Cactus Game Design Message Boards

As we all know, T2 isn't as speed-based as T1, and slightly larger deck sizes are more acceptable. How big is too big though? Is 100 the max for any truly viable decks (the same way 50 [or 51] is the best in T1), or is 105 okay? What about 112?

For T2 2P, I feel 105 is the ideal size, but 112 is certainly viable.

For T2 MP, I like 100 - Dominants are so much more important in MP for blocking everybody, and getting your key cards out and keeping them out is tricky, so I like smaller here.

Because In T2, unlike T1, you actually need to play some utility type enhancements ala Lifting the Curse, or Benedictus.

Because defenses are required by the deckbuilding rules, your offence needs to be able to counter a variety of them while still having enough straight up power. Thus utility enhancements. 112 simply allows you to counter more defenses.

I'll run 105 when trying out a new deck. Those extra 5 card slots are useful for figuring out which cards work, as I fine tune the deck. But as the deck gets tuned it gets cut down to 100. All 5 of the decks I've used to win the "BIG T2 Blowout" the past three years, Nats 09 and Nats 10 were all 100 cards. Since one of those decks was built by Clift I assume he must believe that a fine tuned deck will run 100 cards. I know at one time that a deck should only be 100 cards was also the opinion of a T2 giant - Mr. Hiatus.

If I was running a Site heavy deck like Professoralstad describes I could see possibly using 105. Even then I wouldn't always run 105 because my Nats 09 deck was Site heavy at 100 cards. I think my attempts at a Creeper defense last year were 105 but I never had one that was fine tuned.

All that to say, RDT and Professoralstad are also completely accurate in their assessment. It just goes to show that a quality player, with a well built deck, who knows how to pilot their deck, can work with anything from 100-112 cards. But I'd venture to say, anything over 112 is not a very fine tuned deck in most circumstances.

My deck was 112 because with 14 slots devoted to sites, and 10 slots devoted to Creepers and Wolves, I had to be able to fit some alternative defense in and the three extra cards (2x Goliath and a PAB) ended up saving the game for me once or twice. I prefer 112 in general for 2P, since I usually find I need a bit more substance than I can fit in 105. In multi I prefer 100, because it is crucial that you get your GoYS ASAP.

Says the person who did not have one in his Nats deck.

You won nationals without Goys?

Every year Eric Largent placed in T2 2p (4 times), he used 119 cards with sites.

Every time I have placed in T2 2p (3 times), I have used 112 cards with no sites.

It all depends on your play style. Go with 100 to 112.

Kirk