When to fetch a basic?
Modern forum
Posted on Nov. 16, 2020, 7:53 p.m. by gatotempo
One unique play pattern I have seen from some high-level players is to fetch a basic land (this is done by non-snow decks with shock lands in them, by the way, usually burn). I almost always fetch shocks and am relatively confused by this. Would anyone mind explaining when/ why to do this? Thanks!
GenericToaster says... #3
What I_Want_To_PlayAllTheDecks said. The other option is simply that they could be facing aggro decks, in which they don't wanna find out the hard way later whether or not they could afford that extra 2 life.
November 16, 2020 8:01 p.m.
In addition to the above points, if you already have a sufficient density of lands with the colors you need either on the field or in your hand, there is no point burning an additional 2 life for little incremental advantage.
November 16, 2020 8:14 p.m.
KanisxKoda says... #5
When to fetch basics is a incremental play. For this example ill use modern jund.
Usually you fetch shock early in the game to get the color combo you need to either set up your current play(ex: blood crypt for thoughtseize or hold up bolt) or to set up the next play with options (ex: og tomb turn 1, wooded Foothills turn 2, to hold up Assassin's Trophy or wren and six)
Now i usually would pick a dual off the second fetch if i had a turn 3 set up where I needed another color and didn't have the fetch color combo option, such as scavenging ooze into Lili id pick a og tomb and stomping ground. Also keeps me safe for a future wren or bloodbraid.
If I had a wren in hand by turn 2 I'd fetch a basic with the idea it will resolve and I can return the land for next turn.
Dual color decks also have a high basic count and will fetch for them to thin or set up utility lands such as Mystic sanctuary.
Last you would fetch basics in fear of blood moons or high damage output decks such as burn to keep life total low or protect yourself from losing your color combo
November 17, 2020 11:36 a.m.
Thanks for all of the comments! This is really helpful.
November 18, 2020 5:11 p.m.
ToolmasterOfBrainerd says... #8
I fetch basics pretty often to save on life when I don't need the extra colors. Well, I haven't cracked a fetch in months, but that's besides the point. If I know I can get away with it, I'll fetch a basic, because saving life matters.
Another thing to consider: I've played janky 4 color decks in the past and with them, sometimes fetching a basic with one fetch was necessary to know I would still have fetchable targets left for a later fetch land. For example, if hallowed fountain is the only blue land left in the deck, I'll use my polluted delta to grab a swamp so I know my flooded stand can grab the hallowed fountain next turn.
I_Want_To_PlayAllTheDecks says... #2
I don't really play modern but I would guess they are expecting a blood-moon type effect
November 16, 2020 7:57 p.m.