Bang for your Buck #7
Bang For Your Buck
ducttapedeckbox
24 June 2013
3195 views
Bang for your Buck -- Episode 7
Intro
24 June 2013
3195 views
Bang for your Buck -- Episode 7
Intro
Welcome back everyone! This week's article will be very similar to last week's, as we will be looking at decks of the same Guild. I'd like to first apologize for being harsh in my comments in the previous article - writing these pieces is a learning process for me as well, and I sometimes (ok, frequently) make mistakes in deck construction.
Now let's get to this week's focus! We have another Boros aggro deck that has a heavy emphasis on creatures to pound your opponent before they know what hit them. We will look at the current build and determine the strong cards in the deck, and those that may be better-suited in others. The builder has indicated in his description that this deck is specifically meant for budget players, but also included ideas to improve it should the player's budget be expanded. We will try to stick with this idea by pointing out more expensive cards that could be added.
If you're new to this series, our criterion for deck analysis is pretty simple, and goes as follows:
- The deck must follow a $50 budget, according to the mid prices on TCG player prior to and following our analysis
- The deck must have a description to help guide us in our writing
See? Very simple! We have lifted the Standard restriction, and will now look at Modern decks once the queue is re-opened.
Without further ado, let's look at this week's deck! Please keep in mind that only some of the help for the builder comes from these articles, and the rest comes from your posts below.
The Deck
This week we're looking at a deck by thyhax:
Modified Budget Boros
Standard*
SCORE: 8 | 1 COMMENT | 7498 VIEWS | IN 4 FOLDERS
For you lazy people, we will copy the deck list below:
Creatures (26)
4x Boros Elite 4x Firefist Striker 3x Firemane Avenger 2x Legion Loyalist 4x Skyknight Legionnaire 2x Spark Trooper 3x Truefire Paladin 4x Wojek Halberdiers
Instants (8)
3x Boros Charm 3x Martial Glory 2x Searing Spear
Sorcery (5)
3x Mugging 2x Righteous Charge
Lands (21)
4x Boros Guildgate 9x Mountain 8x Plains
Sideboard (15)
2x Daring Skyjek 4x Dryad Militant 3x Flames of the Firebrand 2x Searing Spear 2x Spark Trooper 2x Sunhome Guildmage
Thoughts - Mainboard
We're already looking at a great start to a budget Boros deck - we have many of the key cards, and there is only some minor tweaking we can do. To start, there are only a few things I'm questioning in the current build.
Possible Removals
I've never really thought that Spark Trooper fits well with aggro decks. It sounds weird to say, but let me explain myself. Let's say you're watching a boxing match, and one of the competitor's arms disappears after the first swing. How much did the boxer's arm help by getting one punch through? Even though the Trooper hits hard and gives you back some life, was the four mana really worth it for him to immediately die afterwards? My thought of this deck is that you keep hitting the opponent over and over to win, and our Trooper can't do that if he isn't on the battlefield.
I also am concerned about Truefire Paladin - he takes at least two additional mana to do much, and I think those two would be better spent allocated towards another creature or some burn.
And, again we have the Mugging vs. Pillar of Flame discussion - I will leave it at that it depends on your meta. We also have the question of Searing Spear vs. Flames of the Firebrand, which again can depend on the game.
Righteous Charge is a helpful card, but I'm not convinced of its usefulness in the deck. I'll probably remove it, but, like always, I'm open for opinions!
Card Counts
Finally, I'm concerned about some of the card counts. You may recall from a few articles back my thoughts on card counts; if you don't, I've pasted them below.
- 2-of -- You may or may not see this card in a game, but when you do, it can end games or make way for you to secure a win.
- 3-of -- You will probably will see this card in a game, and contributes to a win. It doesn't necessarily single-handedly win games, but is a great support card.
- 4-of -- You want to see this card. It makes up the core of the deck, and a win is very difficult without one.
Following these guidelines above, my recommendations will probably affect the following cards:
Legion Loyalist -- A decision I'm basing on my guidelines above - I think he's a creature that fits the 3-of description.
Boros Charm -- Regardless of my definitions, I'd like to see four of these in the final build.
Searing Spear -- The last card whose count I'm questioning - I think it's another 3-of case.
Possible Additions
While there are many great choices in this deck, there are a few cards I think we should definitely consider.
Ash Zealot -- As I realized in the previous article, she is a great turn-3 enabler to get our Battalion on the move. While this can also be done by Skyknight Legionnaire, she definitely wouldn't hurt. I am hesitant to add her as our builder has listed Champion of the Parish in their “too expensive” list, and they're in the same range.
Slayers' Stronghold -- As a 2- or 3-of, this land could help boost creatures an enable a Battalion trigger the same turn that a creature without haste enters the battlefield.
Tajic, Blade of the Legion -- He's a great game-ender, but might be a little slow for this deck. His addition will be reliant on the meta, and if we can afford to sacrifice some speed for power.
Thoughts - Sideboard
My thoughts of cards above can be applied to those that are also in the Sideboard, and some options to replace them include the following.
Oblivion Ring -- Who doesn't love an O-ring?
War Priest of Thune -- Effective enchantment removal, and a creature to add to your battalion.
Pithing Needle -- Shuts down some annoying cards, including Nephalia Drownyard
Mugging // Pillar of Flame -- This really comes down to your meta, as mentioned above.
Suggested Build
Creatures (25)
4x Ash Zealot 4x Boros Elite 4x Firefist Striker 3x Firemane Avenger 3x Legion Loyalist 4x Skyknight Legionnaire 3x Wojek Halberdiers
Instants (10)
4x Boros Charm 3x Martial Glory 3x Searing Spear
Sorceries (3)
Lands (22)
4x Boros Guildgate 8x Mountain 8x Plains 2x Slayers' Stronghold
Sideboard (15)
4x Dryad Militant 3x Flames of the Firebrand 3x Mugging 3x Pithing Needle 3x War Priest of Thune
Conclusion
In the final build you'll notice the addition of Ash Zealot, which I thought was too important to not include. There are also some other cards that we could probably find room for in the budget, but have deemed not necessary. They include, but are not limited to, Boros Reckoner, Champion of the Parish, dual lands, and Hellrider. Out of these, the Champion is the most budget-friendly, and would work very well in this deck. We have not included him though because of his presence on the builder's “too expensive” list.
So that's my thoughts on this deck, but what are yours? The help a discussion can give a deck builder is invaluable, and frequently results in the improvement of the deck, so get discussing!
Future Articles
Next week, Darkness1835 and I will be back with another budget deck designed in an archetype dominated by pricey decks! The following week, we will have another deck feature, this time psychoza's deck Might of the Wild.
- psychoza's Might of the Wild
- PrivateCarly's Bant Auras Budget
- robogeek45's Izzet Lightning
- planeswalkersollis's Sublimital Messages Ver. 2.0
- CaveShinobi's WB Life-Stealing Control
- killroy726's FNM deck on the cheap help please
- Xindlepete's deck of our choosing
- Khashir's The Marxist Disassembler
Thank you for reading, and I hope to see a great discussion below!
I love the article. The after-tweaks deck, at first glance, is solidly built, and has a very relevant explanation to boot. Originally, the deck was under 15$, but as the market changed, it went to 25$. The end budget of 50$ is very reasonable - new players aren't turned off by it, but returning players, IMO, will find it just large enough to either base a deck on or even take a break from their regular FNM deck. I think that the addition of Slayers' Stronghold was a good move. In addition, the Pillar of Flame versus Mugging is relevant. This deck hasn't been updated since DGM saw light, and Voice of Resurgence is a thing now. Ash Zealot was a stroke of genius, but I apparently completely forgot.
The article itself is well-polished, nicely formatted and proofread, and covers all the necessary points. However, I personally would have started a debate about having 4 Boros Guildgate s. It is an aggro deck, and a budget one at that, so a fast start is crucial. Looking back, maybe 3 is the way to go.
June 24, 2013 5:40 p.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #3
@ m12fox -- Thanks! I did consider Doomed Traveler , but thought that there were better options for a R/W aggro deck. He's not a bad card, but thought there were stronger cards. If he were to be added, what would you suggest to remove?
@ thyhax -- I'm glad you've found the article helpful and relevant. I understand the concern over Boros Guildgate as a playset, and I think that'll have to change pending some testing. My thought is that they're not necessary, but could provide the mana fixing if you're desperate. It's not my first choice for a land, but it's better than nothing. I have a friend that runs an almost identical deck, and the Guildgate has saved him from mana screw many times. Then again, he might just be bad at shuffling..
June 24, 2013 5:44 p.m.
miracleHat says... #4
i am personally not a fan of Martial Glory , i just don't think it does enough. it also helps that the traveler is a creature too, maybe that is it.
June 24, 2013 5:56 p.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #6
@ m12fox -- I can see that. I've seen it help my friend out many times so I'm not against it. The Traveler may be a better option, though.
@ tempest -- I keep forgetting to thank you in the articles for proofreading haha... I will in the next!
June 24, 2013 6:25 p.m.
Sollisnexus says... #7
just to mention my love for any and all boros decks... BOROS LEGION!
June 24, 2013 7:08 p.m.
Sweet-Nightmare says... #8
Fantastic suggestions, I still would have a Tajic as maybe a one of, just because he's so incredibly powerful when he gets online, and even without getting him online, he can hang back and defend against nasty Thragtusks without killing the Thrag and winding up with an annoying Token.
June 24, 2013 8:24 p.m.
Very nice article as always ducttapedeckbox.
Here are some of my thoughts:
For budget, Tajic is very nice. Although he is priced a little to high CMC-wise, as a two-of in the main or SB he can absolutely do work for you. He dodges most removal and can play defense as well.
Searing Spear should be a 4-of MB. It's really good removal for those colors.
Dryad Militant should be a 4-of MB as well. At its worst its an Elite Vanguard . Doomed Traveler can fill that slot, or go alongside of her too.
Although the original user has stated that Champion of the Parish is too high for their budget, he should consider Thalia, Guardian of Thraben as a 2-of in the SB. Excellent counter for control-style decks and with a good body to boot.
I personally really like Burning Oil as a budget burn spell. It's something else to consider, especially with a budget.
June 24, 2013 8:55 p.m.
I personally dislike Skyknight Legionnaire . I think it's kind of trapped between Ash Zealot and Firemane Avenger . I don't think it does enough. 2/2 flier with haste is better than Wind Drake , but when you compare it to zealot, it looks weak, seeing as zealot is 1 mana cheaper and does about as much in my opinion. If you want fliers I think Firemane Avenger or Daring Skyjek is the way to go. I would use Viashino Firstblade if haste is what you want, since it has an edge over zealot, being the four power when it enters. I'd use Frontline Medic over both, but firstblade at least has an edge over zealot, unlike legionnaire. If haste is what you want, Lightning Mauler also isn't bad, if the 2-red is an issue from zealot.
June 25, 2013 3:05 a.m.
By the way, if we want our decks posted in this article, do we send a message on your wall or here?
June 25, 2013 3:11 a.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #12
@ Krayhaft -- Thank you for the comment! Tajic would be a great addition for the sideboard (@ Sweet-Nightmare too) - what do you think he could replace? What counts do you think we could drop for the cards you've suggested adding?
@ KingSorin -- The Firstblade and Skyjek are both cards that could definitely be of use - and the builder would have to determine which works best for the deck. Also, the queue for having a deck featured is currently close, but I will post when it is open - I don't want to fall too far behind...
June 26, 2013 4:54 p.m.
First, harping my old tune: Daring Skyjek over Boros Elite . The pros are worth the extra mana many times over:
- Can trade for a Thragtusk /token defensively or offensively (without Battalion), can fly over either with Batt.
- Can swing for 3 on turn 3 without any help.
- Combat-wise, flying is more conducive to damage and creature survival (both top priorities of aggro decks) than +2/+2.
Re: this deck in particular, I would consider (with some hesitation and ambivalence) taking out one Legion Loyalist and adding a fourth Wojek Halberdiers (like the original deck). The thing with Legion Loyalist is that you don't want to drop him early, that's just painting a big bulls eye on his tiny behind. Ideally, you want to drop him to trigger batt (that's why he has haste ;p), so, you don't gain much from drawing him early (or when you don't have enough creatures on the field, due to removal, etc.).
On the other hand (hence the trepidation), he's not likely to survive the battle (unless you pamper him with Boros Charm ), in which case, you could benefit from running 3 (just kamikaze them on the enemy).
But still, Wojek Halberdiers always has a spot waiting for him on the battlefield... you don't have to wait for anything to drop him =).
June 26, 2013 4:56 p.m.
And, to state the obvious: waiting is not the Boros game:
Where Razia was aloof and untouchable, Aurelia is on the frontlines, calling for war.
June 26, 2013 5:02 p.m.
Actually, some more thoughts:
Martial Glory goes really well with Legion Loyalist : it allows you to (conditionally) save the loyalist, and deal an extra 3 damage (for little mana). So, maybe that works really well as is (still a bit slower than just having a Wojek Halberdiers ).
Re sideboard, while I love War Priest of Thune , bant decks are so common nowadays (at least in my meta), that I prefer to have Paraselene . A well-made bant deck can sometimes win faster than an aggro deck (given hexproof and flying, which keep creatures on the battlefield; and some of the more ridiculous enchantments).
Also, I think the deck would benefit a lot from Rest in Peace (too lazy to check if it'll stay in budget). Lots of reanimators going around, and this would give the deck a fighting chance vs. aristocrats (neutralizes Blood Artist , undying, Lingering Souls , etc.). That it also neutralizes Tamiyo, the Moon Sage 's emblem is icing on the cake ;p.
Of course, one might argue: "you can't possibly design a budget deck with the expectation of beating one of the nastiest T1 decks, so why bother with Rest in Peace ?" Well, as I said, "a fighting chance," but it's such a damned good one (in the sense that it neutralizes a lot of the main mechanics), that it's worth the shot (plus, there are other non-T1 decks that could be screwed over by RIP)...
June 26, 2013 5:23 p.m.
Sweet-Nightmare says... #16
-1 Mugging
For the sideboard, since you asked. :) Just my personal opinion.
June 27, 2013 10:15 p.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #17
@ Khashir -- Woah. Lots of words. I hope I cover everything in my post. I agree with the downside of Legion Loyalist and the benefits of Daring Skyjek . I like Boros Elite because it is a one-drop, and can leave room for a different creature T2.
Paraselene would be a great addition to the SB, it can definitely save a game. RIP is a little under $2, so two probably would fit in the budget.
@ Sweet-Nightmare -- I think that change would be effective, especially if you like Tajic.
June 29, 2013 4:10 p.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #18
@ Khashir -- By "lots of word" I don't mean it was wordy, I was just stating that you wrote a lot - no tone intended. I appreciate the effort put into your comments :)
June 29, 2013 4:11 p.m.
ThEdUnCeCaP says... #19
yo i like what he was saying. id say you should add maybe 2x Daring Skyjek and remove one Legion Loyalist and fool around with the nubmers on the skyjets, the halberders, and hte loyalists
June 29, 2013 5:47 p.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #20
@ ThEdUnCeCaP -- I'm against having a non-win con card like Daring Skyjek as a two of in any of my decks. I think the Halberdiers will stay as is, but the Legion Loyalist 's count could be played with to accommodate the Skyjeks.
June 29, 2013 11:16 p.m.
No worries--I sometimes overdo it.
I know Boros Elite is a meta-favourite (I was expecting more flak for dissing it). But oh well... I stand by Skyjek XD.
June 30, 2013 3:51 a.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #22
@ Khashir -- You didn't, I appreciate the comments :) But I can see where you're argument is coming from; Boros Elite is just a 1/1 when it isn't attacking with others, making it pretty useless in those situations.
June 30, 2013 9:45 a.m.
Actually, I don't know if there's budget room for this, but the deck can support Burning-Tree Emissary and Lightning Mauler .
What really makes Boros Elite so good is T1 elite, T2 Burning-Tree Emissary into Lightning Mauler , and you swing for 7 turn 2. That's definitely something to consider for this deck.
June 30, 2013 9:55 a.m.
Also, here's some reader feedback: it'd be cool if you listed prices for each card (by tcgplayer mid), so you could compare the deck prices before and after your modifications. It would also show how much under the $50 budget mark you were, so readers can make more informed suggestions.
June 30, 2013 9:57 a.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #25
@ Krayhaft -- At ~$2 a piece (I think), the Emissarys might be a little expensive. But, should the builder have room in his/her budget, definitely something to consider!
And thank you for the feedback! It's definitely something I'll include in future articles! I've been trying to list the price of the final deck at the end of the proposed build, but I seem to have forgotten to in this one. I see the help that pricing each card can be though, so I'll include that next time.
June 30, 2013 10:01 a.m.
@Krayhaft: Unless I'm missing something, T1 Boros Elite into T2 Burning-Tree Emissary and Lightning Mauler is only possible with Sacred Foundry , which is way beyond budget.
Also +1 to the price suggestion thingo.
June 30, 2013 3:52 p.m.
Ack, you're right. I guess that doesn't work without shocklands.
It's still a good path to go down if the user decides to fund his deck.
June 30, 2013 6:45 p.m.
T1 loyalist into T2 emissary and mauler works, but requires 2 mountains and three specific combo pieces unfortunately.
July 1, 2013 1:44 a.m.
ducttapedeckbox says... #29
I apologize that a new article didn't go up this past Monday - I've been extremely busy with things, and we will try to have the next edition up this coming Monday.
@ KingSorin -- Had that done to me yesterday in a modified game where we only had ten life to start due to time limitations. It hurt.
July 3, 2013 12:41 a.m.
pigenio, ducttapedeckbox has been really busy lately with a new job so he hasn't had time to write and article. in fact, he hasn't been active for awhile, so you may have to wait awhile for him
September 15, 2013 10:22 a.m.
Well guys, since there isn't a new article out yet, how about some suggestions for cards for this deck postrotation?
The full Theros spoiler is out, so there definitely will be cards to fit in here once they are standard legal.
September 15, 2013 10:59 a.m.
Fire drinker satyr looks good, as does the firebreathing cantrip for R.
September 16, 2013 1:15 a.m.
megawurmple says... #35
Are these articles Standard-only? Or do you do Modern decks as well?
October 10, 2013 5:22 p.m.
Right now Fabled Hero is only $2 per, and he'd fit great in this build.
Searing Spear is replaced with Lightning Strike , and Magma Jet is such a good card, it has to be in here.
miracleHat says... #1
nice article, i think that it was smart to allow people to decide if they want Mugging or Pillar of Flame . did you think of Doomed Traveler , and if so, why not add him?
June 24, 2013 5:39 p.m.