In the realm of tabletop gaming, Magic: The Gathering stands as a colossus, a game that has captivated millions worldwide with its intricate gameplay, boundless creativity, and vast universe of cards. From the halls of casual kitchen tables to the hallowed grounds of Pro Tours, the quest for the ultimate deck – the one that conquers all – has been an enduring pursuit. While the metagame is ever-shifting, certain archetypes have proven their mettle time and time again, becoming the gold standard against which all others are measured. In this article, we delve into the annals of Magic: The Gathering to uncover the most potent deck archetypes that have shaped the game’s history and continue to dominate the competitive landscape.
One such archetype that has stood the test of time is the control deck. With its emphasis on disruption, card advantage, and late-game inevitability, control decks aim to stifle their opponents’ plans, exhaust their resources, and ultimately seal victory with powerful finishers. Key cards in control decks often include counterspells, removal spells, card draw spells, and planeswalkers that provide ongoing value. By manipulating the flow of the game, control decks seek to establish a dominant position and grind their opponents into submission.
Another formidable archetype is the aggro deck. True to its name, aggro decks prioritize speed and aggression, aiming to overwhelm their opponents with a relentless onslaught of creatures. The hallmark of aggro decks is their low mana curve, allowing them to deploy a swarm of creatures early on and maintain constant pressure. Creatures in aggro decks often possess abilities that synergize with each other, such as haste, trample, or the ability to generate tokens. By relentlessly attacking, aggro decks seek to inflict lethal damage before their opponents have a chance to stabilize. These three archetypes – control, aggro, and combo – represent the pillars of Magic: The Gathering’s competitive landscape. They have stood the test of time, adapting to changes in the metagame while maintaining their core strengths. Whether you prefer to outmaneuver your opponents with control, overwhelm them with aggression, or assemble devastating combos, there is a standard deck archetype out there to suit your playstyle and guide you to victory.
The Unstoppable Force: Mono-White Aggro
Mono-White Aggro is an archetype that has dominated the Standard metagame for years, and it continues to be a force to be reckoned with. The deck’s power lies in its ability to overwhelm opponents with a relentless stream of small, aggressive creatures that can quickly end the game. This deck has become a popular choice for both new and experienced players due to its straightforwardness and effectiveness.
The core of the Mono-White Aggro deck is its creatures. The deck typically runs a low curve, with a focus on one- and two-mana creatures. These creatures are often equipped with abilities that grant them additional power or toughness, or that allow them to interact with the opponent’s board. The deck also includes a number of utility creatures that can help to control the board or provide additional value.
In addition to its creatures, Mono-White Aggro also runs a number of spells that can help to support its aggressive strategy. These spells often include combat tricks, which can boost the power of the deck’s creatures or protect them from removal. The deck may also run a few removal spells to deal with opposing threats.
Mono-White Aggro has a number of strengths that make it a formidable opponent. It is able to apply a lot of early pressure, and it can quickly close out games if the opponent is not prepared. The deck is also relatively resilient to removal, as it is able to generate a constant stream of creatures. However, the deck does have some weaknesses. It can be weak to decks that are able to control the board or that have a lot of removal. The deck is also relatively slow in the late game, and it can struggle to compete with decks that have a more powerful late-game presence.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
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The Master of Magic: Dimir Control
Dimir Control, a formidable force in Magic: the Gathering, reigns supreme as one of the most dominant standard decks. Its mastery of disruption, card advantage, and inevitability makes it a formidable opponent for any deck.
Delve: The Fuel for Control
Delve is a powerful mechanic that Dimir Control exploits to maximum efficiency. Cards like Notion Thief and Gurmag Angler allow you to delve away cards from your graveyard, reducing their casting cost and providing you with card advantage. This fuel enables Dimir Control to cast powerful spells with mana efficiency, overwhelming opponents with a constant stream of disruption and card draw.
The following table illustrates the power of delve in Dimir Control:
| Card | Delve Cost | Original Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Notion Thief | 5 | 9 |
| Gurmag Angler | 2 | 5 |
With a well-stocked graveyard, Dimir Control can cast these cards for significantly reduced costs, making them extremely difficult for opponents to counter.
In addition to disruption and card advantage, Dimir Control also excels at inevitability. With powerful finishers like Gray Merchant of Asphodel, it can grind opponents down in the late game, ensuring victory even when the early game is challenging.
The Elemental Might: Mono-Green Stompy
A Force of Nature
Mono-Green Stompy is an archetype that embodies the raw power of green mana. This deck seeks to overwhelm opponents with an army of creatures that hit hard and fast. Its strength lies in its mana acceleration, which allows it to cast multiple creatures and spells in the early game. Thanks to its low mana curve and abundance of mana ramp, Mono-Green Stompy can establish a dominant board position within the first few turns.
Creature Powerhouse
The creatures in this deck are designed to maximize efficiency and brute force. The deck’s gameplan revolves around casting Llanowar Elves, Elvish Mystic, and other mana creatures on turn one to accelerate its mana production. These creatures can then be used to cast powerful beaters such as Pelt Collector, Old-Growth Troll, and Questing Beast. Mono-Green Stompy also utilizes creatures with abilities that enhance their power or resilience, such as Ghalta, Primal Hunger, and Scavenging Ooze.
Support and Synergy
To further enhance its creature-based strategy, Mono-Green Stompy includes a range of support spells. Collected Company is a staple in the archetype, allowing players to put multiple creatures onto the battlefield at once. Other cards like Beast Whisperer and Rishkar, Peema Renegade provide card advantage and further boost the size and power of the creatures. Additionally, the deck may include sideboard cards such as Cindervines or Kraul Harpooner to deal with problematic threats or remove pesky enchantments or artifacts.
| Card | Quantity | Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Llanowar Elves | 4 | G | Taps for one green mana |
| Elvish Mystic | 4 | G | Taps for one green mana and allows you to draw a card |
| Pelt Collector | 4 | 1G | 2/2 creature that gets +1/+1 for each creature you control |
| Old-Growth Troll | 3 | 3G | 4/4 creature with reach |
| Questing Beast | 3 | 2GG | 4/4 creature with trample, haste, and three keywords (chosen from among flying, first strike, deathtouch, lifelink, and vigilance) |
The Sky’s the Limit: Blue-Red Tempo
Blue-Red Tempo is a deceptively complex deck that heavily relies on correctly sequencing cards and managing mana. It aims to control the early game with cheap and efficient spells, then finish the game with powerful threats such as Tibalt’s Trickery or a well-timed Bonecrusher Giant.
Creatures
The creature base of Blue-Red Tempo is designed to disrupt the opponent’s strategy. Bonecrusher Giant is an early threat that can deal with larger creatures or planeswalkers, while Soul-Scar Mage and Sprite Dragon can control the board with their abilities.
Non-Creature Spells
Blue-Red Tempo utilizes a suite of powerful non-creature spells that give it card advantage, disruption, and removal. Lightning Bolt is a versatile removal spell, while Opt and Chart a Course provide card draw. Counterspell and Mystical Dispute protect key cards and disrupt the opponent’s plans.
Mana Base
The mana base of Blue-Red Tempo is crucial for its success. It consists of a mix of dual lands and utility lands such as Steam Vents and Hall of Triumph. The deck often plays a high number of spells, so it’s important to have a consistent mana base that can support both early and late-game plays.
Lands
| Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Steam Vents | 4 |
| Hall of Triumph | 4 |
| Sacred Foundry | 3 |
| Island | 5 |
| Mountain | 5 |
The Eternal Flame: Boros Burn
Boros Burn, an aggro deck that deals relentless damage to opponents, has been a mainstay in the Standard metagame for many seasons. With its low mana curve and efficient creatures, it aims to burn opponents out quickly and efficiently.
Boros Burn Decklist
Here is a sample Boros Burn decklist:
| Creatures (20) |
|---|
| 4x Monastery Swiftspear |
| 4x Goblin Guide |
| 4x Eidolon of the Great Revel |
| 4x Legion Loyalist |
| 4x Boros Challenger |
| Non-Creatures (20) |
|---|
| 4x Lightning Bolt |
| 4x Skewer the Critics |
| 4x Boros Charm |
| 4x Searing Blaze |
| 4x Chainwhirler |
Key Cards
Monastery Swiftspear: A one-drop that gains +1/+0 for each spell you cast, making it a formidable threat early on.
Goblin Guide: A powerful one-drop that deals 2 damage to an opponent whenever it attacks, putting pressure on their life total.
Eidolon of the Great Revel: A two-drop that deals 2 damage to an opponent whenever they cast a spell, slowing down their mana development.
Lightning Bolt: A one-mana burn spell that can deal significant damage to creatures and opponents alike.
Skewer the Critics: A two-mana burn spell that deals 3 damage to a creature or opponent, providing quick burst damage.
The Returned from the Grave: Orzhov Midrange
Orzhov Midrange is a powerful deck type that focuses on playing a mix of creatures and spells to slowly grind down the opponent. It is a flexible deck that can be adapted to a variety of playstyles and can play strategically and effectively in a majority of matchups.
Card Advantage
Orzhov Midrange has access to a number of cards that generate card advantage, such as Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord, Kaya, Orzhov Usurper, and Legion Lieutenant. These cards allow the deck to outvalue its opponents over time and gain a significant advantage in resources.
Removal
Orzhov Midrange also has access to a variety of removal spells, such as Kaya’s Guile, Deafening Clarion, and Mortify. These spells can be used to deal with the opponent’s threats and clear the way for the deck’s own creatures.
Card draw
Orzhov Midrange also has access to a number of cards that let you draw cards, such as Chart a Course, Sign in Blood, and Smothering Tithe. These cards allow the deck to constantly find more threats and keep the pressure on the opponent.
Lifegain
Orzhov Midrange also has access to a number of cards and abilities that can gain you life, such as Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord, Kaya’s Ghostform, and Legion Lieutenant. These cards can help the deck survive against aggressive decks and win attrition wars.
Mana Base
The Orzhov Midrange mana base is typically composed of a mix of white and black lands, with a few utility lands such as Isolated Chapel and Godless Shrine. The deck wants to be able to cast its spells on curve, so it is important to have a consistent mana base.
Example Mana Base
| Card | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plains | 4 |
| Swamp | 4 |
| Isolated Chapel | 4 |
| Godless Shrine | 4 |
| Hallowed Fountain | 3 |
| Scrubland | 2 |
| Fetid Heath | 3 |
| Polluted Delta | 2 |
The Symphony of Sorcery: Jeskai Control
Mana Base
Jeskai Control employs a robust mana base consisting of 28 lands: 12 White, 10 Blue, 6 Red, and a Command Tower. The focus on White and Blue ensures a smooth flow of control spells, while the Red splash provides access to powerful burn spells and Planeswalkers.
Creatures
This deck runs a lean creature suite. Adeline, Resplendent Cathar leads the charge as a formidable offensive threat complemented by Thalia, Guardian of Thraben for disruption. Brago, King Eternal offers flexible control and provides synergy with blinking engines.
Planeswalkers
Jeskai Control boasts a potent Planeswalker package. Teferi, Time Raveler and Narset, Parter of Veils control the tempo, while Chandra, Torch of Defiance and Sarkhan the Masterless bring fire and devastation.
Sarkhan the Masterless
Sarkhan, the Masterless, a legendary Planeswalker, plays a pivotal role in Jeskai Control. His first ability, +1, creates a 2/1 Dragon token, adding an aerial threat to the battlefield. His second ability, -3, deals 4 damage to any target, eliminating threats or finishing opponents efficiently.
| Name | Cost | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jeskai Control | ~£200 | Control |
The third and ultimate ability, -8, is game-changing. It allows Sarkhan to search his library for a Dragon permanent card and put it onto the battlefield. This ability has the potential to bring formidable Dragons like Klauth, Unrivaled Ancient or Dragonlord Ojutai into the fray, securing victory for Jeskai Control.
The Ancient Wisdom: Selesnya Midrange
Selesnya Midrange, also known as “The Ancient Wisdom,” is a powerful and consistent deck in the Magic: The Gathering Standard format. It combines the strengths of both green and white mana to create a resilient and versatile deck that can adapt to a wide range of matchups. Its focus on midrange creatures, ramp, and removal spells allows it to control the board and win the game through attrition or overwhelming force.
This deck has a solid foundation of one-mana creatures, such as Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic, which help accelerate mana for early plays. As the game progresses, the deck transitions into larger creatures like Esika’s Chariot and Ranger Class, which can dominate the board and generate value. The inclusion of planeswalkers such as Vivien, Monsters’ Advocate provides additional card advantage and pressure.
Selesnya Midrange has a strong suite of removal spells, including both targeted options like Eliminate and sweeper effects like Farewell. This versatility allows it to deal with threats of various sizes and types, making it difficult for opponents to establish a stable board presence. The deck also utilizes enchantments like Setessan Champion, which provides protection and buffs to its creatures.
Mana Base
| Forest |
| Plains |
| Evolving Wilds |
| Gavony Dawnhart |
| Unclaimed Territory |
| Mystic Sanctuary |
| Boseiju, Who Endures |
| Castle Ardenvale |
| Katilda’s Monument |
The Unpredictable Chaos: Izzet Drakes
Mana Base
This deck relies on a mix of basic lands and check lands, such as Steam Vents and Dragonskull Summit. It also includes a few utility lands, like Spirebluff Canal and Thespian’s Stage, to add flexibility and consistency.
Creatures
The creatures in this deck are mostly Drakes, with some key additions to support their game plan. Murmuring Mystic helps to find key spells, while Crackling Drake and Sprite Dragon provide a consistent stream of damage and card advantage.
Instants and Sorceries
Izzet Drakes utilizes a range of instants and sorceries to control the board and advance its win condition. Lightning Strike provides early removal, while Chart a Course and Opt help to dig for specific cards. Dive Down and Negate offer protection for key creatures and spells.
Enchantments
The only enchantment in this deck is Expansion // Explosion. This versatile card can either be used to buff a creature or to deal direct damage to an opponent, providing additional reach and flexibility.
Artifacts
Izzet Drakes runs a few artifacts to support its game plan. Sorcerous Spyglass can disrupt opposing strategies, while Whir of Invention allows the deck to recur important spells from the graveyard.
Sideboard
The sideboard includes a variety of cards designed to counter specific strategies or improve matchups against certain decks. Lava Coil and Goblin Chainwhirler provide additional removal for creature-heavy decks, while Aether Gust and Disdainful Stroke help to protect against control or combo strategies.
Gameplay
Izzet Drakes is a tempo-based deck that aims to control the board and build up a strong threat presence. It can quickly overwhelm opponents with a stream of Drakes and burn spells, while using counterspells and removal to protect its own creatures and disrupt opposing strategies.
Key Interactions
Murmuring Mystic can be used to find specific cards, such as Lightning Strike or Dive Down, to enable key plays.
Sprite Dragon can generate mana with its prowess ability, enabling the deck to cast multiple spells in a turn.
Expansion // Explosion can be used to buff a creature for a large alpha strike or to deal direct damage to an opponent when it’s unlikely to connect with a creature.
| Card | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lightning Strike | 4 |
| Chart a Course | 4 |
| Crackling Drake | 4 |
| Dive Down | 4 |
Best Standard Decks in Magic the Gathering
The Standard format in Magic the Gathering is constantly evolving, with new cards and strategies emerging all the time. However, some decks have proven to be consistently strong and can serve as a good starting point for aspiring players.
One of the best standard decks currently is the Jeskai Fires deck. This deck uses Fires of Invention to cast powerful spells for free, including planeswalkers and creatures like Cavaliers of Flame and Chandra, Awakened Inferno.
Another strong option is the Mono-Red Aggro deck. This deck aims to quickly overwhelm opponents with a swarm of small creatures, such as Goblin Chainwhirler and Dreadhorde Arcanist.
People Also Ask
What is the best budget standard deck?
The Mono-Red Aggro deck mentioned above is a great option for budget players, as it uses mostly common and uncommon cards.
What is the best standard deck for beginners?
The Jeskai Fires deck can be a good choice for beginners, as it is relatively easy to play and can still be competitive.
What is the best standard deck for tournaments?
The best standard deck for tournaments will vary depending on the current metagame. However, the Jeskai Fires deck and the Mono-Red Aggro deck are both strong options that can perform well in any tournament.
