LSV’s Deck of the Day – Pioneer Mono-Black Devotion

Gray Merchant of Asphodel, fondly known as “Gary” to most, is coming back in Theros Beyond Death, so it seemed appropriate to feature a Pioneer deck that utilizes his power. Of course, he was already legal in Pioneer, but that’s no reason not to show your devotion to him. Let’s look at the list.

4 Champion of Dusk
4 Dusk Legion Zealot
4 Gifted Aetherborn
2 Gray Merchant of Asphodel
2 Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet
4 Knight of the Ebon Legion
3 Murderous Rider/Swift End
4 Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord
4 Thoughtseize
4 Fatal Push
4 Castle Locthwain
4 Mutavault
1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
15 Swamp (339)
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth

Sideboard
1 Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet
2 Blightbeetle
2 Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage
3 Duress
1 Grasp of Darkness
3 Leyline of the Void
3 Noxious Grasp

Gameplan: This is a classic midrange strategy, and can adapt to what the opponent is doing as a result. This deck uses Thoughtseize, Fatal Push, and Murderous Rider to deal with opposing threats, and a collection of 2-4 cost creatures to pressure them (with a Vampire sub-theme thanks to Sorin).

Key Cards:

• Thoughtseize – This is the best black card in the format, and essential at making sure you can interact with any deck.
• Fatal Push / Murderous Rider – They have stuff. You want to kill that stuff.
• Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord – Sorin plays very nicely with all the Vampires in the deck, and helps this deck clock the opponent very quickly.

Tips and Tricks

• Mutavault is a Vampire, so get that Sorin value. Likewise, you can sacrifice it to Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet.
• A big enough Champion of Dusk will deal enough damage to you that Knight of the Ebon Legion will trigger end of turn.

This deck is really sweet, and is a bigger take on the mono-black aggro decks that are floating around. Historically (or in this case, Pioneerically), being a little bit bigger than your opponent is where you want to be. Take it a spin and find out for yourself!