Sudden Shock vs Lightning Helix - mainboard

Modern forum

Posted on Dec. 21, 2014, 5:59 p.m. by ExpectDragons

Which is more relevant as mainboard removal when you already have path to exile and lightning bolt in the deck (naya)

a pair of Sudden Shock or Lightning Helix?

GlistenerAgent says... #2

It depends on your metagame. If you expect a great deal of UR Delver, play Sudden Shock. Otherwise, Lightning Helix is just better.

December 21, 2014 6:07 p.m.

ExpectDragons says... #3

Sudden Shock hits a good deal of pod & splinter twin without them being able to combo off which is why i'm considering it, no room for extra removal in the side

December 21, 2014 6:13 p.m.

ExpectDragons says... #4

also hits Martyr of Sands

December 21, 2014 6:16 p.m.

GlistenerAgent says... #5

I'd only play Sudden Shock if you're expecting Delver. Lightning Helix still kills Pod creatures, and against Twin if you play properly it will do what you want it to do. Note that Pod decks are moving away from the combo kill entirely and more towards a midrange game, while many Twin decks are cutting Pestermite entirely.

The only matchup where Sudden Shock is better is Delver, so only play it if you expect a lot of that deck.

December 21, 2014 6:17 p.m.

GlistenerAgent says... #6

No one plays Martyr of Sands. That matchup is unwinnable anyway.

December 21, 2014 6:17 p.m.

ExpectDragons says... #7

was thinking when twin has it's combo creature my three damage can't hit such as Restoration Angel or a large goyf i can kill kiki jiki after it resolves without it being able to activate in response.

December 21, 2014 6:21 p.m.

GlistenerAgent says... #8

Twin decks don't combo with Restoration Angel. Their main creatures are Deceiver Exarch and Pestermite, the latter of which is being cut of late. You can't get Deceiver Exarch with either spell, so just play the generally better card in Helix. Killing Kiki-Jiki in response to his activation is completely fine, because they will only get one token and attack for small amounts of damage.

December 21, 2014 6:32 p.m.

PaladinRyan says... #9

9 times out of 10 I would go with Lightning Helix. The only real exception is in the case of delver matchups where being able to split second kill Delver of Secrets  Flip is invaluable. In most other matchups I would take the helix.

December 21, 2014 6:56 p.m.

If you're worried about Twin, Combust should be your jam. If you're worried about racing, Lightning Helix is where it's at.

December 21, 2014 7:26 p.m.

Hickorysbane says... #11

I think (in a vacuum) there's more instances where Lightning Helix is better. But it could be pretty meta-dependent.

December 22, 2014 12:16 a.m.

goinbowlin22 says... #12

It's a meta choice. In my opinion, sudden shock is great against infect, delver, and cheesing scapeshift's sakura tribe elders. Honestly though, I would pick Lightning Helix due to the life gain.

December 22, 2014 1:09 a.m.

This discussion has been closed