Trying to change the norm of decks played at fnm. I have always loved to play Izzet but knew that if I took it to fnm I would get my ass kicked by the bandwagon (mono black). Finally with this deck I think I have finally penetrated the norm with originality
This deck is classified as a Burn/Control deck. The deck has 3 different win conditions.
My boi Young Pyromancer - After placing a Young Pyromancer on the board it thrives with a flurry of instants and sorceries. The key to playing him is to not place it down without being able to protect it (Dispel, Negate, Mizzium Skin). Even if they have 2 removal spells it works in your favor in the long run, I will explain that next.
My gurl Spellheart Chimera - Since there are an abundance of instants and sorceries in this deck it is obvious why she is a win condition. This is where eating the removal spells is key with the Young Pyromancer really pays off. Unless the person is running a deck with a shit ton of removal you will be able to swing twice with this chimera and sometimes get lethal (I have had plenty of times where I am swinging for more than 10). Even though you drew out some of their removal you should still be careful of just slamming her down and leave a way to protect her.
My wiggas AEtherling - How is this not a win condition? But the better question is, how is this not legendary? If you are able to land one of these you can just reach your hand across the table for a hand shake.
Now for a description for the reason why each card is in the deck.
MAINBOARD
Anger of the Gods Best board wipe that Izzet has to offer. I only run one because it kills most of my creatures except for of course superman.
Dispel - Way to protect our win conditions or counter a spell when they dont think we have enough mana to.
Essence Scatter Counter one of their bombs/win conditions. Dont waste it on one of their early creatures. Patience is a virtue.
Izzet Charm This spell has so much diversity in this deck that it really fits. I find myself using the first two parts mostly but the last one can be relevant if you need to dig for an answer.
Lightning Strike Burn away their creatures to slow down their game plan. Really puts a damper in devotion decks because they are constantly losing all their shit. Dont waste it on the player unless you need to create a token with Young Pyromancer.
Magma Jet Same goal as the previous one except there is the added bonus of scry. Never underestimate the power of scry!
Mizzium Mortars Great way to remove that annoying creature with 4 toughness. Bye Bye Blood Baron of Vizkopa and Stormbreath Dragon
Mizzium Skin Used to protect my win conditions. Remember to always use protection!
Negate Used to counter spells which are trying to hit my creatures or to counter any relevant spells they may cast. Works great to counter any annoying enchantments (Underworld Connections, Detention Sphere, weapons of the gods).
Ral Zarek Why would you not run this card in an Izzet deck? The -2 ability is what I use him most for but the +1 isnt bad either. Dont expect to ever get to ultimate him because he usually gets his shit wrecked. If you can get two lightning strikes from him than he did his job.
Rapid Hybridization Great form of removal even though it can really hurt to give them a 3/3. This card has great synergy with Lightning Strike.
Steam Augury This is one of the most important spells in this deck. If you dont land one of these it is unlikely that you will win the game. The card draw is huge plus the cards that get put in the graveyard can help fuel your late game Spellheart Chimera. Not as good a fact or fiction but still works wonders.
Turn / Burn This is one of my favorite Izzet cards because it can get rid of most things. You dont have to cast both sides for it to be effective. The burn can be used to take out any pesky two drop. The turn can kill anything as long as you have anything to block with that has power>1 when they swing in. This card is a fantastic to take care of the ever present Desecration Demon.
SIDEBOARD
Counterflux This put in here to bring in against a control deck. Nothing is more satisfying then countering their win conditions even after though they leave mana open to win a counter battle.
Epic Experiment Fun spell to throw in when going against a home brew. The look on their face when you play 4 spells for free is priceless. I mean they are free!
Essence Scatter Boarded in against a deck that is creature heavy (devotion decks).
Gainsay Just like Counterflux this is boarded in when playing against another control deck.
Mizzium Skin Boarded in against a deck that is full of removal spells.
Negate Boarded in against a deck that doesnt fully rely on creatures.
Omenspeaker Boarded against aggro decks. The mainboard sometimes plays out too slow and this really helps it keep up. Also contains a relevant ability in scry!
Pithing Needle Gets rid of an annoying spell that may be kicking your ass and your tired of it. CoughcoughElspethcoughcough
LAST THOUGHTS
First, people ask me why I dont run Guttersnipe. I love him to death but he is not effective in the current format where there is so much removal existent. I originally had him in this deck but I found that I would only get to use his ability once and if any. Second, I understand that there are currently no born of the gods cards in here, that is because I havent had much time to playtest with them so I dont know what they would contribute to the deck. Third, I realize there are 63 cards in the deck and that is because the deck doesn't seem effected by it. Lastly, any input would be great and much appreciated! I will keep the updates coming as the deck morphs itself in the next couple of months.
