In my gameplay during major Magic: the Gathering tournaments such as Grand Prix or Magic Fest qualifiers, I would expect a variance of the deck archetype matchups and prepare beforehand my sideboard to gain an advantage against them. I would consider more of the aggro matches when I am piloting a popular aggro deck with some sort of a transformational sideboard plan in Games 2 and 3.
When playing an Aggro deck against another Aggro deck in Magic: the Gathering, your sideboard plan should focus on maintaining a balance between aggression and resilience. Here are some general tips for side boarding in Aggro mirror matches:
Efficient Removal: Include removal spells that can target key threats in the Magic: the Gathering mirror match. This helps you eliminate your opponent’s creatures while keeping up the pressure. Color-specific removals such as Dark Betrayal and Glare of Heresy are usually the most effective.
Disruption: Add cards that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy. Cards like Duress, Thoughtseize, or Negate can help you counter your opponent’s key plays.
Creature Enhancement: Include cards that can enhance your creatures, making them bigger or more resilient. Cards like Armadillo Cloak or Rancor can give you an edge.
Life Gain: Consider adding cards that provide life gain. This can help you stabilize and outlast your opponent in a race scenario. A typical Selesnya Angels deck is the best example of this as its core strategy evolves around gaining a lot of life and has effects taking advantage of it.
Haste and Evasion: Add creatures with haste or evasion to catch your opponent off guard and deal damage more quickly. This would also matter if you are playing first or not, and what would be the common power and toughness of your creatures.
Streamline Your Curve: Make sure your deck’s mana curve is efficient and well-distributed. Having a smooth curve ensures you have relevant plays at every stage of the game.
Adapt to the Match: Observe how your opponent is sideboarding and adjust your strategy accordingly. Be prepared to switch between an aggressive stance and a more controlling one as the match progresses. If you are on the draw, it is best to be of a more controlling stance. Kill off their early creatures and then cast your own that is leaner for the mid-game.
Test and Adjust: Playtest your sideboarded deck against other Aggro decks to fine-tune your choices. Pay attention to how each card performs in the mirror match scenario. Also, take note of the recent Magic: the Gathering tournament results posted online on various websites and observe their sideboard list card choices.
Remember, mirror matches often come down to board control and efficient use of resources. Balancing your aggression with disruption and resilience is key to gaining an advantage in Aggro mirror matches. I do hope this article helps and be the basis for your next aggro mirror match gameplay. Good luck.