The Widow Maker

by Tomasi Akimeta, Jr.
May 29. 1997

4 Cave Network
3 City Park
2 Curio Shop
1 The Hanging Coffins (can be replaced with 1 Proving Grounds)
5 Portal Jockey
5 Plasma Trooper
2 Resistance Squad
2 Test Subjects
4 BuroMil Ninja
4 Dallas Rocket
5 Monkeywrenching
4 In Your Face Again
4 Buro Godhammer
3 Napalm Surprise
Card Total: 48

Notes:

This 2 to 3P deck is extremely annoying when played right (I should know, my buddy helped me tune it, and he's a master at making annoyance decks), even decks with rares. It's built with the intent to let the opponent make the first move (or mistake, however you care to see it :). Try and draw a Cave Network, City Park or a Curio Shop, and a 2 or 3 Fighting Foundation Character your first turn. Set out whatever site you have.
Let your opponent go. They'll probably put out a 1 cost character and attempt to reveal what site you have. If it's a Cave Network, put out your 2 or 3 cost character and let the damage go through; if it's a City Park or Curio Shop, no sweat then.
Your turn. If you've got another 3 costing character that can be put out, do so. If not, turtle (or sit and guard your site) for a bit and set out another site. Then build up a good Power base to open up a fresh can of Whoop Ass, and then give your opponent a "no frills, all expenses paid trip to Loser-ville".
Basically, this thing can defend itself pretty well against most attacks during your first and second turns. Once you get going, burn for power to get enough of your characters out, and then get rid of your opponents characters to keep you in the lead. Use Monkeywrenching with your Ninjas to clear the way for your Napalm Surprise and your other characters.
If your losing big time, use In Your Face Again to bring you temporary hitters out of the woodwork for both blocking and attacking muscle, and Napalm Surprise to help clear the way for your boys to get something out before going back to the morgue.
Widow Maker's weakness is against denial decks (Hand and Lotus). I should try to insert some Arcanotechnicians, but that would probably negate the In Your Face Again. I'll keep you posted on how the Widow Maker does.


Last modified: October 24, 1997.