Angry Tradewind Survival

Before its banning in Legacy, Survival of the Fittest was an interesting engine that allowed a variety of different play styles and deck construction. Among these, was the idea of a tool box-type strategy, relying on SotF to search for answers as required. While researching another article, I stumbled across today’s deck, which I thought would be fun to write about. The really cool thing about it, was that one of the first versions that I found was actually tailor made for this format! Its name? Angry Tradewind Survival.

Let’s start by talking about the namesakes of the deck, and the amazing things they make possible. Survival of the Fittest is the search engine of the deck, and allows you to search for whatever creature the situation might require. Combined with Squee, Goblin Nabob allows you to gain card advantage as well, as you are not losing a card in hand to discard. Tradewind Rider’s uses aren’t always as obvious, but allow for a LOT of awesome plays. Just remember that it can return any permanent into play, not just yours OR your opponents’..

Mana. Because of SotF, the deck consumes a lot of green mana. As a result, several creatures in the deck are used to help boost your mana output. Wall of Roots is a great example of getting more from your rampers, because it can also act as a good defender against early aggro. Rofellos doesn’t really need explaining.. he’s awesome at what he does.

Win conditions. The deck sort of has 2 main win conditions. The first being death by a thousand cuts.. aka beat them down with the large number of creatures. The other is a lot more devious: Gilded Drake and Tradewind Rider are good friends, as are Rider and Deranged Hermit. Mystic Snake and Rider are also pretty close. Just think about these options.

Once again, I have chosen to write about a deck that has so many interactions and strategies that I can’t/won’t be writing about each one in this article. As always, I encourage you to try the deck and tinker to find what works for you. Happy Brewing!

Angry Tradewind Survival

Land

5 Forest

2 Savannah

1 Taiga

4 Tropical Island

4 Windswept Heath

3 Wooded Foothills

Total: 19

Creatures

4 Tradewind Rider

4 Birds of Paradise

1 Quirion Ranger

3 Wall of Roots

1 Squee, Goblin Nabob

1 Genesis

1 Anger

2 Gilded Drake

1 Spore Frog

1 Elvish Lyrist

1 Uktabi Orangutan

1 Mystic Snake

1 Seedborn Muse

1 Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary

1 Deranged Hermit

Total: 24

Spells

4 Survival of the Fittest

4 Brainstorm

4 Force of Will

3 Enlightened Tutor

2 Stifle

1 Eladamri’s Call

Total: 17

Sideboard:

2 Spike Feeder

1 Goblin Sharpshooter

1 Dense Foliage

1 Enlightened Tutor

1 Back to Basics

2 Choke

1 Seal of Cleansing

1 Man-o’-War

1 Worship

2 Naturalize

2 Null Rod