Jund Allies

Phase One of the Standard Pauper Double League wrapped up yesterday, with ZombieNeko's Jund Allies deck being crowned the winner. The final match actually went to a 'best-of-three' matches, with both players dropping a match before ZombieNeko came from behind to take 1st place. I was able to record all three matches, and I am working on a article for PureMTGO with full decklists and commentary on the match. But for today, I thought I would offer a quick preview of the winning decklist:

Jund Allies

1st place by ZombieNeko in Double League Phase One

Creatures 4 Elvish Visionary 4 Kalastria Healer 4 Kalastria Nightwatch 4 Tajuru Stalwart 3 Valakut Invoker 3 Valakut Predator 22 cards Other Spells 3 Read the Bones 2 Butcher's Glee 2 Seek the Wilds 2 Touch of the Void 2 Twin Bolt 1 Stonefury 1 Unholy Hunger 13 cards

Lands 5 Forest 4 Evolving Wilds 4 Mountain 3 Bloodfell Caves 3 Jungle Hollow 3 Rugged Highlands 3 Swamp 25 cards Sideboard 2 Boiling Earth 2 Complete Disregard 2 Douse in Gloom 2 Fetid Imp 2 Unholy Hunger 1 Duress 1 Flatten 1 Read the Bones 1 Reave Soul 1 Twin Bolt 15 cards

When I first previewed the Allies from Battle for Zendikar, I was pretty skeptical that there was enough power level to make a dedicated Allies build work. But in this case I am glad to be proven wrong, although technically the Allies is only a small part of what makes this deck work. Tajuru Stalwart in a three color deck is an excellent 3/4 for 3, while the combination of Kalastria Healer and Kalastria Nightwatch makes the latter a very powerful card. The deck also benefits from the excellent Elvish Visionary, the late game value of Valakut Invoker, and the best of the new Landfall creatures in Valakut Predator. The deck also has just enough card draw, combat tricks, and removal to help clear the way when need be or survive against early game aggression.

Have you played with or against this deck? If so, what do you think of it? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, don't forget that I am seeking feedback on what topics YOU would like to see me write about in the upcoming year. Please let me know by commenting on the linked post. Thanks so much!