Thursday, November 20, 2014

Jeskai Combat Tricks, rated

                                           

Jeskai is the archetype I most want to play and the one I've had the least success doing so. Most of the experts categorize it as 'fragile'. Explosively dominant when it works and completely self-destructs when it doesn't; it handles like a Ferrari at a speed-skating track. Therefore more-so than most decks, it requires careful drafting. Many key Jeskai creatures are not drafted aggressively by other clans (there are exceptions like Seeker of the Way and Bloodfire Expert) so understanding your available spells will be key.

available spells are rated on the following conditions
A) Overall power level. How well does it effect the board state?
B) Cost. Cheapness matters if you're triggering Quiet Contemplation or Goblinslide
C) Proactivity. This is a tempo deck, not control. Waiting to react to your opponent is bad.
D) Instant vs. Sorcery. Trigger Prowess after your opponent has been forced to guess.
E) Card advantage. While not as important, a steady stream of spells to fuel Prowess is nice



Win Conditions


Crater's Claws Flying Crane Technique Jeskai Ascendancy Icy Blast

These are all very straightforward: they win games. All rare, so don't count on seeing them, but fist-pump (quietly) if you do.


"Build around me" Uncommon

Quiet Contemplation

Quiet Contemplation plays a key role and should definitely be prioritized. The leverage it allows is truly phenomenal.


Perfect Fit

Arc Lightning Winterflame Singing Bell Strike Ride Down Feat of Resistance Suspension Field Force Away Defiant Strike Crippling Chill Jeskai Charm Waterwhirl Set Adrift Treasure Cruise Bring Low Master the Way

All of these cards are at average or above for all the ratings. They are not all the same, Defiant Strike has minimal impact but great cost and card draw. By contrast Waterwhirl is as expensive as it gets but offers a huge board state advantage. It's important to note that almost all of these cards will be hotly contested by other decks. Don't expect to see Feat of Resistance or Treasure Cruise to wheel.


Workable

Smite the Monstrous Act of Treason Weave Fate Trumpet Blast   Dragon Grip Arrow Storm Burn Away
Tormenting Voice

These cards aren't quite as good of a fit but it's not totally embarrassing to play them. You will find yourself running these in the 21st/22nd slot. Act of Treason is the line between the tiers. Juuuuuust not quite good enough.


Decent cards, but bad fit

Hordeling Outburst Take Up Arms Goblinslide End Hostilities Dig Through Time Rush of Battle Barrage of Boulders

Great cards, just not what you want to be doing with Jeskai. (I might be totally wrong on Dig Through Time btw, I've never played it so I don't have a sense as to the power level)


Tall, frosty glass of nope

Stubborn Denial Howl of the Horde Cancel Mindswipe Deflecting Palm Disdainful Stroke

Reactive spells aren't what you need or want. Even the power of Deflecting Palm or Mindswipe isn't worth it.

Objectively Terrible

Taigam's Scheming Brave the Sands Shatter Erase Swift Kick Blinding Spray Siegecraft

Please don't play these cards. Thank you.

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