GRAND PRIX SHIZUOKA 2013 - DECK TECH: SHOTA TAKAO'S ESPER HUMANS

Finishing 4-0 in a Magic Online daily event one week before, Shota Takao decided to bring his Esper Midrange deck here to Shizuoka. It has proved well for him so far, escorting him to a dominating 13-0 record.

Shota Takao

Takao was fascinated by Paul Rietzl’s deck from Pro Tour Theros. Xathrid Necromancer paired with other humans formed the start of the deck for the Tokyo player. After losing repeatedly to Pack Rat he thought, “what if I were to add Detention Sphere?” By adding blue he also gained access to Lyev Skyknight.

Takao explained that adding a third color did not make his mana too much worse. He was able to take advantage of Hallowed Fountain, Watery Grave, and Godless Shrine, along with Temple of Deceit and Temple of Silence. Since he had Detention Sphere, he could easily cut Hero’s Downfall--a card that would have only made his mana worse.

Shota Takao explaining his his 3rd color decision.

Takao believes that he has a strong matchup against the three major decks in the format: Mono-blue Devotion, Mono-black Devotion, and blue-white control. In those matchups, he explained that Whip of Erebos and Obzedat, Ghost Council were especially important.

In building the deck, Takao had some interesting choices. For two-drops he was unsure which of Imposing Sovereign, Cartel Aristocrat, or Daring Skyjek was best. He expected some amount of Domestications this weekend, against which Cartel Aristocrat is especially strong.

Similarly, he had a hard time deciding which removal spell would be best, hence the split of one Doom Blade, one Ultimate Price and one Far & Away.

Shota Takao

Takao reiterated the importance of Obzedat, Ghost Council. “While Blood Baron of Viskopa is by no means weak, Obzedat is on a different level.” With Obzedat missing from top tables as of late, Takao hoped that this tournament would spring it back into the minds of players.

Being a lock for top eight here at Grand Prix Shizuoka, Takao had his eyes on the prize. “I really want to win this event.” He hopes to follow up this tournament with a solid finish at Pro Tour Journey into Nyx.

Shota Takao - Esper Midrange

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Creature (24)

4 Soldier of the Pantheon 2 Imposing Sovereign 3 Daring Skyjek 1 Cartel Aristocrat 4 Xathrid Necromancer 4 Lyev Skyknight 3 Desecration Demon 3 Obzedat, Ghost Council

Sorcery (2)

2 Supreme Verdict

Instant (3)

1 Ultimate Price 1 Doom Blade 1 Far // Away

Artifact (2)

2 Whip of Erebos

Enchantment (4)

4 Detention Sphere

Land (25)

2 Mutavault 1 Swamp 3 Plains 3 Temple of Deceit 4 Temple of Silence 4 Watery Grave 4 Hallowed Fountain 4 Godless Shrine

Other (2)

1 1 Sideboard:

62 Cards

Sideboard (15)

3 Doom Blade 1 Far // Away 1 Supreme Verdict 1 Blood Baron of Vizkopa 2 Underworld Connections 3 Thoughtseize 1 Pay No Heed 1 Glare of Heresy 2 Negate