Rush of the Sandsnakes ! (efficient deck) 1.0

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• 1.0

Hello,

This is a good deck I found using the Martell box. The idea is to play Martell more "normally" now that you have cards to do so ( = rush with your arguments). However, the problem in doing so is very fast to understand : Martell cards are statistically weaker, and characters only start to work when you have three plots in your used plot pile or when they are in combination with others. Moreover, using Martell cards with a normal economic curve put a crude light in their limits for economic potential.

So... I had to find ways to bypass several problems

1°) The Red Viper (SoD) is needed to rush with the bastards, and even if you have it the weak statistical line prevent massive powergrab. 2°) The enonomic curve is suddenly much higher. 3°)You still have intrinsic problem to powergrab, since it happens late. Meaning you will be without arguments vs Mace, Targaryen LotC or a Lannister rush making a good start.

1°) Stabilizing Powergrab

The Lord of the Crossing was the only solution I found in order to start powergrab as soon as possible. It also helps to bypass the problem of weak STR with Martell characters. However, I had to adjust the deck a bit in order to not create too much annoying situations with 1 STR characters unable to have influence during first challenge... Thus the removing of Greenblood Trader and Dorea Sand, normally used in martell lists : repetitive icons, less necessary ability nowadays.

I kept Bastard Daughter because they are defensive characters and Edric Dayne because stealth in any icon is very useful.

I incorporated a normal "rush module" : Knights of the Sun, Myrcella Baratheon (GoH), Quentyn Martell (SoD) and The Bastard of Godsgrace, who has the very positive aspect of beinh the needed competitive Bastard.

Doran's Game is standard nowadays. The Boneway helps to make a difference versus other decks aimed at powergrabbing, and with The Water Gardens it provides a protection for Dorne to Nothing Burns Like The Cold.

2°)Having Economy

The main problem is to obtain enough economy at T1. I don't want Summer Harvest because it's unreliable. Calm Over Westeros is slow. Trading with the Pentoshi also accelerate your opponent while your slow in early game and Late Summer Feast put you first player.

Marching Orders was the only solution. It has economy to marshall character, give you good initiative at T1 and you can adjust by marshalling your locations in setup or at T2 (Poppy and Doran's Game are not important T1).

Since I have a problem with Marshalling enough characters in order to do challenges, Arianne Martell (Core) and Obara Sand (SoD) helps to circumvent the problem by creating "chains of challenge icons", especially because they jump Knights of the Sun, Myrcella, Ricasso...

The Water Gardens helps marshall Dornish Fiefdom, which is "expensive" with this list. It also helps paying the huge cost of Dorne or simply The Boneway.

3°)Accelerating Powergrab

At Prince Doran's Behest is necessary to win one free turn, even if it leaves only six remaining plots. Fortified Position also helps to win time. You should basically obtain a "tie" with it, the power you lose in dominance being complemented by the agenda. It removes most arguments for the opponent to rush with renowns, and you can benefit from it with Dorne and The Boneway. The combo with At Prince Doran's Behest is also a strong counter to The King in the North when you feel it.

Ricasso is a joker to accelerate powergrab. Good thing he can be bestowed when jumped in challenges, and had excellent cost/STR/icons for the faction.

Gossip and Lies allows to make a huge finish. In this metagame, you need an argument to reach 15 before your opponent. This plot is.

4°) Bonus Tips

The huge number of (non-unique) characters is a response to Banner Wolf.

I tried to maximize 2 golds character in order to favor the setup of The Boneway and Dorne, since I don't plan to marshall them T1 but would prefer to have them on that turn.

Milk of the Poppy allows to stop a huge character from inflincting massive powergrab. If your opponent plays Confiscation, great for him... In this metagame, it is a huge loss of tempo !