It’s a bit strange to see a strict White/Red deck these days,
wouldn’t you say? Sure, there are various strategies that might employ
either/both colour(s), but we don’t really see deck variety when it comes to
just playing WR. Heck, there’s a reason Plateau is the least expensive dual
land. The thing is, I don’t really think the two can’t be buddies. A while back
I decided to try my hand at a Mono Red Control deck, so today I thought it
would be interesting to see what we could do with WR Midrange.
Many midrange decks seek to employ some control cards in
order to, y’know, get to the mid-game and do their thing. WR Midrange is no
exception, as it uses Moat and/or Humility to stop the opponent’s creatures’ in
their tracks. The deck also has 4 Orim’s Chant in the main board, or somewhat
obscure card that can act as a semi-Time Walk. Combine these with the numerous
removal spells and you get a great way at hindering the opponent’s early game.
The land count might seem a bit high, but remember, 9 of these lands serve a role other than being mana. I want to mention that this is not a set in stone mana base, and should probably depend on whether or not you choose to include Humility or Moat in the deck. It should also depend on how you want to treat Blood Moon’s role as well – do you always want to land the Moon or is it a secondary, or even tertiary, tactic?
Now let’s take a look at the creatures. The Mother of Runes is there as a protector, but she can also be used to attack. She can attack, but also has use when you land a Moat. The same is true with Grim Lavamancer, however his main role is direct damage rather than protector obviously. The standout here is probably the singleton Weathered Wayfarer. I actually really like this card in a deck with so many utility lands. As it simply reads ‘a land’, you can go and retrieve and one you want, depending on the situation. And lastly - the Silver Knight. I know I know, there are certainly better choices, but I thought it was pretty cool to have on the board with a Blood Moon. Why? Because red spells then become your opponent’s primary way to remove your creatures. The Knight doesn’t even need to rely on mommy.
The land count might seem a bit high, but remember, 9 of these lands serve a role other than being mana. I want to mention that this is not a set in stone mana base, and should probably depend on whether or not you choose to include Humility or Moat in the deck. It should also depend on how you want to treat Blood Moon’s role as well – do you always want to land the Moon or is it a secondary, or even tertiary, tactic?
Now let’s take a look at the creatures. The Mother of Runes is there as a protector, but she can also be used to attack. She can attack, but also has use when you land a Moat. The same is true with Grim Lavamancer, however his main role is direct damage rather than protector obviously. The standout here is probably the singleton Weathered Wayfarer. I actually really like this card in a deck with so many utility lands. As it simply reads ‘a land’, you can go and retrieve and one you want, depending on the situation. And lastly - the Silver Knight. I know I know, there are certainly better choices, but I thought it was pretty cool to have on the board with a Blood Moon. Why? Because red spells then become your opponent’s primary way to remove your creatures. The Knight doesn’t even need to rely on mommy.
In conclusion, I think that WR has several tools at its
disposal to take on any deck. There are even some pretty obscure gems that are
worth considering, such as Powerstone Minefield and even Goblin Legionnaire. Midrange
decks are based on how you want to play, so give your deck your own personal
touch and enjoy. Happy Brewing!
WR Midrange
Land
4 Plateau
7 Plains
1 Mountain
4 Mishra’s Factory
1 Ghitu Encampment
4 Fetch lands
4 Wasteland
Total: 25
Creatures
4 Mother of Runes
4 Mother of Runes
4 Grim Lavamancer
2 Serra Angel
1 Weathered Wayfarer
1 Silver Knight
Total: 12
Spells
4 Lightning Bolt
4 Chain Lightning
4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Blood Moon
3 Moat/Humility
4 Orim’s Chant
4 Orim’s Chant
Total: 23
Sideboard
4 Tormod’s Crypt
4 Disenchant
2 Wrath of God
2 Red Elemental Blast
2 Pyroblast
1 Pyroclasm
