This deck is legit. Maybe not pro tour (or even GP) winning legit, but definitely strong enough to do well at smaller and more casual events like FNM and Standard showdowns. I was able to finally play test the deck (against someone other than myself) at FNM last night and I went 4-0. Based on its initial performance, Im very pleased with each slot filled along the curve in this deck and will likely not be changing much at least until Rivals of Ixalan releases. If anything, the side board might change slightly over time to adjust to my local meta. With all of that said, let me explain the synergies and payoffs of the cards Ive included in the main and side boards:
Drover of the Mighty: Mana dorks are always great in decks that want to ramp big things out early, but a potential 3/3 mana dork that can actually help you get in 3 to 6 (or even more) damage over the course of a game after losing its use as a mana producer is awesome. I chose Drover over Channeler Initiate just because Channeler eventually runs out of -1/-1 counters and cant be used for mana anymore, but the argument for it being a slightly better pick is there indeed.
Otepec Huntmaster: You run a playset of these. No questions asked. If it survives to turn 3 and you have the right mana and a Deathgorge Scavenger or better yet a Ripjaw Raptor in hand, you cast either and give it haste and smash faces. Theres a nice little wombo combo with Deathgorge as it would get the ETB and attack trigger in the same turn potentially being a 5/4 haste dino for 2 mana...lolz. Plus it gives Carnage Tyrant haste and that just wins games.
Deathgorge Scavenger: For the G/r dino build, this card is an auto include for me. Even if youre not up against a deck that abuses graveyard synergies, this card is still a billy badass. The life gain is very relevant especially against decks like Ramunap Red. Even if youre exiling your own creatures or spells theres value to be had because we have no graveyard synergies whatsoever other than this puppy right here. Theres a reason this card was ~$1.50 a week ago and is over $5 now. It definitely does work.
Rhonas the Indomitable: What can be said about this card that hasnt been said already? It has uses both on offense and defense and synergizes well with the dinos in the deck because hell be able to attack and block almost all of the time.
Ripjaw Raptor: The hook that made me initially want to play this deck. Theres not much to say about this card other than it is just plain good. Pushed good. A playset is a necessity. Its also the only real source of card draw in the deck and synergizes well with Savage Stomp and Samut, the Tested.
Regisaur Alpha: Broodmate Dino that grants other dinos haste?! I must be dreaming! Alongside Otepec Huntmaster, this card is the reason the deck can be so bursty and brutally fast. Playset. That is all.
Carnage Tyrant: Big daddy dino. Controls worst nightmare and Samut, the Testeds best buddy. If youre ever able to play this guy on turn 4 with your dorks AND give it haste your opponent is going to be hard pressed to catch back up. Unfortunately, this card makes board wipes that much more viable in standard. Expect them when using this card.
Commune with Dinosaurs: Great in the early and late game.
Lightning Strike: Creature removal most of the time, but has use against walkers and can be that last bit of reach you need to close out the game as well.
Savage Stomp: Since it cost 1 green mana most of the time in this deck, its quite good. Great synergy with Ripjaw Raptor.
Samut, the Tested: She finally found a home! Seriously she is good in this build. Youll likely never get to her ult, but itd be game winning if you did. Most of the time youre giving a big dino double strike, but her -2 works awesome with Ripjaw Raptor(s) out.
The lands are pretty self explanatory. I dont use any Ramunap Ruins (yet atleast) because Red is the lesser of my two colors and I would likely have to ping myself a few times early game. I also dont use it simply because I dont have a copy right now and my LGS sold out of them.
Side Board Choices
Blossoming Defense: Bring in against decks abusing targeted burn spells.
Shapers' Sanctuary: Same as with Blossoming Defense. This card is here for testing purposes right now. I may eventually cut it for another copy of Defense if it doesnt work out well.
Shock: Thought about using Magma Spray instead here, but like Lightning Strike it can be creature removal as well as that last bit of reach to finish off their life points.
Abrade: Mostly here to bring in against God-Pharaoh's Gift decks and decks using gearhulks. Panharmonicon is also still a deck being used at my LGS by a couple of people.
Heroic Intervention: Here for Fumigate mostly.
Sweltering Suns: Ramunap Red and token decks.
Rhonas the Indomitable: Just an extra to bring in if he matches up well.
Deathgorge Scavenger: An extra to bring in against decks actively trying to abuse their yard.
Carnage Tyrant: Pretty much only bring in this copy against control decks.
Thanks for checking it out and please give it a quick upvote if you like it!
