EDIT: Replaced Take Inventory x4 with Anticipate x3 and the 4th Unsubstantiate
This is my take on Izzet Aggro for the current standard environment. Opponents rarely see this coming and often mistake it for the Thermoalchemist / Thing in the Ice deck.
I'd really like some feedback regarding what you think of the deck. What could be improved, what to replace, etc.
This deck originally spawned from Niblis of the Frosts' insane lock-down potential + Prowess, making for a mean Turn 5. Unfortunately, Niblis has proven elusive in most scenarios, causing me to direct the deck in a more "spellslinger mixed with efficient creatures" route. I'd like to start with a quick rundown of what I've noticed personally while using this deck on a per-card basis and what my thought process was for the inclusion of certain cards.
Bomat Courier x3 - The Bomat is a HYPER efficient draw engine against anyone other than GW Human and UW Spirits. It's nearly always in starting hand or top decked turn 1, leading into a mean stockpile of potential Ammo for late game.
Renegade Tactics x4 - Basic Combat cantrip. I get to hit you and draw a card. This card is up for replacement with Slip Through Space. The issue is that Tactics let's me swing everything against an opponent with few strong creatures, where Slip let's me swing 1 creature into a horde. Both have merits but neither is a catch-all.
Shock x3 - Recently replaced Incendiary Flow for mainboard. Was too often finding the Flow leaving me wanting instant speed casting as the opponent taps out or places a killable threat. No Lightning Strike in standard at the moment so this is the next best option. (Hungry Flames is too mana greedy for this deck).
Stormchaser Mage x4 - Total workhorse of the deck. One of these is trouble. Two is a struggle. The Prowess triggers guarantee these hit for 2 every turn and are safely outside of most forms of removal in standard right now.
Unsubstantiate x4 - Winner of the "I wish I could find a way to run a playset of you" award. Unsubstantiate is Standard's version of Remand in my opinion. Heavy tempo play by countering combat tricks, flashed out blockers, and sorcery speed removal. Overall a great Mainboard catch-all. Is one of the first to get sideboarded out in response to spell-heavy strategies in place of Dispel and Negates.
Thing in the Ice
x3 - Useless rock that scares people unnecessarily. I've only ever flipped this bad boy once in a 1v1 match, and that game I was already going to win regardless. Feels like a Win-More card sometimes, but often times drags out opponents' hard removal spells that would otherwise be directed at my Stormchasers or Nibbles.
Invigorated Rampage x4 - Built to Smash for vehicle-less decks.
Anticipate x3 - Newest Addition to the deck. The card quality is a must for this deck. Additionally, quickly breaks up land pockets faster than Take Inventory.
Collective Defiance x2 - Tiny Roast + Cathartic Reunion + Lave Spike for . That's just efficiency.
Uncaged Fury x2 - Only need 2 because drawing one should guarantee a win. Double Striking 5/5 Nibbles that also taps down a defender is OP.
Jori En, Ruin Diver x2 - Standard hates card advantage... so WotC decided to instead print a creature that reads, "maintain your current handsize forever". Enables Casting 2 spells a turn without worrying about gas.
Niblis of Frost x3 - This is the usual go-to win-con. If this hits the board and sticks, the opponent can say good bye favorable blocks at best. Flying, Prowess, Tap-down lockout with a nice body. NIBBLES!
Chandra, Torch of Defiance x1 - I pulled it at the KLD prerelease and it's red. Also pseudo-card draw and removal.
Goblin Dark-Dwellers x2 - Standard's version of Snapcaster Mage. Can grab ANY spell in the deck already cast or discarded to Bomat/Defiance. Goblins into Uncaged Fury is rarely an expected play and can usually end the game straight with just a Stormchaser on board.
Elder Deep-Fiend x1 - It's the one-of win-con with more consistency than Nibble or Goblins. I see this card more often than should be legally allowable and would probably put my CCG integrity in question at a tournament.
That's it for mainboard. And some of the sideboard too...
I would love any feedback you have for me. Thanks so much!
