Trying to update non-Bloodbraid Ponza

Modern Deck Help forum

Posted on Nov. 3, 2019, 7:42 a.m. by StoryArcher

Good morning. I've been away from Magic for a brief time and I'm looking to get back into it (Modern format) with my favorite deck, a non-Bloodbraid Gruul version of Ponza. If you'll click on the link below you should see a pretty good break-down of the cards I've chosen in the past and why.

The deck has been pretty successful in the past, but the advice I'm looking for is any potential changes that it might need to consider with the current meta or any cards from newer sets that might improve its effectiveness while keeping the overall concept intact. Any advice would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Mwonvuli Takeover

clayperce says... #2

StoryArcher,
Welcome back to Magic, and especially back to Ponza!

A few thoughts:

  • Pillage is legal now, and is a solid swap for Stone Rain (if you don't mind the slightly more difficult cost ... 1RR on T2 is ~4% less likely that 2R), especially considering all the Artifact decks in the competitive meta now.
  • Speaking of Artifact decks, I would recommend at least 3x Ancient Grudge and/or Abrade in the side (in addition to Pillage in the main). Meta-call of course, but there seem to be MANY more targets now. I'd personally skimp on Grafdigger's Cage to make room. Dredge and Neoform are still threats, but nowhere near as dominant in most metas.
  • Oko, Thief of Crowns is a real problem in many metas, and the deck may need some ways to deal with it. Veil of Summer , Beast Within , and more Hasty Creatures are all good options.

You may want to post the deck for comments on r/PonzaMTG, over on Reddit. We're a friendly community (IMO, anyways) , and always happy to comment on decks!

Good luck (and good skill) with the deck!

November 3, 2019 12:08 p.m.

abbatromebone says... #3

  • All of the above suggestions I agree with.
  • I would also say that you are trying to cast big 4 mana/ 5 mana spells so youll need more ramp to do that. I have a mono green version simular to your deck. Mono Green Control!?!. I am running an extra mana dork which can really be helpful. You have a lot of double green spells.
  • As for the maybe board Vivien Reid isnt gonna dig for the spells you want it finds creatures I wouldnt put it in. Nissa, Vital Force makes you commit more to green being you will have so many doubel green spells. If you are going to add a Nissa i would add Nissa, Who Shakes the World . If you are playing a lot of infect Melira, Sylvok Outcast might help you out but its a SB card at best. Spellskite is a soild SB card against burn. Plow Under is double green, but you in a way get to Time Walk . They have to redraw cards they have already played, and are cut off mana giving you ad advantage. It helps the most when you are in the lead, when behind it is not a great play. Kessig Wolf Run might be a "win more card" its fine when you have no cards in hand, but i dont forsee that happening being you have big spells, so youll only really cast 1 spell a turn. Surgical Extraction helps with graveyard decks 2x SB is where I would put it if you fight those decks.
November 29, 2019 2:11 p.m.

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