As based on the recent Magic: the Gathering online tournaments and events, the prevalent Standard decks are still those that are considered high-tier before the arrival of Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty in the format. We know of course that the adjustment is not implemented right away as some archetypes are still getting a feel of the new mechanics and interactions.
Today we are going to look at the Standard list as to what new cards were to their respective deck builds.
First up is Orzhov Midrange or Control as the way I see it. The list is from the Super Yurufuwa Cup @ Gachinko Club (Japan) held last Feb. 13th, 2022.
The Kamigawa cards added are Reckoner Bankbuster, Greasefang, Okiba Boss, and single copies of Eiganjo and Takenuma land. The bankbuster is a card draw engine and later on can become a 4/4 threat while Greasefang acts like to fill the curve as there is only Vehicle in the deck that can be used to its ability. It seems to lean more on having an option to curve out early with its fourteen creatures while also being able to sustain the late-game plan in case the opponent is still alive at that point.
Next up is Jeskai Control. The list is also from the same event, piloted by Takayuki Tachikawa.
The new cards are Hinata, Dawn-Crowned, and March of Swirling Mist which the former makes your targeted spells cost one colorless mana less. The March is just an added tempo spell that can at times also protect your dragon.
The next Standard deck archetype is Gruul Aggro and the reference list is MMA Ma Melee Feb#5 @ @ Lord Hebus Magic played by Graham Hayhurst.
New cards are Boseiju, Who Endures, Invigorating Hot Spring & Tamiyo’s Safekeeping. The Legendary Land is auto-inclusion given its power level and with three Outland Liberator as sideboard support. The hot spring reminds me of Rhythm of the Wild from Ravnica Allegiance, giving up to four free pumps and haste to your modified creatures. The safekeeping is just too good for a Common card with its three effects that are all crucial, especially during combat.
There are no new deck archetypes based on Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty mechanics yet in these tournament results but they will surely get a good finish once more local events are being held in various LGS. As for MTG Iloilo, we will be having our Prerelease event this Saturday and it will be the first time that I will be getting hold of the physical cards from the new set. We will make this enjoyable as possible.
That is a wrap for now, until the next blog post.