Five Nasty Standard Decks Featuring Tarkir: Dragonstorm Cards
For Tarkir: Dragonstorm, we can definitely consider the delightful lack of transition between expectation and its eventual release. Sure, there are a few disappointments, a sprinkle of failed opportunities here and there. But more or less what the set offered reinvigorated the constructed landscape in terms of being an actual "core" MTG set.
Needless to say, during the first week of its release, brews are abound. There is a bit more of the meta flavor than simple experimental concepts and janky builds. But we do want to take a closer look at the trending ones for the last two weeks. My selection criterion is simple: use enough Tarkir: Dragonstorm cards so that it becomes unique enough to be considered "new"-ish. Or at the very least, be able to repurpose lesser used older MTG Standard-legal cards using the current set as the primary anchor of its deck's theme.
Izzet Prowess
(via LegenVD)
Starting off with the most notorious in the list, this Izzet Prowess deck's greatest strength is its ability to rebuild after board wipes by spacing out threats and keeping spell density high during strategically selected openings. Fan-favorite(?) Cori-Steel Cutter
gives you incredible resilience against targeted removal and creates a steady clock that demands answers. The plotting mechanic on Slickshot Show-Off
provides flexibility in timing your prowess triggers while Stormchaser's Talent
offers strategic recursion for key spells like Stock Up
. Apply early pressure, force them to use up removal, then rebuild for the next barrage. Against control, you can pace your threats to avoid overextending while still maintaining consistent damage output.
Do watch out for things like Temporary Lockdown
, though, as it hits both the token and the equipment simultaneously.
Featured Cards:
Tarkir Izzet Prowess
Main 60 cards (16 distinct)
Lands - 20
Main 60 cards (16 distinct)
Lands - 20
Main 60 cards (16 distinct)
| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (32) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
2
Shock
|
$0.19€0.050.04 | ||
|
4
Opt
|
$5.14€4.50 | ||
| $0.25€0.160.03 | |||
| $2.51€2.16 | |||
| $6.18€1.54 | |||
|
4
Boltwave
|
$3.19€2.94 | ||
|
4
Stock Up
|
$11.02€6.97 | ||
| $14.65 | |||
| Creature (8) | |||
| $11.87€11.470.28 | |||
| Land (20) | |||
|
1
Island
|
$0.15 | ||
|
7
Mountain
|
$0.15 | ||
| $0.98€0.900.02 | |||
| $4.00€3.530.52 | |||
Naya Counters
(via SwayzeMTG)
This Naya Counters build centers on the interaction between Warden of the Grove
and Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon
. It builds on counter density on Warden of the Grove early, then leverages those counters through cards like Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon to create multiple token attackers. Skyknight Squire
is an obligatory addition, of course, synergizing well with token generation since it grows with each creature ETB, creating a scaling threat that should be dealt as soon as possible. Halana and Alena, Partners
acts as a counter accelerator, then Elspeth, Storm Slayer
doubles your token output.
Featured Cards:
Naya counters
Main 60 cards (19 distinct)
Lands - 24
Main 60 cards (19 distinct)
Lands - 24
Main 60 cards (19 distinct)
| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (7) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| $14.20€11.37 | |||
| $3.60€3.04 | |||
| Planeswalker (3) | |||
| $40.95 | |||
| Creature (26) | |||
| $2.25 | |||
| $0.90 | |||
| $0.50 | |||
| $4.12 | |||
| $1.21 | |||
| $2.11 | |||
| $1.910.02 | |||
| Land (24) | |||
| $4.360.50 | |||
| $2.78 | |||
| $2.290.12 | |||
| $4.60€4.220.38 | |||
| $5.49€4.811.68 | |||
| $1.950.15 | |||
|
3
Plains
|
$0.31€0.160.04 | ||
|
1
Mountain
|
$0.41€0.120.03 | ||
|
2
Forest
|
$0.58€0.220.04 | ||
Dragon Control
(via SlothMtg)
This tweaked variant of the typical Azorius Control (now Jeskai) uses Shiko, Paragon of the Way
with its new card advantage gimmick of retrieving spells from the graveyard while presenting a reasonable clock. Much like its earlier versions, we have the expected likes of Get Lost
and Lightning Helix
for targeted removal, Temporary Lockdown for board wipes, Stock Up for recycling, Three Steps Ahead
for versatile counterspell plays. The deck's finishers include Marang River Regent
which can bounce problematic permanents while applying pressure, and Jace, the Perfected Mind
for those rare grindy matchups.
As expected, the main weakness of the deck is its difficulty dealing with multiple value engines like decks that make optimal use of Up the Beanstalk
.
Featured Cards:
[TarkirStorm] Dragon Tournament Control
Main 60 cards (23 distinct)
Lands - 26
Side 15 cards (10 distinct)
Main 60 cards (23 distinct)
Lands - 26
Side 15 cards (10 distinct)
Main 60 cards (23 distinct)
| Creature (10) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| $14.61 | |||
| $4.49 | |||
| $9.86 | |||
| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (24) | |||
| $0.19€0.13 | |||
|
4
Get Lost
|
$4.68 | ||
| $0.20€0.10 | |||
| $3.58 | |||
|
4
Stock Up
|
$11.02€6.97 | ||
| $5.51 | |||
| $9.772.55 | |||
|
1
Abrade
|
$0.22€0.10 | ||
|
1
Split Up
|
$2.40 | ||
| Land (26) | |||
| $12.48 | |||
| $0.35€0.72 | |||
|
3
Plains
|
$0.31€0.160.04 | ||
| $15.507.55 | |||
| $8.66€6.50 | |||
|
1
Mountain
|
$0.41€0.120.03 | ||
| $24.343.72 | |||
|
2
Island
|
$0.40€0.340.03 | ||
| $6.74 | |||
| $20.003.53 | |||
Side 15 cards (10 distinct)
| $14.61 | |||
| $2.54 | |||
|
1
Negate
|
$0.25€0.110.03 | ||
| $3.58 | |||
| $5.63€5.36 | |||
|
1
Negate
|
$0.30 | ||
| $5.48 | |||
|
2
Abrade
|
$0.22€0.10 | ||
| $6.191.24 |
Rakdos Dragons
(via MtgMalone)
Speaking of Dragons, this deck aims to curve out with turn 2 Sarkhan into powerful dragons that generate immediate value. Magmatic Hellkite
serves as disruptive land destruction that sets opponents back a turn while you develop your board. Bonehoard Dracosaur
provides incredible card advantage to keep your hand full of threats, while Terror of the Peaks
punishes opponents for every creature you play. The deck includes interaction through Caustic Exhale
which becomes extremely efficient at just one mana when you behold a dragon, and Molten Exhale
which gains flash with a dragon in play.
Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind
solves the classic dragon problem of being vulnerable after casting by giving them haste, letting you immediately attack or trigger abilities like Terror of the Peaks. The deck excels at generating cascading value once it gets going, with each dragon enhancing Sarkhan and triggering effects from other dragons on the battlefield.
Featured Cards:
DRAGONS ARE TIER 1 NOW
Main 60 cards (20 distinct)
Lands - 24
Main 60 cards (20 distinct)
Lands - 24
Main 60 cards (20 distinct)
| Creature (22) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.55 | |||
| $2.10 | |||
| $1.40 | |||
| $1.38 | |||
| $10.72 | |||
| $0.480.02 | |||
| $63.001.26 | |||
| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (11) | |||
| $0.15€0.11 | |||
| $0.15€0.08 | |||
| $1.00€1.59 | |||
| Other (3) | |||
| $9.61€5.910.26 | |||
| Land (24) | |||
|
1
Swamp
|
$0.99€0.760.04 | ||
|
6
Mountain
|
$0.41€0.120.03 | ||
| $7.98€5.74 | |||
| $13.991.72 | |||
| $0.50 | |||
| $39.59 | |||
| $0.50€0.400.10 | |||
| $0.74€0.680.03 | |||
Abzan Assault
(via SlothMtg)
In a nutshell, an ETB bonanza with creatures that bounce, sacrifice, and recur each other to create overwhelming value chains. The core package centers around Severance Priest
for hand disruption, Skirmish Rhino
for life drain, and Yathan Roadwatcher
for recursion. The deck excels at creating difficult decision points for opponents as targeting your creatures often triggers Hollowmurk Siege
for card advantage. Sunpearl Kirin
acts as a critical engine piece by allowing you to bounce and reuse your ETB effects, creating loops where you can repeatedly drain life with Rhino or discard your opponent's cards with Priest. The sacrifice outlet from Sidisi, Regent of the Mire
enables creature tutoring while setting up graveyard targets for Roadwatcher.
Overall, the deck maintains board presence through interaction like Nowhere to Run
and Grim Bauble
, while counter synergies from Pawpatch Recruit
and other sources make your creatures increasingly difficult to deal with in combat.
Featured Cards:
Abzan Sidisi & Siege Rhino
Main 60 cards (22 distinct)
Lands - 22
Main 60 cards (22 distinct)
Lands - 22
Main 60 cards (22 distinct)
| Creature (27) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.32 | |||
| $0.30 | |||
| $0.24€0.22 | |||
| $2.25 | |||
| $0.29€0.37 | |||
| $11.77 | |||
| $0.54 | |||
| $0.27€0.19 | |||
| $2.11 | |||
| Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact (11) | |||
| $0.42 | |||
| $1.36 | |||
| $0.20€0.22 | |||
| $1.34€1.12 | |||
| Land (22) | |||
|
1
Swamp
|
$0.99€0.760.04 | ||
|
1
Forest
|
$0.58€0.220.04 | ||
| $3.500.25 | |||
| $1.950.15 | |||
| $0.20€0.12 | |||
| $3.01 | |||
| $3.52 | |||
| $4.60€4.220.38 | |||
About ChrisCee:
A witness since the time the benevolent silver planeswalker first left Dominaria, ChrisCee has since went back and forth on a number of plane-shattering incidents to oversee the current state of the Multiverse.
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