Prelude to Action
- Introducing Clucky, my magic cock. I let Clucky make all my magic decisions and play for me. Here is Clucky's plan for Boudreas, my Magic: the Gathering Online (MTGO) hande.
- S.E.B. is The Tramp, who is Boudreas on MTGO, Magic: The Gathering (MTG) in paper. Following is the oldest competitive format, Vintage and the plan to compete in it with my magic cock.
Deck Selection
Introduction:
- The SMEAC framework, comprising situation, execution, administration, logistics, and command and control, will be utilized to establish a presence in the MTG community, with a focus on the end and starting points of competitive culture. Vintage and Standard. With the entire MTG inventory available in the oldest competitive format available in Vintage. I begin here with deck selection. We have:
Aggro:
- Aggro decks aim to win quickly by applying constant pressure with efficient creatures and direct damage. In Vintage, aggro decks can struggle against the powerful spells and combos that can end the game quickly. However, they can be effective if they can consistently disrupt opponents’ strategies before they stabilize.
Midrange:
- Midrange decks seek to balance aggression and control, using efficient creatures and spells to adapt to different situations. In Vintage, midrange decks can be versatile, but they may face challenges against the speed of combo decks and the resilience of control decks.
Control:
- Control decks focus on managing the game state, countering threats, and eventually winning with a powerful finisher. In Vintage, control decks can be highly effective due to their access to powerful counterspells and card draw, enabling them to handle a wide range of threats and strategies.
Combo:
- Combo decks aim to assemble a specific combination of cards to win the game, often in a single turn. In Vintage, combo decks are powerful due to the availability of fast mana and powerful tutors, allowing them to execute their game plan quickly and consistently.
Conclusion:
- In the Vintage format, combo decks often have an edge due to the availability of powerful cards that enable fast and consistent wins. However, control decks can also be very effective, especially if they are well tuned to counter the prevalent combo strategies. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the current metagame and my familiarity and comfort with the chosen archetype. I have decided on Combo, specifically Dredge, and aim to counter the land-based graveyard hate with a mana base and rock-solid sideboard plan.
SMEAC Military Action Plan: Engineering. The prelude to action is the Engineering Department.
Situation:
- Objective: The current situation involves building a competitive Vintage Dredge deck for Magic: The Gathering. The goal is to create a deck that can effectively utilize the Dredge mechanic to overwhelm opponents. Build a Vintage Dredge Deck that effectively utilizes the Dredge Mechanic.
- Details: The Vintage format allows for a wide range of powerful cards, but it also has a restricted list that limits certain cards to one copy per deck. The environment is highly competitive, with decks often featuring fast mana and powerful spells.
- Enemy Forces: Opponents may use decks with substantial disruption, such as counterspells, graveyard hate and fast combo strategies. Understanding these threats is crucial for deck construction.
- Friendly Forces: The Dredge deck relies on cards like “Golgari Grave-Troll”, “Stinkweed Imp,” and “Bridge from Below” to fill the graveyard and generate value. Supporting cards include “Bazaar of Baghdad” for card draw and “Narcomoeba” for free creatures.
Mission:
- Objective: Build a Vintage Dredge deck that maximizes the Dredge mechanic to win games consistently.
- Purpose: This deck is to utilize the graveyard as a resource, employing Dredge to rapidly fill it and establish a dominant board presence, ultimately leading to victory.
Execution
- Concept of Operations: The deck will focus on quickly filling the graveyard using Dredge cards and “Bazaar of Baghdad.” Once the cemetery is stocked, the deck will leverage cards like “Ichorid” and “Bridge from Below” to create a swarm of creatures. The deck will also include disruption elements to protect against graveyard hate.
- Tasks: Playtest the deck against various archetypes to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Adjustment: Make necessary adjustments based on testing results, such as fine-tuning the sideboard to handle specific threats better. No changes will be made until 100 competitive games have been studied. Then, a maximum of 4 cards per change.
- Coordinating Instructions: Ensure the deck is compliant with the Vintage format rules, particularly the restricted list. Coordinating with other players for testing and feedback.
Deck List:
Creatures:
- 1x Golgari Grave Troll
- 4x Stinkweek Imp
- 4x Golgari Thug
Enablers:
- 1x Life of the Loam
- 4x Bazaar of Baghdad
- 4x Serum Powder
- 1x Lion’s Eye Diamond
Free Creatures:
Graveyard Value:
- 4x Bridge from Below
- 4x Cabal Therapy
- 4x Dread Return
Disruption:
- 4x Force of Will
- 2x Mindbreak Trap
Mana:
- 4x Mana Confluence
- 4x City of Brass
- 4x Gemstone Mine
- 3x Petrified Field
Sideboard:
- 4x Nature’s Claim
- Purpose: Remove problematic artifacts and enchantments, especially graveyard hate like Leyline of the Void, Rest in Peace, or Grafdigger’s Cage.
- When to Use: Against decks that are likely to bring in graveyard hate.
- 4x Leyline of Sanctity
- Purpose: Protect against targeted discard spells like Thoughtseize, burn spells, and other direct damage effects.
- When to Use: Against decks with heavy discard or burn strategies.
- 3x Chain of Vapor
- Purpose: Bounce problematic permanents, including graveyard hate or other disruptive elements.
- When to Use: Similar to Nature’s Claim, but also applicable against a broader range of permanents.
- 2x Ancient Grudge.
- Purpose: Destroy artifacts, particularly those that disrupt your strategy, like Grafdigger’s Cage and Tormod’s Crypt.
- :When to Use Against artifact-heavy decks or those likely to side in artifact-based graveyard hate.
- 2x Ashen Rider
- Purpose: Provide a powerful reanimation target that can exile problematic permanents.
- When to Use: Against decks with difficult-to-remove threats or when you need a strong reanimation target.
Sideboard Plans:
Against Hatebear’s
- In: +4 Nature’s Claim, +3 Chain of Vapor, +2 Ancient Grudge.
- Out: -4 Force of Will, -2 Mindbreak Trap, -3 Ichorid
Reasoning:
- The focus is on removing cards that are less effective against creature-based disruption and bringing in cards that can handle artifacts and enchantments that target my graveyard strategy.
Against Paradoxical Outcome
- In: +4 Nature’s Claim, +2 Ancient Grudge, +3 Chain of Vapor.
- Out: -Force of Will, -2 Mindbreak Trap, -3 Ichorid
Reasoning:
- Bring in artifact removal to disrupt your opponent’s mana base and key artifacts. “Chain of Vapour” offers additional flexibility in countering problematic permanents.
Against SHOPS
- +4 Nature’s Claim, +2 Ancient Grudge, +3 Chain of Vapor
- -4 Force of Will, -2 Mindbreak Trap, -3 Ichorid
Reasoning:
- Nature’s Claim and Ancient Grudge are essential for dealing with artifacts. Chain of Vapor provides additional flexibility.
Against Dredge:
- In: +4 Nature’s Claim, +3 Chain of Vapor, +2 Ancient Grudge
- Out: -4 Force of Will, -2 Mindbreak Trap, -3 Ichorid
Reasoning:
- Nature’s Claim and Chain of Vapour are essential for disrupting opponents’ key cards and maintaining one’s strategy. Ancient Grudge provides additional artifact removal, which might be crucial if the opponent uses artifact-based graveyard hate.
Against Control Decks:
- In: +4 Leyline of Sanctity, +3 Chain of Vapor
- Out: -4 Force of Will, -3 Ichorid
Reasoning:
- Protect against discard and counterspells, and remove fewer effective cards.
Against Aggro Decks:
- In: +4 Leyline of Sanctity, +2 Ashen Rider
- Out: -4 Force of Will, -2 Mindbreak Trap
Reasoning: Protect against burn and aggression-based strategies, and add a strong blocker/removal.
Against Combo Decks:
- In: +3 Chain of Vapor
- Out: -2 Ichorid 1 Life of the loam
Reasoning: Increase disruption and remove fewer effective cards.
Against Graveyard Hate:
- In: +4 Nature’s Claim, +2 Ancient Grudge
- Out: -4 Force of Will, -2 Mindbreak Trap
Reasoning: Focus on removing hate cards and maintaining your graveyard strategy.
Administration and Logistics
- Logistics: Acquire necessary cards through purchase or trade. Ensure access to a reliable playtesting environment, whether online or in person.
- Personnel: Identify skilled players to assist with playtesting and provide strategic insights.
- Sustainment: Regularly update the deck based on metagame shifts and new card releases.
Command and Control:
- Command Structure: The deck builder will lead the construction and testing process, with input from experienced players.
- Communication. Maintain open communication with the Magic community to gather insights and receive updates on the Vintage metagame.
- Control Measures: Establish a schedule for regular testing sessions and deck reviews.
Summary:
- By following the SMEAC format, this action plan provides a structured approach to building a competitive Vintage Dredge deck. I address all critical aspects, from understanding the competitive environment to executing a strategic deck-building process.
How to play Vintage Dredge:
- Learn how to play the deck, keep notes and review each game. Play one hundred tournament practice games on MTGO before playing in the first paid league or tournament.
- Focusing on Opening Hand, mulligan, early, mid, and late-game play, as well as sideboarding, is how I want to approach playing this powerful deck. OEMLS.
Opening Hand and Mulligan Strategy:
- The key card you want in your hand is “Bazaar of Baghdad,” as it allows you to fill your graveyard with Dredge cards quickly.
- Use “Serum Powder” to mulligan aggressively until you find a hand with “Bazaar of Baghdad” or other enablers.
- Keep an eye out for “Lion’s Eye Diamond” and “Golgari Grave-Troll” as they can help accelerate your game plan.
Early Game:
- Use “Bazaar of Baghdad” to draw discard cards, aiming to get Dredge cards like “Golgari Grave-Troll” and “Stinkweed Imp” into your graveyard.
- Start dredging as soon as possible to fill your graveyard with valuable cards like “Bridge from Below” and “Narcomoeba.”
- Use “Lions Eye Diamond” to generate mana and discard your hand, which can be beneficial for triggering Dredge effects.
Mid Game:
- Once your graveyard is stocked, use “Ichorid” and Narcomoeba” to generate a board presence.
- Leverage “Bridge from Below” to create Zombie tokens whenever your creatures go to the Graveyard.
- Use “Cabal Therapy” to disrupt your opponent’s hand and gain information about their strategy.
End Game, Winning the Game:
- Use “Dread Return” to reanimate powerful creatures from your graveyard, potentially including “Ashen Rider” from the sideboard for additional disruption.
- Overwhelm your opponent with a swarm of creatures generated from “Bridge from Below” and “Ichorid”.
- Protect your strategy with disruption cards like “Force of Will” and “Mindbreak Trap” to counteract your opponents’ attempts to stop you.
Sideboarding:
- Adjust your deck based on your opponent’s archetype. For example, bring in cards “Natures Claim” and “Ancient Grudge” against graveyard hate, or “Leyline of Sanctity” against decks with heavy discard or burn strategies.
- Remove less effective cards based on the matchup, such as “Force of Will” against aggro decks or “Ichorid” against combo decks.
- By following these steps, you can effectively utilize the Dredge mechanic to overwhelm your opponents and secure victories in the Vintage format. The key is to maintain a strong graveyard presence and adapt your strategy based on the opponent’s deck and the current metagame.
- Review the plan after 100 games of tournament practice games.
Turn-by-Turn Strategy
Opening Hand and Mulligan Strategy:
- Key Card: Aim to have a “Bazaar of Baghdad” in your opening hand, as it is crucial for quickly filling your graveyard with Dredge cards.
- Mulligan: Use “Serum Powder” to aggressively mulligan until you find a hand with “Bazaar of Baghdad” or other enablers like “Lion’s Eye Diamond” and “Golgari Grave-Troll.”
Early Game:
- Graveyard Setup: Use “Bazaar of Baghdad” to draw and discard cards, focusing on getting Dredge cards like Golgari Grave Troll” and “Stinkweed Imp” into your graveyard.
- Dredging: Start dredging as soon as possible to fill your graveyard with valuable cards like “Bridge from Below” and “Narcomoba.”
- Mana Generation: Use “Lion’s Eye Diamond” to generate mana and discard your hand, triggering Dredge effects.
Mid Game:
- Board Presence: Use “Ichorid” and “Narcomoeba” to establish board presence.
- Token Generation: Leverage “Bridge from Below” to create Zombie tokens when your creatures go to the graveyard.
- Disruption: Use “Cabal Therapy” to disrupt your opponent’s hand and gain strategic information.
End Game, Winning the Game:
- Reanimation: Use “Dread Return” to reanimate powerful creatures from your graveyard, such as “Ashen Rider” for additional disruption.
- Overwhelm Opponent: Overwhelm your opponent with a swarm of creatures generated from “Bridge from Below” and “Ichorid.”
- Protection: Protect your strategy with disruption cards like “Force of Will” and “Mindbreak Trap” to counteract your opponents’ attempts to stop you.
Sideboarding:
- Adjustments: Modify your deck based on your opponent’s archetype. For example, bring in “Nature’s Claim” and “Ancient Grudge” against graveyard hate or “Leyline of Sanctity” against decks with heavy discard or burn strategies.
- Card Removal: Remove less effective cards based on the matchup, such as “Force of Will” against aggro decks or “Ichorid” against combo decks.
Naming Cards with “Cabal Therapy”:
- Against Combo Decks: Name key combo pieces or enablers that are crucial for their strategy, such as “Tinker,” “Yawgmoth’s Will,” or “Paradoxical Outcome.”
- Against Control Decks: Name powerful counterspells or removal spells that can disrupt your strategy, like “Force of Will,” “Mana Drain,” or “Swords to Plowshares.”
- Against Aggro Decks: Name efficient creatures or burn spells that can apply pressure, such as “Lightning Bolt,” “Goblin Guide,” or “Tarmogoyf”.
- Against Graveyard Hate: Name cards that specifically target your graveyard strategy, like ‘Leyline of the Void,” “Grafdigger’s Cage,” or “Tormod’s Crypt.”
- Against Dredge Mirrors: Name cards that are crucial to their Dredge strategy, like “Bazaar of Baghdad,” “Bridge from Below,” or “Narcomobea.”
Post Action:
- By following these strategies and naming cards effectively with “Cabal Therapy.” You can maximize the potential of your Vintage Dredge deck and adapt to various matchups in the competitive environment. Don't forget to take your time and carefully consider all decisions. Afterward, rewatch each game and take notes.
