Hello all and thank you for checking my cube list! I am open to any input or constructive criticism for the means of improving my list. I built my cube in the summer of 2013 with a ton of proxies and have progressively been both upgrading the cube and investing in the real cards to complete it. It has vastly improved over the years. In November of 2015 it was increased in size from 450 to 540 to accommodate the number of players I get.
Goal: To build the most competitive cube possible while maintaining a balanced environment. When in doubt I prefer to choose cards that will make the environment more exciting and interactive for the players rather than more restrictive. For this reason I prefer power cards or old cards that people would not get to play with otherwise as it makes decks more exciting to play.
Cube Size: 540 Max – 71 per color, 100 guild and 85 artifact/land. I use high quality custom proxies or Collector's Edition for most high dollar cards. The cube currently has 55 proxies (10.18%).
Draft Group: We draft on most weekends at local game shops in Southern California with a $5 buy in and 1.5 packs in the prize pool per player from the stores. The winner of each cube tournament of eight players or more is awarded the right to alter a basic land from their deck to commemorate their win. We average 10-12 players weekly. The cube was expanded to accommodate 12 players as I was having to regularly turn away eager players.
The typos should be fixed. Thank you for pointing them out
Quote from Fredo »
Welcome to the cube forum, fellow 450 powered cubist!
Thanks! It's good to be here. I hope that in time my list can be worthy of many of the others here.
Quote from eidolon232 »
With 150 very unusual card choices (=excluded cards that see play in >90% of the cubes or cards in your cube that are included in <10% of the cubes), your list looks a bit underpowered / unfinished, considering how many of these cards are only (un)commons or Dollar rares.
The power 9 seems out of place in this cube, especially when you are stating that you want to reduce the number of proxies.
First, thank you very much for the in-depth analysis of the cube and the recommendations. I've spent the last few days pouring through them and made some changes already based on them. I traded for quite a few upgrades for the cube. All new additions are noted in the changelog as well as below. I keep the power cards proxied because it creates a more fun environment. The power is a huge part of the appeal. I originally had suspected I'd cut them due to too much variance or luck in what power you opened, but have found the opposite to be true. They rarely swing our matches and really just add to the fun. The only card I've truely considered cutting for unbalanced power reasons is Library of Alexandria but haven't seen it win too many games as of yet to take that drastic of a measure. I've also added some versatile land destruction in many colors to compensate and give sideboard options.
I will post more as I keep digging through eidolon232's post (thanks again) and update the changelog. If anyone has any input I'd love to hear about it. Any other changes people recommend or good cheap upgrades my limited budget can afford?
I made a massive purchase of some old cards. Most are a bit played. A few more severely but it's made for a great amount of upgrades. Like before I've added my feelings and justifications on the choices. I'm looking for any feedback on each of these selections.
Sphinx of Jwar Isle --> Tinker Tinker is a must include and I was happy to pick up a copy finally. I debated between removing the Sphinx of Frost Titan. Our playgroup prefers to keep Frost Titan so Sphinx got cut.
Go for the Throat --> Profane Command It seemed appropriate to take out a direct removal for the more versatile Profane Command that also serves as removal.
Graveborn Muse --> Oona's Prowler A lot of people play this card so I'm eager to try it for myself. My decision to cut a card was between Graveborn Muse and Bloodgift Demon. They are similiar in effect. I decided to cut the Zombie as Bloodgift gives a lot more for 1 extra colorless and the Zombie archtype isn't helpful on this card for the reason I like most other Zombies.
Liliana's Specter --> Ophiomancer I've liked the Specter, especially comboing with things to abuse ETB triggers, but I'm exicted to test Ophiomancer. It seems incredible for 3 mana.
Kiln Fiend --> Keldon Marauders Kiln Fiend wasn't getting used. Keldon marauders is much more consistent.
Goblin Rally --> Greater GargadonGoblin Rally had some sweet combo uses but was much too expensive. Gargadon should create some interesting boardstates.
Life // Death --> Deathrite Shaman It hurts losing a reanimation spell, but I didn't like it being tied up in the Golgari section. Deathrite is amazing especially with the fetchlands.
(added) Sundering Titan Additional artifact ramp and Tinker make this a real thing.
(added) Cursed Scroll Powerhouse from the old Sligh deck days. It gives agro decks another high pick.
(added) Grim Monolith Cube staple. I'm glad to finally have picked one up.
(added) Azorius Charm The 4th Azorius card. It's a placeholder for Geist of Saint Traft. I'm open to ideas on a better card than this until I get a Geist.
(added) Lotleth Troll I decided this was a more consistent and efficient option than Vraska the Unseen. Any thoughts? Was this the right call?
(added) Dreadbore I liked this as the 4th Rakdos card over Falkenrath Aristocrat considering the number of planeswalkers in the cube.
(added) Ajani Vengeant Finally picked him up. Glad to have another cube stable.
I now have met my goal of 4 spells and 4 land for each guild except Gruul. I am looking for any of the 3 Gruul planeswalkers to finish out that section. This sets the cube at 446 cards. I'm 4 short from maxing it out at 450. I should have a Sword of War and Peace coming to me soon and expect to have the last few artifacts done soon as well. What do you all think of these choices?
People (mostly the younger ones) in my playgroup get irratated with Linvala, Iona and the Shadow creatures as well as Balance and Armegeddon. Just seems a little too agressive but my deck is not powered. I've slowly re-introdced a few land kills like Armegeddon and Strip Mine because there is Archtype support to think about as they (and I) learn the game better but most of those are gone from my cube now. We also play with a lot less lands now. I wasnt entirely dissapointed in that either, seems like 2 colors is more than enough these days with the quality of all the guild cards and planeswalkers. Noticed you play a lot less fixing and more "fun lands" as well. I will enjoy telling my son you have Odric he has been hounding me about keeping that card and I think I am starting to see the value through the numbers.
Cards I bought by looking at your cube: Paladin en-Vec the last excuse I need. Does he get played? Vesuvan Doppelganger (Cheers! "Feels old school") Afterlife (I remember a guild called Afterlife in my EQ days and it looks interesting people like green now more and trolls are hard targets) Stormtide Leviathan (Been looking for a reason for Thassa, this seems like a nice pair with her) Volition Reins (nothing like taking over that pumped up Planes walker then beating their face with it) Fleecemane Lion (had already been thinking on this one) Tradewind Rider Tapping new Elspeth tokens to return perms sounds fun Gaea's Revenge (big green bodies that cannot be countered by blue are cool) Coiling Oracle (worth a try) Jokulhaups (maybe now someone will draft mono red again.. just hasnt been excitement for red since hellrider)
Cards I am considering: Careful Study (it get played?)
Silvan – I’m glad my list was helpful to you. It’s nice to meet a fellow EQ player as well! I actually had a low level bard in EQ named “Sylvan Library” back in the day. I feel like Afterlife is a bit of a weak link in my cube atm, but I do like it as a fair removal spell for white after the obvious choices. I like Linvala a lot but rarely see her used for her ability. I think her and Odric will be near the top of the list of cuts when I get more white creature upgrades. Iona is basically a reanimator target and doesn’t disappoint when she gets used. Careful Study is in there for the same deck but gets used more than I would have expected. Blue players in my group have expressed a desire to play it regularly. I’m happy with it.
Armageddon will probably never leave the cube. It’s an amazingly powerful card and a core card for the cube. I feel similarly about Strip Mine. It also gives all colors/decks the ability to answer Library of Alexandria which can take over games in any deck. Lastly it combos well with Crucible of Worlds which is a real strategy in our group.
As far as “fixing” I try to run the core dual lands and leave more of the fixing within each color or with artifacts. I diverge from many people by running all 10 signets which help for fixing as well as ramp. Green has quite a few dedicated mana fixers and cards like Chromatic Lantern and Prophetic Prism can help any deck fix their mana. When I want a diverse mana base, I draft the fetch lands, shock lands and dual lands much higher and rarely have issues.
Paladin en-Vec wasn’t getting as much play as I hoped but he did get played. I have higher hopes for Mirran Crusader in that slot.
I love Vesuvan Doppleganger! He was added as a throwback to the old school days but has been surprisingly good for us. I wouldn’t cut him any time soon.
You gave me an interesting idea for an alter with Afterlife. It would be nice to get the guild logo painted on it. I don’t think it will last in my cube for the long term though.
Stormtide Leviathan went in as another reanimator target but has impressed me. He’s been used as a finisher in blue control and worked. Artifact mana/ramp sure helps.
Volition Reigns is another of my personal favorites that probably isn’t in most lists. It’s held it’s own though as an answer to any type of permanent for blue. It’s earned it’s slot.
I think my group has genuine fear of me drafting Tradewind Rider or Upheaval. They are incredibly powerful if used correctly. Tradewind combos well with “enters the battlefield” effects as well.
Gaea’s Revenge has been good for us as a green fatty creature, but there are still at least 3 options I would prefer over him. He’s difficult to remove though and that has been important.
All my power is proxied. No real card in my cube is worth more than $40. When I do purchase upgrades I will likely buy collector’s edition versions of the power. They look the part and are much more reasonably priced. Should be perfect for the cube.
The list is now complete at the full 450. The recent upgrades are listed below. I feel that most are pretty straight forward improvements. Does anyone have any input on these changes or ideas for ways to improve the list?
Today's update: Befoul --> Unburial Rites I'm listing this as a black card rather than Orzhov. Anyone think that's right or wrong? I think this will combo well with Gifts Ungiven and want to give it a try to see how it plays out. 5 mana is a lot but I think this could still be pretty decent. Deep Analysis --> Venser, Shaper Savant --> It was tough to make this cut to find room for Venser. I also considered Vapor Snag. Thoughts on if this was the best to cut? I play blue a lot and find myself not as interested in casting Deep Analysis at full cost. I'd like to hear others experience with it in cube (good or bad) to see if this cut was a mistake. (Thanks are owed to my friend who donated this for the cube out of his FTV20!) Prophetic Prism --> Thran Dynamo I think this was a easy/clear upgrade. I'm excited to finally have the Thran Dynamo in the cube to help with ramp and potentially Wildfire strategies. (Thanks are again owed to my friend who donated this for the cube out of his FTV20!)
I would definitely cut Vapor Snag before Deep Analysis. I mean, Venser should absolutely go in your cube, but there has to be a better cut than the Deep Anal.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll try swapping Vapor Snag out for Deep Analysis. There are 3 other bounce effects in blue other than Vapor Snag so that's probably a good recommendation. Would you prefer Capsize in a cube over Vapor Snag?
I'm not quite sure where Unburial Rites belongs. I am trying it more as a combo card than anything. I feel like it improves the value of Gifts Ungiven and combos well with other mill effects. I don't consider it an Orzhov card but it's not mono-black either. I don't see it ever being played in a deck without the means to cast it with black and white mana. I'm open to feedback.
If you think it's only going to go in BW decks, then it's an Orzhov card. I classify cards where they are at their best, so, to me, this would absolutely be an Orzhov card.
Capsize is slow and I cut it, but I like it over Vapor Snag because the BCS on Capsize is pretty sick.
The cube has been updated. I made some purchases at the SCG Open in LA this past weekend to improve the cube and replace a few proxies. The changes are listed below. I took your guys advice and when cutting blue cards opted to substantially reduce the amount of bounce in the cube. There are 3 left in the cube (Man-o'-war, Vapor Snag and Into the Roil). Any thoughts on if those should be cut instead of the 3 I took out?
I liked the Signets for mana fixing and ramp but I don't think they have been neccessary enough to be worth inclusion. I pulled the 5 complimentry colored signets and left the 5 opposing colors as they are more likely to be needed for splashing. As I aquire a few more of the top teir artifacts and nonguild lands I need (Mana Crypt, Umezawa's Jitte and the last 2 swords) I will likely remove the last 5 signets.
I also feel like Red isn't getting as many wins as the other colors. It's been very close but I think it needs a little bump in power. Any thoughts on improvements or specific cards I'm missing? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
I have to disagree that Aether Adept is better than Venser or Waterfront Bouncer. I also prefer Erratic Portal because it's so good with your own ETB guys (plus Sneak Attack). I wouldn't really consider Upheaval a bounce effect either. It's really a win condition or a reset button depending on what you need. I do think that bounce effects are not that great in cube for the most part. Too many creatures have great ETB effects. However, they can be useful by getting rid of a blocker, killing a token, or saving your own guy from removal. I like the ones you are running and run them at 500 except for Tradewind rider and Vapor Snag, but I also run Aether Adept.
I don't think that a 450 powered cube needs the signets at all.
I'm putting together a cube draft with only 270 cards, and then I'll add only 2 types of dual lands, already have the duals old and I'm in doubt between what other kind can add: Shock Lands and Fetch Lands?
Goal: To build the most competitive cube possible while maintaining a balanced environment. When in doubt I prefer to choose cards that will make the environment more exciting and interactive for the players rather than more restrictive. For this reason I prefer power cards or old cards that people would not get to play with otherwise as it makes decks more exciting to play.
Cube Size: 540 Max – 71 per color, 100 guild and 85 artifact/land. I use high quality custom proxies or Collector's Edition for most high dollar cards. The cube currently has 55 proxies (10.18%).
Draft Group: We draft on most weekends at local game shops in Southern California with a $5 buy in and 1.5 packs in the prize pool per player from the stores. The winner of each cube tournament of eight players or more is awarded the right to alter a basic land from their deck to commemorate their win. We average 10-12 players weekly. The cube was expanded to accommodate 12 players as I was having to regularly turn away eager players.
Thank you for taking a look at my cube!
1 Dragon Hunter
1 Elite Vanguard
1 Gideon's Lawkeeper
1 Isamaru, Hound of Konda
1 Kytheon, Hero of Akros
1 Mardu Woe-Reaper
1 Mother of Runes
1 Savannah Lions
1 Soldier of the Pantheon
1 Steppe Lynx
1 Student of Warfare
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Accorder Paladin
1 Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit
1 Imposing Sovereign
1 Porcelain Legionnaire
1 Soulfire Grand Master
1 Stoneforge Mystic
1 Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
1 Wall of Omens
1 Blade Splicer
1 Brimaz, King of Oreskos
1 Eldrazi Displacer
1 Flickerwisp
1 Hallowed Spiritkeeper
1 Monastery Mentor
1 Recruiter of the Guard
1 Silverblade Paladin
1 Thalia, Heretic Cathar
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Academy Rector
1 Exalted Angel
1 Felidar Guardian
1 Hero of Bladehold
1 Restoration Angel
1 Sublime Archangel
1 Baneslayer Angel
1 Geist-Honored Monk
1 Karmic Guide
1 Reveillark
~ 6 CMC ~
1 Sun Titan
~ 7 CMC ~
1 Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
~ 8 CMC ~
1 Avacyn, Angel of Hope
~ 9 CMC ~
1 Iona, Shield of Emeria
1 Condemn
1 Enlightened Tutor
1 Land Tax
1 Mana Tithe
1 Path to Exile
1 Swords to Plowshares
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Balance
1 Disenchant
1 Eternal Dragon
1 Journey to Nowhere
1 Seal of Cleansing
1 Ajani, Caller of the Pride
1 Banishing Light
1 Council's Judgment
1 Oblivion Ring
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Armageddon
1 Day of Judgment
1 Elspeth, Knight-Errant
1 Gideon, Ally of Zendikar
1 Moat
1 Parallax Wave
1 Ravages of War
1 Wrath of God
1 Elspeth Tirel
1 Gideon Jura
~ 6 CMC ~
1 Catastrophe
1 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
~ X CMC ~
1 Secure the Wastes
1 Unexpectedly Absent
1 Enclave Cryptologist
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Coralhelm Commander
1 Jace, Vryn's Prodigy
1 Looter il-Kor
1 Phantasmal Image
1 Snapcaster Mage
1 Waterfront Bouncer
~ 3 CMC ~
1 Deceiver Exarch
1 Man-o'-War
1 Pestermite
1 True-Name Nemesis
1 Vendilion Clique
1 Clever Impersonator
1 Glen Elendra Archmage
1 Phyrexian Metamorph
1 Sower of Temptation
1 Stunt Double
1 Venser, Shaper Savant
1 Whirler Rogue
~ 5 CMC ~
1 Arcane Savant
1 Meloku the Clouded Mirror
1 Morphling
1 Mulldrifter
1 Consecrated Sphinx
1 Frost Titan
1 Torrential Gearhulk
~ 8 CMC ~
1 Stormtide Leviathan
~ 9 CMC ~
1 Inkwell Leviathan
1 Daze
1 Force of Will
~ 1 CMC ~
1 Ancestral Recall
1 Ancestral Vision
1 Brainstorm
1 Careful Study
1 Mystical Tutor
1 Preordain
1 Treasure Cruise
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Counterspell
1 Dig Through Time
1 Flash
1 Impulse
1 Mana Drain
1 Mana Leak
1 Time Walk
1 Compulsive Research
1 Exclude
1 Forbid
1 Jace Beleren
1 Imprisoned in the Moon
1 Intuition
1 Show and Tell
1 Timetwister
1 Tinker
1 Vedalken Shackles
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Control Magic
1 Cryptic Command
1 Fact or Fiction
1 Gifts Ungiven
1 Jace, the Mind Sculptor
1 Opposition
1 Rite of Replication
1 Bribery
1 Mystic Confluence
1 Tamiyo, the Moon Sage
1 Tezzeret the Seeker
1 Time Warp
1 Treachery
~ 6 CMC ~
1 Mind Over Matter
1 Time Spiral
1 Upheaval
~ 10 CMC ~
1 Omniscience
1 Bloodsoaked Champion
1 Carrion Feeder
1 Diregraf Ghoul
1 Dread Wanderer
1 Gnarled Scarhide
1 Gravecrawler
1 Tormented Hero
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Bloodghast
1 Dark Confidant
1 Pack Rat
1 Reassembling Skeleton
1 Relentless Dead
1 Scrapheap Scrounger
1 Vampire Hexmage
1 Cemetery Reaper
1 Drana, Liberator of Malakir
1 Flesh Carver
1 Geralf's Messenger
1 Hypnotic Specter
1 Liliana, Heretical Healer
1 Mardu Strike Leader
1 Ophiomancer
1 Vampire Nighthawk
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Braids, Cabal Minion
1 Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet
1 Nekrataal
1 Skinrender
1 Bloodgift Demon
1 Shriekmaw
~ 6 CMC ~
1 Grave Titan
1 Tasigur, the Golden Fang
~ 8 CMC ~
1 Griselbrand
1 Snuff Out
~ 1 CMC ~
1 Dark Ritual
1 Duress
1 Entomb
1 Imperial Seal
1 Inquisition of Kozilek
1 Reanimate
1 Thoughtseize
1 Tragic Slip
1 Vampiric Tutor
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Animate Dead
1 Bitterblossom
1 Dance of the Dead
1 Demonic Tutor
1 Diabolic Edict
1 Doom Blade
1 Exhume
1 Hymn to Tourach
1 Sinkhole
1 Dismember
1 Hero's Downfall
1 Liliana of the Veil
1 Phyrexian Arena
1 Recurring Nightmare
1 Toxic Deluge
1 Yawgmoth's Will
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Damnation
1 Languish
1 The Abyss
1 Whip of Erebos
~ 5 CMC ~
1 Hatred
1 Liliana Vess
1 Living Death
1 Ob Nixilis Reignited
1 Unburial Rites
1 Yawgmoth's Bargain
~ X CMC ~
1 Black Sun's Zenith
1 Mind Twist
1 Profane Command
1 Falkenrath Gorger
1 Firedrinker Satyr
1 Goblin Guide
1 Goblin Welder
1 Grim Lavamancer
1 Monastery Swiftspear
1 Stromkirk Noble
1 Zurgo Bellstriker
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Abbot of Keral Keep
1 Ash Zealot
1 Eidolon of the Great Revel
1 Goblin Bushwhacker
1 Harsh Mentor
1 Hellspark Elemental
1 Kari Zev, Skyship Raider
1 Keldon Marauders
1 Lightning Mauler
1 Stormblood Berserker
1 Torch Fiend
1 Young Pyromancer
1 Alesha, Who Smiles at Death
1 Ball Lightning
1 Chandra, Fire of Kaladesh
1 Chandra's Phoenix
1 Dualcaster Mage
1 Feldon of the Third Path
1 Goblin Rabblemaster
1 Hell's Thunder
1 Imperial Recruiter
1 Manic Vandal
1 Scab-Clan Berserker
1 Simian Spirit Guide
1 Squee, Goblin Nabob
1 Volatile Chimera
1 Avalanche Riders
1 Flametongue Kavu
1 Hellrider
1 Hero of Oxid Ridge
1 Pia and Kiran Nalaar
~ 5 CMC ~
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Thundermaw Hellkite
1 Zealous Conscripts
~ 6 CMC ~
1 Inferno Titan
1 Fireblast
~ 1 CMC ~
1 Burst Lightning
1 Chain Lightning
1 Lightning Bolt
1 Rift Bolt
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Incinerate
1 Lightning Strike
1 Magma Jet
1 Searing Blaze
1 Searing Spear
1 Smash to Smithereens
1 Acidic Soil
1 Arc Lightning
1 Flames of the Firebrand
1 Molten Rain
1 Sulfuric Vortex
1 Wheel of Fortune
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Chandra, Pyromaster
1 Chandra, the Firebrand
1 Chandra, Torch of Defiance
1 Daretti, Scrap Savant
1 Koth of the Hammer
1 Sneak Attack
1 Splinter Twin
1 Stoke the Flames
1 Through the Breach
~ X CMC ~
1 Banefire
1 Earthquake
1 Arbor Elf
1 Birds of Paradise
1 Elvish Mystic
1 Experiment One
1 Fyndhorn Elves
1 Joraga Treespeaker
1 Llanowar Elves
1 Noble Hierarch
1 Quirion Ranger
1 Warden of the First Tree
1 Wild Nacatl
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Den Protector
1 Fauna Shaman
1 Lotus Cobra
1 Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary
1 Sakura-Tribe Elder
1 Scavenging Ooze
1 Strangleroot Geist
1 Tarmogoyf
1 Wall of Blossoms
1 Wall of Roots
1 Wild Mongrel
1 Courser of Kruphix
1 Elvish Archdruid
1 Eternal Witness
1 Nissa, Vastwood Seer
1 Reclamation Sage
1 Yavimaya Elder
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Caller of the Untamed
1 Master of the Wild Hunt
1 Oracle of Mul Daya
1 Polukranos, World Eater
1 Thrun, the Last Troll
1 Wickerbough Elder
~ 5 CMC ~
1 Acidic Slime
1 Deranged Hermit
1 Thragtusk
1 Wolfir Silverheart
1 Greenwarden of Murasa
1 Primeval Titan
~ 7 CMC ~
1 Protean Hulk
~ 8 CMC ~
1 Craterhoof Behemoth
1 Terastodon
1 Woodfall Primus
~ 11 CMC ~
1 Worldspine Wurm
1 Become Immense
1 Beserk
1 Fastbond
1 Rancor
1 Worldly Tutor
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Channel
1 Evolutionary Leap
1 Farseek
1 Oath of Druids
1 Regrowth
1 Survival of the Fittest
1 Sylvan Library
1 Beast Within
1 Cultivate
1 Song of the Dryads
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Birthing Pod
1 Bramblecrush
1 Eureka
1 Garruk Relentless
1 Garruk Wildspeaker
1 Natural Order
1 Garruk, Primal Hunter
1 Overrun
1 Plow Under
~ 7 CMC ~
1 Tooth and Nail
~ X CMC ~
1 Green Sun's Zenith
1 Dovin Baan
1 Geist of Saint Traft
1 Sphinx's Revelation
1 Supreme Verdict
1 Venser, the Sojourner
1 Celestial Colonnade
1 Flooded Strand
1 Hallowed Fountain
1 Prairie Stream
1 Tundra
~ Orzhov ~
1 Kaya, Ghost Assassin
1 Lingering Souls
1 Sorin, Lord of Innistrad
1 Sorin, Solemn Visitor
1 Vindicate
1 Godless Shrine
1 Isolated Chapel
1 Marsh Flats
1 Scrubland
1 Shambling Vent
~ Dmir ~
1 Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
1 Baleful Strix
1 Dragonlord Silumgar
1 Psychatog
1 Shadowmage Infiltrator
1 Creeping Tar Pit
1 Polluted Delta
1 Sunken Hollow
1 Underground Sea
1 Watery Grave
~ Izzet ~
1 Dack Fayden
1 Electrolyze
1 Izzet Charm
1 Keranos, God of Storms
1 Saheeli Rai
1 Steam Vents
1 Sulfur Falls
1 Volcanic Island
1 Wandering Fumarole
~ Gruul ~
1 Atarka's Command
1 Bloodbraid Elf
1 Domri Rade
1 Sarkhan Vol
1 Xenagos, the Reveler
1 Cinder Glade
1 Raging Ravine
1 Stomping Ground
1 Taiga
1 Wooded Foothills
~ Simic ~
1 Kiora, the Crashing Wave
1 Prime Speaker Zegana
1 Prophet of Kruphix
1 Shardless Agent
1 Trygon Predator
1 Breeding Pool
1 Hinterland Harbor
1 Lumbering Falls
1 Misty Rainforest
1 Tropical Island
~ Selesnya ~
1 Fleecemane Lion
1 Kitchen Finks
1 Mirari's Wake
1 Qasali Pridemage
1 Voice of Resurgence
1 Canopy Vista
1 Savannah
1 Stirring Wildwood
1 Temple Garden
1 Windswept Heath
1 Ajani Vengeant
1 Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder
1 Figure of Destiny
1 Lightning Helix
1 Nahiri, the Harbinger
1 Arid Mesa
1 Clifftop Retreat
1 Needle Spire
1 Plateau
1 Sacred Foundry
~ Rakdos ~
1 Daretti, Ingenious Iconoclast
1 Dreadbore
1 Kolaghan's Command
1 Master of Cruelties
1 Murderous Redcap
1 Badlands
1 Blood Crypt
1 Bloodstained Mire
1 Lavaclaw Reaches
1 Smoldering Marsh
~ Golgari ~
1 Abrupt Decay
1 Deathrite Shaman
1 Lotleth Trolll
1 Maelstrom Pulse
1 Pernicious Deed
1 Bayou
1 Hissing Quagmire
1 Overgrown Tomb
1 Verdant Catacombs
1 Woodland Cemetery
1 Signal Pest
~ 2 CMC ~
1 Phyrexian Revoker
1 Spellskite
~ 3 CMC ~
1 Metalworker
~ 4 CMC ~
1 Cogwork Librarian
1 Lodestone Golem
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Precursor Golem
~ 6 CMC ~
1 Steel Hellkite
1 Wurmcoil Engine
~ 7 CMC ~
1 Myr Battlesphere
~ 8 CMC ~
1 Sundering Titan
~ 10 CMC ~
1 Kozilek, Butcher of Truth
1 Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger
1 Darksteel Colossus
1 Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre
~ 12 CMC ~
1 Blightsteel Colossus
~ 13 CMC ~
1 Emrakul, the Promised End
~ 15 CMC ~
1 Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
~ XX CMC ~
1 Hangarback Walker
1 Black Lotus
1 Lotus Petal
1 Mana Crypt
1 Mox Diamond
1 Mox Emerald
1 Mox Jet
1 Mox Pearl
1 Mox Ruby
1 Mox Sapphire
~ 1 CMC ~
1 Black Vise
1 Cursed Scroll
1 Ivory Tower
1 Mana Vault
1 Sensei's Divining Top
1 Skullclamp
1 Sol Ring
1 Ankh of Mishra
1 Grim Monolith
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Shrine of Burning Rage
1 Winter Orb
1 Umezawa's Jitte
~ 3 CMC ~
1 Basalt Monolith
1 Coalition Relic
1 Crucible of Worlds
1 Pristine Talisman
1 Sword of Body and Mind
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
1 Sword of Fire and Ice
1 Sword of Light and Shadow
1 Sword of War and Peace
1 Tangle Wire
1 Worn Powerstone
1 Nevinyrral's Disk
1 Smokestack
1 Thran Dynamo
1 Trading Post
~ 5 CMC ~
1 Batterskull
1 Gilded Lotus
1 Memory Jar
~ 7 CMC ~
1 Karn Liberated
~ 8 CMC ~
1 Ugin, the Spirit Dragon
1 Ancient Tomb
1 City of Brass
1 Dark Depths
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Gaea's Cradle
1 Karakas
1 Library of Alexandria
1 Mana Confluence
1 Maze of Ith
1 Mishra's Factory
1 Mishra's Workshop
1 Mutavault
1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
1 Reflecting Pool
1 Rishadan Port
1 Strip Mine
1 Terramorphic Expanse
1 The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale
1 Thespian's Stage
1 Tolarian Academy
1 Volrath's Stronghold
1 Wasteland
**Pictures to follow**
Cheers!
Paladin en-Vec --> Mirran Crusader
Lingering Souls --> Mana Tithe (see Orzhov)
Phantom Warrior --> Coralhelm Commander
Mind Control --> Control Magic
Talrand, Sky Summoner --> True-Name Nemesis
Opportunity --> Crystal Shard
Sphinx of Jwar Isle --> Tinker
Braingeyser --> Vedalken Shackles
Blood Artist --> Thoughtseize
Go for the Throat --> Profane Command
Graveborn Muse --> Oona's Prowler
Liliana's Specter --> Ophiomancer
Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon --> Shriekmaw
Sheoldred, Whispering One --> Grave Titan
Hammer of Bogardan --> Lightning Strike
Moggcatcher --> Stromkirk Noble
Ghitu Slinger --> Hero of Oxid Ridge
Kiln Fiend --> Keldon Marauders
Goblin Rally --> Greater Gargadon
Flame Rift --> Chain Lightning
Sparksmith --> Chandra, the Firebrand
Ravenous Baboons --> Hellspark Elemental
Desert Twister --> Green Sun's Zenith
Uktabi Orangutan --> Viridian Shaman
Joraga Warcaller --> Life from the Loam
Yavimaya Granger --> Deranged Hermit
Elvish Visionary --> Wall of Blossoms
Pouncing Jaguar --> Wild Nacatl
Desolation Angel --> Lingering Souls
Orzhov Basilica --> Caves of Koilos
Recoil --> Psychatog
Armadillo Cloak --> Qasali Pridemage
Soltari Guerrillas --> Lightning Helix
Life // Death --> Deathrite Shaman
Prophetic Bolt --> Steam Augury
(added) Sundering Titan
(added) Darksteel Colossus
(added) Cursed Scroll
(added) Grim Monolith
(added) Azorius Charm
(added) Lotleth Troll
(added) Dreadbore
(added) Ajani Vengeant
(added) Fleecemane Lion
(added) Sorin, Lord of Innistrad
(added) Trygon Predator
(added) Baleful Strix
(added) Electrolyze
(added) Bonesplitter
(added) Gilded Lotus
(added) Nevinyrral's Disk
(added) Tangle Wire
(added) Basalt Monolith
(added) Sword of War and Peace
(added) Winter Orb
(added) Xenagos, the Reveler
Befoul --> Unburial Rites
Deep Analysis --> Venser, Shaper Savant
Prophetic Prism --> Thran Dynamo
Mortarpod --> Mishra's Factory
Dismantling Blow --> Mirror Entity
Odric, Master Tactician --> Brimaz, King of Oreskos
Reducing the Signets from 10 to 5
Rakdos Signet --> Sword of Feast and Famine
Gruul Signet --> Phyrexian Revoker
Dimir Signet --> Pithing Needle
Azorius Signet --> Lightning Greaves
Selesnya Signet --> Mortarpod
Capsize --> Mystical Tutor
Aether Adept --> Serendib Efreet
Echoing Truth --> Looter il-Kor
Pyroclasm --> Reckless Charge
Cloudgoat Ranger --> Angelic Overseer
Goblin Grenade --> Torch Fiend
Rolling Thunder --> Acidic Soil
Life from the Loam --> Polukranos, World Eater
Wildfire --> Searing Blaze
Greater Gargadon --> Staggershock
Young Pyromancer --> Rift Bolt
Blackcleave Cliffs --> Lavaclaw Reaches
Copperline Gorge --> Raging Ravine
Boros Signet --> Cathedral of War
Izzet Signet --> Relic of Progenitus
Golgari Signet --> Ankh of Mishra
Goblin Matron --> Imperial Recruiter
Merciless Eviction --> Vindicate
Angelic Overseer --> Avacyn, Angel of Hope
Avalanche Riders --> Thundermaw Hellkite
Orzhov Signet --> Sword of Light and Shadow
Simic Signet --> City of Brass
Voltaic Key --> Wasteland
Mystic Snake --> Kiora, the Crashing Wave
Stone Rain --> Molten Rain
Elvish Ranger --> Channel
Burning-Tree Emissary --> Domri Rade
Mortarpod --> Darksteel Ingot
Steam Augury --> Dack Fayden
Triskelion --> Cogwork Librarian
Lotleth Troll --> Pernicious Deed
Viridian Shaman --> Reclamation Sage
Mind Stone --> Smokestack
Gemstone Mine --> Mana Confluence
Chandra Nalaar --> Chandra, Pyromaster
Vampire Hexmage --> Gnarled Scarhide
Blood Scrivener --> Bloodsoaked Champion
Into the Roil --> Dig Through Time
Fyndhorn Elder --> Courser of Kruphix
Icy Manipulator --> Sword of Fire and Ice
Kor Skyfisher --> Stoneforge Mystic
Mortify --> Sorin, Solemn Visitor
Plated Geopede --> Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
Grafted Wargear --> Umezawa's Jitte
Gorilla Shaman --> Monastery Swiftspear
Consuming Vapors --> Tasigur, the Golden Fang
Reckless Charge --> Goblin Rabblemaster
Champion of the Parish --> Dragon Hunter
Silver Knight --> Mardu Woe-Reaper
Afterlife --> Banishing Light
Luminarch Ascension --> Unexpectedly Absent
Everflowing Chalice --> Sensei's Divining Top
Thawing Glaciers --> Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre
Cathedral of War --> Spellskite
Linvala, Keeper of Silence --> Exalted Angel
Goblin Chieftain --> Fire Imp
Seeker of Skybreak --> Song of the Dryads
Relic of Progenitus --> Mutavault
Palladium Myr --> Hangarback Walker
Elixir of Immortality --> Ugin, the Spirit Dragon
Faith's Fetters --> Council's Judgment
Terminate --> Kolaghan's Command
Oona, Queen of the Fae --> Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
Mutagenic Growth --> Evolutionary Leap
Blastoderm --> Den Protector
Chainer's Edict --> Languish
Pillage --> Smash to Smithereens
Staggershock --> Dualcaster Mage
Mogg War Marshal --> Young Pyromancer
Spikeshot Elder --> Goblin Welder
Knight of Glory --> Student of Warfare
Untamed Wilds --> Plow Under
Ratchet Bomb --> Volrath's Stronghold
Kird Ape --> Atarka's Command
Daring Skyjek --> Monastery Mentor
Necropotence --> Entomb
Goblin Bombardment --> Abbot of Keral Keep
Creeping Mold --> Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary
Serendib Efreet-->Pestermite
Phyrexian Negator-->Drana, Liberator of Malakir
Sarcomancy-->Pain Seer
Simic Sky Swallower-->Mystic Snake
Bonesplitter-->Memory Jar
***Cards added to increase size from 450 to 540***
WHITE
Kytheon, Hero of Akros
Ravages of War
Parallax Wave
Elspeth, Sun's Champion
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar
Hallowed Spiritkeeper
Moat
Soulfire Grand Master
Secure the Wastes
Academy Rector
Enlightened Tutor
BLUE
Jace, Vryn's Prodigy
Parallax Tide
Deceiver Exarch
Intuition
Inkwell Leviathan
Ancestral Vision
Mind over Matter
Time Spiral
Dream Halls
Tezzeret the Seeker
Treachery
BLACK
Liliana, Heretical Healer
Whip of Erebos
Yawgmoth's Bargain
Ob Nixilis Reignited
Living Death
Flesh Carver
Hero's Downfall
Imperial Seal
Hatred
The Abyss
Yawgmoth's Will
RED
Alesha, Who Smiles at Death
Chandra, Fire of Kaladesh
Splinter Twin
War-Name Aspirant
Feldon of the Third Path
Stoke the Flames
Pia and Kiran Nalaar
Sneak Attack
Daretti, Scrap Savant
Scab-Clan Berserker
Eidolon of the Great Revel
GREEN
Terastodon
Eureka
Garruk Relentless
Greenwarden of Murasa
Oath of Druids
Become Immense
Warden of the First Tree
Master of the Wild Hunt
Nissa, Vastwood Seer
Natural Order
Tooth and Nail
GUILD/MULTICOLOR
Keranos, God of Storms
Izzet Boilerworks
Sarkhan Vol
Cinder Glade
Dragonlord Silumgar
Sunken Hollow
Gerrard's Verdict
Shambling Vent
Kiora, Master of Depths
Lumbering Falls
Sphinx's Revelation
Prairie Stream
Mirari's Wake
Canopy Vista
Terminate
Smoldering Marsh
Lotleth Troll
Llanowar Wastes
Boros Reckoner
Clifftop Retreat
ARTIFACT/COLORLESS
Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger
Lodestone Golem
Blightsteel Colossus
Mana Crypt
Mox Diamond
Chrome Mox
Scroll Rack
Metalworker
LAND
Academy Ruins
Reflecting Pool
Ancient Tomb
Mishra's Workshop
The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale
Rishadan Port
Tolarian Academy
Karakas
Llanowar Wastes --> Hissing Quagmire
Izzet Boilerworks --> Wandering Fumarole
Simic Growth Chamber --> Hinterland Harbor
Soltari Monk --> Eldrazi Displacer
Memory Lapse --> Mystic Confluence
Fire Imp --> Simian Spirit Guide
Darksteel Ingot --> Lotus Petal
Chrome Mox --> Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
Knight of the Reliquary --> Voice of Resurgence
Jackal Pup --> Falkenrath Gorger
Black Knight --> Relentless Dead
Kiora, Master of the Depths --> Shardless Agent
Mystic Snake --> Prime Speaker Zegana
Miscalculation --> Flash
Gaea's Revenge --> Protean Hulk
Verdant Force --> Worldspine Wurm
Thieving Magpie --> Imprisoned in the Moon
Cavern of Souls --> Thespian's Stage
Memnite --> Ivory Tower
Soltari Priest --> Recruiter of the Guard
Dream Halls --> Arcane Savant
Tradewind Rider --> Stunt Double
Dauthi Horror --> Vampire Hexmage
Siege-Gang Commander --> Chandra, Torch of Defiance
Gore-House Chainwalker --> Volatile Chimera
Ezuri, Renegade Leader --> Caller of the Untamed
Terminate --> Daretti, Ingenious Iconoclast
Remand --> Omniscience
Detention Sphere --> Dovin Baan
Dungeon Geists --> Torrential Gearhulk
Mirror Entity --> Thalia, Heretic Cathar
Sea Gate Oracle --> Whirler Rogue
Pain Seer --> Scrapheap Scrounger
Bone Shredder --> Mardu Strike Leader
Mogg Flunkies --> Harsh Mentor
War-Name Aspirant --> Kari Zev, Skyship Raider
Mark of Mutiny --> Through the Breach
Detention Sphere --> Dovin Baan
Boros Charm --> Nahiri, the Harbinger
Boros Reckoner --> Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder
Ral Zarek --> Saheeli Rai
Scroll Rack --> Emrakul, the Promised End
Erratic Portal --> Trading Post
Carnophage --> Dread Wanderer
Gerrard's Verdict --> Kaya, Ghost Assassin
Thanks! It's good to be here. I hope that in time my list can be worthy of many of the others here.
First, thank you very much for the in-depth analysis of the cube and the recommendations. I've spent the last few days pouring through them and made some changes already based on them. I traded for quite a few upgrades for the cube. All new additions are noted in the changelog as well as below. I keep the power cards proxied because it creates a more fun environment. The power is a huge part of the appeal. I originally had suspected I'd cut them due to too much variance or luck in what power you opened, but have found the opposite to be true. They rarely swing our matches and really just add to the fun. The only card I've truely considered cutting for unbalanced power reasons is Library of Alexandria but haven't seen it win too many games as of yet to take that drastic of a measure. I've also added some versatile land destruction in many colors to compensate and give sideboard options.
Serra Angel --> Kor Skyfisher Serra was in there for nostalgic reasons. I think it's time to let her go in favor of a more streamlined cube.
Phantom Warrior --> Coralhelm Commander
Mind Control --> Control Magic Finally got a real control magic, easy upgrade
Talrand, Sky Summoner --> True-Name Nemesis Big trade aquisition, glad to try him in cube
Blood Artist --> Thoughtseize I will miss Blood Artist but I don't think he's necessary in the cube. I was glad to pick up the extra Thoughtseize to add.
Sheoldred, Whispering One --> Grave Titan Sheoldred was a great reanimation target, but Grave Titan is a stronger all around card.
Hammer of Bogardan --> Lightning Strike Hammer was never being recurred.
Moggcatcher --> Stromkirk Noble My goblin subtheme was dwindled. Moggcatcher was becoming a weak link.
Desert Twister --> Green Sun's Zenith
Joraga Warcaller --> Life from the Loam Our resident Elfball drafter wasn't excited to run her so I doubt she'd get used. I picked up a foil Life from the Loam and am excited to try it.
Orzhov Basilica --> Caves of Koilos
(added) Bonesplitter
(added) Gilded Lotus
(added) Nevinyrral's Disk
(added) Tangle Wire
I will post more as I keep digging through eidolon232's post (thanks again) and update the changelog. If anyone has any input I'd love to hear about it. Any other changes people recommend or good cheap upgrades my limited budget can afford?
Cheers!
Paladin en-Vec --> Mirran Crusader Very similar but I think a strict upgrade overall.
Lingering Souls --> Mana Tithe Lingering Souls has been moved to the Orzhov section.
Opportunity --> Crystal Shard I love Opportunity but it's not needed in this format at 6 mana.
Sphinx of Jwar Isle --> Tinker Tinker is a must include and I was happy to pick up a copy finally. I debated between removing the Sphinx of Frost Titan. Our playgroup prefers to keep Frost Titan so Sphinx got cut.
Go for the Throat --> Profane Command It seemed appropriate to take out a direct removal for the more versatile Profane Command that also serves as removal.
Graveborn Muse --> Oona's Prowler A lot of people play this card so I'm eager to try it for myself. My decision to cut a card was between Graveborn Muse and Bloodgift Demon. They are similiar in effect. I decided to cut the Zombie as Bloodgift gives a lot more for 1 extra colorless and the Zombie archtype isn't helpful on this card for the reason I like most other Zombies.
Liliana's Specter --> Ophiomancer I've liked the Specter, especially comboing with things to abuse ETB triggers, but I'm exicted to test Ophiomancer. It seems incredible for 3 mana.
Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon --> Shriekmaw I feel like Shriekmaw will get played a lot more often than Skithiryx.
Ghitu Slinger --> Hero of Oxid Ridge Ghitu Slinger wasn't cutting it.
Kiln Fiend --> Keldon Marauders Kiln Fiend wasn't getting used. Keldon marauders is much more consistent.
Goblin Rally --> Greater GargadonGoblin Rally had some sweet combo uses but was much too expensive. Gargadon should create some interesting boardstates.
Uktabi Orangutan --> Viridian Shaman Elves are more important in the cube than monkeys (sadly)
Desolation Angel --> Lingering Souls The Angel was a filler card until I got some upgrades (see Sorin below) and Lingering Souls always belonged here.
Recoil --> Psychatog Pretty clear upgrade.
Armadillo Cloak --> Qasali Pridemage The cloak has had some great games but it was still the weakest link.
Soltari Guerrillas --> Lightning Helix Another instance of a card that was more of a placeholder. Helix is a great upgrade.
Life // Death --> Deathrite Shaman It hurts losing a reanimation spell, but I didn't like it being tied up in the Golgari section. Deathrite is amazing especially with the fetchlands.
(added) Sundering Titan Additional artifact ramp and Tinker make this a real thing.
(added) Darksteel Colossus Did I mention Tinker is included now?
(added) Cursed Scroll Powerhouse from the old Sligh deck days. It gives agro decks another high pick.
(added) Grim Monolith Cube staple. I'm glad to finally have picked one up.
(added) Azorius Charm The 4th Azorius card. It's a placeholder for Geist of Saint Traft. I'm open to ideas on a better card than this until I get a Geist.
(added) Lotleth Troll I decided this was a more consistent and efficient option than Vraska the Unseen. Any thoughts? Was this the right call?
(added) Dreadbore I liked this as the 4th Rakdos card over Falkenrath Aristocrat considering the number of planeswalkers in the cube.
(added) Ajani Vengeant Finally picked him up. Glad to have another cube stable.
(added) Fleecemane Lion He seems like a solid addition. I'd rather have Voice of Resurgence but this will do for a while.
(added) Sorin, Lord of Innistrad Finally!
(added) Coiling Oracle Good value, but not exicting. Simic choices don't seem very deep. I'm looking for Trygon Predator eventually for this slot.
(added) Far // Away Placeholder that is soon to become Baleful Strix.
(added) Electrolyze Finally!
I now have met my goal of 4 spells and 4 land for each guild except Gruul. I am looking for any of the 3 Gruul planeswalkers to finish out that section. This sets the cube at 446 cards. I'm 4 short from maxing it out at 450. I should have a Sword of War and Peace coming to me soon and expect to have the last few artifacts done soon as well. What do you all think of these choices?
Cheers!
People (mostly the younger ones) in my playgroup get irratated with Linvala, Iona and the Shadow creatures as well as Balance and Armegeddon. Just seems a little too agressive but my deck is not powered. I've slowly re-introdced a few land kills like Armegeddon and Strip Mine because there is Archtype support to think about as they (and I) learn the game better but most of those are gone from my cube now. We also play with a lot less lands now. I wasnt entirely dissapointed in that either, seems like 2 colors is more than enough these days with the quality of all the guild cards and planeswalkers. Noticed you play a lot less fixing and more "fun lands" as well. I will enjoy telling my son you have Odric he has been hounding me about keeping that card and I think I am starting to see the value through the numbers.
Cards I bought by looking at your cube:
Paladin en-Vec the last excuse I need. Does he get played?
Vesuvan Doppelganger (Cheers! "Feels old school")
Afterlife (I remember a guild called Afterlife in my EQ days and it looks interesting people like green now more and trolls are hard targets)
Stormtide Leviathan (Been looking for a reason for Thassa, this seems like a nice pair with her)
Volition Reins (nothing like taking over that pumped up Planes walker then beating their face with it)
Fleecemane Lion (had already been thinking on this one)
Tradewind Rider Tapping new Elspeth tokens to return perms sounds fun
Gaea's Revenge (big green bodies that cannot be countered by blue are cool)
Coiling Oracle (worth a try)
Jokulhaups (maybe now someone will draft mono red again.. just hasnt been excitement for red since hellrider)
Cards I am considering:
Careful Study (it get played?)
You like power, was it worth the $$$?
Armageddon will probably never leave the cube. It’s an amazingly powerful card and a core card for the cube. I feel similarly about Strip Mine. It also gives all colors/decks the ability to answer Library of Alexandria which can take over games in any deck. Lastly it combos well with Crucible of Worlds which is a real strategy in our group.
As far as “fixing” I try to run the core dual lands and leave more of the fixing within each color or with artifacts. I diverge from many people by running all 10 signets which help for fixing as well as ramp. Green has quite a few dedicated mana fixers and cards like Chromatic Lantern and Prophetic Prism can help any deck fix their mana. When I want a diverse mana base, I draft the fetch lands, shock lands and dual lands much higher and rarely have issues.
Paladin en-Vec wasn’t getting as much play as I hoped but he did get played. I have higher hopes for Mirran Crusader in that slot.
I love Vesuvan Doppleganger! He was added as a throwback to the old school days but has been surprisingly good for us. I wouldn’t cut him any time soon.
You gave me an interesting idea for an alter with Afterlife. It would be nice to get the guild logo painted on it. I don’t think it will last in my cube for the long term though.
Stormtide Leviathan went in as another reanimator target but has impressed me. He’s been used as a finisher in blue control and worked. Artifact mana/ramp sure helps.
Volition Reigns is another of my personal favorites that probably isn’t in most lists. It’s held it’s own though as an answer to any type of permanent for blue. It’s earned it’s slot.
I think my group has genuine fear of me drafting Tradewind Rider or Upheaval. They are incredibly powerful if used correctly. Tradewind combos well with “enters the battlefield” effects as well.
Gaea’s Revenge has been good for us as a green fatty creature, but there are still at least 3 options I would prefer over him. He’s difficult to remove though and that has been important.
All my power is proxied. No real card in my cube is worth more than $40. When I do purchase upgrades I will likely buy collector’s edition versions of the power. They look the part and are much more reasonably priced. Should be perfect for the cube.
Cheers!
(added) Winter Orb
Flame Rift --> Chain Lightning
Sparksmith --> Chandra, the Firebrand
Braingeyser --> Vedalken Shackles
Yavimaya Granger --> Deranged Hermit
Elvish Visionary --> Wall of Blossoms I have a few cards that benefit from having elves in play, but I still think the wall is a stronger card overall.
Prophetic Bolt --> Steam Augury I have tried Steam Augury quite a bit in standard and been mostly unimpressed. Several posts on this forum have been in favor of the card in cube so I'm giving it a shot to see how it performs.
Pouncing Jaguar --> Wild Nacatl Even in a two color deck the Nacatl is better than the Jaguar.
Ravenous Baboons --> Hellspark Elemental
(added) Xenagos, the Reveler
Next step: Taking pictures
Cheers!
Zhur-Taa Druid --> Burning-Tree Emissary
Today's update:
Befoul --> Unburial Rites I'm listing this as a black card rather than Orzhov. Anyone think that's right or wrong? I think this will combo well with Gifts Ungiven and want to give it a try to see how it plays out. 5 mana is a lot but I think this could still be pretty decent.
Deep Analysis --> Venser, Shaper Savant --> It was tough to make this cut to find room for Venser. I also considered Vapor Snag. Thoughts on if this was the best to cut? I play blue a lot and find myself not as interested in casting Deep Analysis at full cost. I'd like to hear others experience with it in cube (good or bad) to see if this cut was a mistake. (Thanks are owed to my friend who donated this for the cube out of his FTV20!)
Prophetic Prism --> Thran Dynamo I think this was a easy/clear upgrade. I'm excited to finally have the Thran Dynamo in the cube to help with ramp and potentially Wildfire strategies. (Thanks are again owed to my friend who donated this for the cube out of his FTV20!)
Any thoughts or opinions on the swaps?
Cheers,
Cheers,
rant
My Cube
CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/5f5d0310ed602310515d4c32
Cube Tutor: http://cubetutor.com/viewcube/1963
I'm not quite sure where Unburial Rites belongs. I am trying it more as a combo card than anything. I feel like it improves the value of Gifts Ungiven and combos well with other mill effects. I don't consider it an Orzhov card but it's not mono-black either. I don't see it ever being played in a deck without the means to cast it with black and white mana. I'm open to feedback.
Cheers,
Capsize is slow and I cut it, but I like it over Vapor Snag because the BCS on Capsize is pretty sick.
Cheers,
rant
My Cube
CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/5f5d0310ed602310515d4c32
Cube Tutor: http://cubetutor.com/viewcube/1963
I liked the Signets for mana fixing and ramp but I don't think they have been neccessary enough to be worth inclusion. I pulled the 5 complimentry colored signets and left the 5 opposing colors as they are more likely to be needed for splashing. As I aquire a few more of the top teir artifacts and nonguild lands I need (Mana Crypt, Umezawa's Jitte and the last 2 swords) I will likely remove the last 5 signets.
I also feel like Red isn't getting as many wins as the other colors. It's been very close but I think it needs a little bump in power. Any thoughts on improvements or specific cards I'm missing? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Dismantling Blow --> Mirror Entity
Odric, Master Tactician --> Brimaz, King of Oreskos
Rakdos Signet --> Sword of Feast and Famine
Gruul Signet --> Phyrexian Revoker
Dimir Signet --> Pithing Needle
Azorius Signet --> Lightning Greaves
Selesnya Signet --> Mishra's Factory
Capsize --> Mystical Tutor
Aether Adept --> Serendib Efreet
Echoing Truth --> Looter il-Kor
Cheers!
I don't think that a 450 powered cube needs the signets at all.
Cheers,
rant
My Cube
CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/5f5d0310ed602310515d4c32
Cube Tutor: http://cubetutor.com/viewcube/1963
I'm putting together a cube draft with only 270 cards, and then I'll add only 2 types of dual lands, already have the duals old and I'm in doubt between what other kind can add: Shock Lands and Fetch Lands?
I know the Shock Lands are interesting by adding two colors of mana but Fetch has great synergy with some of the cards from the cube as Sun Titan, Brainstorm, Grim Lavamancer, Tarmogoyf, Life from the Loam, Crucible of Worlds, among others .. .
Can you help me with this question? Which would you choose?
Thank you!