Howdy, fellow Big Spell Mages. Consider this an open discussion on Arcane Keysmith. I certainly don't claim to have any expertise here. I have started to use it in some pretty specific scenarios, though, so I wanted to share and get your input on how to best utilize this card in common meta matchups.
Vs. Taunt Druid
Playing it going into their 8 mana play is generally pretty solid, as they'll want to play The Lich King on curve. Mirror Entity is ideal, but Frozen Clone can generate insane value. If you haven't yet found your Skulking Geist, Spellbender (preferably, as it can't be triggered by the coin) and Counterspell can both disrupt the Hadronox combo, though they'll generally burn a spellstone or swipe first to test the secret.
Vs. Spiteful Druid
This is pretty obvious, but it turns out Counterspell and Mana Bind are pretty strong when your opponent only runs ten cost spells.
Vs. Odd Rogue
Ice Barrier is a strong selection at pretty much any point. All of the minion-related cards are hard to get value out of due to the sheer number of 1-drops this deck runs. Spellbender can eat a Cold Blood and give you a 4/3 to contest the board. There aren't many strong plays in this matchup.
Vs. Spell Hunter
This one's a gimme: dig for Counterspell going into their turn 5 to disrupt the spellstone. Ice Barrier is always a decent fallback option, and Mana Bind can yield some decent cards as well. I'm not sure it really matters; just having a secret up is enough to lure them into a suboptimal play, generally.
Vs. Tempo Mage
Lots of good options here. Ice Barrier is always tempting, but don't sleep on Mana Bind. Having a 0 cost spell allows you to trigger their Counterspell and commence clearing the board.
Those are just a few observations from tonight's ladder grind. I'm still searching for an optimal way to use it against Quest Warrior and Control Priest. Any suggestions for those matchups?
Not many good options against Quest Warrior. If you have a board, Counterspell can protect it, and if you don't, than your best bet is to hope they play a big dude into a Mirror Entity.
Howdy, fellow Big Spell Mages. Consider this an open discussion on Arcane Keysmith. I certainly don't claim to have any expertise here. I have started to use it in some pretty specific scenarios, though, so I wanted to share and get your input on how to best utilize this card in common meta matchups.
Vs. Taunt Druid
Playing it going into their 8 mana play is generally pretty solid, as they'll want to play The Lich King on curve. Mirror Entity is ideal, but Frozen Clone can generate insane value. If you haven't yet found your Skulking Geist, Spellbender (preferably, as it can't be triggered by the coin) and Counterspell can both disrupt the Hadronox combo, though they'll generally burn a spellstone or swipe first to test the secret.
Vs. Spiteful Druid
This is pretty obvious, but it turns out Counterspell and Mana Bind are pretty strong when your opponent only runs ten cost spells.
Vs. Odd Rogue
Ice Barrier is a strong selection at pretty much any point. All of the minion-related cards are hard to get value out of due to the sheer number of 1-drops this deck runs. Spellbender can eat a Cold Blood and give you a 4/3 to contest the board. There aren't many strong plays in this matchup.
Vs. Spell Hunter
This one's a gimme: dig for Counterspell going into their turn 5 to disrupt the spellstone. Ice Barrier is always a decent fallback option, and Mana Bind can yield some decent cards as well. I'm not sure it really matters; just having a secret up is enough to lure them into a suboptimal play, generally.
Vs. Tempo Mage
Lots of good options here. Ice Barrier is always tempting, but don't sleep on Mana Bind. Having a 0 cost spell allows you to trigger their Counterspell and commence clearing the board.
Those are just a few observations from tonight's ladder grind. I'm still searching for an optimal way to use it against Quest Warrior and Control Priest. Any suggestions for those matchups?
Not many good options against Quest Warrior. If you have a board, Counterspell can protect it, and if you don't, than your best bet is to hope they play a big dude into a Mirror Entity.
this thread is beautiful, i love Arcane Keysmith