Difference in storm decks?

[Fortune]

Hey guys, I'm still fairly new to vintage, and was wondering if someone could explain the difference between the different storm decks, specifically Drain Tendrils (ok, I get that this one is obvious), TPS, and GWS/x.  When I see a TPS list, I can't really tell what sets it apart from a GWS/X list.  Thanks very much.

[DubDub]

GWSx is, I would say, primarily thought of as a Dark Confidant driven storm deck.  You can see a sample decklist here.  That particular list has two Sadistic Sacraments main, which I think is a little unusual.  Confidant is a primary engine, giving you the cards you need to overwhelm control (or prison), and attacking in the meantime so that the storm count you need to reach is lowered.  The average converted mana cost should be lower for GWSx in comparison to TPS to mitigate the lifeloss caused by Confidant.


In comparison, TPS lists look more like this.  Note in particular the presence of Force of Will, and a higher 'blue count' to support Force.  Others may hold different opinions, but it may be useful to think of TPS as a storm list that uses Force of Will to protect one significant bomb that should lead to a win, while GWSx uses the incremental advantage from Confidant to build towards a win.

In each of these sample lists two Tendrils of Agony are maindecked, but in general I believe GWSx is more likely to run the 2nd copy than TPS.

[Evenpence]

Hey guys, I'm still fairly new to vintage, and was wondering if someone could explain the difference between the different storm decks, specifically Drain Tendrils (ok, I get that this one is obvious), TPS, and GWS/x.  When I see a TPS list, I can't really tell what sets it apart from a GWS/X list.  Thanks very much.

TPS = Dark Rituals, duress effects, and Force of Wills.
Drain Tendrils = Mana Drains, Force of Wills, and usually a few duress effects/rituals.
GWS/x = Dark Confidants, Dark Rituals, duress Effects.  Some people have started playing Force of Wills instead of duress effects.

They're all basically the same deck with ~10 cards difference, so it's understandable that you're confused about why they're named differently.

[Fortune]

Thanks very much everyone.  That cleared things up for me. 

Are any of these lists particularly strong or weak against shops?  My metagame is full of shops and I don't want to punt a lot of unnecessary game 1s.

[DubDub]

Thanks very much everyone.  That cleared things up for me. 

Are any of these lists particularly strong or weak against shops?  My metagame is full of shops and I don't want to punt a lot of unnecessary game 1s.

I think Confidant is generally regarded as a strong weapon against shops, as it is a permanent, it draws you cards without costing mana (after the initial  ), and it puts a clock on them if they lock both players out (not as likely since the printing of Lodestone Golem).  On the other hand, Confidant can be a hindrance when facing down a Lodestone Golem.  There are many non-storm decks with better matchups against Shops though, if that's your primary concern (like Oath or Fish (with Qasali and/or Trygon)).

[islanderboi10]

If you were to look at the GWSx thread, you will see a more updated list. That list is great for a shop metagame.
I am leaning more towards GWSx as being better against shops right now.
With 3x Hurk Recall and 1x Rebuild main, plus Thoughtseize and a Dark Confidant draw engine, I really like GWSx more against shops.

That is not to say TPS is bad against shops though. Having played TPS for the last 6 months, and then recently switching over to GWSx, I would say that TPS is good against shops as well because of Force and the ability to drop bombs. Not to mention with a good sideboard, TPS could be great.  TPS was origanally built to beat a heavy shop metagame, way back in the day.

And as for drain tendrils, well it is good against shops as well. Mana Drain on almost anything that a shop player plays can lead to pushing through an advantage. Not to mention, like TPS, with a good sideboard, the deck can be geared against shops.

But, in my opinion, I favor GWSx right now against a shop heavy metagame.

My .2 cents.