CONS:
The problem I see with Mindcrank is that you need multiple out to really benefit. If you deal 20 damage to your opponent, sure you mill them 20, but most likely they will be dead from the damage itself. So by itself, this card is pretty weak.
PROS:
I have read pretty much the same comments on Jace's Erasure. There are a lot better cards out there for direct mill. But what these two cards provide you is a way to "set it and forget it." These two cards essentially allow you to invest in the mill without having to constatly tap out each turn. They allow you to play the game and cast other spells, while still keeping the mill threat there.
You could combo this card with something like Underworld Dreams. Even if they're able to resist and survive the damage, the mill will still be an active threat to them. But like I said earlier, one mindcrank by itself is still kinda weak.
Overall I give this card a solid 3.5/5. I believe it... (see all)
Posted By:
dberry02
(6/21/2011 12:22:09 AM)
Everyone talks about how unreliable the Bloodchief Ascension combo is.
Well, that's why you put cognitive thought into your deck space.
Throw in normal discard. Throw in normal black removal. Throw in some great creatures that can help get the ascension up, and proliferate to help pump it up.
Hell, put in Surgical Extraction with the discard so you can get rid of the threats that could destroy you or the combo.
The Ascension is a one-drop, this is a two-drop, which is a beautiful, low curve,
Which means they are not by any means "in the way" of the entire deckspace.
If you get this card out without the Ascension, you're beginning your mill strategy early, maybe even exiling the cards you least wish to see.
If you have the Ascension out, you're beggining the life loss strategy.
The point I'm trying to make is simple: the combo is powerful, and the deck that is built to support the combo will definitely show how much it shines.
Posted By:
infernox10
(5/17/2011 2:59:56 PM)
Calm down people! There is NO NEED for a banning on this card. Yes this combos nicely with Duskmantle Guildmage, but it can also be hated out fairly easily. Artifact destruction? Check. Creature removal? Check. Hand disruption? Check. Graveyard hate? Check, check, and double check! A Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void, or Wheel of Sun and Moon neuters this combo quite efficiently. Besides, this is just slower than other combo decks out there... I'm looking at you Storm. So for all those players calling for a banning with spittle flying, just chill. There is a lot of answers that are already being used in the sideboards of current modern decks. If this kind of deck does rise up and snags a win somewhere, sideboards will be adjusted and the menace will fade to the background. This is not the broken deck you think it is!!!
Posted By:
Tmbstone
(1/16/2013 12:06:01 PM)
I'm gonna run this in my counterburn - should screw with everybody.
EDIT:
Wow, was I right. It effectively turned my counterburn deck into a nice little mill engine. My friend was playing R/W heal+burn, and when this came out it really put the screws on him... and then I locked him down with an Everlasting Torment. I like how they stack too...
A great choice for any damage-heavy deck in need of a solid 2-drop.
Posted By:
blugrn1989
(6/2/2011 12:29:46 AM)
This may not be the best for a straight mill deck, but I have found it very helpful in my reanimation deck based around Geth, Lord of the Vault and Rise from the Grave.
Posted By:
afellowgatherer
(5/30/2011 4:09:32 PM)
This can make your Bonehoard pretty fat pretty quick. Combine with a Geth, Lord of the Vault for some really silly graveyard hijinks.
Posted By:
PhyrexianFryCook
(4/29/2011 12:46:04 PM)
Oh Bloodchief Ascension, your so crazy.
Posted By:
Mekh
(4/28/2011 1:50:21 PM)
does mindcrank stack?
like if you have more than one in play. plz help!
Posted By:
lildragon79
(7/11/2011 10:11:51 PM)
Those of you criticizing Mindcrank as an inefficient mill engine aren't getting it at all. Even if you don't plan on milling them to death, this card can be very good.
It's great if you have a deck designed to feed off your opponent's graveyard. Unless they have a deck designed to pull from their grave, you've also got a decent chance of disrupting a combo. If they've just done something to put the card they need on top of their library, ping 'em for a point and get rid of it.
Use your imagination people! A card doesn't have to fit in every single deck concept to be good.
Posted By:
helluin
(7/14/2011 7:33:13 PM)
Bloodchief Ascension
Posted By:
Tsuichoi
(10/16/2011 9:44:33 PM)