2008 was a year that provided very little time for me to play Magic: I don't think I touched my cards or the related forums from March till December. It was disappointing, as I had in the past loved to follow Vintage. So needless to say, I enjoyed this article immensely! I still have that flutter of excitement in my chest. Thanks, Steve!

Two years ago, I made a cardboard crucifix and went partying as Jesus.  My friend dressed as the Pope and we made it a point to bicker about superficial nonsense all night...  that's funny, right?

Last year, I went out dressed normally.  When asked "What are you?" I answered "sad and lonely".  Good times!

I was reminded of this, too.  It seems that the logic is that games should be at very least 4 turns, centered around flashy creatures and removal, require as little patience as possible (at the expense of play options), and that you should easily be able to play three or more colors.  Also, counters and mana denial are the devil's tools and should be extremely inefficient or narrow. 

As a fairly old player and something of a "Johnny", I am not disappointed with Shazharad as much as the direction of the game.  Some of my favorite cards are Brainstorm and Lim-Dul's Vault, and I fear we are moving further away from those types of cards that award decisions.

Oh, wow!

I'd be open to getting stomped by some TMD big-shots!  Ice Age block has a special place in my heart.  It seems you have enough people, but if a second pod opens or a second iteration of this tourney is to be held I am in!  I have the time.

Same here; straight shots of Skol give me strength to fight off internet trolls.  It's only ten dollars for a handle and lasts forever (because it tastes like crap and is eighty-proof).

When I have some cash, there's a CO microbrewer, New Belgium, that puts out "Fat Tire" and "Sunshine Wheat" ales that I HIGHLY reccomend you try to locate in your region (or get while you're out here skiing).

I voted for you.  Just promise to print out a copy of "Skill in Vintage" for every pro you beat.

On second thought, just beat face.

Oh, I missed the part where you adopted Confidants!  But I understand this concern; I suppose the two cannot really coexist because recently the life total has started to really matter (I just might get good a doing combat math yet). 

I know mulligans are important, indeed.  Would Serum Powder be appropriate, then?  I am thinking "no" but am curious to hear of your opinion.  While this deck is redundant I think that I always liked to have the right cards rather than more cards.  I guess that also brings up Imperial Seal (which was not legal when I played Masknought)...

Thoughts?

I have enjoyed Masknought in in the past, but the one thing that got too me was how narrow a function Mask actually served.  It only was there to supplement 8 or so cards. 

Call me crazy, but given the idea that Mask is a really swingy card in terms of usefullness I think that Street Wraith could potentially take a couple spaces in the list.  Street Wraith simultaneously adds another chance to use a Mask or find a Mask.  I haven't tested this idea; please tell me if I am overlooking some obvious reason not to try this.

p.s. People in France pay attention to American basketball? 

I know that these cards were never broken; I just wanted to point out if Will's mana cost wasn't what was printed on the card it wouldn't be the only case of such a thing happening.  Please explain to me why this is worse and less elegant than banning Will outright.

Assuming that it is correct to change the format through Yawgmoth's Will, would it be effective to errata Will's mana cost rather than it's rules text?  It would not be without precedent:

http://sales.starcitygames.com/carddisplay.php?product=13291
http://sales.starcitygames.com/carddisplay.php?product=15309

I have not tested it, but I speculate that Will would be substantially less broken at something like .  Yeah, you get to replay your Rituals still, but it comes out slower and cannot be simply double Ritualed/Lotused into play.  I am not advocating this particular cost as correct but rather a starting point for further discussion; what is an appropriate cost for Yawgmoth's Will?

Propagandhi, "Rock for Sustainable Capitalism"

I love the text on Tendrils of Agony:

"You suck, Patrick! -Barry"

Well, one of mine now says that, anyway...

I was playing against an aquaintence around the kitchen table and had just gotten ahead in the game with a Necro.  He got up to use the facilities with some degree of urgency and took his hand with him.  I asked him about it when he came back and he mentioned something about diarrehia and that it was an accident.  I gave him the benefit of the doubt (his hand was the same size) and walked into Trickbind... I thought I had him pinned down... oh well...

Later, I took a bathroom break and found about one hundred cards in a box under the sick, one of which was an altered.  Is this what they call "home court advantage?"  Appearantly diarrehia > Cunning Wish.

Arcturus- Kinetic

Thanks for asking!

That was entertaining.  But at what cost comes greatness at near perfect drawing circles?

I suppose what youtube.com is great for is viewing novelties of human nature you yourself would never exhibit... so perhaps I will film myself playing at the next tourney and proclaim "watch the idiot screw up a Gifts pile for a chance to earn power to sell for a sandwhich!"   

Don't worry too much though-- I checked the Gatherer and Ali from Cairo is still his umolested self.   

I've had friends in the military and I've heard some horror stories.  I'm curious what motivates a person to subject themself to that amount of torture.  Why'd you do it?

To whom it may concern:

My name is Patrick and I'm from Longmont, CO.  I've played since Ice Age and lurked these boards for quite some time.  I'm excited about now having something to contribute!

I'll have the Sweet and Sour Salmon(A Homestead Specialty. Salmon is seared and served over a sweet citrus risotto, Citrus beurre blanc, and wilted kale.) with a glass of water.  And perhaps a cup of coffee for desert, if you have it. 

I just pray that your restaurant isn't like most other family establishments that blasts pop rock so loud I can't hear myself think, let alone talk.  That's the biggest downfall to dining out for the middle class anymore.  I hope you don't fall into that trend.

Well, there's nothing going through my computer speakers currently but I am holding a Dying Fetus CD in my hands (Stop at Nothing) that will shortly be played in my car stereo on my way to work in eight minutes.  Ahh, bliss!

I know what it is to take a break from Magic-- I've done it before.  But as a long time lurker and a first time poster I'd like to spend this precious first post wishing you good luck and letting you know that I've enjoyed learning from your posts.  That is the most I can offer you for the future, the rest it up to you.  You're obviously smart so you'll do well in rl.  Thanks!

p.s. Your avatar kicks ass!