Dimir Puzzle

While we're only four events into the new Standard Pauper metagame, already one deck has emerged as the top contender. Even more surprising, it draws its name from Pieces of the Puzzle, a card that I evaluated as being worse than Divination and as such marginal at best. But with some skillful piloting by Forli, this deck has finished first in one event and second in two of the other three events. I don't think it's exaggerating to say that, at least right now, this is the deck to beat in the format. So let's take a quick peek at the decklist and briefly look at what makes it so good.

Dimir Puzzle

Creatures 4 Undead Servant 4 cards Other Spells 4 Clutch of Currents 4 Ojutai's Summons 4 Pieces of the Puzzle 4 Reave Soul 3 Anticipate 3 Complete Disregard 3 Grasp of Darkness 3 Oblivion Strike 2 Calculated Dismissal 2 Shamble Back 1 Mystic Meditation 1 Read the Bones 34 cards

Lands 9 Island 9 Swamp 4 Evolving Wilds 22 cards Sideboard 3 Dead Weight 2 Ruin Processor 2 Shamble Back 2 Negate 2 Duress 2 Dispel 1 Complete Disregard 1 Mire's Malice 15 cards

So why has this deck been so successful?

1. It sidesteps removal. By playing so few creatures, and gaining card advantage with the ones it does play, it renders a lot of playable cards almost irrelevant.
2. It's setup to play Control quite well. The deck has a balanced suite of both removal spells and card draw, giving it time to gain a sizable advantage over its opponent in the course of a game.
3. It has permission spells to deal with any weaknesses. While the deck only includes 5 counters plus 4 in the Sideboard, this gives it game against anything an opponent can throw at it.
4. It's going to the win the long game. All the above factors make this deck a favorite in most matchups to win the longer the game goes on. 

Have you played with or against this deck? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it in the comments below.