Is it even possible to go Esper w/o Sphinx's Revelation?
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Posted on Nov. 13, 2013, 5:28 a.m. by vonbittner
I find Esper really cool and have gathered most of the main cards but the walkers and those damn Sphinxes. Does anyone know a way around that problem? or should I just trade them away and stop wasting my time?
vonbittner says... #3
I got the AEtherling and a couple of Barons. I also have 1 black and 2 white gods. Is that it?
November 13, 2013 6:23 a.m.
Esper control as is popular right now might not be possible without revelations, they enable the control player to 1 for 1 more often with their removal and dig for threats. One way to make up for the lack of revelations would be to run more mass removal and more threats, preferably ones that can function as card advantage themselves.
November 13, 2013 7:12 a.m.
I think it's a bigger issue that you don't have any Jaces. He is by far the most versatile card in the deck, providing a "fog" against creature decks, protecting you against aggro, and gaining you cards at the same time.
November 13, 2013 7:32 a.m.
without at least 3x jace and 2x sphinx's esper doesnt work, dont try it, will just end in a bad time
November 13, 2013 7:41 a.m.
harrydemon117 says... #7
The thing about Sphinx's Revelation is the lifegain. You could use things like Inspiration or Opportunity as instant speed card draw, but you don't gain the life from it which is why SR is so valuable.
If you can answer this age old question vs aggro decks, then a better one would be "Why aren't you running Grixis?" as their "control" cards are usually better
November 13, 2013 9:42 a.m.
fluffybunnypants says... #8
Technically speaking, it is possible, but being possible and being a good idea are two entirely different things.
November 13, 2013 10:40 a.m.
MinscAndBoo says... #9
It's heretical to say, but Esper doesn't have to be control! Check out this creative list:
Tax Bear Aggro
November 13, 2013 10:48 a.m.
vonbittner says... #10
I'd seen your Tax Bear Aggro and found it quite interesting. There'd be some cards I'd have to get my hands on, though.Regardless, I really meant Esper Control. harrydemon117, I guess the main reason I'm not running Grixis is I don't have the Steam Vents . It's a good idea, though.
November 13, 2013 11:04 a.m.
hiddengibbons says... #11
its not possible to play Esper Control successfully without Sphinx's Revelation , Thoughtseize , Hero's Downfall , and Elspeth, Sun's Champion . Not to mention removal that gets around the occasional Boros Charm . Control decks are among the most expensive to build. It has been that way for a long time. The reason is because they are versatile investments that, when built and played right, require little changes except after rotations.
November 13, 2013 1:37 p.m.
harrydemon117 says... #12
The first thing I do after a new set is released is to pick up as many of the "dual lands" as I can so I don't limit myself on what to play.
Once I have that, THEN I start deckbuilding and decide what I want to play and go and trade for those cards. I put about a year or so into collecting my current Grixis cards lol
November 13, 2013 2:09 p.m.
detentionsphere says... #13
No, it's not possible to play Esper without 4 Revelations. The card is really why the deck works; massive card advantage AND lifegain packed into one.
You could run something like the UB midrange/control deck that Shouta Yasooka played at PT Theros, with Ashioks, Master of Waves , Jaces, etc. That deck was UB and didn't run Sphinx's Revelation .
But if you want to go with good old Esper, Revelation is irreplaceable.
November 14, 2013 2:45 p.m.
@detentionsphere, you serious? Spinx's Revelation 3x is better because you don't need it too soon, clogging up your hand
November 14, 2013 4:59 p.m.
detentionsphere says... #15
@ifired: Yes, I'm serious. Look at most successful Esper lists, and you will see that they are running 4 Revelations; again, the card is what makes the deck work and allows it to play so many lands and answers, and so few threats. I guess running 3 is possible now that most Esper lists are running 4 Jace, but I still think 4 Revelation is correct. It is your primary win condition, after all.
November 15, 2013 6:58 p.m.
4 revelations can be annoying, but I think the difference between 3 and 4 is irrelevant for this discussion. It's 3 or more revelations, and the fact that that's $60 is what i think the problem is here in this discussion. Anyway, I'm trying to make an ester enchantment control that only needs 2 revs. It probably won't be that great, but it's worth a look and i'll post the link up when i'm done (which'll be between 30mins and 1 day later, probably closer to the former)
ifired says... #2
Well, you will need both carddraw, lifegain and another wincondition. AEtherling and Blood Baron of Vizkopa are possible wincon's (don't think they're that high at the moment) plus the gods, which means you'll need more boardpresence, which makes you need more spotremoval than boardwhipe
November 13, 2013 5:40 a.m.