Before we get to the main topics, Mike got his physical copy of Next Level Deckbuilding in the mail!

Mike already loved Next Level Deckbuilding (having had the digital version for a year or so) but has lots of nice things to say about the physical release.

If you want to check out Patrick’s new release, Next Level Deckbuilding is available in paperback at Star City Games:

Next Level Deckbuilding

Gerry Thompson, a friend to the ‘cast, won the MOCS this past weekend with a “retro” Abzan Aggro!

“Gerry Thompson netdecked my grandfather.”
-Patrick

… And it really looks like he did!

If you look at Gerry’s deck, it really looks like a Khans of Tarkir-era deck, rather than one informed by Fate Reforged, let alone Dragons of Tarkir.

Abzan Aggro, by Gerry Thompson

2 Hero’s Downfall
4 Thoughtseize

4 Abzan Charm
4 Anafenza, the Foremost
3 Dromoka’s Command
4 Fleecemane Lion
4 Rakshasha Deathdealer
4 Siege Rhino
1 Sorin, Solemn Visitor

2 Warden of the First Tree

2 Wingmate Roc

2 Caves of Koilos
2 Forest
3 Llanowar Wastes
1 Mana Confluence
2 Plains
4 Sandsteppe Citadel
4 Temple of Malady
3 Temple of Silence
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
4 Windswept Heath

sideboard:
2 Drown in Sorrow
2 Duress
3 Self-Inflicted Wound
1 Dromoka’s Command
1 Sorin, Solemn Visitor
2 Mistcutter Hydra
1 Elspeth, Sun’s Champion
2 Glare of Heresy
1 Wingmate Roc

By making room for Dromoka’s Command in place of Bile Blight, Gerry reduced his deck’s reliance on black mana, in particular BB on turn two.

Welcome back, Wingmate Roc! This is a threat that lets him get in under Elspeth Sun’s Champion, both on mana and on power.

Mana Confluence as a twenty-sixth land does multiple things for the usually-twenty-five-land Abzan Aggro archetype. Among other things, you can side out the Mana Confluence against Red Aggro on the draw!

Self-Inflicted Wound hits a shocking number of decks. Patrick spitballs about playing it main deck, not even just sideboard.

Mistcutter Hydra, a rediscovered piece of technology, can run right by Dragonlord Ojutai!

Michael — and especially Patrick — come to the conclusion that Elspeth, Sun’s Champion might be where you want to go in Standard… But have a hard time landing on where to play their Elspeth, Sun’s Champions.

What do you think?

Give us a listen, and then comment below.

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