How to control BG/x (specifically Abzan Midrange)?
Modern forum
Posted on Aug. 4, 2015, 7:07 p.m. by TheAnnihilator
I have a long history in blue decks. When I play Modern, I'm almost 100% to play something with blue in it. First it was UWR Control, then a small stint in Delver, now it's been UR Twin for a few months. However, I'd be very happy to play control again.
Unfortunately, it's very hard to play any blue deck against Abzan -- which happens to be half of my local meta.
The game is always "Can you beat this threat?", and if my answer is no, I lose. If the answer is yes, then the Abzan opponent simply plays more threats until the answer eventually is no, at which point I lose. Add in some hand disruption and hard-to-deal-with cards like Liliana of the Veil, Lingering Souls, a bunch of x/5's, and then removal for any threat I can present and you've got a sure-fire control killer.
So, how do I beat Abzan with a control deck? Are there any "tips and tricks" to gameplay against BGx? Abzan players, what actually kills you (i.e., how should I play against you to optimize my chances of winning)?
All I can say is probably more counterspells. If you can answer a Liliana of the Veil before she lands, then you just got a 1 for 1 trade. While if Liliana gets to resolve either her +1 or -2, you just got 2 for 1'd (assuming you remove Lili that turn with a Lightning Bolt).
I know you love control decks of all colors, so if you happen to be playing a Grixis shell, Kolaghan's Command is always a 2 for 1 (for obvious reasons) and that sets Jund back. Whether its kills a Dark Confidant and making them discard Tarmogoyf or returning Snapcaster Mage to your hand and killing off a creature, it's always annoying for the Jund decks.
Always out-value the Jund player. Run some good draw cards and maybe more copies of Remand and Cryptic Command than most lists would, and strive to run a good number of Electrolyze. The thing I tried, tested, and approved was running mainboard field wipes. Even just casting a Supreme Verdict to kill only a Tarmogoyf and Dark Confidant is already giving you a 2 for 1 trade, which is good.
In the end, just try to get more bang for your buck and strive for 2 for 1's. That's what really stops the Jund deck in its track. As you said, trading 1 for 1 with all their threats wont work, since they will eventually have more threats for you to handle.
August 4, 2015 7:26 p.m. Edited.
GlistenerAgent says... #4
Keranos, God of Storms. Roast.
In general, Twin has the best shot. Make sure you can board in literally 10 good cards here. Blood Moon, Jace, Keranos, maybe Sower etc. while taking out all 10 combo pieces.
August 4, 2015 7:46 p.m. Edited.
TheAnnihilator says... #5
Thanks everyone, I'd just like to remind you that I'm looking for advice on how to play a control deck against BGx, not UR Twin! =D
August 4, 2015 7:50 p.m.
Oh sorry I read your post wrong it was a little confusing what kind of control deck just so I know is it uwr?
August 4, 2015 7:52 p.m.
TheAnnihilator says... #7
Not really any specific control deck, just control in general.
August 4, 2015 7:55 p.m.
GlistenerAgent says... #8
This all assumes UR Twin. If Grixis, Tasigur and Olivia and Bitterblossom. If Tarmo, Thragtusk. Add Keranos as needed.
If Scapeshift, fatties, Counterflux and EE.
If Jeskai, Elspeth and efficient removal/answers.
If Grixis, more value through Kommand and such.
If Esper, sell your deck.
August 4, 2015 7:55 p.m.
GlistenerAgent says... #9
Honestly, I could talk for a while about how to beat BGx. Unfortunately I'm on a phone.
August 4, 2015 8:04 p.m.
notamardybum says... #10
It's essentially the same thing. You want to side in cards that can generate card advantage because of gb/x's ability to 1 for 1 you all game. Keranos is the big one because it's nearly impossible for them to remove, planeswalkers are great, and efficient removal.
August 4, 2015 8:21 p.m.
NoPantsParade says... #11
Sell your deck and play Tron. Just kidding. In all seriousness, Keranos makes me a sad Jund player. Hard to remove. Everyone else has already said what needs to be said, I suppose.
August 4, 2015 10:23 p.m.
JexInfinite says... #12
Play a solid mainboard. You're not going to get very far without a good mainboard. You need to sideboard better than your opponent, which, let's face it, is pretty damn easy.
EmblemMan says... #2
I am building abzan I have tested it a bit and I would say that sometimes you just gotta kill the abzan player dont ccontrol them if they aggressively shock themselves and hit bad bobs then you can just kill them with bolt snap bolt etc. Other than that I dont know twin is a good match up for abzan.
August 4, 2015 7:15 p.m.