WUControl

Toronto RC List

Just a small follow-up to my previous post in case some of you haven't read it:
I will not be playing the Canadian RC this weekend but will be playing the side events. There will be a multitude of close friends and people that plan on playing my list, however. So it will be really nice to keep track of how they do in the main event. I think the deck is super well positioned right now against the meta, especially against the new Discover combo decks.

Since the changes, I have done two leagues and 5-0'd both of them back-to-back. This puts me at a total of 6 trophies with UW Lotus, the most on MTGO so far. List felt super smooth and I did not miss Dig Through Time/Search for Azcanta at all. The 3 Whales/1 Wemp split is also great. Matchups here: https://twitter.com/WUCtrl/status/1726716058307055888

Here is the updated version:
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/0opbb6pKZ06SR3tHpvuMMA

Sideboard Guide:

https://flexslot.gg/sideboards/1001/view
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jOhSnM7_WYB2mfQnQJwXjtleBzn0TE_qvHCM8dBqzQ8/edit?usp=sharing

The VODs of some of the leagues are also on Discord.

For example:
https://youtu.be/WgQAR27HPuk

Results and Changes after the Showcase

So I learned a lot after the 10 matches of the Showcase.

I finished 6-4 but I kind of went offline after losing my first matchup against Rakdos since it was perfectly winnable and I threw both games. Side effect of running low on sleep, I had been up the last night looking into a lot more cards that can be implemented in the deck effectively.

List I played: https://www.moxfield.com/decks/pW8mGBK-nU-bk6aaGvUIqg

MUs:
2-1 UW Lotus Field (Impulse Version)
1-2 Boros Convoke w/ Thalia (First I hear Thalia being in Boros Convoke, it is a great card in the deck and really changes my sideboarding plans)
2-1 Lotus Combo
1-2 Grixis Phoenix (Really cool deck, didn't have any idea how to play against it)
2-1 Possibility Storm
2-0 5c Bring-to-Light
2-0 Geological Appraiser Combo
2-0 Yorion Fires
0-2 Rakdos Midrange (Heavy Misplay)
0-2 Rakdos Midrange (Played poorly as well)

So with that in mind:
Here is the updated version:
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/0opbb6pKZ06SR3tHpvuMMA

Sideboard Guide:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jOhSnM7_WYB2mfQnQJwXjtleBzn0TE_qvHCM8dBqzQ8/edit?usp=sharing

You will see that Azcanta and Dig Through Time are completely cut from the deck. This is mainly because I found that 4x Deluge is just enough to stabilize the game. A lot of times, Azcanta was win-more and Dig Through Time was sometimes awkward because I would have to exile my Deluge from my graveyard.

Shark Typhoon and another Lagoon Breach is added. Both are just very efficient cards and act as additional 2-for-1 type of cards that strengthens the overall resilience of the deck.

Sideboard:
Lantern of the Lost is completely cut as well as the one Temporary Lockdown. This allows the entry of 3 Strict Proctors and 2 Thought Distortion.

So the theory is that I never really missed Strict Proctors that much in the mainboard except in some matchups where you have to ultimately play greedier/faster, something that Proctor can allow. Therefore, I don't think there is a place for them in the mainboard still.

Tale's End is just much more versatile in the current meta and allows you to play a very regular UW playstyle without depending on Lotus Field at all.

However, with my Eureka! moment of finding out that Convoke now plays Thalia, Temporary Lockdown isn't as good enough anymore, especially on the draw. The main matchups where Proctor excels are:
Boros Convoke
MonoG
Fires of Invention
Elementals
Spirits
Phoenix (to some degree as it dodges Spell Pierce and replaces Tale's End).
Geological Appraiser Combo (although this matchup is already a bye)

Every other matchup not mentioned though, I do not like Proctor at all.
This includes:
Rakdos Midrange
Gruul Aggro
Rona Combo
GreaseFang
Lotus Combo
UW Control

As you can see, the matchups are quite split to the point that I still think Proctor is better in the sideboard, especially since there are a lot of matchups where you just want one Proctor and drawing two back-to-back is really detrimental. The deck still performs without it and is very strong.  This is mainly because Temporary Lockdown is also a very good card still, especially against Rakdos Sacrifice, a matchup that used to feel kind of bad without it.

VOD of 5-0 UW Lotus without Proctor

https://youtu.be/jZzDb4uTnUo

Matchups: #1: MonoG #2: UB ControL #3: UW Control #4: Creativity Gearhulk #5: Amalia Combo

Any questions, ask away in the Discord, I am very active once again as I am actively playing for Pioneer. 

BILLING RESUMED - Pioneer Showcase List - UW Lotus Control

First to note: Billing has been resumed, it will be paused on December 17. I plan on practicing this whole month before RC Atlanta.

UW Lotus is still a very strong deck. However, with the new metashift, the deck has to also play differently as well. I have taken a pretty drastic (but very beneficial) shift in the deck.

I have played five leagues of UW Lotus:
5-0 with Proctor
5-0 without Proctor
4-1 without Proctor
4-1 without Proctor
5-0 without Proctor

As you can see, I much rather play without Proctor in this current meta. The meta has shifted to the point where the best decks don't have all that many ETB triggers. It is a more grindy meta where you just need to have answers and efficiency. The printing of Get Lost also allows this playstyle to be played more effectively. With that in mind, Tale's End is the best replacement for Strict Proctor.

Here is the list I have played and plan on playing for the showcase, with my overall score in Leagues being 18-2 so far:
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/pW8mGBK-nU-bk6aaGvUIqg

This Showcase will be recorded and uploaded eventually.

Two maybes at the time of this post is:
Hour of Revelation and Search for Azcanta

I think Search For Azcanta actually fits very well in the deck and can be kept as a one-of. It is added synergy with Sunken Citadel as well. But... I am not sure about Hour of Revelation. In theory, I like Hour of Revelation because of how Get Lost produces tokens on the battlefield and it is likely that the condition is met against go wide boards like MonoG but it does not exile.

Differences in the decklist:
0 Strict Proctor: What was once considered the core of the deck is no longer as viable as it was before. The uprise in Phoenix and Temporary Lockdown being arguably better than Proctor in this current meta. Temporary Lockdown also makes the Rakdos Sacrifice matchup, which was not as easy before, much more clean. Without Proctor, nearly every card is playable like in a regular UW deck. They can all do their own things and the Lotus Field is just a bonus.

3 Tale's End: This card replaces Strict Proctor and is meant to not only support the combo, but is a powerful counterspell that can also stop many triggers such as: Phoenix trigger, Fable (particularly 3rd chapter), it has more applications than Proctor but is less explosive turn 3.

4 Sunken Citadel: This card is much stronger than you would think. Because the deck has no turn 1 plays, taplands are not that big of a disadvantage. However, this card is VERY strong in UW Lotus.
Thespian's Stage, Channel Lands, Manlands and Azcanta all benefit from this discount and sometimes allow you to copy earlier than usual. Because of this discount, 4 Thespian's Stage becomes very playable and is now core in the deck. Think of this perfect scenario:
T1: Sunken Citadel - Blue
T2: Thespian's Stage - Hold up Discont or Tale's End
T3: Lotus Field - Discont/Tale's End
T4: 6 mana, you can play Wemperor/Deluge/Verdict and STILL be able to copy Lotus Field. 

1 Restless Anchorage: Just a very efficient manland that explores, I would play 2 copies but do not figure I have much room to spare in the list. A consideration for 3x Sunken Citadel and 2x Restless Anchorage was made but the discount of Sunken Citadel is very important early game at times.

1 Search for Azcanta: Great card that synergizes with the deck overall. Sunken Citadel, untap with Teferi and the 1 Dig Through Time also benefits from this card. 

Differences in playstyle:
DO NOT CONSIDER THIS DECK TO BE A COMBO CONTROL LOTUS DECK ANYMORE. This is a UW Control deck that basically just plays Lotus Fields too. The playstyle is very similar to regular UW and if you are not comfortable with playing regular UW control, I can see this deck being difficult to pilot. 

For example, in the VOD, you will see that I rarely prioritize the combo unless I am in a good position. I would much rather control the board at a regular pace and play Lotus Field naturally, and eventually copy with Thespian's Stage. There are often times where I do not use Tale's End for Lotus Field and I save it instead. This is, a net major advantage. Many of your hands are no longer Mulligan-required and you can often keep all your hands like regular UW can, except ones that are short on lands. 

The Beginning of the Grind

Hello Patrons!

What you have all been waiting for: I am now fully invested into practicing for Pioneer.

UW Lotus Field is going to be the deck I play for the RC Atlanta. I am also going to RC Toronto (only playing side events) to practice with the deck. I will have a full month before RC Atlanta to get the perfect list for the event. I have played a league with the current iteration that I posted previously. I definitely think the current version is out-of-date. MonoG doesn't see as much play as it used to and the list needs to be more versatile, rather than just targetting MonoG and Rakdos. 

I have now been cooking a lot of new spicy iterations and will be playing the Showcase Challenge this weekend as well.

Updates to come but I just wanted to let you all know that I have started practicing again.

There are no official lists as of now as my lists are all in very early Alpha stages. That said, I will definitely have a list posted on the Discord for what I intend to play with for the Showcase by Saturday night. 

Lists I want to try in order of what I think will work:
1. UW Lotus Field w/ no Proctor, different approach to the deck entirely. Becomes more similar to regular UW.
2. Bant Lotus Field with a heavier dependence on the Green part. Try to make Growth Spiral work, for example.
3. UW Tap Out Foretell

I am very much leaning on the first list and so if I find that the list proves to be good, I will not develop #2 and #3 further.

Pre-emptive RC Pioneer List

With the full spoilers coming out, this is a list that I would probably be building.

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/vzyZAe50E02qRSFYYrcYXg

I expect more aggro and phoenix to be present with the next set and so 4 Doomskar seems necessary. The switch to 1 Rip, 2 Lantern also seems necessary as well. 

Billing Update

Hello all,

I have decided moving forward, to pause billing during certain months when there are not many competitive events going on. 

I understand many people just want to get value out of their subscription and it doesn't make sense to me to continue charging during "low seasons" of magic when I cannot personally find content to push out because of a pending set release, for example, or when there are simply no reasons to play competitive magic.

As a result, as of today, all billing will be paused until November 23.

The Discord will still continue to be available but the billing will resume for 1 month from November 23 to December 23. By November 23, I expect to be playing a LOT and preparing for RC Atlanta, as most of you know. The set will also have been released by then and so that will allow me to create a decklist in preparation for the RC. Then it will be paused once again after December 23 until further notice, likely when the month before the next RC after that.

I appreciate everyone here that continues to subscribe to my patreon and I have made this decision to make it easier for not just me but everyone here, I personally admit I would just resubscribe to my Patreon during RC months and unsubscribe after.

As a result, ALL current subscriptions have been made unavailable. You will continue to keep your active subscription but future patrons will likely have a higher price. I will re-evaluate how much I should charge per month for future subscriptions since I plan on continuously pausing moving forward.

Thank you everyone once again for sticking with me. 

UW Lotus Summary

Hello all, I wrote a quick document of the recent changes the deck has made over the past month.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mJNYqK2-YYWf2qycs5MvuJWMVL5w-HbcQkkf2YloO6Q/edit?usp=sharing

This document explains the inherent philosophy of the deck moving forward and what is expected in the future. 

There has not been many updates lately for Pioneer since the format has not seen much play and people seem to only be playing Pioneer when they have to. That time will eventually come starting next month and once the meta is clearly defined after Caverns of Ixalan, I will be on the full-time grind again and constantly uploading videos of how I am playing my deck. 

That said, I am refraining from doing that now since the list has been volatile lately. I am adapting to the current meta but it can easily change depending on what happens after the next set. What I say now, for example, could be irrelevant after the set releases and so I do not want to have any heavily-influential videos on the deck since I know most of you already have an understanding of how the deck works as a whole. 

In a month, you will all see the preparation that I will be doing for RC Atlanta and it will be constant updates, almost daily. Magic always has cycles where there isn't much happening and October is simply one of those months. 

UW Lotus Field - Tron w/ Black Splash

So with RC Calgary and RC Lille coming to a conclusion, I see the meta has changed pretty drastically. Monogreen is no longer as dominant as it used to be and Rakdos has made a surge.

Lotus Field Combo also continues to perform and there are a lot of aggro decks as well.

With that in mind, splashing black is probably the best route here. Rona's Vortex gives the versatility of an early game tempo removal but has the late game kicker that can be very useful. It also gives answers to PW, something the deck didn't have before. I prefer this much more than Fateful Absence. 

Because the meta is so much more diverse now, it is not wise to try to cover everything anymore. So Sea Gate Restoration and Ondu Inversion are removed to add back the triple Jwari Disruption. The intention is to improve consistency against all matchups while having less explosive answers. Overall though, with such a diverse meta, this is the better approach. The deck also needs to be much more proactive and that is why you also see Pore over the Pages. It is just a very efficient card if you have a Lotus Field out and it is kind of a pseudo-rewind. Rewind will no longer be good because of Cavern of Souls and this is simply the next best card that can be played as a huge mana ramp.

One consideration I want to see is if the deck can support cards like Go Blank in the side. I haven't tested it out yet but it seems like it definitely can.

Things to note from the previous list:

2x Horned Loch-Whale is very impressive and I like the 2-2 split with Emperor. Rona's Vortex shows a lot of early promise and I might add more in the side, depending how the meta continues to shift. Lockdowns in the side are necessary now with all the aggro matchups. 

With all that said:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/sV6z0Xu4QU6KHsO3chAXfg

Current Modern Decklist and Developing Pioneer Decklist

Hello all!

I am finally back from Vegas and will be working on my decklists more. Since there are not many Modern competitive events left, I will be focusing on Pioneer.

Modern:
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/vSgA4sfxUUioRAcFdp5PjA

I went back to Veil of Summer because of the slight meta shift. Burn isn't really played as much anymore and Murktide is back in full action. The deck already beats 4cc even without Blood Moon so I never needed it again. Veil is great against the meta right now with Scam + Rhinos + Murktide.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GTC6M_bTwS_vnsdFJ3PQ3s0DsyUdPG2-c0kQDP8cgEw/edit?usp=sharing

Pioneer (In Development):
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/Mz1-e-zv4kqfzJCMyceHog

This will be a list in development. With the reveal of Cavern of Souls, it is likely I am getting off Censor + Rewind version for the upcoming RC. Due to this, I will be pre-emptively developing a list for when Caverns of Ixalan releases. The list will be similar to that of Impulse but I want to test out a lot of different ideas first. So this will be the link where you see my live changes moving forward.

SB Guide:
To come once I finish developing the list

Vegas Update

Saw a bunch of scam and decided to return to my PT list.

The event is single elimination and you have to 5-0 to top 8. Did not make it there but I will continue playing my pt list for tomorrow since I think it is better than Jeskai Wizards in this meta.

Too much scam.

2-1 Scam

2-1 Eldrazi Tron

2-1 Scam

1-2 Murktide

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/nAb-MkEDhkKJeDNy2sUFJA

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14faSToKFObNm0fakyFSSXYnjPu54CjhZChA5NJ07bZ4/edit

SB NEEDS TO BE UPDATED

Had a discussion with friends and Jeskai Wizards is probably too fair in this current meta.

Update after 4 Leagues

So as mentioned in my previous posts, there are two lists that I am primarily considering:

Jeskai Narset w/Flame of Anor

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/gPtyrIk3yUe3qGWyFJdIiw

SB Guide: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UZ4AGxYBH2wXgrhejuR8vSu93VYvlOTARTGHe60bMhU/edit

And Jeskai Wizards w/Monkey:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/jkeMDOu0o0S4W7G6YcEacQ

SB Guide:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FQcjprTuFQWOid_Tf_kPaN_81OqeoVmL5yaIPjWfXJM/edit?usp=sharing

I played both extensively and although I think the Ragavan version is very strong, it does not suit my playstyle. I often found myself making the wrong plays and not being aggressive enough. I am naturally a very defensive player and so I do not think I will play this deck in the end at Vegas.

I will likely go back to Jeskai Narset as most games, I am able to find an opportunity to Day's Undoing to win the game. I like having that type of natural wincon over natural beatdown with Ragavan.

Ragavan also ran into issues against W6 and Bowmasters. Something that I can handle with Narset version. 

UW Lotus Control - Current Meta

This is likely what I would play in Pioneer in what I think is the current state of the meta.

I would like to emphasize that this is not representative of what I think will be at the RCs but what is being played now in general. Because there is no real incentive to play Pioneer right now, the meta has become more aggressive. It is likely that it will change as we get into the RC season after Worlds.

And so the deck must adapt for now:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/k8A7phapDUSXx-cZZBmY4g

Important things to note:

Chandra is better than Hullbreaker in an aggro meta

3 Thespian Stage is better than 4 in an aggro meta. 4 is too awkward in the early game but is much better against slower metas. Currently not the case.

Spirits still shows some presence in the meta but not at an overwhelming degree. Matchup should be fine overall with 3 disputes.

Finale of Revelation is gone since the meta is much more hostile against UW Lotus. The matchup against MonoG is still very good but without Finale, you can now definitely lose games if they stone brain a lot of your cards. Finale gave an alternative wincon that they could not always answer.

After MC Las Vegas, I will likely focus on Pioneer once again.

Here is the SB Guide:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13MDBMPv4-Y-6hJs5LeTfME5Zf9mSG3-JFIsrFk1vSCQ/edit?usp=sharing

3 Modern Decklists

So here are the lists I will be practicing extensively this week in preparation for Vegas:

First one which I think may be the most promising:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/jkeMDOu0o0S4W7G6YcEacQ

I realize Ragavan is probably good in this type of deck as it forces interaction and creates a lot of pressure with all the tempo countermagic. Has a very murktide-like playstyle. This was kind of a eureka moment as Ragavan is a card that really pressures a lot early game and eats the removal so that Baral can stay on the board.

SB Guide:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FQcjprTuFQWOid_Tf_kPaN_81OqeoVmL5yaIPjWfXJM/edit?usp=sharing

Followed by:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/gPtyrIk3yUe3qGWyFJdIiw

Jeskai Wizards with Narset Combo. Not much has changed, I think I improved the manabase and made it a bit more consistent overall. This deck has a stronger matchup against 4cc and other grindy decks but I feel is weaker against Cascade and other faster decks, for example.

Lastly, my PT list:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/nAb-MkEDhkKJeDNy2sUFJA

With changes from when I played it. I thought I was going to abandon this version but two recent strong results of this deck makes me reconsider it. I think it is worth revisiting.

I’ll have updates throughout this upcoming week as I practice but of course, I am always open to hearing all your thoughts!

Modern - Jeskai Narset w/ Snap

So I have been developing this list for the past two weeks and I am still in the early stages of it.

I wanted to combine both the strengths of Jeskai Wizards and Narset. First stages of testing and it actually does show a lot of promise. I really think Baral is underestimated by a lot of players right now. The cost reduction is very strong in the right shell.

I will continue to be modifying this list and I plan to play this at MC Las Vegas for the side events.

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/gPtyrIk3yUe3qGWyFJdIiw

Things to note:

I am testing whether 4 Barals is too much. My original impression is that it isn’t because it can be discarded through baral trigger or prismari command.

I am trying one split of days undoing and prismari command to have less of a reliance on days undoing. I figure this is the right choice since I am not playing any pitch spells to help turbo Narset. The prismari Command also acts as a pseudo combo with Narset since you can target them to draw 2, discard 2.

Sideboard is also kind of shaky for now but seems fine in theory.

For Pioneer, it is hard to get relevant practice right now since there are no competitive events in the meantime. However, once the time for the RCs come, I will pay much closer attention to the meta. I figure there is no real point in metagaming right now especially since there might be a new meta after WoE.

Wilds of Eldraine Update

So as most of you know, I will be going to Las Vegas for side events. I will likely be playing the Secret Lair Showdowns for the Ragavan.

With that in mind, nothing in the set is really a WOW for Modern, which is what I will be focusing on for the time being.

I will likely play some form of Jeskai Wizards:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/cClqvws0jk2BdJgnNBrN7A

I still think it is better than Narset right now. The only consideration I have is to switch to Izzet to make it more consistent on the manabase.

Now for Pioneer:

Horned Loch-Whale (HLW)

Stroke of Midnight

Are probably the two cards that I can see being played in the deck. I am very high on HLW and think it is a great card.

My consideration right now is -1 Emperor in the main and -1 Lantern of the Lost in the side for it. I will need to test it but I think it has tons of value for the deck. It is like Discontinuity. It has utility in the early game but has late game potential too.

I might also cut Hullbreaker and Lantern for 2 HLW instead.

Pioneer Challenge Top 8 Finish (No Commentary) w/ Modern Update

I originally planned to add commentary for this Challenge but I am not sure when I have the time to do that. Been pretty busy lately. With that in mind, I think it is just worth it to upload this for anyone that wants to watch the matches itself. 

R1: Bye
R2: 2-1 Lotus Combo
R3: 2-0 Boros Pia
R4: 1-2 Phoenix
R5: 2-0 Keruga Fires
R6: 2-0 Izzet Transmog
R7: 2-1 Jeskai Ascendancy

Top 8: 0-2 Humans

I also figure, by the time I can play Pioneer again, the meta will shift a bit with Wilds of Eldraine so it is better to get this video out before it is outdated. I will personally be focusing on Modern in the month of September since I plan on going to Las Vegas (just for side events) and I'll be playing the Secret Lair Showdowns.

Likely going to take inspiration from Wafo-Tapa: https://www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/5812292#paper

Not sure yet though if I want to play Jeskai Wizards or Jeskai Narset at Las Vegas. I am currently leaning on Wizards though. I think Snap is really strong right now because of Flame of Anor.

4-1 League w/ Commentary (Rewind + Censor)

2-0 Boros Convoke 2-1 MonoG 2-0 Rakdos Midrange 1-2 MonoW 2-0 Creativity

I want this video to highlight the consistency and playability of hands that censor/rewind gives. You can still play a winning game without the combo and I still do prefer it over Impulse. The stronger interaction really sets up winning positions even if you do not have the combo.

I found with the Impulse goldfishing that I did, I would have to aggressively mulligan against specific matchups, whereas Censor version, I kept many more hands (although less explosive).   I didn't play perfectly at all and after reviewing the VOD, I definitely didn't play as optimally as I should have but I am still a bit rusty.   I do intend (hopefully if I have time) on playing a Challenge this weekend with the same list and I have good expectations about it.

(EARLY STAGES) Modern Jeskai Wizards

I am probably going to take a break from UW Narset.

I think Snapcaster Mage and Flame of Anor both have the potential to return to Modern. I have made this for now but I definitely don't think it is the most optimal list. This list is very much in the early stages. This seems very fun to play though and I will be playing it tomorrow at my local FNM. 

The thing I question though is if the white splash is even worth it.

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/cClqvws0jk2BdJgnNBrN7A

UW Narset Modern

So I still think UW Narset is the best version of UW right now in Modern.

This will continue to be developed but at a slower pace until the rcqs for modern start in September.

That said, this is the current list:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/nAb-MkEDhkKJeDNy2sUFJA

Update - UW Lotus Control, UW Lotus Tron

So I did a lot of thinking on the plane on the way back and I finished with a lot of thoughts.

I will be cleaning up my lists for UW Lotus Field. I know I have so many different variations that from now on, it is hard to keep up. With the meta always changing, I have to make this a bit more organized.

I realize there is no real reason of keeping track of the past lists if I am never going to play it again. The lists can also usually be found on mtggoldfish by searching my name or my mtgo name: Valident.

I know there is a split between people that prefer UW Lotus Control and UW Lotus Tron. This is primarily with either playing Censor vs Impulse. As most of you know, I prefer Censor and still do. I will, however, develop both of them this week and make two MAIN lists of what I would play if I had to play each style. There are Pros and Cons to both that I will also outline in the updated Sideboard guides I plan on developing. I want to make this more user-friendly since I realize a lot of the questions I am receiving are people that haven't played Pioneer often or are just now getting into it.

The livestreams are going to be a bit more difficult since I am still suffering from jetlag and I am finding it hard to stay on the computer for a longer period of time. So instead, I will do VODs w/ commentary for everyone. I will have a VOD of my UW Lotus Control, UW Lotus Tron and VODs of UW Blues suggested-decks. I also then plan to play some of the challenges this week with what the deck I prefer in the end. That will be livestreamed for Patrons only if I do play the challenges.

TL;DR: I have two main lists now: UW Lotus Control and UW Lotus Tron. SB Guides for each. VODs coming soon for all leagues/challenges I do this week.

UW Lotus Control: Very comfortable with this list, has proven results and is what I would consistently play.
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/HYfNwr3PBUmJ044xwe4msg
SB Guide:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DH3tShwAO2x1c6N9t-XLPZFGaJjeVoStxkI-KTqN94Y/edit?usp=sharing


UW Lotus Tron: Subject to change, will be discussing with people that have extensively tested UW Lotus Tron since I do not have as much insight as they do. Stay tuned!
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/uDU2BsfRWkaYxOi1vAuKEg
SB Guide:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bJdQi0Fv90Svg2zHkyohWt5YDbJXSg0SFopbajR4550/edit?usp=sharing


THIS IS A POST IN PROGRESS. I AM STILL WORKING ON ALL THE CONTENT YOU SEE HERE AND WILL BE EDITING THIS POST ONCE I FINISH. I AM JUST EXCITED TO BE BACK SO I KNOW IT WILL BE DONE ASAP.

Update - Preparation Time

I return this Sunday, August 13.

Will likely take a few days to get unjetlagged.

UW Blues, you can post on the Discord lists of UW, whether it be your own or someone else’s for me to try.

I plan on focusing on Pioneer but will likely play on Modern as well.

To show my appreciation, I will also host a livestream every time I do a league and there will be a VOD available for everyone as well after. I plan on going back into full gear when I return.

I also plan on doing the Pioneer Challenges next weekend to start preparing for Dreamhack Atlanta.

There is not much competitive reason to focus on Modern right now but I still have plans on improving the list.

I will be trying different UW Lotus lists with:

1. Impulse (perhaps Rewind too)

2. Censor + Rewind

3. Sylvan Scrying and a deeper splash into green. I think 2 sylvan scrying and 2 growth spiral has potential, for example. Would have to really fix the mana base though. But this is probably going to take the most effort.

4. I will also try the different lists that UW Blues suggest.

Post PT Update

I will be on vacation (exploring Italy and Paris until Aug 13)! It is my first time in Europe so I wanted to take advantage of it.

Rest assured that UW has been on my mind during my vacation but this vacation was well needed as most of you know how much magic I have been playing in the last two months.

With the next major events being MC Las Vegas Side Events (undetermined format) and Dreamhack Atlanta RC (Pioneer), I want to prepare for those. I will be at MC Las Vegas to play as well as cheer for my buddies at Worlds.

My plans when I get back:

Pioneer:

Do 3 leagues each of:

UW Lotus Field Impulse Version

UW Lotus Field Censor Version

Do a Pioneer Challenge of whichever performed the best after.

Modern:

I probably won’t be as focused on this since Modern won’t be the next RC’s competitive format but,

I want to improve my PT list, I have a lot of random and weird ideas that I want to try like Reprieve + Archmage’s Charm/Flame of Anor + Snapcaster Mage. I think the foundation to my UW list in Modern is there but I lacked the natural strength of hard counters.

SB Guide - UW Control Narset

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14faSToKFObNm0fakyFSSXYnjPu54CjhZChA5NJ07bZ4/edit#gid=0

Jeskai Narset Lorien (Modern) - List

Behold is my list

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/eiBgW48ZK0KmVPrTws-sCg

Modern Update!

With the PT coming up, I finally finished all the content I had prepared for Modern this week. I leave tomorrow and wanted to make sure I have this all done before I leave. So here it is:

Wednesday, July 26 at 6 AM EST:
1. My list will be posted to all Patrons on, SB Guide will be posted at the same time for WU Blues, they will be getting early access to my SB Guide.

Sunday, July 30 12 PM EST:

1. I will post the video of the Modern League I did with the deck. It was originally supposed to be the VOD of the practice tournament I had with my team but I made changes to the list so I don't think that VOD is as relevant. There will be the VOD w/ Commentary for UW Blues and VOD w/o Commentary for all Patrons.

2. SB Guide will also be released at the same time to everyone at this time.

I figure this can be slightly earlier since the PT will be over by then.

UWx Lotus Field w/ Rewind

Takes from the previous list:

Dennick is hot garbage.

Behold the Multiverse and Shark Typhoon aren't very great as a one-of.

Sea Gate Restoration and 4x Thespian's Stage are completely fine in the list and work well. 

New take:
Rewind is actually pretty good and reinforces the deck's ability to play as regular UW while also being insane if you already have Lotus Field as well. This is really strong as well with the addition of 4 Thespian's Stages instead of 3. Also went back to Tamiyo and Dream Trawler in the side. Want to be bomb heavy with bombs that win the game on their own. This is why I think Dennick is much worse and doesn't merit a sideboard slot.

Updated the List and SB:

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/WY5sTmLBhUGyW9fAFeuYEA

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ajkiO5wIzh8cCxYka7BJAfDcX8OW44s-dsB_otxu34I/edit#gid=0

Should I make a Patreon Post of Every New List?

Pretty much wanted to get feedback on the Patreon posts. I have been making one every time I make a new list but I can understand, it is sometimes too difficult for everyone to keep up if I am constantly changing or posting. I just wanted to know whether you all wanted constant updates on Patreon as well, or rather slow it down and I post on Patreon only after I know I have consistent results with it.

I personally change my UW lists all the time in all formats because I think UW is one of the decks that has to constantly adapt to even minor changes in the meta. For example, if Rakdos Sacrifice changes their list a bit, so does UW.

It has only been a month and a half since I started creating content (Patreon/Twitch) and I personally love it. Although it can be demanding at times, it really keeps me engaged in the Magic scene. But I admit I am constantly learning and open to feedback, so if you have any comments as well, leave them on this post! 

I like to think that my activeness in Patreon/Discord is what makes the difference between myself and most creators, which is why I think I already have so many patrons relative to my followers but I am always open to what you all think as well.

This is my current iteration that I want to try moving forward:
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/WY5sTmLBhUGyW9fAFeuYEA

The changes I made were relatively minor but you can see I am mostly off green, except for Dragonlord Dromoka. Tamiyo didn't feel as good in the Rakdos Sacrifice matchups especially since I am seeing more and more lists playing Ob Nixilis once again. So Lifelink is much more important. That is why I want to try Dennick, a card that can also be good against other aggro MU. I am sticking to 3 censors and I like the room that is now made for 1 of Behold again, by removing Shark Typhoon. The Dragonlord Dromokas really made the Spirits matchup easier and I now think 2 Shark Typhoons isn't as necessary. Don't think 4 Doomskars are necessary anymore with all the lifelink in the side. Also want to try 4 Thespian's Stage now, since I think the cycling with Censors can support it now. 

All these changes are theoretical but I know I would probably like the changes because of how much I have already played with the deck. That said, I do intend to constantly post my new lists on the Discord.

NEXT WEEK REMINDER:
Modern Decklist:
July 26 - List is posted, SB Guide for UW Blues
July 28 - PT Barcelona begins
July 31 - SB guide is public for all patrons, VOD with commentary is released for UW Blues, VOD without commentary is released for all Patrons.

New List after SCGCon Cincinnati

I really enjoyed Censor and want to test 4 of them. Cutting green out completely except for Dragonlord Dromoka. Changed a bit of the mana base and I am not sure about the 4 Thespian’s Stage. I think it is worth it though with the meta shifting to a less aggressive but more grindy format.

Not sure about 4 censors, might go back to 3 censor and 2 Shark Typhoon but Shark Typhoon doesn’t seem as necessary with Dromoka being a house against spirits.

Dennick seems like a good alternative to the rakdos matchups and greasefang. It is a good early game card that can likely help you survive.

This is all in theory and I will likely test it this week.

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/WY5sTmLBhUGyW9fAFeuYEA

SCG Cincinnati List

Team is currently 7-1:

Team: 7-1 Personal: 6-2

1-2 Orzhov combo

2-1 UW Control

2-0 Gruul Vehicles

2-1 Lotus Combo

2-0 MonoG

2-1 MonoG

1-2 Rakdos Midrange

2-1 MonoG

I definitely misplayed my g2 against rakdos and it should’ve been a 2-0. but the lines weren’t obvious until after the match. Don’t see myself going back to joint or impulse now. I like how censor really gives you the ability to play regular uw if necessary.

https://www.moxfield.com/decks/oBIQ5Taql0CH3a_qCf5uag

I will update the sb guide when I get home from Cincinnati.