Best three drops in abzan scales?
Standard Deck Help forum
Posted on Oct. 22, 2015, 2 p.m. by HavokX
I'm looking at getting in some last minute changes before game day this weekend. The deck's fun to pilot and it does decently well, but there's one thing I'm having issues with, my three drops. Even though I run Hardened Scales, I don't want to have to depend on it to win. Here are the creatures I'm looking at, let me know what you guys think about them and your experiences running/facing them. Deck list's at the bottom for reference!
Anafenza, the Foremost: Comes in as a massive 4/4 with the added upside of putting counters on other tapped creatures. They don't have to be attacking, so she's useful even against tempo decks that like to tap down your creatures. Great when I'm behind as not many creatures can get past her that early in the game, and excels when I'm ahead as she hits hard and buffs harder with a scales out.
Drana, Liberator of Malakir: Comes in as a measly 2/3, but has built in evasion. Her double black cost is a giant pain though.
Managorger Hydra: Comes in as a 1/1, rivaled only by my one drops. Doesn't advance my boardstate much without a scales in play, as if my opponent already has an established boardstate, they can just attack unmolested. Seems really winmore to me, but then on the other hand, he singlehandedly takes games over if they don't have an answer. He also can't be chump blocked.
Tajuru Stalwart: Comes in as a beefy 3/4 (possible 4/5), but doesn't do much of anything else. It doesn't have evasion and it doesn't grow as the game goes on.
Undergrowth Champion: Comes in as a tiny 2/2, but I feel like he's more of a turn four play to get immediate value out of him. Seems a bit winmore to me?
Endless One: Comes in as a 3/3 (possible 4/4), but he's extremely flexible. I can use him as another one drop for a more aggressive strategy, or as a massive late game finisher.
Salt Road Quartermasters: Comes in as a 3/3 (possible 4/4) and enables combat tricks without having to use up cards in my hand. If I have a scales in play, I can pump him up too. The only downside is the high cost of his ability.
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I like Anafenza, the Foremost, Drana, Liberator of Malakir and Managorger Hydra
Anafenza because exiling is currently very strong in the meta, and being able to give creatures 1/1 counters throughout the game is what makes this deck go off to the next level.
Drana is crazy because the first strike means that the counters go on before combat damage is assessed, so you can catch opponents off guard, and once again counters throughout the game means you just get bigger and better as the game goes on.
Managorger is just crazy, if you don't have an answer then its GG
October 22, 2015 2:27 p.m.
firecast92 says... #4
i believe Endless One is a very undervalued card at the moment, after a pro tour i bet its price will spike. it is even colorless for gods sake and everyone is playing three to four colored decks. not to add the fact that in a 25 mana deck when u topdeck it lategame it will be a 10/10 or a 11/11, and possibly your opponent wont have an answer. I remember the day when i was offered to buy a playset of Hangarback Walkers for 5 euro the piece and i didnt.(buy those fuckers while they cheap af)ps you can also play it early game!
BigPoppaHads says... #2
I've got a lot of experience with a GW version of this deck which I played for a couple months. Managorger Hydra is a win-con if not removed. For Abzan, I'd say Anafenza, the Foremost is the most consistent option. There's also an argument for Drana, Liberator of Malakir if you can keep the skies clear, and if your mana base can support such heavy black requirements. Tajuru Stalwart, while it can be efficient, just doesn't seem to do enough, and certainly shouldn't be played over Anafenza. Undergrowth Champion is overpriced and probably a little slow for a deck with a title like yours. Salt Road Quartermasters counter transfer ability is really sweet, but kind of expensive, and again I'd say it's a little slow. Endless One doesn't so much count as a three drop as more of an all around curve smoother.
From cards not mentioned here, I've found Abzan Falconer to be a win-con when the ground gets locked up and things get grindy.
Anyways, love the deck dude, and I've been a fan of Hardened Scales since I started playing magic. If you want any ideas, feel free to check out my GW list:
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October 22, 2015 2:27 p.m.