Topic: [advice/help][Standard] Vampires tough to win with

http://deckbox.org/sets/293049

As the title says, having a tough time winning consistently with this deck.  Is it just a week deck/strategy all around.  Should I trade out the parts of this deck and try to build something else?

I really want to be able to be more competitive with this deck as it is really enjoyable to play. 

Let me know if you have any suggestions.

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Re: [advice/help][Standard] Vampires tough to win with

I actually have a pretty similar build that I've had a considerable amount of success with.  You can see it at: http://deckbox.org/sets/279257 - note that the SB is still up in the air, but rest of the deck is pretty solid. 

The biggest differences I'm seeing between our builds is in the removal.  It might seem absurd to be running 15 pieces of burn/removal, but I've actually found it to be quite effective in maintaining control of the board (especially with Blood Artists having their fun).

Aside from that, Rakish Heir might be good in increasing the size of your creatures, but it doesn't really help out much beyond that.  At the three drop you really want to be making a stronger play, whether that be a Stromkirk Captain or a Vampire Nighthawk.  Similarly, I can see where Vampire Nocturnus could be huge, but on the other hand, I can also realistically see where he's telegraphing your plays to the opponent in exchange for the bonus.

Third, I know there's a considerable appeal behind Exquisite Blood, but you're better playing 2-3 cards for 5 mana than playing just one enchantment that doesn't even guarantee any effect.  I would actually suggest dropping them for some Sign in Bloods to help replenish your hand (and at the cost of one nighthawk hit).

Lastly, I can see where both our decks would benefit from Falkenrath Aristocrats, but speaking at least for myself, I don't know that the deck is strong enough as a whole to really justify dropping the cash on them.

Anyway, I hope some of this can be useful.  Good luck!

Re: [advice/help][Standard] Vampires tough to win with

Stromkirk Captainsand Nighthawks totally put aggro players on the defensive. I'd be tempted to switch out the Exquisite Blood's as you already have lifegain from 7 mobs. Either another nighthawk or some combination of curses - Curse of Stalked Prey and Curse of Bloodletting are great for pumping those counters on the nighthawks. Also consider dropping some Vampire Nocturnus and add in some Necropolis Regent's - maybe 2 of each.

With Necropolis Regent and curse of bloodletting, a 2/3 nighthawk hit's for 4, get's 4 life and 4 +1/+1 counters on it. Rakish Heir or Curse of Stalked Prey add to that. A Vampiric Fury if they don't block makes it 4/3 hitting for 8.

Here's my vampire deck: http://deckbox.org/sets/296863 which is partway through rebuild whilst I try to get missing cards. Not checked out the Gatecrash vampires/curses yet though.

Re: [advice/help][Standard] Vampires tough to win with

Ok I took both of your advice and combined the two ideas.  Going to play tonight in a Tuesday Night Magic tournament at the local shop tonight.  I'll keep you posted on the results.  In the mean time any feedback?

http://deckbox.org/sets/305117

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Re: [advice/help][Standard] Vampires tough to win with

I would run the Brimstone Volleys over the Ultimate Prices as they can both work as removal OR to just burn the opponent.  Similarly, I'd drop one of each curse and slide Vampiric Fury into the mainboard.  Trust me when I say there is no more satisfying feeling than blocking a Geist of Saint Traft with a Blood Artist and dropping the fury, both killing the GoST and hitting an artist trigger - costing you only 3 life (as opposed to the 4-6 you would've lost otherwise).

Good luck!

Re: [advice/help][Standard] Vampires tough to win with

I played this deck again tonight, started to get really frustrated.  EVERYONE seems to play control decks, blue/white green/white.  Is that the only way to win these days?  I enjoy playing this deck, but you can't win with it.

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Re: [advice/help][Standard] Vampires tough to win with

I'm not really sure how a G/W deck would be control, but I can see where you're coming from with regard to people playing the same thing over and over.

Perhaps you could offer some more details regarding what it was you struggled against?  I know Supreme Verdict is a big problem for this type of a deck, but what else were people playing that caused you trouble?  Without more input on your local meta, it's really hard to offer any more meaningful insights.

Sorry to hear it was frustrating.

Re: [advice/help][Standard] Vampires tough to win with

I switched to some 3s and 1s of vamps and try not to have to many multiples of a card as a defence against Detention Sphere. I put in the curses as an alternative win condition on those decks, a damage clock, a doubler of damage and bonuses to vamps that get through.