Ver.2.016 One shot, one kill: Mono U Counterlash

Modern*

plusua

Common (4)

• 4x Mana Leak

Uncommon (8)

• 4x Forbidden Alchemy
• 4x Spark of Creativity

Rare (16)

• 4x Counterlash
• 4x Madcap Experiment
• 4x Semblance Anvil
• 4x Torrential Gearhulk

Mythic Rare (8)

• 4x Blightsteel Colossus
• 4x Snapcaster Mage

Basic Land (24)

• 24x Island

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Sideboard

Uncommon (8)

• 4x Marrow Shards
• 4x Mental Misstep

Rare (7)

• 4x Phantasmal Image
• 3x Ratchet Bomb

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This mono blue control deck focuses on controlling the opponents board presence as it pertains to creatures on the battlefield. The deck wins with sneaking Blightsteel Colossus into play with Counterlash.

I have tested this a few hours of back to back games and have found that this particular build, so far, works best. Why? Because of its consistency to win you the game, so long as you can maintain control of the board. Like the title says, "One shot, one kill," I suggest you adjust your control style around this idea if you aim to win.

Things I've learned while playing the deck against the MTG Online meta-game.

1. Thrun, the Last Troll needs an answer out of the sideboard. It can't be countered but can be targeted by Counterlash giving you a free spell.

2. Token decks, can be dealt with by Ratchet Bomb out of the sideboard.

3. Blue/Black drownyard decks cannot mill you out, Blightsteel gets shuffled back, yet it's still not enough to answer that decks overall strategy, add Ghost Quarter in the Main and/or Witchbane Orb from the sideboard.

4. Vapor Snag is your friend and ally, use it as efficiently and timely as possible.

5. Play Snapcaster Mage at the end of their turn and Counterlash it to sneak Blighsteel Colossus in.

6. Gitaxian Probe holds immense value in this strategy as it can give you the information you need to play defensively or aggressively.

7. Semblance Anvil is key to a certain point, with it it can serve to draw attention to your opponents counter magic or spot removal, without it the deck can operate on its own, however the value is determined on what manner you play it under.

8. Blightsteel Colossus is the best and only choice for Counterlash. Everything else other than that dies, so don't waste your time. Nor do they win you the game on the next turn.

9. Counterlash is going to be a phenom for Blue Mages, it bends the rules on timing restrictions, it's fast and can be flashbacked with Snapcaster Mage. Remember that your opponents will catch on to your deck and will try to play around it. Just remember that Counterlashing both a creature and or an artifact alone is legit to sneak Blightsteel Colossus in, just be sure you have back up counter magic.

Remember, one shot, one kill. This deck is a weapon, utilize it under extreme caution. And finally, it's fun to play and won't break your bank account.

Date added	12 years
Last updated	8 years
Legality	This deck is not Modern legal.
Rarity (main - side)	8 - 0 Mythic Rares 16 - 7 Rares 8 - 8 Uncommons 4 - 0 Commons
Cards	60
Avg. CMC	4.33