askcriticalthought

[askcriticalthought]

Hello and Good Bye.

So its been a while hasn't it. Long story short, I'm no longer a active player. I've sold my cards and called it good. While I enjoy the game, my region, which was one of the most active, is dead and the game itself is too small to justify continuing to playing it like I did. If playtesting is happing I still plan on doing that. I can keep tabs and do research if needed and generally I enjoy doing it. But as fair as me going to tournaments or anything, I'm done. I think those who may have wondered already guessed that. But this is at least my good bye which is overdue.

I lost the heart of the cards. I lost the determination to win and in a way the love of the game, and it was made apparent in a pre-release where I caved and gave up and lost due to it when victory was clearly in my grasp. But it was well before that I think. Its hard to let go of what you love, but one its over, its over, and its best to move on.

I think if this game started as Equestrian Odessays design philosophy and wasn't the my little pony IP I think it would have been fair more successful. While community members worked hard to keep it afloat, myself included, I think its best, at least for me, to move on. The cost for me simply isn't worth it to be as competitive as I would want.

I won't be posting any further for the foreseeable future. I am not sure I would enjoy it and I question if it would be good to.

So fair well everyone. It was a good time. I made some great friends. I had some great times. I learned a lot from the game and the community. I grew as a person thanks to this game. While the chapter is over I can look at the few cards I kept for moments and smile. Remembering it all fondly.

Best of luck everyone.

[askcriticalthought]

The game once discontinued.

"The game is dying.” has been said sense set 1. Those who made such a claim where not particularly correct. After all, we are 9 sets in. Potentially getting a set before GenCon if that is still going to be a thing. That gloom and doom was wrong for 3-4 years. What good did it do? Probably shying away potential players. Hance why I have never been one to be so pessimistic outwardly and with conviction. This isn’t to say I was optimistic or deceptive. I’ve been forward about the games nature. Social norms, competition, design errors, ect. has played a hand in how this game could grow or not. But it is to say, I’ve never assumed the end of the game. For there was never solid reason to think so, and in fact, the pessimism could only harm the game over all.

All that being said, I think now is a appropriate time to start talking about its discontinuation and its implications on the community. Simply because a game isn’t being produced by an LLC doesn’t mean everybody has to stop.  It only means the power of a supporting cooperation is gone. 

I am no legal expert. So lets not take my word as law. But to my understanding a game can not be copyrighted. Only the art of it can be. Nobody can copy right a platform game. But they can copy right Mario. So to my understanding, we can homebrew a set as a community if we want. Though we might not be able to put Twilight Sparkle on the card, or maybe even have the same format. But it is doable-ish? Again, only to my understanding. We can have a “OC #10″ card that does XYandZ if we want and play games with this card.

Granted I am right, I think a good handful of the community would be more then happy to work on such a project. We can very well make our own cards and sets for the community to play with (at no profit). I know I would love to do so and work on such a project.

This doesn’t just have to be limited to how we have normally done things in tournaments either. We can organize our own online tournaments like we have, though with our own adjustments. Perhaps changing how some cards work and banning others. Maybe even bringing some cards back in format.

I think there exists enough people in the community to ‘continue’ the game once it is discontinued. The resource, community and enthusiasm seems to be there, just not at a volume where a LLC maybe able to turn a profit. Again. I am not legal expert. But I think that in one form or another, we can do what I am talking about once the game is finished on a ‘Official’ sense.

So lets bare that in mind going forward. If we see a set 10 and a GenCon 5, but that is it and the game discontinues, we can still play and enjoy the game. We can do our own thing and have fun. I think that is the point of this blog. So yeah, no ending planed. So um. Take care.

[askcriticalthought]

Experimental Core Deck Lists Ep.2 + Small revisions and notes to previously posted decks.

I’ve noticed Aggro is losing a bit of favor, so I though I would experiment with it a bit more. So here you go. Also, I just wanted to note that I goofed on two deck lists and forgot resource removals >>. 

Octavia/Pink Transformation Aggro 

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo6x1-sb55x2-sb54x3-sb35x3-sb37x3-de92x3-mt103x2-hm142x3-sb33x3-de31x3-sb141x3-sb140x3-eo131x3-sb86x3-eo212x3-eo163x3-de122x2-sb129x2-de123x2-sb113x2-mt133x2-de127x2-eo138x2-hm148x1

This deck is pretty fun. Phil second giving it some strong tools against TM and such.  I’m starting to be sold that Peril is a decent option for aggro decks with the Sky Star Loop. High destruction before a TM face-off is one of the prominent tools control uses. And Peril of Transformation offers a means of keeping friends handly and some powerful economic returns if it can stay on the board. Also, Body Garde and Transformation is hilarious. Skystar is 3 for 9 power. 1 for 9 power with Peril. Phil+Puril+Skystars is pretty hilarious.

Combo Foundation.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb4x1-eo163x3-sb113x3-sb108x3-mt101x3-mt103x3-eo113x3-mt65x3-mt112x2-sb75x3-de104x3-hm40x3-eo134x3-hm104x3-de88x3-mt133x2-de127x2-mt87x2-mt110x2-de122x2-sb130x2-eo191x2

This is basically the foundation of a 1 hit combo deck. The idea is that you confront 15 times with Shoe Shine and Win using dilemmas and Song Cards for protection. I am not a combo player. So this is just the foundation and a super greedy build. Its likely not competitive. Partly due to Song Decks and some control decks. But if you are looking for Cheese. Here you go.

Small Revisions

“Open up your eyes Lyra. Hands don’t exist.” Lyra/Orange Aggro

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo0x1-hm116x3-sb110x2-eo143x2-de127x2-sb130x2-sb141x3-eo130x3-eo147x2-sb134x3-de92x3-sb113x2-eo163x2-eo23x3-de18x3-hm17x3-hm29x3-mt21x2-mt133x2-de122x2-mt130x2-sb111x2-sb123x3-de135x1-eo111x2-sb34x2-de26x2-eo138x2-hm148x1

This needs special beams. Forgot to add them. 

Luna’s Transformation (Blue/Pink)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb141x2-sb12x2-sb33x2-sb140x3-sb37x3-sb35x3-hm139x1-de59x3-sb132x3-eo163x3-eo46x3-hm148x1-eo138x2-eo130x3-mt103x2-de92x3-sb134x2-eo204x3-eo199x2-mt133x2-de123x2-sb129x2-de127x2-de31x3

Same Issue. However I also altered the friends a bit. A little sharper over all I think. Playing 6-8 power at 1 problem and 5-7 at another for 1 AT is pretty great for luna and the 2 score problems available. 

[askcriticalthought]

Experimental Core Deck Lists Ep.1

Though I would just throw out some casual deck ideas for fun. Here you go.

 Luna’s Transformation (Blue/Pink) 

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb141x2-sb12x2-sb33x3-sb140x3-sb37x2-sb35x2-hm139x1-de59x3-sb132x3-sb113x3-eo163x2-eo46x3-hm148x1-eo138x2-sb69x2-eo130x3-mt103x2-de92x3-sb134x2-eo204x3-eo199x2-mt133x2-de123x2-sb129x2-de127x2

Slowly but surely Purel of Transformation is growing on me. When I look at the highly destructive meta we kinda have, just being able to rip out a few friends from your deck over time is pretty great.

Grubber/White.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb51x3-hm47x3-de113x3-hm115x3-sb123x3-sb141x3-sb2x1-hm144x3-de116x3-hm149x3-sb110x2-eo143x2-eo163x2-hm90x3-de72x3-de23x2-mt119x2-mt133x2-de127x2-de135x2-eo23x3-de122x2-sb130x2

I’d like for this deck to work. I’ve even played it against other casual decks and found it pretty fun. But it just doesn’t really have the kick it needs. Tempest+Pow is fun. Grubber buying some turns to score or drop power counters is pretty solid. Photo Finish is a pretty solid turn 2 play. But aside from that its now top teir deck. But maybe if someone gives it a few adjustments they might find something competitive. I just kinda made it for fun like a lot of these decks.

Thorax/Purple Swarm deck.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=hm109x2-sb141x3-de87x3-sb113x2-eo163x2-hm81x3-de52x3-mt58x3-hm149x3-eo217x3-mt0x3-hm83x3-sb41x3-mt52x2-sb118x2-de122x2-mt117x2-mt124x2-eo192x2-de127x2-hm119x3-sb108x3-de132x1

Gone Batty + Staff is a pretty cool concept and I’ve always wanted to use Exact Duplicate in a deck. Zippowill can be used pretty explositively and Spooky Ruins is pretty great Anti-farming. However, with all that said, the lack of hard removal and such really weakens my faith in this kind of deck. But its probably a lot more fun then the last Purple/Yellow deck I shared.

Heh. (White/Yellow)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo7x1-sb123x3-de116x3-hm149x3-eo108x3-eo146x3-eo114x3-sb141x3-eo163x2-sb56x3-sb59x3-sb100x2-mt119x2-de122x2-de127x2-mt133x2-sb130x2-de96x2-sb118x3-eo125x3-de45x2-de142x2-hm115x2

Heh?

Alright. Sleep time -_-.

[askcriticalthought]

Deck lists for every dual-color combination in core Pt 4. Something? There not good.

Alright so these are the color combinations that I have been stuck on in my deck building. In the end I really have more to say about the color combinations then to offer a interesting deck. But here we go.

Tempest/White

ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=de142x2-hm115x3-sb136x3-de98x3-hm144x1-de81x3-sb91x1-mt91x3-sb130x2-de127x2-de122x2-mt133x2-mt119x2-de100x2-hm148x1-hm40x3-eo217x1-sb121x1-de116x1-eo175x1-sb141x3-sb113x3-eo163x2-hm104x3-mt112x1-sb4x1-mt95x3-eo115x2

Alicorn Amulet + Pink Parasprit can acturally shut down some greedy builds with AJ: AoH or RD: AoL. Also slaping it on Mimics is a pretty solid play. If someone uses Tempest first you can probably trounce over it with Amulet. The basic idea is to protect what you need to get by, scoring on your small problems. And using Spike to clear the board or make TMs to strong to beat. 

Purple/Yellow

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb4x1-sb56x2-hm62x2-hm82x3-hm83x3-de84x3-sb92x3-sb121x3-de116x3-mt112x1-eo217x1-hm40x3-de100x1-sb141x2-sb118x3-hm120x1-mt123x2-mt129x2-sb128x2-mt133x1-mt119x2-eo82x2-eo163x3-sb59x2-eo146x3-eo87x3-hm148x1

Heh?

AJ/White

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=mt100x3-sb110x3-eo143x2-sb141x3-de116x3-hm144x3-sb54x3-de142x2-hm104x3-eo163x3-de15x3-de135x3-hm149x3-de115x2-mt119x2-hm137x1-de2x1-eo73x2-de113x3-de122x2-sb130x2-de127x2-mt133x1-eo171x2

So at the very least this is something kind of interesting right? Basically you try and maintain a wall with AJ Tool Up and score of various tools. Relying on building up a cluster of resources in order to keep the power ramping up. Its intresting. But given its lack of speed, it hardly pays off. Still, Its a fun thing to play casually. The TMs could use some work probably. And It should have Its Ganna Work. But heh. This is probably one of the weekest color combinations right now on its own.

Alright. Done and over. I hope it was at least kinda interesting to check out. While I was excited at the start, these last few decks really kinda soured me to this post. Look forward to more meta game focused stuff in the future. I already noticed some things in the decks I have displayed that kinda annoyed me. Like forgetting the Special Beam Cannons that the Lyra/Orange deck was suppose to have.

Anyways. Take care.

[askcriticalthought]

Deck lists for every dual-color combination in core Pt 3. Mid-range to control.

So as I started working under these relatively light rules it became more and more apparent that control should probably be splashing colors all the time. Purple/Pink should be splashing white for body gaurds is a good example. So if these decks seem meh. Well, my arbitrary and fuzzle deck building limitation would be why. Expect a lot more colorful decks in the future. Or mono. Not sure which yet.

I’ll be rounding it out soon. But I’m going to just throw 3 decks out right now, as it has been a bit too long for my likeing. Enjoy.

Skystar/White

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo153x3-eo131x3-eo212x3-de116x3-hm149x3-sb141x3-eo163x2-sb3x1-de92x3-eo147x3-eo171x2-de142x2-sb130x2-de127x2-mt133x2-de122x2-sb113x3-sb34x2-mt119x2-hm115x3-eo138x2-hm148x1-mt99x2-hm47x3

Pink/White has some potential for sure. One card I think has been overlooked by many who uses this color combination is Wake-up Call. Considering many are using only so many resource removal cards, and Fashion Desire being so devastating to control and aggro alike. Being able to deal with there one answer is pretty strong. Also, Wake-up Call and Box is pretty strong against Farm. Though perhaps not a Mono variation.

I’m not sure about the main and some of the cards. Lyra seems to be just a little to demanding for this kind of deck. Crissy is always the Tinker Bell of the game, especially with Tempest TM existing now. So Skystar it is for me. Also giving a little extra req when needed. That being side, this deck probably needs some more req reduction to use wake up call. Castle of Friendship is something I consistently look at if only to get more AT Gening.

You will noticed there is only 2 problems in the deck where you need another friend to confront. I actually find this a bit concerning for future development. I’m using them in some of my more ‘[Top Secret]’ decks. Because....really part of what gives control its mff and such is this.

Over all I think something like this can be competitively viable. Its just a matter of teasing out the details a bit.

Tempest/Pink

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=hm78x3-de76x3-sb85x3-hm40x3-eo207x3-hm148x1-de100x3-sb34x2-sb36x2-sb121x2-de116x2-hm149x2-eo124x3-eo128x3-hm25x1-eo163x2-sb113x2-hm88x3-de127x2-mt133x2-de122x2-sb130x2-mt119x2-sb4x1-de92x3

This is at least presentable. Its fine. I think Dip is something people might want to consider more. I’ve Dipped with Rainbow Shine do devastating results. But still, Body Gaurd should be thrown into this deck with a few adjustments. See CoCo 1 and 2 on Reddit to see what I mean. 

Tempest/Orange

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=mt65x3-mt66x3-sb141x3-sb121x3-de116x3-hm149x3-sb110x3-eo143x2-hm0x2-mt100x2-sb135x3-de38x3-hm148x1-de101x1-eo163x2-sb113x2-sb130x2-mt133x2-de122x2-de127x2-mt119x2-mt82x2-de100x1-hm140x1-sb4x1-eo136x2

I think Farm is the way to go with this color combination.  But I though I would give it a shot. Tempest is a underused monster in my mind. 2 Mimics turn 2?  Yes please.Hearths Warming is another card I consider now a days with so much “I destroy your board” kind of plays happening. Mac lets you power up your main, you can use Staff to use Chaos ability right away, ect. Sunset with Staff is also pretty nifty, allowing a kind of hard removal. You can also loop it with Dr. So over all, its not bad. Its actually pretty solid. I would also consider Teching Fronando probably.

[askcriticalthought]

Deck lists for every color combination in core Pt 2. Aggro and Mid-range.

Well you should probably know what is up via the title, This will be show casing mostly mid-teir and fun decks save maybe the Ambassador of Loyalty/Orange deck, which has more of a competitive edge.

Transformation Central. Skystar/Yellow

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb141x2-sb140x3-eo163x3-mt68x2-sb88x3-eo130x3-de92x3-sb37x3-sb35x3-sb34x2-sb33x2-sb56x3-de139x3-de96x2-eo46x2-sb3x1-mt103x3-mt130x2-de131x2-sb130x1-mt133x1-sb129x2-de122x2-sb59x3-sb134x2

So I thought I might try out the Transformation Mechanic and this was the result. Its not too bad actually. Peril kind kinda pay for itself and deck thin. Being a decent threat that can push the game in your favor if left unchecked. Having 2 threatening resource with the additional staff normally means you would make out with at least 1 of them always out . Being able to throw 4 eccentric at hasty speeds and then pay 1 to remove the eccentric and drop 5 power is pretty powerful. In addition to growing the number of bodys.. Jester vs Box is kind of a hard call. Jester being a decent option against farm and control, however being a tad bigger then I would like. One might think AJ can just face off there, but the eccentric maybe able to keep her at pay for a opportune moment. At the same time. It also offer a Dilemma while box is, just box, and not very helpful against control. 

Keep in mind Transformation works on frighten friends. PFF lets you get TM6 as early as turn 2, and that you can transform Skystar between her two forms. It also allows you to reuse Pinkie/Twi and Pinkie/Skystar As they have 2 Titles rather then 1. 

Over all, I think Bugles deck he ran in CoCo maybe the better choice competitively, while I would also make some changes there. But this deck is pretty fun, and I’m sure someone has been looking for a transform deck.

Other suggestions: Changing some of the numbers for the friends in general. Friendship Festival. Cardboard Box.

Hot Wings Mild-Sauce. Bluna/Pink Aggro/mid range.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=hm139x1-sb141x2-sb113x2-eo163x3-hm68x2-de59x3-de60x3-eo130x3-hm148x2-sb134x3-de26x3-eo147x3-mt103x3-eo167x2-sb132x3-mt14x3-eo204x3-de92x3-eo194x2-eo199x2-sb129x2-mt133x2-de123x2

Pink/Blue suffered alot from the format change. The lack of high-score problems that can be confronted by playing 1 friend being the big issue. The second issue being the lack of resource removal. So, I have this mess. I’m not confident that it is the best build, there are clearly loses cut. It maybe more mid-range then one would feel confident in. RIP being able to deal the mass of problem resources such as Fashion Disaster and Dessert make it potentially worth it. Thunderlain is something I’ve never understood why it left the deck other then it being slow to play. But may have a better place in the deck now. So yes. Its Tech Heavy. But it kinda needs to be to survive in this meta.So I ran with the idea of have tech against control and farm, while keeping potentially enough speed to handle aggro. Honestly I tested this like twice and...its fineish?

Other options: Additional Staff, Prince Ruth, Gabby, Friendship Festavil, Pinkie Holiday, Keven, smaller problems.

Scootaloo/Yellow

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=mt1x1-eo163x3-sb141x2-sb75x3-de65x3-de139x3-sb59x3-sb137x3-hm55x2-de96x2-sb108x3-sb56x3-eo204x3-sb132x3-sb13x3-sb11x3-hm7x3-eo199x2-mt131x2-mt133x2-de122x2-sb130x2

I’ll be frank. Pure aggro Yellow/Blue is probably my least favorit. And it shows in this deck. I’m sure that Thorax/Blue deck has more kick and utility to it. However, I wanted to make a fun thing with Novo. And in my play testing, which is minimal for this deck, this deck preformed decently well against a few other decks on this list. so hear you go.

This deck tries to use Scoots free movement to your advantage. Using Pirate Dash and Novo to create acwoard situations for opposing aggro decks. Moving back Pirate Dash can give you a frighten, which is pretty fun. And you normally have the ability to remove Novo from the fight if it is back firing in some way. Novo is also not a bad DM slayer and can be moved back with Swinging wounder or frightened with Ruth if need be.

But yeah. Its fun if you are fighting a mid-tear deck. But nothing revolutionary here. But prove me wrong if you can, If you are looking for a competitive yellow/blue deck check out CoCo #2 Results.

Other suggestions: Industrial Revolution, Ever Vigelent, Tirek’s Reign, 

Fizzle Flash. Tempest/Blue Mid-range

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb132x3-sb11x3-sb13x3-sb121x3-de116x2-mt112x1-sb141x2-de40x3-eo124x3-eo128x3-de100x3-mt123x2-eo95x3-eo134x3-sb43x2-sb71x3-hm137x2-mt133x2-sb4x1-de122x2-de127x2-eo163x2-hm148x1-mt80x3

This deck is fun and plays a mid-range style of game. Zombra allows you to play a interesting control game, as well as allows you to play Read the Manual turn 2, play Zecora turn 2. ect. It might actually be worth considering in other Tempest decks just due to the early game options he can grant. So keep him in mind, especially when fighting aggro as it is unlikely he can be taken out before he gives you the AT. 

Flickering Swinging Wounder can have a pretty big pay off. Flickering Zoned Out into Grubber can actually dodge a TM6+Party Hard set up as well as throwing out a mimics to prevent some options, You can flicker Loyal Pony or Singing to move Pirat Dash. So there is a lot of fun synergy with flickering the friends in this deck. Moving Pirate Dash, Zecora, or spike with Swinging Wounders, Ever Vigelent, or Twi/spike are all solid options. Allowing a lot of shenanigans. 

Basically, this can be a very tricky deck. But due to the color combenations lack of recovery or defensive options I doube it can be high or top teir. But maybe I’m wrong.

Other Options: Night Glider Over Powering. Additional TMs, Discord Wrathful, Additional Spike Festival Assistant, Blackmall and other more controlling problems. Zecora P/B.

Rainbow Dash/Orange

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo1x1-sb113x3-eo163x2-sb141x3-hm149x3-mt0x3-hm119x3-de119x3-mt110x2-sb67x3-eo138x3-sb132x3-sb13x3-mt14x3-de135x2-sb110x2-eo112x3-eo111x3-mt131x2-eo199x2-eo194x2-mt133x2-mt128x2

One Punch Mare + Orange. Obveusly lacking the Burst of speed it still has handy tools with Mullet who can move things immediately. Rainbow also has the luxury of not depending on additional flip power like AoH. She also doesn’t suffer from push back as hard. Wounder Bolts Stadem is always free and giving you a plus. Also being able to play it turn one is pretty nice.Some may wounder why Special Beam. Coundidering that blue has mediocre resource removal and belly flop being a strong counter against Big Eater, its better to just banish the one resource that is a major threat, Cardboard box.

This deck acturally proves to be a formitable opponent against most things, but not particularly exceptional, that being said, I think it could at least be high teir.

Other cards to consider: Prince Rath, Ever Vigelent., perhaps appoloza or a additional Dessert Road. 

That will be it for now. More to come soon.

[askcriticalthought]

Deck lists for every color combination in core Pt 1. Aggro.

Been a long time heh? Well I got something to show for it dispute my simi-tight scadual. A mixed bag of competitive and casual decks for everyone .I’ve noticed the CoCo tournaments online are relatively popular and I hope to expaned peoples testing, experimentation, and experience of that and regional.

This is a mixed bag of decks. I’m not sure of Regionals /storechampes will come before the next set so, to be honest, I am holding off on a few decks. But be sure to check hear before Continentals, for I am very unlikely to show up, sadly. I know a few would love to play me. And Perhaps I’ll do some online matchs at some point of people would be interested. No promises though. 

Lets start with Aggro. My lest favorite honestly, but what are you going to do? Some color combinations just can’t control or farm yet, or are just best suited to be aggro. But I do have a fun one to start with. 

“Open up your eyes Lyra. Hands don’t exist.” Lyra/Orange Aggro

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo0x1-hm116x3-sb110x2-eo143x2-de127x2-sb130x2-sb141x3-eo130x3-eo147x2-sb134x3-de92x3-sb113x2-eo163x2-eo23x3-de18x3-hm17x3-hm29x3-mt21x3-mt133x2-de122x2-mt130x2-sb111x2-sb123x3-de135x1-eo111x3-sb34x2-de26x2

This is a idea I’ve seen at my locals when Harmony was more prevalent. But it doesn’t lose that much from Core, so as a result its pretty strong. This build is a untested and could be refined. I don’t think 45 is idea for this deck however.  Playtesting and further experimentation is needed. Hear is what I would consider its foundation. The card in this deck in addition to the core being some teck.

Its Core

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo0x1-hm116x3-de127x2-sb130x2-sb141x3-eo130x3-sb134x3-de92x3-sb113x2-eo163x2-eo23x3-de18x3-hm17x2-hm29x3-mt133x1-de122x2-sb111x2-sb123x2

Lyra + Re-Marable + Tempest gives you a lot of value and gives you the chance to spend card before using Lyra.

Party Favor+Zap Apples is a powerful threat. If Party pops you can get a tone of Earth ponys....everywhere. You can DFO with just him by buffing him. Poping him with Belly Flip, and grabbing the other problem.

Double Diamond+Staff can make Lyra Huge and hard to deal with.

TM6+Party Hard: This goes without saying. The best two card combo in Core. But Party Hard gets even better due to the fact that at any time you can still use it to great effect. To the point where you might just want to use 2 TM6. But I’ve never regreated having more then 2, especially considering the deck has a lot of bulk.

Other cards to consider include:  Trouble Shoes Rodeo Clown (Because this + TM6 is still a board whip.) , Toe Tapper (Mostly to discard more if needed, but I think Temest does the job.) ‘

Side Note: The math seems to play out to where, with Tempest TM, you burn though your deck super hard. And its relatively easy to get what you need. So I recommend keeping the deck to about the 50 range, maybe, maybe bigger. I think there is a lot of potential here, but I haven’t had the time to really crank out the Aggro build of Pink/Orange. 

Octavia/Yellow Aggro

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=hm48x2-eo63x3-sb127x2-mt134x2-de123x2-sb129x2-sb130x1-de98x2-eo6x1-sb113x3-hm55x1-mt50x3-sb56x3-de139x3-sb59x3-sb61x3-de96x2-sb108x3-mt101x3-sb94x3-eo106x3-sb64x3-sb54x3-eo163x1-de122x1

This is pretty straight forward and self explanatory. I though I would still note it though. You explode with a tone of power very fast. I will acknowledge this may not be the optimal build. But I’ve found it to be pretty effective as a aggro deck, and probably the best way of going about the color combination. I don’t think much explanation is needed for why the card are there. the problem deck may need work, but I though it might be better to be more main centric when confronting given the high destructiveness of some decks, and it might be better to run Concerning Cutie Mark and Ditch the Gummys for more Is Ganna Work or something. But really, that Gummy is great even without using it to turn 1 confront. Could also use Staff, like anything else XP.

Octavia/Blue Aggro

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo6x1-eo204x3-hm12x3-sb11x3-sb132x3-de90x2-mt97x3-mt92x3-sb73x3-mt62x3-eo167x2-mt108x3-mt144x2-sb61x3-de9x3-sb129x2-de122x1-sb130x1-sb141x2-eo163x2-sb54x3-mt134x2-sb127x2-de123x2

So again, pretty much the same idea as Octavia/Yellow. Though its slightly worse for a few reasons. 

Difficulty with resource removal, 

Harder to deal with TMs,

Less viable and easy to play dilemma comparativel

That being said, it can be ‘faster’ in some senses and has a few different tricks. To be honest, I build this because it was the only thing I could think of for the color combination that would be any good.  So here you go.

Novo’s Barricade: Novo/Orange Aggro.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb56x3-de139x3-sb64x3-sb6x1-mt16x2-de17x3-sb21x3-eo111x3-eo143x2-sb110x2-de135x3-eo97x3-sb83x2-sb82x3-eo113x3-eo205x3-sb113x2-sb129x2-mt133x1-de123x2-mt117x2-mt124x1-eo192x2-sb118x1-de96x2

I haven’t grown this deck in a while.So if there are glaring issues with it that would be why. Again, there isn’t too much to say,  Bats+Captain Jack. Its like TM6+Party Hard.....kinda, not nearly as good most of the time. But hay its still pretty good. Also helps you get around touble TMs. This deck is...good against other aggro decks, but not against most of the current meta decks. Still, Double Diamond is fun to power up and sit at a problem. DD also gets to stick around with both Celestia and AJ & Fluttershy. It can also help dealing with farm. Really the big issue is that it is very card to defend itself. So many of the meta decks like.Also, probably needs more Staff.

Another set of words in bold

Next time will be a mix of decks and the last one will probably be just control. See you all around. Best of luck.

[askcriticalthought]

Core Formats impact on the meta.

With the potential change from Harmony to Core in the competitive scene I though I would give a over view of what cards would be removed from legal play in core. I’m going to be talking as if Core will be the standered, which I speculate is true. Most of these cards are a stretch, and could be reduced to about 15-20 cards if you don’t count combo parts and tighten up what can be considered competitive.

Here are 75 cards from Preimare that are somewhat used in the meta or are note worthy. Most of these are a stretch. I’ll be addressing them by card type.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=pr181x1-pr172x1-cg184x1-pr176x1-ad184x1-cn167x1-cn185x1-ad175x1-ad159x1-adn1x1-cn159x1-pr210x1-pr160x1-ad140x1-ad137x1-cg147x1-cg139x1-ad147x1-cg153x1-cn151x1-ad141x1-ad153x1-cg138x1-cn132x1-pr151x1-cg120x1-ad112x1-ad90x1-cg201x1-cg98x1-cg124x1-cg107x1-ad109x1-ad86x1-ad202x1-ad79x1-ad200x1-cg82x1-ad58x1-cg75x1-cg70x1-pr69x1-ad45x1-ad42x1-pr203x1-pr56x1-ad38x1-cg42x1-cn194x1-cn51x1-ad195x1-ad196x1-cg194x1-cn25x1-prPF2x1-cg12x1-cg10x1-pr197x1-ad3x1-rrF2x1-ad176x1-cn2x1-cg20x1-cn106x1-ad129x1-cn188x1-cn145x1-cn144x1-cn109x1-cg49x1-ad65x1-ad77x1-cn157x1-ad158x1-ad206x1&draftMode

Mains: Good riddance to DJ. This is probably the most desired outcome from this change as DJ is always the main to play for Pink and probably the best main in the game. Orange Luna will be missed as will Apple Vender I’m sure. But I would gladly trade those two away to be ride of DJ in the Meta. Now we will see a check up with pink and orange will be a little bit more limited in its mains, as its had some of the best to pick from.

Troublemakers: This is the first and clearest hit on farm. Most Epics and Villeins go away. Nightmare Moon being the big universal anti-combo card as well as a mitigated against aggro is also gone. But we will see that most combo decks are gone with this formate. So that isn’t too big a deal. No Jet Set, but also no Cruel Task Mistress so heh. The part that bugs me is that Sea Poppy will have very little to go off from due to no YP or NMM. A big basket of TM go away with this formate. But these are probably the big ones. There replaceable though. And some of them I might say I am glade to see gone. Nightmare Star -_-

Problems: Problems are where Aggro and Farm get hit pritty hard. Without Rock Slide to solidify ones chance of beating a TM turn 2-3 every time farm will have to make some sacrifices in deck building, which is good because for the most part you can get away with running over 50% TMs. FWR is probably the most obnoxious problem in the game for control or farm players. Potentially giving 5 score to the opponent. Allowing a aggro deck to not only catch up but potentially win just because of a single problem flipping. Social Obligations does not need to exist with Staff of Sacocmogogo in the game. And the rest are pretty much aggro problems that, in there absence, will likely slow it down a bit which is probably good considering DFO every turn was the norm. Ancient Research is notable, but not necessary now, consider how many other options are available I don’t think it completely removes PTS:AoF

Events: This is another punch in the gut to farm. removing the two events it has always used. Granted they now have a Big Mac that removes resources every turn and Poping corn might not even be needed anymore in harmony builds anyways its not too big of a deal. Then we have most of the combo events. show downs and Juggling, I’m sure I am missing a few there, but for the most part this kills off a good amount of combo. Control loses Destiny Drain which I would like to see replaced at some point. but without combo and with misfire being used most of the time anyways. O and Cruel Taskmistress ;-;. Well, I can be mean in other ways with Spoiled Rich anyways. A few dismiss events and purple events that can be replaced pretty easy.

Resources: Breeze Flower is probably the biggest lose, forcing Pink, Blue, and White to use worse options or in Pinks case have no options. Lets hope Pink gets some removal next set. With so many powerful resources coming from this set as well I think this is the card that worries me to lose it. Study Session is a big lose for control, especially pink/purple. Which is probably a good thing. Heaving destruction all the time is pretty crazy. Monstrous Menuel would have been nice with both Tempest main and Tempest TM. But probably not much viability. 

Friends:

Blue: Blue honestly doesn’t lose much here. All these are mostly Apple Vender options. Unblinking is fun, and we could include all the Dr with Apple a Day. But while fun, it doesn't’ have much reliance in the meta anyways

Orange: No more Carbo. Really that card probably shouldn’t have existed. It was fun flipping 5 cards and all but it was the orange card for a while. See ya. Farm Formare I am happy to see go because of Staff. AJ EoH (Friend) is probably the one I wish I could keep. As its the only punishment for attacking the hand we have had, unless you count unblinking. And with Hooves As Strong as Horses + Spike Master of Ceremonies that would be nice to have. Othere then that most of these are just small tech cards.

Pink: No SnS. This is pretty nice. Now at least in part one can rely on there Starting problem a bit more. No more PoP + DJ combo. Which while it was fun to brake it and ban Penny Lain it is not

Purple: No more Dr. + Cheerly. Not that I ever saw it as much of a problem it does make Dr. Worse. Ursa has

White:Eff Stop is a big lose. But probably a good one. Eff Stop + Gyro was pretty much how you had to play control. and if you could accommodate it you where not playing control right most of the time. Orange/Purple being a exception. Control still has recurtionary elements. But most of them are not unlimited. Meaning in core we will see Then we have some Apple Vender combo cards and regular combo cards

Yellow: Heh, if anything these cards not really matter. And that is a testament to how awful yellow was. In a way this format benefits yellow because it herts everything else. But that Phase Skip with Cadence would be fun to play with.

Overview: Over all farm and combo suffer the most from this format change. Considering these have not been the favorites for the community it is probably beneficial. Plus farm can still exist. Its just not the same deck it has been for 2 years. Aggro slows down a bit, requiring a bit more power to DFO. Control loses its endless recurring events...for the most part. Spike still exists. This change benefits yellow the most and harms Orange the most I think. White taking a pretty hard fall as well consider the best friend in harmony no longer exists. Most of the staple cards are leaving, which makes sense considering they have survived the test of time. I think that this mix up will probably be more refreashing and new thing a great lose. 

[askcriticalthought]

Even more fun/semi-competitive duel color decks. The last 5 combinations. (and a bonus purple/blue deck)

So this is it as fare as this little test goes. Expect more tri-color like decks in the future.

Master of Spectacle (Tempest/White)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=mt95x3-cn159x1-sq121x1-de116x3-sq91x3-hm144x2-hm40x3-hm148x1-pr56x3-mt73x2-ad90x1-eo173x1-de100x1-mt83x1-eo124x2-sq136x3-mt91x3-eo217x2-hm49x2-mt86x1-de98x1-eo127x1-pr69x2-mt119x2-mt132x2-mt123x2-de128x2-mt133x1-sq4x1-eo188x1-eo69x3-sq96x1

This is a bit stronger then I though. There is probably something here worth exploring. The combinations in play are the classic Mistress - > Crulemistress, Spick -> Spectacle rotation (Doubling power and bouncing 2 power friends over and over again), And setting up Octavia’s to wall out options. I think Harsh Judge is particularly important here, as Captain Jack and The Main Six are big threats. Also, Alicorn Amulet on Jet set or Mimics turn 1 can do some good damage against farm decks, a Harsh Judge fallow up can be pretty nasty. And protecting DD TM against a TM overlap is also nice. Force Equality can do quite a bit of damage as well, pretty easy to defend, being a epic she also allows some overlap, and weakening friends to both be unprotected from Appoloza as well as making them venerable to The Spectical. I have had some trouble managing the number of cards though.  AT gen is another concern.

The Wall (Tempest/Orange control/midrange)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=mt65x3-sb110x2-eo143x2-sb135x3-hm40x3-de116x3-cg194x3-sb19x2-sb117x3-mt119x2-sb125x2-mt122x2-sb121x3-sb4x1-mt133x1-sb113x2-de21x3-sb17x3-eo217x3-eo171x2-hm148x1-mt123x2-eo188x1-sb78x3-mt83x2

I know, not a creative name, or deck really. Pretty simple here. Making TMs night unbeatable and producing a lot of them to make it hell of the opponents and the ability to farm a bit on the side. I’m not sure how much grubber is worth. But it seems pretty solid.The ratios on some cards could be fixed up and a bit more power counter generations wouldn’t hart. more epics for farming would also probably be beneficial, and could be swamped for grubber. A interesting element is the usage of dilemmas which open up both the ability to drop more Mimics.

Look DJ No Hand (DJ/Orange)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb134x3-sb38x2-eo130x3-sb141x2-cg147x1-cg194x3-sb110x2-eo143x2-pr210x3-pr160x3-eo23x3-sb19x2-de17x3-sb113x3-ad79x3-cn157x2-mt119x2-mt118x2-eo195x2-mt130x2-mt133x1-eo185x1-rrF2x1-cn145x3-eo169x2

This deck is mean. Like, insanity mean. Leaving the opponent with just a main and potentially locking them down mean. The idea is to us The Main Six with The Hard Way to destroy the opponents hand and board state. And then, hopefully, use Deep Darkness+YP/NMMx2+Farm to create a state where the opponent can’t maintain a hand. Poppy being a win con. There is a lot you need and not much to insure it, however if it does what it does the opponent can end up just doomed. The first combo is likely a competitive model. The other is testing out a older lock down modle that hasn’t really worked before, but may now? Heh.

Flickering Flair (DJ/Purple)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=de76x3-sq85x3-ad45x3-hm40x3-de100x2-cg153x3-eo40x3-mt133x1-sq113x3-eo124x3-mt83x2-sq34x2-hm43x2-cg107x2-rrF2x1-sq141x2-pr203x2-mt123x2-mt118x2-eo185x2-mt119x2-mt130x1-sq38x2-pr160x3-pr210x3

This deck is for fun. Using the standard DJ + Study Session set up along with the bouncing effect of tempest grubber with Minuet. It’s not a competitive deck, but it’s something different. It has nice synergy all around.  But if you want competitive probably just rebuild Vinyl’s Bag of Tricks and change out like 4 cards.

AJ the Necromancer. (AJ:EoH/White mid-range)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb141x3-hm115x2-ad147x2-sb52x3-de45x2-de42x3-hm49x3-hm149x3-ad159x2-sb113x2-eo69x3-prPF2x3-sb110x2-eo143x2-sb19x2-cg194x3-de21x2-eo169x2-de72x3-mt119x2-cg184x2-mt126x2-sb125x2-eo2x1-cn185x2

Evil Staff that brings back the dead, Necromancy I say! This deck is peculator to me as well. On the one hand you can bring back anything with AJ+Staff+Cadence, on the other hand, I’m not sure what you want to focuses on with orange/white. This feels a tad to Centerpiece yet its too tempting not to go for when building for these two colors.. There are a lot of nifty tools you could keep bringing back. Wake-up Call, Petrified, Appoloza, ect. Perhaps a control build would be best? But so much seem necessary such as Farm Formare. AJ+Staff+Cadence is clearly a competitive thing to go for, but I am not sure what else to work with it, though perhaps that has to do with my arbitrary limitation and the answer is a POW deck.

Shifting Shadows (Tempest/blue mid-range)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sb71x3-de116x3-sb121x1-sb11x3-sb13x3-de100x2-eo95x3-sb43x3-eo171x2-eo217x2-sb141x2-sb4x1-sb132x3-cn157x2-mt83x1-mt133x2-mt105x2-eo124x3-pr56x2-ad98x1-de12x2-de102x2-cn121x1-mt123x2-hm134x2-mt129x2-mt119x2-eo163x1

This is one of the reasons for the delay between the first two posts and this one. Purple/blue is in a pretty weird way in my eyes. For control, it struggles making a win condition unless you try Celeano+Tempest TM+Monstrous Manuel, which isn’t the more solid thing ever. Aggro it seems to have some of the least to offer. So I though I would just get a bit weird with it and try a mid-rangish thing. A kind of tempo control. This deck uses a lost of neat tricks like Loyal Pony/swinging wonder+Pirate Dash/spike+Portal. It can switch from aggro to control relatively well. Not sure about the TM choice other then Force Equality. In all likenesses it would probably be better suited as a aggro deck that waits and reacts. But this ended up being pretty fun. And part of this little experiment is fun.

This was a pretty fun experiment over all. I think I gained some insight into the practice. Next expect a mush mash of colors and such. I might do a “What should you tech” kind of thing at some point as well. Hope you all enjoyed.

[askcriticalthought]

More fun/simi-competitive duel color decks. Blue addition (and pink/white)

This is going to be more on the fun side of deck building. Mostly because I think blue might just be the weakest color and I just ended up building fun casual decks more then the most competitive.  With the additional personal rule of being duel color didn’t really help. But at the very least these have some kick to them. Give them a shot in more casual play and it should be fun. Competitively there not fantastic, but could perhaps be sharpend.

 Royal Flush. (Capper Blue)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sq5x1-cg70x3-sq54x3-mt133x1-mt97x3-mt92x3-sq73x3-mt62x3-pr97x3-sq11x3-pr151x3-mt108x3-eo21x2-sq123x3-pr107x3-eo204x3-cg147x2-sq130x2-de125x2-sq127x2-de90x2

Some may think that Capper is pretty bad. And to fair, you maybe right. However, I though I would give him a shot and found this fun little build. This focuses on reusing two bits, Rarity Breezie, Rarity Pirate, and Crème Da la Cream.  And it packs a good little punch. This probably needs a little adjustment when it comes to its fixers and removal. Its pretty fun at least. I was able to beat a few other decks with it so it’s not horrible.

Captain Jack (AJ/Blue)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=eo2x1-sq67x3-sq141x3-hm149x3-ad159x2-sq113x3-eo163x2-mt14x3-de12x3-sq13x3-sq11x3-sq8x3-sq110x2-eo143x2-prPF2x3-sq116x3-mt110x2-sq19x2-mt126x2-sq125x2-cg184x2-mt128x2-hm121x2

Gatta go fast? Pretty much. I just wanted to try out the Pirate deck. It definitely feels like a ramppy aggro deck more so then a midrange deck. Farm -> Staff seems like a no brainier. The power counters work well with thunderlain. Celeano and ships saves a lot of AT latter on.  Appoloza is easy to utilize and the new Big Mac is very helpful against what is likely to be a resource heavy meta. I like the idea behind this deck, I’m just not 100% its viable. I only tested it a few times and it seems interesting. It can get pretty crazy and over whelming pretty fast.

 Just more hot wings. (Bluna/Pink)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=de59x3-de60x3-hm68x3-de26x3-de28x2-sq32x2-de31x3-cg147x2-mt108x3-eo167x1-pr181x2-de92x3-mt81x2-mt103x1-eo147x1-sq132x3-mt14x3-eo204x3-sq134x2-ad176x2-mt133x1-mt31x2-pr176x2-pr171x2-de122x1

More Hot Wings. Frankly there isn’t much for this color combination this set. So I just added and adjusted a few things to my current build and its still pretty good. But really there isn’t much fancy and new, if you have played hot wings you know what this does.

Nightmare cruse (Celeano / Purple)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sq1x1-eo95x3-sq71x3-de116x3-sq123x3-eo171x2-sq41x3-sq43x3-mt83x2-de100x3-cn144x3-cg153x2-sq13x3-mt133x1-sq141x2-sq113x2-eo150x2-hm40x3-de12x3-sq126x2-eo201x2-eo199x2-de128x1-mt119x2

Purple/blue is weird. I don’t exactly know how to build it right now. TwiSpike + Travler Spike or Pirate Dash seems pretty strong control trick. I’m sure you could build an interesting aggro deck. But I wanted to see if I could control with it. I found that Tempest as the lead to strong control, but difficulty working a win condition, Celeano with Tempest TM + Monstrous Manuel seems like a decent win con with all the AT gain and the limitation of being duel color. But blocking is quite a bit harder. Nothing feels like it can be focused on enough without there being strictly better options somewhere else. But it turns out this is alright. I’ll likely investigate into it more in the future but for now, this is a fun thing to experiment with

 Death and Taxes 2.0 DJ/white

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sq141x2-sq86x3-ad147x3-de113x3-eo153x3-eo131x3-eo126x3-de45x3-hm144x3-cg147x2-mt119x2-sq52x2-pr69x1-de116x3-cn159x3-mt103x2-mt133x1-de142x1-sq113x3-rrF2x1-mt134x2-sq127x1-de125x2-eo187x2-sq134x2

Body Garde is pretty fantastic, especially with all the destructive power pink/white has. You may end up with several bodys with prepared on them. That is a lot of AT to gain behind a TM. He also works for mass sacing with cards like The Main Six.  Other then that though not much has changed for this deck. The idea is to make a devastating bored state that is to hard for the opponent to survive in. Keeping a single friend or two on board and scoring points that way with Trixies tour.

[askcriticalthought]

A few fun/semi-competitive duel color Yellow decks

So I though, given ponyhead is updated, I would crank out a few yellow decks and I have to say a good amount of them are pretty good. I tend to work with the foundation and let it grow on its own. So these aren't to ambitious. There is defensively a frame work for some solid decks and I think yellow is finally usable and viable over all. Expect a lot more deck lists in the future, potentially with a reviset of the fallowing deck as there pretty much rought drafts with little playtesting. With the exception of the problem decks these are all duel color.

Novo’s Barricade (Yellow/Orange)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sq123x3-sq110x2-sq82x3-sq83x2-sq56x3-sq21x3-sq6x1-de135x3-eo97x3-sq64x3-sq113x2-eo113x3-eo143x2-eo205x3-de139x3-hm55x3-mt16x3-mt133x1-eo192x2-sq125x2-mt126x2-cg120x2-mt117x2-mt124x1

There seems to be a lot of competitive potential with yellow/orange. So much so I maybe going about it completely wrong. But so fair as I have tested this deck is pretty solid. Celestia and AJ keep all the calming and Double Diamond on the board. Captain Jack + Bats is of course a powerful play, though the only board control I could stuff in. Delivery Crew, Bats, Celestia and AJFlutter all support Double Diamond enough that I think he might finally have a home in a solid deck. He is great at keeping Farm at bay with Appoloza. Soup Incident may not be necessary, but I think banishment of the discard will be important in the new meta. The problem deck is one I am not quite sure about. Probably one of the weaker elements of this color combination.

A Changeling can Farm again (Thorax/Pink)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=de132x1-de139x3-sq61x3-de52x3-mt101x3-sq108x3-de130x2-sq131x2-de87x3-de31x3-cg36x2-de92x3-mt81x2-cn132x2-sq130x1-eo202x2-eo181x2-de123x1-adn1x2-pr210x2-eo217x3-mt58x3-cg120x2-sq141x2-de96x2

I am not sure how impact any of the new yellow/pink cards are, but I though I would show that Thorax has a little more kick to him with Gummy, Staff and the new dilemma. Thorax, thanks to Gummy and Staff, suffer against TM a little bit. Celesta (SaB) and Crissi may   Over all it may at least be semi-competitive and a bit fun. Really I just like Thorax XP.

Celeano’s ark (Celeano/Yellow)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sq75x3-sq74x2-sq108x2-sq137x3-de139x3-de65x2-sq123x3-sq141x2-cg147x3-sq1x1-eo204x3-sq13x3-sq64x3-sq113x2-sq59x3-sq56x3-sq132x3-mt101x3-eo199x2-mt133x1-hm131x2-mt128x2-ad176x2-hm137x1

I feel like there is a competitive deck in here somewhere. Celeano is probably not the right way to go about it, but I wanted to showcase here somewhere and it granted some slight deck building ease. There is a lot of power, trickery, and fun elements in this that I really enjoy. Shoshine with all of yellows critter doping problems packs quite a punch, likely being a strategy on its own.  Novo plus all the immediate movement adds some trickery and pressure. Shoeshine + novo can give you the power to manipulate whine conditions on the fly. And control may have difficulty containing it all. Its big glaring weakness is its lack of hard removal however. If anything, a lot of this decks engine will likely be seen in the coming Yellow/Pink/Blue deck. 

Withering Shadow. (Tempest/Yellow)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sq92x3-hm83x3-hm82x3-de84x3-de116x3-eo173x1-sq64x3-hm62x2-hm55x3-eo87x3-mt133x1-mt119x2-sq128x2-mt123x2-sq4x1-hm40x3-eo171x3-sq113x2-sq121x1-cn151x2-cg153x2-mt83x2-hm148x1-sq56x3-hm124x1-hm120x2

I really enjoy what this deck does, but I wouldn’t claim its fantastic. It creats a lot of consistent pressure with a wide assortment of rebuffing cards. This likely will need to be mixed with white to see competitive play, and even then it may have to wait untill we get a tri-color card or two to match up with what I think the other control decks may look like. Celestia helps keep all the debuff cards on the board. , but I though I would give it a shot. Its, not bad. It has a good amount of kick to it. Bedtime, Eff Stop, and Photo Finish will probably find there way in a more competitive build of this deck.

Flight of the Birdie. (Octavia/yellow)

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=sq94x3-hm48x3-cg70x3-de139x3-sq56x3-sq61x3-sq59x3-mt101x3-sq108x2-de96x2-cg147x1-sq130x1-sq129x2-mt134x2-sq127x2-sq113x1-de122x1-hm55x3-cg82x3-sq141x2-de98x2-eo106x3-pr107x3-eo6x1-ad176x2

When I build aggro with Octavia I tend to go for one big strong shot rather then a few jabs. There are a lot of ways to build this, this one is a little weird because it uses Flutershy Breeze. Being +2 power for free and saving AT when needed seems pretty good. Gummy and Staff are, again, a big tool to help dodge/recover from TMs blocking early. Not sure of Breezie flower should be in there over another Speech, but this deck as plenty of resource removal, speed, and punch. O and Critter Cario is very, very potent with Octavia. Celestia and

Again, rough drafts. But I think at the very least this can show that yellow is looking pretty solid with a good amount of competitive potential. Look forward to more deck lists in the future as I have more time to deck build and experiment. 

[askcriticalthought]

Explanation of absence.

Hello all. I know I haven’t been keeping up with the spoilers and reviews this time around. This is in part due to personal issues. I don’t deal with stress particularly well and it has thrown of my sleep, my exhursies, ect. I’ve had to focus on other things sadly. I know more then a few appreciate what I do on this blog. And I don’t like letting people down in that respect. But things happen. 

In addition I have removed my thoughts on the combo player thing. My stance on it hasn’t changed, however I feel I did it out of passion and my presentation suffered for it. So sorry about that. I am looking foreword to looking though the whole set and building decks for you all to try out and enjoy. So do look forward to that.

That is pretty much it, have a pleasant day.

[askcriticalthought]

More Spoilers from set 9

More Spoilers. Lets see.

Another fun common. With traveler this card could be a nice pay off in popper and limited. It a aggro card for sure, maybe even a tech with AJ Ambassador of Honesty to add some aggro element.

This is a interesting one. Blue in general works pretty well with this card. I’ve seen some purple/blue aggro decks before and perhaps this card has a home int it for economic players. It grows as it offers a 2 AT push back that can be made cheaper. Cool.

Hmm. This is stronger then one might think. Getting any type of card into your hand is very powerful and flexible. By itself its 4 AT and a exhaust to get a card back. But in combination with other cards such as Trixe’s Apology Tour or maybe Applejack Ambassador of Honesty can make this card shine. In some decks it might even see play over Eff Stop. I would keep my eye on it even just with Trixie’s Appology Tour.

[askcriticalthought]

Spoilers? MYGA? Time to review.

So we got some spoilers. Time to review.

You will brake even the first time you use it in terms of value, but it is basically giving you swift once a turn on anything. This is better then a accessory that would give something swift because its not restricted to a single friend. This isn’t a particularly strong card on its own. However it is pretty alright with the next card. 

This is a very solid tribe card that gives you a lot for what it is. Probably one of the first tribe cards where I would want to give it a shot. We can’t really appreciate how strong it really is until we see the rest of the set, but turning a 1 cost resource into a 2 AT saving resource and making face offs even harder to win though out the game is pretty good. I thing it being a ‘fat’ card might keep it out of competitive though.

So now we get to see what Traveler does its its pretty good. This little chaotic card, for a common, will continue to ramp up because of its ability but it will always be at a problem at all. And that is pretty useful. It would basically, unless it was moved home or a dilemma was played, move to the next problem as its current problem wouldn’t be a valid target. If I got my rules right. Which means it gets +1 power every turn. Its not bad or boring by any means and may see limited play.

Now we have the latest spoiler. And its fantastic and will need a break down.

This card blocks a lot of different options. Banishment being a big one, as we have yet to see any other anti-banishment in the game. If I have my rules right it should be able to block Party of One and Cruel Taskmistress. This card, pending they MYGA (Make Yellow Great Again), will likely be in every Yellow deck period. It being 1 power and a critter also gives it some nice synergy with white/yellow. Working well with Find The Music in You.

This cards Chaotic can throw a wrench in a lot of ‘out’ options unexpectedly. Putting some pressure when playing against yellow. Do you destroy the card now and risk misusing it or do you run the risk of losing the ability to do so after the flip? The answer will likely always be run the risk. But its a interesting element. Also, Octavia/yellow doesn’t mind its low flip necessarily. 

The retire to dismiss a resource is just icing on the cake. While event based options may still be preferable having a great card also cover a response most people would rather not commit a card to is always really nice.

It has the wrong Set icon : U. Hopefully that will be fixed. But it is funny.

[askcriticalthought]

I’m alive I promise. (also simi-competitive decks)

I have just been busy. Here, to make it up to you stranger on the internet I have two pretty cool decks. Blue/Orange control and 

2 Certainties

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=de113x3-ad147x3-eo153x3-eo131x3-eo126x2-hm144x3-de45x3-de44x3-de116x3-cn159x3-mt133x1-cg147x3-eo163x2-eo212x3-pr69x3-de142x1-mt103x2-cg138x2-mt79x2-mt119x2-mt118x2-eo182x2-eo185x2-de131x1-rrF2x1

This deck is super main. Which means I love it. The idea is to make playing and keeping friends saintly hard and keep Photo Finish on the board and score because again, super hard to keep cards and confront. Trixies apology tour will help with solo confronting by buffing your Photo to speed things up. Its pretty effective. 

I can’t think of a fun name atm.

http://ponyhead.com/deckbuilder?v1code=de12x3-de134x3-eo163x3-ad144x3-de116x2-mt110x3-eo143x2-cg194x3-eo23x3-de21x3-de22x3-de23x2-pr17x3-cn143x2-pr210x1-adn1x1-eo217x1-hm149x1-cg147x2-eo171x1-mt133x1-mt126x2-hm121x2-mt128x2-eo199x1-mt127x2-rrF1x1

This could use some tweaking for sure in the TM department but over all it works pretty well. Its pretty fun. Ember and Carbo making it extremely hard to beat any TM and very easy for you to. Appoloza protects amost everything including Touch which can make it hard for the opponent to keep up or fight. I like it.