By Spencer Sacht-Lund (Kanaka)

5th Seed Jeremy W.

Jeremy is a fellow councillor and host of the “There Can Only Be One” podcast. Jeremy is a very flexible player, who shows up with a different deck every tournament more or less. This has given him a high level of comfort with various archetypes that he piloted to win in the 2016 season such as Esper midrange, 5c Aluren, Esper Weenie, and Reanimator. Jeremy is a very meta-game focused player, and this has served him very well over the years.

Jeremy, you are known for being a very flexible player and brewer, how has that gone for you during the 2016 season?

It was a hard fought year, but I wasn’t as nervous as some others. The meta shifted and the U/x midrange decks that were played at the start of the year didn’t adapt as well. However, I had the time to change it up. Being flexible is definitely an advantage as it enables you to adapt.

What are your thoughts going into this year’s Top8? This particular Top8 has some very known archetype players, how has this affected you and your deck decisions?

It makes it easier, usually you have to put people on some ranges and then try to figure out a choice that can play versus those ranges. This year, that isn’t the case as much. So that enables a higher degree of preparation.

What do you think is the most important; knowing your deck, knowing the matchup, or knowing the metagame?

The competition is really tight, so you absolutely need to know your deck. However, a greater number of GW% points can be won with the right meta call in this Top8.

Any Comments/Taunts/Challenges/Nose Tweaks?

Guaranteed, I will finish higher than Ben. Shout-out to Pat for fighting hard all year to get into last spot. Sorry Noel [Ahem,and Spencer]

What would I put him on? 4c Scapeshift, U/G/ Time walks, Reanimator. Jeremy is without a doubt the only player who I think would or could show up with literally any deck if he thought it was the right meta call. However, I think proactive strategies are the best bet here. I also think Jer will fall back on proactive strategies that have a favorable creature matchup by nature of the deck, and play Blue for some flexible interaction. Scapeshift and Reanimator both fall into this category, and are decks that he has had success with. Also, the U/G “Curb your enthusiasm” deck developed by Tyler W. is another deck that has favourable creature matchups backed by Blue interaction. I mean, Jer could easily show up with Esper midrange if he wants to beat the U/x midrange mirrors or even mono Red if he feels like racing, but I think his heart wants to win with something piquante, and something Dad would be proud of.

6th Seed Tim M.

Tim or the “Goblin King” is another player known for one particular archetype, Goblins. Goblins is a R/x deck that relies on going wide and tribal synergy. Some draws rely on the burn heavy side, while others just serve to overwhelm opponents. Having not only brewed and tested multiple versions of this deck, Tim also has background in various Pox strategies giving him a wider play feel, and more patience, than most other aggressive players have.

Tim, you are known for playing the Goblins archetype, how do you feel that deck has gone for you during the 2016 season?

Goblins has been pretty good, just Red and also Jund have been fairly good versions.

What are your thoughts going into this year’s Top8? This particular Top8 has some very known archetype players, how has this affected you and your deck decisions?

I am expecting some pretty generate combo. Level 1 would be combo, level two the reactive anti combo decks.

What do you think is the most important; knowing your deck, knowing the matchup, or knowing the metagame?

I think the more time you have had with your deck, the better it can play for you. But if you don’t think it is good for the meta, it might not be the right choice.

Any Comments/Taunts/Challenges/Nose Tweaks?

Good luck to all players, and have fun!

What do I put him on? Jund Goblins. I think the reps with this deck will really pull through, as various tutors and on board tricks can give quite an edge to the veteran pilot. With at least 2-3 other creature/fair decks, Goblins with some anti combo tech (IE: Earwig squad or hand attack) can do well. Also, people always forget that a Red/x deck can race most combo decks. Of the Red decks, Goblins has some of the most degenerate and quick starts. The only thing that this deck has going against it, is a prepared opponent and the natural inconsistency of a tribal deck. Sometimes you get recruiter or lackey, and sometimes you just have a fanatic with some burn.