The New Standard Format

The release of a new set often leaves us with more questions than answers. Set 8 has given us many new tools to work with, but it really isn't possible to talk about set 8 without talking about Evil. What was once a dominant symbol in UFS is now so far above any of its competitors you would need a very good reason to play any other symbol. However, we can't all play Evil can we? After all, there are still some very good characters without the dreaded pitchfork on them. This is a guide to those who want to play Evil, and are lost in the sea of options it provides, and for those who want to play everything else for whatever reason. Set aside some time, because we're going in deep.

You know, it's funny - my partner-in-writing ceejaybee lives not more than a few hours from me, has covered his locally meta and mine in pretty thorough detail, and yet I've never met him. Silly, eh? He missed the AoP in my wheelhouse and twice I've missed AoPs in his neck of the woods. I find it rather amazing that someone with whom I share a common hobby and who is so close remains an elusive mystery. I think he feels the same way too. Taking this feeling and extrapolating it over great distances, I started to wonder...and that's usually dangerous but thankfully no one was harmed this time.

Yes, it's been well over a year since my last article, but I'm still alive and I still love the game, so I'm going to hopefully help some of you out with what's been my greatest struggle with UFS: What to do in the case of a dead meta, or a dying interest in the game itself.

I still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test...

-"Changes" by David Bowie, co-written by John Lennon

Alright so, long time no see people! I apologize in advance for my extended break from writing, but sometimes real life intervenes. I have been busy searching for a real career that actually utilizes my degree some extent, rather than the terminally boring office job I once had. In between that and finding more time to spend with my girlfriend (and playing cards of course), it's been hectic. And honestly, for a long time I had nothing to write about! The meta for Legacy has played out to it's temporary coda much as I suspected it would, and I also feel that the conversation starters on the boards have eroded as everyone braces for the coming of set rotation. So, without further ado, let's finally get to it, starting with my trip report to STG (there are still problems with the recording of Steve's interview, but Omar is working on that for me):