Hearthpwn

I've been playing the game since pre naxx and never been much for the solo content. (Though I can say I really enjoyed LoE and even played it twice.)

I don't fully understand the reasoning behind changing up the adventure concept – imo it was great because of the extended release of cards to the pool and how those few cards changed and shook up the meta as they were sprinkled over time with each new wing.

TL:DR Keeping the game fresh should be a priority, the original adventure format was superior to what we have now in that regard.

Gotcha. And I agree, of course, you wouldn't want 11 win decks to match up vs 3 win decks.

Rather you would make it a part of the already existent algorithm (which probably already encompasses multiple parameters – number of games won being one of them). For example:

If you're queuing an 11 win deck and there are eight possible power level matches for that one, the algorithm would match you vs the one that's closest to your turn time average.

So i'm just suggesting a small addition to the already existing parameters in the current algorithm to make the game smoother.

(Besides the point, I sometimes get bored and occasionally retire a deck, esp if it's a draft I'm unhappy with. Love the game though.)

Yes, well who knows if it's hard or not to implement and/or if they've already thought of this..

After facing  too many  s.. lo .. o. . o....w.. players in the arena I retired my deck out of boredom and then thought of an idea that could potentially make everyone happy:

* Calculate the average turn time for each player and make it a part of the other algorithms that decide matchmaking.

That way slower players will face other slower players and vice versa. You want a slow game? Play it slowly.  You want fast games? Play fast.

Also, could this alleviate the exit game/rope every turn BM problem?

I think it's fine to run 2x of either weapon removal available. The choices available all have different strengths and weaknesses and imo it comes down to personal preference and playstyle more than anything else. I also think it's fine to just have one weapon removal in this archetype. Also, changing cards will alter your match-ups, so try to stick to the same list for a certain amount of games before you evaluate and make changes. 

Great! I also strongly prefer this archetype over Tempo Mage as I feel it involves a lot more decision making and variation. Fair point regarding Harrison. I sometimes sub him for other cards also. What I do like about having two weapon removals is the consistency in being able to counter skull on curve and with Harrison in particular to rip through your deck to get to Frost Lich Jaina asap. Also with The Lich King seeing play in most classes it never feels irrelevant.

You basically have the core cards for the deck. I would strongly suggest crafting the Stonehill Defenders though, as they are only 100 dust a piece and versatile minions that see play in a lot of decks and archetypes. You can however, swap them for Tar Creepers who make up for stats what they lack in value.  I would consider at least one more late game drop in place of Sindragosa: The Lich King, Dragoncaller Alanna, Ysera, or even Marin the Fox or Elise, the Trailblazer (mind the Dragon's Fury anti-synergy). Experiment and have fun! Skulking Geist, Baron Geddon and Pyros are also solid inclusions. You could consider cards like Plated Beetle, Acidic Swamp Oooze, Tinkmaster Overspark, Acolyte of Pain, Arcane Tyrant.

Hello, thanks for asking. I'm about to add a mulligan section and some general tips that will be relevant for this particular matchup. I think it's key to mulligan for Voodoo Doll (for the T4 Mountain Giant), Polymorph and weapon removal (Skull) when you go up against a Warlock. Your prime Polymorph targets are the Doomguards, never use it on Mountain Giants unless you're really hard pressed. Bumping a Possessed Lackey to chance force out a Doomguard if you have a Polymorph in hand that can be played on the same turn is a fine play. Also spending one Polymorph on a Voidlord is ok imo, especially if you have both in hand. The main way you lose the matchup is allowing the Warlock to spiral with Cube/Prince/Faceless on their Doomguards. Sometimes it's a dead run – when they draw the nuts and you brick. However, if this happens and you survive the blow, one way of navigating the game to a win is trying to remove as many of their demons as possible, especially the Voidwalkers, since it will dilute their DK Gul'dan resummon pool. The longer you leave a Doomguard up, the higher is the probability of some sort of combo on it, so don't wait for the Polymorph if you don't have it. Surviving into the late game and getting your Frost Lich Jaina up usually ends up in a win for you. They crumble in the fatigue game. This is the one matchup that requires most experience and experimenting to get right. Take note of your plays and counter-plays. GL!

Appreciate it, friend.

Thank you! I actually think Arcane Keysmith has become a staple card in any Big Mage build. So you definitely want to run 2x of her in your deck. Sindragosa and Pyroblast are holding the slots where other lists run late drops such as Alanna and Geddon. Keysmith is a two for one card (secret for 3 mana and 2/2 body for 1 mana). It also keeps your opponent on edge, whilst delaying their game plan. They can't ever know for sure what secret you picked, so they will have to play around any possible outcome or face the consequences of not doing so. As for choosing secrets, it's hard to give you a set of rules. It rather boils down to specific conditions and matchups. Being able to predict your opponent's next move and/or knowing their deck well enough to know what pick to go for. Some examples is going for counterspell versus Even Paladin before they have played Call To Arms, or picking Spellbender vs the same deck because she will hinder their Spikeridged Steed or Blessing of Kings from being played (or inevitably steal one of either). Picking Mirror Entity vs Cubelock before midgame if they haven't played their Mountain Giant yet. It's always a bit of a gamble of course. But knowing your opponent is key (no pun). Versus aggro decks you obviously pick Ice Barrier most of the time, but if that choice isn't available, going for Explosive Runes could be a good way to single target remove whatever they throw on board the following turn (unless you plan to follow up with Dragon's Fury). 

Thanks!! I usually beat that matchup by fatiguing them, staying above 15 hp while pressuring them as much as possible to delay/stall them. I haven't faced that one in a while though. Geist isn't too impactful post rotation vs that particular priest, as it presumably only burns their Power Word: Shield. It is however, good tech vs lock and taunt druid (Dark Pact and Naturalize/Spellstone). You might want to consider some additional heal or armor option if you're facing a lot of mind blast priests.

I've posted my Sindragosa Big Mage (ft. Pyroblast) list that I hit legend with on NA a couple of days back, starting at rank 5. Would love an upvote or some feedback if you like it.

https://www.hearthpwn.com/decks/1099836-sindragosa-big-mage-rank-5-to-legend-feat-toki

I would go for either of these options:

Skulking Geist
Hits best vs Odd warrior, Warlock (all archetypes) and Taunt druid. Also to some extent Rogue, Hunter and Paladin.

Baron Geddon
Heals you for a lot post Jaina DK if the board is crowded.

Other possible subs would be: Glacial Shard, Pyros, Plated Beetle, Shimmering Tempest, Tar Creeper, Saronite Chain Gang, Rotten Applebaum, Arcane Tyrant, The Lich King.

Thanks for commenting! I will write up some general guidelines within shortly. And feel free to ask me any questions regarding the deck.

Yes, Piper serves this purpose, whilst giving you a decent body to push damage or trade with. She is a great T4 play, as she sets up for a later board clear with armor gain whilst also bringing you closer to key cards such as Frost Lich Jaina. She is basically never a dead card, since she will pull a minion even if you by rare chance have both Artificers out of the deck already.