Creature Removal in the time of Zombies and Hoofies (1 of 3)

With the resurgence of the presence of Zombies and the craziness (for lack of a better term) of Craterhoof Behemoth Strategies, almost every deck is hoping to cope with such with creature removal spells.

This week let's take a look at how various spells can help certain decks deal with the current metagame. Tackling this by color seems most convenient (given that I need to make a quick pick up from Major's den in a bit). So here it goes.

Pillar of Flame
Cheap, effective and I don't think it calls for any discussion - we all know what its for.

Searing Spear
Defends well against Hellrider, cancels Thragtusk recursion and clears the way of Healers and Augurs. When you need speed with removal, Searing Spear does the job. Unfortunately, this card does little against angels and elephants and spirits (which come two at a time). Which brings me to the next entry.

Mizzium Mortars
Flexible card, slow but able to deal with bigger threats mentioned above. Just don't ask it to deal with that superstar dragon - that's a job for something else.

Thunderbolt
After replacing Combust in the sideboards, this card still proves to lack the flexibility - used mainly to take out Restoration Angels.

Flames of the Firebrand
Awesome against decks running dorks and spirits. Also effective against RDW and Zombies (situational, sometimes it comes late). Also allows RDW to gain the card advantage it badly needs.



 
Brimstone Volley
Copies of this card have been dwindling in main decks since agro with read has decided to go heavier on creatures. Still, it remains as an effective finisher and instant speed burn spell.

Annihilating Fire
Instant removal straight to exile. If you don't want that Thragtusk being served again, you might as well bring in some copies of this card.


Bonfire of the Damned
Still an awesome card to draw at the right time. With three copies in Jon Bolding's sideboard in Charleston, people will be considering the value of this card in their 75.

Geistflame
Only effective against dorks - and NO, I'm not interested to flash this card back either. Not a good choice.  

Electrickery
UW agro seems to be currently off the map which makes this card quite narrow being - exclusively effective against dork and spirit tokens.



Red seems to have a good array of removal spells to choose from but most of these cards lack the versatility to deal with so many threats to think about. Red will still be the choice avenue to deal with agro but is is not likely to have an answer to a charging Thundermaw Hellkite or a late-game Angel of Serenity.

How will you be using RED in your removal strategies? Your insight is very welcome.


Please join me in part two of this article as we tackle the rest of the removal spells from other colors.





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