Ramunap Red-A comparative analysis of the 2017 World Magic Cup Standard
Ramunap Red overwhelmed the field at the 2017 World Cup of Magic. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the different variations of the deck that made the top 8 and to see what set aside the number 1 deck from the number 8 deck(s). Here's breakdown of the decks:
We can garner a lot of deckbuilding axioms from this comparison. So, what did Shota do in his build to set himself apart from the group. It can be summed up in a simple idea...he foresaw the playing field a little better than his competitors did. At this level, you generally don't have to worry (too much) about misplays. They do happen, but we can assume, generally, that most players at this level will play the deck to the best of their abilities with few flubs.
What we can learn from this.
Shota was the only top 8 player to play 2 Harsh Mentors mainboard.
Shota did not mainboard or sideboard any Chandra, Torch of Defiance.
Shota played less Lightning Strikes and Rampaging Ferocidons than any other player.
The top 2 Ramunap Red decks mainboarded more Ahn-Crop Crashers than any other players.
Shota sideboarded more Aethersphere Harvesters than any other player.
Kaczmarczyk (nr 2) was the only player to mainboard Cut/Ribbons and sideboard Dual Shot.
I believe that the key to Shota's win was primarily due to 2 main reasons.
1. He made his deck lean. Whereas other opponents either mainboarded or sideboarded Chandra, he left that slot open to for additional creature play, which Ramunap Red is reliant upon. Basically, he held true to the purpose of the deck. He didn't clutter it up with a lot of non-creature spells. This allowed him to play his Harsh Mentors and additional Ahn-Crop Crashers, which in turn gave him the ability to strike at his opponents earlier and faster.
2. He assessed the field better than his opponents. I truly believe that this is the genius of competitive play, whether at your LGS or in championship events. Being able to see what's out there and having a proper response is crucial in fielding a deck that responds well.
Kaczmarczyk earned his Nr. 2 spot by using cards that were unexpected. He mainboarded Cut/Ribbons and sideboarded cards that nobody else did, such as Dual Shot and 4 Chandras.
Overall, I think the examination of these decks really brings out the reality that magic play revolves around the arena in which you are playing. In this, you have to play the player as much as the deck. Anticipating strategies and building a offense that answers those strategies is key to the win. And once you have decided upon a strategy, cutting your deck down to only those items that support the strategy will enable it's execution to the fullest.
Your thoughts are welcomed.
What we can learn from this.
Shota was the only top 8 player to play 2 Harsh Mentors mainboard.
Shota did not mainboard or sideboard any Chandra, Torch of Defiance.
Shota played less Lightning Strikes and Rampaging Ferocidons than any other player.
The top 2 Ramunap Red decks mainboarded more Ahn-Crop Crashers than any other players.
Shota sideboarded more Aethersphere Harvesters than any other player.
Kaczmarczyk (nr 2) was the only player to mainboard Cut/Ribbons and sideboard Dual Shot.
I believe that the key to Shota's win was primarily due to 2 main reasons.
1. He made his deck lean. Whereas other opponents either mainboarded or sideboarded Chandra, he left that slot open to for additional creature play, which Ramunap Red is reliant upon. Basically, he held true to the purpose of the deck. He didn't clutter it up with a lot of non-creature spells. This allowed him to play his Harsh Mentors and additional Ahn-Crop Crashers, which in turn gave him the ability to strike at his opponents earlier and faster.
2. He assessed the field better than his opponents. I truly believe that this is the genius of competitive play, whether at your LGS or in championship events. Being able to see what's out there and having a proper response is crucial in fielding a deck that responds well.
Kaczmarczyk earned his Nr. 2 spot by using cards that were unexpected. He mainboarded Cut/Ribbons and sideboarded cards that nobody else did, such as Dual Shot and 4 Chandras.
Overall, I think the examination of these decks really brings out the reality that magic play revolves around the arena in which you are playing. In this, you have to play the player as much as the deck. Anticipating strategies and building a offense that answers those strategies is key to the win. And once you have decided upon a strategy, cutting your deck down to only those items that support the strategy will enable it's execution to the fullest.
Your thoughts are welcomed.
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