Why no Rune Snag?
Modern forum
Posted on April 7, 2015, 11:57 a.m. by FAMOUSWATERMELON
I'm curious about why people don't use Rune Snag instead of Mana Leak. My theory is that it's because of Snapcaster Mage exiling it and the general load of graveyard hate in the format, but to me it seems like in the long run it would be better...
bijschjdbcd says... #3
It's only relevant in Control mirrors which are fairly inexistent.
April 7, 2015 12:11 p.m.
Personally, I like the idea of running Rune Snag if you are also running it along side Remand, and Mana Leak if you are not. - As Chief said, Rune Snag relies more on having good draws. - Remand helps you get to those 'good draws' faster.
Even then, it depends on your deck and how long you expect games to last.
April 7, 2015 12:25 p.m.
APPLE01DOJ says... #5
play test running both right here... this was my budget mono blue build a while back.. i actually think its better than the deck I upgraded it to.
April 7, 2015 1:20 p.m.
The first Rune Snag you cast is strictly worse than Mana Leak.
The second is strictly better.
The third and fourth are also strictly better - but by the time you get to use them, you should have better counterspells in your hand anyway, so they become a lot less irrelevant.
So, neither of them is inherently better than the other IMO. But, as you said, having Snapcaster Mage makes Mana Leak a more viable option. Also, in U/B/x builds that run Tasigur, the Golden Fang, Rune Snag is one less card you can use as Delve fuel.
April 7, 2015 4:02 p.m.
jandrobard says... #7
I think that the first spell countered is by far the most important one though. That may be part of it.
April 7, 2015 7:40 p.m.
Like I was saying. These kinds of counterspells are essential in that early part of the game before cryptic and others come into full force.
April 7, 2015 7:43 p.m.
FAMOUSWATERMELON says... #9
Alright, thanks guys, it's pretty clear to me now. Appreciate the help!
ChiefBell says... #2
In the long run it is better, but you don't want a two mana counterspell in the long run - you want it in the short run. After a while you start using your Cryptic Commands instead of conditional counters. Therefore Mana Leak and Rune Snag are stopgaps for that awkward first bit of the game before you can cat cryptic.
Also snag is dependent on you drawing fairly well. Leak isn't.
April 7, 2015 12:04 p.m.