IntroductionToday, we'll go over a deck that is flying under the radar: Tempo Poppy!This list gets a lot of backlash because Poppy's effect is considered weak compared to the other legends in Unleashed. Furthermore, there are two other legends in Poppy's colors that have already found their place in the meta.The truth is that orange/yellow is a pretty strong color combination. Poppy brings a "fast" approach to these domains: a midrange tempo list centered around putting pressure through card advantage.Before we begin, however, let me introduce myself. My name is Total, and I used to cast Legends of Runeterra tournaments professionally. I covered all the official tournaments, including Worlds, and I am known for creating deck guides for LoR as well. Now, I am a part of the Riftbound community!Tempo Poppy - Sometimes a Well-Trained Duck is EnoughDeck LinkThis list fits the "duck" definition pretty well. It does a bit of everything (swim, fly, walk), but it doesn't particularly excel at anything.It plays great early game units, but not the best. It also has efficient answers to the meta, but they're a bit inconsistent.Furthermore, it does have enough resources to build a strong board, but it relies too much on synergies.In the end, we can define this list as a good stuff yellow/orange strategy that has to play some synergies because of its legend.It is not the best deck in the meta, not by far, but it certainly can be quite annoying at your local game store.Main StrategyWhen you mulligan, look for any 2-cost unit.If you already have a 2-cost unit, look for your 3-cost units.This Poppy has a holding effect, but her strategy isn't completely centered around holding. You'll end up activating this effect because of the tempo you'll create throughout the game.You'll also be able to attack and defend yourself really well, so don't think twice before you bring back the units from your battlefields to set up stronger attacks in the following turns.You should end the game by strangling your opponent early on with Rengar Trophy Hunter and Vi - Peacekeeper with Punch First. You'll push them off your battlefields as you control the rhythm of the match.BattlefieldsIf you're playing blind, start with Amateur Recital. This battlefield will allow you to set up an attack right after you score a point by holding. It's a pretty "in-theme" choice considering this deck enjoys attacking and defending constantly.If you're first to play, open with Star Spring and focus on it. It is similar to Amateur Recital, but it is a lot more defensive.If you're second to play, open with Emperor's Dais. Your opponent will only be able to get something out of this battlefield if they're also playing Rengar. Use its effect to return a Rengar or Vi to your hand. Like so, you'll still put pressure on the game and threaten to cast these cards at reaction speed to answer your opponent.Important NotesKeeper’s Verdict is a strong removal in the current meta. It might seem expensive, but Defy can't hit it, and it will fix many problems that this deck faces in the late game.The secret behind this list is to not fully commit on your turns and always keep a few Runes ready so that you can play your combat tricks on the opponent's turn.Your units are not strong enough to protect your battlefields without support spells.Whenever you get 3 XP, use your legend's effect immediately.Use Poppy Paragon to end the match by playing her ready from your champion zone.MatchupsThis list is still pretty unknown, so we don't really know how it performs against some decks. Still, we must say:Overall, it is quite weak against any holding list, particularly Vex. If you're up against Vex, play your units and, under no circumstances, try to outhold her. Try to get Punch First when you mulligan.On the other side, this list is pretty strong against "dynamic" strategies, like Diana and Ezreal, which need to play combos and spend lots of resources to get into combat against your cards. You can match their power with just a few spells. But, be careful: if you lose the first few battles, you'll hardly be able to come back.Final WordsIf you read this far, thank you! I hope you had fun and enjoyed reading this article.Don't forget to share.See you next time!
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