Build a “Delver” deck in Standard format

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A “Delver” deck in Magic: The Gathering is a type of blue-red tempo deck that aims to control the board with cheap, efficient creatures like “Delver of Secrets” and “Young Pyromancer,” then finish the opponent off with powerful spells like “Lightning Bolt” and “Force of Will.” Building a Delver deck in the Standard format of Magic: The Gathering can be a challenging and rewarding endeavor, and there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for doing so. However, here are some general tips that you might find helpful when building a Delver deck in Standard:

  • Choose a strong core of cheap, efficient creatures that can pressure the opponent and hold their own against removal spells. Good options for Standard Delver decks might include creatures like “Delver of Secrets,” “Young Pyromancer,” “Goblin Chainwhirler,” and “Tarmogoyf.”
  • Include a mix of removal spells that can deal with a wide range of threats. Good options for Standard Delver decks might include spells like “Lightning Strike,” “Bolt Bend,” “Daze,” and “Fling.”
  • Include a few powerful non-creature spells that can help you close out the game. Good options for Standard Delver decks might include spells like “Berserk,” “Vexing Devil,” “Temur Battle Rage,” and “Gitaxian Probe.”
  • Include some disruption spells that can help you slow down the opponent and protect your own game plan. Good options for Standard Delver decks might include spells like “Thought Erasure,” “Wasteland,” “Blood Moon,” and “Stifle.”
  • Consider including some flexible cards that can help you adapt to different situations. Good options for Standard Delver decks might include cards like “Daze,” “Electrolyze,” and “Firespout.”
  • Consider using some card-drawing effects to help you find the right answers at the right time. Good options for Standard Delver decks might include cards like “Opt,” “Shock,” and “Light Up the Stage.”
  • Consider using some counterspells to help protect your creatures and your game plan. Good options for Standard Delver decks might include cards like “Force of Will,” “Daze,” and “Flusterstorm.”

Sample list:

  • Creatures (16):
    • 4x “Delver of Secrets”
    • 4x “Young Pyromancer”
    • 4x “Goblin Chainwhirler”
    • 4x “Monastery Swiftspear”
  • Spells (24):
    • 4x “Lightning Strike”
    • 4x “Bolt Bend”
    • 4x “Daze”
    • 4x “Fling”
    • 4x “Opt”
    • 4x “Shock”
  • Lands (20):
    • 4x “Mountain”
    • 4x “Island”
    • 4x “Spirebluff Canal”
    • 4x “Cinder Barrens”
    • 4x “Blood Crypt”