Well, Elspeth control is going to be harder to play now that the Monument cards have been spoiled...

Standard forum

Posted on March 12, 2015, 8:07 p.m. by MindEcho

I was really looking forward to putting together a great UW control Elspeth control deck. But with cards like Atarka Monument, Kolaghan Monument, Silumgar Monument, Ojutai Monument, and Dromoka Monument that might not be a good idea.

Any thoughts?

JWiley129 says... #2

I highly doubt any of the Monuments will actually be playable in Standard. The only playable ones are Ojutai and Silumgar, but even then they will be budget options, not competitive ones.

March 12, 2015 8:09 p.m.

Not sure that I'm seeing why the monuments affect that?

March 12, 2015 8:11 p.m.

MindEcho says... #4

Because the CMC is too high? Well unless they turn out some decent man-lands, they will see play against board wipes, like Elspeth control, or main decked End Hostilities.

March 12, 2015 8:12 p.m.

MindEcho says... #5

Because they are not creatures on their opponent's turns. Board wipes do nothing against them. As a matter of fact, many of the older style control decks used that as their main premise. Get some man-lands like Celestial Colonnade into play and then Wrath of God (or in newer times) Day of Judgment and then swing away while they try to recover. Flying helps a ton too. Watch, you guys will see, unless something better comes in its place, these will see play.

March 12, 2015 8:16 p.m.

omnipotato says... #6

You're starting with the wrong philosophy for a control deck. If you're building a control deck, you don't start off by saying, "I want Elspeth," you start with "What's the best finisher against the current metagame?" and "What are the best responses to threats in the current metagame." If those monuments see Standard play, you shift your deck to combat them.

March 12, 2015 8:56 p.m.

MindEcho says... #7

omnipotato epic comment sir! Thank you! I have heard and seen so many decks on here talking about using her for their control deck. The reality is that the meta will dictate what is or is not control.

On a totally separate note, there are some really good counter spells in this block!

March 12, 2015 9:08 p.m.

IndepenentMeta says... #8

They re artifacts during your turn how would end hostilities help?

I don't think they do much unless your playing a whole build around them which I think would be fairly neat. It doesn't get hot by downfall at all cause they re indestructible. But idk a three drop the. Wait around for the 5th mana... Seems kinda mehish I might strike with dash.

But you should still be able to play elspeth you have devouring lights don't you?

March 12, 2015 9:12 p.m.

IndepenentMeta says... #9

I thought everything that was stated was on subject. He didn't state I want you guys opinion if I should run elspeth or not he said I wanna run elspeth but that might be a good idea then concern. There's a world of difference..... Anyways... I think you would do fine

March 12, 2015 9:15 p.m.

Ok I just looked them up and they are completely unrunable... To put them on the board is too high and followed by the fact that you can't use them till turn six is a bye. N that's I you hit all six of your land drops by turn six... Doesn't seem like they will do anything. That draw artifact thou might get u somewhere

March 12, 2015 9:19 p.m.

ZooGambler says... #11

If UW control doesn't see play with Elspeth it won't be because of these monuments. I strongly suggest you re consider if that's the only thing stopping you.

March 12, 2015 10:38 p.m.

A good comparison would be the Keyrunes from RTR block, which were frankly better due to not costing 6 to activate yet barely saw play (ex. Azorius Keyrune). Hard to see these doing much outside of limited and edh.

March 13, 2015 2:12 a.m.

This discussion has been closed