This is a homebrew of the UR Delver variant for those (such as I) who cannot afford tier 1 cards such as Snapcaster Mage and Remand.Take note that this is an aggro strategy rather than a tempo strategy. This deck has a little twist because instead of running the four-of Young Pyromancer you will be running
Illusory Angel
and Runechanter's Pike.
Let's discuss the cards:
Delver of Secrets: What this deck really loves and is made for. The deck runs about 24 instants and sorceries so it has an okay chance of flipping.
Goblin Guide: Really good aggro card.
Monastery Swiftspear: Goblin Guide consistency and it has good synergy with the cantrips and spells.
Illusory Angel: a good 4/4 for three and can be played well when using Gitaxian Probe and Mutagenic Growth. It is also the reason why all the creatures and most spells cost 1cc in the event that you cannot cast it on turn 3. It can be argued that this card can be replaced by Young Pyromancer since it's also pretty okay with a Runechanter's Pike. Well, I'll leave that to your preference when you brew a list.
Apostle's Blessing: If I was running a tempo list then I would use Mana Leak instead but I've learned that it is REALLY important to make your Delver or other creatures stick and protection from colors/artifacts is a good way to protect and make something unblockable.
Spell Pierce: A good disruption spell. Can protect creatures too. I have yet to test if I would rather run a Negate or a Dispel or a Spell Snare on this spot but it costing 1cc is pretty good.
Lightning Bolt: Nuff said.
Mutagenic Growth: Since we're running 16 creatures and aggro, I'd say it can be justified. It would be a no-go if we were running 12 creatures instead (based on experience). It also work to help cast
Illusory Angel
. Also can help keep creatures alive.
Path to Exile: Only a one-of in the main board. Could be a dead card to control or Tron or other combos so I'm satisfied with running more Mutagenics than PTEs.
Gitaxian Probe: Good cantrip. Gives information. Helps cast Illusory Angel. Triggers Monastery Swiftspear.
Sleight of Hand/Serum Visions: Sometimes you want to choose from two rather than draw one then scry. A clean 3-3 split. Triggers Swiftspear.
Runechanter's Pike: This card has yet to be tested but it provides a good mid-late game plan which is why there are only 2. imagine drawing a Goblin Guide in the late game. He is still useful because of the pike.Though it can be argued that this is too slow for an aggro strat. I will test this.
Let's Discuss the sideboard:
Disdainful Stroke: I've fought TRON before and he managed to dupe me post sideboard when (in my old UR deck) I boarded in Spell Pierce Negate while he boarded in Wurmcoil Engine and Sundering Titan. Made me feel really stupid.
Dragon's Claw: For Burn.
Wear//Tear and Smash to Smithereens: Maybe its overly aggressive but you cannot deny the extra 3 damage smash will give you in and aggro strat.
Path to Exile: Wurmcoil hate or anything thats hard to kill.
Forked Bolt: Good against Lingering Souls. Good against affinity. Good against Delver and Young Pyromancer.
Negate: A hard counter if you really need it.
UPDATE:I changed some cards since I now have access to Lightning Helixes and Manamophose really helped me enable the Illusory Angel.Was able to get a pair of Kor Firewalkers so that will replace Dragon's Claw.
