THB Standard Deck: U/W Control

It is time again for another deck feature for Standard post-Theros Beyond Death. It was the set’s Prerelease last weekend and if you have participated in one, I am pretty sure you have enjoyed playing the cards’ interactions, mechanics and abilities. Anywho, for today’s decklist we have one of the staple archetypes which has been consistent in attendance in terms of the format’s metagame. The deck is Blue-White Control and Theros has introduced some new juicy cards to utilize.

First, the decklist:

Creatures
3 Brazen Borrower // Petty Theft
2 Dream Trawler
2 Gadwick, the Wizened

Spells
4 Absorb
2 Dovin’s Veto
4 Shatter the Sky
2 Time Wipe
1 Planar Cleansing
2 Thassa’s Intervention
4 Opt
1 Anticipate
1 Banishing Light

Planeswalkers
4 Teferi, Time Raveler
1 Ugin, the Ineffable

Lands
2 Castle Ardenvale
2 Castle Vantress
2 Fabled Passage
4 Hallowed Fountain
7 Island
5 Plains
4 Temple of Enlightenment
1 Labyrinth of Skophos

The Theros Beyond Death cards added were Shatter the Sky, Dream Trawler, Thassa’s Intervention, Banishing Light, Labyrinth of Skophos and Temple of Enlightenment. Let us discuss each by detail.

Shatter the Sky – is basically the newest version of Wrath of God, or your 4 mana-cost mass removal. The draw might be a of little relevance if your plan to is to sweep off the early aggro. It is of a playset and is supported in the late game with Time Wipe and the single copy of Planar Cleansing.

Thassa’s Intervention – has two main functions: additional counterspell and a late-game card draw. That is why only two copies were added as you would only want to draw them when you have a lot of land.

Dream Trawler – is the deck’s newest threat that is a cross between Baneslayer Angel and Prognostic Sphinx. A Flyer and Lifelinker which draws you cards while can also protect itself is a very good value. All of these abilities mentioned are just very relevant. Two copies are enough as you have your card drawers and this is one of your late-game plans.

The reprinted Temple is best to filter your draws while fixing your mana and is a better upgrade from Tranquil Cove. Labyrinth of Skophos is your backup for preventing damage from late-game threats.

Overall I think the deck is a viable archetype to consider for the coming Theros Beyond Death Standard metagame. The sideboard plan can lean on graveyard hate and enchantment removals. Discard spells can be a nuisance but you can just bury them with card advantage as long as you’d survive the early game.