http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/the-game/modern/558140-improving-the-modern-event-deck-on-a-budget-for

Above are the untouched version of the deck, a modified version, and Evil Overlord's modified version.

So there's already two threads about the Modern Event Deck about to be released. One here, one in the Rumor Mill section. Apologies if this one is redundant, I just thought creating a more focused one would be useful to people like me, as the two bigger ones have become cluttered with talk about fetches, and mostly how this deck is unplayable junk.

What I'm hoping for this thread to be is a discussion on how to improve the deck for new players such as I. I started playing Magic last August, and as you may have guessed, have a very limited collection. If possible, I'd like us to remain focussed on how to improve the deck's playability, while remaining budget conscious. To provide players with a playable deck, not Tier 1 evidently, but providing smooth playability and a fighting chance, by adding in some useful, yet not chase cards. For example, I'd like to avoid the ideas of adding 4 Swords, Dark Confidants and splashing Goyf in. Yes my examples are piss poor in terms of gameplay, but I'm talking financials here.

I'll start by making a few suggestions from what I read in the two other threads. Some things I say will obviously be stupid. Apologies, I know next to nothing about Modern.

-Manawise, I suppose swapping out both City of Brass and two Caves of Koilos would be a good idea, in order to insert 4 Godless Shrine ?

- Taking out both Soul Warden and 1 Tidehollow Sculler in order to insert 3 Auriok Champion ? This might not be relevant, especially since the Champion seems quite expensive.

-Removing both Shrine of Loyal Legions for an additional Path to Exile and Inquisition of Kozilek ?

-Speaking of Inquisition of Kozilek , should they be swapped out for Thoughtseize ? Should Thoughtseize be added in as well, or would both together be overkill?

-Take out Sword of Feast and Famine for another Elspeth, Knight-Errant

-I suppose 3 Honor of the Pure is perhaps one too much. Swap one out for perhaps Sorin, Lord of Innistrad ?

-Speaking of Planeswalkers, how much should we aim for? 2 Sorins, 2 Elspeth? Aren't one of's just too unreliable?

-What's the stance on adding token generators such as Brimaz, King of Oreskos or Hero of Bladehold ? I'm all for it, but such cards would warrant the presence of Swords, I suppose.


I'm sure there's much more to be said. As I've said, I'm quite ignorant on the matter, and just hoping to get an idea on how to improve the shell that is being suggested to players with this Event Deck. Obviously I didn't suggest and Fetchlands, as that would prove quite expensive, though I'm sure they would be a valid upgrade for those not concerned about cash. Still, for an entry in Modern, I'd say going light on the bank is the sensible option.

Edit: Added a modified version of the deck, with changes I suggested (not necessarily good), and a Marsh Flats, though I'm not convinced it should be a primary concern for a budget oriented deck, yet.

Edit 5.16: Modified Mana base and sideboard according to DrPepper's suggestions. Removed Marsh Flats for now, as I really think fetches take out way too much of the budget.