Smallpox usefulness beyond stax decks
Commander (EDH) forum
Posted on Oct. 20, 2015, 10:23 a.m. by NixTheThird
Just curious on your alls thoughts on Smallpox. I'm currently of the opinion that reanimation, control or Athreos-type decks wouldn't mind having Smallpox in the 99 as another option to control the board and fill up the yard. However, I have become very wary of one time effects, and therefore I have a nagging suspicion that it may not quite be enough to merit inclusion in a deck that isn't dedicated to stax. If the meta has a plethora of voltron, hexproof, or indestructible effects then it's usefulness goes up of course, but I'm not sure about it as just a good card for edh in general.
Karns_Pyromancer says... #3
Personally, I would prefer Pox itself. But, I agree, if there's a lot of Voltron or Indestructible, Small Pox can be useful.
October 20, 2015 10:40 a.m.
griffstick says... #4
I don't like it by itself I think you have to build around this a lil bit
October 20, 2015 2:18 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #5
My issue is that you are using a card for a one-time effect that is symmetrical down to the choices too. The fact that you are using up a card to allow each player to choose what they sacrifice/discard. Basically, there is no advantage in casting the card vs an opponent casting it. I'd play a permanent that makes each player sac a dude at each upkeep instead. Not only do you get value for going last but it also has to be removed to be stopped.
October 20, 2015 3:52 p.m.
NixTheThird says... #6
Seems there's a small agreement that it must have a certain level of synergy before it should even be considered. Which is like saying 'many people agree the sky is sometimes a shade of blue...', but you know what I mean, ha. But what I mean to ask is how much synergy is enough. Is this just decent removal for keeping the board clear (I don't believe so)? Do you have to be full out Stax before this is even considered (seems stronger than that)? Or is a straight forward Sheoldred, Athreos, or Chainer deck with a sac theme built in enough to merit an inclusion? I lean towards yes myself.
October 20, 2015 3:56 p.m.
NixTheThird says... #7
Didn't see what M a g i c a l H a c k e r wrote before I just hit post. That's basically the debate that is going on in my head. However, comparing The Abyss and Smallpox is a little bit silly, clearly The Abyss wins head to head. But what I meant is in a deck that already would like to have The Abyss (or for budget, Magus of the Abyss) also run Smallpox.
October 20, 2015 4:02 p.m.
MagicalHacker says... #8
Smallpox is much worse than The Abyss though. A better comparison is Merciless Executioner/Fleshbag Marauder, both of which are immensely better.
October 20, 2015 4:12 p.m.
griffstick says... #9
Its no good in edh. Unless your playing a very strong aggro deck and somehow every game you get to play Pox on turn 1 with Dark Ritual the Smallpox on turn 2 then that's pretty good but that's almost never gonna happen so in my opinion none of the pox's are good in edh. Unless you build strongly around it.
CuteSnail says... #2
I like it. If you can capitalize on one of the effects, say by playing Waste Not or running a Crucible of Worlds it seems worth it. However if you just want it for creature Removal there are much options.
October 20, 2015 10:30 a.m.