MTG Salvation

I don't have a lot of experience with Pauper and wanted to build a mono-black deck. I was looking for some pointers on top of the research I've already done. Note I want to build an aggressive deck not a control variant. Anyone see any serious flaws with this deck?

Here is the revised version.



I realize this deck is really pushing it with mana but I'm kinda hoping that the 4 rituals and 3 bounce lands let me cheat a bit considering nothing in the deck costs more than 2. Still looking for additional sideboard suggestions. Other than additional removal and duress I'm a bit stumped. Maybe 4 Choking Sands? But I don't know if 3 cc is just too much for this deck.

Original here:


I could also use some help with the sideboard.

I don't love the Tendrils in that deck, and I want some edict effects; maybe switch them for Geth's Verdict? I'm also not sure of the Guul Draz Vampire - might want something that helps get the guy down to 10 in the first place; maybe Carrion Feeder or Vault Skirge.

I also think that Dark Ritual has a place in an aggro deck like the OP's.

Can't decide if I like the Bumps or not. Also can't decide if I would want a Bonesplitter or three in the deck; could be very very good on the shadow guys.

Sideboard definitely wants edicts, probably up to 6 or so between Geth's Verdict and Diabolic Edict; also probably some land destruction - since you're playing Hymns, you could use Sinkhole there if you can get 'em, otherwise Choking Sands.

XBM:
In terms of Land, I don't think suicide black should ever run on anything less or more than 18 swamps. You really can't waste the mana on a cycling swamp just to draw one card if you don't need it, especially when you're already running Sign in Blood.

Kevin Nash:
I would seriously just drop the land to 18 swamps and add a set of Dark Rituals, you'll guarantee some very explosive opening hands (turn 1 Slayer and Lacerator??) hard to beat.

and I agree you need some bonesplitters. If you remove your scattered creature removal spells, and just add Geth's Verdict, I think you'll be able to handle most board situations. You're going for speed here, so the hope is that they won't be able to ramp out creatures to keep up. the Dark Rituals will keep your creatures flooding the field 2 or 3 at a time.

"GG Allin" in my sig is a sewerside black deck, though not pauper. Though most suicide cards tend to be common anyway. Flesh Reaver is the real standout.

K revising to make it faster and add additional disruption.

Is this a deck you hope to build in paper? Sinkhole is a very expensive card, and sort of defeats the purpose of "pauper". I would just sub it with Choking Sands. Also maybe take out two diabolic edicts and add two Duress - Duress is a great card because you can also see your opponent's hand, thus being able to make decisions about your turn.

Quote from CatParty

Is this a deck you hope to build in paper? Sinkhole is a very expensive card, and sort of defeats the purpose of "pauper". I would just sub it with Choking Sands. Also maybe take out two diabolic edicts and add two Duress - Duress is a great card because you can also see your opponent's hand, thus being able to make decisions about your turn.

Yes I own 4 sinkholes. Is 8 edict effects too many? I'm not sure what the correct removal number is here, but I can cut some for other creatures or buff effects like Spinal Graft if needed. I was considering Vault Skirge in this deck but I'm trying to maximize damage as much as possible and only going for 2+ power creatures. Vault skirge is cool with a buff effect but pretty lame otherwise. I might even be able to cheat 2 more lands out of the deck with such a low curve (nothing above 2 cc).

I would cut two edicts and round out the set of bonesplitters. Other than that everything else really depends on your meta. I personally wouldn't feel the need to run both Verdict and edict, but if you know you'll be facing some meaty decks it might be a good idea. But you shouldn't need more than 6, and you'll find that bonesplitter can be your best friend, especially in sui-pauper where your creatures usually max at 2 power, also there's always the "strictly better than" Unholy Strength, predator's gambit.

I'm going with 4 verdicts and 2 victim of night.

I'm also considering using rakdos guildgates instead of the bounce lands, or I might just drop Bump in the Night altogether. The damage reach is really hard to pass up though. I'll have to keep thinking on whether they are worth using.

You can sideboard Bump In the Night, if you find you need more direct damage, but you'll never be able to pay the buyback, not in black aggro, you'll be lucky if you ever have more than 3 lands in play - but three lands is also all you need to run an efficient game.

Quote from CatParty

You can sideboard Bump In the Night, if you find you need more direct damage, but you'll never be able to pay the buyback, not in black aggro, you'll be lucky if you ever have more than 3 lands in play - but three lands is also all you need to run an efficient game.

Well I'm running Dark Ritual and it's a good way to spend them at the end of the game when they really aren't needed any longer.

I'm going to switch over to Guildgates and go with 2 Rakdos Guildgate and 14 swamps. Is Cremate a good idea in the sideboard? I'm concerned about Moment's Peace. Is there a better graveyard removal spell to run?