Using Cantrips...how many for non-control decks?
Modern forum
Posted on Feb. 17, 2020, 2:52 a.m. by antacidbrn
As a somewhat new Magic player, I have learned the value of card advantage the hard way, in the trenches of FNM, losing over and over again. But I still have a hard time evaluating cantrips in non-control decks.
In a Gruul Zoo build I am running for Modern, I use 4x copies of Once Upon a Time, which I love because it allows me to mulligan less and match up Burning-Tree Emissary or Hidden Herbalists with Myr Superion. Also, it feels good to cast it "for free", both thinning the deck and fixing mana.
My question is, with a low curve 18 land deck, how many more cantrips do I need? I am evaluating Light Up the Stage, but are there other and better options?
Also, what are the guidelines for use of card advantage spells in a non-control deck?
I mean there are decks in the format that use no card draw/card advantage. It certainly helps but isn't a necessity
February 17, 2020 9:17 a.m.
ToolmasterOfBrainerd says... #4
The upside of not playing cantrips is that when you spend your mana, it does something. Cantrips have utility, but they don't advance your board state or hinder your opponents'. But if every card in your deck accomplishes something concrete, then you can out-pace your opponent.
Light up the stage is a very good card, but it's not for every deck. It sounds like your deck wants to link cards together, like burning-tree into Superion. Light up the stage is, in my opinion, sub-par in decks like this. I think you want everything in your hand to do something. Also the timing of cards you play is important, so the restrictions of when you can cast the cards from light up the stage is probably bad.
February 17, 2020 11:18 a.m.
antacidbrn says... #5
Toolmaster, do you think Bloodbraid Elf makes sense at all? It starts a new chain of creatures. You are right that I am trying to do that and have not had the greatest amount of success.
February 17, 2020 3:44 p.m.
ToolmasterOfBrainerd says... #6
Bloodbraid elf is 4 mana. If you consistently make 4 mana then I like it a lot. It's aggressive and can cast Superion.
Boza says... #2
While this should be in the deck help side of the forum, regardless, without the deck, it will be hard to help.
The only I can do is link you to my own Goreclaw Superion for that idea realized in a slightly different yet budget way that can give you some ideas.
February 17, 2020 4:08 a.m.