RDW (Red Deck Wins) remains a popular choice in MTG Modern in 2023 for several reasons:
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Fast and Aggressive: RDW is a very fast and aggressive deck that can deal a lot of damage in the early turns of the game. It is designed to end the game quickly, putting the opponent under pressure and forcing them to make suboptimal plays.
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Consistency: RDW is a very consistent deck, thanks to its low mana curve and redundancy. With multiple copies of the same cards, it is less likely to get stuck with a bad hand or draw.
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Resilience: RDW has a number of tools to deal with opposing threats, such as efficient removal spells and creatures with prowess or haste abilities. This allows it to stay relevant throughout the game and adapt to different situations.
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Budget-Friendly: RDW is also a budget-friendly option, as it does not require expensive cards or a complex manabase to function effectively. This makes it a great option for players who are just starting out or looking to build a competitive deck on a budget.
Decklist
may vary on preferred spell count and land composition, but the base never changed: [sample list below]
How to Play RDW
RDW is an aggressive deck that aims to deal as much damage to the opponent as possible, as quickly as possible. It relies heavily on low-cost creatures, burn spells, and efficient removal to achieve its goal. The key to playing RDW is to be aggressive, but not reckless. You need to carefully manage your resources and play around your opponent's removal and counterspells.The core of the deck is low-cost creatures such as Goblin Guide, Monastery Swiftspear, and Eidolon of the Great Revel. These creatures have haste or prowess abilities that allow them to deal damage as soon as they hit the board. They are usually supported by cheap burn spells like Lightning Bolt and Lava Spike that can be used to either remove creatures or go face.
Strategy
The main strategy of RDW is to deal as much damage as possible in the first few turns of the game. You want to be aggressive and put your opponent on the back foot right from the start. The aim is to get your opponent's life total low enough that they are forced to start making suboptimal plays in order to stay alive.
One of the key things to keep in mind when playing RDW is to know when to hold back and when to go all-in. You need to be able to read your opponent's plays and know when they are vulnerable. For example, if you have a creature with prowess and your opponent taps out to play a creature, that might be the perfect opportunity to play a burn spell and deal some extra damage.
Mulligan Strategy
The mulligan strategy for RDW is pretty straightforward. You want to mulligan aggressively in order to find a good opening hand. You should be looking for a hand with at least one low-cost creature and one or two burn spells. You also want to have a good mix of lands and spells, but you don't want too many lands, as you want to be able to draw into more spells as the game progresses.
Sideboard Plan | Options
The sideboard is an important part of any Modern deck, and RDW is no exception. Here are some cards that can be useful in your sideboard:
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Path to Exile: This card can remove larger creatures that RW Burn's burn spells might struggle with. It can be particularly useful against decks that run cards like Tarmogoyf or Death's Shadow.
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Kor Firewalker: This creature can gain you life against decks that rely on burn spells, such as Burn or UR Phoenix. It can be a useful tool for surviving the early turns of the game.
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Skullcrack: This card can prevent your opponent from gaining life, which can be problematic for RW Burn. It is especially useful against decks that rely on life gain, such as Soul Sisters or Burn.
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Wear // Tear: This card can deal with both artifacts and enchantments, which can be a problem for RW Burn. It is particularly useful against decks that run cards like Leyline of Sanctity or Ensnaring Bridge.
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Rest in Peace: This card can shut down graveyard-based strategies, such as Dredge or Phoenix. It can be particularly effective if played early in the game.
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Deflecting Palm: This card can redirect damage from an opposing creature or player back to the opponent. It can be particularly useful against decks that rely on large creatures or heavy damage output, such as Tron or Death's Shadow.
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Searing Blood: This card can deal damage to both a creature and its controller, making it particularly useful against decks that rely on small, low-toughness creatures.
These are just some of the sideboard options available for RW Burn in MTG Modern 2023. It is important to tailor your sideboard choices to the current metagame and the decks you expect to face.
In Conclusion
RDW is a powerful and aggressive deck that can deal a lot of damage very quickly. It requires careful management of resources and a good understanding of the game state in order to be played effectively. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success with RDW in Modern 2023.
