This is an example of the other type of non-basic land found in Throne of Eldraine, the common set of mono-oriented lands. Playing mono-blue is probably underpowered, when compared to more complex schemes that might incorporate blue instants and sorceries - So, I'd say, at least within current Standard, the card won't be a viable option. The best I could do with a counter spell setup was to use black and blue - I used a deck including Drown in the Loch and Lochmere Serpent, and attempted to destroy the opponent's library while controlling with counters. I never play a total non-creature setup (being totally obnoxious and illegitimate), but this deck gave me a variety of possible outcomes. It was still too dependent upon catching the opponent at the right time, and never letting him go, so I abandoned that idea shortly. Theoretically, this mono-blue card would allow you to do something similar, involving large Flash creatures, and lots of counters and other controls. When using blue sorceries with a setup like that, the timing must be appropriate, probably an end-game move. When I browse the possibilities in current Standard, I usually find that it is inadequate to do anything interesting or promising with 1 color, and I usually resolve to search in 3 colors for the power that I need. The "adamant" functions in Throne of Eldraine (If at least X of a particular color was spent to cast this spell, receive some bonus) were dissatisfactory, considering that the compromise that you must make in going mono-colored is too great. While the more simple, straight-forward mono decks may be too powerful even without adamant functions, those decks are never interesting to me. It makes sense, therefore, that adamant was underpowered, to avoiding putting mono-decks over the top. This is another example of distorted thinking in the game design - Instead of compromising the adamant functions, compromise the things that mono-decks rely on for their power (large green creatures with hexproof and trample, red damage that can kill you in 4 turns, ect.). Adamant could have been an excellent mechanic, but as it is, it was mostly mediocre. |
