Subject: Stronghold Preconstructed Commentary
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 10:18:29 +0000
From: Brad Northenor <inferno@hom.net>
To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com

 Well, this is my first Dojo post, hopefully no where near the last. A few
days ago the comic book store where I work at got the Stronghold
Preconstructed decks and I've had a lot of experience playing with them.
I've seen all four decks in action and here is my commentary:

-Migraine-

 This deck is by far the most popular, but I don't think it is the better
of the four others. Migraine is a mono-black discard deck. The first major
disadvantage is the fact that it's the only mono-colored deck. If any of
the other decks have any spots remaining after making the 15 card change,
they should throw in a Grindstone or two to counter the Migraine. Judging
by the style that the deck is played, it's a little off the wall. The
creatures are pretty weak, and most of them should be removed ASAP. The
only one in there that I'd consider leaving in the deck is the Mindripper,
because it fits the deck type. Migraine cam compete fairly against the
Kor's and the Sparkler, but the Spike deck is just way too fast for this.

-The Sparkler-

 At first glance, this deck would be the one to pick. The first 4 cards I
saw out of it were Propaganda, Capsize, Fanning the Flames, and the new
Mana Leak and I took it. Well, once you get past those cards, Exacuation,
and Reigns of Power the deck is weak. There are only 3 creatures and only
one of them can attack (Mogg Fanatic) so it's nothing too amazing. This
definatly requires patience and a lot of experience to work well. I plan on
adding 4 Aether Flashes, 2 Hammers, 2 more Propagandas, and I'm considering
throwing in more of the buyback twiddles and Winter Orbs to get a great
land lock. The main problem is the mana intensiveness of the deck, but the
key to playing this deck is patience.

-The Spikes-

 After playing all four decks for awhile, this one jumps out at me as the
best. There are no game breaking cards, just the fact that this deck is
probably the fastest of the three and can easily swarm an opponent with
difficult to kill creatures. With an early rush, this beats the Migraine
hands down. This deck can work wonders against the Sparker (The key is
killing off your own creature to get rid of the 2 big buyback spells
Capsize and Fanning The Flames by throwing counters off of the creature
they target and onto another, so the spell fizzles). The only deck that I
feel gives it any kind of run for it's money is the Kor's deck, which can
withstand the early rush.

-The Kor's-

 I haven't gotten a chance to play this deck myself, I've just played
against it. The Kor deck doesn't just dominate any of the other three deck,
and depends highly on the draw and the person playing it. The key to
winning this deck is maintaining at least 2 creatures on the board at all
times. This way, direct damage (esp. Shocks and Kindles) do little to your
troops. Lab Rats are VERY powerful in this deck. I believe this deck will
becomes better with play experience, once you learn how to spread damage
and maintain a strong army and keep them alive, you should be able handle
botht he Sparkler and the Migraine. The Spikes will always be a problem.

Brad "The Dojo Boy" Northenor