3CB Tournament #40 Results and Discussion

[wonkey_donkey]

I’d like to congratulate Nazdakka as the winner of 3CB Tournament #40
Close at the top once more, and the net-deck (*sigh*) won it again. The leveler-hate field seemed misplaced when there wasn’t actually anyone playing it this time, but maybe that’s just me.
There were no winners of the mise-prize.

The rules for this competition will be: Anything Goes!

Banned list:
Portal
Unglued
[card]Black Lotus[/card]
[card]Mesmeric Fiend[/card]
[card]Blackmail[/card]
[card]Chain of Smog[/card]
[card]Hymn to Tourach[/card]
[card]Cabal Therapy[/card]
[card]Encroach[/card]
[card]Mind Swords[/card]
[card]Forget[/card]
[card]Anvil of Bogarden[/card]
[card]Strip Mine[/card]
[card]Wasteland[/card]
[card]Raze[/card]
[card]The Rack[/card]
[card]Wheel of Torture[/card]
[card]Balance[/card]
[card]Meddling Mage[/card]
[card]Isochron Scepter[/card]
[card]Phrexian Dreadnaught[/card]
[card]Lions Eye Diamond[/card]
[card]Evil Presence[/card]
[card]Seas Claim[/card]

Entrant – Deck Name – Deck

1.   Wonkey_donkey – Bodyroc – [card]Volcanic Island[/card], [card]Roc Hatchling[/card], [card]Daze[/card]
2.   combo_dude – Natural Blues – [card]Mishras Factory[/card], [card]Mox Sapphire[/card], [card]Lingering Mirage[/card]
3.   Nazdakka – Netdecker? Moi? – [card]Mishras Workshop[/card], [card]Jinxed Choker[/card], [card]Glacial Chasm[/card]
4.   Zelc – back to basket – [card]Hickory Woodlot[/card], [card]Channel[/card], [card]Snake Basket[/card]
5.   r_x_ - Energy Agents – [card]Sulfur Vent[/card], [card]Sleeper Agent[/card], [card]Energy Field[/card]
6.   Lotushead – Soldevi Chamber – [card]City of Traitors[/card], [card]Soldevi Sentry[/card], [card]Energy Chamber[/card]
7.   Pyromaniac – Going for MISE – [card]Sheltered Valley[/card], [card]Maze of Ith[/card], [card]The Tabernacle at Pendrell Vale[/card]
8.   MoreFling – (No Name) – [card]Island[/card], [card]Mana Crypt[/card], [card]Donate[/card]
9.   matt – Red Deck Wins – [card]Mountain[/card], [card]Goblin Vandal[/card], [card]Lightning Bolt[/card]
10.   Redmage2k – Stompy – [card]Forest[/card], [card]Rogue Elephant[/card], [card]Oxidize[/card]
11.   Laurie Cheers – We will roc you – [card]Volcanic Island[/card], [card]Roc Hatchling[/card], [card]Daze[/card]
12.   RocknRossi – (No Name) – [card]Forest[/card], [card]Llanowar Elves[/card], [card]Tangle Asp[/card]
13.   Alexander – Deck-Busted Brokenness – [card]City of Traitors[/card], [card]Mox Emerald[/card], [card]Words of Wilding[/card]
14.   Upinthe – Blood Bank – [card]Sandstone Needle[/card], [card]Slith Firewalker[/card], [card]Blood Frenzy[/card]

15.   wonkey_donkey – Ohtheshame.dec – [card]Treetop Village[/card], [card]Eladmiris Vineyard[/card], [card]Naturalize[/card]
16.   combo_dude – The Brick – [card]Hickory Woodlot[/card], [card]Tempting Wurm[/card], [card]Tempting Wurm[/card]
17.   r_x_ - Wine&Dine.dec – [card]Forest[/card], [card]Eladmiris Vineyard[/card], [card]Words of Wilding[/card]
18.   Laurie Cheers – Hello Little Creatures.dec – [card]Mishras Workshop[/card], [card]Mox Ruby[/card], [card]Granite Shard[/card]
19.   Nazdakka – The Paradise – [card]Undiscovered Paradise[/card], [card]Vebulid[/card], [card]Swords to Plowshares[/card]

How to read the table:
Match the deck# on the left with the deck # on top. Append a 1 where appropriate. The #s on the right of that deck correspond to how many points that deck received versus the deck on top. (Once again append a 1 where appropriate. The 1's are missing to make the table clearer)

0   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   Total
1| x 6 3 6 6 6 2 3 6 4 2 6 3 2 6 0 6 3 6     76
2| 0 x 6 6 6 0 6 0 6 2 0 6 0 6 6 6 6 6 2     70
3| 3 0 x 6 6 6 6 3 6 2 3 6 6 6 0 6 6 6 6     83
4| 0 0 0 x 0 6 6 0 6 6 0 6 6 6 6 6 1 6 6     67
5| 0 0 0 6 x 6 2 0 2 6 0 6 6 0 0 6 6 6 2     54
6| 0 6 0 0 0 x 2 0 0 2 0 6 0 6 0 6 0 0 0     28
7| 2 0 0 0 2 2 x 0 2 2 2 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 2     22
8| 3 6 3 6 6 6 6 x 6 2 3 6 0 3 0 0 0 6 6     68
9| 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 0 x 6 0 6 0 2 6 0 0 0 2     32
0| 1 2 2 0 0 2 2 2 0 x 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 0     20
1| 2 6 3 6 6 6 2 3 6 4 x 6 3 2 6 0 6 3 6     76
2| 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 x 0 2 0 0 0 0 0      6
3| 3 6 0 0 0 6 6 6 6 6 3 6 x 6 0 3 4 6 6     73
4| 2 0 0 0 6 0 2 3 2 6 2 2 0 x 6 0 0 0 0     31
5| 0 0 6 0 6 6 6 6 0 6 0 6 6 0 x 0 6 6 0     60
6| 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 6 6 6 6 3 6 6 x 6 6 2     67
7| 0 0 0 4 0 6 6 6 6 6 0 6 1 6 0 0 x 6 6     59
8| 3 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 6 0 3 6 0 6 0 0 0 x 6     38
9| 0 2 0 0 2 6 2 0 2 6 0 6 0 6 6 2 0 0 x     46

Final Standings:
   
1:   Nazdakka 83
2:   Laurie Cheers 76
   Wonkey_donkey
4:             Alexander 73
5:   combo_dude 70
6:   MoreFling 68
7:   combo_dude 67
   Zelc
9:   wonkey_donkey 60
10:   r_x_ 59
11:   r_x_ 54
12:   Nazdakka 46
13:   Laurie Cheers 38
14:   matt 32
15:   Upinthe 31
16:   LotusHead 28
17:   Pyromaniac 22
18:   RedMage2k 20
19:   RocknRossi 6

Another very high-powered tournament, that was phenomenally close at the top end! I had high hopes of winning for most of the way through, but never mind. And no, the 5th place result is not a typo; special mention must go to combo_dude who managed to make both his decks finish exactly equal on points, despite them being completely different – a feat that r_x_ was getting towards, but it’s just not quite the same .

A complete absence of leveler this time, which although not unexpected did make it very difficult to come to a conclusion about it’s ban-worthy status! However, I think that there are a few decks that are definitely “decks to beat,� now, and leveler may be just another one of those. If every tournament were like this, there’d be no room for it in the metagame, after all.

I’ve had a few people asking after an unbanned black lotus. This is made up for by banning all targeted discard that can hit anything (e.g. coercion) and cards that make your opponent discard more than one card. The reason that I am reluctant to acquiesce is that it means that 2 things happen; one is that a lot more cards (e.g. show and tell, the above discard) are far more dangerous up to the point where they need banning; the second is that mise-prizes are easier to obtain. If there is a large clamouring for the unbanning of Black Lotus, then I’ll give it further consideration.

Please post corrections/discussion.

Tom

[Matt]

Damn, no mention of my  BRILLIANT metagaming and the time machine that caused my deck to be switched for one from a war-torn future date of indeterminate distance?

[wonkey_donkey]

Damn, no mention of my  BRILLIANT metagaming and the time machine that caused my deck to be switched for one from a war-torn future date of indeterminate distance?

If you mean, "did I mention the fact that Matt didn't face the decks that he'd have liked to face" then no, I didn't. Sorry.

I felt that the wording on goblin vandal was a little unfortunate, though - it says that you can only destroy artifacts that the defending player controls, so there's never a window for you to destroy the jinxed choker in the relevant matchup.

Tom

[Laurie Cheers]

Did you copy my deck, or did I copy yours?

[wonkey_donkey]

Did you copy my deck, or did I copy yours?

Oh, you copied me. But no matter, plagiarism never hurt anyone   .

Tom

[combo_dude]

Did you copy my deck, or did I copy yours?

Oh, you copied me. But no matter, plagiarism never hurt anyone   .

Tom

I'm sure you both copied someone else from ages ago, but there you go.

Lingering Mirage definitely comes with awesome sauce though. I really think other people should start playing stuff that beats that Choker deck, to be honest...not only is it powerful, but it's a netdeck. In 3cb. Shouldn't be happening.

[wonkey_donkey]

Did you copy my deck, or did I copy yours?

Oh, you copied me. But no matter, plagiarism never hurt anyone   .

Tom

I'm sure you both copied someone else from ages ago, but there you go.

Not so, actually. It's mine, my own, my precious etc. Although Laurie's post seems to imply that he didn't pinch it from #33, so clearly great minds think alike.

Tom

[rocknrossi]

sweet I did better than some people with tangle asp and llanowar elf.

[r_x_]

3. Nazdakka – Netdecker? Moi? – Mishras Workshop, Jinxed Choker, Glacial Chasm

VS

5. r_x_ - Energy Agents – Sulfur Vent, Sleeper Agent, Energy Field

This should be 6-0 to me, Choker cannot deal damage on me while Energy Field is up. He dies when he cannot pay Chasms upkeep.


If you unban Lotus, ban all cards that may cause more than one discard per turn and Show and Tell. It shines on the MTGNews...

[wonkey_donkey]

3. Nazdakka – Netdecker? Moi? – Mishras Workshop, Jinxed Choker, Glacial Chasm

VS

5. r_x_ - Energy Agents – Sulfur Vent, Sleeper Agent, Energy Field

This should be 6-0 to me, Choker cannot deal damage on me while Energy Field is up. He dies when he cannot pay Chasms upkeep.

Prevent all damage dealt to you from sources you do not control. When a card is put into your graveyard, sacrifice Energy Field.

When the choker damages you, it's a source of damage that you control. It'll still do the damage.

However, I need to point out that Alexander's deck is actually the winner. It has been brought to my attnetion that he 3-3's the brick, and I can't see any fault in the logic. Congratulations Alexander!

The first post has been edited to reflect this change in winners.

Tom

[combo_dude]

How does he 3-3 the brick? I'm hitting with 2 creatures per turn, he's making 1 per turn. Why do I not win? Not losing my 5= place that easily.

[Nibble]

Alex 1: CoT, Emerald, WoW
c_d 1: Woodlot, pass

Alex 2: bear
c_d 2: Wurm

Alex 3: two bear
c_d 3: two Wurm, swing with one. 15-20

Alex 4: three bear
c_d 4: two Wurm, swing with both. Alex blocks and kills one. Alex has one bear, c_d has one Wurm. 10-20

Alex 5: two bear
c_d 5: one Wurm, swing. 5-20

Alex 6: three bear
c_d 6: one Wurm. if he attempts to attack, it gets swallowed by bears. if he doesn't attack, 11 bears eventually come knocking.


Don't see any reason this doesn't work, but feel free to prove me wrong if I missed something.

[wonkey_donkey]

How does he 3-3 the brick? I'm hitting with 2 creatures per turn, he's making 1 per turn. Why do I not win? Not losing my 5= place that easily.

Turn 1-City, Mox, Words
Turn 1-Woodlot
Turn 2-Token
Turn 2-Tempting Wurm
Turn 3-Token(2)
Turn 3-Tempting Wurm, swing 5 (15)
Turn 4-Token(3)
Turn 4-Swing both, I gang-block one, it dies, 2 of mine dies, 5 goes through
(10)
Turn 5-Token(2)
Turn 5-Swing 5 (5)
Turn 6-Token(3(
Turn 6-With no other option (waiting is pointless at any time b/c each turn,
my board gets better and his stays the same), he swings, i block with all,
TW dies, I make a token each turn and win.

Here's the reasoning I was sent. I couldn't see a whole lot wrong with it. He just gets too many tokens too quickly. Going first it's a different kettle of fish, but you're 1 turn too slow going second.

Tom

[combo_dude]

Yeah, that sounds fair enough. Bugger.

[Nazdakka]

A bit late I know, but how does Choker.dec lose to the Words of Wilding deck?

3. Nazdakka – Netdecker? Moi? – Mishras Workshop, Jinxed Choker, Glacial Chasm

VS

13. Alexander – Deck-Busted Brokenness – City of Traitors, Mox Emerald, Words of Wilding

I'm losing 6-0 on the chart, but I can't see any way for Wilding.dec to get past the Chasm or avoid losing to Choker. Mistake or something I've missed?

[wonkey_donkey]

A bit late I know, but how does Choker.dec lose to the Words of Wilding deck?

3. Nazdakka – Netdecker? Moi? – Mishras Workshop, Jinxed Choker, Glacial Chasm

VS

13. Alexander – Deck-Busted Brokenness – City of Traitors, Mox Emerald, Words of Wilding

I'm losing 6-0 on the chart, but I can't see any way for Wilding.dec to get past the Chasm or avoid losing to Choker. Mistake or something I've missed?

They have 3 mana available each turn - they can simply remove counters from the choker each turn.

Tom

[Nazdakka]

Ok, that makes sense. I guess second is good enough on my first try

[Nibble]

They have 3 mana available each turn - they can simply remove counters from the choker each turn.

Is that enough to win, though?

Turn 1: Workshop, Choker. Pass Choker(1).
Choker hits, 19 life. City, Emerald, Words. Pass Choker(2).

2: Choker hits, 18 life. Pass Choker(3).
Choker hits, 16 life. Make bear. Pass Choker(4).

3: Choker hits, 14 life. Play Chasm. Pass Choker (5).
Remove a counter, Choker hits, 12 life. Pass Choker(5).

4: Pay 2 to Chasm, 12 life. Pass Choker (6).
Remove a counter, Choker hits, 7 life. Pass Choker(6).

5: Pay 4 to Chasm, 8 life. Pass Choker(7).
Remove a counter, Choker hits, 1 life. Pass Choker(7).

6: Pay 6 to Chasm, 2 life. Pass Choker(8).
Die to Choker.


Turn 1: Workshop, Choker. Pass Choker(1).
Choker hits, 19 life. City, Emerald. Pass Choker(2).

2: Choker hits, 18 life. Pass Choker(3). End of turn, remove a counter.
Remove a counter, Choker hits, 18 life. Pass Choker(2).

3: Choker hits, 16 life. Pass Choker(3).
Remove a counter, Choker hits, 16 life. Pass Choker(3).

4: Choker hits, 13 life. Pass Choker(4).
Remove a counter, Choker hits, 13 life. Pass Choker(4).

5: Choker hits, 9 life. Play Chasm. Pass Choker(5).
Remove a counter, Choker hits, 9 life. Pass Choker(5).

6: Pay 2 to Chasm, 7 life. Pass Choker(6).
Remove a counter, Choker hits, 4 life. Pass Choker(6).

7: Pay 4 to Chasm, 3 life. Pass Choker(7).
Die to Choker.


There are other possible variations, but I can't think of any that result in a win for Alexander...

[wonkey_donkey]

I think you're right, looking at it - I'd just assumed that being able to manipulate the choker each turn would result in a win. Well spotted. We have a different winner once again, then!

Tom