2nd set of duel decks in my series of Block Constructed Duel Decks, this time featuring Guild-friendly versions of strong RTR Block Constructed decks. This is my take on Golgari aggro (a weaker version of Golgari and its derivative Jund/Junk aggro decks during RTR Block Constructed). This deck only features unguilded and Golgari-watermarked cards. The power level is meant to be significantly higher and more streamlined compared to Wizards' official Duel Decks, but still a step below tuned casual or standard decks.
This deck is a mix between aggro and midrange; it possesses a couple of midrange cards, such as Deadbridge Goliath and Underworld Connections, but it's low curve cements it as a primarily aggressive deck. Pack Rat, Lotleth Troll, and Dreg Mangler make up the backbone of the aggressive part of the deck, while cards like Varolz, Jarad, and Deathrite Shaman help give the deck a bit of late-game reach. doesn't exist in the MTG Vault database.
The altered card in this deck is Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord. Despite Deathrite Shaman and Pack Rat being the breakout cards, Jarad's position as Golgari guild leader cemented him in the altered slot.
Here is a link to the other deck:
http://www.mtgvault.com/malzenith/decks/duel-deck-law-order/
Difficulty: 4/10
By itself, it is fairly easy to play. However, the deck it is against is tuned to be strong against graveyard-based decks. Knowing when to hold back on discarding cards to Pack Rat or Lotleth Troll, when to play your removal spells, and when to scavenge for extra points of damage is key to beating the Azorius deck.
This deck likes to be aggressive, and likes to beat down hard. Unless your opponent is unlucky, however, he will have many (frustrating) ways to deal with your creatures. Your ideal hand includes a couple of lands, and two or three cards to play by turn 3. Usually these take the form of Lotleth Troll and Dreg Mangler, though every 3-mana spell aside from Varolz serves as a great aggressive option. When attacking, be sure to save some mana and cards in your hand to threaten pump spells, kill spells, or Lotleth Troll activations. With Lotleth Troll especially, be sure not to overcommit - you do not want to discard two or three creature cards to him only to eat a Dramatic Rescue or AEtherize, reducing all of your hard work and hand to nothing.
Your removal is very versatile, but none of the removal aside from Gaze of Granite deals with everything in the opponent's deck. Abrupt Decay and Golgari Charm are great for getting rid of Detention Spheres and Lyev Skyknights; Golgari Charm can also deal with Precinct Captain's soldier tokens if needed, as well as prevent your creatures from being destroyed by an opposing Supreme Verdict or Smite. Gaze of Granite deals with everything, but at the cost of your own board as well; use it only if you're on the back foot. Putrefy can deal with a pesky Azorius Keyrune or clear the way for your creatures by killing a creature. Killing Glare is the worst piece of removal in the deck, but can still deal with any creature your opponent throws down, even AEtherling if you have enough mana. An early Underworld Connections will help you ensure that you have enough removal for the threats they lay down.
In terms of cards to watch out for, there are many - the key is understanding not to overextend. The Azorius like punishing those who get too greedy, so make sure to keep some creature cards in hand, in case of an unexpected AEtherize or Supreme Verdict. Rest in Peace will also cripple your scavenging resources, but you don't necessarily need them to win - you may want to Abrupt Decay or Golgari Charm it if you feel its integral to your current game plan, however. One almost unbeatable creature in the deck is AEtherling. If they land it, you better hope you have enough cards and mana to kill it! You can spend a removal spell as a pseudo-Fog to buy you a turn of attacking or blocking, but you should rethink your strategy if you ever see one on the field with an Island or a Guildgate untapped.