I had been pondering a build for the big Red Metalcraft-based deck for Standard. We were able to purchase a set of Kuldotha Phoenix in Singapore, so my intentions on brainstorming the list arisen again. The deck’s basic strategy is to ramp up with “stones” (chalices and sun spheres) to cast the big spells while building up Metalcraft.

Kuldotha Phoenix in my opinion is an efficient creature the really benefits the Metalcraft mechanic because of its recurring ability. The next argument is to either go mono Red or add Blue. Blue offered powerful addition in terms of card draws and counter magic. I’ve checked a few previous list based on Blue Black Tezzeret and noted down Blue cards that will suit the deck.

Here’s my quick initial decklist:

Lands
7 Mountain
7 Island
2 Tectonic Edge
4 Scalding Tarn
2 Phyrexia’s Core

Creatures
3 Spellskite
2 Treasure Mage
2 Wurmcoil Engine
4 Kuldotha Phoenix

Spells
2 Everflowing Chalice
2 Tezzeret’s Gambit
2 Mycosynth Wellspring
2 Koth of the Hammer
2 Jace Beleren
2 Galvanic Blast
2 Sphere of the Suns
2 Stoic Rebuttal
1 Red Sun’s Zenith
3 Tumble Magnet
2 Slagstorm
1 Spine of Ish Sah
4 Preordain

I was thinking if Koth would fit in the list, the lands are quite divided between Islands and Mountains. He would be useful though in ramping up Red Mana for Kuldotha Phoenix or for Wurmcoil or the Ish Sah spine. Also, I know you would say that JTMS would be very much better than Beleren. My take on this is that I’d want a list that is (obviously) affordable while being playable at the same time. JTMS is very great on this list, and I still suggest you add them if you have one.

The sideboard’s not finalized yet, though it would certainly contain artifact removals like the vandal and maybe crush. Also, counterspells like Negate and Flashfreezes, and Combusts for the Twin Combo.

Comments and suggestions you may have, just put them up below. Thanks and until next post.