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Take That, Smartypants!

Take That, Smartypants!

By Andrew Vandever

Take That, Smartypants! is all about KeyForge. You can find deck reviews, news, set analysis, how-to's, play sessions, and more. Let's dive into the Crucible together!
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Twin of Xhe, Gallery Tribune

Take That, Smartypants!May 04, 2024

00:00
09:38
Twin of Xhe, Gallery Tribune

Twin of Xhe, Gallery Tribune

This deck got to me after quite the journey! I opened a copy of someone else's deck, and had to reach out to Ghost Galaxy customer service, who did an excellent job handling the issue! I'm super happy with this truly unique deck! List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/18135cb9-aaed-4a8d-9413-c5665bcf3f7c


May 04, 202409:38
Master Basia Mithanian

Master Basia Mithanian

And, here's another, just okay VM deck. 2x each of Tezmal and Witch of the Eye is pretty interesting! But probably not quite fast enough to keep up with top level decks.


Apr 28, 202406:47
Wordless Atia of Pair a Dice Games

Wordless Atia of Pair a Dice Games

This is a store-branded deck from the store where I play most often these days. It seems just fine! List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/65f96b92-a359-4181-bd1c-087ddef6e0d1


Apr 27, 202410:08
Brobnar in Grim Reminders!

Brobnar in Grim Reminders!

This starts my series talking through all the Grim Reminders cards. You can follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?houses=Brobnar&sets=Grim_Reminders


Apr 25, 202427:57
Raghbuff, the Alien of The White Tree

Raghbuff, the Alien of The White Tree

This is a Store Championship prize deck. It seems like the strategy must be to play Talent Scout as many times as possible! List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/e76ccabc-d803-4e95-b0a1-0d348364f6b5


Apr 20, 202413:13
Reistr who Reflects upon Vaults

Reistr who Reflects upon Vaults

The elusive Vault Master deck! Pretty sad to see Grumpus Tamer in here. :P List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/c746b999-bce3-4245-a15a-5f7b0780be40


Apr 14, 202417:04
Venuleia, Aquatic Course Scammer

Venuleia, Aquatic Course Scammer

This one seems pretty great. Geistoid operates as a pretty great setup house, and I think Ekwidon can operate as a good house to get a lot done. Unfathomable is the Weak Link, ironically. Link: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/303ece40-e150-4835-84e0-d1c068cfcba0


Apr 13, 202413:40
Anomalies in Winds of Exchange!

Anomalies in Winds of Exchange!

This is a quick romp through the ultra rare anomalies! Follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?sets=Winds_of_Exchange .


Apr 11, 202413:13
Gord X. Agneinda, the Cheater

Gord X. Agneinda, the Cheater

Working through some "just okay" GR decks here, but still there are some fun and interesting cards - Plan 10, 2x Reclaimed, Key Abduction, and Fulcrum. List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/87fca450-d834-458e-bc96-65f965be6460


Apr 06, 202419:11
Unfathomable in Winds of Exchange!

Unfathomable in Winds of Exchange!

Unfathomable got a significant upgrade in Winds of Exchange, and really established its identity as a control house on the same level as, but very different from, Dis. Follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?houses=Unfathomable&sets=Winds_of_Exchange .


Apr 04, 202426:04
Master Benoist of Jerezaltar

Master Benoist of Jerezaltar

This is a pretty good Vault Master deck! And yet, I will still point out that I don't think it's in any special category of goodness compared to other sets. :) Decklist: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/1338e6ec-ee90-4269-b640-4250291f689f


Mar 31, 202414:18
Herr Luzgnat O'Shea

Herr Luzgnat O'Shea

Curse of Fertility seems interesting. And Dark Memento seems always nice to see. Link: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/67854ecf-bd4f-49ad-8a5b-4fa76dcfaa14


Mar 30, 202413:50
Star Alliance in Winds of Exchange!

Star Alliance in Winds of Exchange!

In this video, we talk through all the Star Alliance cards in Winds of Exchange. You can follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?houses=Star_Alliance&sets=Winds_of_Exchange . Tell me about your favorite Cadet decks!


Mar 28, 202433:52
Long Toothed Gendo of the Valley

Long Toothed Gendo of the Valley

Lots of spicy two-ofs in this deck! List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/1067e997-b8fe-4d10-aff7-72255aacb171

Mar 23, 202414:37
Saurian in Winds of Exchange!

Saurian in Winds of Exchange!

This dinos can't stop thinking about ethics and methods of capturing your aember. Enjoy this scholarly video about our platonic friends. Follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?houses=Saurian&sets=Winds_of_Exchange


Mar 21, 202432:56
The Opportunistic Master of Luvault

The Opportunistic Master of Luvault

That's quite a lot of board control in this MV deck, plus a little artifact control to boot. Deck link: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/cc966035-73cc-4e67-bbde-7bd88fcae85e


Mar 16, 202412:36
Sanctum in Winds of Exchange!

Sanctum in Winds of Exchange!

What is going on with our armor-encumbered friends? Let's explore WoE Sanctum in this video. You can follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?houses=Sanctum&sets=Winds_of_Exchange


Mar 14, 202436:13
Althea, Boundless Town Advisor

Althea, Boundless Town Advisor

Omnipus with 3x Be Our Geist means the boss monster will be a pretty constant presence on the board. Plus, there's so much extra taunt, and Trawler can turn all of that into a pretty hard stop on the opponent's keys. So far so fun! Decklist: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/54a49bfc-a2dd-4d9b-a17c-f65c39572db4


Mar 09, 202414:09
Mars in Winds of Exchange!

Mars in Winds of Exchange!

The little green men are back! Let's explore all the Mars cards that appear in Winds of Exchange. Follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?houses=Ekwidon&sets=Winds_of_Exchange


Mar 07, 202440:03
Logos Cards Tier List

Logos Cards Tier List

Alright, what's the dumbest way we can think about KeyForge cards? Out of context! Let's get to it. If you just want to see the completed list, check here: https://tiermaker.com/list/board-games/keyforge-logos-cards-16693714/3676313


Mar 04, 202441:21
Brother Andrew of Calataw

Brother Andrew of Calataw

There are a few interesting pieces in this deck, but unfortunately the ghosts got a lot of capture support, with literally one capture effect in the whole deck. So, it ends up a bit soft due to that. Decklist: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/d3c9e355-087a-4d2a-a8ac-6e65129ebc5c


Mar 02, 202416:11
Ekwidon in Winds of Exchange!

Ekwidon in Winds of Exchange!

Hey, new house! Ekwidon showed up big in their first set, and established a strong and fun house identity. Let's look some Bug cards! Follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?houses=Ekwidon&sets=Winds_of_Exchange

Feb 29, 202442:44
AV8R the Unlucky and Tranquil

AV8R the Unlucky and Tranquil

This one seems pretty decent for a vanity deck! Loving all the Artifact shenanigans that shows up in Ekwidon, and Dark Memento is so nice for getting haunted quickly! List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/124e5102-0353-4792-957b-c3ed04be6665

Feb 24, 202421:10
Brobnar in Winds of Exchange!

Brobnar in Winds of Exchange!

This set marked the return of Brobnar, last seen in Worlds Collide! And, they're much better this time around. Let's explore this giant house! Follow along at https://archonarcana.com/Card_Gallery?houses=Brobnar&sets=Winds_of_Exchange

Feb 22, 202438:25
WoE Display Part 2!

WoE Display Part 2!

Let's speed-open and review a display of WoE! This episode covers the last 6 decks.

Oct 27, 202332:57
WoE Display Part 1!

WoE Display Part 1!

Let's speed-open and review a display of WoE! This episode covers the first 6 decks.

Oct 20, 202337:21
the Crafty Master of Polis’s Vault

the Crafty Master of Polis’s Vault

Let's check out some interesting and unique card combos from a Vault Master deck!List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/61cfce55-f5b1-404d-a514-82b135e4f5a6

Oct 13, 202317:11
Rustius, Bombaisle’s King

Rustius, Bombaisle’s King

Gotta pay those Training Costs! Bellatoran Warrior crowds the stage!Deck list: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/d595c8ab-2e85-4065-a857-261b16f06efe

Oct 06, 202311:10
The Clever Paleontologist

The Clever Paleontologist

It's a Hallafest dream! If only a little ol' Brobnar token would have shown up. Excellent Alliance fuel.Deck list: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/ee98609b-2570-4051-9602-e01e2e40ccb1

Sep 29, 202315:11
Guiffart the Quixotic

Guiffart the Quixotic

This deck was my prize for going 5-0 in Sealed Alliance at the Seattle Vault Tour 2023. Berzerker is not a bad prize!Deck list: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/f7926587-2400-4a5b-8574-138539bdc92c

Sep 22, 202312:47
Alliance Vaults/Nats: Philly through Seattle

Alliance Vaults/Nats: Philly through Seattle

In this video, we'll look at all the Alliance decks to make top 8 at a Vault or Nats so far this year. What archetypes do you think will show up in the next few months?Philly Alliance:jaypower https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/a1add397-3511-4007-943f-87d1372f32e2 mmlordOfwinter https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/37915221-14f9-4c13-93e6-7e54392c809a mmmoosemandude https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/6af279b6-3d80-410a-b5c3-6de59af173e2 woeredabreg https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/37ed073e-9d8e-4ff3-80a8-08e3fa758b18 aoagamjuvenfuzzygruens https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/2a9404d0-84ed-437d-ae5d-3da7b83fa34f cotacptncrispy https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/69f45015-c9a9-4e72-8f3f-2b40a4d855de woegirltrumpeter85 https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/99360afd-86f5-4584-9c6d-c325f85e2d96 woeVermontGamer https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/6d45cfbf-3d32-4f4c-9921-b42ecb70cc28 woeNationals AllianceAveightr https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/a93c01c0-8cc5-4a1d-901a-329c29e081ed aoajaypower https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/a1add397-3511-4007-943f-87d1372f32e2 mmJaylas21 https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/c6c05aeb-e03b-4a44-a9a9-010de13e745e mmSydnieSteele https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/c48f63c7-c07f-4107-b564-bbb95c7c4d59 aoaGamjuvenfuzzygruens https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/8ad7009d-69ac-4c13-bf45-f76c86f1e3de cotaUnarmedGoat https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/b4d2171a-b4bf-4ff5-8797-1e016af0f6d3 cotaAdkiene https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/5b3b0d42-6a07-441a-8d13-c61553bf787c woeMilkstrong https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/aa31fea4-b0fd-4a68-86da-e79081f27cb1 woe Roseville AllianceTheNobleOne https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/c6c05aeb-e03b-4a44-a9a9-010de13e745e mmJustinLizza https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/8dd79eee-ac17-48b8-84f4-aa5ba7cf0fd3 woeSCSteele https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/cb16098e-9df7-4ad7-a69a-493a6970a916 aoaShadowmeld https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/9472a41b-ce51-46a0-9ef3-badd56b257c2 woeBHawk https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/f0d885b1-bc20-4b6c-a91d-f0135920ba22 woePhillyno1 https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/4a5df68d-8e17-4da6-b821-474e542c3bc0 aoaTrentenwarrior1 https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/c364b67e-dc20-4675-a4f8-0759855c601f woeZenbridgeter https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/4ac9e598-2144-4a14-a51b-f64971e8effe wcSeattle Allianceaveightr https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/a93c01c0-8cc5-4a1d-901a-329c29e081ed aoarandomjoe https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/2d2b9b14-f1e9-4fc8-88fd-50ec4bdf7505 cotaBig Z https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/e343e7ab-d0d8-43cc-b89f-f062feb8b59f cotamathandlove https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/916f6d3f-1fea-457d-97fa-f873d7228abc woejdg314 https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/7a402cdc-08da-4ba9-8973-9556fa0ffe4e mmmyrtani https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/d2db8a46-393e-4f3c-8b27-34e7d583847d woesamuelhowes24 https://decksofkeyforge.com/alliance-decks/cfab6dbc-d452-42c1-97dc-7829ea9abdbc cota

Sep 16, 202352:20
Nik L. Maniafeld, the Brave

Nik L. Maniafeld, the Brave

Nik was one of the decks I opened for Sealed Alliance at the Seattle Vault Tour, which helped me go 5-0. Bryozarch best zarch!Deck list: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/2273746d-4db9-462b-b07f-a4288e9b0b50

Sep 15, 202321:58
Vault Masters: Martialis Y. of the 39285th Vault

Vault Masters: Martialis Y. of the 39285th Vault

Okay, so 7 Hastatus Raptors isn't necessarily what you want to see, but TBH if I opened this in a sealed event I wouldn't be too sad. Deck list: https://www.keyforgegame.com/deck-details/9e114b75-9634-460c-93d3-b302998071fe

Sep 08, 202312:10
Unchained: Cold Dirk of the Market

Unchained: Cold Dirk of the Market

This crazy Logos can go infinite. Shame there's no key cheat!

Deck list: https://www.keyforgegame.com/deck-details/d4a40dff-60c9-430f-9fac-c1b4ddf89b5a

Sep 05, 202314:48
Dover, the Oak of Scaleboard

Dover, the Oak of Scaleboard

Total Recall seems pretty fun in a token deck!

List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/eac548cd-d83d-4162-981c-3262310fc207

Aug 16, 202308:10
Double Elim goes 0-3!

Double Elim goes 0-3!

People have been complaining about Double Elimination in KeyForge since before KFC, but now it's being replaced by a new system, 2LO! Let's talk about 2LO! How does it work? Is it better than Double Elim? Than Swiss? How could it be made even better?

Aug 15, 202323:52
My National Champion Alliance Build

My National Champion Alliance Build

In this episode, I talk about the Alliance build I just used to win Nationals, with a little help from my friends. I talk about what makes it tick, how it improved since KFC, and how I learned from a day 1 loss to do better in the top cut.

Aug 14, 202301:00:27
The Mrs. of Keegrave

The Mrs. of Keegrave

This one makes very good and fun use of the Cadet. Readying creatures is nice with multipliers like Crystal Hive and Uncharted Lands. List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/6a097544-7056-4b21-b9b2-04b85c200e4a

Aug 05, 202320:08
Boisivon the Gracelessly Hot-tempered

Boisivon the Gracelessly Hot-tempered

This is the highest-SAS WoE deck I've opened so far. It's interesting! A good example of Brobnar liking a Brobnar token, but then again Mars would have liked a Mars token, so it's tricky. List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/5f264c97-4723-4fc9-94ad-9b79b1a00cf7

Aug 01, 202312:08
Monsieur B. Bullsscript

Monsieur B. Bullsscript

Spartasaur is back! Also, 3x Skullback can be...okay, if it stays alive. List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/a385356e-1cb6-4f23-80c4-0810759f614a


Jul 29, 202311:14
It that Attacks with Terror

It that Attacks with Terror

Pretty defensive aoa
Jul 28, 202303:47
“Wet Blanket” Power, Hall Rioter

“Wet Blanket” Power, Hall Rioter

More quick aoa
Jul 26, 202302:59
Alfeidr W. Quadrahana, the 13th

Alfeidr W. Quadrahana, the 13th

This deck seems just okay, but it's very fun to see Proclamation back! List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/398f9e7f-50cf-460a-aa0e-ff2effea8d95

Jul 25, 202312:45
Boss Mongrel Statilius

Boss Mongrel Statilius

Not a bad sealed pull
Jul 24, 202304:24
Gearekizh Oufh-Wyrm, Criminal

Gearekizh Oufh-Wyrm, Criminal

Another not-genka. :D
Jul 23, 202303:10
Bobquaint, the Organ Scholar Fighter

Bobquaint, the Organ Scholar Fighter

There are some nice things going on here. This Mars house, though, is a great example of wanting to have a Mars token. List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/aa4005e8-44b2-4a9c-967c-10d077e6d390

Jul 22, 202311:28
Agreeable Ambrosia of the Academy

Agreeable Ambrosia of the Academy

Still digging for genka…
Jul 21, 202306:04
Shyxh, Roaring Beach Statistician

Shyxh, Roaring Beach Statistician

Still no genka, waaaah
Jul 19, 202303:60
Andromeda “Scrub” Owlderm

Andromeda “Scrub” Owlderm

Digging for Genka here!
Jul 19, 202306:50
Eisha, Plantation Questor

Eisha, Plantation Questor

Whoa, Grondal is pretty impressive! 1-power tokens though! There are some interesting things here, but also some pieces I would swap out if given a chance.List: https://decksofkeyforge.com/decks/11c64fcc-5fe9-4ab7-907c-51bc5f9a2662

Jun 30, 202315:29