Standard Control
Standard forum
Posted on July 25, 2015, 6:19 p.m. by MagnusMTG
I haven't played a control deck in a long time. I really like aggro, or midrange/tool-box decks that do a lot of interesting things.
Are there any new, fresh theories for control deck construction?
Basically, I wondering about people's opinions about general control deck building tips -
What's the template / shell?
How many counters vs. how many finishers/win-cons?
etc?
Dalektable, could you elaborate, please?
Here's a blue/black pile I threw together from some stuff I had on my table. It's something I want to try out competitively tomorrow, so I'd like to know how to balance out the different spell types.
Never Trust Dimir Playtest
Standard
SCORE: 0 | 0 COMMENTS | 1 VIEWS
More draw? More countermagic? More removal?
July 25, 2015 7:57 p.m.
Dalektable says... #4
Turbofog is a control archtype in magic which uses cards with the effect of Fog to extend the game, plus Howling Mine effects and eventually win the game through some sort of win con. Almost every format has an iteration of the deck, I'll admit it's not the most competitive of decks but it's very fun and unique. For the sake of an example and not promotion, here is my deck list. It prays upon the most popular decks in standard right now, currently it is well positioned funny enough.
UG Turbofog | Budget Standard Playtest
Standard*
SCORE: 0 | 0 COMMENTS | 199 VIEWS
July 25, 2015 8:02 p.m.
I know what Turbofog is. I've played several versions of it myself.
What I meant, was how does that suggestion answer my questions?
I'll certainly check out your deck for inspiration - thank you, but I'd really just like to hear what most consider the right mix of spell types for a control deck.
Here's an example of what a relevant reply might look like:
"A control deck will do really well if it has 5 big creatures / finishers / other win-cons, at least 12 counterspells, and 8 other utility spells - especially if they draw cards."
July 26, 2015 2:09 a.m.
There isn't really a good answer to the question you're answering. A good control deck has enough answers to all the threats that can be thrown at you, and enough draw spells to get you to those answers. What you'll require for a traditional control deck depends on what you'll be playing against. That's why there's not really a set design for a control deck, it can't be done by formula. You need to tailor it to what you need to answer.
And in fairness, in your original quote you asked for "new, fresh theories for control deck construction?". I'd consider a competitive turbo fog deck a pretty new idea for a control deck. (the emphasis being on competitive).
July 26, 2015 8:45 a.m.
Dalektable says... #8
Well your general question was asking about control and how it should be built and different templates. I gave a template and archtype which is interesting in standard right now. Your "question" was very vague forums I have seen, you were basically asking how to build control. Control is sooooo huge of an archtype, many control builds don't even run blue so counter spells aren't relevant. Abzan Control is prevalent in the metagame right now for examples sake. So I feel my response was a fine one, I have an answer and an example to an incredibly vague topic. There is no ratio of creatures to spells to play, every deck is different and there is no standard.
July 26, 2015 3:24 p.m. Edited.
Well U/B has been the top control deck since KTK, Esper Dragons was the big deal for a month but fell into the abyss. You can build U/B with dragons and Silumgar's Scorn, creatureless with Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver, Ugin, the Spirit Dragon and Liliana Vess, or a mix of dragons, planeswalkers and Pearl Lake Ancient.
The last SCG open has a U/W control deck in the top 8 that is rather interesting. It uses Darksteel Citadel, Thopter Spy Network, Artificer's Epiphany and Hangarback Walker. Something worth testing out!
Dalektable says... #2
UG Turbofog and laugh maniacally as midrange decks everywhere cry
July 25, 2015 6:33 p.m.