Draft HOU With Jeremy Dezani

Jeremy Dezani

Hello everyone!

Hour of Devastation is now available and I know people want to learn how to draft this format, especially with all the Grand Prix and Pro Tour Kyoto coming up. So, I will making a series of draft articles about it.

Pack 1

Pick 1

Oketra's AvengerStrategic PlanningUnquenchable ThirstKhenra EternalMarauding Boneslasher
Torment of ScarabsChandra's DefeatGranitic TitanFeral ProwlerLife Goes On
Ramunap ExcavatorRiver HoopoeDesert of the MindfulIfnir DeadlandsPlains

To see My Pick Click Here

Oketra's Avenger

Let’s start with the rare, 《Ramunap Excavator》 is 2/3 for 3 that is average not great. It can be good in a ramp deck with cycling lands and other desert with a sacrifice effect but never great.

《River Hoopoe》 is really strong, 1/3 fly for 2 who can give you card advantage and gain life is just amazing.The only problem is the mana cost, picking a gold card as a first pick is always a little risky, you can do it when the card is a powerhouse or if nothing else in the pack is palatable.

I can see 2 strong commons in the pack, Unquenchable Thirst and 《Oketra's Avenger》. I like both of these cards but I am taking 《Oketra's Avenger》. It is the only white card in the pack and I expect the player on my left to go for the 《River Hoopoe》 which is the best card in the pack.

Pick 2

Angel of the God-PharaohOketra's AvengerOverwhelming SplendorSolitary CamelStriped Riverwinder
Unquenchable ThirstCarrion ScreecherTorment of VenomDefiant KhenraFrilled Sandwalla
Rampaging HippoBloodwater EntityGraven AbominationMountain

To see My Pick Click Here

Oketra's Avenger

《Overwhelming Splendor》 is a very strong card which can reduce the deck of your opponent to just a 40 cards decks full of lands and 《Memnite》‘s. But it is still 8 mana and It is mostly only good in a ramp deck, I already passed green cards to my left and I prefer to focus on an aggressive white deck. We can see the 2 – same commons as the first pack, no reason to pick anything else and I go for the second 《Oketra's Avenger》.

Pick 3

Dauntless AvenDisposal MummyMummy ParamountVizier of the TrueCunning Survivor
Lethal StingLurching RotbeastWithout WeaknessKindled Fury
Bitterbow SharpshootersQuarry BeetleDesert of the IndomitableIsland

To see My Pick Click Here

Dauntless Aven

This pack is full of good white cards, that is a good signal from the players on my right. I am not going to draft a zombie deck with my 《Oketra's Avenger》 so we can forget this 《Mummy Paramount》.

It is between 《Dauntless Aven》 and 《Vizier of the True》. The bird is really synergic with Exert abilities, white is full of exert creatures and I already have two. So, I went for 《Dauntless Aven》.

Pick 4

Djeru, With Eyes OpenAven ReedstalkerCountervailing WindsTragic Lesson
Khenra EternalWithout WeaknessWretched CamelGranitic Titan
Gift of StrengthSidewinder NagaShefet DunesSwamp

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Shefet Dunes

A white rare here, but to be honest in limited 《Djeru, With Eyes Open》 looks like a poor common because you have a very low chance of getting a planeswalker. So, I can either go for a second color but I’m not enthusiastic with any of the possibilities here.

《Shefet Dunes》 is useful with creature cards which get bonuses when you have one desert. Also, the ability could be useful in the late game when it is difficult to attack against good blockers. I will play it for sure and this is not the case of the other cards.

Pick 5

Dutiful ServantsSolitary CamelAerial GuideLurching Rotbeast
Frontline DevastatorMagmarothOasis RitualistCrook of Condemnation
Wall of Forgotten PharaohsDesert of the GlorifiedSwamp

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Solitary Camel

《Solitary Camel》 is one of this 3/2 for 3 that is not great but he gets lifelink if you control a desert. I just got one and lifelink is the best ability to stave off races. Your opponent really wants to kill it and will not hesitate to block it so that makes your combat tricks even better.

Pick 6

Seer of the Last TomorrowStrategic PlanningDoomfallKhenra Eternal
Ruin RatGilded CerodonLife Goes On
Rhonas's StalwartManalithForest

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Rhonas's Stalwart

No white cards in this pack, no choice so I choose a second color. I am playing an aggressive deck and 《Rhonas's Stalwart》 is clearly the best card in this pack for the kind of deck I am drafting now.

Pick 7

Solitary CamelSteadfast SentinelJace's Defeat
Spellweaver EternalLurching RotbeastBlur of Blades
Firebrand ArcherDesert of the IndomitableIsland

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Solitary Camel

《Solitary Camel》 and 《Steadfast Sentinel》. I think Steadfast is a control card, you want to trade it and bring it back. The 2/3 body is not strong enough for a 4 cc creature in an aggressive deck. It doesn’t help your previous creatures and the tempo you lost as playing it decreases the impact of any potential value you can get with. I will just pick a second Solitary Camel and take care about having some deserts in the deck.

Pick 8

Countervailing WindsApocalypse DemonDefiant KhenraLife Goes On
Crook of CondemnationManalithDesert of the FerventMountain

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Desert of the Fervent

Nothing in the pack, I will just pick up a 《Desert of the Fervent》. If I am playing red as second colour I will play it for sure.

Pick 9

Strategic PlanningTorment of ScarabsChandra's DefeatGranitic Titan
Life Goes OnIfnir DeadlandsPlains

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Ifnir Deadlands

The choice is not easy here. I know I am playing white but I’m not fixing of the second colour yet. 《Chandra's Defeat》 is a strong sideboard card but I am not sure to play red and also not sure to play against red decks. I will just pick 《Ifnir Deadlands》 which is a desert but also kind of a removal spell.

Pick 10 to 15

Frilled SandwallaKindled FuryGranitic TitanFrontline DevastatorLife Goes OnIsland

Pack 2

Pick 1

Angel of the God-PharaohCrested SunmareDauntless AvenMummy ParamountOketra's Avenger
Aerial GuideEternal of Harsh TruthsRuin RatThorned MolochFeral Prowler
Life Goes OnResolute SurvivorsDesert of the MindfulDesert of the TrueIsland

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Crested Sunmare

It is pack 2 and I’m opening a white mythic card. 《Crested Sunmare》 is great if you can gain life and if possible, the turn it is coming into play. Lucky me, I already got 2 《Solitary Camel》 and deserts. It doesn’t help me to choose my second colour but It fixes the first one pretty well. Many white good commons are present in the pack, I can hope for a good pick 9.

Pick 2

Oketra's AvengerRuin RatWretched CamelInferno JetKindled Fury
MagmarothFeral ProwlerHarrier NagaOasis RitualistDriven // Despair
Wall of Forgotten PharaohsShefet DunesSurvivors' EncampmentPlains

To see My Pick Click Here

Oketra's Avenger

Only one white card in the pack and it is my 3rd 《Oketra's Avenger》. It will be unlikely to get the 《Shefet Dunes》 back pick 10 but not impossible.

Pick 3

Djeru's RenunciationDutiful ServantsAven ReedstalkerMoaning WallScrounger of Souls
Wretched CamelOpen FireAmbuscadeDevotee of Strength
Frilled SandwallaQuarry BeetleHashep OasisPlains

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Ambuscade

Ok this is a key moment in the draft, for the first time I have no white cards and great spells in other colours. 《Open Fire》 and 《Ambuscade》 are 2 removal spells with the same powerlevel. Now I have 1 great card in green and a desert and a 《Kindled Fury》 in red. With 3 《Oketra's Avenger》 I think 《Ambuscade》 is really strong and I will pick it.

Pick 4

Act of HeroismDisposal MummyOketra's AvengerSeer of the Last Tomorrow
Lethal StingOpen FireThorned MolochFeral Prowler
Gift of StrengthGraven AbominationDunes of the DeadPlains

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Oketra's Avenger

Oh, sorry not 3 but 4 《Oketra's Avenger》‘s. A second 《Open Fire》 in a row is coming from left, hard to pass it but the only thing I’m sure now is I am playing a white weenie deck.

Pick 5

Aven ReedstalkerStriped RiverwinderSwarm IntelligenceLurching Rotbeast
Blur of BladesDefiant KhenraKindled FurySidewinder Naga
Crypt of the EternalsDesert of the TrueIsland

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Desert of the True

Easy pick, I need deserts in my deck and a white one is the best. 《Desert of the True》 is coming tap into play but I don’t have one drops so a small quantity of them will not be an issue.

Pick 6

Solitary CamelTorment of ScarabsWretched CamelFirebrand Archer
Frontline DevastatorFrilled SandwallaHarrier Naga
Sidewinder NagaGraven AbominationForest

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Solitary Camel

Ok let’s go for the 3rd 《Solitary Camel》. I am looking for removal and combat tricks to help them attack.

Pick 7

Angel of the God-PharaohSteadfast SentinelCountervailing Winds
AbradeDefiant KhenraGift of Strength
Graven AbominationDesert of the FerventMountain

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Abrade

Pick 7 《Abrade》 is just incredible, at this point nothing else is good for me in the pack.

Pick 8

Countervailing WindsCunning SurvivorKhenra EternalCrash Through
Manticore EternalDagger of the WorthyDesert of the GlorifiedIsland

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Manticore Eternal

I am between GW and RW, I will not pick another black desert, I will just take another red card in case I will play a boros deck. 《Manticore Eternal》 is a decent high curve spell for an aggressive deck.

Pick 9

Angel of the God-PharaohDauntless AvenThorned MolochFeral Prowler
Life Goes OnResolute SurvivorsIsland

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Dauntless Aven

Yes pick 9 and 《Dauntless Aven》 is coming back. My four 《Oketra's Avenger》 will not hesitate to exert. 《Resolute Survivors》 is also a good 3 drop but I am still not sure about my second color.

Pick 10 to 15

Survivors' EncampmentDutiful ServantsDisposal MummyKindled FuryFrilled SandwallaMountain

Pack 3

Pick 1

Unwavering InitiateAngler DrakeGalestrikeIllusory WrappingsRiver Serpent
Scribe of the MindfulVizier of Many FacesDune BeetlePainful LessonUnburden
Wasteland ScorpionManticore of the GauntletHooded BrawlerHonored Crop-CaptainPlains

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Honored Crop-Captain

If I am playing Boros 《Honored Crop-Captain》 is just amazing for my deck. But it is clearly not a safe pick and 《Unwavering Initiate》 is. I took the risk to pick the Boros card because it is more powerful in my deck but both picks are fine. Also, I had a feeling that red was not really drafted at the table.

Pick 2

Binding MummyTah-Crop EliteNaga OracleWinds of RebukeCursed Minotaur
Grim StriderScarab FeastCartouche of ZealDesert CerodonDefiant Greatmaw
Ornery KuduOnward // VictoryFailure // ComplyMountain

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Cartouche of Zeal

I don’t have zombies in my deck and this 《Binding Mummy》 don’t do anything more for me than a grizzly bear. I will continue to bet on the boros deck and pick this 《Cartouche of Zeal》 which is just what I am looking to help my Camels attack.

Pick 3

Forsake the WorldlySacred CatTime to ReflectCancelSlither Blade
Doomed DissenterHorror of the Broken LandsLay Bare the HeartTrespasser's Curse
Bloodlust InciterThresher LizardOrnery KuduMountain

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Bloodlust Inciter

With 4 3/1 creatures playable on turn 2 《Bloodlust Inciter》 is clearly a good card in my deck, at least the first one.

Pick 4

Djeru's ResolveCompelling ArgumentDeem WorthyManticore of the Gauntlet
Tormenting VoiceGiant SpiderOrnery KuduShed Weakness
Shadowstorm VizierRags // RichesPainted BluffsMountain

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Deem Worthy

《Djeru's Resolve》 does a good job aiding 《Solitary Camel》 but not that much for 《Oketra's Avenger》 who can already defend himself. 《Deem Worthy》 however is a powerful piece of removal.

Pick 5

Impeccable TimingHorror of the Broken LandsBrute StrengthMinotaur Sureshot
Trial of ZealColossapedeHooded BrawlerHoned Khopesh
Luxa River ShrinePainted BluffsForest

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Trial of Zeal

Wow, 《Trial of Zeal》 pick 5 after 《Deem Worthy》 pick 4, it looks like I choose the best second color I could. I already have a Red Cartouche to work with. This is amazing to get both in only one pack.

Pick 6

Winged ShepherdScribe of the MindfulTah-Crop SkirmisherAhn-Crop Crasher
Emberhorn MinotaurManticore of the GauntletHaze of Pollen
Honored Crop-CaptainPlainsSwamp

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Ahn-Crop Crasher

And now 《Ahn-Crop Crasher》 pick 6. I just got 3 red uncommon in a row, each one is a strong first pick. My deck is really quite powerful at this point.

Pick 7

Djeru's ResolveForsake the WorldlyWinged Shepherd
Hekma SentinelsFaith of the DevotedBlazing Volley
Warfire JavelineerHooded BrawlerForest

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Djeru's Resolve

Unfortunatly, not enough instant and sorcery in my deck for a 4th great red uncommon with 《Warfire Javelineer》. Instead I’m picking 《Djeru's Resolve》.

Pick 8

Protection of the HekmaNew PerspectivesSlither BladeHyena Pack
Manticore of the GauntletTrueheart TwinsGiant SpiderSwamp

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Manticore of the Gauntlet

An excellent card for the deck especially in an aggressive deck. 《Manticore of the Gauntlet》 is a decent body who can also help you to deal those last few points of damage.

Pick 9

Illusory WrappingsScribe of the MindfulDune BeetleUnburden
Manticore of the GauntletHooded BrawlerPlains

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Manticore of the Gauntlet

A second 《Manticore of the Gauntlet》 as top curve finisher. A second 《Manticore of the Gauntlet》 as top curve finisher.

Pick 10 to 15

Failure // ComplySlither BladeManticore of the GauntletBrute StrengthPlainsForest

Final Decklist

Round Opp Result
Round 1Bant0-2
Round 2UG2-1
Round 3Jund Ramp2-0

4 deserts are the correct number. I want to play only 16 lands so I assume three 5 mana creatures is enough. I like to play 8 non-creatures cards who help my creatures get through in the boros deck.

It is generally because creatures are weak and have trouble against big blockers. If my opponent is playing lots of removal I would cut one for an additional creature.

Thank you for reading,

Jeremy DEZANI

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