The Goods: Summer of Love - Week 5 - Losers bracket

Every. Game. Matters.
Not just for staying in the game, but this week will mark the cutoff for our top 8!
Winners this week officially "Make the Cut"

Find out what you need to make the best use of your picks, and more, in this weeks...

This week determines our top 8 decks! Who stays? Who falls?
Here's my take:

LOSER'S BRACKET: WEEK 5

Match 49- Gamma Robuts -VS- Devourer of Speed
Devourer is all about that massive, MASSIVE swing, and consistently setting it up. But a camped Mystical Paralysis, can put the Speedsters into a funk that may not be feasable to escape from. Add onto that an easy removal of Silver Surfer via Reign and this one could look extremely favorable to Doom and his robo pals.
Devourer of speed, however, has resilience, and a fetchable readying card playable on top of an innate ready from barry. This means it is entirely possible to take a Mystical Paralysis in the face, and do the infinite mass punch ANYWAY. With both teams looking at consistent access to outplay the other, this one is just too close to call.
Favored to Win: NO LINE (Just pick your winner!)


Match 50- Unjust Fear -VS- The MorMans are Coming!
Unjust fear, comes off of a heart-breaker from week 4, ready to stun ALL the things.
However, MorMans literally stun themselves like it's their JOB. with decent free damage access and some clutch answer cards to boot. Can their evasion tactics push their attackers past the Dr. Light defense? Will Unjust Fear, finally unleash the mythical turn 9 Boosted Dr. Light overkill? A support card will dictate this one. And while I don't know which one, or for who, MorMans has a lot MORE of them.
Favored to win: MorMans are Coming! by 9.5


Match 51- Gods Matter -VS- Intergalactic Carpool
When the Carpool presses out, it is a sight to behold. For this one to go their way, they need big bodies as early as they can get them. A thing equipped with a universal weapon is a powerhouse play in its own right, but will take time to set up.
Gods Matter, lost a close one to a list they by all rights had beaten on turn 3 last week. Only to find them grab a foothold and build a massive defense on it. (On the back of some pretty crazy bad draws) Their opponent this week has none of that tanky resilient access. the goal here is simple: DO NOT LET KREE GET TO TURN 5.
And Gods Matter is readily equipped to do so.
Favored to win: Gods Matter by 13.5


Match 52- Crapple Jacks -VS- IMMORTALS
I've been told that I've been too hard on Crapple Jacks. And while, yes it is SUPER DUPER fun to razz on Scott Hamilton's creation, the fact is, that it consistently has found a way to work... oddly. And one win away from a top 8, can't be just luck.
Fun fact: in no game, not one, has the Crapple Jacks combo of Jackal spamming out 3 drops actually WORKED as designed. We've seen fisk towers spitting out 1 drops to out-tempo. We've seen a 5 drop deadpool steal a win in a close game. So it isn't that the list can't perform. It just FEELS like an insanity list, and is therefore extremely hard to quantify.
But I'll try:
Crapple Jacks is a multi-faceted all-comers list with some unique interactions and some very potent natural answers to power curve play. They MUST hit Deadpool to deal with IMMORTALS, and if they do, that's a hard question demanding a solid answer.
IMMORTALS, have been a big pile of not giving a *%$& what the opponent is doing and powering through one of the more potent endgame lists in the tournament. I expect to see Charaxes and Havok do some serious work in this one, A solid KO from Unnatural Selection could sway the game entirely. Lots of room for an outplay here, for IMMORTALS, but not enough to call this a sure thing.
Favored to Win: IMMORTALS by 12.5

WHY YOU FIGHT!

Top finishers will receive the long-awaited Eugenio variant super skrull! A special Shout-out to CategoryOneGames for also distributing a promo super skrull with every VS Order during the summer of Love 2 event! HYPE! So get cards! NOW! GO!

The top better in our betting pool will land themselves a custom banner in the VS System Collective!

The Postgame Report: Week 4

It turns out even Gods can bleed!

A game loss from a single evade!

A Doop power-up decides the game?
All this AND MORE, in this week's...

As we near ever closer to the top 8, we once again salute those that came before...
we salute the fallen. And probably next week we salute Crapple Jacks... Probably.
RIP amirite?

lets get to the reports!
(spread winners marked by an *)

LOSERS BRACKET:

Match 41- Intergalactic Carpool   -VS-  The Cliffs of INSANITY

Even with a locked down row, CoA (Cliffs of INSANITY) managed to keep up the pressure. it wasn't until a defensive turn 6 facing a perfect press chain into a Mr. Fantastic, father of invention emptying the resource row of 4 equips that the game was put to bed. CoA beats the spread, but ultimately faces the final curtain call in its insane showcase

Intergalactic Carpool  ELIMINATE  The Cliffs of INSANITY*

7  to  -5

Match 42- IMMORTALS  -VS-  HellKnights

Considering their heavy handed loss placing them in the loser's bracket, IMMORTALS have been keeping with their namesake, and just out pressuring other solid builds with their unique tools.
This proved to be no different. Early Fate set on 3? transfer to hellboy on 4? Unnatural selection. While the immortals did not surrender a single character played, except to fuel a grodd steal of Barbara Gordon on 6. Before riding 2 path of destruction pumps to end it. HellKnight fans, be consoled that your team fought to the end, and managed to hang on tightly enough to beat the spread by half a point.

IMMORTALS  ELIMINATE  HellKnights*

10  to  -6

Match 43- The Swingers' Club  -VS-  Devourer of Speed

Devourer got evens and an early Galen to seriously mitigate the early swing potential of the Club. when 6 finally rolled around, however, Devourer still hadn't managed to draw into a Terminal Velocity. Thing is, Thanks to Morg, the Club doesn't exactly spam visible defenders, so the direct swing happened on the back of  the 6 drop barry with a power-up and double beatdown before readying and team tactics for a smooth 46 direct. Swingers manage to beat the spread with some imaginative, if not spiteful return swings.

*The Swingers' Club  ELIMINATED BY  Devourer of Speed

-26  to  -9

Match 44- Tam'Ar Empire  -VS-  The MorMans are Coming!

Tam'Ar dug in early and surfed an easy stall through the early and mid game, while MorMans were content to ride a lifegain engine to stay topped up when the unthinkable happened. as a throw-away chain to a mobilize that was intended to fetch Koriand'r, Manhunter Clone MILLS HER. Then tar Baby RFP's it! So Even though the match went to 7, Without the fiery princess, the MorMan onslaught knocked in the Empire's doors and showed them old time religion, down to the exact endurance total needed to progress. Make no mistake though, that lucksack Manhunter Clone mill stole the game.

Tam'Ar Empire  ELIMINATED BY  The MorMans are Coming!*

0  to  43

WINNERS BRACKET

Match 45- Gamma Robuts  -VS-  BroStat-X

So this is an odd tale where I tell you that Gamma Robuts wiffed turns 1-3 with zero recruits.
However, this is also a tale where i tell you BroStat-X only hit 1 TNB by turn 3. And a crazy clutch defensive 4 from doom negated their entire initiative. Add in Political pressure and things were suddenly turning. but could they bring it back from the brink?
Passing their initiative with a massive board and only leaving a hidden Doop and an Anne Marie Cortez for a swingback, it was the Doop power-up that sealed the game in a team swing into Bastion.
Death by Doop. Robuts relegate to the losers bracket. perhaps we shall see them again. Pickers looking for sure things won't like this result at all. Gamma Robuts beat the spread and almost steal a win.

*Gamma Robuts  DEFEATED BY  BroStat-X

-7  to  -6

Match 46- Dark Magic -VS- Unjust Fear

I can't break down this game without giving the final turns as a fully summarized play-by-play.

So the game is close, it is turn 5, both teams are sitting on their low to mid 40's for endurance and Dark Magic has initiative. Paying 3 to alt recruit the 1 cost nightmaster, Dark Magic uses new and Improved to KO it. Then they play a second alt recruited Nightmaster. it enters with 2 counters but is short lived, as again, it is KO'd to new and Improved. Now it gets a wierd. Dark Magic ALT recruits 5 drop Nightmaster by paying 20, it enters play at 13/13, but not done yet, Dark Magic KO's Blue devil 2 drop, gaining 6 endurance, then spends 5 resources to recruit Blue Devil 5 entering at 12/12, and losing 4 endurance.
Unjust fear, played a Lex.

Then Dark Magic flipped Anarchy.

And anarchy it WAS.
Dr. Sivana KOs.
Shimmer KOs.
Poison Ivy KOs.
then Grigory Rasputin spends 5, and sure enough, Lex dies too.
So even though Dark Magic went from low forties in endurance to just 11, unjust Fear, went from equally high endurance, to just 14. and lost 12 resources worth of characters in play. with nothing but 5 infernal minions in play

Follow up to turn 6:
With only 5 characters in play, rather than the usual 8 or so, Dr Light is recruited for the 6th, but won't be stunning a defensive 6 as he can only take down 5 or less. And a 6 is indeed played, as June Moon enters play. Unjust Fear Settles for the over-statted Nightmaster, as a stun target and Nightmaster goes down.
A Sleeper Cells follows up attempting to ready Dr. Light, but was promptly Conclaved. Now below 10 endurance, June Moon activates to stun Dr. Light, who in turn, responds with press the attack. the chain resolves and Dr. Light readies, then activates to stun Blue devil before going down for the stun himself from June Moon.
Some power-ups allow the remaining 2 infernal minions another trade with Dark Magic's Ilsa before passing with a score of -6 to 7 in Unjust Fear's favor. and only a Grigori left for Dark Magic that can swing.
Grigori does so.
For a moment teh Dark Magic player considers the handshake.
"Oh almost forgot"
only one move left.
Activate new and Improved on the stunned Blue devil to KO it.
Blue Devil triggered effect resolves... GAIN 8.
Dark Magic wins.

*Dark Magic  DEFEATS  Unjust Fear

2  to  0

Match 47- Gods Matter -VS- Foul-Mouthed Dark God

Gods did what they do and swung like maniacs on turn 3. however an awkward clump prevented any meaningful play on 4, (nothing but slipstreams) then again on 5 as they pushed for a team swing at 16 hoping to take Dark God to -1. but the god had the brick to ensure a swingback for game.

Gods Matter  DEFEATED BY  Foul-Mouthed Dark God*

-7  to  3

Match 48- Crapple Jacks -VS- WEE

No double points awarded this week!

WEE lived up to its name and just ran away with a monstrous turn 6, Man Eaters ac cess to the hidden area proved too detrimental for any relevant set-up, resulting in WEE removing that nice shiny "undefeated" tag from Crapple Jacks. Sorry, not sorry Scott... WEE more than triples their allocated spread. But we will see Crapple Jacks again in the losers bracket, perhaps they aren't quite done yet. Is it possible they survive the next round and land a top 8 berth?
Stay tuned folks.

Crapple Jacks  DEFEATED BY   WEE*

-32  to  15

SEE THE BRACKET HERE

Stay tuned for the betting thread for next week!! We will be playing our losers bracket to establish our top 8 next week!

The Goods: Summer of Love - Week 4

Winners and losers this week! as we see 4 more teams eliminated!
Who will they be? All this and more as I get you...

LOSERS BRACKET:

41- Intergalactic Carpool   -VS-  The Cliffs of INSANITY

The consistency of a Kree press build should completely bully most of the synergies of the Cliffs of INSANITY. with a package focused on replacement effects, they stand a fair shot to interrupt attilan search utility and force INSANITY to stand on its own, unreliable legs.
Favored to Win: Intergalactic Carpool by 12.5

42- IMMORTALS  -VS-  HellKnights

With a fantastic showing into a potent hulk list, The IMMORTALS stand poised for another bullying showdown, however, With the most consistent access to a full fate suite, Immortals might have some issues keeping up. If HellKnights can bank a clutch negate on a Code White, they might steal the entire game. IMMORTALS, on the other hand, just needs to be a bit more frugal with the Survival of the Fittest and has easy KO potential on a stunned Hellboy. Either way, this one could go down to the wire. The line is fair, but an upset isn't out of the question here.
Favored to Win: IMMORTALS by 16.5

43- The Swingers' Club  -VS-  Devourer of Speed

While the swingers are consistently ending games on 6,  It's the defensive options and utility of Devourer of Speed that has garnered the most attention. An even initiative for Speed may be all it needs to lock in another win. If it is stuck on an odd initiative, however, I see Morg's return to hand utility being a bothersome problem for the swingers.
Swingers need an even initiative, OR an odd initiative win on turn 5. with over 12 dedicated pumps, it is entirely doable.
Favored to Win: Devourer of Speed by 24.5

44- Tam'Ar Empire  -VS-  The MorMans are Coming!

Mormans have some of the burstiest options in the remaining team roster, however Tam'Ar Empire might be able to make a run of it with their lack of dedicated attacks until a super late game, and MorMans distinct lack of removal. A heavy brick vs a unique control and sustain build. This will be one to watch
Favored to Win: The MorMans are Coming! by 10.5

WINNERS BRACKET

45- Gamma Robuts  -VS-  BroStat-X

BroStat-X has been annihilating all comers thanks to it's heavy leanings into the TNNB engine. Not infallible, but shockingly potent as no game so far hasn't hit at least double TNB by turn 3. Will Dr. Doom and co, serve up the team's first loss? With limited access to anti-rush the knee-jerk reaction is, probably not. But in order to win, it'll take a clutch reign, or two, to try to drag the BroStat roster kicking and screaming past turn 6, where they may suddenly find themselves ending a game deeper into the negatives than their opponent. That said...
Favored to Win: BroStat-X by 22.5

46- Dark Magic -VS- Unjust Fear

Dark Magic rides some potent KO tricks to facilitate solid control, however they also hide some of the most potent endurance gain interactions among the teams still in contention. I'll be favoring Unjust Fear here, but by no means is it a guaranteed outcome. One wiffed drop. One clutch brick or KO, and Dark Magic could work some if its namesake for a surprise victory.
Favored to Win: Unjust Fear by 9.5

47- Gods Matter -VS- Foul-Mouthed Dark God

Barring some serious stall tactics I'm just not seeing, Foul-Mouthed dark God's only real hope is that Gods Matter wiffs some major portion of their turn 3 slipstream combo. This allows the Capt... er i mean Dr. Doom to land some much needs Mystical Paralysis.
Favored to Win: Gods Matter by 18.5

48- Crapple Jacks -VS- WEE

And now the question plaguing the minds of all those closely following the Summer of Love 2 action thus far:
"How is Crapple Jacks undefeated?"
Well folks, If there is one single pick that I can say, is likely a sure thing. this is the one.
Pick WEE.
Do it.
If I am wrong I'll double the points scored for this game.
Seriously.
Favored to Win: WEE by 14.5

Agree? Disagree? let me know in the facebook betting post!

CHECK THE BRACKET HERE

CHECK THE BETTING THREAD HERE

The PostGame Report: Week 3 - Loser's Bracket

Another week: Another set of eliminated opponents!
Rest well contenders, you need not concern yourselves with victory anymore.
Your race is run.
Your quest is done.

Match 33: The Cliffs of INSANITY! -VS- BKKO

BKKO didnt miss a drop.
But INSANITY landed San on 2 scoring the infamous turn 4 Attilan.
When an Insanity list gets to search for anything it wants every turn things tend to go sideways.
This particular one ends on a potent turn 6 putting Charaxes to work with a Strykers Island for +5 and a beatdown over Ghostrider. before Scarecrow secures it with a direct swing.

The Cliffs of INSANITY!  ELIMINATE  BKKO

6 to -16

Match 34:  Secretly Wolverine -VS- Intergalactic Carpool

A completely hidden deck wiffs masterman completely. SOme Illuminati tricks kept the deck alive through 5, but after a massive Press chain into a Ronin the Accuser, starforce Wolverine could no longer berserker rage into healing factor his 22 atk for multiple shots. 2 cover fires for more def than is fSensible sealed the deal to protect Ronin and lock in the easy win.

Secretly Wolverine  ELIMINATED BY  Intergalactic Carpool

-24 to 2

Match 35:  HellKnights -VS- Outsider Protocol

A clutch negate on a reset sent Outsider Protocol into a bad situation on a potentially heavy turn 4. With a few pancakes keeping the demonspawn around long enough to score some clutch +1/+1 counters, a heavy turn 5 Kate Kane recruit triggering her effect prevented Owen Mercer from keeping his pals around defensively, while Hellboy finally finished the fate suite and swang for some dominant swings to end it early.

HellKnights  ELIMINATE  Outsider Protocol

8 to -1

Match 36:  Hulk Smash you...Yesterday -VS- IMMORTALS

Week 1, Hulk had a serious issue with hitting curve. The week mirrored that first showing with a wiff on 2 and no opportunity to get that Miek into play. However turn 5 looked threatening as hulk 5 had his KO ability online, however it wasn't his initiative, and the IMMORTALS simply over invested into a "free" charaxes swing with multiple path of destructions to enable copius swings to the visible area.

Hulk Smash you... Yesterday  ELIMINATED BY  IMMORTALS

-7 to 14

Match 37:  SHIELD of Atlantis -VS- Devourer of Speed

Devourer won the roll and called evens.
To those closely watching this one, that's all you needed to know. Had it been different, however, it's worth noting that SHIELD never saw the war Machine Armor they'd have needed to stay in it anyway. An infinite mass punch for 52 direct seals this one in favor of the Devourer.

SHIELD of Atlantis  ELIMINATED BY  Devourer of Speed

-21 to 1

Match 38:  Demons United -VS- The Swingers' Club

A potent lockdown initiative gets revoked when Spider-Man, secret avengers shuts down a clutch Crime Dr. on turn 5, leaving Demon's United unable to last through the Swingers' Club kill turn.

Demons United  ELIMINATED BY  The Swingers' Club

-12 to 19

Match 39:  Young Avengers Flight -VS- The MorMans are Coming!

The Mormans punish Young Avengers Flight for team swinging with 2 consecutive turns of backs against the wall to push through an easy win on a turn 6 initiative. A closer game than anticipated, The YAF beat the spread but lose the game.

Young Avengers Flight  ELIMINATED BY  The MorMans are Coming!

-2 to 5

Match 40: Tam'Ar Empire -VS- Skrullf*cked

A turn 3 Wolvie with all the trimmings forced the Empire to throw away their entire hand trying to mitigate Muramasa KO's, but an equally heavy turn 4, promised that hand was only going to continue suffering. Skrulls safely play their curve to 6 into a virtually empty field to end it.
Too bad Muramasa Blade isn't legal.
Skrullf*cked is disqualified.

Tam'Ar Empire  ELIMINATES  Skrullf*cked

Due to Disqualification

WEEK 4 BETTING THREAD HERE

CHECK THE BRACKET HERE

The GOODS: Summer of Love 2 - Week 3: Losers bracket

Only 8 games in the loser's bracket this week! I'll be splitting this one up not because it's too much, no, rather I have commitments at my sisters wedding this week through what will prove to be a long weekend. so bear with me but on teh offhand, these next 2 weeks should progress easier for everyone! needless to say let's get into...

As I mentioned last week, this week we will be introducing SPREAD PICKS.
Spread picks are pretty simple. In order for the FAVORED team to win, they MUST win by the specified point margin in order for them to actually win the pick. While to unfavored team only needs to prevent that loss total. You'll see both the favored teams AND their respective point values as we proceed. But lets have an example.

John selects Hulk to win (he expects they will BEAT the spread)
Hulk is favored to win over X-men by a spread (a margin of) at least 17.5 endurance. (the half point eliminates ties)
The final score is 12 to -5 in favor of Hulk.
However since hulk did NOT win by 18 points, John loses the pick.

Make sense now?

Thought so. Let's dig right in!

33- The Cliffs of INSANITY!  -VS-  BKKO

BKKO has alot going for it in this matchup, however INSANITY actually has some really consistent curve options. if the game goes late, I don't expect BKKO to keep up. The early game will be pivotal here.
Favored to Win: The Cliffs of INSANITY! by 16.5

34- Secretly Wolverine  -VS-  Intergalactic Carpool

The carpool hits hard, but get over Master Man hard? Not so sure... Meanwhile, expect Wolvie direct to do Wolvie direct things.
Favored to Win: Secretly Wolverine by 6.5

35- HellKnights  -VS-  Outsider Protocol

Outsiders show up with great consistency, and without crutching too hard into plot twists, thanks to alfred and friends. I'mexpecting a blowout, but HellKnights has shown a remarkable consistency.
Favored to Win: Outsider Protocol by 11.5

36- Hulk Smash you...Yesterday  -VS-  IMMORTALS

Can immortals live to turn 6? If so, can they stun an 18/18 hulk without a team swing? Can they do it with a Darkseid 6 giving hulk a Survival of the fittest to prevent recovery? That's a load of "IFs" meanwhile hulk smash works just fine anytime between turn 3 and 8 and Miek has consistently gotten online.
Favored to Win: Hulk Smash you... Yesterday by 22.5

37- SHIELD of Atlantis  -VS-  Devourer of Speed

Atlantic can burn for 100+ on turn 7.
Devourer can swing direct for upwards of 40 on turn 6.
This one goes to whoever gets even initiatives, but since Devourer has much more consistency, we will err on the infinite mass punch.
Favored to Win: Devourer of Speed by 9.5

38- Demons United  -VS-  The Swingers' Club

Demons United has been staying close in most games and remains to be the only team in the losers bracket to never have a game going into the negatives having lost to the dark god win condition. but the swingers' Club finally showed us what happens when they pull the trigger. And man is it a spectacle!
Favored to Win: The Swingers' Club by 14.5

39- Young Avengers Flight  -VS-  The MorMans are Coming!

the standard 1 drop ant man 1 drop natasha 3, underdropped captain america works fine for most encounters, but I fear morlocks will outswarm and the entire game will hinge on the biggest, baddest backs against the wall play the MorMans can manage! The combat tricks may take this one before it ever starts, but avengers know how to swing hard, expecting it close enough to call a game but I dont see MorMans losing this.
Favored to Win: The MorMans are Coming! by 7.5

40- Tam'Ar Empire  -VS-  Skrullf*cked

Skrullf*cked doesn't run very hot on pumps. if the empire can stop Wolverine from muramasa blade-ing everything the game will be won. given Skrulls & co.'s inconsistent performance I see this one going purely defensive until a Koriand'r 7 and maybe a raven 8.
Favored to Win: Tam'Ar Empire by 20.5

CHECK THE BRACKET

CHECK THE OFFICIAL WEEK THREE BETTING THREAD

The Postgame Report: Round 2

A 72 point win margin!

A Turn 4 for 56 damage!
And a team wins with only 2 damage taken?
And a team is eliminated by a game decided by a single point?
Hold on to yer butts!
All this and more! On this week's:

The week marks the first body count of decks to exit this event, We honor those that came before, however and thank those that carry on!



But first, a moment of silence...


OK! Lets get to the reports!

ROUND 2

LOSER'S BRACKET

Match 17: Defenders, Attack! -VS- Skrullf*cked

In Week 1 The Skrull variant wiffed just about everything a deck can wiff after mulligan-ing away what would have been a GOD hand. This week, while there was no overly crazy opening hand, the even initiatives really worked out for the alien shifters as the unlikely team-up proceeded to completely dominate the board from turn 4 onwards, Muramasa blade on wolverine double swings cleared the visible area, then on turn 5, An Elektra counterswing with black bolt and 7 team affiliations took down hulk in a permanent manner. On 6 a second Mutopia and an under-dropped Ethan Edwards met a second mutopia for 9 team affiliations and some serious damage.
And with that, "Defenders, Attack!" pack up their things and journey home after suffering a sound Skrullf*cking.

Defenders, Attack!  ELIMINATED BY  Skrullf*cked

-30 to 42

Match 18: The MorMans are Coming! -VS- Exhaust Squad

Mormans were forced to underdrop early while Exhaust Squad went to work, at one point featuring a Haywire swinging at 10/9 on turn 5! However it was a timely Backs Against the Wall, and the significant burn from the Alley that locked in a very close game for the MorMans. But seeing all these games go to 6, really has me wondering why MorMan's didnt toss in a single Callisto, just in case.

The MorMans ar Coming!  ELIMINATES  Exhaust Squad

-1 to -3

Match 19: Evil Secrets -VS- The Swingers' Club

Evil Secrets exploded rightout of the gate, managing to KO Firestar on 5, and then Spiderman, secret avenger on 6! But the Swinger's club late game proved to be too much for even 2 cover fires to handle as Evil Secrets wins on the back of the synergy between Madelyn and Aunt may's free cost. Pushing it through on an explosive off-initiative.

Evil Secrets  ELIMINATED BY  The Swingers' Club

-20 to -3

Match 20: Mind Games  -VS- Devourer of Speed

Using a reinforced 4 drop flash to mitigate the insane swings of the 19/19 5 drop jean grey, it was a textbook infinite mass punch direct for 35 on six, that ended the x-lady's mindgames.

Mind Games  ELIMINATED BY  Devourer of Speed

-18 to 25

Match 21: Rita Repulsa  -VS-  IMMORTALS

A potent turn 3 saw Rita make her monster grow INDEED. showcasing a rad man with double New Identity. almost immediately shutting down plot twist play the following turn.
However IMMORTALS were not out of it. not one bit.
Who ami kidding there is no point dressing it up.
The game literally ended the instant Gorilla Grodd stole a Radioactiveman with 9 (NINE!) +1/+1 counters. Of course, they then just kept adding the counters, like a boss.

Rita Repulsa  ELIMINATED BY  IMMORTALS

-28 to 15

Match 22: Outsider Protocol  -VS-  Kill you to Death!

The attack resets of the outsiders proved to be an insurmountable advantage as the green lantern portion of the early game was completely overrun by angry multiswingers and Stun machines. You might say, Outsider Protocol Killed to death "Kill you to death".

Outsider Protocol  ELIMINATES  Kill you to Death!

15 to -22

Match 23: Super Legionnaires  -VS-  Intergalactic Carpool

I believe the term is called "vehicular homicide". And that is precisely what happened here, as teh Super Legionnaires found themselves outgunned across the board thanks to some fantasticars. On a turn 5 Mr fantastic initiative, the legion barely hung on ad a precarious 2 endurance before being snuffed out on turn 6, not bothering to swing back.

Super legionnaires  ELIMINATED BY  Intergalactic Carpool

-8 to 10

Match 24: Dead guys  -VS-  BKKO

Dead guys started slow, losing some key drops to timely KO effects, but on 4 everything changed on the back of a supreme Centurion Brick, stealing some thunder and quite a few endurance points too! On 6 however the tide turned, as ghost rider's shared stun ability pushed theDead Guys JUST far enough to end it.

Dead Guys  ELIMINATED BY  BKKO

-16 to -15

WINNERS BRACKET

Match 25: Gamma Robuts  -VS-  The Cliffs of INSANITY

Cliffs fought hard but Doom hit everything and just didn't let them do much. A turn 8 gamma bomb sealed the deal against the promising Insanity build and its shenanigans as Doom managed to keep re-using it until eventually deciding to end it in teh absolute safest way possible on turn 10.
Shout-out to the unique utility of bastion on the multi-swinging Sub-mariner in this list. A super potent combination that got serious work in.

Gamma Robuts  DEFEAT  The Cliffs of INSANITY

13 to -17

Match 26: Secretly Wolverine -VS- BroStat-X

Secretly Wolverine actually opened up with a bonkers start, leaving BroStat-X at only 13 endurance exiting turn 3 and sat at a comfortable 42 endurance itself. pretty safe huh?
Nope. 5x boardwide pumps for a global +10 and a few Planet X's for good measure, and BroStat-X coasts to an easy win after a barnacle solos Master-Man and the rest swing face.

Secretly Wolverine  DEFEATED BY  BroStat-X

-14 to -2

Match 27: Dark Magic  -VS-  HellKnights

HellKnights got the perfect set-up with an Alfred followed into a Sydney Leach and it was a trivial matter getting all 3 fate artifacts into play by turn 3. The problem, however, was that after all this was done, Jared Stevens came into play and repeatedly payed ZERO resources to ko the entire fate set.
To say this put HellKnights on the back foot is an understatement, but they managed to take the game to a very close turn 8, where unfortunately, they have no relevant drop while Captain Marvel showed up for Dark Magic to seal the deal in a potent initiative.

Dark Magic  DEFEATS  HellKnights 

1 to -15

Match 28: Unjust Fear  -VS-  Hulk Smash you... Yesterday

Hulk did what hulk does and swung for the fences, howeverneeded to underdrop a clutch missed Miek on 4 rather than curve out. This allowed JUST enough time for Unjust Fear to hit that all-too-important Dr. Light on 6 and force an out of combat righteous anger, limiting hulks swingbacks and removing hulk smash from the equation. Yet again. Null time kept hulk in it until a turn 7 when Psimon turned off literally every support plot twist hulk had before a pre-combat doc light stun sealed the deal.

Unjust fear  DEFEATS  Hulk Smash you... Yesterday

8 to -2

Match 29: Gods Matter -VS- SHIELD of Atlantis

SHIELD of Atlantis got off to a great start with an early set-up to use cover fire through turns 2 through 4, but to avoid the loss was forced to flip up a second trisk for the needed brick. being down a resource on a defensive 5 was a tall order and the SHIELD falls in a surprisingly resilient game.

Gods Matter  DEFEATS  SHIELD of Atlantis

-4 to -10

Match 30: Demons United  -VS-  Foul-Mouthed Dark God

The demons wnated blood, taking an early control of the game, but like, the patters seems to demonstrate, the dark god enlisted the aid of a Doom pretender and Mystical Paralysis'd Just all over the damn place. wrestling control until turn 8, where at a running total of  2 to 17, with 3 face-up Anti-life's Darkseid declared the game won. and the demons opted for the alt win condition, KOing their stunned board rather than go below zero. and suffer the indignity of a traditional game loss.

  DEFEATED BY 

Darkseid, Dark God win condition

Match 31: Crapple Jacks  -VS-  Young Avengers Flight

Young avengers flight did everything right, but a surprise dUal affiliated Deadpool surprised them, locking down a Monica Rambeau fueld power turn. after a brief debate about how, normally Deadpool would not in fact be a legal play in this circumstance (which is true, dual loyalty as a keyword specifies printed affiliations) This event, however, specified otherwise in my original deckbuilding rules post. Chalk it up to bad beats. Crapple Jacks control takes hold and runs away with a win.

Crapple Jacks  DEFEAT   Young Avengers Flight

23 to -4

Match 32: Tam'Ar Empire  -VS-  WEE

Week one, immediately showed why Walter Alvarado's empire is a pure stall, But a clutch miss on turn 2 prevented the massive brick ability the deck typically boasted. meanwhile WEE lived up to its name, curving through 5 and ending the game on an attack inflicting EXACTLY fatal damage before Tam'Ar Empire could stabilize. This one ends with the highest endurance total so far in this event! taking only 2 damage!

Tam'Ar Empire  DEFEATED BY  WEE

0 to 48

CHECK THE BRACKET

THE GOODS: Summer of Love 2 - Week 2

LOSER'S BRACKET (Matches 17-24)

And now a reckoning. For 8 decks, the party stops here, While a few decks wound up in the losers bracket to bad luck or a middling matchup, None can afford to go easy here. Players will be opting for the safest means to progress rather than the flashiest, standard plays will be scrutinized and second guessed.
To summarize?
It's gonna be a SLUGFEST.

Lets greet our potential victims.

17- Defenders, Attack!  -VS-  Skrullf*cked

Skrulls and co. did so spectacularly bad last game it's actually hard to quantify this matchup. So i'll just put it this way: If the Skrulls get Wolvie + Mutopia online it'll be a hell of a battle, Muramasa blade isn't very forgiving if Wolvie gets some multi-swings in with it.
However, another victim to bad fortunes, Defenders famously wiffed entirely on 5 managing to never play a single hulk smash all game long even though they drew 3. Hulk hits on 5? it might be over right there.
Favored to Win: Defenders, Attack!

18- The MorMans are Coming!  -VS-  Exhaust Squad
Exhaust Squad hasn't shown me much, but losing to this event's version of TNNB makes it hard to quantify their value just yet. While MorMans lost a close one, that might have been otherwise winnable. The MorMans boardwide KO will decide this one.
Favored to win: The MorMans are Coming!

19- Evil Secrets  -VS-  The Swingers' Club

A fantastic swarm fights a fantastic tempo rush build. Everything about this is just too close to call. Evil secrets needs to pop off on their midgame initiative to steal the show, while Swingers' Club needs a solid mulligan into some immediate pressure to keep Evil Secrets at bay.

Favored to win: No Line

20- Mind Games  -VS-  Devourer of Speed

I don't expect this to be even close, to be honest. I think Devourer has this on lock. Mind Games will need to lean heavily on the 3 drop jean to stay relevant and landing a second 5 drop on 6 will be a must to try to keep pressure.

Favored to Win: Devourer of Speed

21- Rita Repulsa  -VS-  IMMORTALS

Two lists that both boast the ability to make monsters grow, get to face off. The consistency Dr. Sivana and Code White give IMMORTALS is downright abusive, while Rita Repulsa will need to NOT put all its eggs in one basket, a strategy counterintuitive to what the deck is fundamentally trying to achieve, lest Gorilla Grodd steals her Colossal 2 or 3 drop, and with it, the game.

Favored to win: IMMORTALS

22- Outsider Protocol  -VS-  Kill you to Death!

Crisis forces a top-heavy curve and it has been showing. However if the Green Lantern/Crisis hybrid can get Superboy Prime out on turn 7, things may take a turn. That said, Outsider's will more likely end it long before Prime threatens anyone.

Favored to Win: Outsider Protocol

23- Super Legionnaires  -VS-  Intergalactic Carpool
There is absolutely NO WAY carpool suffers the bad draws it saw round 1. Because of this alone I expect a pretty dominant showing. Legionnaires suffer from a different issue. Their mid to late game focuses on grabbing cards, but none seem to help end the game.
Favored to Win: Intergalactic Carpool



24- Dead Guys  -VS-  BKKO
Dead guys has some real potential. But this is a mismatch through and through. If dead guys lose even a single combat, they can consider that character KO'd on everything they run except the Dinah. That's a tough but not impossible scenario.
BKKO on the other hand just needs a quick kill and 1 or 2 pumps to essentially steal the game. I see them doing this easily.

Favored to win: BKKO

WINNERS BRACKET (Matches 25-32)

The sweet scent of victory still permeates these teams. None at any risk of elimination this week, bad match-ups are survivable, but which teams keep that win streak and which falter?

25- Gamma Robuts  -VS-  The Cliffs of INSANITY!

Cliffs showed up in a big way during week 1. But Gamma Robuts has the answers it needs to stretch the curve deck to a gamma bomb endgame, and frankly, I don't see anything in INSANITY's arsenal to stop it. The insane curve basically needs the doom deck to wiff.

Favored to win: Gamma Robuts

26- Secretly Wolverine  -VS-  BroStat-X

Secretly Wolverine is completely hidden until turn 4? Dude I don't think this will even be close. Sure Wolverine can make some magic with direct swings, but the entire BroStat-X list is going to be direct swinging all game long! Wolverine needs the rush to falter and get to turn 5 for even a shot.

Favored to win: BroStat-X

27- Dark Magic  -VS-  HellKnights

In a random twist of fate, we have BPRD vs Thule! While a thematic grudge match, this also is one of the harder ones to call. Can Hellboy see another turn 3-4 fate suite? Both lists rock plot twist negation, and abilities to dig for cards needed. But Dark Magic can pop a free Nightmaster to Accept your destiny and if that combo lands... that fated hellboy is going away.
Then again, HellKnights can push multiple hellboy swings.
This is the definition of "too close to call"

Favored to win: No Line

28- Unjust fear  -VS-  Hulk Smash you... Yesterday!

Hulk's support is veritable and effective. With fast answers to early team swings, access to un-targetability, and the biggest pumps in the game, Unjust Fear's best hope is praying Hulk misses righteous anger, repeatedly. There is room for outplay, however, so I wouldn't call this one a sure thing by any stretch

Favored to win:  Hulk Smash You... Yesterday!

29- Gods Matter  -VS-  Sub-Mariner, SHIELD of Atlantis

SHIELD's early game is largely hidden, and barring an extremely defensive turnaround on 4 or 5, Gods Matter should be expected to walk away with a relatively easy win. Definately no insane Thor burn endurance totals in this one folks. Gods matter will be business as usual, while the ultimates variant will likely be forced into playing not to lose.

Favored to win: Gods Matter

30- Demons United  -VS-  Foul-Mouthed Dark God

While demons United has some room for play here, Dark God seems to have some remarkably difficult to answer questions while setting up a pretty solid power curve lineup. Mystical Paralysis can shut down entire intiatives for Demons United and the threat of it's existence will force sub-optimal plays.

Favored to win: Foul-Mouthed Dark God

31- Crapple Jacks  -VS-  Young Avengers Flight

Young Avengers Flight boasted the win with the most endurance remaining in all of week one at a disturbing "|how does that even happen?" final score. (Having only taken 8 damage.) While I am not expecting Crapple Jacks to wiff nearly as hard, if YAF hits Natasha on 2, things should stay in their favor.

Favored to win:  Young Avengers Flight

32- Tam'Ar Empire  -VS-  WEE

Tam'Ar proved itself to be a stalling BEAST, and once its board was set, the wall of Shi'ar soldiers guaranteed that none shall pass. Similarly, it was the Capture Nets early and often applying a fast control that prevented BKKO from doing what it needed to do to win. Without a measurable way to ensure WEE hits those Capture nets, however, I feel Tam'Ar Empire has the advantage

Favored to win: Tam'Ar Empire

CHECK THE BRACKET!

Agree with my assessments? Think I'm full of sh*t? let me know!
Check out THIS WEEKS BETTING THREAD and get in on the action! Sweet Loot awaits!

If you are a deck-builder playing your concoction this week, please let me know, as most likely you are playing myself or a member of my team, otherwise, i will need your games reported once again, by Thursday evening. If not, my team will take over and play it for you.

Until next time!

The Postgame Report: Round 1

A "Wild" upset!
A Teen Titans power stall?!? That works?
A win by only a single endurance!
A tied game at -9 goes into overtime!
All this and MORE in this week's SUMMER OF LOVE 2...

With no eliminations being threatened this week the stakes are lower than any other round, however an early win now helps cover that skewed match-up later. So let's get to it!

ROUND 1

Match 1: Defenders, Attack! -VS- Gamma Robuts

A promising matchup turns sour when Defenders completely miss their hulk on 5, while somehow also never managing to ever play a single Hulk Smash, even though pulling 2. A bastion imbued Sub-Mariner cleans house on turn 7 to come from behind and take the game after Hulk swings 3x at 19/19 with a Mjolnir equipped to damage Gamma Robuts exactly to zero. Again, No hulk smashes since Hulk needed righteous anger to juke the Paralysis. This left our Defenders player lamenting some searches that just didnt pay off as he spent a search for Sam Parington on 3 rather than waiting for the topdeck potential of 4 before doing so.

Final:Defenders Attack  DEFEATED BY  Gamma Robuts

-9 to 0

Match 2: SkrullF*cked  -VS- The Cliffs of INSANITY!

Opting to mulligan out of what would have been a God-hand, Skrulls ran into some tough times when they wiffed entirely on 4 and didn't manage to see Mutopia all game long. Bad beats.

Final: SkrullF*cked   DEFEATED BY  The Cliffs of INSANITY!
-7 to 25

Match 3: The MorMans are Coming! -VS- Secretly Wolverine

Mormans controlled the entire game, managing to prevent Wolverine's multiple swings over weak targets, and even managed to not place a single counter on Master Man! However a turn 6 Kirigi swinging with 32 over a Marrow with 14/23 with no outs sealed the deal... Except Healer and Electric Ever brought the game to a TIE at -9 on turn 6! EXTRA INNINGS!
With the initiative things looked good for the Morlocks, Even with no big drops to add marrow promised to be at least a 15 atk without pumps... and thats when the Illuminati underdrop happened. Iron man and Mr fan exhausting for Iron Man's effect put Marrow on ice. Leaving the MorMans player wishing the deck had a Calisto.

Final: The MorMans are Coming!  DEFEATED BY  Secretly Wolverine

-25 to -20

Match 4: BroStat-X -VS- Exhaust Squad

With a potent turn two dealing a crazy 22 damage to BroStat-X, it seemed perhaps Exhaust Squad could keep up the pressure, but a hard wiff on 3 and another one on 4 sealed their fate as BroStat-X jsut turn their cards sideways better. Sending Exhaust Squad into the deep negatives. Bad luck and bad beats happen. This one was both.

Final: BroStat-X  DEFEATS  Exhaust Squad

12 to -18

Match 5: Dark Magic -VS- Evil Secrets

An early Total Anarchy and a turn 4 Grigori on initative forced a board wipe for Evil Secrets on 4 (with the exception of a hidden deadshot). While Evil Secrets benefitted from their sustain trying to re-establish themselves, it was a double Conclave negating a double Hard Sound Construct play on turn 6 that put down any thoughts of a comeback.

Final: Dark Magic  DEFEATS  Evil Secrets

1 to -10

 Match 6: The Swingers' Club -VS- HellKnights

The Swingers' Club immediately got to work with the perfect turn 1, alt playing Aunt May into a Zabu, and by the start of turn 3 had dealt a fast 14 damage. HellKnighs patiently dropped prof for hellboy search before subbing in barb and euipping her with the complete fate suite. while she did some damage, The Swingers kept swinging face for cutting them almost to half endurance. However once Hellboy hit the table, things took a decisive turn, with a Ka-Boom keeping both teams locked into 2 consecutive turn 4's and a nice stack of pancakes to defend with, HellKnights manages to hang on and sneak a victory against the spider-friend hidden swarm.On the back of a clutch Bat Got Your Tongue on a Mega-blast, leaving Zabu in the support row unable to contribute in the final swing.

Final: The Swingers' Club  DEFEATED BY  HellKnights

-13 to -11

Match 7: Mind Games -VS- Unjust Fear

In a nail-biter going straight to turn 7, Unjust fear finally wore out the Jean Grey mind-games and remarkable counter-abuse for the decisive board wipe before a Phoenix Force could rally to save the game.

Final: Mind Games  DEFEATED BY  Unjust Fear
  -13 to 15

Match 8: Devourer of Speed  -VS- Hulk Smash You... Yesterday

While Devourer hit surver on 2 and the surfboard, Hulk was perfectly fine to have his characters go direct for fast damage. A questionable turn 3 recruit of Kang Cobra hidden on 3 gimps Hulk 4's ability to stun surfer while Morg (thanks to a free cosmic counter from surfboard) spins hulk 4 back to hand. On 5 Devourer sought to regain some tempo, dropping Wally west to swing into the hidden Kang with another replenished Morg spinning the under-dropped Hulk 4 back to hand again. With a turn 6 initiative, however, a 13/13 hulk with a rfp'd miek slammed face with a double hulk smash over Morg for maximum damage and plays a righteous anger to ready up and then swing over the 6 drop Barry Allen as well, Thanks to Kang, no power-ups to force a stunback. Hulk passes with his opponent at a -16 endurance total on his enemy before passing with 15 endurance himself.
Devourer terminal velocities the lone 5 drop flash. and swings direct, double beatdowns to 20, then flips full throttle discarding another flash to ready the attacker and laments his inability to power-up before playing team tactics, exhausting it to itself for a 40 atk direct swing. and falling short... by 1 endurance. Hulk smash wins by a thin green hair!

Final: Devourer of Speed  DEFEATED BY  Hulk Smash You...Yesterday
-16 to -15

Match 9: Gods Matter -VS- Rita Repulsa

The potential of Rita Repulsa to put supermassive characters into play is shadowed only by it's potentially already large plot twist benefactors like Terra-Man and Fatality to make some massive swings. However, those things take time. and Gods Matter handily closed the game on 4 with a triple megablast turn and smart use of chomin to get to the negatives.

Final: Gods Matter  DEFEATS  Rita Repulsa
23 to -2

Match 10: IMMORTALS -VS- Sub-Mariner SHIELD of Atlantis

A great set-up for IMMORTALS is interrupted by wiffing their Code White on an unneeded Gorilla City pump, preventing them from keeping their board intact. On 6 a topdecked WarMachine armor left IMMORTALS at 1 endurance as the SHIELD of Atlantis misplayed their turn, forgetting to swing their 2 drop for a mutual stun. On a defensive7 though Thor activated 3 times for 23 burn on each activation to lock up the game, even though IMMORTALS had a massive swing, to the tune of 40 damage, it proved not to be enough... not by a longshot.

Final: IMMORTALS  DEFEATED BY Sub-Mariner SHIELD of Atlantis
-63 to -21

Match 11: Demons United -VS- Outsider Protocol

Outsider protocol was off to a great start until a Merlyn turn 5 underdrop with an extremely large Bizarro threatened an alt win on a visible Ahmed. This forced a substitute on Ahmed before he could set up the resources outsiders needed and as a result the game went to turn 8, where Demons United finally put the nail in the combo-swingers' coffin.

Final: Demons United  DEFEATS Outsider Protocol
-4 to -15

Match 12: Foul-Mouthed Dark God -VS- Kill you to Death!

Kill you to Death! managed to set up THREE recharges by turn 4. in an attempt to draw into some answers for the dark god but none were found. what's more on 6, Darkeid, the Omega stole a recharge, and subbed into another, and another, taking all that bonus draw for himself. One of the more one-sided wins of the week.

Final: Foul-Mouthed Dark God DEFEATS Kill you to Death!
26 to -4

Match 13: Crapple Jacks -VS- Super Legionnaires

Super legionnaires wiffed early and it allowed Crapple Jacks to Wipe the entire board with a Negative Zone, Gateway. after that there was no looking back, Star boy couldn't meet loyalty on 6 and a get them my pets KO'd the underdropped Brainiac the second it went to combat, leaving face-shots for 2 seekers with 2 beatdowns.

Final: Crapple Jacks DEFEATS Super Legionnaires
18 to -10

Match 14: Young Avengers Flight VS Intergalactic Carpool

The carpool missed every stop on its way to loser-town this week! wiffing HARD on stargate until it was essentially too late. Not much else to say here.

Final: Young Avengers Flight  DEFEATS  Intergalactic Carpool
42 to -5

Match 15: Tam'Ar Empire VS Dead Guys

Dead Guys came out fast, Using Fire to burn a quick 25 endurance, but some timely Dirty Tricks and Shi'Ar Soldiers allowed for the defense needed to get The Tam'Ar Empire into the late game. A Koriand'r on 7 followed by an 8 drop Raven Locked it up handily.

Final: Tam'Ar Empire DEFEATS Dead Guys
22 to -2

Match 16: BKKO -VS- WEE

With an even initiative, WEE immediately set the tempo with a Crippler on 1 with a prison planet face-up for a fast 4 damage, BKKO's turn 2 saw huntress trade with Crippler who still managed the stunback even after paying 2 ATK to ensure that she not ready. While both teams wiffed on 4, it was the under-dropped Man-Eater allowing access to the hidden area that began to make a difference. After a big turn 5 initiative that couldn't quite seal the deal, leaving WEE at 6, with 2 characters in play, it was the flexibility of Sandman along with a blindsided that stole the close game away on a turn 6 initiative swinging over a Savant with 19 ATK thanks to an imaginative use of 2x Empire of tears, and Sandman's payment effect in a game that might have gone either way.

Final: BKKO  DEFEATED BY  WEE

-16 to -5

Week 2 is just around the corner! I ask that if you built your deck and wish to PLAY please let me know! Once again all matches are due by 11pm EST, Thursday, July 15th! Same goes for Bets!

CHECK OUT THE BRACKET AS IT PROGRESSES!

The GOODS: Summer of Love 2 - Week 1

With 32 teams battling it out in a double elimination event, there is clearly some comprehensive reading that's going to be involved for those serious to get their playset of Super Skrulls. As usual, this article brings you "The Goods" on all your upcoming matchups. After week 1 is fully completed, these posts will also be your source for SPREAD PICK information. which is, basically, a prediction of an end-game value rather than simply selecting a winner.

For example if "WEE" is favored to win over "Gods Matter" you may see a listing similar to:
[Favored: WEE +12] (or something similar) in the match-up heading. this means that if you select WEE to win, they MUST win by at least 12 endurance. If the match-up is expected to be a close one however, you'll see NO LINE. and essentially only be tasked to select the winner.

As the weeks go on, we will add other new ways to score points, such as calling who wins initiative or calling a best of three complete result! The harder the guess, the wilder the point value!

With all that said, lets get to the breakdowns. Please keep in mind the original deck-builder will be piloting if possible, the below match-ups only list the BACKUP pilots should they not be able to get their game in. Any games played for round 1 must be reported to Aaron Mead no later than 10pm EST on thursday, July 9th. This allows for our team to cover the unreported matches in a timely manner without delaying each round.

SUMMER OF LOVE 2: ROUND 1

1- Defenders, Attack! (Lee) -VS- Gamma Robuts (Josh)

At first glance, we see what is essentially a Doom VS Curve rerun, but with a limited number of Mystical Paralysis, and the fact The Defenders players can make any given hulk untargetable... this one might not go so well for Doom and his sentinel pals. If he gets to turn 8 however, all bets are off as gamma bomb is the great equalizer.

Favored to Win: Defenders, Attack!

2- SkrullF*cked (Aaron) -VS- The Cliffs of INSANITY! (JS)

CoA has some pretty unique tricks to turn this fight on its head, however access to fast removal and some pretty large characters leaves Skrulls with a distinct advantage. If Elektra KOs anything I'd call this one over. CoA needs Skrulls to wiff Mutopia for a real shot.

Favored to Win: SkrullF*cked

3- The MorMans are Coming! (Steph) -VS- Secretly Wolverine (Wesley Nichols)

Featuring arguably the greatest deck name ever, MorMans look like a really smooth reliable list with some heavy swings and great defense. Problem is, round 1 they are dealing with a wolverine direct variant with just as many defensive tools, and a master-man. If Viper and Wolvie get on-line things could turn south for the Morlocks, But i expect this one will go to initiative.

Favored to Win: Secretly Wolverine

4- BroStat-X (Lee) -VS- Exhaust Squad (Mark)

Exhaust Squad wants to get early control and keep it. Hitting the  Haywire and T-Spheres early will go far towards this, If they can set the table, Exhaust Squad can have a solid shot. However this is the full TNNB engine, One of the most consistent engines, well, EVER.Complimented by bonus burn through Doop And some legitimately really great support.

Favored to Win: BroStat-X

5- Dark Magic (Aaron) -VS- Evil Secrets (Steph)

Dark Magic has a slew of sift and KO control, however its the swarm aspect of Evil Secrets that has my attention. I'm not convinced Dark Magic has the ability to Stay in this if Secrets has a strong initiative turn 4 or earlier.

Favored to Win: Evil Secrets

6- The Swingers' Club (Josh) -VS HellKnights (Lee)

This is a tough one: If Hellknights manage to stall at 4, TSC could see hard days ahead.Then again, Our resident Swingers may not really have a problem with a clutch underdrop. Less reliant on equipment, solid statlines, I'll put the edge on the Swingers. But a key Ka-Boom! or missed drop could change everything.

Favored to Win: The Swingers' Club

7- Mind Games (Steph) -VS- Unjust Fear (JS)

Wind Games is a remarkably fun list. However the innate control coming from the Fearsome 5 may shut down Mind Ga\mes' late game options with some Dr. Light abuse. I don't see this going well for Mind Games. outside of some pretty spectacularly bad draws for Fear and some really CLUTCH lifegain tricks from Mind Games. If Mindgames can get to 8 it may wrestle back control with a solid Phoenix Force play.

Favored to Win: Unjust Fear

8- Devourer of Speed (Aaron)  -VS- Hulk Smash You... Yesterday (Josh)

Null Time Zone will be super annoying in this match-up as Devourer of Speed is always doing public searches to stack the top of its deck. This will allow for some pretty clutch lockdown turns as Hulk smashes the speed force to bits.

Favored to Win: Hulk Smash You... Yesterday

9- Gods Matter (Mark) -VS- Rita Repulsa (JS)

Gods Matter brings Speed, and evil infinite mass-punches of it.Rita makes monsters grow, and Super effectively. I am simply unconvinced it will be relevant by turn 4.

Favored to Win: Gods Matter

10- IMMORTALS (Mark) -VS- Sub-Mariner, SHIELD of Atlantis (Aaron)

An epic battle of two locals piloting their own submissions! Immortals looks to gain board presence and become unnaturally large beaters, SMSA looks to run a popular Ultimates Win condition on turn 6 or 7.

Favored to Win: IMMORTALS

11- Demons United (Steph) -VS- Outsider Protocol (Mark)

This is precisely the kind of matchup an even initiative Demons United deck wants to see. A nice rush. With lots of little bodies to KO. Odd initiatives will make this a bit harder But knowing a merlyn underdrop exists may very well prevent an Ahmed dropping at all, and that could hurt. Lots of room for outplay here.

Favored to Win: Demons United

12- Foul-Mouthed Dark God (JS) -VS- Kill you to Death! (Lee)

Am angry god Vs angry golden-age powered Superboy may hinge on how many Mystical Paralysis Angry God can rip. Kill You to Death's offensive initiatives may prove to be too much, thanks to rain of acorns, But the dark god has enough tricks to be the favorite.

Favored to Win: Foul-Mouthed Dark God

13- Crapple Jacks (Aaron) -VS- Super Legionnaires (Josh)

Super Legionnaires  wants odds so badly it hurts. To the extent that missing it may compromise the entire tempo the deck hopes to achieve. On evens however a turn 6 double underdropped Supes Red, could shift things in SL's favor. Crapple Jacks, however doesn't care who has the initiative, and plans to cough up a swarm all the same.

Favored to Win: Crapple Jacks (in a nail-biter!)

14- Young Avengers Flight (Boris Karetny) -VS- Intergalactic Carpool (Aaron)

YAF needs to push tempo and control faster than the carpool can stabilize with its formidable equipment spam. However a potent turn 5 for carpool  may turn the tides no matter how hard the Young avengers flight can push. And cover fire is a monster.

Favored to Win: Intergalactic Carpool

15- Tam'Ar Empire (Walter Alvarado) -VS- Dead Guys (Nick Fletcher)

Dead guys looks good, but the lack of pumps may cost it the game if enough Shi'ar Soldiers come to this party. The consistent early game may give Dead Guys the edge here.

Favored to Win: Dead Guys

16- BKKO (Lee) -VS- WEE (Aaron)

Battle of the Acronyms! Can being gigantic be enough to stop the KO potential of BKKO? Can WEE steal control with a strong turn 4 Sable? Only Time will tell, but in the meantime, the edge goes to the better early game consistency of Marvel Knights

Favored to Win: BKKO

That's your weekly breakdown guys! Think I'm on point for round 1? Let me know by posting a reply here or by posting up in the

VS SYSTEM COLLECTIVE FACEBOOK GROUP PINNED BETTING POST!

OR CHECK OUT THE BRACKET AS IT EVOLVES!