8-Rack: Control the Hand, Control the Game
***Note: I'm not sure if this matters, but I do not own some of the sideboard cards, as this is the optimal (and slightly more expensive) list compared to what I currently have. As a result, I may not be able to answer some questions regarding the sideboard.
In a nutshell, this deck is trying to pick apart key pieces from the opponent's hand, get their hand size as close to zero as possible, and slowly bring their life total to zero. It's a simple explanation because (though some 8-Rack players may not admit it) this is a really simple deck. I've played this deck for a few years and yes, some lines of play can get a bit complicated, but most of this deck's skill requirements revolve around knowing the meta inside and out. Knowing which card to take from someone's hand in order to cripple their strategy as much as possible is crucial. However, sometimes it's just a matter of discard and kill literally everything.
Given the deck's simplistic nature, I don't believe an explanation for card choices is necessary, as most of them are self-explanatory. The one thing that does need explaining is why I chose to deviate from the typical mono-black variant and add a second color. The main reason is because I hated losing to
Leyline of Sanctity
and
Chalice of the Void
. Adding white gives access to tons of artifact and enchantment removal, allowing the deck to have an answer to these cards and potentially stand a fighting chance. Most people are running
Delirium Skeins
to combat Leyline, but I would rather get rid of the problem entirely rather than try to fight through it.
I'm always open to any comments, suggestions, or questions in order to make this deck as good as it can be.
