This is an Abzan Midrange deck I'm building for this standard season. Going to explain some card choices below
MAINBOARD
Creatures:
Abzan Falconer: This is a nice creature with a medium sized body. Paired with an
Abzan Ascendancy
it gives all my guys flying, which is nice, although sometimes unnecessary if I have Rhinos or Captains out as well. Flying hydras can also stop Stormbreath.
Genesis Hydra: I was originally running four Hooded Hydras, but I took them out because this guy is just so much better. For the same cost you get more immediate value. I know that Hooded gives you blockers when it dies, but I'd much rather Genesis for four into a Rhino than have a guy that MIGHT give me snakes later. Also, with Ascendancy out I'm already getting tokens when my creatures die.
Siege Rhino: Do I have to say anything? This is one of the best cards in the format, and the reason I built this deck. He is pure value: 4 mana for a 4/5 trampler AND a 6 point life swing? Fucking ridiculous.
Sylvan Caryatid: A hexproof blocker that gives you mana. Every green deck runs them.
Tuskguard Captain: Trample on hydras is nice :P
Planeswalkers (or lack thereof):
The one thing I hate about Standard (and the reason I usually play Modern instead), is the planeswalkers. Don't get me wrong, I like myself a good 'walker, but I absolutely DESPISE people who just dump a bunch of them on the table and call it a deck. For this reason, I have decided not to run any (although I considered the new Sorin).
Other Spells:
Abzan Ascendancy
: This buffs all my guys permanently, and helps against control coughcough Elspeth coughcough. Also turns on Falconer and Captain. Very solid enchantment.
Abzan Charm: The utility here is great. I personally use it almost always for the exile, with the draw mode only if I have a bunch of removal in my hand already. +1/+1s can be good too if you need to squeeze in those last points of damage (or give your creature flying).
Banishing Light: Hits almost everything, and gets around
Ajani's Presence
and Soul of Phyrexia (which I personally think is underplayed). One of the best cards in the Theros block, and let's be honest; who didn't miss O-ring?
Drown in Sorrow: This card has won me so many games in playtesting, I can't even begin to say how good it is in here. First of all, it COMPLETELY hoses aggro, killing Rabblemaster, Bloodsoaked, Mystic, and so many others. The other reason I love it is because nothing in this deck has less than 3 toughness (except the spirit tokens, but it's worth losing them). I'll side it out for Bile Blight in some matchups though.
Hero's Downfall: This is THE standard removal card. It kills almost anything that matters, from those annoying planeswalkers to big creatures. Plus it hits Stormbreath, which is something this deck has trouble with without it.
Utter End: The final piece of our removal suite, End is a bit expensive in the mana department, but this deck wants to go into the late game anyway. This spell can get rid of those last few permanents that might be getting in the way of your final crushing blow.
SIDEBOARD
Anafenza, the Foremost: The Abzan clan leader is nice, but I couldn't make room for her in the main. She hoses Sultai Reanimator though, so I'll put a pair in the side.
Gods Willing: This is for the mirror, and other decks with a lot of removal. However, I'm questioning whether
Feat of Resistance
is better...
Bile Blight: Sometimes -2/-2 at sorcery speed isn't enough, so there will be times when I take out Drown in Sorrow for this.
Mass Calcify
: Clears the field for a nice big attack, plus it's one more card that kills the nasty dragon. Unfortunately it also takes out some of my creatures, so I'll have to keep testing this.
Mistcutter Hydra: For blue.
