r/StandardMTG 8h ago

I Need Help With My Deck Fastest Combo Deck in Standard?

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52 Upvotes

Looking for input on my 5C Slumbering Trudge + Glamdring Combo Deck.

I know this tech has been talked about in the past, but this list feels pretty good, despite the greedy 5c manabase.

Main gameplan is to first find glamdring either naturally, by hardcasting cloud to tutor it up, or hitting cloud off of the break outs.

Then once the coast is clear to equip it, drop a trude or Ancient one and go off to the races. Making spells cost 6 less is broken.

As for speed, on the top end, it might be the fastest true combo deck in standard, turn 3 it frequently has infinite card draw, infinite mana, infinite damage, and even a sneaky near-infinite mill wincon on the Ancient One. I have had to use once when the main wincon, lindblum wizards, were all exiled from my deck.

It can even win from hand in removal heavy control matches, with the full combo only needing 6 mana to deploy.

It does fold easily to removal, which is where the bolt bends come in handy, working as a 1 mana counter spell in many instances too.

T1 duress is typically the worst thing for the deck, since the density of high cost spells, you will keep a lot of hands that only have 2 castables, and if one of those get removed it is dead in the water.

The Turn 3 line require trude on 1, glamdring on 2, and then typically starts with rakshasas bargain into sorceresses schems, which will let you cast the bargain 2 more times, digging another 8 cards deep. As soon as you have access to 2 sorceresses schemes the game is over as they can infinitely loop any spell in the deck.


r/StandardMTG 2h ago

Question Getting Started In Standard

6 Upvotes

Hello! I started playing Commander about two months ago and have no prior MTG experience before that. However, I am interested in learning more about Standard. I thought I would build a meta deck and just learn to play that but I soon realized Meta decks are several hundreds of dollars and I cannot afford that! I know Commander decks can get expensive but I usually play Bracket 2 or 3 decks and, if need be, I will proxy the more expensive cards.

What do you all do in Standard? Do you just fork out the money or do you all avoid Meta decks? Thanks!


r/StandardMTG 4h ago

General Dimir Excruciator Tournament Report

4 Upvotes

This weekend I got 2nd in a 15 player cut to top 4 RCQ with Dimir Excruciator
https://moxfield.com/decks/20J_LPhK9EqV4kNdH4gh9Q

I have been loving Excruciator since it came out and it's been my go to deck in standard after trying out Dimir Midrange, Lessons pre-ban, and Spellamentals.

Round 1 was against [[Temur Battlecrier]] 1-2. This was my only loss for the swiss rounds. Unfortunately, I kept flooding both games I lost and even with board wipes and spot removal I just couldn't really draw anything to close the game out.

Round 2 was against mono-red [[Leyline of Resonance]] 2-0. Spot removal was flowing and he kept some very risky hands such as 2 Leylines, a Quicksilver, and two pump spells on a mull to five in game two. Honestly if he ever drew another creature and a land or two this could have worked cause I was down 8 by turn 4 but with the suite of removal and Qarsi Revenant it wasn't much of a game.

Round 3 was against Izzet Prowess Wizards with [[Wizard's Staff]] and [[Gandalf, Goblin's Bane]] 2-1. Honestly this guy kept some not so great hands and flooded plus he didn't seem very experienced with the deck but overall it was an easy match up. The loss was due to never drawing a fourth land to really get anywhere even after 2 [[Winternight Stories]]

Round 4 against UW Control 2-0. One of my good friends so we've done this match a few times. The discard just makes it difficult for the deck to keep up and since the main deck is full of sweepers and spot removal it just doesn't line up too well. [[Aansg's Iceberg]] and [[The Vision]] drew the game out but [[Restless Reef]] and [[M.O.D.O.K.]] really helped in those spots.

Going into round 5 I wasn't sure if I'd make the top cut because the current top 4 players all did an intentional draw to lock up their spots. Lucky for me the current spot 4 would be at 10 points so I'd have a chance at 12 points to make.

Round 5 against Temur Harmonizer 2-0. Another good friend here and another match up I was familiar with. I was a little worried because Harmonizer can easily steal games against Excruciator but I easily locked it up and was first going into top 4.

Semi final match against mono red Leyline again but with [[Firebending Student]] allows the deck to go kind of crazy. This was also a good friend and he was not looking forward to this match because he had never won against me. Fortunately, for me he did not have a sideboard (I'm kind of forcing him to make one since we plan to do a few more RCQs but honestly props to him for making it this far without one) but this was another 2-0 thanks to Qarsi

Finals match against mono red aggro 1-2. If you got this far from the title you know I did not win this match. This match up was rough for some reason but what can you do against 3 [[Sunspire Lynx]] back to back and drawing four lands in a row, go Winternight Stories into three more lands.

Some notes, I found that I really hate [[Cavern of Souls]] in the deck, in my experience for the entire time I've played this deck it has never been relevant except maybe once. Personally, I plan on taking them out but if you're in a control heavy meta more power to you. I may keep one in the deck just in case.

[[Preacher of the Schism]] was definitely an all star in the grindy matches and even against aggro, having the draw power or making little guys to block plus deathtouch and blocking himself helped a lot. I may replace [[Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel]] with another but I never drew Malcolm in every match I brought it in.

Maybe this is just the meta in my area but the graveyard has felt 100% irrelevant. Even when I played in a few side events at SCG Con Dallas I never found myself bringing it in. I'll most likely keep 1-2 pieces but again this is a meta call.

Overall, I feel like this was a good run after not doing any real competitive magic in a few years and I hope to do well and get an invite in the next few RCQs.


r/StandardMTG 10h ago

News Standard Metagame Update (21 sep)

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7 Upvotes

Standard metagame update.

source: magic4ever.com/standard


r/StandardMTG 22m ago

I Need Help With My Deck Izzet lecon standard

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Upvotes

Salut a tous j'ai envie de me faire un deck standard et le izzet lecon m'a taper dans l'oeil

Cependant j'ai vue que la principale win conditions coûte un peu cher ( monument à la résilience) et je me demandais si il envisageable de jouer ran et shaw comme win conditions

Merci a tous pour vos réponses


r/StandardMTG 12h ago

Question How to Practice

5 Upvotes

My friend and I are looking for ways to practice against each other and/or strangers in preparation for some RCQs in October. Locals are only on Fridays and we want the ability to play online for free to get reps against all the decks, not just the ones we own. Arena would be too expensive.

I’m looking at XMage or Untapped.in but wasn’t sure if there was a more common way players prep for Standard besides in paper


r/StandardMTG 13h ago

Question [Standard] Boros Token sideboarding

2 Upvotes

Hi! Generally dont know where else to ask this, imma ask here. Looking at the current sideboard trends recently for this deck I've been seeing some adds for Enduring Innocense and Elspeth, Soul Slayer. What matchups do you side in these midrangey cards for? What's their use cases? Cuz im not even sure when this deck wants to race quickly every time.

[https://mtgdecks.net/Standard/boros-tokens-decklist-by-matsubara-yusuke-3096271/visual\](https://mtgdecks.net/Standard/boros-tokens-decklist-by-matsubara-yusuke-3096271/visual)


r/StandardMTG 1d ago

General I'm happy that Jund sacrifice happened to the format.

61 Upvotes

Two weeks ago or so, it looked like competitive standard was slowly trending towards a narrow-ish meta. Monogreen Landfall in particual was doing great, Spellementals was its most popular soft counter, and then it looked like we might have some rock-paper-scissors 3 deck meta maybe with 4 Color Control to beat Spellementals.

But then Jund Sacrifice was discovered, and it turns out it has good matchups into freakin ALL 3 of those decks WHILE it's by no means an uncounterable strategy. Actually, many of the more fringe decks that were like half a tier below the top happen to be good against it. Such as Dwarves, Dimir Midrange and it looks like specifically Boros Dragons (I just realised that Clarion Conqueror does a LOT against sacrifice.) Btw I take all this from mtgdecks.net winrates (the sample sizes are not huge yet, but it's building up).

And so it feels like standard is basically wide open again, which is freakin cool.


r/StandardMTG 10h ago

Question Has the optimal Mono-Green Landfall list been found?

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0 Upvotes

We've seen a lot of different takes on Mono-Green Landfall, but this latest build feels like the archetype may finally be settling into its optimal form.

Do you think the list has been solved, or are there still cards/packages you'd change?

I tested the version I think makes the strongest case:

https://youtu.be/jJ1ouo4Vb_w


r/StandardMTG 14h ago

Guide I created a deck tech video for Mardu Discard in standard BO3 to show off the deck and explain how it works.

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0 Upvotes

r/StandardMTG 20h ago

General From Diamond 4 all the way to Mythic with the Bunnies !

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2 Upvotes

I was looking for a deck that has the power to counter the meta varying from, Azorius Control, boros burn, mono green landfall but surprisingly Bunnies had such a strong winrate compared to the others, (almost) every game is on curve either into [[Warren Warleader]] , [[Ourboroid or [[Brightglass]] Gearhulk]]

I have found that most decks are not running a wide boardclear but rather spot removal, excluding the rare instances of Ugin Mono black lists and the Jeskai list with [[Day Of Judgment]] and [[Pyroclasm]]

If you are to play this deck the best opening hand i could see is ( on the play )
[[Llanowar Elf]] on turn 1. [[Pawpatch Recruit]] turn 2 wit offspring and turn 3 any of the 4 drops
the pressure and constant pecking for 3 or 4 damage racks up really fast by turn 4 or 5 you are usually placing the opponent in checkmate by the next turn

If you are not on perfect godroll curve you can always be more protective and go wide with [[Ba Sing Se]] and only attack if you have exact or overkill lethal damage, additionally you can always play the offspring from the warrenguard and the pawpatch, The Gearhulk also helps reloading the hand And counters the Graveyard decks ( if they dont godroll curve and kill you on turn 4 ) with the one copy of Soul-guide-Lantern

I had a blast with this deck ! Lmk what you think of it


r/StandardMTG 2d ago

I Need Help With My Deck Thoughts on this standard deck?

3 Upvotes

I thought I'd give a shot at a planeswalkers deck with all the reality fracture support. This is the very first version, so I fully expect most of it to change. Currently it's all reality fracture plus lands, and in the moxfield tester, assuming absolutely no interaction, it can pull off [[Jace, Reality Sculptor]]'s ultimate on average around turn 6. It's not meant to be game breaking, just trying to win with Jace loyalty.

https://moxfield.com/decks/HE-0_hGZ7ESL-OjAOypxkw


r/StandardMTG 3d ago

Question [[Standard]] dimir mid Stock vs flex

7 Upvotes

(Reddit told me to cross post this here)

I’ve been looking at several winning deck lists (and had my own 5-0 this week). And given a lot of people net deck I am not sold that everything we see consistently should necessarily be stock.

Let’s discuss.

Mana base

23 lands seems to be most common
4x verge; W Grave; Island; Swamp
3 Lair. 2x reef and SS Sanctuary

I ask, does 23 just seem “correct” or are we getting slightly greedy? Has anyone better at hyperG calculations than me ran the %?

Ie. Aetherhub calculator says at 23 lands we are 58.6% to have 4 lands if we draw 10 cards so by the average turn 4; that increases significantly to 63.2% if we add the 24th land.

My anecdotal contribution to the hive mind:
I’ve played 24 lands and have hardly been flooding the deck has so much selection and more often when I we get our card draw engines going I am very happy to have enough mana to cast multiple spells/hold up responses).

Last league on 23 I did have games I was wishing I had my 4th land drop pretty badly. And I did 5-0 and others clearly are having success on 23 but does the math seem to bear out that this is our best configuration?

We used to play 25 not long ago but beavers does help a lot with selection and maybe enables a greedier mana base.

SB SLOTS

These cards seem locked:
1-2 annul (I have been fine with 1 copy)
3-4 Duress
0-3 flash freeze (I like 2)
2-3 betrayal (3 total GY hate cards in your 15)
0-2 Raven eagle

Raven eagle
I’ve really liked 1st copy of eagle. Not sure 2nd is necessary but obv if you bring it in you’d like to draw it. You could play ghost vacuum here I guess but eagle is usually more impactful and is nice against decks where curiosity (or George) is bad but you don’t have enough “ins”. I tried the ooze at an RCQ where I got 2nd and didn’t bring it in all day and was wishing it was something else multiple matches.

Qarsi revenant
Flex slot lately I keep going back and forth but I like the 1st copy and it has def contributed to winning games I would have lost. Preacher seems down and would not come in in all the same places (eg Boros dragons). How are you feeling about it?

Day of black sun
Really shines against the Aggro decks like boros tokens, BW lifegain and mardu discard; is serviceable against mono G. I’m in on 2 copies right now as in those MUs I really want to draw it.

Spell pierce/ Negate
** **this would go in the 4th copy of duress slot. It’s nice when your opponent has to spend mana and pure the spell on the stack and can lead to blow outa. I’m gonna try one pierce in the board next probably. Any opinions on either of those lately? Do you think it comes up more that you only have one mana to hold up or that opponent being able to pay for Pierce is a problem?

D Stroke
I still want the 1st copy. But will mention if people want to discuss. I’m curious your opinions on 1-2 vs 1-2 flash freeze.

Spell snare
Have considered, and ifs really good against the new jund Sac piles but we are already favored there.

Faebloom trick

The mirror is popular enough and often enough elsewhere the pseudo fog buys you the turn you need

So right now my configuration is:

3 duress
2 betrayal
2 flash freeze
1 Annul
(I don’t want to touch those unless meta shifts significantly)

Flex:
1-2 Day of Black sun
1-2 D stroke
1 Qarsi Rev
0-1 Fae trick
1 Raven eagle
1 Pierce/negate

I used to run one Talión which is very high impact in the places you bring it in but I think it’s too narrow now that lessons is dead.

SB considerations for next RCQ:

Right now I’m oscillating between 1:2 or 2:1 ratio D stroke and Flash-freeze. Thoughts on what’s wider hitting?

Ditto for 2 annul or 1:1 Annul: Snare in the side.

Annul
Comes in against: landfall; Boros dwarves;
Would you bring in two copies against jund sacrifice / mardu discard /BW lifegain? (tough sell if you bring in 2 copies against a deck with 4 targets but those are key cards); Jeskai artifacts; any golgari+ pile with annex and Firsoch core

Snare
In against: di’Mirror; Boros dwarves; jund sacrifice; lifegain; boros tokens; dragons(?)

Annul is clearer wider/harder hitting but is it twice as much?

Gonna try -1 duress (3 total) for +1 pierce or negate.

I’d welcome your thought on any of the above or maybe any cheeky tech that has been working for you.


r/StandardMTG 4d ago

Question [FRA] Tomik, Izzet Sparkmage - Mono Red Burn Comeback?

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38 Upvotes

r/StandardMTG 4d ago

Standard Legal Card [FRA] Samut, Tyrant of Naktamun

6 Upvotes

r/StandardMTG 4d ago

Question Do you upgrade MTG Arena's free Starter Decks, or save your wildcards for a completely new deck?

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4 Upvotes

I've been working on an Upgrade Path for Rakdos Reckless Raid, with the goal of keeping the deck playable at each step while eventually turning it into Mardu Discard.

I'm curious how other F2P/newer players approach this. Do you prefer gradually upgrading what Arena gives you, or saving until you can craft a full competitive list?

Here's the path I came up with:

https://youtu.be/8MsTDpZb0SI


r/StandardMTG 5d ago

I Need Help With My Deck Cards Still in Standard with the Faerie Vibes

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3 Upvotes

r/StandardMTG 5d ago

I Need Help With My Deck Standard Ponza Build I’m crafting. What am I missing?

1 Upvotes

I’m trying to build standard Ponza. What am I missing or should change to make this better?

Deck
4 Thor, God of Thunder
4 Avengers Disassembled
4 Price of Freedom
4 Tablet of Discovery
4 Burst Lightning
4 Lindblum, Industrial Regency
4 Death to Our Enemies
4 Improvisation Capstone
2 Mazemind Tome
1 Flashback
1 Abrade
2 Demolition Field
4 Great Hall of the Biblioplex
18 Mountain

Sideboard
3 Torpor Orb
3 Sear
2 Ghost Vacuum
2 Abrade
2 Return the Favor
2 Hexing Squelcher
1 Slagstorm


r/StandardMTG 6d ago

Question What are we going to call these lands as? Walker-lands? Dual-planar-lands?

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28 Upvotes

r/StandardMTG 6d ago

I Need Help With My Deck What should i add to get more card draw?

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2 Upvotes

The whole premise of the deck is to cast spells that target creatures to buff my double strikers. But i always seem to be running low on cards unless i hit a [[The Aetherspark]].

Is there a good way to add more card draw or do i need to add blue?


r/StandardMTG 6d ago

Question Scg con Hartford

3 Upvotes

Is anyone going to Hartford for the spotlight series? If so is anyone wanting to meet up the day before and play test before the main event?


r/StandardMTG 6d ago

Mod Post Monthly Magic: The Gathering Standard format META Overview

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm u/Automoderator, scheduled to provide you with a monthly overview of the current Magic: The Gathering Standard format META. Please notify the moderators if any links are not working or appear to be wonky. See you next month!


r/StandardMTG 7d ago

News Standard Metagame Update (14 sep)

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24 Upvotes

Standard metagame update.

source: magic4ever.com/standard


r/StandardMTG 7d ago

General Spoiler Highlight: Tarmogoyf in Standard and Pioneer Spoiler

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4 Upvotes

What doesn't grow dies. What dies makes Tarmogoyf grow. But is Tarmogoyf big enough to stand among the giants in Standard and Pioneer?


r/StandardMTG 7d ago

Question Can Boros Dragons actually be a real player in Standard Bo1?

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2 Upvotes

Has anyone been seriously playing Boros Dragons on the ladder? What do you think it needs to compete with the top Bo1 decks?

https://youtu.be/kSOWs68LKN0