As I have only started this week on Thursday, Would give a brief rundown of My FNM and Weekend magic related on goings.
Friday 25th
So I ended up running a build similar to Patrick Chapin's world's list with a few adjustments. List can be found here.
I had to make a few changes due to not having 4 darkslick shores or a 3rd Olivia Voldaren. To fill the 3rd slot thought I would try a Bloodline Keeper. The mana was an issue so I put the drowned catacombs to 4 and added a Swamp and an Island instead.
This is my style of deck, however I just couldn't find the right balance of what sort of opening hands to keep as well as playing desperate ravings at the right times. I understand it is to make a bad hand better, or to find lands, but I think I was playing it when I had cards I needed in the matchup. This hurt me a little as I discarded a slagstorm when I needed one. Ouch.
I played Tempered Steel and Mono Red. Not a terrible matchup but with cards not hitting the table until turn 4 at the earliest I felt very far behind. I wasn't keeping enough removal or permission and this punished me. In one game when I thought I had sided out Percursor golemn, to my surprise I drew one. Oh well, need to tighten that one up.
Against tempered steel I had a tough time when My opponent dropped 3 Etched champion. Ouch. Hard to deal with, in fact I don't believe this deck can deal with them.
Against a cool Red/Black build with Chandra and Liliana, I Won 2-1 but with my opponent locking the board, and my hand, down with Liliana and just pinging my life total away with Chandra I did scoop in game two. Saved by a rogue wurmcoil engine in game three and took it from there.
For my fourth and final round played against a good Player playing a good deck; his spin on UB control. He took game 1 after a lot of draw go, but unfortunately he had to go to catch a train so had to drop, giving me the win as such. Wasn't a fun way to "win" as I truly think he had a very good win chance against me but unfortunately we will never know.
Overall this deck is very powerful, however on reflection I need a little more play testing with it. I also don't think It fits my metagame very much. I was a little disappointed with going 2-2 as I feel I'm playing the best I have played in a while. With 2 recent win's under my belt I feel I need to build on this. My decision making needs to be tighter as well as looking at potential lines of play. No need to rush, but to play sharply and clearly is a skill that I need to tighten up on.
I won't be unsleeving it anytime soon, but will go into the shop play and discuss and make some changes. I like Olivia a lot and want to make a deck around her, so will start here and try to adapt and evolve it. Will keep you updated on this one.
Will try running everyone's favourite mono red again soon. Fits my style perfectly and is nice and aggressive. I like being able to float between being able to play agro and control. Maybe the blue/red counter burn deck is on the cards too.
Saturday 26th
Nice and easy one today. Woke up showered and then watched the Magic: TV over on channel fireball.
Now there's not so much I can really say, however I will say this: I try and read and watch as much Magic related stuff as I can. This is because It gives you an insight to how some better players, make decisions and can see lines of play. This isn't for everyone but I think it's worked for me. I've gone from a player that used to be happy with a win, but was ultimately disappointed I wasn't doing better, to a 2-2 player to a person that has now picked up a few wins.
One thing is key: I still enjoy playing win, lose or draw! Obviously winning is a perk, but I think if I didn't enjoy playing, then I probably wouldn't bother anymore.
