Nyxathid

Modern forum

Posted on July 12, 2020, 8:02 a.m. by dichia

I was wondering why Nyxathid isn't played in modern in decks like 8-racks.

If you can make cards like The Rack and Shrieking Affliction work, Nyxathid could easily be a 6/6 or 7/7 for 3 mana.

I find it very good in a discard deck, I don't get why it isn't played. I made a research on mtg8 for decks including it, and the result only showed 1 deck.

Can someone clear it out for me?

DuTogira says... #2

8-rack is the only deck which could get consistent use out of it. 8-rack is a nearly creatureless deck. When you add a creature as a wincon to an otherwise creatureless deck, it tends to just give your opponents something to use their removal on, instead of causing their removal to be relatively useless.

July 12, 2020 10:55 a.m.

dichia says... #3

It makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

July 12, 2020 11:16 a.m.

Flooremoji says... #4

Some 8-rack lists also play Ensnaring Bridge, which further diminishes it use.

July 12, 2020 3:06 p.m.

psionictemplar says... #5

Adding to the above, Smallpox is/was used and would make you sacrifice it as well.

July 12, 2020 4:42 p.m.

wallisface says... #6

I believe it’s a potential sideboard option within 8rack, you can board it in game 2 (along with Pack Rat) when your opponent has boarded out all their removal.

In general, discard decks are trying to also invalidate as many cards as possible in their opponents decks, to create more “dead cards” from the beginning. If you’re not running creatures, all your opponents killspells are now useless.

July 14, 2020 7:26 p.m.

Xica says... #7

And the "its a 7/7 for 1BB" when the stars align, is not that impressive.
Awoken Horror's front face is just 2 mana after all, and that card bounces the board, not to mention that its criteria doesnt depend on the opponent (so its not a "do nothing" card against cantrip decks).

Conditional 7/7s are - sadly - not very impressive anymore.

July 27, 2020 6:16 p.m.

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