Power of the 187: A Boweh Article

[MistahBoweh]

http://boweh.blogspot.com/2012/04/sh...er-of-187.html

In the above article I explain what this vague, little-known Magic term is, how it relates to Shadow Era, and just how significant 187 cards can be.

Discuss

[Harakhte]

Blast from the past, mate. Good write up.

To be slightly embarrassingly honest, one of the groups I used to play test with developed a habit of singing Sublime, "Calling 1-8-7 on..." (I am sure you all know it) whenever a 187 occurred.

[MistahBoweh]

That's not as bad as when Soul Sisters was the name of a standard deck and half the store (myself included) decided to build it purely for the excuse to annoy the hell out of people with a Train song.

[Harakhte]

Oh, "Don't you dare mess with my Green Machine, it's lean and mean and olive green..." used to make the rounds back in the day too.

One thing I think went unmentioned specifically, but would fall under the Aldon-effect part, would be Bloodlust. Not as hugely relevant as Aldon given the current meta, but it offers a lot of effect for its cc. Sadly the timing, and the space to play it, are often lacking.

[MistahBoweh]

Bloodlust isn't a threat. 187 effects are threats that have immediate value when played, always in the form of killing your opponent's guys. Aldon counts because after being played, he stays on the board and can harass the enemy's life/allies in the following turns. Hellsteed may not be a threat on its own, but it can be when buffed, and in certain decks (such as elementals) it can be used for other things if it stays on board, such as Elemental Discharge. This means that even if Hellsteed can't attack, its mere existence is a threat to the opponent. Lastly, Spark follows the same rule as Aldon. You have one Spark out, then the second (and maybe third) provide the boost that gives you your 187, then all three of the sparks stay in play as threats.

Bloodlust does not stay in play, nor can it act on its own without any other allies. thus, it is never a 187, in the same way that Extra Sharp isn't a 187.

[Harakhte]

That was actually what I was looking for, thanks DnD.

[MistahBoweh]

Any time.

[wreon]

I would consider many weapons to be 187 moves too, in that case. DoU especially.

[MistahBoweh]

DoU doesn't necessarily generate card advantages for what it does, but there are times when it does so and the weapon is listed in the article already.

[Unruler]

How about Firesnake? Is it qualified as 187?