This is the best version (I think, so far) of a series of experimental concept decks I've built (see profile) recently. The basic idea is to build a different type of midrange deck that wants to out-tempo and overwhelm the opponent as opposed to winning an attrition battle, like Junk or Jund. This is primarily accomplished by running Snapcaster Mage along with pseudo-Snappers, like
Abbot of Keral Keep
(so called because they also net you some card advantage). So the idea is to play bunches of bodies while answering most of what the opponent wants to do, or just hitting them in the face. Even when this deck wants to play more re-actively and be more of a control deck (rather than pro-actively and aggro), it still wants to do a lot and play uptempo, which I think makes it interesting.
The keys are potent and consistently low-CMC spells (like Lightning Bolt), creatures that net us card advantage (like Snapcaster Mage), and added value (like Young Pyromancer). But we're not playing Delver, here - we're playing for more consistent card advantage through creatures, which means fewer cantrips and a more potent control shell. Hopefully, it's potent enough that our 2/1s and 1/1s can win the game, along with maybe a couple bolts to the face.
In this case, our pseudo-Snapcasters are
Abbot of Keral Keep
and Ninja of the Deep Hours (which lets us pseudo-blink Snappy or Abbot as well). Our control shell is pretty standard Boros stuff, with a much blue-er version on the sideboard for combo and control matches. Our added value comes from Pyro,
Soulfire Grand Master
, and Monastery Mentor.
I think this version was the most successful because of the added synergies between the small creatures and spells via the prowess mechanic. Additionally, I think Ninja was a better source of advantage than most other pseudo-Snappers. This meant a bigger and better supporting cast which gives this version some balance. And Lightning Helix is swell, too.
Most of all, though, this thing is fun to play. You see a lot of cards, play a lot of spells, and there's plenty of variation and decision making.
