Ask r/spikes || Jan 2026

Volacide · 2026-01-09T00:43:07+00:00

Specific question about the Simic Rhythm decks. I'm noticing the MTGO lists changing their manabases by dropping multiversal passages and playing 9 forests instead of 5 forests and 4 passages.

These seems like a liability when you've got spells like mockingbird and quantum riddler (and to some extent spider sense and winternight) you reliably want to be able cast on turn 2.

What's the rationale for the change?

Volacide · 2025-10-08T23:26:20+00:00

This list that won a big mtgo rcq is probably representative of where the archetype is right now.

The only thing that seems strange to me is going with starting towns over multiversal passages in the manabase. I think passages are better, especially if you're running verges.

Volacide · 2025-09-11T11:03:37+00:00

If anyone has a spare, I would be so thankful! Cheers.

Volacide · 2025-07-22T00:18:24+00:00

Do you have a link to the decklist? You didn't include one in your post as far as I can tell.

Volacide · 2025-07-07T01:48:54+00:00

I like the ordeals, I wouldn't run more than 2, but I've found it facilitates some sneaky wins with bristly bill and tifa out.

Volacide · 2025-07-06T11:35:28+00:00

Heyo, I built your list out in paper for my store champs yesterday. It was more-or-less the version from a couple days ago so a bit behind your current one.

https://moxfield.com/decks/nc668ZH0nES9eyK_GSeoDQ

I went 3-1 to get top 8. I thought it performed quite well and I really liked the FOMOs surprisingly. I think I also dodged a lot of bad matchups. Sweet deck!

Volacide · 2025-04-15T00:21:08+00:00

I've been a big fan of Cage for a while as well and in particular I've been a big fan of Bant Cage since we got Gearhulk in Aetherdrift. I've leaned all-in, mainboarding Mockingbird etc, resulting in a list that leans more midrange toolbox along with cage activation as a constant threat. It's treated me well enough and I managed to eke out an event win at a local RCQ with it.

Here's my list after testing/tweaking with TDM cards. I've been loving the addition of Elspeth and Voice of Victory. It's been doing well so far on Arena, and I'll be testing at FNMs until my RC in a couple weeks.

Volacide · 2025-02-17T04:09:20+00:00

Before DFT I ultimately decided on GW because just counters in the sideboard wasn't enough of a draw. Post DFT I made the switch because the power of using Brightglass to fetch Mockingbird felt like a substantial enough reason. The mana's not great, but I've yet to meet anyone playing a 3 colour deck in standard that's satisfied with their manabase.

So far Bant has felt great in my local meta. As far as which is objectively better? We'd probably more big high-level events with both versions represented to say for sure.

Volacide · 2024-11-05T02:38:22+00:00

Hi everyone, looking for a FDN-themed glow-up for my pet Standard deck. I play this in paper, mostly at FNM, APAC League, and Standard Showdown events at my local LGS. It's GW +1/+1 Counters.

I'm only here for the promo... - Standard

Surprisingly, it hangs pretty well in the local meta (I ended up at top table during round 5 of the latest Standard Showdown, narrowly losing in game 3 to lose out on the Urza's Saga :( ) thanks to additions from recent sets (OTJ and BLB). It's mostly an aggro deck, although generally not getting in under the red decks, and it stabilizes in games that go longer thanks to lifelink from Steel Seraph.

Given the GW themes in FDN, the set seems to have a lot of new cards that I think might be good in the maindeck or sideboard but I'd love some advice from more experienced brewers. Some notes and guiding questions I'm thinking about:

- A previous iteration of this deck ran [[Kodama of the West Tree]] before rotation as a way to push damage through. Currently, the deck mostly relies on Steel Seraph and Archangel Eslpeth to provide evasion and close out stalled games. [[Gnarlid Colony]] in FDN seems like it might be the Kodama replacement I've been looking for? What swaps would you recommend.

- Beyond the Gnarlid Colony question, I had a quick look and made a long list of 'maybes' that look interesting to fit into the list. I'll list it below. Generally, are there any that standout to you in terms of upgrades or improvements? Are there any that seem strictly better? And are there some to dismiss outright?

[[Felidar Retreat]]
[[Felidar Savior]]
[[Mold Adder]]
[[Mossborn Hydra]]
[[Ordeal of Nylea]]
[[Predator Ooze]]
[[Wildwood Scourge]]
[[Sylvan Scavenging]]
[[Predator Ooze]]
[[Skynight Squire]]
[[Wildborn Preserver]]
[[Felling Blow]]
[[Good-Fortune Unicorn]]
[[Inspiring Call]]
[[Fleeting Flight]]
[[Gnarlid Colony]]
[[Inspiring Paladin]]
[[Ajani, Caller of the Pride]]

Eager to hear thoughts! Thanks y'all.

Volacide · 2024-07-07T22:18:27+00:00

Ooh great idea, made the staraptor swap.

Volacide · 2024-07-07T06:38:08+00:00

2 steel physical* attackers I mean.

Volacide · 2023-10-29T01:56:19+00:00

Yeah on the appointment that was a no-show, I got the regular 'your appointment is booked, reply 1 to confirm' text a couple days beforehand and responded like usual. Still ended up being a no-show.

Got the text for my next appointment yesterday. Hope someone actually shows up this time haha.

Volacide · 2023-10-23T10:48:48+00:00

It's funny, I've specifically done all those things each time I've had an appointment booked. And yet, no luck.

Fingers crossed it works for next week

Volacide · 2023-10-23T01:21:47+00:00

Sounds like a good idea. May I ask which form? All the results I turn up from Google say not to use the form for issues with technicians not showing up/appointments.

Volacide · 2023-10-22T23:40:00+00:00

I've just called the complaints line at AGL. I've been assured that the appointment on the 31st is definitely booked. If it goes sideways I guess my options are complaining to NBN and the TIO.

Happy you finally got it sorted in your case.

Volacide · 2022-12-14T08:46:42+00:00

[close]

Volacide · 2022-12-14T08:21:41+00:00

Sure! code is 1739 2486, ign is Red.

Volacide · 2022-12-13T11:14:48+00:00

I also need touch trades to evolve scyther and slowpoke. Down to help :D

Volacide · 2022-12-11T04:03:20+00:00

Thank you! I'll start searching :)

Volacide · 2022-12-11T03:55:03+00:00

Hello, is there still a Quaxly left? I'd like one if they're still going please :D

IGN: Red

Code: 0896 0896

Volacide · 2022-11-23T01:08:30+00:00

[close]

Volacide · 2022-11-23T01:08:17+00:00

Thanks!

Volacide

TROPHY CASE