BW Allies Viability Discussion
Standard forum
Posted on Oct. 12, 2015, 2:22 p.m. by capriom85
What does the TO community think about a BW allies, pseudo BW life gain, deck?
I think it's pretty well positioned in the meta for BFZ. It has great early game threats, some of the better removal in the format, access to soron solemn visitor and Gideon, Ally of Zendikar. It also has access to dealing with Ulamog in the form of Utter End obviously in the side and Crackling Doom with an easy red splash. They also deal well with the other larger threats of the format, some of which are hexproof (I'm looking at you Ojutai and Silumgar).
Sorin and Lantern Scout have the ability to gain you a ton of life, and aside from Atarka's Command there aren't many ways to stop life gain right now.
Don't get me wrong, it has its bad matches, too. I mean, I can't see it fairing awesome against RG or RGx aggro. Those decks have too much access to huge creatures with very competitive man costs.
What do you guys think, and which allies are worth playing in this aside Lantern Scout?
If we're going life gain route, I'd suggest splashing for things like Feed the Clan and Jaddi Offshoot. If we're going allies, 3/4 color with Unified Front would be better.
October 12, 2015 3:40 p.m.
RedDiomedes says... #5
Watch out for Tainted Remedy. Another reason for utter end!
I think it can be a great deck. Plays better than I expected.Kalastria Healer and Drana's Emissary with Zulaport Cutthroat can be insane! Throw in rally the ancients.
October 12, 2015 5:37 p.m.
alanwescoat says... #6
Here is the budget deck I am working on: Ally Rally
I have not had a chance to test it save for golfishing here. I like it, but so far I do not love it. I need to actually build the deck and play it against actual other Standard decks to see if it is worth pursuing.
It has lifegain against fast aggro. It has its own fast aggro. It has built-in tech against control, and it does not mind losing a bunch of creatures to ramp's Dragonlord Atarka. The proof of course, is in the playtesting, which has yet to happen. If you ignore the playset of Hangarback Walker in the sideboard, this deck is about $25-$30, quite a bargain, but I think it needs work. I am not sure that the core concept is viable in Standard. If anyone has an experience with such a build, I would like to know about it.
capriom85 says... #2
Edit: Drana, Liberator of Malakir is an obvious choice to include as well.
October 12, 2015 2:27 p.m.