Sure! Here’s a revised version of the content with a unique, engaging, and conversational tone.
Welcome back to Metagame Mentor! Exciting times are here with the release of Lorwyn Eclipsed. The next two weekends are set to showcase thrilling Standard events.
On January 24-25, we kick off with the US Regional Championship at SCG CON Portland. This event leads into the Pro Tour Secrets of Strixhaven in May. Then, from January 30 to February 1, we have the Pro Tour Lorwyn Eclipsed, featuring a whopping $500,000 prize pool with the world’s best players.
In this article, we’ll dive into the Standard metagame before the new set drops. With over 500 tournament decks analyzed, let’s see how things are shifting.
Standard allows cards from Wilds of Eldraine forward. After Magic Spotlight: The Avatar, we saw two standout decks: Simic Ouroboroid and Selesnya Landfall. These decks gained popularity quickly after their recent successes, showing how fast the metagame can evolve.
For a snapshot, I looked at decks from major events in Lyon and Atlanta between January 11 and January 18. Each deck got points based on its win-loss record. By combining these, we figured out which archetypes topped the charts.
Recent Trends
The “Other” category includes diverse decks like Izzet Prowess, Golgari Landfall, and Azorius Control. The spotlight was on Simic Ouroboroid, which rode a wave of attention after solid performances.
Last December, at the Magic World Championship 31, Badgermole Cub decks struggled against targeted removal. But by January’s Spotlight, they turned the tables, winning 56% of their matches by catching opponents off guard.
However, all eyes are now on Lorwyn Eclipsed, which could shift the landscape even more.
Key Decks to Watch
- Simic Ouroboroid: A breakout deck leveraging mana acceleration. Quick ramp can lead to explosive plays, like summoning a game-ending Craterhoof Behemoth by turn three!
- Izzet Lessons: Built around powerful Lesson cards, it has gained traction thanks to efficient removal spells. Its synergy makes it a formidable contender.
- Jeskai Control: A tried-and-true control strategy that counters threats and draws cards. It has shown strong matchups against aggressive decks.
Interesting Upgrades from Lorwyn Eclipsed
The new set introduces exciting cards that can refine existing decks:
- Simic Ouroboroid may benefit from Bloom Tender, improving its already strong mana base.
- Izzet Lessons will likely see enhancements like Steam Vents for better mana consistency.
- Jeskai Control could leverage new instant-speed removal spells to counter threats effectively.
A Look Ahead
As we await the unfolding of these events, Lorwyn Eclipsed brings fresh possibilities. Many existing archetypes will receive vital upgrades, and new strategies could emerge.
For example, five creature types may now support their own full decks, even against removal-heavy strategies like Izzet Lessons.
- Selesnya Kithkin: Envisions a swift, aggressive deck that can pressure opponents.
- Golgari Elves: A ramp-focused build that could accelerate powerful plays.
- Azorius Merfolk: Utilizes synergies with tap-and-untap effects for strategic advantages.
With plenty of new tools, the competitive scene is bound to be vibrant and unpredictable.
Stay tuned for coverage of the US Regional Championship this weekend, available on Star City Games’s YouTube channel. The excitement continues with Pro Tour Lorwyn Eclipsed in Richmond, Virginia!
This condensed version maintains focus while adding depth and insights into the evolving metagame.
