Can Solemnity / Phyrexian Unlife combo work in Modern?
Modern Deck Help forum
Posted on Jan. 4, 2018, 4:59 a.m. by antacidbrn
When I first learned about the combo of Solemnity and Phyrexian Unlife which results in infinite life, I immediately rushed out to acquire a player of both cards. But I cannot seem to make this a reliable combo. Enlightened Tutor is banned in Modern, so that didn't help. I have been running this in a U/W control shell lately, but it isn't performing well, any ideas on how to build around this combo at Modern speed?
antacidbrn,
I've played against UW and Mono-W Prison decks using the combo a few times on MTGO. IMO, the strongest build was a White Devotion deck, using Nykthos to power out Entreat the Angels as a wincon ... something like this.
Here's another Mono-W approach too, from SaffronOlive.
January 4, 2018 7:55 a.m. Edited.
I have a casual (but still Modern legal) deck that utilizes UW pillowfort to generally survive until I can cast the necessary cards. It is not great, but not the worst deck I have played. My wincon is pretty bad (infinite damage with Solemnity, Chronozoa and Blasting Station), but the deck was designed to play around with that particular wincon, not be good. I would be curious to see what you might come up with that is designed for competitive play.
One important thing to note: Phyrexian unlife buys you a whole turn before you take infect damage. If you are hit for 20 when you are at one life, you go to 0 life, and receive no poison counters. This can easily provide you the additional time needed to cast Solemnity.
Counterspells are really important as you are in a heap of trouble if Phyrexian Unlife is removed and you are at 0 life. Greater Auramancy can also be used, though it is a tad pricey.
Finally, as it has not been mentioned, blue provides considerable card draw. This greatly helps find your pieces/answers, without wasting a turn on a tutor.
January 4, 2018 3:12 p.m.
Yes, I've found it works quite well.
January 5, 2018 11:25 a.m.
Sunbrosoulaire says... #6
MTG goldfish has covered this concept and his deck was esper colorsgoogle," mtg goldfish against the odds solemnity" and he goes over the deck in-depth and has plenty of gameplay.
WizardOfTheNorthernCoast says... #2
I'd say go for a UW Pillowfort style. I'm thinking about stuff like:
Mana Leak
Ghostly Prison
Sphere of Safety
Path to Exile
Supreme Verdict
Starfield of Nyx
Wrath of God
Nevermore
Runed Halo
Sphinx's Revelation
Idyllic Tutor
Blessed Alliance
... and if you have the cards or the money: Snapcaster Mage and Cryptic Command :)
January 4, 2018 5:58 a.m.