What are some staple (mono) Black sideboards?
Standard Deck Help forum
Posted on Feb. 5, 2021, 10:54 a.m. by Paandaas
I'm new to the concept of sideboarding and am new to Magic overall, I play standard format on MTG-Arena and have a black control deck - what are some good staple cards to put into a side board?
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February 5, 2021 1:17 p.m.
For Arena your sideboard is probably going to be fluid. You want to have answers for the things that give your deck the most trouble. What cards are you seeing routinely that are giving your deck, as currently constructed, fits?
It is harder to give just standard sideboard cards because you and I could both play mono-black and never play against the same type of decks for numerous reasons. What works for my experience may be cards you can't and won't use in any best of 3 format. Knowing what issues you're seeing will make it easier to suggest answers.
February 5, 2021 1:23 p.m.
Paandaas, we can help give you more specific advice if you show us your decklist.
Generally speaking, the following are the best sideboard options:
Cling to Dust , as King_marchesa stated above, because it’s a cantrip (draws a card at instant speed) and can eliminate a recursive threat in the opponent’s graveyard, or it could help you gain life in a pinch. Tormod's Crypt or Soul-Guide Lantern are good options as well for graveyard hate.
Feed the Swarm is critical, run 4 if you aren’t running it mainboard already, since it’s one of two black cards ever printed that remove enchantments (the second being the more expensive Pharika's Libation ).
Duress and Agonizing Remorse are ideal for analyzing your opponent’s hand (and therefore their deck strategy) and eliminating threats that you cannot remove later, like artifacts or enchantments.
Necromentia is useful for removing a specific threat completely once you learn about your opponent’s deck via Duress or some other method.
Pestilent Haze kills small indestructible creatures or targets multiple Walkers.
Epic Downfall is a possibility if you anticipate going up against large creatures.
Witch's Vengeance is very specific but could be a possibility if your meta leans heavily towards one tribal deck.
Crippling Fear is great if you are running a tribal deck to protect your own creatures.
Extinction Event is another decent sweeper you can use to your advantage.
Feed the Serpent is expensive but another removal option.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
February 5, 2021 7:31 p.m.
TriusMalarky says... #6
You're in black, you have three choices for SB cards. Duress effects, although unless you're playing historic you only have Duress itself which is the second best, only outshone by Thoughtseize.
Removal, either Doom Blade type things, stuff that kills smaller creatures, stuff that kills several creatures, etc.
Also, card draw.
King_marchesa says... #2
Cling to Dust is good for graveyard hate and card draw.
February 5, 2021 11:11 a.m.