Introduction: My name is Joe, I'm an MA based MTGO grinder (Chagsal0t). I've been playing infect since September of 2012 and have been one of the deck's primary innovators. I've logged 118 Daily Event and Premiere Event matches with infect and have a total win-loss record of 73-45 with the deck. I'm also credited with providing Ari Lax the original deck that he then tweaked to earn his 9th place finish at PT RTR. Now that I've made a case for why you should listen to what I have to say about BUG Infect, lets get into the details.
A Brief History
Modern BUG Infect first came on the MTGO scene around September of 2012. A few players picked the deck up around then and started consistently putting up good results in daily events with it. Ari Lax made the first big showing with BUG Infect placing 9th at Pro Tour Return to Ravnica with a list that originated from one I had given him after putting up consistent results on MTGO. The big change Ari made that really brought the deck to the next level was cutting Phyrexian Crusader and adding Noble Hierarch. Hierarch gave the deck more mana to cast pump spells with as well as being an extra pump spell itself. After Ari’s PT finish BUG Infect put multiple players into the top 32 of GP Lyon as well as GP Chicago.
The Core
BUG Infect is a combo deck; while it can play the long game if need be the deck is always aiming to kill quickly. In order to do this the deck needs to run the most efficient pump spells possible. Chief among these are Might of Old Krosa and Groundswell. While both are conditional +4/+4 for one mana is as good as it gets, both of these are four-ofs and you really never should drop lower. Rancor despite only being +2/+0 for one mana is one of the most important pump spells in the deck. For one it is reusable, generally being an enchantment would be seen as a weakness but when it comes back after your creature dies you don’t have to worry about a 2 for 1. Secondly Rancor grants trample, this ability often won’t actually be relevant but against certain decks it is exactly what you need to win. When the only creature you have out is a Glistener Elf and you are staring down a Tarmogoyf, you’ll be very happy you ran Rancor. I have always run Rancor as a four-of and haven’t found a reason to cut any yet. Next up is Mutagenic Growth; a free pump spell is fantastic even if it only grants +2/+2. Mutagenic Growth was a four-of in most BUG Infect lists but has recently been dropped to 3 in favor of more meta-game specific cards.
As far as protection spells are concerned every BUG Infect list runs 4 Vines of Vastwood. Being able to blank a removal spell while also being able to give a creature +4/+4 is ideal for this deck. Vines of Vastwood should always be a four-of, I would never consider less. The other change Ari made to my list before PT RTR was the addition of 2 Apostle’s Blessing in the main deck. I made the same change after discussing it with him and I would never go back. Running more then 2 becomes very risky due to the life loss it can definitely become costly.
When it comes to the creatures there are 12 that should be in every BUG Infect list. Glistener Elf is a 1 mana 1/1, while extremely basic it is the only available creature with infect that cost 1 mana which makes it absolutely vital, always run four. The next four-of is Blighted Agent. Though a 2 mana 1/1 is very unimpressive the fact that he is unblockable makes him the best creature in the deck. If you can keep a blighted agent alive you will almost assuredly win the game, keep this in mind when determining which creature you should cast first. The final four copies that every BUG Infect list should be running is Plague Stinger. Flying is the next best thing after being unblockable. Very few decks run a lot of fliers and Plague Stinger often acts like a Blighted Agent in these games.
Finally lets go over the lands that should be found in every list. Overgrown Tomb and Breeding Pool are the best mana options you can get, you need to gain access to 2 colors from your lands but you also need each land possible to produce green. The second point is the reason why Watery Grave does not make an appearance. To ensure you find these lands when you need them you are going to want Misty Rainforest and Verdant Catacombs. Considering all your duals produce green and the only basics in this deck should be forests you want all your fetchlands to search for green. Sometimes not getting shocked by your lands is crucial, be sure you can access those forests. Pendelhaven is an extremely powerful effect considering literally every creature in the deck with infect is a 1/1. Protection against Proclasm free of charge is very good; it can also downplay the problem Lingering Souls presents. Finally you always want to run 4 Inkmoth Nexus. Nexus not only taps for mana but bonuses as an infect creature with evasion and protection from sorceries and planeswalkers. The second point is what makes it one of the best cards you can draw against Jund. While how much of each land beyond nexus you want to run may vary as long as you are running a list with 4 Noble Hierarch I think the correct number of lands you should aim to play in BUG Infect is 20. If you opt to not run Hierarch you will want to increase your land count to 22.
The Rest
While the core cards should never be cut there are many cards to choose from to fill out the rest of the slots.
Spells:
Giant Growth- +3/+3 for one mana is the next best thing after Might of Old Krosa and Groundswell. It also bonuses as being one of the only pump spells that can protect against Lightning Bolt regardless of conditions. This latter part is an important consideration, bolt is a very popular card in modern. I’ve flopped between 1 and 2 giant growths but have never run more then 2, it is good but it takes up much needed slots. Currently I only run 1.
Predator’s Strike- Though it has seen very little play sometimes you just really need trample and Predator’s Strike is one of the best options for that ability. I used to run 2 when I first started playing infect but eventually I cut them. Recently with the increase in popularity of cards like Lingering Souls and Wall of Omens I have been reconsidering it.
Ranger’s Guile- I’ve never personally run Ranger’s Guile but I have seen it in a few lists. Though I don’t particularly like it, in a meta where RDW and WUR Delver are popular this can be a great choice. Hexproof is a very powerful ability to grant and the +1/+1 never hurts.
Distortion Strike- Distortion Strike is a card I chose to add to my list after Lingering Souls Jund debuted. The more I tested against Jund and UW the more I realized I always wanted to draw my Blighted Agents. Seeing as you can only run four agents Distortion Strike is by far the next best option. The fact that it gives +1/+0 is a fantastic bonus as well as the rebound. Often granting a creature unblockable for one turn is not enough but a second turn at no extra cost is perfect. Currently I run 2 Distortion Strike main, it is most certainly a meta call.
Thoughtseize- Thoughtseize is a great catch all and the best option in a wide open meta game as well as a combo heavy meta game. Thoughtseize can steal a threat out of opposing decks, such as ripping an Epic Experiment out of Storm decks. It can also snag a Terminate out of Jund. The fact that it is so versatile makes it a very powerful tool. Currently I don’t run any main but I’ve had a lot of success with 2 in the main deck.
Creatures:
Noble Hierarch- Noble hierarch has widely been adopted as a four-of in BUG Infect ever since PT RTR. The card is absolutely fantastic in this deck. It accelerates you on mana allowing you to play more pump spells in a single turn, it acts as a pump spell itself, and it adds protection against effects like Lilianna of the Veil. I can't see running less then four of this guy any time soon.
Phyrexian Crusader- Though in recent lists he has been cut in favor of adding Noble Hierarch there are times where Phyrexian Crusader is the perfect meta call. Protection from red and from white makes him very good against UW Angels, Jund, WUR Delver, RDW, and Soul Sisters. The problem is he is a bit on the slow side. I used to run 4 in my main deck and had a lot of success with him.
Ichorclaw Myr- Ichorclaw Myr is another creature I tested when I first started playing BUG Infect. The fact that you can cast him with any lands you draw can be very relevant in a 3-color deck. His ability is also fantastic in certain meta games. When you are stuck swinging through a Wall of Omens or spirit tokens having your guy get an automatic +2/+2 is great. Don’t even get me started on how good he is with a Rancor. Recently I have not used Ichorclaw Myr in my lists but I could see the argument for running him as a 2 of.
Sideboarding
Like with most archetypes there are a lot of sideboard options available for BUG Infect. Which ones you will want to use in your 15 will depend on what your expected meta game is. Rather then tell you which 15 cards I think you should run I will tell what meta games each sideboard choice is best in so that you can determine for yourself which will be best. At the end of the sideboarding section I will show my sideboard guide but keep in mind it is in reference to my particular list and it will not help you unless you intend on running the same 75.
Thoughtseize- We already went over why this card is good so I'll just add that if you are not running any Thoughtseize main you should absolutely run between 2 and 4 in the sideboard. Personally I like 4. Thoughtseize shines most in a meta where you expect Twin, Storm, RUG Scapeshift, Eggs, and Nivmangus combo to be popular. It can also be good in the mirror.
Inquisition of Kozilek- IoK is often used as a budget replacement for Thoughtseize. While it does hit most of the removal spells you would want to hit, as well as most of the combo targets it is worth noting that IoK misses Scapeshift as well as Faith's Reward. Iok is good in the same situations as Thoughtseize.
Creeping Corrosion- Creeping Corrosion is an exceptionally powerful effect in a meta game filled with Affinity. It is a rather weak choice against any other strategies running artifacts but if your meta is filled with Affinity this card is absolutely worth the slots.
[CARD]
Hurkyl's Recall[/CARD]- This is another card that is extremely powerful against affinity. Generally speaking hurkyl's recall has been considered a weak card because it only buys you a single turn but a single turn is often all infect needs. At the cost this card feels much better then creeping corrosion and can bonus as being playable against Eggs (where as corrosion is sorcery speed and useless against them). This would be my preferred option in an affinity heavy meta.
Nature's Claim- Nature's Claim is also often used as a tool for affinity. The "drawback" to this card is that your opponent gains 4 life, thankfully infect could not care less what the opponent's life total is in most games. Nature's Claim is my preferred choice for artifact hate as it can hit key cards out of affinity while also being able to destroy a birthing pod, wurmcoil engine, or pesky ghostly prison. Most importantly it destroys spellskite. Claim is a good choice in open metas, it can be sided in to good effect against RG Tron, Affinity, Eggs, Pyromancer's Ascension, The mirror, Splinter Twin, and Pod decks.
Seal of Primordium- While not a very popular choice this is a very effective hate card for people running Chalice of the Void. Chalice is a very powerful card against infect and generally will be set at 1 which blanks Nature's Claim. If decks like GW Hatebears and Kibler's Junk deck are popular in your meta this is the card for you. Bonuses as being useful in all the same cases Claim is.
Spellskite- Spellskite is by far one of the best sideboard options in this deck and in my opinion should be in every infect player's sideboard. For one spellskite protects your creatures in removal heavy match ups such as Jund. It also bonuses as directly interrupting the Plan A of RDW and WUR Delver, being both a great blocker and a way to protect your guys as well as your life total. Spellskite also happens to be a very powerful tool against our deck as it can redirect all our pump spells. Landing a spellskite in the mirror match can be crucial. Finally Spellskite is a great sideboard card against twin which is one of our worst match ups. I board Spellskites against WUR Delver, RDW, Jund, Twin, and Infect.
Dismember- Dismember is the best removal spell you can ask for in this deck. It is exceptionally cheap and the "downside" isn't generally relevant as we often win too fast for our life total to matter. Dismember is at its best in matches that can produce problematic creatures such as Melira Pod (targeting Melira or Spellskite), Twin (targeting exarch, kiki-jiki, pestermite, or spellskite), the mirror (targeting any infect creature or spellskite), and even sometimes storm (targeting Goblin Electromancer). If you're noticing a theme here Dismember is primarily played because it kills spellskite. Worth noting that dismember can clear pesky wall of omens or restoration angels out of the way too.
Darkblast- Darkblast has been a popular choice as a 1 or 2 of for combating the mirror. It is primarily favored due to the fact that you can reuse it. Personally I dislike darkblast as a choice, playing it often means you're playing less Spellskites or less Dismembers, both of which I feel are much more powerful. It is worth noting that unlike dismember Darkblast can also be blanked by any pump spell and the fact that it recurs is irrelevant if your opponent casts Spellskite.
Abrupt Decay- This is the only card to come out of Return to Ravnica that gave anything to infect. I've been running it in place of some of the nature's claims and really like it. It i a very versatile removal spell that can answer a myriad of problems this deck faces. Keep in mind that the cmc of GB can be problematic, often spending 2 mana means you are timewalking yourself. Because of this I still run Dismember along with the decays.
Distortion Strike- This is another one we have already gone over so I will just point out that it shines against Junk, GW Maverick, Lingering Jund, UW Angels, Kiki-pod, and Soul Sisters.
Grafdigger's Cage- For quite a while I was running grafdigger's cage in my sideboard. While it is decent against storm and very good against the pod decks beyond that cage is rather useless. Now that storm runs Epic Experiment I have opted to cut cage from my sideboard. If dredge becomes a popular choice I would be willing to run this card again.
Relic of Progenitus- While similar to cage in function relic is actually a much more versatile form of gy hate. It can be great against lingering jund as it gets rid of their souls before they get a chance to flashback and can also help keep goyf small enough that he is just a chump blocker. It can be fantastic against storm if used at the right time but overall cage is better if you are afraid of Past in Flames. Relic can also be a great tool against melira pod as you can dispose of their redcap or finks when they attempt to start a sacrifice chain.
[CARD]
Pithing Needle[/CARD]- Pithing needle is a card that has seen off and on play in Infect sideboards. If you aren't intending on boarding in spellskites of your own it can work very well as a way to stop spellskite however he will still be a blocking machine. Needle is also another great option against Pod as it can name Kiki-Jiki, Viscar Seer, and of course Birthing Pod. I also like it against RG Tron where it can name Karn Liberated, Oblivion Stone, or Expedition Map.
While there are probably other fringe sideboard options at the moment these are all the ones you are most likely to see and use yourself. Should more come to mind I will happily add them to the list. Here are my sideboard plans with my current list.
Jund/ UW Angels: -3 thoughtseize, -1 Might of Old Krosa +3 Spellskite +1 Distortion strike
Twin/ Pod: -2 Distortion Strike -2 Apostle's Blessing -4 Might of Old Krosa -3 Groundswell +4 Spellskite +3 Dismember +1 Thoughtseize +2 Abrupt Decay +1 inquisition of kozilek
Soul Sisters: -1 giant growth +1 Distortion Strike (you can also board in dismember or nature's claim or abrupt decay if they show you anything like ghostly prison or ethersworn canonist).
GW Maverick: -1 giant growth +1 Distortion Strike
UR Storm/ Scapeshift: -2 Apostle's Blessing -2 Distortion Strike +1 Thoughtseize +1 inquisition of kozilek +2 abrupt decay (Don't board decay and leave in blessing against scapeshift)
BUG Infect: -2 Distortion Strike -3 might of old krosa -4 Groundswell -1 Giant Growth +4 Spellskite +3 Dismember +2 Abrupt decay +1 inquisition of kozilek (In this match you doon't want pumps because you'll just get blanked by spellskite/removal, rancor is good here though because you can run it out early and get maximum value)
Decklists
I'll start with my current list so my sb plans make sense and then I'll show you some lists from good finishes other pilots have achieved.
While there is no access to the GP Lyon lists that did not top 8 here is one noted player Marijn Lybaert won a last minute qualifier with to earn him 3 byes at the event:
I omitted this list because it is not a BUG list. Look closely, there are no black cards in the 75. I don't personally like this list, I tested gitaxian probe in BUG and found that just running more creatures and pump spells was better then trying to run cantrips and hope you draw a pump spell or dude with them. I didn't address in the primer and don't plan to because I've never played UG and I consider it different enough when compared to BUG that it deserves it's own primer. UG plays cantrips and counterspells making it generally better in the mid game, BUG Infect looks to skip the turns casting cantrips or holding up counter magic and just win the game faster. Due to this difference in play style I think there should be a clear distinction between the two lists.
UG plays cantrips and counterspells making it generally better in the mid game, BUG Infect looks to skip the turns casting cantrips or holding up counter magic and just win the game faster. Due to this difference in play style I think there should be a clear distinction between the two lists.
I've considered running birds so that I can support distortion strike main alongside two phyrexian crusader, the problem is that noble hierarch doubles as a pump spell. Having a hierarch makes a large difference in the damage out put of your creatures, having both a hierarch and a pendelhaven in play feels amazing. Another thing to take into account is that with a hierarch in play you force opponents playing darkblast (which has gained popularity as a tool against the mirror, I for one do not like it against the mirror at all) to cast it at your declare attackers step enabling you to protect with pump spells instead of being scared to play them because of the darkblast. There is also the corner case where it is easier to kill an opponent 20-0 with a hierarch then with a bird. I've beat melira twice by using noble hierarch beats when they got a melira out. I don't actually own them rl either and have been looking on ebay, they are definitely worth it and will go up once PTQs start in a few weeks.
Quote taken from elsewhere so that we can continue discussion here and not hijack the other thread.
I think it is interesting you contemplated moving to birds for that reason too--I used them as a matter of convenience (and actually had them in before it was cool to play mana dorks :P). But that is inconsequential. I am trying to get hold of hierarchs as I recognize the boost they offer the deck, but I don't think I can have my cake and eat it too, meaning:
If I run NH, I have to cut the 2 crusader main. BB would be too unlikely. However, I don't think I'd have to cut MD discard due to mana issues (assuming I keep it otherwise). If I have B for stinger I have B for Thoughtseize.
Lastly is a problem unique to myself--I don't have fetch/shocks. I am currently running ye-olde painlands from Apocalypse + City of Brass/Gemstone Mine. It works well enough, but without birds to provide a source for whatever color I didn't draw, I could potentially have a hard time dropping agent/stinger/crusader.
Quote taken from elsewhere so that we can continue discussion here and not hijack the other thread.
I think it is interesting you contemplated moving to birds for that reason too--I used them as a matter of convenience (and actually had them in before it was cool to play mana dorks :P). But that is inconsequential. I am trying to get hold of hierarchs as I recognize the boost they offer the deck, but I don't think I can have my cake and eat it too, meaning:
If I run NH, I have to cut the 2 crusader main. BB would be too unlikely. However, I don't think I'd have to cut MD discard due to mana issues (assuming I keep it otherwise). If I have B for stinger I have B for Thoughtseize.
Lastly is a problem unique to myself--I don't have fetch/shocks. I am currently running ye-olde painlands from Apocalypse + City of Brass/Gemstone Mine. It works well enough, but without birds to provide a source for whatever color I didn't draw, I could potentially have a hard time dropping agent/stinger/crusader.
If I was stuck under those kind of mana constraints I would play UG infect and run distortion strike with more apostle's blessings, just play ichorclaw myr instead of plague stinger. Distortion strike should help the evasion issue. Running 2 colors means you can afford cathedral of war, which adds a little to the deck. You lose thoughtseize but gain dispel, spell pierce, and even spellsnare if you want it.
Good recommendations there Joe. But Milk, keep in mind we should all assume we have access to all the cards we discuss here, even if you don't in real life. It's one thing to be short a card or two, but in general you should test with cards as if you have them to get accurate results.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
MODERN RGB Jund BGR WGB Junk/Abzan Company WGB
LEGACY RUGB Delver GURB
EDH UW Geist of Saint Traft Aggro-Control WU RUG Riku of Two Reflections Combo GUR BBB Skithiryx Control BB
I'm just going on what I've found playing my list as I've run it in the past. Just giving a different perspective that's all. If we all play exactly the same list there's no need for any discussion anyway haha. I was just tossing the idea of BUG with pain out--it's worked for me but I run birds. UG would probably be a better bet with NH in that scenario, but I would just as soon gather a better mana base before building what is effectively a different deck. Chags makes some good points about his choices. Right now my biggest quandary is whether to cut crusader or not. Just wanted his input on what I've had some success with at my LGS FNM modern tourneys (though they are not always the best representation of the current meta). We had our first showing of Lingering Souls jund yesterday.
I'm just going on what I've found playing my list as I've run it in the past. Just giving a different perspective that's all. If we all play exactly the same list there's no need for any discussion anyway haha. I was just tossing the idea of BUG with pain out--it's worked for me but I run birds. UG would probably be a better bet with NH in that scenario, but I would just as soon gather a better mana base before building what is effectively a different deck. Chags makes some good points about his choices. Right now my biggest quandary is whether to cut crusader or not. Just wanted his input on what I've had some success with at my LGS FNM modern tourneys (though they are not always the best representation of the current meta). We had our first showing of Lingering Souls jund yesterday.
I chose not to run crusader still in my 75. He is good but I'd rather have Hierarch and distortion strike and I have to lose those to keep the crusaders. I could see an argument for keeping 2 in the sideboard though, he is great in some match ups. One thing to remember is most UW decks run Dismember so he is never truly invincible.
After playing against this a few times the past couple of weeks I decided to play it for the upcoming ptq season. It feels like an aggro deck. It can punish the unsuspecting control player quickly.
It seems jund is already evolving to matchup against infect and affinity...adding the spirit tokens.
This is the deck I have been playing on cockatrice the last couple of weeks...
The mana base needs updating IMHO...if you don't have an hierarch in the opening hand you tend to get color hosed. I'm also thinking of changing the unstable mutation for rancor. I added Perilous Research as some card draw in response to decays, bolts and paths...not sure if these should but cut for pump or something. Any advice on the deck would be great. Thanks.
Your mana base is definitely rough, I would much rather run pump spells over cantrips, and running unstable mutation over rancor is wrong as well. Rancor is how you beat cards like lingering souls (along with distortion strike). You should be running 4 plague stinger, less is just suicide you really need to guarantee you draw an infect dude. Groundswell is one of the best pump spells in the deck, not running 4 is a huge mistake. Running less then 4 vines is also wrong, you want to be able to protect your guys, the fact that it pumps too makes it one of the best cards you can ask for. 22 lands while running 4 hierarch is also wrong, you should be at 20 with a hierarch or 22 without. I'd take a good read through the primer and consider the arguments I've presented for why you should be running those cards, no offense but in my opinion your version is a bit of a ways off from being tournament competitive.
Thanks for the advice. I did re-read your primer. You added a decklist and sideboard options!! I like your manabase. I was trying to squeeze in a white for the blessings.
Scrapping my list completely and running with yours for now. I'd still like to squeeze in Perilous Research...perhaps in the board.
Discard seems more pro-active than probe, too. Yeah, you get to see whether or not they have removal with either but with discard you can pluck it out of their hand.
In regards to Perilous Research I'd rather run more protection spells then try to leave two mana up to lose your guys anyways and hope the two cards you draw are better then what you just lost. Glad the primer has been useful!
Siding for twin is ok. However, siding for twin pod should be different in my opinion. Restoration angels are a big problem and spellskite is not that necessary since it does not target angel-kiki jiki combo and there are not many spells to redirect to spellskite. I would rather side like this:
Introduction: My name is Joe, I'm an MA based MTGO grinder (Chagsal0t). I've been playing infect since September of 2012 and have been one of the deck's primary innovators. I've logged 118 Daily Event and Premiere Event matches with infect and have a total win-loss record of 73-45 with the deck. I'm also credited with providing Ari Lax the original deck that he then tweaked to earn his 9th place finish at PT RTR. Now that I've made a case for why you should listen to what I have to say about BUG Infect, lets get into the details.
A Brief History
Modern BUG Infect first came on the MTGO scene around September of 2012. A few players picked the deck up around then and started consistently putting up good results in daily events with it. Ari Lax made the first big showing with BUG Infect placing 9th at Pro Tour Return to Ravnica with a list that originated from one I had given him after putting up consistent results on MTGO. The big change Ari made that really brought the deck to the next level was cutting Phyrexian Crusader and adding Noble Hierarch. Hierarch gave the deck more mana to cast pump spells with as well as being an extra pump spell itself. After Ari’s PT finish BUG Infect put multiple players into the top 32 of GP Lyon as well as GP Chicago.
The Core
BUG Infect is a combo deck; while it can play the long game if need be the deck is always aiming to kill quickly. In order to do this the deck needs to run the most efficient pump spells possible. Chief among these are Might of Old Krosa and Groundswell. While both are conditional +4/+4 for one mana is as good as it gets, both of these are four-ofs and you really never should drop lower. Rancor despite only being +2/+0 for one mana is one of the most important pump spells in the deck. For one it is reusable, generally being an enchantment would be seen as a weakness but when it comes back after your creature dies you don’t have to worry about a 2 for 1. Secondly Rancor grants trample, this ability often won’t actually be relevant but against certain decks it is exactly what you need to win. When the only creature you have out is a Glistener Elf and you are staring down a Tarmogoyf, you’ll be very happy you ran Rancor. I have always run Rancor as a four-of and haven’t found a reason to cut any yet. Next up is Mutagenic Growth; a free pump spell is fantastic even if it only grants +2/+2. Mutagenic Growth was a four-of in most BUG Infect lists but has recently been dropped to 3 in favor of more meta-game specific cards.
As far as protection spells are concerned every BUG Infect list runs 4 Vines of Vastwood. Being able to blank a removal spell while also being able to give a creature +4/+4 is ideal for this deck. Vines of Vastwood should always be a four-of, I would never consider less. The other change Ari made to my list before PT RTR was the addition of 2 Apostle’s Blessing in the main deck. I made the same change after discussing it with him and I would never go back. Running more then 2 becomes very risky due to the life loss it can definitely become costly.
When it comes to the creatures there are 12 that should be in every BUG Infect list. Glistener Elf is a 1 mana 1/1, while extremely basic it is the only available creature with infect that cost 1 mana which makes it absolutely vital, always run four. The next four-of is Blighted Agent. Though a 2 mana 1/1 is very unimpressive the fact that he is unblockable makes him the best creature in the deck. If you can keep a blighted agent alive you will almost assuredly win the game, keep this in mind when determining which creature you should cast first. The final four copies that every BUG Infect list should be running is Plague Stinger. Flying is the next best thing after being unblockable. Very few decks run a lot of fliers and Plague Stinger often acts like a Blighted Agent in these games.
Finally lets go over the lands that should be found in every list. Overgrown Tomb and Breeding Pool are the best mana options you can get, you need to gain access to 2 colors from your lands but you also need each land possible to produce green. The second point is the reason why Watery Grave does not make an appearance. To ensure you find these lands when you need them you are going to want Misty Rainforest and Verdant Catacombs. Considering all your duals produce green and the only basics in this deck should be forests you want all your fetchlands to search for green. Sometimes not getting shocked by your lands is crucial, be sure you can access those forests. Pendelhaven is an extremely powerful effect considering literally every creature in the deck with infect is a 1/1. Protection against Proclasm free of charge is very good; it can also downplay the problem Lingering Souls presents. Finally you always want to run 4 Inkmoth Nexus. Nexus not only taps for mana but bonuses as an infect creature with evasion and protection from sorceries and planeswalkers. The second point is what makes it one of the best cards you can draw against Jund. While how much of each land beyond nexus you want to run may vary as long as you are running a list with 4 Noble Hierarch I think the correct number of lands you should aim to play in BUG Infect is 20. If you opt to not run Hierarch you will want to increase your land count to 22.
The Rest
While the core cards should never be cut there are many cards to choose from to fill out the rest of the slots.
Spells:
Giant Growth- +3/+3 for one mana is the next best thing after Might of Old Krosa and Groundswell. It also bonuses as being one of the only pump spells that can protect against Lightning Bolt regardless of conditions. This latter part is an important consideration, bolt is a very popular card in modern. I’ve flopped between 1 and 2 giant growths but have never run more then 2, it is good but it takes up much needed slots. Currently I only run 1.
Predator’s Strike- Though it has seen very little play sometimes you just really need trample and Predator’s Strike is one of the best options for that ability. I used to run 2 when I first started playing infect but eventually I cut them. Recently with the increase in popularity of cards like Lingering Souls and Wall of Omens I have been reconsidering it.
Ranger’s Guile- I’ve never personally run Ranger’s Guile but I have seen it in a few lists. Though I don’t particularly like it, in a meta where RDW and WUR Delver are popular this can be a great choice. Hexproof is a very powerful ability to grant and the +1/+1 never hurts.
Distortion Strike- Distortion Strike is a card I chose to add to my list after Lingering Souls Jund debuted. The more I tested against Jund and UW the more I realized I always wanted to draw my Blighted Agents. Seeing as you can only run four agents Distortion Strike is by far the next best option. The fact that it gives +1/+0 is a fantastic bonus as well as the rebound. Often granting a creature unblockable for one turn is not enough but a second turn at no extra cost is perfect. Currently I run 2 Distortion Strike main, it is most certainly a meta call.
Thoughtseize- Thoughtseize is a great catch all and the best option in a wide open meta game as well as a combo heavy meta game. Thoughtseize can steal a threat out of opposing decks, such as ripping an Epic Experiment out of Storm decks. It can also snag a Terminate out of Jund. The fact that it is so versatile makes it a very powerful tool. Currently I don’t run any main but I’ve had a lot of success with 2 in the main deck.
Creatures:
Noble Hierarch- Noble hierarch has widely been adopted as a four-of in BUG Infect ever since PT RTR. The card is absolutely fantastic in this deck. It accelerates you on mana allowing you to play more pump spells in a single turn, it acts as a pump spell itself, and it adds protection against effects like Lilianna of the Veil. I can't see running less then four of this guy any time soon.
Phyrexian Crusader- Though in recent lists he has been cut in favor of adding Noble Hierarch there are times where Phyrexian Crusader is the perfect meta call. Protection from red and from white makes him very good against UW Angels, Jund, WUR Delver, RDW, and Soul Sisters. The problem is he is a bit on the slow side. I used to run 4 in my main deck and had a lot of success with him.
Ichorclaw Myr- Ichorclaw Myr is another creature I tested when I first started playing BUG Infect. The fact that you can cast him with any lands you draw can be very relevant in a 3-color deck. His ability is also fantastic in certain meta games. When you are stuck swinging through a Wall of Omens or spirit tokens having your guy get an automatic +2/+2 is great. Don’t even get me started on how good he is with a Rancor. Recently I have not used Ichorclaw Myr in my lists but I could see the argument for running him as a 2 of.
Sideboarding
Like with most archetypes there are a lot of sideboard options available for BUG Infect. Which ones you will want to use in your 15 will depend on what your expected meta game is. Rather then tell you which 15 cards I think you should run I will tell what meta games each sideboard choice is best in so that you can determine for yourself which will be best. At the end of the sideboarding section I will show my sideboard guide but keep in mind it is in reference to my particular list and it will not help you unless you intend on running the same 75.
Thoughtseize- We already went over why this card is good so I'll just add that if you are not running any Thoughtseize main you should absolutely run between 2 and 4 in the sideboard. Personally I like 4. Thoughtseize shines most in a meta where you expect Twin, Storm, RUG Scapeshift, Eggs, and Nivmangus combo to be popular. It can also be good in the mirror.
Inquisition of Kozilek- IoK is often used as a budget replacement for Thoughtseize. While it does hit most of the removal spells you would want to hit, as well as most of the combo targets it is worth noting that IoK misses Scapeshift as well as Faith's Reward. Iok is good in the same situations as Thoughtseize.
Creeping Corrosion- Creeping Corrosion is an exceptionally powerful effect in a meta game filled with Affinity. It is a rather weak choice against any other strategies running artifacts but if your meta is filled with Affinity this card is absolutely worth the slots.
[CARD]
Hurkyl's Recall[/CARD]- This is another card that is extremely powerful against affinity. Generally speaking hurkyl's recall has been considered a weak card because it only buys you a single turn but a single turn is often all infect needs. At the cost this card feels much better then creeping corrosion and can bonus as being playable against Eggs (where as corrosion is sorcery speed and useless against them). This would be my preferred option in an affinity heavy meta.
Nature's Claim- Nature's Claim is also often used as a tool for affinity. The "drawback" to this card is that your opponent gains 4 life, thankfully infect could not care less what the opponent's life total is in most games. Nature's Claim is my preferred choice for artifact hate as it can hit key cards out of affinity while also being able to destroy a birthing pod, wurmcoil engine, or pesky ghostly prison. Most importantly it destroys spellskite. Claim is a good choice in open metas, it can be sided in to good effect against RG Tron, Affinity, Eggs, Pyromancer's Ascension, The mirror, Splinter Twin, and Pod decks.
Seal of Primordium- While not a very popular choice this is a very effective hate card for people running Chalice of the Void. Chalice is a very powerful card against infect and generally will be set at 1 which blanks Nature's Claim. If decks like GW Hatebears and Kibler's Junk deck are popular in your meta this is the card for you. Bonuses as being useful in all the same cases Claim is.
Spellskite- Spellskite is by far one of the best sideboard options in this deck and in my opinion should be in every infect player's sideboard. For one spellskite protects your creatures in removal heavy match ups such as Jund. It also bonuses as directly interrupting the Plan A of RDW and WUR Delver, being both a great blocker and a way to protect your guys as well as your life total. Spellskite also happens to be a very powerful tool against our deck as it can redirect all our pump spells. Landing a spellskite in the mirror match can be crucial. Finally Spellskite is a great sideboard card against twin which is one of our worst match ups. I board Spellskites against WUR Delver, RDW, Jund, Twin, and Infect.
Dismember- Dismember is the best removal spell you can ask for in this deck. It is exceptionally cheap and the "downside" isn't generally relevant as we often win too fast for our life total to matter. Dismember is at its best in matches that can produce problematic creatures such as Melira Pod (targeting Melira or Spellskite), Twin (targeting exarch, kiki-jiki, pestermite, or spellskite), the mirror (targeting any infect creature or spellskite), and even sometimes storm (targeting Goblin Electromancer). If you're noticing a theme here Dismember is primarily played because it kills spellskite. Worth noting that dismember can clear pesky wall of omens or restoration angels out of the way too.
Darkblast- Darkblast has been a popular choice as a 1 or 2 of for combating the mirror. It is primarily favored due to the fact that you can reuse it. Personally I dislike darkblast as a choice, playing it often means you're playing less Spellskites or less Dismembers, both of which I feel are much more powerful. It is worth noting that unlike dismember Darkblast can also be blanked by any pump spell and the fact that it recurs is irrelevant if your opponent casts Spellskite.
Abrupt Decay- This is the only card to come out of Return to Ravnica that gave anything to infect. I've been running it in place of some of the nature's claims and really like it. It i a very versatile removal spell that can answer a myriad of problems this deck faces. Keep in mind that the cmc of GB can be problematic, often spending 2 mana means you are timewalking yourself. Because of this I still run Dismember along with the decays.
Distortion Strike- This is another one we have already gone over so I will just point out that it shines against Junk, GW Maverick, Lingering Jund, UW Angels, Kiki-pod, and Soul Sisters.
Grafdigger's Cage- For quite a while I was running grafdigger's cage in my sideboard. While it is decent against storm and very good against the pod decks beyond that cage is rather useless. Now that storm runs Epic Experiment I have opted to cut cage from my sideboard. If dredge becomes a popular choice I would be willing to run this card again.
Relic of Progenitus- While similar to cage in function relic is actually a much more versatile form of gy hate. It can be great against lingering jund as it gets rid of their souls before they get a chance to flashback and can also help keep goyf small enough that he is just a chump blocker. It can be fantastic against storm if used at the right time but overall cage is better if you are afraid of Past in Flames. Relic can also be a great tool against melira pod as you can dispose of their redcap or finks when they attempt to start a sacrifice chain.
[CARD]
Pithing Needle[/CARD]- Pithing needle is a card that has seen off and on play in Infect sideboards. If you aren't intending on boarding in spellskites of your own it can work very well as a way to stop spellskite however he will still be a blocking machine. Needle is also another great option against Pod as it can name Kiki-Jiki, Viscar Seer, and of course Birthing Pod. I also like it against RG Tron where it can name Karn Liberated, Oblivion Stone, or Expedition Map.
While there are probably other fringe sideboard options at the moment these are all the ones you are most likely to see and use yourself. Should more come to mind I will happily add them to the list. Here are my sideboard plans with my current list.
Jund/ UW Angels: -3 thoughtseize, -1 Might of Old Krosa +3 Spellskite +1 Distortion strike
Twin/ Pod: -2 Distortion Strike -2 Apostle's Blessing -4 Might of Old Krosa -3 Groundswell +4 Spellskite +3 Dismember +1 Thoughtseize +2 Abrupt Decay +1 inquisition of kozilek
Wur Delver/ RDW: -3 thoughtseize -1 apostle's blessing +4 Spellskite
RG Tron: -2 Apostle's Blessing -2 Distortion Strike +2 Abrupt Decay +1 inquisiton of kozilek +1 nature's claim
Affinity: -3 thoughtseize -1 Giant Growth -2 rancor +2 Nature's Claim +1 Distortion Strike +1 hurkyl's recall +2 abrupt decay
Soul Sisters: -1 giant growth +1 Distortion Strike (you can also board in dismember or nature's claim or abrupt decay if they show you anything like ghostly prison or ethersworn canonist).
GW Maverick: -1 giant growth +1 Distortion Strike
UR Storm/ Scapeshift: -2 Apostle's Blessing -2 Distortion Strike +1 Thoughtseize +1 inquisition of kozilek +2 abrupt decay (Don't board decay and leave in blessing against scapeshift)
BUG Infect: -2 Distortion Strike -3 might of old krosa -4 Groundswell -1 Giant Growth +4 Spellskite +3 Dismember +2 Abrupt decay +1 inquisition of kozilek (In this match you doon't want pumps because you'll just get blanked by spellskite/removal, rancor is good here though because you can run it out early and get maximum value)
Decklists
I'll start with my current list so my sb plans make sense and then I'll show you some lists from good finishes other pilots have achieved.
My list:
2 Forest
4 Inkmoth Nexus
4 Misty Rainforest
2 Overgrown Tomb
2 Pendelhaven
4 Verdant Catacombs
4 Blighted Agent
4 Glistener Elf
4 Noble Hierarch
4 Plague Stinger
2 Apostle's Blessing
2 Distortion Strike
1 Giant Growth
4 Groundswell
4 Might of Old Krosa
3 Thoughtseize
4 Rancor
4 Vines of Vastwood
3 Dismember
1 Distortion Strike
2 Nature's Claim
1 Hurkyl's Recall
2 Abrupt Decay
4 Spellskite
1 Inquisition of Kozilek
1 Thoughtseize
Here is my good friend Ben Feingersh's GP toronto 15th place list:
4 Inkmoth Nexus
4 Misty Rainforest
2 Overgrown Tomb
2 Pendelhaven
4 Verdant Catacombs
2 Forest
4 Blighted Agent
4 Glistener Elf
4 Noble Hierarch
4 Plague Stinger
2 Apostle's Blessing
1 Giant Growth
4 Groundswell
4 Might of Old Krosa
1 Mutagenic Growth
4 Vines of Vastwood
2 Distortion Strike
3 Thoughtseize
3 Rancor
1 Inquisition of Kozilek
1 Thoughtseize
3 Abrupt Decay
4 Dismember
1 Distortion Strike
4 Spellskite
Next up is Ari Lax's 9th place list from Pt RTR:
4 Inkmoth Nexus
4 Verdant Catacombs
4 Misty Rainforest
2 Overgrown Tomb
2 Breeding Pool
2 Forest
4 Plague Stinger
4 Noble Hierarch
4 Glistener Elf
4 Blighted Agent
4 Mutagenic Growth
4 Might of Old Krosa
4 Groundswell
4 Vines of Vastwood
4 Rancor
2 Giant Growth
2 Apostle's Blessing
3 Dismember
3 Thoughtseize
2 Spellskite
4 Nature's Claim
3 Grafdigger's Cage
Here is Jacob Sklar's 16th place list from GP Chicago 2012:
4 Misty Rainforest
4 Verdant Catacombs
3 Overgrown Tomb
4 Inkmoth Nexus
1 Breeding Pool
2 Forest
4 Noble Hierarch
4 Glistener Elf
4 Blighted Agent
4 Plague Stinger
4 Vines of Vastwood
3 Thoughtseize
4 Rancor
1 Giant Growth
4 Groundswell
3 Mutagenic Growth
4 Might of Old Krosa
1 Apostle's Blessing
1 Grafdigger's Cage
1 Relic of Progenitus
4 Dismember
3 Spellskite
1 Hurkyl's Recall
3 Nature's Claim
1 Apostle's Blessing
1 Thoughtseize
While there is no access to the GP Lyon lists that did not top 8 here is one noted player Marijn Lybaert won a last minute qualifier with to earn him 3 byes at the event:
4 Verdant Catacombs
4 Misty Rainforest
2 Breeding Pool
2 Forest
2 Overgrown Tomb
4 Inkmoth Nexus
4 Glistener Elf
4 Plague Stinger
4 Noble Hierarch
4 Blighted Agent
4 Mutagenic Growth
4 Might of Old Krosa
4 Rancor
2 Giant Growth
4 Groundswell
2 Apostle's Blessing
4 Vines of Vastwood
2 Inquisition of Kozilek
3 Thoughtseize
4 Nature's Claim
3 Dismember
1 Hurkyl's Recall
1 Dispel
1 Spell Pierce
RGB Jund BGR
WGB Junk/Abzan Company WGB
LEGACY
RUGB Delver GURB
EDH
UW Geist of Saint Traft Aggro-Control WU
RUG Riku of Two Reflections Combo GUR
BBB Skithiryx Control BB
Just decided to get into modern so excited to see the sample lists.
http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/eventcoverage/ptrtr12/top8decks
4 Verdant Catacombs
2 Breeding Pool
2 Forest
1 Island
2 Pendelhaven
4 Inkmoth Nexus
2 Ichorclaw Myr
4 Blighted Agent
4 Glistener Elf
4 Noble Hierarch
3 Serum Visions
3 Rancor
4 Might of Old Krosa
3 Gitaxian Probe
2 Apostle's Blessing
4 Groundswell
4 Sleight of Hand
3 Creeping Corrosion
4 Spell Pierce
2 Dismember
4 Spellskite
2 Negate
That makes sense. Thanks for the distinction.
Happy to help.
Quote taken from elsewhere so that we can continue discussion here and not hijack the other thread.
I think it is interesting you contemplated moving to birds for that reason too--I used them as a matter of convenience (and actually had them in before it was cool to play mana dorks :P). But that is inconsequential. I am trying to get hold of hierarchs as I recognize the boost they offer the deck, but I don't think I can have my cake and eat it too, meaning:
If I run NH, I have to cut the 2 crusader main. BB would be too unlikely. However, I don't think I'd have to cut MD discard due to mana issues (assuming I keep it otherwise). If I have B for stinger I have B for Thoughtseize.
Lastly is a problem unique to myself--I don't have fetch/shocks. I am currently running ye-olde painlands from Apocalypse + City of Brass/Gemstone Mine. It works well enough, but without birds to provide a source for whatever color I didn't draw, I could potentially have a hard time dropping agent/stinger/crusader.
If I was stuck under those kind of mana constraints I would play UG infect and run distortion strike with more apostle's blessings, just play ichorclaw myr instead of plague stinger. Distortion strike should help the evasion issue. Running 2 colors means you can afford cathedral of war, which adds a little to the deck. You lose thoughtseize but gain dispel, spell pierce, and even spellsnare if you want it.
RGB Jund BGR
WGB Junk/Abzan Company WGB
LEGACY
RUGB Delver GURB
EDH
UW Geist of Saint Traft Aggro-Control WU
RUG Riku of Two Reflections Combo GUR
BBB Skithiryx Control BB
I chose not to run crusader still in my 75. He is good but I'd rather have Hierarch and distortion strike and I have to lose those to keep the crusaders. I could see an argument for keeping 2 in the sideboard though, he is great in some match ups. One thing to remember is most UW decks run Dismember so he is never truly invincible.
It seems jund is already evolving to matchup against infect and affinity...adding the spirit tokens.
This is the deck I have been playing on cockatrice the last couple of weeks...
4 Glistener Elf
3 Plague Stinger
4 Noble Hierarch
2 Apostle's Blessing
3 Dismember
2 Groundswell
4 Might of Old Krosa
3 Mutagenic Growth
2 Unstable Mutation
2 Vines of Vastwood
2 Perilous Research
3 Gitaxian Probe
3 Forest
4 Inkmoth Nexus
2 Island
3 Misty Rainforest
2 Overgrown Tomb
2 Pendlehaven
1 Swamp
1 Temple Garden
2 Verdant Catacombs
2 Watery Grave
2 Apostle's Blessing
2 Piracy Charm
2 Gut Shot
3 Relic of Progenitus
3 Abrupt Decay
3 Pithing Needle
The mana base needs updating IMHO...if you don't have an hierarch in the opening hand you tend to get color hosed. I'm also thinking of changing the unstable mutation for rancor. I added Perilous Research as some card draw in response to decays, bolts and paths...not sure if these should but cut for pump or something. Any advice on the deck would be great. Thanks.
BTW I love the primer!!
Scrapping my list completely and running with yours for now. I'd still like to squeeze in Perilous Research...perhaps in the board.
Discard seems more pro-active than probe, too. Yeah, you get to see whether or not they have removal with either but with discard you can pluck it out of their hand.
4 Inkmoth Nexus
4 Llanowar Wastes
4 Yavimaya Coast
4 City of Brass
2 Forest
4 Plague Stinger
4 Birds of Paradise
4 Glistener Elf
4 Blighted Agent
4 Mutagenic Growth
4 Might of Old Krosa
4 Groundswell
4 Vines of Vastwood
4 Rancor
2 Giant Growth
2 Apostle's Blessing
3 Duress
2 Spellskite
4 Nature's Claim
3 Grafdigger's Cage
This comes in under budget, and from what I can see only a slight drop in power. Is there anything major I am missing?
The drop in power from lack of hierarch is significant, id run crusader and more lands over BOP.
Also though I believe we are not supposed to have budget deck discussions in the competitive forums.
Siding for twin is ok. However, siding for twin pod should be different in my opinion. Restoration angels are a big problem and spellskite is not that necessary since it does not target angel-kiki jiki combo and there are not many spells to redirect to spellskite. I would rather side like this:
-3 Mutagenic growth -1 Giant growth -2 Apostle's Blessing -3/2 Rancor -2/3 Might of Old Krosa
+4 Dismember +4 Thoughtseize +3 Nature's Claim
Great primer by the way. Thank you for it.