GB Explorer Control

[porcupinetreeman]

2 Bayou
5 Swamp
5 Forest
4 Verdant Catacombs
3 Polluted Delta
2 Misty Rainforest

4 Veteran Explorer
3 Kitchen Finks
1 Batterskull

4 Cabal Therapy
3 Pernicious Deed
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Abrupt Decay
4 Innocent Blood
3 Toxic Deluge
3 Hymn to Tourach

1 Vraska the Unseen
1 Garruk, Primal Hunter
4 Liliana of the Veil


SB:

1 Kitchen Finks
1 Toxic Deluge
1 Batterskull
1 Vraska the Unseen
4 Extirpate
4 Mindbreak Trap
2 Krosan Grip
1 Garruk, Apex Predator


This deck is designed around early Veteran Explorer + Gitaxian Probe + Cabal Therapy.

I've noticed Burn and RUG can be a tough matchup so I added in the Kitchen Finks, he also works well with Therapy. Good chump blocker early.

I'm having a hard time finding good late game finishers. I like Vraska because she can win quickly. Garruk can win pretty quick also and draw some cards. I tried Wurmcoil Engine, but batterskull seemed better. Garruk Apex Predator is a good jace answer.

Help would be appreciated, I would like to stick with 2 colors without GSZ.

[EpicLevelCommoner]

http://www.mtgthesource.com/forums/showthread.php?28548-Primer-Deck-Nic-Fit

Same concept, just a lot more work put into it (and I'm not saying you haven't done any work, just saying that as a collective whole, the Nic Fit community has been on this for a few years).

Will edit later with list comments

[porcupinetreeman]

http://www.mtgthesource.com/forums/showthread.php?28548-Primer-Deck-Nic-Fit

Same concept, just a lot more work put into it (and I'm not saying you haven't done any work, just saying that as a collective whole, the Nic Fit community has been on this for a few years).

Will edit later with list comments

I know Nic Fit exists, I'm trying to build a more controlling version of the deck without GsZ.

Mostly looking for more card options and finishers.

[Star|Scream]

I know Nic Fit exists, I'm trying to build a more controlling version of the deck without GsZ.

Mostly looking for more card options and finishers.

But GSZ makes the deck more consistent and allows you to run toolbox cards. Also, the hymns do nothing in this deck because you're so slow that they have plenty of time (and now a full graveyard) to restock with Treasure Cruise

[Begle1]

I've been playing with similar, but a more mid-range type of game rather than board-control.

http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/black-connie/


I believe Duress/ Thoughtseize/ Inquisition of Kozilek are better options than Gitaxian Probe. Turn 1 discard spell, turn two Dork + Cabal Therapy + Cabal Therapy flashback is nuts. I've also found that Hymn to Tourach becomes relatively less effective as Cabal Therapy becomes more effective.

Deathrite Shaman is so good you almost need to justify NOT including it. I get why you wouldn't want to in a deck with lots of board sweepers; perhaps some Damnations could compliment the Deeds here. This deck doesn't have dig as is. Which means perhaps you could consider Diabolic Intent, as a tutor that can combine with Explorer to great effect and has good synergy with token producers or things that want to die, while enabling a tool-box style deck. At least in the sideboard against decks without heavy permission, perhaps?.

Abyssal Persecutor is a reliable beater creature and tarmogoyf is always an option. You're green enough to perhaps consider Strangleroot Geist, if you want to get a good threat on a bit smaller of a curve. (Anybody remember how Geist would eat Delver decks during Innistrad standard?)

Things like Bitterblossom give you a grindy late game, but if you want an over-the-top win you can put in a Natural Order package.

Or if you want silly janky synergy with Undying and Persist you could put in Quillspikes and Devoted Druids, maybe a Hex Parasite or two.