What is the general opinion on a mono-black EDH deck?
Commander (EDH) forum
Posted on March 10, 2014, 6:52 p.m. by DementedJake
Been toying with the idea of a mono-black EDH deck, but seeing as a mono color deck can be limited in terms of options, I'm wondering what everyone's opinions of it are...
Epochalyptik says... #3
Mono-black generally isn't super competitive, but it's workable.
March 10, 2014 7:02 p.m.
I've seen some pretty interesting monocolor decks including this one that uses Phage the Untouchable as the commander, which I am not gutsy enough to attempt. Lol
March 10, 2014 7:44 p.m.
I personally think mono-black is one of the best colors for mono-colored edh decks. It is not unstoppable but it can do some shenanigans.
Black can produce crazy amounts of mana and can do so quickly especially with the help of mana rocks. Turn 1 Sol Ring turn 2 Crypt Ghast usually leads to a strong postion. Black also has numerous ways to clear the board which is always good in multiplayer. Not to mention the fact black has somereally good ways to get card advantage Phyrexian Arena , Bloodgift Demon , Disciple of Bolas . Underworld Connections , ect.
Reanimation spells are always nice to have access to especially ones that can get stuff from your opponents grave, stuff like Sepulchral Primordial (he gets really awesome if any opponent has a clone to bring back as you can just clone him and repeat the process again and again for each clone or just clone the best creature). Only real problem black has is the fact it has no real efficient answer to non creature spells that are in plat.
Their are a few things in black that can deal with noncreatures like forced discard before they are resolved or using Liliana of the Veil 's ultimate but those options not necessarily something you can always rely on and is not the easiest to access at the moment you need them.
Sidenote targeted discard is something that is worth avoidng in multiplayer because it only affects one opponent.
additional sidenote Gray Merchant of Asphodel is still a pain in the rear end in edh, especially in multiplayer
March 10, 2014 7:53 p.m.
DementedJake says... #6
I've thought about using Ashling, the Extinguisher as commander... but am unsure about how effective I can make her. Relatively new to Magic so not very confident yet lol.
March 10, 2014 7:57 p.m.
Didgeridooda says... #7
There is alot you can do with mono black. It will be constricted to only being allowed one color, but it can work. Black has the tutors, and can really work some nice ramp. Those are the 2 areas you need to concentrate first to make it work.
March 10, 2014 8:13 p.m.
Before innistrad came out with the red vampires i had a nice mono black vampire deck with Anowon, the Ruin Sage at the helm
March 10, 2014 8:28 p.m.
I run a tribal rats deck Master Splinter, and out of the 6 or 7 EDH decks I've physically built, it's probably the funnest. It has tons of board presence, tons of ramp, and even though it's very counter-able, a relentless rats every turn is just the most annoying thing and getting Gray Merchant of Asphodel , Exsanguinate , or even Maga, Traitor to Mortals off is crazy late game. I've gotten Gary off for 15, and I was even lucky enough to get Maga off for 48 once (complete and utter overkill btw).
March 10, 2014 8:41 p.m.
Triforce-Finder says... #10
Is a "general opinion" supposed to be an opinion about a general or a opinion in general?
Erebos, God of the Dead looks like it has potential. Hard to remove, supports any strategy. I wonder if there are enough black spirits for a good Infernal Kirin edh. Has anyone tried?
Some stupid idea I just had: Maralen of the Mornsong as commander, with a deck of Sanguine Bond , Exquisite Blood and 98 swamps...
March 10, 2014 8:56 p.m.
DementedJake says... #11
Triforce-Finder Sorry, I meant an opinion in general about the deck idea
March 10, 2014 8:57 p.m.
@Triforce-Finder ~ dude that's downright dirty. Lol. I wonder if that would actually work? Probably only once before they killed her every turn you tried to play her. Lol
March 10, 2014 9:06 p.m.
Triforce-Finder says... #13
There's nothing to apologize for, DementedJake. I just thought you made a pun and couldn't stop myself from making it more obvious. ;)
March 10, 2014 9:09 p.m.
If any color can pull it off for edh I'd bet black... the only thing it really lacks is answers to non-creature stuff on the board but thats where things like Oblivion Stone , Nevinyrral's Disk , Ratchet Bomb etc help out. Tutors, spot removal, board wipes, card draw, ramp, direct life loss and life gain are all very prevalent in black. I am currently working on a Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief edh deck atm and so far its done well in play testing with control decks giving me the most issues but it still puts up a good fight. Good luck :)
March 10, 2014 10:39 p.m.
If you just want raw power Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon is your friend. If you want to not be annoying, anything else is better ;)
March 11, 2014 8:42 a.m.
A friend of mine has a Shadowborn Apostle and demons deck lead by Shirei, Shizo's Caretaker and it's incredibly brutal. Gets out his Grave Pact and everyone sacs 6 creatures every time he searches his deck for a demon, WHICH IS EVERY FREAKIN TURN.
It's ridiculous.
March 11, 2014 8:59 a.m.
Gienah Never heard of that combo before, woulds kinda cool :)
I have a feeling it would die horribly if people board staple mass removal such as Hallowed Burial and Final Judgment though.
March 11, 2014 12:31 p.m.
Mono black seems to work well for me. I run a zombie tribal/ voltron deck with Korlash. The deck has plenty of ramp, and three pieces of equipment that boost my general based on the number of swamps I control.
March 11, 2014 10:04 p.m.
DementedJake says... #20
Well with all of these great responses to my question, I'm definitely gonna build that deck!! Now... Triforce-Finder ... what is the General opinion!?!
March 12, 2014 2:34 p.m.
Triforce-Finder says... #21
Probably that it's a good decision to build your deck.
Wait a sec. If you're asking me, does that mean I got promoted to the rank of a general? looks Nah, still a deckling.
March 12, 2014 3:56 p.m.
Didgeridooda says... #22
What does deckling mean? I have seen a couple other names in that spot. Can anyone clue me in here.
March 12, 2014 4:08 p.m.
DementedJake says... #23
Indeed, you shall lead my armies and conquer all of the WORRRRRRLD!
March 12, 2014 4:11 p.m.
Triforce-Finder says... #24
Deckling is the standard title everybody has by default. Upgraded users can change that title while they're in the top 100 of the site rankings.
March 12, 2014 4:20 p.m.
I recently built a mono black deck with the focus of reanimating powerful creatures. I even threw in some eldrazis.
I dont own all cards, since it is a bit expensive so i never personally tested it out. Also my group hasnt properly built their edh decks; we are all new to it.
March 17, 2014 2:03 a.m.
NotSoLuckyLydia says... #27
In multiplayer, I'd recommend Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon . He one shots people easily, with equipment.
In 1v1, good options include the Blight Dragon, Griselbrand , Iname, Death Aspect , and I've seen many others put up good results. My friend has a sweet control deck running Erebos, God of the Dead as the gen.
March 17, 2014 1:43 p.m.
Horobi, Death's Wail Black MArketHave lands that target or enchantment that targets.Horobi stops Voltron (not equipment or enchant aura)
Bestach says... #2
I've seen some pretty strong Sheoldred, Whispering One EDHs, and I considered making a gorgon themed Hythonia the Cruel EDH. Mono color can work, if you just use the right commanders.
March 10, 2014 6:57 p.m.