Why isn't Tombstalker played more in Grixis Delver?

Modern forum

Posted on Dec. 9, 2016, 1:24 p.m. by Bovine073

Pretty self explanatory, I see that many if not all Delver lists run some amount of Anglers, but why not this guy? One extra black mana for a 5/5 flying. Is it just that 8 mana instead of seven is a big difference? Or is it that because there is BB, the minimum cost is BB? Was there a version of Grixis Delver before FRF that actually used this guy (I see he was reprinted in MM13).

Infinimage007 says... #2

It's because of the double black cost. Getting two black sources is much more difficult than one. Also, playing a big creature for only one mana is a huge tempo play for Delver decks.

Just my two cents.

December 9, 2016 1:36 p.m.

Servo_Token says... #3

Legacy lists used to play it because delve was value, but now angler and tasigur are basically the strictly better choices. Angler due to the mana restrictions and tasigur for the late game card advantage.

Before the delve mechanic came back, the delver decks were all UWR, Temur, and UR. Essentially there was no reason to play grixis.

December 9, 2016 1:43 p.m.

Bovine073 says... #4

DevoidMage did delver before the return of delve refer to the mechanic, or Delver of Secrets  Flip and graveyard shenanagins with snappy and friends?

December 9, 2016 1:49 p.m.

Delver has always meant Delver of Secrets  Flip. That 3/2 flyer for 1 mana has always been the centerpiece of the archetype.

December 9, 2016 2:38 p.m.

Servo_Token says... #6

As stated Above, Delver = Delver of Secrets  Flip, has nothing to do with the mechanic.

Before Delver was printed, I believe that that tempo archetype of jam a dude and protect it was called Fish.

December 9, 2016 5:25 p.m.

MindAblaze says... #7

Fish is Merfolk isn't it? I guess that is their strategy.

December 9, 2016 6:12 p.m.

This discussion has been closed