AuthorBrad Nelson

2010 Player of the Year Brad Nelson started his Pro Tour career as FffreaK on Magic Online and quickly catapulted to the top of international Magic success. He won GP DC, the 2014 Star City Games Players' Championship, and was 2nd at PT Amsterdam. He conquered Grand Prix Omaha in 2017 without dropping a single match, one week after winning the SCG Tour event in Baltimore. He now lives in the Pacific Northwest producing top-notch video and article content.

The Ultimate Core Set 2020 Standard Sideboard Guide

Brad Nelson gives his latest decklists for four Standard archetypes and extensive sideboarding guides for each! The can’t-miss article for players competing in the Mythic Championship Qualifiers and SCG Richmond this weekend!

Why I Hate 8-Set Standard: Orzhov Vampires Or Bust In Core Set 2020 Standard

Why is 8-Set Standard Brad Nelson’s least favorite time of the Magical year? He shows how a large Standard pool leads to a specific pattern for strong decks — and how Orzhov Vampires matches the pattern.

My First Crack At Core Set 2020 Standard

Brad Nelson couldn’t make it to Mythic Championship IV in Barcelona, but that just meant more time for him to learn Core Set 2020 Standard. Today he shares his early findings!

My Struggle In Preparing For Mythic Championship IV

Brad Nelson faces uncomfortable truths about his Modern preparation as he gets ready for Mythic Championship IV in Barcelona! If you’ve ever clung to a deck too long, this one’s a must-read!

Why You Should Play Simic Ramp At SCG Worcester

A linear deck with a powerful, proactive plan? Sounds like a recipe for Week 1 Standard success! Brad Nelson touted Simic Nexus in What We’d Play, and now he offers tips, tricks, and a sideboarding guide!

How I’m Getting Started With Core Set 2020 Standard

How is Standard ace Brad Nelson taking aim at the Core Set 2020 metagame? Get his key insights and latest lists as you set about collecting cards ahead of SCG Worcester!

That Darn Nexus Of Fate: Second Place At Mythic Championship III

A topdeck sealed Brad Nelson’s fate at Mythic Championship III, but it was only a bittersweet end to an amazing weekend! Relive the moments from three days that only could’ve happened in Vegas!

My Last Look At War Of The Spark Standard

As Brad Nelson gets ready for Mythic Championship III, he takes a last look at War of the Spark Standard before he must look ahead to the Core Set 2020 metagame. Get his takes for the best decks based on various pillars!

Metagaming And Deckbuilding In 2019

With high-end Magic competition moving to open decklists, metagaming has transformed. Brad Nelson shares how he has adjusted and thrived, posting the only perfect record in the MPL Spark Split!

The Only Standard Decks I’d Play At The Season One Invitational

With Brad Nelson stuck on the West Coast while the Season One Invitational happens, he’s releasing all his potential Standard decks to Premium subscribers! A last-minute must-read!

A Step-By-Step Guide On How I Select A Standard Deck

How does an MPL member choose a Standard deck? Brad Nelson shares some of his closest secrets in one of his best articles yet!

Bant Nexus Is The Better Nexus Of Fate Deck

Simic Nexus struggled at SCG Richmond, but a promising list from the Standard Classic led Brad Nelson to Bant Nexus! He shares his latest build, a sideboarding guide, and where to find it in action!

From First To Worst: Initial Impressions Of War Of The Spark Standard

Between a Mythic Championship and moving cross-country, Brad Nelson’s had a lot on his mind, but he’s back! He shares his takes from the past few weeks and his idea of Standard heading into SCG Syracuse.

Is Simic Back? Breaking Down Roalesk, Apex Hybrid

Two big unwritten rules have kept pure Simic down in Standard for years. No wonder Brad Nelson is excited for Roalesk, Apex Hybrid, the card that breaks them boldly!

Out Of The Wall: Studying Sorin, Vengeful Bloodlord

Sorin’s out of his rocky prison and heading to Standard! Brad Nelson, who knows a thing or two about lifegaining, reanimating permanents, has the scoop on Sorin, Vengeful Bloodlord!