Mono Black Devotion
Moderators: Kaitscralt, zemanjaski, Christen
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Mono Black Devotion
I wanted to get some discussion going on MBC as this is a deck I've always been interested in. I don't have a primer, but I will post my list and an outline of my SB plans. I would appreciate any and all constructive criticism. I'm especially interested in comments about my SB plans. I've thought about this for a long time and really want to make sure my evaluations are correct.
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
4x Dark Betrayal
1x Doom Blade
3x Duress
2x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
[/DECK]
Sideboard Plans:
Vs. B Devotion
-4x Desecration
Demon
-3x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+4x Dark Betrayal
+3x Duress
+2x Erebos
Vs. Esper
-4x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Duress
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. U/W
-4x Devour Flesh
-2x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Duress
+2x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. G/B Aggro
-2x Desecration Demon (on play)
-2x Pack Rat (on draw)
+3x Dark Betrayal
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. R/x Aggro, W/x Aggro, U or R Devotion
-2x Desecration Demon (on play)
-2x Pack Rat (on draw)
-4x Underworld Connections
+1x Doom Blade
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika's Cure
Vs. G/R
-4x Desecration Demon
+1x Doom Blade
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. Jund Midrange
-2x Pharika's Cure
-4x
Underworld Connections
+3x Duress
+3x Lifebane Zombie
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
4x Dark Betrayal
1x Doom Blade
3x Duress
2x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
[/DECK]
Sideboard Plans:
Vs. B Devotion
-4x Desecration
Demon
-3x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+4x Dark Betrayal
+3x Duress
+2x Erebos
Vs. Esper
-4x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Duress
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. U/W
-4x Devour Flesh
-2x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Duress
+2x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. G/B Aggro
-2x Desecration Demon (on play)
-2x Pack Rat (on draw)
+3x Dark Betrayal
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. R/x Aggro, W/x Aggro, U or R Devotion
-2x Desecration Demon (on play)
-2x Pack Rat (on draw)
-4x Underworld Connections
+1x Doom Blade
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika's Cure
Vs. G/R
-4x Desecration Demon
+1x Doom Blade
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. Jund Midrange
-2x Pharika's Cure
-4x
Underworld Connections
+3x Duress
+3x Lifebane Zombie

SM, you complete me.
- Tyrael
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Consider Ratchet Bomb to get rid of annoying enchantments, otherwise your list looks solid. I'm not sold on Phikara's Cure though, are you expecting a lot of small aggro?

Signature by NerdBoyWonder
Currently playing/testing:




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Yes, there are several U Devo and R/W aggro lists in my local meta.Consider Ratchet Bomb to get rid of annoying enchantments, otherwise your list looks solid. I'm not sold on Phikara's Cure though, are you expecting a lot of small aggro?

SM, you complete me.
- Tyrael
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Why no Whip of Erebos?
Also, I tried to run 4 Pack Rats in the past, but they seem to be quite clunky - you basically can't go deep against Supreme Verdict decks, and playing them against an Rx deck before the 5th/6th turn feels very bad.
Also, when playing vs Wx aggro (my local meta is pretty much infested of that) and U devotion, I found Shrivel to be a good siding choice.
Also, I tried to run 4 Pack Rats in the past, but they seem to be quite clunky - you basically can't go deep against Supreme Verdict decks, and playing them against an Rx deck before the 5th/6th turn feels very bad.
Also, when playing vs Wx aggro (my local meta is pretty much infested of that) and U devotion, I found Shrivel to be a good siding choice.
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I've decided to give a try to your build, but I want to change the sideboard around a bit, though:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceit
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
3x Duress
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
2x Ratchet Bomb
1x Erebos, God of the Dead
1x Pithing Needle
[/DECK]
This can be a good try, but I feel like I'll have to find some place for 2x Shrivel for the W/x matchup (they're also cool against U devotion, while being perfectly useless against any other deck).
Might end up cutting back Ratchet Bombs that, while being our only possible answer to enemies' Pack Rats / Detention Spheres, are marvellously mediocre, and that lone Pithing Needle could
be more cute than useful.
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceit
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
3x Duress
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
2x Ratchet Bomb
1x Erebos, God of the Dead
1x Pithing Needle
[/DECK]
This can be a good try, but I feel like I'll have to find some place for 2x Shrivel for the W/x matchup (they're also cool against U devotion, while being perfectly useless against any other deck).
Might end up cutting back Ratchet Bombs that, while being our only possible answer to enemies' Pack Rats / Detention Spheres, are marvellously mediocre, and that lone Pithing Needle could
be more cute than useful.
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Haven't been around much due to the holidays. A bit disappointed in myself for changing to a different deck at the last minute, then scrubbing out of a GPT.
RedNihilist, I wouldn't call this deck "my build". There have been plenty before me to play it. As a matter of fact, Owen T. just got another 1st place finish with it at the SCG Standard Open on the 4th. Here is my list currently:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
4x Duress
2x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
1x Pharika’s Cure
2x Whip of Erebos
[/DECK]
Owen T's list doesn't run any Whips, so that's pretty much the only difference between my list
and his. I'm still working on the SB plans, but any input would be nice.
I'm still thinking about Shrivel. Not sure if it's needed. Would be nice against Elspeth tokens, but I think the deck can just play around them. As for the Mono U matchup, Hero's Downfall or Pharika's Cure deal with MoW easily, which in turn will get rid of any bothersome tokens.
Regarding Ratchet Bomb, I'm not sure if that's needed either. We can deal with Pack Rats. I don't see them as a huge problem. As for getting rid of Detention Sphere, I'm hoping Thoughtseize and Duress will be enough to deal with it. I know that there is a possibility that your opponent can topdeck a DS, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.
RedNihilist, I wouldn't call this deck "my build". There have been plenty before me to play it. As a matter of fact, Owen T. just got another 1st place finish with it at the SCG Standard Open on the 4th. Here is my list currently:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
4x Duress
2x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
1x Pharika’s Cure
2x Whip of Erebos
[/DECK]
Owen T's list doesn't run any Whips, so that's pretty much the only difference between my list
and his. I'm still working on the SB plans, but any input would be nice.
I'm still thinking about Shrivel. Not sure if it's needed. Would be nice against Elspeth tokens, but I think the deck can just play around them. As for the Mono U matchup, Hero's Downfall or Pharika's Cure deal with MoW easily, which in turn will get rid of any bothersome tokens.
Regarding Ratchet Bomb, I'm not sure if that's needed either. We can deal with Pack Rats. I don't see them as a huge problem. As for getting rid of Detention Sphere, I'm hoping Thoughtseize and Duress will be enough to deal with it. I know that there is a possibility that your opponent can topdeck a DS, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.

SM, you complete me.
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In the meanwhile I've cut Pithing Needle and Ratchet Bombs.
The former can still be a meta call (extra answer to planeswalkers against control and Gr devotion?), while I feel Shrivel is good if you expect Wx aggro, as it goes around Brave the Elements and Boros Charm.
Lately I've tried out the green splash and I really liked having access to Abrupt Decay and post-side Golgari Charm, yet the manabase becomes really unstable imho.
The former can still be a meta call (extra answer to planeswalkers against control and Gr devotion?), while I feel Shrivel is good if you expect Wx aggro, as it goes around Brave the Elements and Boros Charm.
Lately I've tried out the green splash and I really liked having access to Abrupt Decay and post-side Golgari Charm, yet the manabase becomes really unstable imho.
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I haven't really seen a lot of W/x aggro in my local meta, hence the exclusion of Shrivel.
As for the green splash, I will see some B/g decks place well in tournaments, but the majority of those haven't been devotion decks and don't run Gray Merchant.
As for the green splash, I will see some B/g decks place well in tournaments, but the majority of those haven't been devotion decks and don't run Gray Merchant.
Last edited by Self Medicated on Tue Jan 07, 2014 6:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.

SM, you complete me.
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I would bring in the whip against the mirror, Esper, U/W, and B/W. Don't take this as gospel though. I'm really trying to improve my SB skills, and these were my choices after studying the top competitive decks. I've heard of people having good luck with the whip against aggro decks too.

SM, you complete me.
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It's just that the only matchup where I *really* wanted it to show up was against TurboFog.
I feel like that if you're going deep into a Pack Rats race, Whip becomes a win-more condition rather than something really useful.
It works quite good with non-reanimated Desecration Demons because it forces the opponent to aggressively sacrifice their fuel, and can act as Gary #5 and #6 against control I guess.
I think I need to think about it a bit.
I feel like that if you're going deep into a Pack Rats race, Whip becomes a win-more condition rather than something really useful.
It works quite good with non-reanimated Desecration Demons because it forces the opponent to aggressively sacrifice their fuel, and can act as Gary #5 and #6 against control I guess.
I think I need to think about it a bit.
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Just for reference, here is my list:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
4x Duress
2x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
1x Pharika’s Cure
2x Whip of Erebos
[/DECK]
And here is Owen Turtenwald's list:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
4x Duress
3x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
[/DECK]
Not much of a
difference, but he passes on the whips in the SB. He instead opts for a 3rd Erebos and the 4th Pharika's Cure in his 75. Now that I think about it, you might be right that Whip is a win-more card. Yes, it can recur Gary from the GY, but most of the time it has just gained me lots of life. It hasn't ever won the game for me outright. Then again, this might be more of a "play what's comfortable" situation. I've seen plenty of decks running Whip place very well. I've also seen plenty of decks not running Whip place very well. I'm guessing it all comes down to your play style.
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
4x Duress
2x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
1x Pharika’s Cure
2x Whip of Erebos
[/DECK]
And here is Owen Turtenwald's list:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
4x Duress
3x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
[/DECK]
Not much of a
difference, but he passes on the whips in the SB. He instead opts for a 3rd Erebos and the 4th Pharika's Cure in his 75. Now that I think about it, you might be right that Whip is a win-more card. Yes, it can recur Gary from the GY, but most of the time it has just gained me lots of life. It hasn't ever won the game for me outright. Then again, this might be more of a "play what's comfortable" situation. I've seen plenty of decks running Whip place very well. I've also seen plenty of decks not running Whip place very well. I'm guessing it all comes down to your play style.

SM, you complete me.
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Ok, so here is my revised list and a rough first draft of my SB plans:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
2x Doom Blade
3x Duress
2x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
[/DECK]
Sideboard Plans:
Vs. B Devotion
-4x Desecration Demon
-2x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+3x Duress
+2x Erebos
Vs. B/G Devotion
-4x Desecration Demon
-4x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+3x Duress
+2x Erebos
+2x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. U Devotion[/u:
25yj9awq]
-1x Devour Flesh
-1x Hero's Downfall
-3x Underworld Connections
+2x Doom Blade
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. G/W Aggro
-1x Devour Flesh
-4x Underworld Connections
+2x Doom Blade
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. B/W Control
-4x Desecration Demon
-4x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+2x Duress
+2x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. Boros Devotion
-4x Desecration Demon
-2x Devour Flesh
-4x Underworld Connections
+2x Doom Blade
+3x Duress
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. Esper Aggro
-4x Desecration Demon
-2x Hero’s Downfall
-1x Pack Rat
-3x Underworld Connections
+3x Dark Betrayal
+2x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
I'm not 100% on the plans for Boros and Esper. Would appreciate feedback.
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
2x Doom Blade
3x Duress
2x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
[/DECK]
Sideboard Plans:
Vs. B Devotion
-4x Desecration Demon
-2x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+3x Duress
+2x Erebos
Vs. B/G Devotion
-4x Desecration Demon
-4x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+3x Duress
+2x Erebos
+2x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. U Devotion[/u:
25yj9awq]
-1x Devour Flesh
-1x Hero's Downfall
-3x Underworld Connections
+2x Doom Blade
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. G/W Aggro
-1x Devour Flesh
-4x Underworld Connections
+2x Doom Blade
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. B/W Control
-4x Desecration Demon
-4x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+2x Duress
+2x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. Boros Devotion
-4x Desecration Demon
-2x Devour Flesh
-4x Underworld Connections
+2x Doom Blade
+3x Duress
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. Esper Aggro
-4x Desecration Demon
-2x Hero’s Downfall
-1x Pack Rat
-3x Underworld Connections
+3x Dark Betrayal
+2x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
I'm not 100% on the plans for Boros and Esper. Would appreciate feedback.

SM, you complete me.
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Nihilist - Check out these MTGO videos by Adam Yurchick on TCG Player:
http://magic.tcgplayer.com/db/article.asp?ID=11582
Very informative and a great example of how to play the deck. This is what I based my SB plans on.
http://magic.tcgplayer.com/db/article.asp?ID=11582
Very informative and a great example of how to play the deck. This is what I based my SB plans on.

SM, you complete me.
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I've managed to see some of them: I didn't like when he didn't play the Lifebane Zombies against Orzhov Control, but really enjoyed how he managed to win game 2 against Golgari Devotion.
I would have panicked for sure.
Now I'll see him against monoU then go to bed.
Re: Esper Midrange -> Shrivel hits lots of targets
Outside of that I'm really unsure on how to behave, as the deck just seems to want to be on both the side of the spectrum (aggro + control) at once.
I >guess< their post-sideboard plan could shift towards going "big" and land a Blood Baron of Ozbedat + Whip as early as possible, so I guess I'd try out:
+3 Lifebane Zombies
+3 Duress
+2 Erebos (?)
-4 Desecration Demon
-4 Hero's Downfall
I've got no experience against the deck, though, so maybe I'm just getting it all wrong.
Also, Hero's
Downfall could be Devour Flesh, as Necromancer needs a properly targeted removal (maybe Dark Betrayal? it feels a little narrow, though...).
I would have panicked for sure.
Now I'll see him against monoU then go to bed.
Re: Esper Midrange -> Shrivel hits lots of targets

Outside of that I'm really unsure on how to behave, as the deck just seems to want to be on both the side of the spectrum (aggro + control) at once.
I >guess< their post-sideboard plan could shift towards going "big" and land a Blood Baron of Ozbedat + Whip as early as possible, so I guess I'd try out:
+3 Lifebane Zombies
+3 Duress
+2 Erebos (?)
-4 Desecration Demon
-4 Hero's Downfall
I've got no experience against the deck, though, so maybe I'm just getting it all wrong.
Also, Hero's
Downfall could be Devour Flesh, as Necromancer needs a properly targeted removal (maybe Dark Betrayal? it feels a little narrow, though...).
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New article by Owen T. with sideboarding strategies. I like his SB and think I will try it.
http://www.channelfireball.com/articles ... n-indywin/
So following his strategies, here is my current list and SB plans. Somebody please let me know in case I'm doing this wrong.
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
4x Duress
3x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
[/DECK]
Sideboard Plans:
Vs. B/x Devotion (on draw)
-4x Desecration Demon
-2x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+2x Duress
n+3x Erebos
Vs. B/x Devotion (on play)
-4x Desecration Demon
-4x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+4x Duress
+3x Erebos
Vs. U Devotion (on draw)
-1x Pack Rat
-4x Underworld Connections
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. U Devotion (on play)
-1x Desecration Demon
-4x Underworld Connections
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. U/W Control
-4x Devour Flesh
-4x Hero’s Downfall
-2x Pharika’s Cure
+4x Duress
+3x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. Esper Control (w/o Blood Baron)
-4x Devour Flesh
-4x Hero’s Downfall
-2x Pharika’s Cure
+4x Duress
+3x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. Esper Control (w/ Blood Baron) and B/W Control
-1x Devour Flesh
-
3x Gray Merchant or Pack Rat
-4x Hero’s Downfall
-2x Pharika’s Cure
+4x Duress
+3x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. G/R Monsters and G/W Aggro
-4x Underworld Connections
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+1x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. Boros Devotion
-4x Desecration Demon
-1x Devour Flesh
-4x Underworld Connections
+4x Duress
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. Esper Aggro
-4x Desecration Demon
-4x Hero’s Downfall
-4x Underworld Connections
+3x Dark Betrayal
+1x Duress
+3x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
http://www.channelfireball.com/articles ... n-indywin/
So following his strategies, here is my current list and SB plans. Somebody please let me know in case I'm doing this wrong.
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
4x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
2x Pharika's Cure
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
4x Duress
3x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
2x Pharika’s Cure
[/DECK]
Sideboard Plans:
Vs. B/x Devotion (on draw)
-4x Desecration Demon
-2x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+2x Duress
n+3x Erebos
Vs. B/x Devotion (on play)
-4x Desecration Demon
-4x Hero's Downfall
-2x Pharika's Cure
+3x Dark Betrayal
+4x Duress
+3x Erebos
Vs. U Devotion (on draw)
-1x Pack Rat
-4x Underworld Connections
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. U Devotion (on play)
-1x Desecration Demon
-4x Underworld Connections
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. U/W Control
-4x Devour Flesh
-4x Hero’s Downfall
-2x Pharika’s Cure
+4x Duress
+3x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. Esper Control (w/o Blood Baron)
-4x Devour Flesh
-4x Hero’s Downfall
-2x Pharika’s Cure
+4x Duress
+3x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. Esper Control (w/ Blood Baron) and B/W Control
-1x Devour Flesh
-
3x Gray Merchant or Pack Rat
-4x Hero’s Downfall
-2x Pharika’s Cure
+4x Duress
+3x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
Vs. G/R Monsters and G/W Aggro
-4x Underworld Connections
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+1x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. Boros Devotion
-4x Desecration Demon
-1x Devour Flesh
-4x Underworld Connections
+4x Duress
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure
Vs. Esper Aggro
-4x Desecration Demon
-4x Hero’s Downfall
-4x Underworld Connections
+3x Dark Betrayal
+1x Duress
+3x Erebos
+3x Lifebane Zombie
+2x Pharika’s Cure

SM, you complete me.
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With the new scrylands, Im testing MBDevotion with a red splash. Here is my starting point.
[deck]
4 Pack Rat
4 Nightveil Specter
4 Desecration Demon
4 Gray Merchant
3 Dreadbore
3 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughsieze
4 Underworld Connections
2 Mizzium Mortars
2 Pharika's Cure
4 Blood Crypt
4 Temple of Malice
4 Mutavault
14 Swamp
[/deck]
Sideboard TBA. Any thoughts? Going red gives more pressure on their hand with Rakdos Return and ways to remove Blood Baron with Mortars. Not sure if Mogis is good enough here. He may be better in a base red build with a black splash.
[deck]
4 Pack Rat
4 Nightveil Specter
4 Desecration Demon
4 Gray Merchant
3 Dreadbore
3 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughsieze
4 Underworld Connections
2 Mizzium Mortars
2 Pharika's Cure
4 Blood Crypt
4 Temple of Malice
4 Mutavault
14 Swamp
[/deck]
Sideboard TBA. Any thoughts? Going red gives more pressure on their hand with Rakdos Return and ways to remove Blood Baron with Mortars. Not sure if Mogis is good enough here. He may be better in a base red build with a black splash.

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LOL!Needs mor blood toll harpy
Agreed. Also, Purp, you never answered me about why you feel Devour Flesh is not needed (assuming we're not splashing red) when Blood Baron is still a thing.Pharikas Cure should be Bile Blight
I'm going to keep my list almost identical to my current 75:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Mutavault
18x Swamp
4x Temple of Deceipt
Creatures (16)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
4x Pack Rat
Spells (18)
3x Bile Blight
3x Devour Flesh
4x Hero’s Downfall
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
n
Sideboard (15)
3x Dark Betrayal
2x Drown in Sorrow
4x Duress
3x Erebos, God of the Dead
3x Lifebane Zombie
[/DECK]

SM, you complete me.
- DocLawless
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Patrick Chapin has a MBD list splashing red. Interested in this version because Nykthos powered Rakdos Returns sound ridiculous. This is his list:
[deck]Creatures (15)
4 Desecration Demon
4 Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4 Nightveil Specter
2 Pack Rat
1 Erebos, God of the Dead
Lands (26)
1 Mountain
11 Swamp
4 Blood Crypt
4 Mutavault
2 Rakdos Guildgate
4 Temple of Malice
Spells (23)
2 Rakdos Keyrune
4 Underworld Connections
3 Bile Blight
2 Devour Flesh
3 Hero's Downfall
2 Dreadbore
1 Mizzium Mortars
2 Rakdos's Return
4 Thoughtseize
Sideboard
4 Lifebane Zombie
2 Doom Blade
2 Pharika's Cure
1 Erebos, God of the Dead
2 Drown in Sorrow
2 Duress
1 Mizzium Mortars
1 Rakdos's Return[/deck]
[deck]Creatures (15)
4 Desecration Demon
4 Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4 Nightveil Specter
2 Pack Rat
1 Erebos, God of the Dead
Lands (26)
1 Mountain
11 Swamp
4 Blood Crypt
4 Mutavault
2 Rakdos Guildgate
4 Temple of Malice
Spells (23)
2 Rakdos Keyrune
4 Underworld Connections
3 Bile Blight
2 Devour Flesh
3 Hero's Downfall
2 Dreadbore
1 Mizzium Mortars
2 Rakdos's Return
4 Thoughtseize
Sideboard
4 Lifebane Zombie
2 Doom Blade
2 Pharika's Cure
1 Erebos, God of the Dead
2 Drown in Sorrow
2 Duress
1 Mizzium Mortars
1 Rakdos's Return[/deck]

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Before BNG I've tried out this list for a while:I have an Orzhov control deck not unlike this one (less Gary, more Blood Baron) and I'm at a loss for anyone to collaborate with on black-based control. Are you still playing this?
[deck]
Creatures
4 Blood Baron of Vizkopa
4 Desecration Demon
4 Pack Rat
Enchantments
4 Underworld Connections
Removal
4 Hero's Downfall
2 Last Breath
3 Devour Flesh
2 Ultimate Price
Sorceries
4 Thoughtseize
2 Duress
Tits
2 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
Lands
4 Godless Shrine
4 Mutavault
4 Temple of Silence
11 Swamp
2 Plains
Sideboard
2 Dark Betrayal
2 Doom Blade
2 Duress
3 Sin Collector
3 Lifebane Zombie
3 Pharika's Cure
[/deck]
It felt really clunky and should have had some
great matchups against MBC, yet that's not so relevant since my local meta just features me and another player playing that.
Playing 4 Thoughtseize + 4 Duress + 3 Sin Collector + 3 Lifebane Zombie against UW and Esper it can be quite fun, though.
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I've had a fair amount of success with this list. It's geared specifically towards knocking over my LGS meta of Dega, R/W and MBD, but its pretty decent against UW as well.Before BNG I've tried out this list for a while:I have an Orzhov control deck not unlike this one (less Gary, more Blood Baron) and I'm at a loss for anyone to collaborate with on black-based control. Are you still playing this?
[deck]
Creatures
4 Blood Baron of Vizkopa
4 Desecration Demon
4 Pack Rat
Enchantments
4 Underworld Connections
Removal
4 Hero's Downfall
2 Last Breath
3 Devour Flesh
2 Ultimate Price
Sorceries
4 Thoughtseize
2 Duress
Tits
2 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
Lands
4 Godless Shrine
4 Mutavault
4 Temple of Silence
11 Swamp
2 Plains
nSideboard
2 Dark Betrayal
2 Doom Blade
2 Duress
3 Sin Collector
3 Lifebane Zombie
3 Pharika's Cure
[/deck]
It felt really clunky and should have had some great matchups against MBC, yet that's not so relevant since my local meta just features me and another player playing that.
Playing 4 Thoughtseize + 4 Duress + 3 Sin Collector + 3 Lifebane Zombie against UW and Esper it can be quite fun, though.
[deck]Land
10 Swamp
4 Mutavault
4 Temple of Silence
4 Godless Shrine
2 Hallowed Fountain
2 Orzhov Guildgate
Creatures
3 Desecration Demon
4 Blood Baron of Vizkopa
3 Pack Rat
4 Nightveil Specter
1 Obzedat, Ghost Council
Spells
4 Thoughtseize
4 Hero's Downfall
2 Ultimate Price
2 Devour Flesh
2 Underworld Connections
1 Whip of Obzedat
2 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
2 Duress
Side
2
Erebos, God of the Dead
3 Sin Collector
3 Lifebane Zombie
3 Doom Blade
2 Duress
1 Devour Flesh
1 Obzedat, Ghost Council[/deck]
I actually played UW to a win one time by letting him deck himself out. He Jace AoT/Sphinx's Rev'd through his entire deck digging for his Aetherling, which turned out to be on the very bottom.
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Don't feel stupid. That was all speculation on my part anyways. I'm probably going to drop one more Devour Flesh and add the 4th Bile Blight anyways.I've spent some time thinking about how to change the deck with BNG, then realized that Self Medicated said the same thing I was thinking (3 maindeck BB in place of 2 Pharika's Cure and 1 Devour Flesh) a month or so ago.
I feel stupid and Kudos to SM.
And NBW, that list from Chapin looks awesome! I've been wanting to make this deck B/r for some time now. Just ordered the Temples, so I should be able to run this soon.
Chapin's list with slight changes:
[DECK]
Lands (26)
4x Blood Crypt
1x Mountain
4x Mutavault
2x Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
11x Swamp
4x Temple of Malice
nCreatures (15)
4x Desecration Demon
1x Erebos, God of the Dead
4x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
4x Nightveil Specter
2x Pack Rat
Spells (19)
3x Bile Blight
2x Dreadbore
2x Hero’s Downfall
2x Mizzium Mortars
2x Rakdos's Return
4x Thoughtseize
4x Underworld Connections
Sideboard (15)
2x Dark Betrayal
2x Doom Blade
2x Drown in Sorrow
2x Duress
1x Erebos, God of the Dead
4x Lifebane Zombie
2x Mizzium Mortars
[/DECK]
Not sure if taking out the Keyrunes is a good idea, but I've never needed them before, so what the hell. Also not sure if we would want only 2 Nykthos. I'm wondering if we need to take out Mutavault or at least reduce it's number in order for better mana?
EDIT: Just realized the deck was 64 cards.
EDIT EDIT: All fixed now.

SM, you complete me.
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I am currently building also. following Chapin's build but modified the mana a bit. Changed the Mountain to a Steamvent in order to still cast Nightveil Specter. Also running a 2/2 Split between Mutavaults and Nykthos. Keeping the Keyrunes in order to have another attacker similar to mutavault. I want to fit Stormbreath Dragon into the sideboard though to board in against UW control lists but don't know exactly what to take out of Chapin's side to fit them in.

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