Format: Legacy
Deck Type: Mono-Black Control
Colors: Black

Description:
Embark on a journey into the depths of despair with "Pact of Shadows", a deck that weaves a tapestry of terror and torment for your opponents. At the heart of this strategy lies the unyielding force of darkness, ready to engulf any who dare stand against it. Utilizing a combination of relentless discard effects, sacrificial demands, and life-draining sorceries, this deck ensures that your adversaries are left with nothing but shadows and regrets.

How to Play:
Early Game: Set the stage for despair with early discard spells like Duress, Inquisition of Kozilek, and Agonizing Remorse, stripping away your opponent's resources and disrupting their plans. The presence of Elderfang Disciple and Corrupt Court Official further tightens the noose, applying pressure and forcing sacrifices from the get-go.

Mid-Game: As the shadows thicken, unleash the true power of the deck with key pieces like Jadar, Ghoulcaller of Nephalia, and the formidable Tergrid, God of Fright // Tergrid's Lantern. Each discarded or sacrificed card not only diminishes your opponent's options but also turns the tide in your favor, thanks to Tergrid's malevolent might.

Control and Domination: Grave Pact and Liliana of the Veil dominate the battlefield, turning any loss on your side into a Pyrrhic victory for your opponent. The pact you've forged with the shadows demands sacrifice, and with each creature that falls, your opponent's hopes dwindle.

Endgame: With the opponent cornered and resources depleted, finish them off with targeted removal like Sudden Edict, or drain their life away with the merciless Painful Quandary. The shadows you command are relentless, and victory is but a formality once the pact is in full effect.

Sideboard Strategy: Tailor your darkness to the task at hand. Leyline of the Void cripples graveyard strategies, while additional discard options like Mind Twist ensure that no opponent feels safe. Against decks that rely heavily on creatures, Witch's Vengeance and Smallpox provide sweeping solutions, leaving nothing but desolation in their wake.

Skill Level and Playability: "Pact of Shadows" is a testament to the strategic depth and psychological warfare inherent in Magic: The Gathering. It requires patience, precision, and a penchant for cruelty, appealing to players who delight in dismantling their opponents piece by piece. Mastery of this deck not only demands understanding of your own strategy but also an intimate knowledge of your opponent's weaknesses.

In essence, "Pact of Shadows" is not merely a deck; it's a declaration of dominance, a shadowy covenant that thrives on despair and destruction. It's a strategy that revels in the dark corners of power, inviting those who dare to wield it to become masters of the night.

last update: 02/02/24