[FREE PREMIUM ARTICLE] Analysing Mana Drain Control

[Molten]

http://www.blackborder.com/q/node/3363

Patrick is back and he continues his mission to bring you high-quality Magic Strategy and Vintage analysis! This week he takes a look at the Vintage format in general and tells you about his latest deck creation.

Don't miss out on one of the best Vintage articles this year!

-> check it out http://www.blackborder.com/q/node/3363

[Caron]

very interesting article, which summarise the status of drain-contorl decks at the moment..

I would also like to add that here (italy) some players are starting to play a version of this deck with both intu-ak and confidant drawing engines... and 2 finishers (tendrils and thinker fo whatever...)

This deck apparently is performing quite well in its deifferent versions..

CARONDIMONIO

[swawagon]

It has skipped my mind until you mention it but, maindeck Tormod's Crypt is seemingly really strong right now. I already run a Trinket Mage (over your Tendril's slot, but considering it) in my Mana Drain Control list which can help find it. You make a good point that it affects Storm decks (a fairly weak matchup), the Mirror, and Dredge. But, Tormod's Crypts are also handy against Stax, regarding Welder and Crucible tricks too.

Maindeck Tormod's Crypt, excellent suggestion!

I wish Tormod's Crypt did anything against Aggro or Fish though, besides pitch to Thirst For Knowlege. I know Relic of Progenitus affects your own Yawgmoth's Will, but at least you can control when or if you use it. It probably is not going to work, but perhaps Relic of Progenitus is a Tormod's Crypt replacement option for a less Yawgmoth's Will dependent Mana Drain Control build?

[Bongo]

Tormod's Crypt definitely has earned its place in the maindeck, although it is a little weak against aggro (but hey, it can still shrink Tarmogoyf!). So many decks in the current metagame rely on Yawgmoth's Will, which Crypt nicely combats.

I don't think Relic is good enough, because you don't want to remove your own graveyard. The cost is also a factor, there's a big difference between 0 and 2 mana if you need the effect right now.

Intuition/AK seems a little weak to me, because it gets neutered by graveyard hate like Extirpate and Tormod's Crypt. It also takes away quite a few slots.