The decklist is running 8 out of possible 12 lifegainlands. Is it not worth adding in the extra lifegain (via playing lands) because of the direct synergy with wall of limbs and pridemate? Or will it make the deck too slow?

Also it would be really cool with some game-feedback. What worked, what didnt. Particular matchups that flunked or just worked out perfectly. Would love that :)

So I tried my hand at an almost-budget version of this and was wondering if you could give it a lookover: Count on Life.

I ran your deck at Game Day and didn't do incredibly well, but still did okay. I rather enjoyed one game where I got to sac a Wall of Limbs to have my opponent lose 22 life, though!

I put together a deck earlier this week, and then I find out there's one VERY close to mine on here already. Looks like great minds think alike! Mine's not nearly as budget as yours, but I like it. Check it out, if you have a moment:

Abzan Budget-ish Lifegain/Counters

I recently started playing and I was glad that Lifegain decks are a thing. I almost got all cards in your decklist (first I want to play with your build then think about personal changes) but one question. Where would you put Banishing Light (I have 3) in main deck? I thought about taking out Despise.

grabczas I would agree with that. Despise is one of the weaker cards in the mainboard. I wish Duress was still standard...

How about swapping Despise with Feat of Resistance for more protection?

I would really hate it if I already assembled a bunch of huge creature and it got wiped out easily

Sunbond + Illusions of Grandeur = :)

(obviously I'm not suggesting it)

Thank you very much for the great build. I'm trying to build a budget deck for my little brother to help him get into the game, and he's professed that Abzan is his favorite clan. Definitely building this for him as a Christmas present. Thanks again!

Would like to see the same deck but more competitive using expensive lands,Courser of Kruphix and maybe Ajani.