Goat Format Championship 13 Deck Tech: Phoenix Goat Control
This article provides a deck tech for Luca Cipolletta's "Phoenix Goat Control" deck used at Goat Format Championship 13, drawing inspiration from historical top-performing lists.
Players using successful historical lists as inspiration is commonplace in Goat Format. It seems that's exactly what Luca Cipolletta (AKA Funky5) has done with his Phoenix Goat Control deck, which has clear similarities to Roberto Martinez's Shonen Jump New Jersey 2005 deck. Martinez placed in the top eight of his event, but how will Funky5 fare?
Deck List
Overview
Decks which play Phoenix often pair it with an Apprentice Magician core. The small spellcaster not only searches out Hand of Nephthys, but also Magician of Faith and Old Vindictive Magician. This brings powerful consistency to the deck, and allows for toolboxing for the right monster at the right time. Phoenix-based lists will also usually play Scapegoat, since the tokens are perfect tribute fodder when activating Hand's effect. Of course, combining the famous quick play spell with Metamorphosis and Creature Swap also works!
Player Insight
Funky's approach to the event seems to be one of self-awareness and self-improvement. During our interview, they were careful to note their own play mistakes, card choices, and what they might change for each. Still, it was clear they had a lot of confidence in their deck.
[...] I think this is a great built. However, I made it two days ago, so I need to revaluate many cards, but the idea behind it is great! With the the tempo in goat, special summons can be the key factor in many games. Still, I didn't know myself how to play the deck at maximum power.
This mindful and humble attitude is often exactly what a player needs to continuously get better and make it to the top. Such a mindset is definitely worthy of respect!Along with some clear strong negative feelings toward the card Reasoning, they also spoke on the tournament itself, saying:
[...] There are decent players and decent decks here, it's but really chaotic to do online.
I think we can all agree that playing online definitely has its drawbacks. Maybe some day we'll be able to host these events live and in person!
