Abzan Aggro at BIG MAGIC Open

By Shuhei Nakamura

Shuhei Nakamura is a member of the Pro Tour Hall of Fame, former Player of the Year, and is one of just six players with more than 400 lifetime pro points.

In the end, there can always only be one winner, and at the end of the BIG MAGIC Open Standard tournament, the player who was able to overcome Boku, the weekend's winningest player, was the last National Champion, Ryūichirō Ishida, with his Abzan Aggro deck.

Abzan Aggro: Ever since Mike Sigrist placed Top 4 at Pro Tour Khans of Tarkir with the deck, it has been posting consistent finishes. Not surprising, considering it has what is likely the best creature in the environment as well as some of the best removal.

In addition to the powerful GW and BG Cats, the deck has access to Siege Rhino, all three of which are game-ending class creatures. Then, there's Hero's Downfall and Abzan Charm, of which all three modes are relevant.

Ishida's version shows some modifications to the standard lineup, with eleven two-mana spells and an additional land, bringing the total to 25. Personally, I like these changes.

A distinguishing feature of the deck is that it quickly takes control of the game by playing out a creature early, and then seals the deal in the late game with Heir of the Wilds, which can trade with pretty much anything. Bringing up the land count to 25 helps smooth out potential roughness inherent in composing a three-color beatdown deck.

If I were to make a change—and this is mere personal preference—I would bring the Abzan Charm count up to the full four. It's just that good.

Ryūichirō Ishida's Abzan Aggro

Decklist Stats Sample Hand

Planeswalker (3)

3 Sorin, Solemn Visitor

Creature (21)

4 Heir of the Wilds 4 Fleecemane Lion 3 Rakshasa Deathdealer 4 Anafenza, the Foremost 2 Herald of Torment 4 Siege Rhino

Sorcery (4)

4 Thoughtseize

Instant (7)

4 Hero's Downfall 3 Abzan Charm

Land (25)

4 Sandsteppe Citadel 4 Temple of Malady 2 Temple of Silence 3 Llanowar Wastes 4 Caves of Koilos 2 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth 3 Windswept Heath 2 Forest 1 Plains

60 Cards