My own take on the Mardu/Dega colours. It's phenomenal on card advantage due to Restoration Angel
+
Wall of Omens
, Kolaghan's Command, Painful Truths and Goblin Dark-Dwellers. Most of the removal doubles as burn which allows you to out control your aggro opponents and burn out your control opponents, and turn the corner easily against tempo decks as needed. Blood Baron of vizkopa is almost un-kill-able for most decks, and lingering souls is, well, lingering souls. Painful truths is beyond awesome when you can afford the life, but less fun against burn, but I'm not sure if Read the Bones is better or worse. I don't like the lack of synergy the truths has with the goblins.I'd love to hear any suggestions, although I can point out nothing in particular that needs work. (I was undefeated at a GP Seattle-Tacoma side event with a similar list to this one here, excluding the two new goblins) This is mostly a post to spread the knowledge to others who love themselves some Mardu but haven't found the right mix. (I've tried the kikki-jikki and Unbrial rites + Iona / grislebrand versions before to little success.)
TIPS ON PLAY:
if you find yourself playing against control, namely grixis, I had great success with simply casting the burn spells at their end step, or restoration angel, and then play "land, pass" that way you maintain pressure on them while never being tapped out for them.
if you find yourself against burn, pray for many lightning helix's and wall of omens. kolaghan's command for burn a dude and discard is awesome, since they most often are forced to ditch a burn spell, saving you precious life.
midrange is a good match, nameley abzan, as you can remove all their beaters easily, and your creatures outclass many of those played more commonly. Painful truths makes card advantage easier to maintain against jund.
if you find yourself in need of a mulligan, don't fret to much, the card advantage engines with more than likely keep you aloft, so go down to four for that leyline that'll mean victory.
other than that, have fun. the deck is flexible beyond belief, just point the burn at the right target, know when to go for a fatty or bait with lingering souls.
cheers, and happy hunting.
