Uchigatana (3-0 @ GNK)

I recently took this deck to a local GNK and it went 3-0 along with my Adam deck. Initially in testing I didn't think it would be that strong given the Corp is highly unlikely to score out. However, the damage this deck deals out is staggering even without Snare! (too expensive), Hostile Infrastructure (too expensive), and Bioethics. Even with Levy the Runner must reconsider how they will approach the game. Many runners now have an elaborate board state/rig and as a result they will have to decide whether they want to perform less efficiently (save cards for HP) or play normally risking a quicker flat-line. I would compare this style of deck to Supermodernism. Rush out agendas (Philotic or Knives) and force the Runner to run with an incomplete rig or let you score.

The premise of this deck is to deal net damage as cheaply as possible. Two of the aspects I didn't like about other "potato" decks is the money problems and the low ICE count. This ICE suite attempts to alleviate that problem by being cheap (Tsurugi is the most expensive at 6 credits) and relatively plentiful (I would like 15 ICE, but you can't have everything). Additionally all this ICE is of the AP sub-type which complements Synth to the fullest extent. It's imperative that you protect Synth with ICE. Even if the Runner does trash it they loose two cards. It's not uncommon for the Runner to disregard unadvanced, protected cards after a turn or two. If they do that they will pay for it after they run HQ, encounter Aiki, break the subs, but still loose four cards. Then they have to run through additional AP ICE in order to trash Synth. It's delicious.

If the runner decides not to run until you advance cards (a great strategy when playing potatoes) then advance your board state with Hokusai and Synth. Once this is accomplished, IAA with full knowledge the Runner will steal it; you just need to make the Runner pay in as much net damage as possible.

The one flex slot I see in this deck is Celebrity Gift. I hate this card with a passion. Having to reveal my hand even if there aren't any agendas in HQ is revolting. Beanstalk would be a good option or another Targeted Marketing. If your meta is filled with Film Critics then Voter Intimidation would be the way to go.

Cheers,

ZQQ