Hola amigos!
Some words about me, my name is Albert Andreas (Adrias) Heiglauer and I’ve been playing Force of Will since 2015. In the same year I became the first German champion.
After a few longer breaks, I’ve been back for 1½ years and have decided to write a tournament report as part of my 3rd Grand Prix victory at the Grand Prix Mödling (Austria).
With the tournament report, I not only want to tell you how the individual matches went, but also give you some insights into my decisions regarding the choice of cards as well as the underlying strategy and tactics.
Graditudes
First of all, I would like to thank my team New Frontiers, especially Roman Stärk, as well as Lukas Lahrmann, with whom I have tested a lot over the last year.
In addition, I would like to thank Karl Alberty, who has always lent me cards, and Philip Chybiorz, who accommodated us in his vacation home – BTW the PARTY will be catched up! 😛
Finally, I would like to say a special thank you to my family and friends, who have always given me positive encouragement!
Deck strategy
The Main Engine
1x Apollon, the Third Olympian (GRV-001)
1x Hestia, the Sixth Olympian (GRV-016)
1x Poseidon, the Second Olympian (GRV-032)
1x Artemis, the Fifth Olympian (GRV-039)
1x Hades, the Fourth Olympian (GRV-053)
1x Aphrodite, the Tenth Olympian (GRV-071)
1x Ares, the Eighth Olympian (GRV-075)
1x Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076)
1x Hera, the Ninth Olympian (GRV-080)
1x Magna and Lenneth, the Twelfth Olympians (GRV-081)
1x Persephone, the Eleventh Olympian (GRV-082)
4x Zeus Enters the Game of Gods (GRV-010)
1x The Light of Zeus (GRV-006)
1x The Fire of Zeus (GRV-024)
1x The Water of Zeus (GRV-036)
1x The Wind of Zeus (GRV-046)
1x The Darkness of Zeus (GRV-061)
1x The Essence of Alice’s Power (GRV-004)
1x The Essence of Odin’s Power (GRV-005)
1x The Essence of Nyarlathotep’s Power (GRV-023)
1x The Essence of Athenia’s Power (GRV-062)
1x Horn of Sacred Beasts (SKL-099) (Side)
The 24 cards mentioned here (+1 card in the sideboard) represent the heart of the Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J) deck, which should definitely be included in the deck.
It is important to mention here that The Darkness of Zeus (GRV-061) is used less as a discard, but in combination with Mikage Reiya (AO3-046) should make decisive moves faster possible.
Control Shell
After Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J) not only lost his important draw engine (Arena Expansion: Mount Olympus (GRV-073)) and the associated explosiveness due to the ban list, but also his magic stone (The One Magic Stone (GRV-089)), it was important to ask the question of how a Zeus Deck must be built in the current meta in order to win.
The first decision I had to make was whether I wanted to restrict the selection of cards to be played in terms of attributes or use the full spectrum.
Taking into account my experience at the Grand Prix in Magdeburg last month, I decided to stay true to my original path and incorporate the best cards from all attributes into the deck. However, this isn’t possible without a trade-off, given the consistency required, playing 4x Attoractia’s Memoria (SDAO1-033) in your magic stone deck.
The tactic behind it is not only that you can use the full potential of the cards to be played, but also that you have not only 4 but 8 rainbow magic stones. Playing potentially important plays, like The Water of Zeus (GRV-036) or Gradius (ADW-022) EOT, is therefore possible more consistently.
The disadvantages that result from this are, on the one hand, that Prototype Magi Trooper (NWE-095) cannot be integrated into the deck. Ordering that turn 1 and hitting an Attoractia’s Memoria (SDAO1-033) is tantamount to an inevitable loss. On the other hand, you generally have to be careful which resonators you order. The probability of not getting a rainbow magic stone is relatively high and can lead to losing the game if the opponent plays cleverly and does not kill the ordered resonator.
Because of this, the deck’s strategy is based around playing a lot of resonators that can kill or unorder themselves.
1x Perceval, the Charmed Knight (SDAO2-005)
1x Fiethsing, 100 Years of Wizardry (GOG-047)
1x Dark Mage of Ma’at (GOG-061)
1x Fallen Angel of Fiery Vengeance (DBV-075)
1x Mechanized Children of Chronos (GRV-055) (Side)
1x Mechanized Children of Gaia (GRV-056) (Side)
Most of the other resonators that the deck plays are self-explanatory and serve to manipulate the opposing board, disrupt the opponent’s strategy, or simply survive.
1x Dark Alice, Rabbit Princess (DBV-009)
1x Lumia, Princess of Rebirth // Wings of Light and Darkness (ROL-005)
1x Warhorse (NWE-011)
1x Gill Lapis, Vampire Guardian (GRV-052)
1x Mikage Reiya (AO3-046)
1x Oborozuki, Vampire Astrologer (GRV-059)
1x The Witch of the Fallen Kingdom (ADW-072)
1x Geryon (TST-084)
1x Rogue Spectator (GRL-021) (Side)
1x Mechanized Fenrir (GRV-030) (Side)
1x Witch with a Pointy Hat (ADW-060) (Side)
As far as the other cards are concerned, in addition to the essences and Zeus cards, there are two cards that make important moves possible.
1x Tea Party Before the Decisive Duel (GRL-014)
1x The Origin of the Seven Lands (PofA-112)
+
1x Dreiwing, Mechanized Wind of Destruction (GRV-040) (Side)
1x Bird of Solari (NWE-002) (Side)
1x Dragon of Solari (NWE-014) (Side)
1x Shark of Solari (NWE-032) (Side)
1x Bat of Solari (NWE-049) (Side)
Above all, Tea Party Before the Decisive Duel (GRL-014) enables important moves that are essential for survival, especially in the current meta. Being able to play an Aphrodite, the Tenth Olympian (GRV-071) or Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076) with quickcast without Union Six often makes the difference between victory and defeat.
The options of how The Origin of the Seven Lands (PofA-112) can be used to gain an advantage or slow down the opponent are well known. Another strong option that was made possible with the new set, however, is to show the Bat of Solari (NWE-049) and to order it already on the play with a darkness resonator.
Flexible slots
Finally, I want to come to the cards that I have integrated into the deck due to the current meta. I expected a meta, which is determined by Machina, the Machine Lord (SKL-087) in all variants, Aristella, Twin Prince (NWE-057) and Wolfgang, Guide of the Demonic World (ADW-075). In addition, Falchion, Solitary Scientist (NWE-066), Viga, Steadfast Steward (NWE-085) and Asuka, Gravekeeper of Tsukuyomi (NWE-058) disappearing under the radar.
Why I chose these cards is explained in more detail under match-ups.
1x Mourning Angel (AO3-013)
1x A Flashing Smile (GRL-001)
1x Angelic Battle Barrier (NWE-001)
1x Dispelling Stone (EDL-001)
1x Intimidation (PofA-001)
1x Evil Elemental Uprising (TSW-128)
1x Inferno (TST-086)
1x Melua, Mage of Ma’at (GOG-025) (Side)
1x Shackles of Ice (VIN003-040) (Side)
1x Algernon, Wise Observer (GRV-038) (Side)
1x Alvarez, True Demon Castle (ROL-022) (Side)
Match-Ups
Machina
As I had to recognize at the last tournament in Magdeburg in the semi-finals, Machina, the Machine Lord (SKL-087) // Machina, the Mechanical Emperor (SKL-087J) is by far the most difficult match-up with Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J).
One of the reasons for this is that the Machina player can swarm the board very quickly. In addition to The Light of Zeus (GRV-006), you need even more board wipes. A Flashing Smile (GRL-001) and Inferno (TST-086) are great options to guarantee a positive trade. In addition to this, Melua, Mage of Ma’at (GOG-025) is also a boardwipe in Sideboard, which also brings Olympians into Grave and can draw answers.
Furthermore, it is important that you can play the two cards in the first place without being killed immediately afterwards. This is especially important with the red versions playing with Sprinting Steward (NWE-021). Because of this, it was important to include Intimidation (PofA-001) and Angelic Battle Barrier (NWE-001) as well. Not to be forgotten is also Dispelling Stone (EDL-001), which can destroy the important additive Selective Decapitation (TST-060). After siding, the Shackles of Ice (VIN003-040) also come into the mainboard. However, that’s not nearly enough to win the match-up.
The main problem against Machina, the Machine Lord (SKL-087) // Machina, the Mechanical Emperor (SKL-087J) is primarily that he can generate infinite resources if you don’t remove his resonators from the game in time. Exactly for this reason I also played Mourning Angel (AO3-013) and Evil Elemental Uprising (TSW-128) in the mainboard in addition to The Essence of Athenia’s Power (GRV-062).
Aristella
The swarm variant of Aristella, Twin Prince (NWE-057) that my friend Lars Grams played in Magdeburg is also a deck to play wisely against. Fortunately, most cards that are good against Machina, the Machine Lord (SKL-087) // Machina, the Mechanical Emperor (SKL-087J) are also good against Aristella, Twin Prince (NWE-057). Inferno (TST-086) is particularly surprising, as it takes the opponent’s entire board despite being indestructible.
In addition to these cards, both Algernon, Wise Observer (GRV-038) and Alvarez, True Demon Castle (ROL-022) are very powerful replies that slow down the opponent. In the match-up it is also important to play very carefully and never! forget Guinevere, Space-Time Watcher (GRL-030).
My tip, therefore, if you see that the opponent is potentially able to put Guinevere, Space-Time Watcher (GRL-030) into play and you only have 1 will left, don’t be too bad in response to the Charge of the Fairy Tale King (NWE-023) and either seek Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076) or play Intimidation (PofA-001). In most cases, this move will decide victory or defeat if the opponent plays correctly.
Wolfgang 2.0
Wolfgang, Guide of the Demonic World (ADW-075) // Wolfgang, Guide of the Demonic World [J-Ruler] (ADW-075J) has been increasing in popularity lately and is also a very interesting deck choice in the current meta. The match-up on the other hand is pretty good with Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J) as you have two good instant board wipes in The Light of Zeus (GRV-006) and A Flashing Smile (GRL-001). In addition to this, the damage that would be done by Fallen Angel of Terminus (ADW-063) can be prevented by Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076) and Intimidation (PofA-001).
It is important that you slow down the opponent in his strategy by destroying his additions right from the start. Dispelling Stone (EDL-001) is also very useful here. It is also important to negate Ares, the Eighth Olympian (GRV-075)‘s boarding of The Paradise of Fallen Angels (ADW-095) and Swamp of Sorrows (ADW-068).
You should also board Shackles of Ice (VIN003-040) from the sideboard, as this can generate a decisive advantage.
Falchion
Falchion, Solitary Scientist (NWE-066) is another very powerful and versatile deck that should never be underestimated. The Mikey, Jack of All Trades (NWE-027) and Schrödinger (PofA-105) combo can win out of nowhere or force a tie. By searching your deck with Daily Research (NWE-061), the deck can also quickly swarm the field with Warhorse (NWE-011) and other resonators.
The midgame variant which was seen in the US AGP, which plays with Engineer of Eternal (NWE-063), is a relatively good match-up. It’s important to counter, discard, or destroy your opponent’s keycard and then remove the grave from play.
However Angelic Battle Barrier (NWE-001), which some variants play on the mainboard, can cause problems.
Cards that improve the match-up are above all Algernon, Wise Observer (GRV-038), their own Angelic Battle Barrier (NWE-001) and Dispelling Stone (EDL-001).
Viga
Viga is a very cool and aggressive deck that can defeat unprepared opponents very quickly. Knowing how to beat your opponent, when, under what options, is crucial to counteracting it properly.
Among other things, it is important to see how the opponent is playing, since he has several options to win. If he only produces two red wills through Extract of the Fire Moon (NWE-065) , the J-Ruler can be destroyed through Persephone, the Eleventh Olympian (GRV-082) or Hades, the Fourth Olympian (GRV-053). On the other hand, if he produces a darkness will and a fire will, you should rather look for Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076), otherwise he can play Inferno (TST-086) to equalize the life points and then win through The Last Secret Sword (AO3-085), for example.
It’s also important to be able to get rid of the Curse of Caduceus (PofA-051) quickly, since the life points you gain from Aphrodite, the Tenth Olympian (GRV-071) or Warhorse (NWE-011) are essential for survival. However, you should only use the heal if he can no longer play Daji, Mass-Produced Queen (GRV-013).
Zeus
In the Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J) mirror you generally try to be the better player and secure Zeus’ blessings. Having a tech card or two doesn’t hurt, though. Horn of Sacred Beasts (SKL-099) and Conclave at Dragon Mountain (GRV-012) are particularly noteworthy.
But since Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J) was literally crushed both in Magdeburg (Germany) and at the Games N Geek Wanderer AGP, I assumed that I would be the only Zeus player in Vienna.
Accordingly, my Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J) version from the Grand Prix Mödling (Austria) is less aligned in terms of the mirror in direct comparison with my Zeus version from the Grand Prix Magdeburg (Germany).
Ultimately, two other players decided to play Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J), but I didn’t encounter them throughout the tournament.
Matches
Round 1: Falchion Control (Antoine Hamelin)
I already knew Antoine from the last Grand Prix in Magdeburg, a pleasant guy who went into the fight with Falchion, Solitary Scientist (NWE-066) this time. I was expecting the midrange variant and was badly surprised on the first move when he responded to my Zeus Enters the Game of Gods (GRV-010) with The Witch of the Fallen Kingdom (ADW-072). Although both my Gradius (ADW-022) and A Flashing Smile (GRL-001) were countered, I was ultimately able to destroy his witch with an ordered The Essence of Nyarlathotep’s Power (GRV-023). Unfortunately, another The Witch of the Fallen Kingdom (ADW-072) followed right after that, further slowing me down in my game. Finally he was able to defeat me with the combo of Mikey, Jack of All Trades (NWE-027) and Schrödinger (PofA-105). I was able to win the second round in three moves, as I was able to eliminate his addition The Great Wall of the Twelve Sacred Knights (NWE-083) by Apollon, the Third Olympian (GRV-001) and him with my essences (Token) + burn by Hestia, the Sixth Olympian (GRV-016) as well as Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076) and remaining resonators. In the third game, unfortunately, the wind was quickly taken out of my sails by two witches and two Fiethsing, 100 Years of Wizardry (GOG-047) in combination with Schrödinger (PofA-105). When Mikey, Jack of All Trades (NWE-027) was added on the next turn, it was over. Very cool deck, deserved victory by Antoine!
Round 2: Asuka Control (Darron Coates)
I already knew my opponent from last year, a very cool and relaxed player. This time he played Asuka, Gravekeeper of Tsukuyomi (NWE-058), a control deck that wants to fill the grave as quickly as possible. His strategy was to generate a quick advantage by milling and reanimating Griphon, Racing Across Darkness (LEL-059) with Mikage Reiya (AO3-046) and A Part of True Power (AO3-055), while also having enough cards in the grave to contract through Night of the Legendary Vampire (NWE-072). Another key card in the deck was Spirit of Decay (GRV-060), which he can get back from the grave through End of Night (NWE-072J). Zeus was his worst match-up. In both games I was able to counter his Night of the Legendary Vampire (NWE-072), remove his grave from the game and then overrun him with my Olympians.
Round 3: Falchion Midrange (Max Teubert)
After Asuka, Gravekeeper of Tsukuyomi (NWE-058), another Falchion, Solitary Scientist (NWE-066) awaited me in the third round, but this time the midrange variant, played by my buddy Max. We played a round that I could decide for myself and because Max already had an invite, he decided not to continue playing and we left relax and have a bubble tea.
Round 4: Typhon Control (David Preda)
In the fourth round, none other than my legendary antagonist, Typhon, the Infinite Monster (GRV-085) // Order of Infinity (GRV-085J), awaited me!
I had played against such a deck several times during my tournament preparations and knew I had a good match-up as long as he didn’t draw The Witch of the Fallen Kingdom (ADW-072) and The Origin of the Seven Lands (PofA-112) early. Unfortunately, that was both the case in the first game, allowing David to discard my entire hand with Typhon’s Wave of Terror (GRV-070). Although I was able to destroy his The Witch of the Fallen Kingdom (ADW-072) through my top deck, I couldn’t turn the game anymore because a second witch was already waiting for me. An ordered Count Dracula (GRL-056) ended the suffering in the next two moves. I was able to easily win the second game because he couldn’t draw any of his answers. Unfortunately, things looked very different again in the third game, as I faced an army consisting of resonators such as Mikage Reiya (AO3-046), Lucifer, Defeated One-Wing (GRL-064), Spirit of Decay (GRV-060) and several The Witch of the Fallen Kingdom (ADW-072). However, since we didn’t have much time left and I had healed myself for 4000 lives from Aphrodite, the Tenth Olympian (GRV-071) the previous round, the game ended in a draw.
Round 5: Asuka Control (Stephan Pöcksteiner)
As in the second round, I had to play against Asuka, Gravekeeper of Tsukuyomi (NWE-058) again. This time against Stephan, against whom I was able to play in the semifinals at the GP Mödling (Vienna) last year. His version was very similar to Darron’s and the games were similar too. In both games I countered his Night of the Legendary Vampire (NWE-072) and then won in a few moves.
Top 8: Machina WGB (Dennis Nastase)
As in the last Grand Prix in Magdeburg, I had to play against Dennis in the quarterfinals. While last time he played Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J), this time it was the WGB version of Machina, the Machine Lord (SKL-087) // Machina, the Mechanical Emperor (SKL-087J). This deck was my worst match-up at the last Grand Prix.
In both games, I managed to withstand early-game pressure by removing his Magic Stone Research Institute (MSW-087) with Apollon, the Third Olympian (GRV-001) and his armada of horses with Mourning Angel (AO3-013). Although he was able to pull through his entire deck in both games thanks to Selective Decapitation (TST-060), I managed to stabilize and ultimately win. My strategy worked excellent!
Top 4: Machina WRB (Sascha Jedlicka)
In the semifinals I had to play against my friend Sascha. Like Dennis before him, he had chosen Machina, the Machine Lord (SKL-087) // Machina, the Mechanical Emperor (SKL-087J). However, he played a mix of JP’s version and the aggressive version with Sprinting Steward (NWE-021). This match was very intense and close as I couldn’t draw any of my answers early on. Luckily, I was able to stay afloat for so long first with Aphrodite, the Tenth Olympian (GRV-071) and my trusty unicorn (Warhorse (NWE-011)) and then with Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076), Tea Party Before the Decisive Duel (GRL-014) + Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076), Intimidation (PofA-001) and The Fire of Zeus (GRV-024) + Intimidation (PofA-001) until I drew one of my boardwipes A Flashing Smile (GRL-001) and Evil Elemental Uprising (TSW-128). After that I was able to overrun him with my resonators. What a fight!
Final: Falchion Combo (Dominik Ahammer)
My opponent was Dominik with an interesting Campanella, the Milky Way Moon (MPR-038) version of Falchion, Solitary Scientist (NWE-066). However, since I didn’t know exactly what to expect against Dominik’s Falchion, Solitary Scientist (NWE-066) deck, I played the entire match cautiously. After I ordered EOT an Essence to show him a Hera, the Ninth Olympian (GRV-080) I realized that he had already pulled many of his additions that he usually looks for through Daily Research (NWE-061). In the next few rounds he played some additions, Warhorse (NWE-011) and Campanella, the Milky Way Moon (MPR-038) , which my Inferno (TST-086) ultimately had forced him to banish. In the following moves I was able to reach Union Seven and win by ordering Athena, the Seventh Olympian (GRV-076) into Magna and Lenneth, the Twelfth Olympians (GRV-081).
Conclusion
It was an incredible event with special moments! It’s also nice to see that so many different decks can be played in different variations.
Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J) is definitely not the strongest deck in the current format, but with the right strategy and tactics, the all-important practice with the deck, and the inclusion of non-verbal communication, Zeus, the First Olympian (GRV-087) // Order of the Olympians (GRV-087J) can keep up with the other decks!
Many thanks to the organizers MAWO-Cards, who made this Grand Prix possible. If you have any questions about the deck, feel free to message me on discord.
YESSS, Japan is waiting!
Decklist
| 1st Place | Andreas Heiglauer |