Rakdos Scam is a powerful combo deck in Modern, known for explosive starts and resilience. This guide helps players master sideboarding strategies to optimize matchups and improve gameplay.
1.1 What is Rakdos Scam?
Rakdos Scam is a Modern combo deck centered around Thrasios, Triton Hero and Sojourner’s Companion, leveraging cheap, high-impact spells to disrupt opponents. It combines discard, rituals, and pay-off cards to win quickly. The deck thrives on explosive starts, using Consider and Brainstorm to find key pieces. Its resilience comes from recursive threats like Shambling Ghoul and Putrid Imp. Rakdos Scam is known for its ability to adapt and recover, making it a formidable opponent in competitive play. However, its reliance on specific synergies can make it vulnerable to targeted hate cards. This guide focuses on optimizing sideboarding strategies to maximize the deck’s potential across various matchups.
1.2 Why Build a Sideboard Guide for Rakdos Scam?
Rakdos Scam is a complex, combo-oriented deck with unique challenges, making sideboarding crucial for success. Its reliance on specific synergies and vulnerability to hate cards demands precise adjustments. This guide addresses the deck’s strengths and weaknesses, providing tailored strategies for various matchups. By understanding when and how to sideboard, players can maximize their deck’s potential. The guide also helps identify key threats in opponents’ decks and balances the main deck with the sideboard. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the archetype, this guide offers insights to refine your approach and improve your win rate in competitive play.
Understanding the Rakdos Scam Deck
The Rakdos Scam deck is a high-octane combo deck that thrives on explosive starts and resilience. It combines powerful creatures with disruptive elements to outpace opponents.
2.1 Core Strategy and Win Conditions
The core strategy of Rakdos Scam revolves around deploying a fast, aggressive game plan while disrupting opponents with discard and removal spells. The deck aims to win through explosive starts, often curving into powerful threats like Kolaghan’s Command or Mayhem Devil. Early-game discard ensures opponents struggle to establish a board, while mid-game threats like Seasoned Pyromancer or Wrenn and Six generate card advantage. The deck’s win conditions are twofold: overwhelming the opponent with superior tempo or closing the game with a combination of recursive threats and removal. Balancing disruption and aggression is key to executing the deck’s strategy effectively.
2.2 Key Cards in the Rakdos Scam Deck
The Rakdos Scam deck relies on a mix of disruption, recursion, and powerful threats. Early-game discard spells like Inquisition of Kozilek and Thoughtseize disrupt opponents, while Seasoned Pyromancer and Wrenn and Six provide card advantage. Mayhem Devil and Kolaghan’s Command serve as mid-to-late-game closers, leveraging recursion and synergy. The deck also includes flexible removal like Lightning Bolt and Fatal Push to clear the way for its threats. These cards work together to create a cohesive strategy, balancing disruption and aggression. While the deck is flexible, these key cards are essential for executing its core game plan effectively.
2.3 Common Weaknesses and Challenges
The Rakdos Scam deck has several vulnerabilities that opponents can exploit. Its reliance on graveyard recursion makes it susceptible to cards like Rest in Peace and Grafdigger’s Cage. Additionally, the deck’s early-game disruption can sometimes backfire if it fails to find key threats, leaving it vulnerable to mid-game board states. The deck also struggles against heavy enchantment-based strategies, as it lacks natural ways to remove them. Furthermore, while the deck is resilient, it can be inconsistent in matchups where the opponent can withstand its initial onslaught. Balancing disruption and threats is crucial, as overextending can lead to losing momentum. These challenges require careful sideboarding and strategic adjustments to overcome.
General Sideboarding Principles
Effective sideboarding in Rakdos Scam involves identifying key threats, adapting to matchups, and maintaining deck balance. Timing and card selection are crucial for optimal performance.
3.1 When to Sideboard in Rakdos Scam
Timing is critical when deciding to sideboard in Rakdos Scam. Typically, players should sideboard after the first game to adapt to the opponent’s strategy. However, in some cases, such as when the opponent’s deck is highly linear or relies on specific cards, it may be beneficial to sideboard proactively. It’s important to assess the matchup after the initial game to determine if changes are necessary; Over-sideboarding can dilute the deck’s core strategy, while under-sideboarding may leave you unprepared. Always consider the opponent’s potential moves and adjust accordingly to maintain a competitive edge. Proper timing ensures optimal deck performance in subsequent games.
3.2 How to Identify Key Threats in Opponent’s Deck
Identifying key threats in your opponent’s deck is essential for effective sideboarding in Rakdos Scam. Start by analyzing their main strategy during the first game. For example, if they’re playing a Control deck, look for counterspells or board wipes. Against Midrange decks, identify their removal spells or value creatures. Combo decks often rely on specific enablers or payoff cards. Pay attention to their sideboard cards during the game, as these can reveal their strategy. Use this information to determine which cards in your sideboard can directly counter their threats. Adjusting your deck accordingly ensures you’re prepared for the upcoming games. Always prioritize neutralizing their most impactful cards to gain an advantage.
3.3 Balancing the Main Deck and Sideboard
Balancing the main deck and sideboard is crucial for optimizing your Rakdos Scam strategy. Ensure your main deck remains streamlined and focused on its core game plan, while your sideboard addresses specific matchups. Avoid duplicating cards between the two unless absolutely necessary. The main deck should be consistent and powerful in its primary strategy, while the sideboard provides flexibility to adapt to various opponents. Tailor your sideboard to cover common threats without overloading it with niche cards. Regularly test and refine this balance to ensure both decks complement each other effectively. A well-balanced approach enhances your ability to adapt and succeed in diverse matchups.
Sideboarding Against Common Matchups
Mastering sideboarding against common matchups is key to success. Adapt your strategy to counter Control, Midrange, Aggro, Combo, and Token decks effectively, ensuring flexibility and resilience in various scenarios.
4.1 vs. Control Decks
When facing Control decks, Rakdos Scam must adapt to counter their counterspells and card draw. Bring in cards like Simian Spirit Guide and Elvish Rejuvenator for mana acceleration and resilience. Include Carrion Feeder to bypass counterspells with free casts. Remove cards like Thoughtseize and Inquisition of Kozilek, as they are less effective against Control’s creature-light builds. Focus on disrupting their card advantage with Hushwing Gryff or Shenanigan. Mulligan aggressively for hands with early disruption or a strong combo setup. Sideboarding correctly against Control decks requires balancing disruption with your own threats to outpace their defenses and maintain pressure throughout the game.
4.2 vs. Midrange Decks
Against Midrange decks, Rakdos Scam needs to balance disruption and tempo. Bring in Carrion Feeder and Elvish Rejuvenator to enhance resilience and mana efficiency. Include Hushwing Gryff to protect your combo from removal. Remove Thoughtseize and Inquisition of Kozilek, as Midrange decks often rely on creatures rather than non-creature spells. Focus on disrupting their board with Shenanigan or Skemfar Shadowsage. Mulligan for hands with early disruption or a fast combo. Sideboarding against Midrange requires maintaining pressure while protecting your win conditions, ensuring you can outlast their threats and execute your game plan effectively.
4.3 vs. Aggro Decks
When facing Aggro decks, prioritize survival and disruption. Bring in Carrion Feeder and Elvish Rejuvenator for added resilience and mana efficiency. Include Hushwing Gryff to protect your combo from spot removal. Remove Thoughtseize and Inquisition of Kozilek, as Aggro decks often lack non-creature spells. Focus on disrupting their board with Shenanigan or Skemfar Shadowsage. Mulligan for hands with early disruption or a fast combo. Against Aggro, balancing disruption with protection is key. Ensure you can survive their early aggression while setting up your win condition. Sideboarding correctly here often decides the game, so prioritize cards that extend your life total and disrupt their tempo.
4.4 vs. Combo Decks
When facing Combo decks, focus on disrupting their ability to assemble their win condition. Bring in Thoughtseize and Inquisition of Kozilek to strip key combo pieces from their hand. Include Hushwing Gryff to protect your own combo from removal. Remove Carrion Feeder and Elvish Rejuvenator, as they are less impactful in this matchup. Prioritize disrupting their mana with Shenanigan or Skemfar Shadowsage. Mulligan for hands with early disruption or a fast combo. Against Combo decks, timing your disruption is crucial. Balance protecting your own combo while hindering theirs. Sideboarding correctly here often decides the game, so prioritize cards that disrupt their strategy while safeguarding your own.
4.5 vs. Token-Based Decks
Against Token-Based Decks, focus on controlling the board and preventing their swarm strategy. Bring in Damnation and Liliana of the Veil to clear the board and disrupt their plans. Include Hushwing Gryff to protect your key creatures from mass removal. Remove Elvish Rejuvenator and Carrion Feeder, as they are less effective in this matchup. Mulligan for hands with early interaction or a fast combo. Prioritize disrupting their ability to generate tokens while advancing your own game plan. Balancing removal and protection is key here. Sideboarding correctly ensures you can handle their swarm and maintain control of the board.
Specific Card Swaps for Rakdos Scam
Rakdos Scam sideboard swaps focus on combo protection and disruption. Include Wear // Tear and Shapers’ Sanctuary for key creatures. Remove Elvish Rejuvenator for optimization.
5.1 Cards to Bring In
When sideboarding with Rakdos Scam, prioritize cards that protect your combo or disrupt opponents. Wear // Tear is essential against artifact decks, while Shapers’ Sanctuary shields your creatures from removal. Include Unlucky Witness to counter token-based strategies and Nurturing Peatland for ramp matchups. Assassin’s Trophy is versatile, removing problematic permanents. Bring in Collective Brutality against midrange or creature-heavy decks. Always assess the opponent’s strategy to determine the most impactful cards to include. These swaps ensure your deck remains competitive post-board, addressing specific threats while maintaining your gameplan. Tailor your choices to the matchup, focusing on disruption and protection to secure victory.
5.2 Cards to Take Out
When sideboarding with Rakdos Scam, it’s crucial to trim cards that underperform in specific matchups. Consider removing Simian Spirit Guide and Dragon’s Egg if the opponent lacks artifact or enchantment removal. Shambling Shoal can be cut against decks with heavy creature removal or sweepers. Carrion Feeder is less impactful in matchups where sacrificing creatures isn’t beneficial. Remove Wear // Tear if artifacts aren’t a threat. Always balance your removals to maintain the deck’s core functionality. Avoid over-sideboarding, as this can disrupt your combo’s consistency. Tailor your cuts based on the opponent’s strategy to ensure your deck remains optimized for the post-board game.
5.3 Flexible Cards Depending on Matchup
Certain cards in Rakdos Scam can be flexibly swapped based on the opponent’s deck. For example, Wear // Tear is excellent against artifact-heavy decks but can be cut if artifacts aren’t a threat. Similarly, Unlucky Alibi shines against combo decks but may be less relevant in creature-heavy matchups. Shambling Shoal can be brought in for its surprise factor or cut if the opponent relies on sweepers. Carrion Feeder is versatile but may be trimmed if sacrificing creatures isn’t advantageous. Always assess the opponent’s strategy to decide which cards to swap. This flexibility ensures your deck remains adaptable while maintaining its core combo potential. Balancing these adjustments is key to optimizing your sideboarding strategy.
Advanced Sideboarding Techniques
Mastering advanced sideboarding involves anticipating opponents’ moves, adapting post-board strategies, and leveraging sideboard cards to disrupt their plans while enhancing your deck’s resilience and maintaining tempo.
6.1 Anticipating Opponent’s Sideboard Moves
Anticipating your opponent’s sideboard moves is crucial in Rakdos Scam. Opponents often bring in graveyard hate like Rest in Peace or Wear // Tear to disrupt your combo. Similarly, they may add creature removal or discard spells to target your key threats; By recognizing patterns in their main deck, such as the presence of counterspells or lifegain, you can predict their sideboard plan. For example, control decks often board in more sweepers, while combo decks may add faster threats. Adjust your strategy by mulliganing more aggressively or protecting your win conditions. This proactive approach ensures you stay one step ahead, minimizing their ability to disrupt your game plan effectively.
6.2 Adjusting to Post-Board Games
Post-board games require strategic adjustments to counter your opponent’s sideboard moves. After sideboarding, the game often shifts in dynamics, as both players adapt to each other’s threats. In Rakdos Scam, it’s crucial to anticipate the opponent’s changes and adjust your strategy accordingly. For example, if they bring in graveyard hate, consider mulliganing aggressively to find a faster combo or protecting your key cards with counterspells. Similarly, if they add removal, prioritize protecting your threats or finding alternative win conditions. Flexibility is key—be prepared to pivot your game plan based on the opponent’s new cards while maintaining your core strategy. Adaptability ensures you remain competitive in the evolving matchup.
6.3 Using Sideboard Cards to Disrupt Opponent’s Strategy
Sideboard cards are powerful tools to disrupt your opponent’s strategy, giving you a strategic edge. In Rakdos Scam, cards like Duress or Inquisition of Kozilek can strip key spells from your opponent’s hand, while Collective Brutality punishes creature-heavy decks. Against combo decks, bringing in Witchbane Orb or Choke can shut down their win conditions. Graveyard hate like Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze is essential against decks relying on the graveyard. By identifying the opponent’s core threats, you can tailor your sideboard to neutralize their game plan. This proactive approach forces opponents into suboptimal positions, allowing you to execute your combo more effectively. Remember, disruption is key to controlling the game’s tempo and securing victory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes include over-sideboarding, under-sideboarding, and misidentifying threats. These errors can weaken your deck’s consistency and reduce its chances of winning against diverse matchups effectively.
7.1 Over-Sideboarding
Over-sideboarding is a common mistake where players swap too many cards, diluting the deck’s core strategy. This can lead to inconsistency and reduce the deck’s overall power. Bringing in too many niche cards for specific matchups often backfires, as it disrupts the deck’s synergy and makes it less reliable. For example, swapping multiple core cards for narrow answers can weaken the deck’s ability to execute its gameplan. It’s important to focus on high-impact swaps that directly address the opponent’s threats without compromising the deck’s identity. Always prioritize maintaining the deck’s core strengths while making targeted adjustments.
7.2 Under-Sideboarding
Under-sideboarding occurs when players fail to make necessary adjustments after the first game, leaving their deck vulnerable to the opponent’s strategy. This oversight can lead to missed opportunities to address key threats or improve the deck’s positioning. For example, not bringing in specific hate cards against combo decks or failing to remove dead weight in certain matchups can cost games. Under-sideboarding often stems from overconfidence in the main deck’s ability to perform without adjustments. It’s crucial to stay proactive and tailor the deck to each matchup, ensuring the best possible chance of winning. Always assess the opponent’s deck and make targeted changes to stay competitive in post-board games.
7.3 Misidentifying Key Threats
Misidentifying key threats is a common mistake that can severely impact the effectiveness of sideboarding. Players often overlook specific cards or strategies that are critical to the opponent’s game plan, leading to poor swaps. For example, failing to recognize a combo deck’s win condition or ignoring a control deck’s key counterspells can result in unfavorable matchups. This error stems from inadequate familiarity with common archetypes or misreading the opponent’s strategy during the first game. To avoid this, it’s essential to analyze the opponent’s decklist, identify high-impact cards, and adjust accordingly. Proper preparation and knowledge of the metagame are vital to accurately assess threats and make informed sideboarding decisions. Always prioritize targeting the opponent’s most dangerous cards to maximize your chances of success.
Mastery of Rakdos Scam sideboarding requires practice and adaptability. By understanding matchups and refining strategies, players can enhance their gameplay and achieve consistent success in tournaments.
8.1 Recap of Key Points
Mastering Rakdos Scam sideboarding involves understanding the deck’s core strategy, identifying key threats, and timing sideboard moves effectively. Balancing the main deck and sideboard is crucial, as is adapting to specific matchups. Knowing when to bring in or remove certain cards, like disruption or removal, can drastically improve outcomes. Advanced techniques, such as anticipating opponents’ moves and using sideboard cards to disrupt their strategies, add depth to gameplay. Avoiding common pitfalls like over- or under-sideboarding is essential for consistency. By refining these strategies and staying adaptable, players can elevate their Rakdos Scam performance and achieve success in competitive environments.
8.2 Final Tips for Mastering Rakdos Scam Sideboarding
Consistency is key—practice regularly to refine your sideboarding decisions. Stay adaptable and tailor your strategy to the metagame. Keep your sideboard balanced and focused on addressing common threats. Experiment with new cards and adjust your approach as the format evolves. Trust your instincts but remain open to learning from each matchup. Sideboarding is a skill that improves with experience, so stay patient and persistent. By combining these tips with a deep understanding of the deck, you’ll become a formidable opponent in any Rakdos Scam matchup. Remember, mastery requires continuous learning and adaptation to stay ahead in competitive play.