Written by After clocking some playtime with the new set, I wanted to give my initial thoughts on the cornerstones of this sealed format. Bombs, removal, mana fixing, and the type of deck you are constructing are critical in finding success in this limited format, so lets break down each of those for AVR.
This sealed format like many others revolves around the number of bombs you open. Fortunately for those of you who have luck like I do, whose bombs usually consist of Parallel Lives, Nevermore, and Laboratory Maniac (just to name a few of my all-stars) AVR is stuffed to the brim with radiant angels ready to bring down their fury at every rarity along the way. The days of needing to open busted rares and mythics are behind us as many of the common and uncommon angels from this set do a fine job of closing out games. Out of the six sealed pools AdamRA4 and I opened over the weekend there were only one of them that did not want to play its white cards. Jamming your angels along with a support color will be fine most of the time. For those of you who posses the powers of opening the nuts, Bonfire of the Damned is where you want to be. Hands down this is the best card to open in the set. It will completely trump any board state all by itself. Its great in your opening seven and even better off the top. The card can be used early as a sweeper or late game as a finisher. I now know why they printed Outwit in this set, as they had to provide an answer to this card in some form.
Dealing with your opponents threats can be difficult as the removal for this set is very limited and creature combat is impossible to avoid. I found myself splashing Death Wind and Bone Splinters in every deck I constructed. On the other hand I have found myself questioning cards such as Pillar of Flame and Righteous Blow. The toughness of creatures in this format seems higher than normal. Two damage just dosen’t kill enough in this format. I think you still have to play those cards just be weary they may end up in your sideboard. Eaten by Spiders on the other hand is an all-star and should probably always make your forty card decks. Most of the creature slaying that will be taking place will occur during combat so cards like Zealous Strike, Necrobite, and Nightshade Peddler should make the cut every time.
AVR presents multiple ways to fix your mana. Whether you are splashing for removal or a game breaking angel or demon Vessel of Endless Rest provides efficient and needed access to your splash colors. Green offers up Borderland Ranger and Abundant Growth which go a long way in helping to fix your mana. Also, Amass the Components can dig you into the right mana to cast your spells. All in all AVR supplies the tools needed to get the job done, so don’t be afraid to add a card or two of a different color to your decks.
Most of the decks I constructed were slower mid-range decks looking to survive until turns five and six then begin dropping fatties. The first few turns were usually spent just playing lands and passing the turn. Not that you can’t build aggressive strategies in this format, you need to be sure to have a critical mass of humans to do so. The early drops in this format are negated so quickly do to the number of creatures with high toughness. Cards like Tormentor’s Trident and Bladed Bracers become enticing for an aggro deck just to be able to break through some of the bodies that you will be facing. The games tend to go long and involve lots of combat. Tight play and grinding your opponent out to have the last fatty swinging is a sure way to victory.
The format was a blast to play and I am looking forward to drafting the set this weekend. Thanks for reading, I hope this may have shed some light on the sealed format for some of you and good luck at all your release events this weekend.
Side Note:
This being only my second article ever written all comments and criticisms are welcome. Please don’t pull any punches, its the only way I can improve at this. Hit me up in the comments or at sengirjunkie@ajmtg.com
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