So far this magic workstation is pissing me off.  I can't even complain about someone if I wanted to.  Playing noobs in person doesn't bother me much.  By the sounds of it an look of the playing,  I'm sure I won' t have nearly as much patience online (an being a Dr. that puts me in an awkward position).  I am sort of new to this computer stuff.  Not having one growing up can make it a bit tricky at times without proper Familiarity. 

My question is.  Can someone please help me find a version compatible with APPLE.  If there is one.

                                                                                                                 Thanks
                                                                                                            Dr. Knowmad

I really like your deck.  Whenever I hear something like " this deck is hard to play"  I'm  immediately interested.  Little things like deglamer is smart.  Off the top I don't see anything I would change other than adding some basic lands.  I will try this one.

Do you think four mox over five is better?  Or are you still saving up for one.

                                                                                                             build on
                                                                                                           Knowmad


Opps,  meant to say more basic lands.  Good catch.

Hi-Val just smashed this ball out of the park.  WotC , get out the pen an pad.  You need to take notes.

Second.  I am sick of feeling like theres a birthday for two kids an vintage is the one in the corner neglected with no presents.  I know we have ways of making it profitable, right.  Maybe I am asking too much.

                                                                                     
                                                                                                                   Knowmad

So this is what superman is up to on his free time.  (Chuckles)

I have honestly never played a Goblin chain before  but being an aggro junkie I have a fondness towards it an have played against it plenty.  Have you tried the new black version/splash?  Or is that out of the question for you.

I don't see way goblins couldn't at least hold there own.

                                                                                                                                         Not much help this time. (frown)
                                                                                                                                                     Knowmad

Well have a few questions / ideas.

The fist thing for me to go is the ten creatures.  They really are a week link in this build.  The nightscape familiar has some nice synergy an they're not bad.  I just think there could be something better. If your only target for the tinker is memory jar try  Darksteel colossus.  Its better than all the other creatures combined an gives you a plan B. Plus you only need one an that will free up space.  Other wise tink is a lot weeker, What do you do when both (tink, jar) are in your hand?

Add the vamp.

Two hymn to tourach is to random.  On another post you used Recoil.  For me this card is indispensable with Megrim.  On of the problems with megrim is running out of steam.  Recoils are one of the cards to help fix this.

Mind Twist is unrestricted now.

So many ways to try megrim.  When Niv was printed I rebuild an old reanimate list with Niv an Dragon mage ,(anger). One megrim to fetch if Niv was waxed.
So much fun.  Graveyard hate in the format always had me leave it at home for casual play though.

I would work on your mana base a bit.  Sol ring would be in mine.  An so would at least one or two Cephalid Coliseum.  Another thing to help burnout.   

Just a few thoughts.
                 
                                                                                                                         Keep Cool. Keep build'n
                                                                                                                                    Knowmad

Solid, detailed post.  Much oblige.

I'm not sure why people started taking out Frantic Search out of lists in the first place.  I know there was more limited space before post brainstorm, still.., but after there was/is no excuse.  Whats with the Skeletal Scrying over gifts.  Two Intuitions?  I always want to play it.  There just seems to always be that one better card for me.       
                                                                     
                                                                                                                               Knowmad

Right now this might be true, but I wouldn't say never.  Who knows (mad) what could happen.  Personally I like the 5/3 trampler when an opponent plays an artifact.  Think its called Hidden Gorillas.
                                                                                                           keep casual an fun
                                                                                                                  Knowmad

I''ve done the victory with sliver overlord ex.. turn 5 / 6 tops.   Barren glory is a new one for me but the old Mortal combat was my favorite.  A bit tricky but being able to say Mortal combat in the tone of the game fallowed by fatality.  Priceless.

                                                                                                     keep kool
                                                                                                     Knowmad

I agree whole heartedly about the explosives.  I play them myself when ever possible.  They can handle so many annoyances.  Shusher is a very good call.
Whats your thoughts about Crucible of Worlds .  They make your week ( gemstone mines ) an strong waste effects better.

How do you forget your not playing with black lotus?

Chalice for one isn't as hot but for two is the nuts right now.   It would hurt you bad though.

Can you give more detail on the differences of this Aggroshop than others.  I do see, an have an idea.  I really like aggroshop an would just like more input to personally grow.  Thanks.

                                                                                                                                          Knowmad

Consider the Streetwraiths.  Since I have been playing them they have been solid.  The first few rounds they dig well.  After that 3/4 swampwalker  can hit hard with your other smashers.  Most people don't play them because of dark confidant/ thoughtsieze .  They too are a great card to look at (confidant).  It depends on your goal an play style.

I really want to post my list, I' m close just not there. When I do I hope you an everyone interested can help.  All of us on this same wave have something. Now we just need fallow through.

Also, after many changes, the only thing left for me in my main thats white is the swords an decrees.  They are so good.  I 'm just not convinced they warrant the color any more an was thinking about red.  G/R/B .  My board would have to change also (teeg an kataki can smoke fools not prepared).  Just  something I'm float'n around.  What do you all think?  I am so confused.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                   keep on kick'n ass
                                                                                                                           Knowmad

opps should have prof read better. Think its right now. If not whatever.

According to earlier posts  the Glowriders + nulls  an teegs was the big hurt.  Also against storm, what you said you wanted a better match with, glowriders are solid.  Storms the main reason I use sphere tech.  More than one type helps against echoing truth.

On that note. Why dark ritual. They seem good for early artifact/ duress but..?  They seem bad once your in top deck mode. Unless you decided for one or two decrees. Mindtwist ,ya ok.

My concern is most of the stuff on the list is recycled garbage. I agree with wanting a better selection like Zodiac Dragon (ya right), just something.  This obviously should be for collectors, give them a bone at least.  Ok I guess the alt art on the dragon elder is something.  Still, 75 dragons to chose from an this is it.  Hopefully this is no indication of the entire box (ya right).  I do know I wont be burned by Marketing an distribution this time. 

Usually I do cycle because of the all the spheres around me.  Got to say I get 4/4s ,yes more than one even, lots of games also. The end game is where this shines most. 
                                                                                                                         Knowmad

I love these builds and always have had at least a few variants handy.  Originally it was out of lack of power for me also.  Then because I needed something to test my power on when no one else is around.  Top it off.  The look after smoking a powered deck is priceless.

 A few things.  First, your right.  Don't let anyone talk you out off using the Elvish Spirit Guides. I personally use a 3/2 configuration. 3 green 2 red 1 red on the bored to switch.  You run a little more red than me.  3/r 2/g probably.

Cold Eyed Selkie is astounding when it hits with rancor. So far I'm very happy with the card.  Its done what I want, give green some draw.  Speaking of drawing.  Do you have any problems with glowriders and manamorphose being bad with each other.  When I saw manamorphose spoiled  I wanted to throw these in an almost did until I realized the synergy was not what I wanted.  I use sphere tech ( thorn of amethyst , sphere of resistance ).  Because of this I did go down the path of black for Streetwraiths an now Faerie Macabre. I don't necessarily recommend this.  The red is very strong.  I say it cause someone had mentioned this earlier . 

 Also I play with Decree of Justice.  This card could work wonders in the manamorphose  slot.  Or any for that mater.  Have you tried this yet?

   
                                                                                                                              build on
                                                                                                                            Knowmad                                                                                                                   

Please elaborate.  I would like to hear more about this theory.  To me it seems like these are the cards that keep blue from overrunning. Unless I am seeing this backwards an these are the ones that make it so blue has to be powerful.  That just sounds silly to say in my head.

I want to stay positive.  I think wizards has been in a bind since conception.  I'm sure they have lots of good ideas like we have on how to "balance", but if they implement them to fast, that would be bad for business.  Though if they take to long I mite have an aneurysm.  Good thing I'm fairly patient.

One more thing.  I personally would rather play highlander any day over the bastard child called legacy.  No offense.  I'm entitled to my opinion.

                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                          Knowmad 

  Thought I killed a thread again

Post gush I started throwing waste effects in all sorts. I'm not sure the exact reason for the Tolarian Academy as the final cut at the time. I love this card an its in most of my blue so lets just say that it was a gut feeling.  The facts of the matter is lots of other people are too (d2) playing things that want to ruin my day. Which means less things to play with and that is not good news for the Academy.  Also I always think I'm going to miss it which usually is furthest thing from my mind once I start playing. On the other hand. I love this card.

The same basic principle goes for the Library of Alexandria. I honestly didn't  think about it in my side bored.  Thanks. I was looking for something. The aether bomb was cute an all but sub par, unless I start seeing darkman all up in my face again. Chalice of the Void was one of my other thoughts for this slot.

I have been a big proponent of Crucible of Worlds since it was spoiled. I was racking my brain on how to get it in and 61 cards is blasphemy.  Me thinks the mana vault is a good idea mate.  I like vault a lot more with the Academy.  I am not sure if I need a land lock but if i do it'll be like this.

 -2 Wasteland
+1 Ghost Quarter
+1 Darksteel  Citadel 

While i'm on the subject, Ghost Quarter kicks ass an I was thinking of axing the wastes for them anyways.

So far , -1 Mana Vault +1 Crucible of Worlds.
                                                                                             
One more thing. I am so sick of Strategic Planning an I haven't gotten around to testing it. Its only been a few days an already the troglodytes are fallowing suit.  In some decks sure but some people are putting that junk in things that can't even use the cards potential. Yep, past my bed time.
                                                                                                                                     
                                 
                                                                                                                                   Later
                                                                                                                               Knowmad
                                                                                                                                     

First I would also like to say thanks for all the helpful feedback from more experienced players. I originally thought thats what this place was for until I got
ignored a few times. Whatever. Playing competent people makes a much better game though.

Second, Control slaver (an other variants) is not one of the builds I play a lot. It is however by far one of my favorites. So I try to fallow an feel I have decent game (modesty) when I do play it. Not the best, which is why i'm here.

With strategic planning, does anyone ever dump things that you do not want to? I don't see it clearing out junk when I can't chose the cards on top. Some times this is a factor with me an the ideas, but its not often. Usually it's what I want to dump or I win.  If I win there is zero card disadvantage. Because of the disadvantage possibility of this card I have never ran it as a four of,  another nice thing about S. P.
 I don't like planning as much without brainstorm. At least run a top or two with it.

?Is taking one card and replacing it with one bomb a disadvantage? I know you lose the next draw an that is -1card but..
Is the color the reason for  merchant scroll over vamp?  I can see scroll because it gets thing straight to hand in time of need. It still seem more narrow to me.

Here is the newer list I play from time to time.

    WeBeMad slaves

3-flooded Strand
2-polluted delta
3-volcanic island
2-underground sea
2-island
2-wasteland
1-strip mine
 
5-mox
1-black lotus
1-mana crypt
1-mana vault
1-sol ring

3-goblin welder
2-trinket mage
1-sundering titan
1-platinum angel

1-mindslaver
 
4-force of will
4-mama drain (who's your daddy)
1-rack an ruin
1-tormod's crypt
1-engendered explosives

1-ancestral recall
1-brainstorm
1-fact or fiction
1-gifts ungiven 
1-mystical tutor
1-demonic tutor
1-vampiric tutor
4-thirst for knowledge
2-ideas unbound
1-sensi's diving top
1-timewalk
1-tinker
1-yawgmoth's will

sb
3-red elemental blast
2-trickbind
2-gorilla shaman
2-pithing needle
1-duplicant
1-triskelavus
1-jesters cap
1-tormod's crypt
1-aether spellbomb
1-rack and ruin


I sound like a record but I have not had problems other than ideas being a sorcery. Plus being underestimated allows me to slip it throw counterspells all the time. Which is a big advantage.
With that said Ideas Unbound is far better in combo than control. Again, when you win there is no card disadvantage at all.
Compulsive Research is cool too.
                                                                          Knowmad the wiz

Ps. Is bazaar of baghdad unplayable?

Strategic Planning is cool. I have skimmed through portal but haven't had much to memory. Even though the mana cost is better, I still like Ideas Unbound. Its ability seems better for win more. The discard three has rarely been a hindrance. It is a factor an makes the card harder to play with. If Strategic planning was an instant this would be a different story. I  will try  S. P. out though before any commitment. The effect could be a lot better in practice. Plus as said the cost is better.

                                                                                                    Knowmad

Thanks for the posts, can't wait to hear more about the event. I wonder if any one else is as appalled by Wotc's coverage as I am.
 LordHomerCat, did Erik Lauer shed any light on this at all?

Almost forgot the congratulations to everyone. Congratulations!

At first glance Figure of destiny looked like rubbish. Not having to end the effect makes a big difference.   Becoming a 4/4 or more is realistic, giving this card a decent end game.  Though U/W is not where this guy belongs IMO.

 I
Oughta
Went
Around 

Old road saying. Couldn't help myself.
Bummer man, just a little north of you. South Mn.

No. You can replicate as many times as you want / can pay for AT the time you play the spell. What I am saying is it needs to be done all at one time. As one big spell.

Oh.. you guys are fast..


                 

I really liked the feel of this set an hopping that there are some sleepers. But..so far.. well, no one else seems to like this one but me. Cold Eyed Selkie. Not fantastic. At times this beat can be really good at getting cards. It does have Island walk.  I am going to slide a couple into a TMNT (the mountains need trees) well now(teenage mutant ninja tarmogoyfs)no mountains. At the moment I am using one rancor and like it a lot. Maybe this could be a two of, or one giant growth. A slot for g growth, I know, it would be like ancestral recall on the selkie. Hm.  Actually thats not bad for a deck that has no blue.  Maybe a few?
 
As for Shadowmoor,  I'm using Faerie Macabre a lot. This card is just plain good. Bring on those pithing needles.


P.S. I play limited when I can an hold it high close to vintage as a format. That might have something to do with my like for the sets. Hybrid mana is sweat too. 

Solid. I 've not played this list. At glance I like the fourth trinket mage, minus one top. I use him with fow,  to tutor for tricks, beats. I just like it in hand more .  Though I tend to play little more on the aggro side. So.. I think it will be a fun build to sleeve.
Is there a reason for the third top that i'm unaware of? I thought two worked, and with magus out one.
 

Lands
 
   crystal vein
   cephalid  coliseum
 
Spells

   ideas unbound
   cremate

Creatures
   
   street wraith
   wild canter


A few commons that have always struck a cord with me.
Green, in general has also seem to be an unplayed favorite.

If your really that confident about your first turn an worried about the force.  Maybe Pact of Negation.



                                                                                    keep building,
                                                                                           
                                                                                                       Knowmad

From a quick glance, the deck is cool. I like both slaver an aggroshop a lot so smashing them together sounds fun to me. It seems like the list could have some fat trimmed off. Now, like said it was just a quick look an I haven't test played it so I can't elaborate much.  Triskelavus is a great start.  With the crucible you could add something like  1 great furnace or seat of synod .  Little things like that.  Other than that the  package as a whole seems solid.

                                             

                                                                                              keep  building, 
                                                                                                           Knowmad

I know this is a little off, but when it comes to drawing cards from Eventide I'm really liking Cold-Eyed Selkie.