iMtG Server: Gathering

{W}{U}{B} Archfriend Of Control {W}{U}{B} 75 cards, 15 sideboard 2 {Scoured Barrens} 4 {Plains} 4 {Tranquil Cove} 2 {Dismal Backwater} 6 {Island} 5 {Swamp} 23 lands 1 {Aegis Angel} 2 {Archfiend of Depravity} 3 {Student of Ojutai} 2 {Stratus Dancer} 8 creatures 3 {Banishing Light} 2 {Negate} 4 {Dissolve} 2 {Crux of Fate} 1 {Damnable Pact} 4 {Duress} 2 {Ojutai Monument} 3 {Anticipate} 2 {Secure the Wastes} 1 {Nullify} 3 {Pacifism} 2 {Myth Realized} 29 other spells Sideboard 1 {Secure the Wastes} 2 {Aegis Angel} 2 {Myth Realized} 1 {Nullify} 4 {Despise} 2 {Deathbringer Regent} 3 {Annul} 15 sideboard cards

I wanted to stick with the normal of {W} {U} control decks with some {B} thrown in, but I looked more into some of the {B} cards in standard and I got a little carried away.

I started with {Archfiend of Depravity} as the central card I tried building around. So I figured I needed some kind of card draw so I can get the mana necessary to play my, almost, new favorite demon. So I looked into {U} cards and came up with {Anticipate}. {1}{U} for a {Brainstorm}-esque card is nice to get what you need. I then thought, "What about late game? We need something to draw a lot of cards." That's when {Damnable Pact} was added. A moderate amount of life gain has been added to compensate the "loss of life" effect. I've also learned that {Damnable Pact} is really nice to finish an opponent off at times. Pesky buggers at 5 life, but have a wall set up? Tap for {5}{B}{B} and it is a problem no more. Nice versatile card.

We move onto the "Control" part. So I looked to cards such as {Banishing Light}, {Pacifism}, {Dissolve}, {Crux of Fate}, etc. These are what we use to shut down the opponents momentum and throw them off their game.

Finally, we get to the late game win cons and finishers. We hope to get the infamous {Myth Realized} out relatively early game to get the counters built up on it, but if not no worries. The all lovely demon, {Archfiend of Depravity} helps keep creature heavy decks under control especially when paired with his archenemy, {Aegis Angel}. I was looking to protection cards that kept my creatures alive, but wanted it in creature form. Thus, the angel was added and I love when I draw her since she can also protect any of my other permanents. We also have a lovely card that can serve as a finisher or as a sort of control aspect, {Secure the Wastes}. It puts up many little 1/1 attackers or chump blockers when needed.

   As a note, the sideboard was just cards I thought could add to the decks "Control" aspect. I've never really used them except once when I used {Deathbringer Regent} to board wipe followed up next turn with an {Aegis Angel} to make him indestructible as well.