Strong U/B control shells?
Modern forum
Posted on Feb. 24, 2021, 9:13 p.m. by jamochawoke
I figured out a pretty funky combo with a few u/b cards and really want to try it in a deck (it's not an infinite or instant win combo, but it is pretty fun; basically a way to keep a pool of fliers to cast that your opponent can't touch while you quickly narrow down your deck). But I normally don't play Modern in these colors and this requires at least a turn 4 setup and probably kill by turn 7 or 8 which would need control to pull off. I do know there are some pretty powerful control shells people have used and adapted over the years in these colors and was wondering which would be the best ones I need to keep my opponent from pummeling me until I get my combos going?
jamochawoke says... #3
Nice! These are some good ideas and I actually own a lot of these cards (no Snaps though, oi vey). Hmm having been on the other side of targeted hand removal I know it can be really devastating. I also know things like Remand can be horrifying to play against when used with Isochron Scepter . I once got completely locked out by a guy running that combo in mono-blue and almost quit the game after. I hadn't thought about the black sweepers at all though! I have some copies of Damnation in some other decks and they are way too expensive now so maybe running some Languish or Ritual of Soot wouldn't be such a bad idea after all?
Hmmm given me a lot to think about!
February 24, 2021 10:05 p.m.
StardustDragon11 says... #4
Do you want to go down the counter spells or hand control.
February 24, 2021 10:33 p.m.
jamochawoke says... #5
Not sure really, just need it to be consistently strong enough to keep me alive until turns 4-7.
February 24, 2021 10:39 p.m.
Grubbernaut says... #6
Unless it fits into your combo, I wouldn't go for Scepter; way too slow for the modern meta, in general. But yes, the 2-cmc counter slot is VERY important. If you're going for the 1-cmc hand removal, it's generally advisable to run 6 of them, intending to have one you can cast t1; however, some people go as low as 4, if they're also running counters. If I'm running them at all, I like the full 6, but you do you. Between the two, I'd generally go Languish or Ritual of Soot , but it really depends on the meta. For SB, Plague Engineer is a house, too.
Grubbernaut says... #2
Kinda depends; one of the struggles of modern u/b is having to decide between discard, counterspells, or both. It's also easy to drift into a kinda-sorta tempo shell. Some general cards to consider... Thoughtseize , Inquisition of Kozilek , Drown in the Loch , Mana Leak , Archmage's Charm , Remand , Delay , Fatal Push , Bloodchief's Thirst , Murderous Rider , Brazen Borrower , Spell Snare , Cryptic Command , Snapcaster Mage , Jace, Vryn's Prodigy Flip, Behold the Multiverse , Rise / Fall (pet card of mine - might be worth a splash for it, Bolt, and K-command).
Of course, sweepers would be a good idea, too - depending on your own creatures. Damnation , Consume the Meek , Ritual of Soot , Languish , Witch's Vengeance , etc
February 24, 2021 9:42 p.m.