Deckbuilding Contest - August 2024

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{"ops":[{"insert":"Voting has concluded!"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"1st Place: Drakryttare"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"2nd Place: Antz0r"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"3rd Place:A3th3r3al"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"Each winner has been contacted by the email associated with their Archidekt account. "},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"Congratulations, and thank you to all who participated!"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n--"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nHello brewers,"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nHappy August! First of all, I'd like to extend a big thank you to Matt for covering all of the contest administrative work for the past few months while I was out on paternity leave. Matt will continue to host our finalist announcement video over on the "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.youtube.com/@EDHRECast"},"insert":"EDHRECast YouTube channel"},{"insert":".\n\nHere's a reminder for the new structure of the Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest that started in the spring:\nContest participation is no longer limited by region. We’re so glad to finally have our friends outside of the US and Canada involved as well!"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Finalists are now awarded credit to "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.cardsphere.com/"},"insert":"Cardsphere.com"},{"insert":", a sister site to Archidekt. Cardsphere is a peer-to-peer marketplace for buying and selling Magic cards. If you’ve never used it before, Joey from the EDHRECast recently made a great "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUc4-FnefrU&t=1s&pp=ygUKY2FyZHNwaGVyZQ%3D%3D"},"insert":"video covering the basics"},{"insert":"! Depending on their placement, finalists will receive either $250, $150 or $100 in credit."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.youtube.com/@EDHRECast"},"insert":"EDHRECast YouTube channel"},{"insert":" will now feature a video highlighting the finalist decks from each contest! Matt Morgan hosts along with a special guest filling in for our usual cohost, Olivia Gobert-Hicks."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"After the three finalists are announced, their placement is now determined by upvotes on the deck pages themselves. Be sure to vote for your favorite!"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"We'll be following the same cadence as we have the past few months. (Wednesday-Wednesday-Wednesday-Wednesday). Details on that below."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nWith that out of the way, let's talk about this month's contest!\n\nWhat’s the contest all about?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Working within the parameters of the prompt provided below, construct a decklist with your own creative spin. Three chosen finalists will be awarded store credit to cardsphere.com. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"For August’s deckbuilding contest, brew a Commander-legal list that you believe would serve as a good first deck for a new player. Things you may wish to consider include complexity, mechanic learning opportunities, and– of course– enjoyability. Please be sure to include an explanation of your approach in the deck description or along with the deck link wherever you submit!"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nHere’s how to participate:"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Brew an EDH/Commander legal deck on Archidekt that satisfies the prompt.\nAny unreleased cards spoiled during the contest’s duration "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"are"},{"insert":" allowed."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Silver-bordered and acorn cards, while cool, are "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"not "},{"insert":"allowed. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Digital-only cards (such as those designed for the Alchemy format on Arena) are "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"not"},{"insert":" allowed."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Strictly one deck submitted per user."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nReply to this newspost, the Discord submission post, or "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://x.com/archidekt/status/1821234764160102847"},"insert":"the announcement tweet"},{"insert":" from the "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://twitter.com/archidekt"},"insert":"@archidekt"},{"insert":" account on Twitter with a link to your deck before "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"9:00 pm EST (UTC -5, currently) on Wednesday, August 14, 2024"},{"insert":". Only one submission per user!\nFrom the eligible submissions, we'll select three finalists with lists that we believe best embody the spirit of the prompt. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Deck descriptions are not required but certainly may provide valuable context!"},{"insert":"\n\nOn "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, August 21, 2024"},{"insert":", we’ll announce three finalists via Discord and a video on the "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.youtube.com/@EDHRECast"},"insert":"EDHRECast YouTube channel"},{"insert":". Each finalist will be awarded credit on cardsphere.com. The value of the credit is in US dollars and depends on the finalist's placement in deck upvotes at the end of the week-long polling period:\n1st Place Prize - $250"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"2nd Place Prize - $150"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"3rd Place Prize - $100"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Finalists will be contacted via email, Discord or Twitter/X (depending on where they submitted) regarding their winnings within roughly 24 hours following the conclusion of voting on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Please note, you must have a Cardsphere account in order to receive your winnings. It's quick and free-- "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.cardsphere.com/signup"},"insert":"register here"},{"insert":" if you don't have an account already!\n\nWe also now apply a “Contest Winner” role to all finalists, giving them a little trophy icon next to their username on deck tiles (the links that appear on places like the homepage). Prior contest winners have already had this role applied. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/contestRules"},"insert":"Official contest rules"},{"insert":".\n\nThank you!"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nIf you have any questions, feel free to ask here, reach out on "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://twitter.com/archidekt"},"insert":"Twitter"},{"insert":", or join "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://discord.gg/sctEc9Ru36"},"insert":"our public Discord server"},{"insert":". We look forward to seeing what you all come up with! \n\nThe Archidekt Team"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"}]}
Edited 8/29/2024, 2:25:24 PM
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Deejmeister41 avatarDeejmeister41 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"Commander can be overwhelming with the sheer number of unique cards one has to read during their first game. This list aims to establish comfort and familiarity as quickly as possible with many copies of the fun and epic card Slime Against Humanity! The other cards of the deck are simple yet powerful and were meticulously picked to teach a new player permanent types, stack interaction, and the different phases of a turn! \n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8752630/lime_jello"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8752630/lime_jello"},{"insert":"\n"}]}
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prez113 avatarprez113 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"I built this deck when I was getting back into magic after a several year hiatus and a game in which I had bucket load of hurt laid down on me by an artifact deck. The deck I made as a result is very simple. Play little goblin man, give him a pointy stick and swing heavy.\n\nNow that I've been playing for a couple months this has been my go to for friends and new players to try the commander format. The small amount of mechanics needed to pilot this deck and its consistency running a Voltron game plan allow new or inexperienced players stay in the game.\n\nThe good news doesn't end there though. This deck has price tag is just under 40 dollars making it cheaper to buy then most precons. The commanders put this deck into the Boros colors making it easy to upgrade if the person playing it decides to start investing more time and money into the hobby.\n\nTo sum everything up, this is a fun, easy to play and cheap way to get into magic the gathering commander. The ease of access allows the new player to try the game and spend more time learn learning mechanics from their opponents rather than trying to decipher their own cards. Thank you for reading and good luck to you all!\n\nhttps://www.archidekt.com/decks/6352915/voltron_goblin\n"}]}
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Lunaurora avatarLunaurora 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"Meowdy, my submission for the deckbuilding contest is this UWU birds list helmed by kastral:\nhttps://archidekt.com/decks/8580216/uwu_birds\nNow i like this deck as a beginner deck as the game plan itself is very simple, just play birds however i think the commander supports this game plan well without being overly reliant on it. Kastral is great because it offers a good a simple draw engine that wont become irrelevant later due to the recursion and power boost to all, additionally in the worst case scenario if kastral is removed too much and becomes inacessable the deck continues to function perfectly well. \n\nFinally the deck offers a decent variety of protection in counters which can double as removal as well as cards like dawns truce and perch protection in addition to a decent removal suite as well as a good amount of ramp and card draw that help make the deck more consistent and resilient to opposing threats.\n\nim gonna leave some ramdom notes here aswell:\ngetting up to 6 triggers with kastral is cool and fun to pull off (it works for each opponent and first and double strike can give an extra trigger per person)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"perch protection is a bizarre card but i think its cool, it requires threat assessment so it can either be great or a good teaching tool when you give it to someone you can easily lose against, its modal an can create a fair amount of birds (very good) and it can be an interesting card for table politics. you could argue its too easy to misuse and that for beginners it should be taken out and i think both this and my other arguments are valid but i think its funny so im keeping it :3"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":" you can probably make it budget friendly as most of the expensive cards are like draw, lands and ramp of which alternatives can likely be found quite easily, i will say windfall is really good as it allows you to get many new cards at once instead of just a few passively like kastral does"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"}]}
Edited 8/10/2024, 2:58:04 PM
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Luked avatarLuked 13 months
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/8754456/budget_sakiko_summer_time_stompies "},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/8754456/budget_sakiko_summer_time_stompies "},{"insert":"\nHere is my "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sakiko, Mother of Summer"}},{"insert":" deck.\nI think it is good for new players for a few reasons:\nIt's easy to play "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"It's fairly budget friendly "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"I think its fun "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Room to grow - easy to learn but lots of fun interesting lines to grow into."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThere are a few fun lines of play: \nLife gain - Lots of ways to gain life and take advantage of it - "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gala Greeters"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blossoming Bogbeast"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Verdant Sun's Avatar"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ezzaroot Channeler"}},{"insert":" \nTaunt them - Get through with the team with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tempting Licid"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Noble Quarry"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nemesis Mask"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Treeshaker Chimera"}},{"insert":" \nMana sinks - You can end up with lots of mana so we have a few sinks "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Squall Line"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hurricane"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lifeblood Hydra"}},{"insert":" \n"}]}
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CrimsonEtherium avatarCrimsonEtherium 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"My submission can be found at the link "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8748300"},"insert":"here"},{"insert":". \nI have included reasoning and explanation in the deck description. Thank you!\n"}]}
Edited 8/10/2024, 1:28:06 PM
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maloneyman avatarmaloneyman 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"I'd like to present the ultimate in learning Magic: the Gathering:\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/7215524/cognitive_overload"},"insert":"Cognitive Overload."},{"insert":"\n\nThis deck contains many of the most complicated individual cards like Chains of Mephistopheles and Takklemaggot, but further than that, it contains some of the most mechanically complex interactions imaginable thanks to cards like Opalescence, Painter's Servant, and Pygmy Hippo. You "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"need"},{"insert":" to memorize your rules layers to get even a few turns into this deck.\n\nUntap, Upkeep, Draw, and Main Phase triggers are all here to make sure you remember every step of the beginning phase and pay close attention to your board state! Cards like Chaos Moon and Nicol-Bolas, Dragon-God force you to pay close attention to the entire board, too! You will have to read every single card in play and you "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"will"},{"insert":" have to keep track of everything.\n\nBy the end of five games with this deck, a new player should understand the entirety of Magic: the Gathering.\n\nOh, also, attractions and stickers.\n\nAnd a planar deck.\n\nAnd unstoppable combos that draw the game if you're not careful.\n\nHave fun! :D\n"}]}
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egi avataregi 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8741080/chulane_teacher_of_new_fables\n\nThe short and sweet is \"The deck is designed so anyone with the vaguest knowledge of how to play the game would still be able to be impactful in a game, but also slowly nudge them towards learning the nuances and more advanced plays, that more experienced players are acquainted with, and that would make this deck a monster in more skilled hands, a transiotional experience that the new player will be able to experience and see it unfold in their own hands across games\"\n\n\nWhen making a deck for a new player, there's surely a few priorities that come first. But certainly, number 1 is: To make sure they get an enjoyable experience. And while that IS subjective, there's a few things that all experienced players will attest as being vital to get one of those.\n\nMake sure you have enough lands, make sure you have card draw, and make sure you're able to make impactful plays.\n\nTo that end, no commander will be as sure to check all of those as Chulane does. So that's how I decided on who would helm the deck. I also figured that introducing players to various colours concepts would be a more engaging and enriching experience, so the 3 colour commnder checks out. 3 is already quite complex, more than those and we start getting on the \"real hard to pilot\" territory, and that ain't somewhere we send new players.\n\nNext, figured the design would have to strike a balance. We need a deck where they are able to play it efficiently, but that still teaches them design mechanics of the game, in a way that they open up as they play and learn more. A \"deck design that keeps on giving\" is what came to my mind. While at the same time, I TRIED (emphasis here) to avoid set specific themes, those tend to get complex (especially lately), so I tried to stick to more consistently present mechanics.\n\nThinking about a core theme that would be strong by itself, help them learn the basic, but still allow further improvments on the player side as they get more acquainted with mechanics, and considering who the commander was, I figured a enchantress theme would be just the trick for it. A way for them to get acquainted with the concept of creatures, enchantments and their hybrid overlap, while also benefitting from Chulane's abilities.\n\nWhile designing, I also TRIED to avoid too expensive cards, or making this a generic bant good stuff. This is, afterall, supposed to be a learning experience deck.\n\nI made sure to add the avaiable archetypes enchantment creatures, as a lesson in \"Evergreen abilities are good, having them while others don't can really swing the game in your favor\"\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Open the Vaults"}},{"insert":" "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Starfield of Nyx"}},{"insert":" "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Crystal Chimes"}},{"insert":" are there not only for being effective on the deck, but also a lesson in \"Just because it's in your graveyard, doesn't mean it is gone.\"\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Glorious Protector"}},{"insert":" is there for, well, the protection, but also for the insane synergy she can have between Chulane and Enchantments ETB. One of the \"tricks\" of the deck that new players will eventually learn themselves into.\n\nAlso added 2 planeswalkers so new players can get acquainted with that concept. And also, between them and a few other cards we have the second concept the deck leans into.\n\nBecause on the things we want players to learn, one of the more advanced of them is to be pro-active and interact with the game as much as possible. And that's why we have a flash package also built in. A mechanic that will work well with Chulane AND the enchantress theme. Which is why we have ,"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Frilled Mystic"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mystic Snake"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ephara, God of the Polis"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Brineborn Cutthroat"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Naiad of Hidden Coves"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sally Sparrow"}},{"insert":" . Those cards are there to say \"Pssst, don't just play on YOUR turn. Play on theirs too!\". Things that will make them look at Chulane and realize \"Oh! Putting creatures back in my hand is REALLY GOOD! AND I CAN PUT THEM DOWN ON THEIR TURN!\". And that. That's a Magic™ moment.\n\nAnd on that end. That's ALSO why "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dust Elemental"}},{"insert":" is here. It's janky, the new player will look at it and find it weird, maybe even bad. But as they figure out how the deck works, they'll eventually go \"Oh wait, Chulane bounces 1 for 3, this bounces 3 for 4, maybe even itself and I get all those casting trigger and ETBs again!\" which is another vital magic lesson, the \"All janky cards can eventually find their home in the right deck\" which I daresay, is the most important lesson a new player can learn.\n\nAnd THIS. This is my take, on what a good first deck is, for a new player.\n"}]}
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Wachungys avatarWachungys 13 months
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Sky Slayer - Sephara, the Sky’s Blade Meets Worldslayer"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/8744715/blinding_light"},"insert":"Decklist"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Hello there, I’m really excited to introduce Sky Slayer, my Sephara, the Sky’s Blade deck. Unlike other beginner decks, this deck doesn’t baby you with worse card choices made for the sake of being easier to understand. When everyone you know is playing a highish power deck, you want to play a strong beginner deck, and this delivers. Nearly every card with an obscure keyword has text on the card itself explaining the mechanic and every card that doesn’t fully explain itself can be easily explained by other players at the table once it hits the board without giving away information or being a misplay. Furthermore, the deck is filled with several intricacies which would teach new players about the following:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"How do alternate costs interact with commander tax?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"How do different types of board wipes interact with permanents granting indestructible and different ways to protect against them?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"What are the different methods of getting rid of a creature?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"What is vanishing, phasing, and protection, cycling/plainscycling, split second?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Changelings, creature lands and activated abilities"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"When is it a good idea to withhold playing creatures?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"How do you deal with aggressive strategies? (Ensnaring Bridge, meekstone, silent arbiter)"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"What are tutors?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"What are x cost spells?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"What are +1 +1 counters?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Planeswalkers?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Poison Counters?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Life Gain?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Coin Flips?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Overload?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"What is okay in a casual game? What do people get annoyed/upset over?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"What is Scry?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"What are treasures?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Enchanting Players?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Snow Lands?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Foretell?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Totem armor?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"Suspend?"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"In Conclusion:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"In short, by playing this deck, you will get a very broad understanding of many mechanics one card at a time and from there you may choose to specialize in a more specific archetype depending on what you enjoyed doing within this deck. You will also learn the more valuable lesson (if your playgroup isn’t ready for worldslayer) that you should talk with your group about the power level and strategies your decks employ before the game. "},{"insert":"\n\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Addressing criticism:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"While this deck may seem complicated, it is fairly linear with the only main decision making point being how to most efficiently use your mana and what to tutor. The main purpose of the deck is to prevent wins with board wipes until you can find, equip and attack with worldslayer/indestructible creatures. "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"How in the world could you include mass land destruction in a beginner deck?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#000000"},"insert":"The deck doesn’t fall under the oppressive white stax stereotype by simply casting a board wipe when needed rather than limiting untaps or creature abilities. Worldslayer is a relatively slow win condition requiring 10 mana to play and equip discounting however much effort it took to tutor and get through your opponent’s creatures. In my book, if you jump through all those hoops, you deserve a win."},{"insert":"\n\n\n"}]}
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KaitoAIDA avatarKaitoAIDA 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"I present the The Boulder is Ready!\n\nhttps://archidekt.com/decks/8740331/the_boulder_is_ready\n\nThis was a lot of fun to put together and I keep seemingly finding myself introducing people to magic with Jund and it's probably because as a three color combo it's versatile in the most need spot which is the battle phases. Mr. Orfeo, the Boulder is the Commander of this deck and he's looking to drop down some big friends and crush knee caps and life totals. I wanted to build a deck that had a near a precon level value attached to it. I wanted it to be simple but introduce the player to each major card types and some specific types of interactions. This deck was a blast to build the list for and I am definitely going to build it and use it to actually teach people the game itself.\n\n(More is to be had in the deck's description.)\n"}]}
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CNHiggins avatarCNHiggins 13 months
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"Hello all!"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"I had four goals when approaching this month’s deck building contest:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"Fairly simple archetype"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"Ease in acquiring necessary cards"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"Educating new players on mechanics"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"Universes Beyond commander to draw in new player"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#008a00"},"insert":"Here is the decklist: https://www.archidekt.com/decks/8728867/what_is_it_good_for"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"With those goals in mind, I settled on Cait, Cage Brawler from the newish Fallout set. The internet tells me that she is a decently popular companion in the Fallout 4 game so I thought she was a good choice! Cait wants to attack all the time to gain value so in line with the first goal of simple archetype, my goal was to build her as a Voltron-style deck. New players may enjoy this, as you don’t have to focus on managing too many cards/creatures in order for the game plan to work. The first thing that I thought of when I read Cait’s card was the popular and simple card game, “War”, in which players compare the cards they flip up with the higher value card winning (hence the name of the deck, “What Is It Good For?” see: Edwin Starr’s song) If new players have ever played this simple card game, they may feel more comfortable with Cait’s mechanic."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"Speaking of mechanics, I wanted to introduce new players to common keywords and Magic the Gathering mechanics. Due to Cait’s ability to put +1/+1 counters on herself, there is a decent amount of synergy for +1/+1 counters and I included cards that can use them for value as well (“Forgotten Ancient”, “Hardened Scales”, “Ordeal of Nylea”). In the realm of keywords, the pilot of this deck will get to know about haste and trample with popular cards such as “Anger” and “Brawn” as well as multiple spells that grant trample. Being Gruul, the deck also helps players understand how to ramp."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"Another goal I had was to make it easy to acquire the necessary cards for the deck. When I was a new player myself, preconstructed Commander decks were great! They do a decent job of showing players a game plan for a deck that can play out of the box and more importantly, include great staple cards for new players! When looking at Cait’s game plan and card needs, players can get a decent start on this deck if they purchase the Kamigawa Neon Dynasty Commander deck, “Upgrades Unleashed”. The deck cares about modified creatures so includes cards related to +1/+1 synergies and good auras and equipment to slap on our Voltron commander. The deck also includes a great suite of staple ramp cards (“Rampant Growth” and “Kodama’s Reach”) as well as removal spells (“Beast Within” and “Chaos Warp”). The remaining cards for Cait’s deck are very affordable, with a focus on “madness” cards that play well with her discard theme. These cards have a high CMC which can guarantee you win the “war” game from Cait’s ability, but then can be played for cheap due to the “madness” ability."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","color":"#008a00"},"insert":"In conclusion, the game plan is pretty simple. Get Cait HUGE, make Cait evasive, punch players with Commander damage. In the words of Edwin Starr, “War, what is it good for?” In this deck’s case, making our commander gigantic and winning the game!"},{"insert":"\n"}]}
Edited 8/10/2024, 7:44:45 PM
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{"ops":[{"insert":"Hey there! Your text is mostly and primarily white, so it's hard to read. \n"}]}
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gonzalezjuan896 avatargonzalezjuan896 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"Submission from my end is https://archidekt.com/decks/8432090/ghave_spores\nThe goal of this deck is to make a lot of Tokens in little time and then hit opposing players with all of them. \n"}]}
Edited 8/9/2024, 5:28:16 PM
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Eldadelinx avatarEldadelinx 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"Given the state of things, I have brewed up a STAX deck with a commander representing what USA is trying to do, a big RWU wall that taxes everyone on the table. \n\nThis deck aims to keep you safe, by picking where the attacks are going, and making sure you can limit the amount of attackers that come at you, while slowly gaining hand advantage, winning through value or with lockout. \n\nPramikon will help you keep the creature/token players targeting each other, while making sure Combo and spell decks need to take 10x as long to get any damage out with the enchantment and taxes to keep you safe. For longer games, AotSS will help you secure a win, and it becomes easier if you manage to land the KP/DM Combo. \n\nI present: USA Taxes https://archidekt.com/decks/8744328/taxes \n"}]}
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{"ops":[{"insert":"I submit to you, my esteemed users of the cardboard crack, an attempt at a beginner friendly deck that is designed to help them grow and flourish in the format over many games.\n\nBut seriously I would like to submit my Yeva, Nature's Herald deck for this months contest. I genuinely think it's a great deck to introduce the format to brand new magic players. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8743852/in_response_i_beef"},"insert":"In Response, I beef."},{"insert":"\n\nLet's look over some of the strengths of this deck as a teaching tool:\n\n- mono colored- if you are just learning the game it's nice to not worry about fixing your colors or dealing with a ton of non basic lands. That being said non-basic lands are a huge part of the game so this deck does get to enjoy a few, as a treat.\n\n- easy to pick up game plan - This is a quintiessential big stompy green deck. So stomp away my friends, play some dorks, bring in some beefy bois and go to town. it includes a few cards that are not as powerful to us long time players but read super exciting and are still solid, like Terra stomper and Gigantosaurus. \n\n- It's supporting a bunch of mechanics that are great to get introduced to and practice with; Flying, reach , trample, haste, vigilance, flash, monarch, the list goes on.\n\n- No static pumps - I see newer players regularly struggle with anthem type effects, especially when combined with +1/+1 counters. So this deck only uses counters for permanent pumps, but I still want players to get a taste for non-counter pump effects so there are a few temporary pump effects that players can use for a moment and then not worry about. \n\nnow the secret tech for this deck that I love to hand to newer players...\n\n- The commander is modular so they can discover their own playstyle and level up with the deck. I default to using Yeva because I enjoy the interactive nature of her ability, however I would likely hand it over and offer them the option of Ghalta or Gwena as the suggested commander. Either will work fine, and the deck doesn't really need the commander. I have found that the deck does play out surprisingly different depending on which of the 12 legendary creatures you play. This lets a player get some Idea of what their playstyle is. Ghalta or Goreclaw for hard and fast Aggro or voltron, Yeva for a more reactive playstile. Polukranos for a tad more control; Toski, Kodama, Nylea the keen-eyed, or Shigeki for a value engine; and we have Gwenna and Rishkar for big, big mana.\n\nI also made sure all the cards cost less than 10 bucks so it's not too financially strenuous if someone wanted to put it together themselves. \n\nI hope y'all enjoy!\n"}]}
Edited 8/9/2024, 5:17:25 PM
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Malbec avatarMalbec 13 months
{"ops":[{"insert":"Awesome! Let's make a "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/8743975/_minthara_new_players_deck"},"insert":"Minthara, Merciless Soul deck for $90 "},{"insert":" to give a new player the best \"experience\" we can! \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"This deck is designed for the player that wants to grow with a deck. It's designed to be easy enough to pick up, but last you for a long time. It comes in at $90 so they can start to flesh it out as they learn what they like. The deck itself is an aristocrats token deck. "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Why this choice? It introduces two key deck themes in one deck. It also introduces new players to the interesting idea that you can destroy your own stuff to get power from it. I've also slipped in a light proliferate theme here, teasing at the idea that you can \"bend the rules\" of magic. I particularly like that experience counters are permenant so your work isn't undone if all goes wrong. The deck is filled with trigger based effects to get the player to understand that game actions have knock on consquences which they might be able to use to their advantage. Finally, we win by swinging with a massive stompy board due to Minthara's massive power bump and leaves you grinning like a big idiot when you ruin a control player's day. "},{"insert":"\n\nAlso, Minthara did nothing wrong. \n\n"},{"insert":{"image":"https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F9Op5AcaoAADxhg.jpg"}},{"insert":"\n"}]}
Edited 8/9/2024, 4:27:00 PM
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{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true,"background":"#f9fafb","link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8742829/halana_and_alena_partners"},"insert":"Halana and Alena, Partners"},{"insert":"\n\nMade this deck based on my Animar Deck the 2nd deck I made myself after getting back into Magic last year.\n\nTried to keep the deck budget friendly and not too much more than the cost of a precon.(Around $80usd at time of submitting)\n\nMade the commander the showcase art as it was only a few cents more and for a new player the cool looking artwork is a plus in my opinion.\n\nThe deck is all about adding +1/+1 Counters to your creatures making them big and beating up your opponents. Has "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/215573?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZWwGCSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Fiery Emancipation"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/559887?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZWwuCSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Unnatural Growth"},{"insert":" to make the big creatures do even more damage. Put in "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/534710?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZ102CSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Anzrag, the Quake-Mole"},{"insert":" to give more combats if blocked, didn't make it the commander as I feel it would make the new player more of a threat, but also added "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/505836?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZ10GCSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Arachnogenesis"},{"insert":" to go with it for a possible combo. Put in "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/248622?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZwX2CSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Champion of Lambholt"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/534744?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZwV:CSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Cosmotronic Wave"},{"insert":" to get the big creatures past any potential blockers as well as cards that give trample. I also put "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/559885?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZwQOCSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Warstorm Surge"},{"insert":" for some burn and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/553499?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZwQvCSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Chandra's Ignition"},{"insert":" as a possible finisher.\n\nFinally I put in a section of pricier cards for potential future upgrades like "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/212302?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZWWnCSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"The Ozolith"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/558695?irclickid=S7YzKMwWYxyKT1tSdhwTvX-DUkCzZWWuCSJzQs0&sharedid=&irpid=4913290&irgwc=1&utm_source=impact&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Space+Cow+Media&Language=English"},"insert":"Innkeeper's Talent"},{"insert":", because for me when I was getting back in to Magic it was nice to have the more experienced players give me recommendations for my deck.\n\n"}]}
Edited 8/9/2024, 4:10:35 PM
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