en-us https://rathetimes.com/authors/ Davis Tower Kingsley (aka TowerNumberNine) is an experienced competitive player of several games, including several LCGs and miniatures games. He now runs the TowerNumberNine channel with Flesh and Blood gameplay commentary on both YouTube and Twitch, as well as a personal gaming blog at towernumbernine.com. https://rathetimes.com/articles/the-song-of-steel-dorinthea-ironsong-in-modern-fab With new flourishes on the same old trick, Dorinthea has been returning to competitive gameplay in advance of the next Warrior re-feature. %pm, %07 %b %2023 %14:%00:%00 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/58f0ad16-9673-4e5f-b520-e7281841f705/banner_ironsongpride.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C0%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/the-song-of-steel-dorinthea-ironsong-in-modern-fab https://rathetimes.com/articles/fab101-katsu-and-the-ninja-class Katsu epitomizes the Ninja combo line strategy, maximizing the impact of his cards through careful sequencing and hand assembly. %pm, %06 %b %2022 %16:%00:%00 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/5f53db19-8682-4370-807b-69ab7f1901ff/Class101BannersNinja.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=0%2C20%2C1149%2C580 https://rathetimes.com/articles/fab101-katsu-and-the-ninja-class https://rathetimes.com/articles/preparing-for-the-triple-format-of-worlds Flesh and Blood Worlds 2022 is being played as a three-format event. Players will compete in Classic Constructed, Uprising Draft, and Blitz in their battle for the title of World Champion. %am, %12 %b %2022 %01:%53:%13 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/c2021fd5-ee8a-456c-b47f-6e4e8f6de219/Banner_Worlds.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C0%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/preparing-for-the-triple-format-of-worlds https://rathetimes.com/articles/the-rise-and-fall-of-command-and-conquer Has Command and Conquer, once the pinnacle of power in Flesh and Blood, lost some of its luster? %pm, %16 %b %2022 %13:%34:%15 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/69870378-9e4f-4deb-8fad-d88cf75713a7/banner_candc.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=0%2C20%2C1149%2C580 https://rathetimes.com/articles/the-rise-and-fall-of-command-and-conquer https://rathetimes.com/articles/defending-against-arcane-damage The first time you face down arcane damage, it can feel unblockable; and even with experience, adjusting your gameplan to arcane prevention can feel like a nuisance. Here are some techniques to help your arcane blocking game. %am, %31 %b %2022 %09:%00:%00 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/8f181251-c5b6-4087-bc07-1dff7226b3c9/Banner_ArcaneDefense.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C69%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/defending-against-arcane-damage https://rathetimes.com/articles/priming-the-prodigy-the-new-dorinthea-in-blitz The new Classic Battles box has gotten a lot of attention for Dorinthea's new specialization. But does the new Quicksilver Prodigy create fresh opportunities for Dori in Blitz? %pm, %10 %b %2022 %18:%20:%09 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/fe18f2b2-a632-4ee2-923e-221f99984179/Banner_doriprodigy.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C20%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/priming-the-prodigy-the-new-dorinthea-in-blitz https://rathetimes.com/articles/moving-forward-without-skeleta After a strong showing in the recent ProQuest series, Viserai was poised to be a top contender for the upcoming Pro Tour. However, the recent suspension of Bloodsheath Skeleta- a core card for both aggressive and control-oriented Viserai playstyles- has thrown the classic Runeblade hero for a loop. %am, %04 %b %2022 %04:%44:%58 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/468d0177-1a78-41c2-9be5-f41839b35baa/Banner_runeshop.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C69%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/moving-forward-without-skeleta https://rathetimes.com/articles/three-forms-of-card-advantage Gaining momentum is key to winning any card game. Davis talks about three ways to use cards to gain an edge on your opponent. %pm, %02 %b %2021 %20:%44:%08 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/bf4a6660-dd70-408b-a24d-a743e7ca2776/Banner_3cards.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C32%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/three-forms-of-card-advantage https://rathetimes.com/articles/fab101-boltyn-and-the-warrior-class Ser Boltyn draws on strength from within to turn the tide of battle. Learn the basics of Boltyn, where Light and Warrior strategies meet. %pm, %09 %b %2021 %19:%45:%42 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/9b8218ea-a84d-4191-8080-c8a8d2dbd79b/Class101BannerWarrior2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C38%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/fab101-boltyn-and-the-warrior-class https://rathetimes.com/articles/does-chane-have-his-swagger-back Is Chane primed for a comeback? Davis interviews Alex Keeler, who piloted Chane to a 2nd place finish at the Cincinnati Pro Quest, and discusses the strategic shift required to get Chane back on track. %pm, %05 %b %2021 %17:%49:%57 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/956464a0-76e7-4b25-bdc5-e144174e2471/Banner_chaneback.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C26%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/does-chane-have-his-swagger-back https://rathetimes.com/articles/was-that-really-a-close-one When health totals get low, it's easy to assume the game is close and could go either way. But not all decks win the same way. Davis talks about how life totals can lie. %pm, %19 %b %2021 %18:%49:%26 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/08ee7767-4f71-4dfb-ab75-0eb4028f1971/Banner_closegame2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C0%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/was-that-really-a-close-one https://rathetimes.com/articles/mastering-the-elements-lightnings-legion Elemental Essence gave us wide areas of overlap between the heroes found in Tales of Aria. But despite sharing a common pool of cards, these heroes use their elemental affinity in very different ways. We wrap it up today with Lightning. %pm, %15 %b %2021 %14:%16:%43 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/1974010c-a36f-4c7b-b91e-d11c8cea65b6/grafit-studio-volthaven-30-04-2021.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=170%2C51%2C1750%2C883 https://rathetimes.com/articles/mastering-the-elements-lightnings-legion https://rathetimes.com/articles/mastering-the-elements-autumns-army Elemental Essence gave us wide areas of overlap between the heroes found in Tales of Aria. But despite sharing a common pool of cards, these heroes use their elemental affinity in very different ways. Today we look at Earth. %pm, %08 %b %2021 %15:%28:%17 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/6e09ad77-e805-484e-b8f2-c5d448f540cf/Banner_ElementEarth.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C69%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/mastering-the-elements-autumns-army https://rathetimes.com/articles/seeds-and-duskblade-banned-where-does-chane-go-from-here Chane loses a key card and gets denied a new one! What does this mean for the ubiquitous Shadow Runeblade? %pm, %21 %b %2021 %18:%01:%01 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/d7b4cdba-5c1f-4786-b982-aff97f6f6483/Banner_Seeds.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=3%2C65%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/seeds-and-duskblade-banned-where-does-chane-go-from-here https://rathetimes.com/articles/why-is-boltyn-excelling-in-europe Data from the Road to Nationals painted a picture of a Chane-dominated meta. But specifically in continental Europe, Ser Boltyn leads the pack. Davis Kingsley of TowerNumber9 examines this unique pocket meta, turning to one such Boltyn player for insights. %pm, %13 %b %2021 %22:%44:%14 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/be0fdc59-d4f4-41ea-829d-7a8960ff5de8/banner_boltyn_euro.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=0%2C32%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/why-is-boltyn-excelling-in-europe https://rathetimes.com/articles/the-importance-of-sequencing-in-flesh-and-blood Sequencing your actions correctly can often provide a substantial advantage in Flesh and Blood. This article goes into more detail on careful sequencing and three ways it can improve your game. %am, %03 %b %2021 %00:%56:%50 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/f8efb016-a17f-48fb-9412-31759bb124db/banner_sequencing.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=0%2C57%2C1149%2C579 https://rathetimes.com/articles/the-importance-of-sequencing-in-flesh-and-blood https://rathetimes.com/articles/monarch-spoiler-memorial-ground In honour of those who fought for the Light, and fell in the battle against the Shadow; their names shall always be remembered. The Rathe Times would like to introduce to you: Memorial Ground. %am, %15 %b %2021 %01:%00:%00 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/b286f636-cdf0-42f3-9c81-1136303bfb7b/MON_PRV_0301.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=0%2C251%2C1600%2C808 https://rathetimes.com/articles/monarch-spoiler-memorial-ground https://rathetimes.com/articles/steelblade-supremacy-how-dorinthea-loosened-iras-chokehold-on-blitz Davis Kingsley, having recently won three of the Skirmish events he's competed in and placed Top 8 in the rest, shares his thought process, winning deck, and advice on how to approach a meta shifting towards Warrior domination. %am, %16 %b %2021 %03:%00:%00 https://rathetimes.imgix.net/369feb39-bd6e-4cfc-85db-f7ae7fa18104/Banner_davis_pro.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&q=80&rect=0%2C41%2C1149%2C580 https://rathetimes.com/articles/steelblade-supremacy-how-dorinthea-loosened-iras-chokehold-on-blitz