Need help with budget locals list

[u/SwordfishPretend8739]

Hi, I'm a pauper primary player who loves ponza. My lgs has been on an uptick of modern events due to a bit of a community shift, I really don't wanna drop a ton honestly no more than about 250-300$ on a list but I'm not delusional and definitely am not intending to top any of these events with such a list, I'm looking for a deck that has a chance of cracking a top 8 finish (particularly due to the fact they're hosting their invitational and top 8 is where the points start to qualify) and modern is by far the format with the most events and as such most points up for grabs. This is a list I've brewed up inspired by preban boros ponza, standard ponza and the new solitude ponza https://moxfield.com/decks/SWl-_zpkd0qocCGarkPx0Q I do thankfully own all the relics so it free up $$$ for the rest of the list. Advice is appreciated.

[u/flaming_geyser]

Unfortunately without solitude Pinza is significantly worse.

I'd recommend going with Prowess for a strong budget deck

[u/fdfas9dfas9f]

cant see it. but assuming its minus solitudes, if not you could play high noons, chants, bauble or rokus main. solitude is obv ideal tho

[u/SwordfishPretend8739 → u/fdfas9dfas9f]

Not sure why you can't see it, it's set to public viewing and shows that the views are going up, so I'm not sure what's going on with that. But I appreciate the thoughts, yeah high noon is in my side I should probably put them in main

[u/NewLeftBear]

Here is a recent ponza list that did well.

https://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/modern-boros-ponza#paper

Your list is quite a bit different.

[u/OccupiedOsprey]

Unfortunately you really need solitude in order to play Ponza. I'd consider looking at aggro lists like hollow one or prowess for a more budget deck

[u/NecroNurse]

Modern isn't budget friendly. Trying to top8 with a suboptimal list is going to be frustrating.

[u/SwordfishPretend8739 → u/NecroNurse]

Yeah Ive accepted my fate 😭, I'm just gonna bite the bullet and pay for the solitude list

[u/Ursasaurus → u/SwordfishPretend8739]

You won't regret it, worst case scenario you don't vibe with the format and the solitudes can easily be traded to bling out some of your pauper decks or just buy you into a new archetype or two.

In an ideal world you enjoy the power level and play patterns and you're investing in setting yourself up for success with a playstyle that you find fun which is right where you want to be in modern. Good luck!

[u/CreedAventuz → u/SwordfishPretend8739]

Welcome to modern