Grixis Control (2-1): Game 1 very tough due to efficiency of creatures like
Gurmag Angler that outmatch ours and cost very little mana, paired with repeated 2-for-1s from
Cryptic Command
and
Kolaghan's Command
that leave us with insufficient resources to deal with the threats.
Post sideboarding, bring in
Dispel,
Spellskite,
Spell Pierce,
Mirran Crusader,
Phyrexian Crusader and
Fiend Hunter. Remove
Wasteland Strangler
and
Tidehollow Sculler. Play games 2 and 3 very slowly and focus on countering those powerful control spells that the Grixis player throws out at you. Use your creatures very conservatively and focus on answering their plays first and foremost by bouncing back to hand delve threats so that they're nearly impossible to cast again or snagging them with a
Fiend Hunter. Do not be tempted to flash in a
Harbinger of the Tides
at the end of turn just for a quick bit of damage. They can respond with a
Cryptic Command
or
Kolaghan's Command to blow you out. ALWAYS play around these 2-for-1s. When possible try to get either crusader onto the field, preferably using
Aether Vial so you keep mana up for some kind of counterspell, if needed.
Phyrexian Crusader blocks all their removal and beats
Snapcaster Mage and
Creeping Tar Pit in a fight, however it loses to
Tasigur, the Golden Fang and
Gurmag Angler.
Mirran Crusader is the opposite, it beats all their creatures in a fight but dies horribly to removal. Use these to chip away for a few turns and win.
