Soulfire Grand Master thoughts?
Modern forum
Posted on Feb. 21, 2016, 8 p.m. by theitalianviking
So, Soulfire Grand Master is an interesting card. I quite like the idea of being able to make a Lightning Bolt into a Lightning Helix with a creature card (R/W is my favorite mix o' colors) but from what I've seen, people are more excited about that second ability of hers.
So, here's what I'm asking. How much power do you think this card actually holds in Modern? I feel like the card itself has untapped power, and may even be a surprise powerhouse one day. There are other people saying that the card has very little value and staying power.
So, outside of giving burns lifelink, I think that second ability has quite a bit of power. It functionally allows you to recast instants and sorceries like Snapcaster Mage, but unlike him Soulfire brings the card back to your hand to be used whenever instead of gaining flashback for a turn!
Now, there are some drawbacks in comparison. Mainly, you have the upfront cost of Soulfire Grand Master of two mana, then for the actual ability you need to spend two more than you would for our steampunk friend. Ok, so Soulfire is more expensive, and isn't instant like Snapcaster. Also, if you want to reuse the card, you need to have cast it this turn and use Soulfire's ability, as opposed to just choosing from your pool of cards in the graveyard.
But the positives! The instant/sorcery comes back into your hand, which I think is very, very important. Also, a popular thing to do with Snapcaster is to use Restoration Angel to blink Snapcaster. When you look at it like that, the two mana costs are the same, but unlike the Angel and Snapcaster, Soulfire's ability can be used multiple times.
Overall, I don't think this card is going to break the format any time soon, however I still think it's a very interesting and balanced card. Whoever made this card has masterful design, and has really created some intrigue and fun play with a card that isn't particularly amazing. I can see it being used in some boros builds, maybe even Naya or a variation on iGrow decks (my current favorite!)
Thoughts? Is this card actually much simpler than I'm making it out to be?
wasianpower says... #3
I definitely agree the card is powerful, I think a good fit for it would be in a Jeskai midrange/Geist deck. I'm hoping to pick up a few for cheap post-rotation.
February 21, 2016 8:13 p.m.
I know a guy who plays him in Jeskai to some varying degrees of success. He also plays Jeskai Charm and Boros Charm due to their Helix-like effects with the Grand Master. It's... Interesting
February 21, 2016 8:19 p.m.
AidanTheSkink says... #5
I agree with what your saying, the card definitely has modern potential. The only problem right now is the Eldrazi deck, burn spells hardly make a dent in it. To really make soulfire amazing Eldrazi will need to become less of the meta. Once Eldrazi has died down though I think the card will see play in certain W/R/X control decks.
February 21, 2016 8:22 p.m.
It's awesome in standard, I hope it sees play in external formats, as well.
February 21, 2016 9:04 p.m.
JakeHarlow says... #7
It's very good in Standard, and it's not unplayable in Modern...but obviously that 2-mana creature slot is filled with strong(er?) options. Snappy and Young Pyromancer both come to mind here. I feel like Soulfire Grand Master is decent in a Jeskai tempo or Boros burn shell alongside Young Pyromancer.
This guy turns Browbeat into a really decent midrange/aggressive tempo card. I'd only play like 1 copy, but it's not a bad card with the synergy...pretty nasty if you can activate buyback on it, too.
February 21, 2016 11:49 p.m.
theitalianviking says... #8
@JakeHarlow, that's pretty much how I feel about it. It's a little on the slow/expensive side to be viable in Modern, an ever-hastening format. I still really like the card and will still play it no matter what :D
February 21, 2016 11:59 p.m.
The only deck in modern I'd play Soulfire Grand Master in is the Extra turns deck where I can pay 
to take infinite turns. And even then it's super fragile.
February 22, 2016 12:01 a.m.
APPLE01DOJ says... #10
Question,if the card cast is countered does the ability become nullified? I'm asking specifically about the "as it resolves" bit.
February 22, 2016 12:28 a.m.
APPLE01DOJ - Yes, specifically b/c of the "as it resolves" bit. Since the spell, you know, never resolved.
February 22, 2016 12:35 a.m.
theitalianviking says... #12
APPLE01DOJ-Further source.
http://mtg.wikia.com/wiki/Resolve
February 22, 2016 12:37 a.m.
I played her in a 
Burn/Combo deck that did fairly well... until Wizards arbitrarily decided to ban Splinter Twin.
Ignoring her third ability, she is still a Bear that gives your Bolts/Helixes and other stuff lifelink.
When/If she survives for even a single burn spell, there's lots of value. - I mean, gaining 9 life, and killing an Amulet/Bloom's Titan for (Lightning Bolt + Lightning Helix is pretty powerful.
Even when all she did was eat a removal spell, it was one less removal they had when I went to combo.
And when/if we did get to a point of 5 + mana... repeated Path to Exile is devastating.
I've also considered trying her with Training Grounds. - instead of 
to repeat your counter spells and/or burn is quite powerful. - Haven't made a working deck yet though. It would probably be best if it can be combined with additional creatures that can take advantage of Training Grounds (while still playable without it).
February 23, 2016 9:11 a.m.
Just ran into a guy running a very very grindy Mardu Midrange with these guys prominently featured in the main. I was running Naya Burn and was able to dispatch him as he didn't draw them and he took a lot of damage from lands, but when I later played him with UW Emeria Control they were all stars, as spells + buyback was nasty. I think maybe the best spot is in the board of Mardu.
astorre says... #2
Im anxious to try her out alongside Dark Confidant in a Mardu shell.
February 21, 2016 8:04 p.m.