While opting for low mana value cards and modal spells and taking plenty of MDFC lands can help to decrease the chances of missing out on those top decks, you really do need to sit down and apply some math here to get a smooth running machine
If Sarulf doesn't have any +1/+1 counters on it as your upkeep begins, its last ability won't trigger at all
And that, my friends, has made all the difference
1 Forest By Terese Nielsen - $457.50 Guru (PGRU) #5 This land card was given away as part of the Guru program, where experienced players helped newcomers to the game learn the rules and get started
We have a few detailed guides that can help you on your way!
This enables Red to do powerful things quickly and easily, though they carry the risk that, if the opponent recovers, Red's resources will "burn out." Examples: Fiery Gambit, Final Fortune, Seething Song, Desperate Ritual, Chaos Warp