Metagame Mentor: Analyzing the Impact of ‘Murders at Karlov Manor’ on Standard Format
Welcome back to Metagame Mentor, your go-to source for all things Magic: The Gathering. In this week’s edition, we’ll be diving into the recent MagicCon: Chicago event and analyzing the impact of the latest set, Murders at Karlov Manor, on the Standard format. From breakout decks to new card additions, we’ve got all the details you need to stay ahead of the game.
MagicCon: Chicago was a whirlwind of excitement, with two major Standard events taking center stage. The $75K Standard Open drew in top players from around the world, competing for a massive prize pool and coveted invites to Pro Tour Thunder Junction. Meanwhile, the Standard Cup offered a smaller but equally thrilling single-day event, where players battled it out for exclusive playmats and a prestigious trophy.
To get a comprehensive understanding of the metagame, I meticulously analyzed a total of 568 decks from both events. By categorizing each archetype and examining their performance in non-mirror, non-bye, non-draw matches, I was able to determine their metagame share and win rates. The results are truly fascinating and shed light on the impact of Murders at Karlov Manor on the format.
One of the most significant developments in the Standard format comes from the release of Murders at Karlov Manor. This new set introduced powerful cards like Novice Inspector for Boros Convoke and No More Lies for Azorius Control, propelling these decks to new heights. As a result, we saw a decline in Mono-Red Aggro and Azorius Soldiers, which were overshadowed by the rise of Boros Convoke and Azorius Control.
When examining win rates, it becomes clear that most archetypes were fairly evenly matched against the field, hovering around the 50% mark. However, Azorius Control and Dimir Midrange emerged as strong contenders, boasting favorable matchups against Boros Convoke. Bant Toxic, on the other hand, struggled to perform, facing difficulties against Boros Convoke and lacking opportunities to prey on Domain Ramp. The addition of Temporary Lockdown to many control decks further marginalized Bant Toxic, making it a less viable option in the current metagame.
The impact of Murders at Karlov Manor on Standard cannot be understated. A closer look at the decklists from MagicCon: Chicago reveals the 20 most-played new-to-Standard cards, showcasing the influence of the latest set. Some of these cards seamlessly integrated into existing top-tier archetypes, while others paved the way for new strategies and deck innovations.
For example, No More Lies proved to be an upgrade over Make Disappear for Esper Midrange, becoming the most-played new card in both Pioneer and Standard formats. Doorkeeper Thrull became a valuable addition to Esper Midrange sideboards, effectively shutting down triggers from Deep-Cavern Bat, Knight-Errant of Eos, and Atraxa, Grand Unifier. Cryptic Coat and Lazav, Wearer of Faces provided Dimir Midrange with grinding power against spot removal spells and the potential for unblockable creatures to trigger Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor.
Another noteworthy addition was Long Goodbye, a game-changing instant-speed removal spell that can take down Raffine, Scheming Seer; Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor; or Subterranean Schooner for just two mana or less. This card found its way into various black midrange decks, adding a new layer of versatility and efficiency. Mono-Red Aggro also received a boost from Fugitive Codebreaker and Case of the Crimson Pulse, which provided additional staying power and card draw in longer games.
Not only did Murders at Karlov Manor enhance existing archetypes, but it also breathed life into fringe strategies and enabled the creation of brand new decks. From Golgari Midrange utilizing Underground Mortuary and Sharp-Eyed Rookie to support their creature suite and mana base, to innovative new decks taking advantage of the set’s offerings, the possibilities are endless.
As we wrap up our analysis of the impact of Murders at Karlov Manor on the Standard format, it’s clear that this set has shaken up the metagame in exciting ways. With new cards reshaping top-tier archetypes and opening doors for fresh strategies, players must adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. Keep an eye out for upcoming events and be prepared to face the ever-changing landscape of Standard.
That’s all for this week’s edition of Metagame Mentor. Join us next time as we delve into the top Pioneer stories from the Pro Tour. Until then, keep shuffling those cards and may your draws be ever in your favor!