Did you know? The EPIC Storm has an entire page dedicated as a resource library to host all of its links? It contains article series, feature matches, interviews, podcasts, and so much more. Inside of this library and under the article series, there’s a few that we recommended starting off with and those would be: “Reading the Ropes” and then “Infernal Tutoring”. These are articles aimed at beginner-level Storm pilots as well as novice-level learning.
The ABC’s of TES is a newer article series by Alex McKinley that is focused on new player growth, understanding The EPIC Storm, and learning the archetype. Simply put, it’s a must-read.
Reading the Ropes is another introductory course by AJ Kerrigan on the fundamentals and basic theory of Storm combo. The topics cover everything from basic mulligan decisions, proper sequencing for cantrips, to just winning the game. We highly recommend this series. Admittedly, the content is a little older at this point but the thought philosophies and strategy are still very much in-tact.
These are the site’s flagship articles regarding matchup specific content! These are slightly more advanced topics for combo aficionados who have the fundamentals of solid play down to a tee. These articles demonstrate how to approach a matchup from something as introductory as mulligan thought process to actual game play and what each archetype or strategy has against The EPIC Storm.
“Infernal Tutoring” is a long-lasting series dating back to theepicstorm.com’s inception that has had many hosts over the years. Currently, Jordan Karim is holding down the fort. Infernal Tutoring presents three scenarios and then asks the simple question of, “What’s the play?”. These scenarios range in skill level, but are all very informative to intricacies of playing Storm combo. One of the things the series does best is it proves that there are different options to every situation and there always isn’t a definitive correct move. These are definitely tools that will raise your basic combo knowledge to another level.
“TES Matchup Battles” is a monthly articles series by Alex Poling. In these articles, Alex starts off with explaining the opposing deck and how it works, followed by its key or important cards against TES before describing in detail how TES is affected and ways that we can combat these tactics. Alex then guides you through sideboarding theory for these decks and then a sample game. These are terrific for anyone looking to get over the hump on an archetype or strategy. One thing we recommend is glancing over similar decks if you’re really struggling. Perhaps you’re having a tough time with Eldrazi Aggro, there may be something in the article on Dragon Stompy that helps solve the puzzle for you.
“Matchup Mulligan” is another monthly articles series by Bryant Cook. These articles start off with explaining the answer to the previous month’s cliff-hanger question for the reader and then dives into the next deck. In Matchup Mulligan, Bryant breaks down opening hands and then explains whether or not ten opening hands are a “Keep or Mulligan” based on what that article’s strategy is. What might be a keep against Grixis Delver could be a mulligan against Eldrazi Post, understand the differences and why that is by checking out these articles.
“Through the Looking Glass” is a recurring monthly articles series that has shifted hands over time much like “Infernal Tutoring”. It now resides in great hands with Grant Johnson. Through the Looking Glass aims to break down the matchup from the opposite end of the table. By understanding how your opponent is tracking to attack TES, it adds a level of clarity on how to approach each game and influence the TES pilot on how to navigate to a winning position. These articles all contain a featured guest who is a master of their craft, and we’re very fortunate to have each and everyone featured on this site — we consider these to be a “must-read.”
When visting our sideboard guide. If you select an archetype you’re interested in reading about, then scroll down to the links section you’ll find plenty of great match-up specific content!
We have plenty of other helpful resources on this site, so please feel free to explore! We have an entire page on “How to Play” that will walk you through simple tricks such as easier ways to count mana, proper sequencing and how to use each Storm engine/play pattern. If you’re still having trouble after all of these resources and playing on your own, we do offer one-on-one Tutoring with Bryant Cook. If this is something that interests you, please read more here.
The deck resources above can also be found on the homepage of theepicstorm.com in the deck list section along with rationale for each card choice and other great information. This often includes an in-depth video explaining what’s changed since the last version and why!
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