Zur the Enchanter is no stranger to this column, but
that last deck was a little wild, even for me. This one is a little more normal, which I suppose is a good thing.
This deck has the standard Esper interaction package with counterspells, removal, and discard. Spell Snare, Spell Pierce, and Mana Leak are excellent
counterspells that often allow you to trade up on mana, which should hopefully regain you some tempo. Path to Exile is the no nonsense removal spell in the
format that handles nearly everything. Inquisition of Kozilek is a great way to clear out opposing Path to Exiles, but it is also one of the best ways to
interact with Burn. Duress instead of Thoughtseize is kind of surprising, but if all you’re trying to do is protect Zur, it shouldn’t matter much.
Spreading Seas even gives you another form of disruption.
Lightning Bolt and Abrupt Decay are two of the best removal spells in the format, and neither of them can touch Zur the Enchanter. Alongside Geist of Saint
Traft, this deck has a great suite of hard to deal with threats. When facing down opposition like Liliana of the Veil, you’ll be happy that you have
Inquisition of Kozilek and Duress.
Steel of the Godhead is one of the biggest reasons to play the deck. Once you pants up a Geist or a Zur, it’s gonna be pretty tough to lose. After
sideboard, things tend to get better. Rest in Peace dominates Tarmogoyf decks and Stony Silence is often lights-out against Affinity. Threads of
Disloyalty, while not a game ender, often gives you a huge advantage. While it’s not immediately obvious, Illness in the Ranks is also a potential game
ender in Modern. Remember: Splinter Twin makes tokens! Against Burn, you have Timely Reinforcements to make the matchup even better.
If you want to play a midrange-style deck with a little combo flourish, there is no other deck I’d recommend.
Creatures (11)
- 4 Zur the Enchanter
- 1 Vendilion Clique
- 4 Geist of Saint Traft
- 1 Thassa, God of the Sea
- 1 Tasigur, the Golden Fang
Lands (24)
Spells (25)
