We started last time on the discussion of the basic Magic: the Gathering Standard decks with the Aggro archetype which is probably my favorite in my years of playing Magic: the Gathering. Our topic for today is about the Midrange decks. This is probably the most popular deck archetype based on the current Standard metagame.
Midrange decks are a balance between the fast aggro decks and the defending nature of control decks. They tend to start slow but can easily adapt to any given situation. They have the capacity to hold off fast aggro decks with efficient removals or hard-to-kill critters and at the same time gain an advantage on control matchups with value cards and discard spells.
Ideal builds of this archetype are based on Green for mana fixing and acceleration and Black for access to the best card removals.
The best example of this deck archetype is Ari Lax’ Pro Tour Khans of Tarkir winning deck, Abzan Midrange. The deck’s versatility makes it a huge plus against the other decks in the metagame. Here is the decklist for reference:
Planeswalker (7)
2 Sorin, Solemn Visitor
2 Ajani, Mentor of Heroes
3 Elspeth, Sun’s Champion
Creature (16)
2 Elvish Mystic
4 Sylvan Caryatid
4 Courser of Kruphix
4 Siege Rhino
2 Wingmate Roc
Sorcery (4)
4 Thoughtseize
Instant (9)
4 Abzan Charm
3 Hero’s Downfall
2 Utter End
Land (24)
3 Forest
2 Plains
4 Windswept Heath
4 Temple of Malady
4 Sandsteppe Citadel
2 Llanowar Wastes
2 Caves of Koilos
1 Mana Confluence
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1 Temple of Silence
Sideboard (15)
1 End Hostilities
1 Duneblast
1 Mass Calcify
3 Drown in Sorrow
3 Bile Blight
2 Murderous Cut
1 Unravel the Æther
1 Liliana Vess
2 Nissa, Worldwaker
Other Midrange decks in Khans of Tarkir Standard include Mardu Mid, Sultai Whip, Black Green Constellations, and Abzan Whip. My past favorites of these decks were Jund and Naya Midrange which got me two Top 4 finishes from the World Magic Cup Qualifiers last year.
Overall, this is the preferred deck of most Pro players though you should devise a way to deal with mirror matches as it tends to be grindy and the better draws always win in the late game.
The next post will be the focus on the ‘control’ side of things or archetypes. Thanks for reading and until next time.