Orzhov Tempo in Standard: Small Creatures, Big Results

The Magic: the Gathering Orzhov Aggro has emerged as one of the most compelling archetypes in the current Standard metagame, and it snagged a strong #2 finish in a recent MTGO League event. Let us discuss further how this deck build can become a good choice in the current Standard full of Vivi and Mono-Red decks.

With a low-to-the-ground creature suite—featuring four copies each of Cosmogrand Zenith, Elegy Acolyte, Nurturing Pixie, and Sunpearl Kirin—the deck ramps early board presence with efficiency and resilience. These creature threats are backed by a flexible spell package, including removal, disruption, and surprising reach, all wrapped in easy-to-trigger synergy that avoids overextension.

What makes this build especially intriguing is how it leverages both tempo plays and value engines with minimal fluff. Cards like Momentum Breaker and Nowhere to Run keep the pressure continuous, while Seam Rip and Tinybones Joins Up provide reach and adaptability when needed. Plus, the inclusion of Elspeth, Storm Slayer gives a powerful mid-to-late-game edge, reminding opponents that Orzhov isn’t just fast—it also knows how to close the game decisively.

Check out the full decklist and sideboard cards below.

Orzhov Aggro – MJ_23 @ mtgtop8.com