2 of the worst MTG mechanic combination because it can easily be hated on by a single card. But when played correctly, seems to work.
WHAT THE DECK INTENDS TO DO:
-
Control the Hand Size / Disrupt the interaction
We intend to limit the interaction by control the hand size through Raven's Crime + Life from the loam loop.
While setting up for as "safe" state where we can reanimate our archons or titan.
WHAT IT CAN ALSO DO:
-
T3 reanimate
the deck is also capable of a T3 win (sort of) with Underworld Cookbook - Persist. so we can reanimate quickly. (but rarely do I recommend going this route) -
Alternative win-condition Loop
Urza Saga gave this deck some options, more often the issue with Reanimator decks is the board state lacks pressure when we are trying to do our combo. By creating Karn-structs we solve this issue. Not to mention it pairs nicely with Life from the loam -
Tutor Tool-Box
The saga also enables us to splash artifact solutions to normal issues that this arch-type had issues with. a timely Pithing needle, cookbook or mill enablers gives this deck an edge -
The Rack win
Yes you heard me, because the deck is also a hand control variant, its a no-brainer to include the Rack for that extra reach.
HOW TO MULLIGAN:
Game 1
-
Do not gold fish
The aim of the deck is to try and control your opponent's early threat or interaction via discarder effects. Although this deck is capable of going off and reanimating early, card count does matter with this deck since we do not have massive card recoup capabilities inside. Thus it is better to keep a hand with early hand interaction. -
Prioritize 2 Lands + 1 drop
The deck mainly functions on a 2 land count (with the Life from the loam securing your land drop count to 4) an Early thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek will in form your decision on how to sequence your play. -
Take what is offered
If the RNG gods are in your favor, take it! There are opening hands that will present you with a quick reanimation path without disruption. more often with the number of hand disruption package we have in the deck, it will come turn 3 or 4. So don't be afraid to unmark that Archon -
Its a trap
The gods are fickle at times and may temp you with a hand that may seem work if you can top deck a reanimation spell. Do not fall for this trap, it is better to mulligan for a disruptive hand than a wishful one. Remember that you are a discarder strategy first, reanimation second.
WHAT THE MAIN DECK USED TO LOOK LIKE:
VERSION 2 upgrades
-
4x Lingering Souls [Out]
We removed this card from version 1, it felt that we are almost always at the back foot when casting this card and is not a very impressive 5 drop when we draw the spell. -
2x Liliana of the veil [Out]
Lackluster card when casting on turn 3, more often is not a good removal since we do not run any spot removals to take care of the dorks, not a very cost efficient card to do on turn 3, I'd rather cast a Loam and recur a Crime to progress my board state. -
1x Unburial rites [Out]
was on the fence on this one, since it is a better flashback spell than the priest. However to increase the consistency of the deck I decided on removing this card to make way for our 4th copy of the priest. -
4x Priest of Fell Rites [In]
versatile upgrade to this deck - enables a Turn 3 reanimation, while also soaking damage oriented removals. Bonus points for it being a "flashback" spell to reanimate our BBEG. -
1x Inquisition of Kozilek [in]
when play testing, the sweet spot I found was 10 one-drop hand disruption. Since we are adding fell rites as reanimation enablers, life total is crucial hence I stayed away from thoughtseize (even am considering cutting 1 more of this for a brutality) -
1 x Massacre Wurm [In]
I was looking for a 6 drop so we have the option of casting the spell while being able to board-wipe to solve go-wide plan decks -
1x Sundering Titan [In]
No Reanimator deck shouldn't have this titan. In today's Modern Meta it simply is a must. It takes care of multi-colored decks such as elemental, living end and the likes.
WHAT THE SIDEBOARD USED TO LOOK LIKE:
VERSION 2 upgrades
-
1x Shadowsphere [Out]
It simply doesn't fit the deck, we need artifacts that impact the board when it is "fetched" the problem here mostly is that it needs a creature to be effective plus the gain life is really not that big of deal since we are running the archons -
1x Nihil Spellbomb [Out]
We just replaced it with something better-practically does the same thing but has more options and is not that mana intensive -
1x Engineered Explosives' [Out]
An odd choice for a deck that can't tutor for the card. it tries to solve for the graveyard hate cards but mostly is a "catch-all" -
2x Bone Shards [Out]
Another odd addition to sideboard when mostly the opponent will be boarding in graveyard hate. -
1x Serra's Emissary [In]
I was undecided on this card but when play tested is a beast against linear decks. I am considering to move this into main. -
1x dark blast [In]
looking at other arch-types out there, this seems to be a good fit but it is a very narrow card to apply. I am considering of taking this out on V3 -
1x Soul-Guide Lantern [In]
The better Spellbomb -
2x Grave Titan [In]
I was looking for a creature card to pivot when the graveyard hate kicks in. So far its underwhelming
DECK STATS:
Version 1: 4W - 7L (36% Win Rate)
Worst performance of the Deck. We played against Living End, Elemental and Wall deck (believe it or not). though we lost over all - I felt that the deck has something to offer so we went with version 2
Version 2: 8W-4L (67% Win Rate)
Better! we only lost totally against Crashing football Deck mostly to cascade. which made us re-evaluate our current SB plan. Considering adding in Void Mirror to counter these "free" effects
