Subject: Group Decks. Date: Mon, 01 Jun 1998 02:52:45 -0700 From: "AmerA.Khan" To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com [MISC] 1 JUNE 1998. THEME/GROUP/FUN DECKS I know most M:TG players at some point in their playing experience have participated in group games, or experimented with theme decks, or have thrown together a 'fun' deck. In other words used decks that would do horribly in tournament play. I personally love to make group decks because of the surprise element. You can use combos that make people say wow. Also, it is a lot of fun when a group of friends gets together for a 'Circle of Doom' [rules may vary]. Everyone has a good time, the volume increases as someone plays a card that affects what everyone else does. The key to a good group deck is surprise. You have to keep everyone guessing what you will play. [This rule is not always true, especially if you play a theme deck] The point of this article is to bring into the spotlight (even if it's only the edge) Group decks. Most group decks are usually theme decks or a group of cards that you would never put together for a 'real' deck. In addition, with group play it's easier to learn how many cards work in conjunction with other cards, because mistakes are more likely to be pointed out. I would like to know how many of you have a deck(s) like this and enjoy playing with a group of fellow Magic enthusiasts. What cards and decks do you like to use? I, myself, pack three group decks because I truly like the atmosphere and comraderie created when participating in a group game. And, if response is good enough, maybe Mr. Kusumoto would be willing to donate a section to this deck format. There is also some etiquette for group games. Some cards will get you killed really quickly, and some will help keep you around until you start to be a problem. Cards that will end your game quickly include WOrb, Propaganda, WoG, 'Geddon, or any other mass destruction/disruption card. Cards that will keep you around a few extra turns include Howling Mines (everyone loves when someone plays this card), Vineyards, etc. As an example deck I will include one of my deck lists: I call this deck FORT KNOX. 4 Crystalline Sliver 2 Tempest Drake 2 Sky Spirit 1 Windreaper Falcon 4 Jungle Troll 4 Ranger en-Vec 3 Frenetic Efreet 2 Soltari Guerilla 2 Segmented Wurm 1 Viashivan Dragon 1 Sliver Queen 1 Energy Bolt 2 Savage Twister 1 Mirri's Guile 2 Fellwar Stone 2 Fire Diamond 1 Marble Diamond 1 Moss Diamond 2 Sky Diamond 1 Caldera Lake 1 Forest 3 Gemstone Mine 1 Island 1 Karplusan Forest 2 Mogg Hollows 1 Mountain 4 Reflecting Pools 1 Scabland 2 Skyshroud Forest 1 Thalakos Lowland 3 Undiscovered Paradise 1 Vec Township I won't give a deck explanation, because I feel I don't need one for this deck. Notice the lack of a sideboard. Group decks should not need a sideboard due to the large number of decks involved. Also, you usually don't play best of five in group games. If you do, I'm jealous of the large amount of time on your collective hands. I hope you have read this article with the zeal that many of you use when copying the posted decks. PS. This is my first article to the Dojo, so send your flames/ideas my way. Thanks. Amer "American" Khan amer_x@hotmail.com www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/9380/