for creation.

[Stoneco1d869]

I think everyone net decks to some degree if you think about. This digital age, even the use of this app, causes one to utilize others ideas, even if unintentional.

It becomes almost impossible not to get inspiration from others etc.

[Agrus Kos, Enforcer of Truth]

I would define Net decking as taking a top tier deck and rebuilding it to the best of your ability, maybe tweaking a few things. That being said, I think net-decking is terrible. One of the many joys of Magic is discovering combos and playing to work the kinks out of a deck, net-decking destroys that joy. Its okay to net-deck in the beginning or if you are just getting into a format, so that you can get a feel for what works and doesn't work but if you are a true Magic player, for the most part, you shouldn't be net-decking. You can use it for ideas and maybe as a basic outline (or shell, good analogy Kagian!) but the more it is yours the better. Be creative, work with friends, have fun, there is no need to net-deck, play to have fun and maybe win, not win and maybe have fun.

[Mothaelon]

I like how people say net decking is bad because it takes out the creativity.

Hmm, the entire card game is based around creativity.

We are using mythical and magical beasts and monster. Where is the lack of creativity? And, I don't really enjoy spending hours upon days putting together a really crappy deck that gets its face thrown in at an FNM. Sorry, I do not enjoy losing, so why not take examples from winning decks. And remember, every single net deck started as a home brew. People just enjoyed it and played it after it premiered.

[Iandtormentor]

I don't like to net deck cuz it's not MY deck that won so I donno I guess I just feel like its cheating (no offense to any body that likes to).