Mono Black Aggro

[Self Medicated]

I'm not going as far as to write a primer for this, as I don't have the time. But I wanted to post my list in hopes of getting some feedback. Let me know if it makes sense.

Thanks!

[DECK]
Lands (23)
4x Mutavault
19x Swamp

Creatures (24)
4x Desecration Demon
4x Lifebane Zombie
4x Pack Rat
4x Rakdos Cackler
4x Thrill-Kill Assassin
4x Tormented Hero

Spells (13)
1x Duress
4x Hero's Downfall
4x Thoughtseize
4x Ultimate Price

Sideboard (15)
4x Dark Betrayal
3x Duress
4x Mogis's Marauder
4x Nightveil Specter
[/DECK]

[magicdownunder]

Your taking rather huge gambles with bringing in Dark Betrayal vs MonoU, 4 Duress vs White based Aggro.

I recommend reading this article: CFB MonoBlack Aggro, I really can't recommend the list since I watched it lose against it app. "favored" MUs like MonoU and MonoB.

But the inclusion of Dark Betrayal is the correct step forward, Devour Flesh needs a 2nd glance as well to deal with Blood Barons.

[Self Medicated]

Your taking rather huge gambles with bringing in Dark Betrayal vs MonoU, 4 Duress vs White based Aggro.

I recommend reading this article: CFB MonoBlack Aggro, I really can't recommend the list since I watched it lose against it app. "favored" MUs like MonoU and MonoB.

But the inclusion of Dark Betrayal is the correct step forward, Devour Flesh needs a 2nd glance as well to deal with Blood Barons.

I updated my SB plans for white based aggro. I was bringing in 2 Dark Betrayal vs mono U for the Nightveil Specters, but I suppose Hero's Downfall would work fine.

I have read that article, and was actually
building this deck before it was published. I think Turtenwald had a lot of insight in his article, but I'm thinking that Doom Blade is a little lacking in the current meta. I substituted Mogis's Marauder because of it's strength's against Mono U and overall synergy with the rest of the deck.

[magicdownunder]

Your taking rather huge gambles with bringing in Dark Betrayal vs MonoU, 4 Duress vs White based Aggro.

I recommend reading this article: CFB MonoBlack Aggro, I really can't recommend the list since I watched it lose against it app. "favored" MUs like MonoU and MonoB.

But the inclusion of Dark Betrayal is the correct step forward, Devour Flesh needs a 2nd glance as well to deal with Blood Barons.

I updated my SB plans for white based aggro. I
was bringing in 2 Dark Betrayal vs mono U for the Nightveil Specters, but I suppose Hero's Downfall would work fine.

I have read that article, and was actually building this deck before it was published. I think Turtenwald had a lot of insight in his article, but I'm thinking that Doom Blade is a little lacking in the current meta. I substituted Mogis's Marauder because of it's strength's against Mono U and overall synergy with the rest of the deck.

Four vaults in a mono colour deck is correct, I'm glad you made the change.

Will you be banking on Lifebane Zombie and Thoughtseize as your only Blood Baron answers? (Devour Flesh on your own DD will win you a few games against small aggro decks)

[Self Medicated]

Will you be banking on Lifebane Zombie and Thoughtseize as your only Blood Baron answers? (Devour Flesh on your own DD will win you a few games against small aggro decks)

I was considering Devour Flesh, but I really don't know what I would take out for it, or how many to play.

[Self Medicated]

Ok, how about this:

MD: -1 Duress, +1 Devour Flesh

SB: -1 Dark Betrayal, +1 Devour Flesh

I was going to replace 1 Marauder with a Devour Flesh, but I side in Marauder on more matchups than Dark Betrayal.

[Lightning_Dolt]

Is it time to write a primer for the competitive forum?

17th at the SCGO and top 4 at the Super Sunday Series.

[Purp]

where can i find the super series list? it only shows the non top 8 standard decks for some reason

[Lightning_Dolt]

Because Wizards hates us.

[Lightning_Dolt]

Here, banged it out for you:

[deck= Mono-Black Aggro
Klass Gruber
Top 4 at Super Sunday Series Championship on 2/8/2014]
Creatures (24)
3 Lifebane Zombie
2 Mogis's Marauder
3 Pain Seer
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Pack Rat
4 Tormented Hero
4 Herald of Torment

Lands (24)
20 Swamp
4 Mutavault

Spells (12)
3 Bile Blight
4 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughtseize
1 Ultimate Price

Sideboard (15)
1 Bile Blight
2 Devour Flesh
4 Dark Betrayal
3 Erebos, God of the Dead
1 Lifebane Zombie
4 Duress[/deck]



Also, while I'm at it:

[deck= Mono-Black Aggro
Sean Rice
17th Place at StarCityGames.com Standard Open on 2/8/2014]
Creatures (28)
4 Lifebane Zombie
4 Mogis's Marauder
4 Pain Seer
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Rakdos Shred-Freak
4 Tormented Hero
4 Herald of Torment

Lands (22)
19 Swamp
3 Mutavault

Spells (10)
2 Bile Blight
4 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughtseize

Sideboard (15)
1 Pithing Needle
4
Xathrid Necromancer
4 Dark Betrayal
1 Doom Blade
2 Ultimate Price
1 Erebos, God of the Dead
2 Duress[/deck]

So I guess the shell is:

[deck] Shell[/deck]

[dpaine88]

Looking forward to this deck. Think I might play it this weekend.

I'm really not impressed with Shred-Freak. I like Pack Rat a lot in the Dos Rakis lists I had been playing the past few months. Thrill Kill might not be bad either since 3 toughness is legit now.

Could also consider Xathrid Necromancer but maybe hes too reactive for game 1 when you can rush your opp easier.

[dpaine88]

Thinking too of cutting a Mogis for another removal spell.

[dpaine88]

here is what I have for a primer



Mono Black Aggro

Overview: While Red Aggro gained very little from the Born of the Gods set, Black aggro recieved some interesting cards: Pain Seer and Herald of Torment. Combined with other good threats such as Lifebane Zombie and Pack Rat,the creatures are there. Backing up these strong creatures are two of the best spells in Standard: Thoughtseize and Hero's Downfall. The deck gains additional
strength and consistency by virtue of being mono-colored, allowing extremely consistent mana and ability to run Mutavault in high numbers.

State of the Deck First weekend of Born of the Gods led to debut of a couple Mono Black Aggro Decks. Here they are courtesey of Johnny and his shell based on decklists.

[deck]Mono-Black Aggro
Klass Gruber
Top 4 at Super Sunday Series Championship on 2/8/2014

Creatures (24)
3 Lifebane Zombie
2 Mogis's Marauder
3 Pain Seer
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Pack Rat
4 Tormented Hero
4 Herald of Torment

Lands (24)
20 Swamp
4 Mutavault

Spells (12)
3 Bile Blight
4 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughtseize
1 Ultimate Price

Sideboard (15)
1 Bile Blight
2 Devour Flesh
4 Dark Betrayal
3 Erebos, God of the Dead
1 Lifebane Zombie
4 Duress[/deck]




Also, while I'm at it:

[deck]Mono-Black Aggro
Sean Rice
17th Place at StarCityGames.com Standard Open on 2/8/2014

Creatures (28)
4 Lifebane Zombie
n4 Mogis's Marauder
4 Pain Seer
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Rakdos Shred-Freak
4 Tormented Hero
4 Herald of Torment

Lands (22)
19 Swamp
3 Mutavault

Spells (10)
2 Bile Blight
4 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughtseize

Sideboard (15)
1 Pithing Needle
4 Xathrid Necromancer
4 Dark Betrayal
1 Doom Blade
2 Ultimate Price
1 Erebos, God of the Dead
2 Duress
[/deck]

So I guess the shell is:

[deck]Shell
Creatures (24-28)
3+ Lifebane Zombie
2+ Mogis's Marauder
3+ Pain Seer
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Pack Rat or Rakdos Shred Freak
4 Tormented Hero
4 Herald of Torment




Spells (10-12)
4 2+ Bile Blight
4 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughtseize

Lands (22-24)
4 19+ Swamp
4 3+ Mutavault

Sideboard (15)
4 Dark Betrayal
4 1+ Erebos, God of the Dead
2 + Duress[/deck]

Card Choices

1- Drop
This is basically set in stone...

Rakdos Cackler- through thick n thin, this guys always
been there for us red mages

Tormented Hero- Simple 2/1 for 1 mana, just fine. Nifty synergy with Herald.

2 Drop
Lot more decisions here

Rakdos-Shred Freak Nothing spectacular but hes a 2 power haster that gets the job done, but dies to absolutely everything. We dont yet have a good way to take advantage of his devotion. Probably better ina control heavy meta.

Pack Rat Awesome card. Even better with Mutavault. Lets us ditch our late game cacklers etc.

Pain Seer New card from BNG, but untested. Yet appeared in both decks posted above. Seems good especially with the great removal in the deck and Herald/ Maraduder

Thrill-Kill Assasin Another option...abeit unexciting

3 Drops
Lots of great 3 drops for this deck.

Lifebane Zombie A good value card
overall...in most cases an unblockable 3 power guy. Gives you information on opponent no matter what. Best case, you get to steal a BBV, Polukranos etc.

Herald of Torment A great aggro card, 3 power flyer for 3 mana? When you hit 5 mana he is great, nice and flexible. Brings the deck together really.

[card]Mogis's Marauder[/card] This card wins games. Not the best vs Black but hes still a haster. The rest of the creature decks he is awesome as he always gives you a live shot to win the game any second.

Enough 3 drops we dont need to dive into 4 drops.

Matchups/Sideboarding Coming soon...

[Lightning_Dolt]

Good start, except the bit about Rakdos Shred-Freak.

Rakdos Shred-Freak does not die to everything! He is good because he doesn't die to Doom Blade or Ultimate price. His devotion is for [card]Mogis's Marauder[/card]. His Human subtype is for Xathrid Necromancer.

[Lightning_Dolt]

I bought / traded for all the cards and play tested for a good chunk on the day today (National holiday here), and was kicking ass and taking names with the SCGO list.

[Lightning_Dolt]

Are we going to go ahead with a primer / new thread in the Aggressive Variants thread then?

[Jack]

I don't think so, since it's still a developing deck.

[Lightning_Dolt]

We'll see how it does this weekend.

[Lightning_Dolt]

OK, so I played Mono Black Aggro at FNM. I played this list:

[deck= JS's MBA]
Creatures (28)
4 Lifebane Zombie
4 Mogis's Marauder
4 Pain Seer
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Rakdos Shred-Freak
4 Tormented Hero
4 Herald of Torment

Lands (22)
19 Swamp
3 Mutavault

Spells (10)
2 Bile Blight
4 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughtseize

Sideboard (15)
4 Xathrid Necromancer
4 Dark Betrayal
2 Devour Flesh
2 Erebos, God of the Dead
3 Duress[/deck]

I went 2-2 with winds against G/r Devotion and R/w Devotion and losses against U/w Devotion and W/u Aggro.

These are my observations:

1)I feel the deck needs slightly more removal. Certain cards in the aggro match up HAVE to die or you just lose. You can't race everything.

2)Lifebane Zombie was the MVP in all of my matches. 3 power intimidate is huge vs decks not running much removal.

3) Pain Seer was
ridiculous. I drew so many cards. It did kill me once, but it was worth it. The number of games where I had 5 cards in hand at the end of the game was amazing.

4) I drew [card]Mogis's Marauder[/card] more than I wanted to.You only really want it for the alpha strike.

5) Herrald of Torment took over the game every time I could bestow it. I had one game where I was on one life and couldn't cast it, but I'll still file it under very good.

6) Brimaz is as good as advertised.

7) Discard package was slightly disappointing versus top deck hero's at my LGS.

8 ) The deck seemed to want 1 more land. There was more than one game where if I hit the 5th land I won, but I didn't get there.

I'm thinking of a few adjustments. I have two GPT's tomorrow (one after the other) and I think I'm going to play this:

[deck= JS's MBA 2.0]
Creatures (26)
4 Lifebane Zombie
2 Mogis's Marauder
4 Pain Seer
4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Rakdos Shred-Freak
4
Tormented Hero
4 Herald of Torment

Lands (23)
20 Swamp
3 Mutavault

Spells (11)
3 Bile Blight
4 Hero's Downfall
4 Thoughtseize

Sideboard (15)
4 Xathrid Necromancer
3 Dark Betrayal
2 Erebos, God of the Dead
2 Duress
1 Bile Blight
3 Doom Blade[/deck]

That is, unless there is a spicy list from the SCGO

SB Plan: (feedback appreciated)

VS GR Monsters
+2 Erebos, God of the Dead, +1 Bile Blight, +3 Doom Blade
-4 Rakdos Shred-Freak, -2 Tormented Hero

VS UW/x Control
+4 Xathrid Necromancer, +2 Erebos, God of the Dead, +2 Duress,
-3 [card]Bile
Blight[/card], -1 [card]Hero's Downfall[/card], -4 Lifebane Zombie

VS U/x Devotion
+1 Bile Blight, +3 Doom Blade,
-4 Rakdos Shred-Freak

VS MBD / BW Midrange
+4 Xathrid Necromancer, +3 Dark Betrayal, +2 Erebos, God of the Dead, +2 Duress
-4 Lifebane Zombie,-3 Bile Blight, -2 [card]Mogis's Marauder[/card], -2 Rakdos Cackler

VS GW Aggro
+1 Bile Blight, +3 Doom Blade,
-4 Tormented Hero

[Lightning_Dolt]

Scrubbed out in the top 8. Won all the games where I drew lands and spells.

[Tyrael]

Johnny, we have a mono B aggro thread in the competitive forum so I suggest you join us there

[Lightning_Dolt]

Well shit... Lol. Thanks. It wasn't there the last time I checked.