Offence? or Defense?

When you look at decks, you can classify them under three categories. Offensive, Defensive, or what I like to call a “Creep Deck”. But, in general, which one is the best? Is the best offence a good defense? Or is it the other way around? Or should I just creep and wait for the right moment? Well read on and find out.

We’ll start with Defense. Defense decks are generally white (Due to the Circle of Protections). Every now and again you’ll see a blue and white defense deck. A defense deck isn’t really control, but what hits the board won’t be able to hurt them.

A defense deck’s best friend would have to be Story Circle. Being so versatile in any color. In other words it doesn't matter what color deck you play, it can deal with all of them. Other cards included are Circle of Protections, Circle of Solace, Holy Days, and other prevention and life gain such as Master Healer or Healing Salve.

Tribal decks can even get in the act. Walls. Yes I said walls. Every now and again ill be surfing essential magic and find a Rogue Wall Deck. When they sit there with cheap walls. Walls are generally cheaper but have nice stats (such as Sunweb). Then they use Rolling Stones to attack with their walls. This is a prime example of a defensive. A more obvious tribe would be clerics. Such as Battlefield Medic and Master Healer. A classic defense card from the older sets is Righteousness. If that's not a defensive card I don't know what is.

Defensive decks will not win the game in the early rounds. Instead they will test your decks endurance in the later rounds. Most of the defensive decks usually rely on enchantments, the problem with that is that they are a bit more vulnerable. That’s why True Believer is a good addition.

Overall: Defensive decks will not win tournament games. But if you want to have fun with your friends, have at it. But, defensive decks are just too vulnerable, and if something DOES get through, not much you can do.

Offensive decks try to end the game in the early rounds, without giving you much of a chance to respond. Most offensive decks are red, and sometimes a green or black. But usually red due to the fact of speedy goblins and speed burn.

Like mentioned above, goblins and burn are a good way to go. Cards like Shock and Raging Goblin are good additions. Playing in later formats, Reckless Abandonment is a good card, as is Sneak Attack to get creatures early and deal early damage. Your hope is to finish them off before turn 5. It is not common to see red decks to do so. The current format Goblin Sligh can decimate you turn 3, I believe.

Black can also go offensive, though not its strongest suit, it can be done. The most well known offensive deck is animation. Dropping creatures in your yard as quick as you can and pull them out next turn and beat down with huge creatures turn 2-5 for the easy, early win. Another known offensive deck (for casual) would be an Ichorid deck. I played this deck for a long time, dropping Ichorid in the yard quickly with Putrid Imp while dropping another creature, bringing him out turn 2 swinging. Then dropping creatures in the yard to feed him, can deal 3+ damage a turn after turn 2.

Green decks take a little more time, depending on the type of deck it is. The most well known would have to be elves. Getting elves out quickly and using them to power each other up with Timberwatch Elf and Elvish Vanguard. Along with it life gain with Wellwisher. Then to finish the game with Wirewood Channeler and Tribal Unity. The main problem with elves, is their main stats are 1/1’s or slightly higher and easily removable. Beasts are also known for a good offensive. Though slower, they pack more of a punch.

Overall: Offensive has proven to be a good strat, seeing as one of the top decks is Goblins. However, I still am not in favor of offensive decks. Seeing as (for most) if you can support yourself through the early rounds, you have a better chance of winning the game. Moving, on to my favorite type of deck...

Creep Decks! They might not be known as this, but that is what I like to call them. These are the ones that lay low, and what they play depends on what your opponent plays. Slide is a creep deck. In an earlier article, I mentioned a U/R Control, that is also a creep deck.

Creep decks are very rarely mono colored. Mostly they consist of 2 colors. Slide (W/R) and control decks all have 2 colors. These decks will basically wait for you to screw up, and make you die because of it. If it not be playing a land one turn, or miss tapping your lands, leaving you open a turn, they will make you pay.

Slide is well known for it. You play a spell, then attack with 2 creatures, Wing Shards. Or a combo of sliding and Wing Shards, then follow up with Akroma, Dawn Elemental, etc. Bidding is debatable as a Offensive, or a Creep, mostly creep though. Trying to control the board until they draw their bidding.

Creep decks are becoming very popular this format due to their diversity and ability to do well in just about any match up (after sideboard). Many people like the control as well that comes along too with the deck.

Overall: Doesn't matter if its turn 1 or turn 9 these decks have lots of tricks up their sleeves and are in my opinion the best type of decks. Thanks for Reading.

Brian Breeden
darkdemon10187@yahoo.com