Personal best deck of RtR/Theros
NOTE: This is a newer version of a Gruul deck I've been playing for a while. All tournament/FNM results before 5/31/14 are results of the midrange version of this deck.
Finally ready to discuss this deck in detail!
This deck used to be the spectacularly popular R/G Midrange deck that everyone was so optimistic about at the beginning of RtR/Theros standard - and the same deck that proved to be a massive disappointment with the rise of Monoblue Devotion. I always wanted that deck to be more aggressive, and though it's taken a while, I've finally come up with a list that alters it enough to call it a pure aggro deck. At the cost of a lower curve, you get faster, harder-hitting board presence, and that's a trade I'll make any day (though I do miss Stormbreath Dragon).
Experiment One: Essential early-game presence. First-turn Experiment into Burning-Tree is something I never get tired of.
Rakdos Cackler: Another solid one-drop, good with Experiment One.
Flesh / Blood: I should probably explain this one. This is the card that convinced me to make this deck. This card has, will, and does win games for me, and although that usually comes in conjunction with some kind of Bloodrush, being able to double a lethal blow as convenient removal is spectacular.
Armed / Dangerous: Another card that needs explanation. The other split card involving red and green, I like both halves of this card. Armed helps to put in massive damage while they're tapped out, and Dangerous is a good piece of removal.
Burning-Tree Emissary: It's good to have this beautiful aggro all-star from last rotation back in a primary deck. She requires no explanation.
Gore-House Chainwalker: There are a lot of good red and/or green two-drops I could have picked for this slot, but Gore-House won out. 3 power, a perfect card to play off of Burning-Tree, especially following a turn one Experiment.
Scavenging Ooze: A fun, efficient creature that can be cast off of Burning-Tree Emissary, works well against aggro decks and decks with heavy removal. I think he really shines against black-based decks, however. An extra in the sideboard for Burn or other aggro matchups.
Witchstalker: This is a card that I love. A primarily-green manabase finally allows me to use the best bet I have against monoblack. I'm more than happy shoving in four of these guys against that scourge of Standard.
Fanatic of Xenagos: The pleasingly aggressive new-comer from Born of the Gods - I've found that most players always pay the tribute, and I am one hundred percent okay with that. Trample is a keyword I've missed seeing, and one that I love playing with. No complaints from enjoying some quality time with this crazy motherfucker.
Ghor-Clan Rampager: Much like Burning-Tree, this guy's been in the format long enough for no real explanation to be necessary. Big guy when you want one, pump spell when you want one. Can and does win games.
Sideboard:
(Scavenging Ooze was already discussed).
Burning Earth: Since this deck only runs nine non-basics, this seems safe enough to include against Esper control or any other deck with a greedy manabase.
Destructive Revelry: Four of these might seem odd here, but you have to understand: the hexproof matchup is a nightmare for me. This is the best (and only) bet I have against Unflinching Courage, and I'm going to need all four. It also, I've noticed, does some heavy work against Monoblack Aggro; a spectacular answer to Master of the Feast.
Domri Rade: This guy's been in standard long enough for no explanation to be needed in terms of his usefulness. Card engine, removal, etc. That being said, in a deck as aggressive as this, I wouldn't want more than one.
Mistcutter Hydra: Between Monoblue Devotion and all the control decks, I need to have four of these in the sideboard. Another card I happen to love.
Oh, and please do +1 and comment, if you have a comment.
