TCGplayer.com Preview: Balking Foecrusher

[1r0n w!LL]

IMO, the beauty of this guy is he can be used on top of Shriever Attack and he's an even bigger threat with that new Location.

Note: Are you threatening Lord Kuato?

Having some sort of 4 damage sweep is potentially a big change in the game; it gives you some reason not to over extend. But it is a long way to go. You have to telegraph it and it is vulnerable in a lot of ways. If you don't pay 10 all in 1 turn, your opponent can kill the ball crusher. And the SA is still vulnerable to Tac Vac. 4 damage will kill most everything, but at a total cost of 13(4 + 2 + 3 - 3 + 4 + 3) for the 4 point wrath, it is as expensive as Downsizing.

[jty3]

Hey Josh,

Can you post a better quality image of this card? The one in the TCGplayer article looks blurry.

Thanks.

[thegnomishone]

And which tournament viable deck would that be? The only one I have seen recently is Bin Chen's FTA deck. This guy may have a place in that deck, but I am not sure it makes a huge difference.

I foresee a Warlord/Arcanist build that could be very interesting...

When you bounce him he does 1. The bouncing is obviously better than destroy, but not really that exciting.

Most of the time when Shriever attack was used, it was used on a bunch of 1 life characters. That means that this guy without using his second ability, is basically a 4 cost shriever attack as opposed to the 7 cost shriever we have right now.

[1r0n w!LL]

Most of the time when Shriever attack was used, it was used on a bunch of 1 life characters. That means that this guy without using his second ability, is basically a 4 cost shriever attack as opposed to the 7 cost shriever we have right now.

His net cost is 4 and does 1 if you get your opponent to kill him. QAing him still has net cost of 6.

[Hordak]

You mentioned Bin's deck and this guy synergizes really well with that deck type...kill dudes AND gain life. Weeeeeeee!

[1r0n w!LL]

You mentioned Bin's deck and this guy synergizes really well with that deck type...kill dudes AND gain life. Weeeeeeee!

Yeah. It seems like it would be fine in the deck, but I don't think he really changes the deck. It doesn't shore up big weaknesses or provide much in the way of extra power. I am *not* suggesting this guy is not good. There is a good chance that he could see constructed play, but I think he going to need to be an answer to cards or decks we haven't seen yet to make the cut.

[La_Sin_Grail]

He's another limited powerhouse... looks like warlords are getting some real beef, especially for limited!

Constructed, he's playable. Not going to revolutionize the game or anything, but he's of a decidedly acceptable playability level if you need a card for that niche.

[infidel07]

no more weanies, ever.

[Lord Kuato]

no more weanies, ever.

Now that right there is why I love this card. I've hated weenies since way back in M:tG Revised.

Note: Lord Kuato would love to balk at a weenie deck after Seed comes out.

[Asukarulez]

So, I'm building a Warlord deck. The first thing I do is throw in 4 Shriever Attacks. Because, honestly, it's their very best card. Tactic that sweeps the board is good. Next, I would have added Deadly Striker because he wins games.

Now, I'm adding 4 copies Balking Foecrusher.

Why? Because he's got it all.

For 4, I've got a 2/2/3, which isn't a very good deal. But hey, when he leaves play, everything takes a damage. Kewl. Sweeps board of the little guys. Then I draw a card.

...

Did I say a Warlord card that cantrips? Seriously? Wow.

How to play Foecrusher:

1. Attack with him. That's right, just swing into the red zone. He can block and take 4 to the blocker and 2 to the rest of the field. Or take 2. Most of the time a really good deal.

2. Block with him. Same story. But not as good as before. Attackings wins the game. Blocking? I don't die?

3. 6 Cost Shriever Attack that Cantrips at "Sorcery" speed. I think it's a pretty good deal. Pay 1 less to get a card draw.

But what really almost pushes above Shriever is that 1 damage. That original one damage. That "triggered ability that can't be responded to" damage. What does that entail?

Exploding Sock Puppet: Still dealing 1 damage and drawing a card.

Schproingmajig/MSC: Once you're opponent starts to pump Schproing, sac your Foecrusher and wipe out the tokens. Nope, he can't respond to that, sadly. My opponent can still respond to Shriever Attack being played on his turn. But once Balking Foecrusher goes kaboom, that's all folks.

Yes, he's my #2 favorite card in Rage.

On a side note, I can totaly see myself pull a "Humpus Wumpus" on this one and start calling him "Bonecrusher" instead. I've had to edit myself 3 times so far.