Modern BUg answers to Burn

Deck Help forum

Posted on March 9, 2015, 4:58 p.m. by awphutt

Disclaimer: I'm not sure if this is should be in the Modern section or here, but since it's with a specific deck I figured here.

I built myself a Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas control deck over the weekend and the matchup I'm having most trouble with is Burn. Due to the nature of the deck (It's just trying for the Ensnaring Bridge lock), my matchup is really bad because counterspells aren't great in the deck. So I wanted some decent cards to play against burn.

The ones I immediately went to were either off colour (Leyline of Sanctity/Timely Reinforcements), too heavy into green (Obsinate Baloth), or worse in this style of deck (Feed the Clans).

So I'd just like some options. I've thought about Elixir of Immortality but I'm worried it's not impactful enough.

GlistenerAgent says... #2

You're kind of screwed, TBH. Negate and Dispel are the best UB answers, while Sun Droplet is a pretty strong colorless option.

March 9, 2015 5:02 p.m.

avrgeboy123 says... #3

Dragon's Claw might help

March 9, 2015 5:09 p.m.

slovakattack says... #4

You're actually in luck. The recently printed Feed the Clan is a powerhouse in any deck that runs Goyf, or can hit that power curve. Gaining 5 life is often times enough to buy yourself the few extra turns you need, and if you can activate it after Tezzeret animates an artifact, you basically win. It's almost impossible for Burn to punch through an extra 10.

March 9, 2015 5:58 p.m.

notamardybum says... #5

if youre running a bit of green, feed the clan or thragtusk come to mind.

March 9, 2015 6:01 p.m.

square711 says... #6

The problem with Sun Droplet is that RDW packs plenty of artifact hate in the sideboard. Enchantments are always safer (not so much now that Boros burn became a thing, but still), but there aren't any in Sultai colors that I know of.

I agree with GlistenerAgent, cheap counterspells are the best you can do against burn. Spell Pierce, Spell Snare and Countersquall in case an Eidolon sneaks past you.

That, or you could just attack their lands. Contaminated Ground, Sea's Claim, Evil Presence, Spreading Seas... I feel like a jerk for even suggesting that, but land hate DOES kick any burn deck straight in the nuts.

March 9, 2015 6:03 p.m.

FreddyFlash311 says... #7

Feed the Clan is a nice hedge, as previously stated. I like Wurmcoil Engine over Batterskull personally (and Thragtusk too but that's a different debate), even more so considering you're running Academy Ruins.

I'm also a big fan of Dispel in the board, as has been stated. How many Modern decks don't run instants? You'd be surprised at how many people don't remember that little U mana open all by itself.

Have you considered putting the fourth Inquisition of Kozilek in the board, to side the 1 Thoughtseize out to? Burn running out of cards is nice for you, and that 2 life is important right?

I'm running a more Lilly / Snappy / kill stuff w/ Abrupt Decay version of BUG (that I really need to update here to my latest list...) but the general concept should be the same- run them out of cards, kill everything they put on the board, stabilize with some way to start gaining life. It's actually kinda fun IMO.

March 9, 2015 6:49 p.m.

This discussion has been closed