IntroductionMono Black Aggro was already on our radar before the bans, but it became much more popular in Challenges and ranked matches after The Hobbit came out, as it gave this deck several options that complement its game plan perfectly.It is currently the cheapest competitive deck in Standard (it costs less than US$ 100). Like so, it is a very popular choice at local stores and even during RCQ seasons. It is both accessible and uses a straightforward, fast, effective game plan that really reminds me of early MTG, when not every creature needed to kickstart a snowball effect in terms of value and could instead make up for it with aggressive stats.The DecklistMaindeckAs a traditional Aggro deck that often attacks from below, it needs the best possible 1-drops and 2-drops. First, you'll see Forsaken Miner, a 2/2 for that easily returns to the battlefield in this list (considering it plays lots of spot removals), and Iridescent Vinelasher, which turns your land drops into reach and offers you a two-for-one in the midgame with its Offspring.The Hobbit gave us the excellent synergy between Nighthowl Pursuer and Desolation Prowler. With Prowler on the battlefield, Pursuer will always be a 3/3 with Menace for 1 mana during combat, which is great in terms of putting pressure on the game and also the perfect turn 1 and turn 2 follow-up in this strategy.Gollum, Riddle Master was the other addition from The Hobbit. Besides having a solid body for a beatdown strategy, its ability punishes opponents for playing the game if you know how each of the main archetypes works, particularly how they spend their mana.Sunset Saboteur protects itself, has evasion, and also enables Nighthowl Pursuer on turn 2. Against slower decks, both creatures on the battlefield by turn 3 already represent 7 damage with Menace.Corpses of the Lost also puts a creature with Menace into play and is reusable if the opponent interacts with you often. It certainly gives you some extra gas in long matches.To keep the battlefield clear of blockers, you'll need spot interaction. Shoot the Sheriff may cost more, but it is the most versatile black removal right now. On the other hand, Requiting Hex deals with smaller creatures, and Blight can work in your favor in Aggro mirrors.Dissection Practice does a little bit of everything: it nerfs a blocker, answers Llanowar Elves, deals a bit of damage to the opponent, and allows you to attack with a creature for slightly more damage that turn.This mono-colored mana base allows you to play more utility lands. This version plays Soulstone Sanctuary and Realm of Koh as support to keep putting pressure in longer games and make sure you have some action, even after a bad topdeck.SideboardControl/Combo matchups often force you to set the opponent back for a few turns so you can finish dealing damage before they have a chance to recover. Duress is the best interaction against Control decks, particularly to protect your creatures, and you'll complement it with Deep-Cavern Bat to keep disrupting the opponent and remain aggressive at the same time.As for graveyard hate, Strategic Betrayal and the new Gollum the Abandoned complement your removals. Gollum is not as effective against some combos, but his recursive ability gives you extra reach in games of attrition.There is another copy of Requiting Hex in the sideboard for the mirror and other Aggro decks that play smaller threats, such as Landfall and Mono Red/Izzet Aggro.Elegy Acolyte is great in several different matchups, from Aggro decks, where Lifelink helps you stabilize, to Control decks, where it makes you slightly more resilient. The rule for getting it in tends to be, "Can you finish games faster without it?" If the answer is no, get Acolyte.Sideboard GuideMono Green LandfallINOUTFour-Color ControlINOUTIzzet SpellementalsINOUTDimir MidrangeINOUTDimir ExcruciatorINOUTMono Red AggroINOUTMardu DiscardINOUTConclusionThat's all for today!If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!Thank you for reading!
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