Goblins in Magic 2013 Standard


M13 Core set has stirred the Standard metagame with its addition of components on existing archetypes and even creating new ones, like Talrand Mono Blue from the recent SCG tournament. Our topic today though will discuss an old but one of the favorite aggro archetypes in Magic.

What got me excited to discuss this archetype was the return of this card:

It felt like Urza block Standard again. Plus, the addition of these two new Goblin cards, Krenko and Krenko’s Command, made the deck worthy of playing in Standard.

Here is my list:

RR Goblins by Mark Ian Alloso
M13 Standard
Lands
16 Mountain
2 Hellion Crucible
4 Rootbound Crag

Creatures
2 Goblin Arsonist
4 Goblin Chieftain
4 Goblin Fireslinger
2 Goblin Wardriver
4 Mogg Flunkies
2 Hellrider
2 Krenko, Mob Boss

Spells
1 Arc Trail
2 Brimstone Volley
4 Goblin Grenade
3 Krenko’s Command
3 Pillar of Flame
4 Shrine of Burning Rage
1 Wild Guess

The grenade looks almost effective all the time because of the high count of Goblins in the deck. The rest of the burn removals are specifically chosen to match the current metagame. I also think Shrine is very much needed main deck for long game scenarios. The two Hellion Crucibles serve the same purpose.

Hellrider may not work that much against Restoration Angel but with the Krenko Goblin tokens, it can be a nightmare. The single Wild Guess is a support card draw that at times can help you get the needed spells to finish the game.

The sideboard plan are as follows:

1 Combust, 2 Dismember – to use against jumping Angels and other X/5 critters.

2 Mark of Mutiny – those who can’t be killed by Dismember gets to be eslaved by this Sorcery. Wurmcoil Engine come to Papa.

2 Ancient Grudge, 1 Manic Vandal, 1 Smelt – against Artifact matchups, destroys Birthing Pods, Golem tokens, Spheres of the Sun, Swords, etc.

2 Arc Trail, 1 Pillar of Flame – support removals versus Red Green and Naya Aggro. The pillars are also for (obviously) Zombie matchups.

3 Torpor Orb – this is a tricky sideboard which is getting popular recently. It handles blink shenanigans which is your worst situation to get into. Also yeah, Thragtusk is your big problem. You can replace the Hellriders and Wild Guess for these three vs Delver and Pod.

I guess that’s about it. Let me know what you think of the deck, and suggestions please. Hit the comments!