It is a New Year and another year for Magic: the Gathering that we are all to enjoy. That also means that we have new deck archetypes to explore in Standard, even three months after Theros was released. The deck today that I’ll go into detail about is the Esper Midrange from Grand Prix Shizuoka. Though going midrange shines in the late game, it is typically weak against aggressive decks. My version for the deck goes more on an Orzhov Humans approach.

Here is the decklist for reference:

Esper Humans by Mark Ian Alloso
Standard

Lands
5 Plains
1 Temple of Deceit
2 Mutavault
3 Temple of Silence
1 Swamp
4 Watery Grave
4 Hallowed Fountain
4 Godless Shrine

Creatures
1 Azorius Arrester
3 Xathrid Necromancer
4 Soldier of the Pantheon
2 Imposing Sovereign
4 Boros Elite
1 Cartel Aristocrat
4 Lyev Skyknight
4 Daring Skyjek
4 Dryad Militant

Spells
2 Brave the Elements
2 Detention Sphere
1 Far/Away
2 Orzhov Charm
2 Spear of Heliod

The deck’s typical curve is a White weenie deck, but backed up by Blue White power cards in the forms of Lyev Skyknight & Detention Sphere. The twelve one-drops are still considered for a constant first turn aggro.

Removals added are Orzhov Charms and a singleton Far/Away that can be fused according to necessity.

I still consider Brave the Elements to protect the creatures but I cut it down to only two. Spear of Heliod is also a needed buff and protects your X/1s from Shrivel. Mutavault was also cut to two to give way to mana-fixing lands.

There is no final sideboard for the deck just yet, so might just refer to the sideboard of the Shizuoka list. I am planning though to include 3 Blood Baron to anti-Devotion Black and U/W Control.

Your inputs are very much appreciated guys so just leave your comments below. Thanks very much.

That is a wrap I guess. Talk to you guys next post.