Type 1 without Power?

[Maraxus of Keld]

Of late I have taken an interest somewhat in the tournament atmosphere, and in observing discussion of Type 1 (which appeals to me because of its greater diversity of decks than Type 2), I have noticed that most decks run as many of the Power 9 as they can.

(For anyone who doesn't know, the "Power 9" are Black Lotus, Mox Emerald, Mox Jet, Mox Pearl, Mox Ruby, Mox Sapphire, Ancestral Recall, Time Walk, and Timetwister, which are widely regarded as the most powerful cards in the game).

Many people are under the impression that it is necessary to own Power 9 in order to be competitive in Type 1. From the decklists I have examined, almost all have at least some of these cards in them. After all, what deck would not benefit from Black Lotus or the appropriate colored Mox? What deck with even a hint of blue wouldn't be better with Ancestral Recall? So there is no question that if one has access to Power, they should use it. The question therefore remains: is it possible to compete effectively in Type 1 if you don't have access to Power?

I would like to hear opinions on this. When I have the time (as in, when homework concerns aren't as immediate) I will try to research the decks that see frequent play in Type 1 and try to find some that work without power. In the meantime, please feel free to debate....






Both of you.

[Volrath, the Fallen]

i think its possible. Any deck could run a Mox Diamond or Chrome Mox in the place of the others. there are plenty ways to accelerate mana without P9. Its just a little more difficult in some situations.

[Maraxus of Keld]

Many decks run those in addition to P9. Also, don't forget that both of those, like the true Mox cards, are restricted to 1 per deck. Plus they both have drawbacks that make them unsuitable to certain decks (a deck with few lands, like Belcher, really can't use Mox Diamond, and an artifact-heavy deck runs the risk of not having anything to imprint on Chrome Mox). Add to it that both produce card disadvantage, and I think they make a poor substitute most of the time. Not to say they aren't worth playing, just that I don't think a deck running Chrome Mox will fare as well against the same deck running the appropriate real mox(es).

[Volrath, the Fallen]

maybe not, but thats only if the opposing deck drew any of its moxes early on.

[CrimsonTears]

Oh I think its very possible to compete and win without the power nine. If you stuff Black Lotus into a crap deck its still a crap deck the big difference is now its an expensive crap deck. A sound deck can worm its way though many situations and has more than 1 win condition. Having good sideboard options really helps too for those rare occasions you need cards you would never normally use.

[DontCare]

ya power of nine is fine to me