Pauper: Grixis Faeries - Deck Tech and Sideboard Guide

I am originally from Boa Vista, Roraima, the northernmost state in Brazil. Because there aren't many local game stores in Boa Vista, the local community creates their own leagues to encourage people to play different formats. One of these leagues is the Roraima Pauper League, an organization I take part in both as a player and as an organizer.

Currently, we're playing the second season of the League and have welcomed fourteen players. Its diverse and, dare I say, quite healthy metagame has attracted new players (beginners and veterans) whenever we host a new tournament, and has encouraged and strengthened the Pauper community in Roraima as well as the MTG community in the region.

The List

This deck was built and prepared by me for this metagame in particular.

Sneaky Snacker is my favorite card from MH3, as well as one of my favorite cards in Pauper nowadays. Spellstutter Sprite is also in this list, as it goes really well with the entire strategy. The Modern Age creates extra value with Snacker and also leaves behind a 2/3 body with flying that fits really well into our game plan.

When the Faeries game plan isn't enough, this deck can also rely on Monarchs and Murmuring Mystic, which give you a lot of value and are often all you need to finish games.

Our removal kit includes a few of the best options in the format, besides the powerful synergy between Unholy Heat and this entire list, as it can deal with small and big creatures just as easily. So far, this card hasn't disappointed me, and has performed its role well.

This deck also relies on a standard amount of card advantage, apart from Consider, which seems, to me, more efficient and fast than other cantrips, and Mystical Teachings. In my opinion, Mystical Teachings is extremely powerful in this build, as it can get you a Cast Down, a Counterspell, or even Spellstutter Sprite itself, and thus lets you set up incredibly interesting and creative plays.

One of my favorite strategies with Teachings is to get Brainstorm with two or more Sneaky Snackers in the graveyard and a lot of mana. This will give you 3 times the value from just a single play.

Mulligan and Game Style

This deck, unlike more traditional versions of UX Faeries that are more midrange-y, actually plays entirely like a control deck. You'll often prefer to save some mana for a counter or removal while you set up your board for your Faeries or emblems.

The example above represents a good early game for this deck. Because we have many cantrips and can thoroughly control our topdecks, we don't need to be scared when we mulligan.

For this guide, I decided to bring as many matchups as I could and focus on the metagame I faced during the second phase of the Roraima Pauper League. I also brought a few other matchups I considered when building and preparing this list.

Vs. Elves

This matchup relies solely on how long you can survive, and whether you'll be able to deal with your opponent's main pieces. Kill their most important Elves, anything that creates a lot of mana or colored mana, and Timberwatch Elf, which is the most dangerous creature in this deck.

Post-side, get all your global removals and make sure to counter their Lead the Stampede and Winding Way. Generous Ent is quite problematic, so save your answers for this creature.

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Vs. Golgari Gardens

Gardens, just like MDC, is difficult to deal with, but, with the right removals and a little bit more care when you play your Monarchs and Take the Initiative, you can beat it. Be careful with Crypt Rats, as it can clear your board and easily end the game.

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Vs. Mardu Synthesizer

This matchup is also a bit uncomfortable for Faeries, but, surprisingly, this version can deal with it a bit better than expected. Sneaky Snacker's recursion, combined with the Monarch game plan and Murmuring Mystic, can put an end to your opponent's flying troops. If you combine that with some spot removals, you can easily control your opponent.

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Vs. Mono-U Terror

I consider this a good matchup. Our removals work well against their threats, and Grixis Faeries plays many grave hates.

Spellstutter is also excellent because, if your first Faerie resolves, you'll already have enough ammunition to counter practically all enemy spells, so progressing your game plan will be really easy.

Sneaky Snacker is an almost unstoppable rival for Delver, as well as a good way to prevent their Serpents from dealing damage. Mystic and the Monarch are a solid end-game plan and are more than enough to control the game for good.

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Vs. Gruul Ponza

This matchup is a bit complicated for Faeries. Land Destruction Gruul plays many threats and creatures with reach, besides the value from Cascade and Initiative. The best plan is to prevent your opponent from developing their strategy and stick a Murmuring Mystic to stabilize the board.

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Grixis Faeries, besides fun, can be built in many different ways. I tested many versions before this one, and, yet, I still believe this strategy can evolve further. Fortunately, I also got 4th place in the first phase and guaranteed a third place in the second phase. Now, I want to test out a faster version with Tolarian Terror inspired by Izzet Phoenix in Pioneer. In the future, I might even bring you all a new deck tech with this new version.

What did you think of this list? Tell us your thoughts in our comment section below.

Thank you for reading, and see you next time!