Myles’ Number 8: Filming the Annual Holiday Cube Draft at Meeplemart

The Holiday Cube Draft is an annual invite-only Cube draft that doubles as a Holiday party for me and my friends. This year it was turned into the biggest production most of us had ever been a part of. The day long tournament was divided into seven episodes, each focusing on a featured match with an interview segment either before or after the match. The filming of the event was done professionally, but the play stayed casual to ensure everyone had an enjoyable time.
There were also a lot of new cards in the Cube that were being tested. Goblin Rabblemaster, Nissa Worldwaker, Dualcaster Mage, Malicious Affliction, Treasure Cruise, Monastery Swiftspear, Clever Impersonator, War-Name Aspirant and even Utter End were making their Cube debuts and a lot of those cards were picked very highly by players looking to try them out. After six picks in to pack one, Ian called me over and showed me his picks. He revealed to me five non-basic lands (including fetches) and a Treasure Cruise. Good on you, Ian, good on you.

There were a ton of amazing decks built by a diverse group of players at the Holiday Cube Draft 2014 and if you scroll to the bottom you will be able to check out the decklists of FlockOfNerds columnist, Chris Girardo and Flockin’ Around Special Guest, Mike Reay. We saw players play everything from the classic Recurring Nightmare with Deranged Hermit/Siege-Gang Commander to Simic Superfriends. One player even played Dimir Control splashing CHANNEL/EMRAKUL. People were pushing the boundaries of what was possible and exploring the limited environment as though it was a brand new set. It was easily one of my most exciting gaming experiences of 2014.

My Cube has changed so much over the last year because Wizards printed so many “Cube-worthy” cards in recent months. This goes to show how wonderful Magic has been. More unique cards are being printed now than ever before and it looks like there is no end in sight for design space. Cube is undoubtedly the best Magic: The Gathering format that exists and it can only ever get better as more cards are printed and more options become available to Cube designers.
THE DECKLISTS:
Chris Girardo
CREATURES:
Akrasan Squire
Soldier of the Pantheon
Student of Warfare
Gorehouse Chainwalker
Cloistered Youth
Spirit of the Labyrinth
Accorder Paladin
Porcelain Legionnaire
Mirran Crusader
Flickerwisp
Boros Reckoner
Frontline Medic
Ghitu Slinger
Hero of Bladehold
Sublime Archangel
NON-CREATURES:
Path to Exile
Lightning Bolt
Chain Lightning
Chaos Orb
Winter Orb
Sword of Light & Shadow
Sword of Fire & Ice
Rift Bolt
Staggershock
Earthquake
Arid Mesa
Sacred Foundry
3x Mountain
10x Plains
Mike Reay
CREATURES:
Herald of Anafenza
Mother of Runes
Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
Kor Skyfisher
Mesmeric Fiend
Kitchen Finks
Brimaz, King of Oreskos
Vampire Nighthawk
Fleshbag Marauder
Restoration Angel
Solemn Simulacrum
Baneslayer Angel
Karmic Guide
Reveillark
Sun Titan
Grave Titan
NON-CREATURE:
Vampiric Tutor
Dark Ritual
Skullclamp
Banishing Light
Oblivion Ring
Vindicate
Decree of Justice
Elspeth, Knight Errant
Faith’s Feathers
Volrath’s Stronghold
Kor Haven
Scrubland
Fetid Heath
6x Plains
6x Swamp
Chris I like the deck. It looks like it could be a true winner. I can’t wait to see your match! So EXCITED!!!