Pauper: Grixis Affinity - Deck Tech and Sideboard Guide

Affinity is one of the most classic Pauper decks, and has existed basically since the format began. Its current iteration, the Grixis version, showed up before Modern Horizons 2 came along, with Atog, Disciple of the Vault, and Makeshift Munitions. It was a midrange deck with a pinch of combo and took on an aggressive style in matches, with the famous Atog + Fling play.

After Modern Horizons 2 was released, Bridge Lands significantly changed this deck and Affinity became an unstoppable machine. Five bans later (all trying to balance this deck with this format), Affinity is still one of the best decks in Pauper, and has survived with its solid mana base and a game plan based on the purest form of value.

Decklist

In this article, we'll use the list played by LuffyDoChapeuDePalha, a Magic Online grinder who is currently one of the best Grixis Affinity pilots. They have collected several top 8 results and kept the list updated to deal with the latest Pauper threats in the best way they could.

Refurbished Familiar is one of the main reasons why this deck is still relevant in Pauper, and has become even stronger lately. This is a 2/1 body with flying that easily enters play for just and either removes resources from your opponents or gives you card advantage. It is simply phenomenal.

Kenku Artificer and Myr Enforcer are still in the list, and are extremely effective on the battlefield. Krark-Clan Shaman is a creature-shaped removal and there's no reason not to use it, as it destroys any deck based on nonflying creatures, and the combo with Toxin Analysis is simply absurd.

The rest of the deck is basically card advantage and removals. Cast Down is essential to deal with anything Krark or Galvanic Blast can't reach, and, in turn, Galvanic Blast is perfect as a removal. It will nearly always deal 4 damage and, with this much card draw in the deck, you'll easily find all 4 copies of it. One common strategy is to keep two or three Galvanics in your hand until your opponent is just in range of them, and then play all of them at once.

Makeshift Munitions is not on this list, probably because we needed space for Cast Down, which is a better answer for the current meta. Nonetheless, it can still show up in many lists because of its sheer firepower.

Candy Trail is another interesting piece, as it lets you select your cards and gives you card advantage as well as life.

Mulligan and Game Style

Currently, Affinity plays like a control deck with a game plan that focuses very heavily on value. You'll draw cards and hoard resources until you can drown your opponent in them and control the game.

This deck plays a good number of tap lands, so its early game is a bit slower. Avoid hands with only one land at all costs and prioritize hands that draw you cards efficiently on the first few turns, as well as develop your game plan.

Vs. Glee Combo

This matchup is quite favorable to Affinity, but relies on a few factors. You'll need to take precautions against their turn 3 combo, which is quite doable in Glee's BG versions.

Your opponent will have an incredibly efficient sideboard game plan against you, but, when they don't have counters, Affinity is favored.

Sticking a few Myr Enforcers on the board to pressure your opponent is important, and Refurbished Familiar is great in this matchup as well. Krark + Toxin is a good game plan, but be careful with your opponent's protection.

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Vs. Dimir Faeries

Faeries are back in the metagame in a new version that uses Sneaky Snacker and The Modern Age. This deck's game plan is even more reactive, but it can be considered a good match.

Nihil Spellbomb is quite strong, as are their Familiars. Be careful with Spellstutters. Affinity can play reactive matches really well: it trades well at instant speed and punishes the opponent even when they play correctly.

Post-side, Red Elemental Blast is by far the strongest card you'll have, and Krark-Clan Shaman will lose a lot of value.

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Vs. Gruul Ramp

This is the Gruul version without land destruction, also called Gruul Stompy. It focuses more on its creatures and on building a gigantic board to literally mow down their opponents.

You'll do the same as you'd do against traditional Gruul, but, as a bonus, you won't have to worry about your lands, at least in game 1. Disrupt your opponent's ramp game plan and use Krark + Toxin to clear the board. After your opponent has spent all their resources, you can take more control of the game. Be careful with Avenging Hunter, as it sets the game down a dangerous path for you.

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Vs. Izzet Terror

Izzet Terror is strangely not that popular nowadays, but has been performing well when played by great players. This is a matchup between two control decks, and it's a bit more complex and harder for Affinity.

Try not to worry too much about your opponent's graveyard, as, unlike U Terror, this deck doesn't really focus on Tolarian Terror and plays more carefully, waiting for the right time. Murmuring Mystic is dangerous, so try not get drowned in 1/1 tokens that will most likely make your victory nearly impossible.

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Vs. Kuldotha Red

This matchup can go down in two ways: it's either the easiest matchup for Affinity, or the hardest. It all depends on whether your opponent's hand is just too fast for you. Your life is your biggest resource, and please note that Myr Enforcer is an excellent sacrifice for Reckoner's Bargain. Krark-Clan is once again your best creature.

Post-side, you have a great game plan for this matchup, maybe the best one possible: several Blue Elemental Blasts.

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Grixis Affinity has been, undoubtedly, one of Pauper's main pillars in the past couple of years, and should remain so for a bit longer still. If you're looking for a competitive deck that isn't too complicated, and like creating an absurd amount of value, this deck is perfect for you.

What about you? Did you like this list? Do you think it could be better? Tell us your thoughts in our comment section below.

Thank you for reading, and see you next time!