Old but Gold – The Rise of New Affinity

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Modern Horizon 2 has changed the balance of a static format, in which the strongest archetypes were known and finding new brews was difficult. The best online players are trying new combinations, creating new decks, and reviving forgotten strategies, like Affinity. It takes a lot of work to make Affinity tier one in Modern, but this list has potential:

 

 

The deck aims to quickly overload the board, set-up huge threats courtesy of Nettlecyst, Cranial Plating, and Urza’s Saga, and maintain gas from the solid draw engine package comprising Thought Monitor and Thoughtcast.

 

Let’s break down the list.

 

FAST CREATURES

 

                     

 

Memnite and Ornithopter are a staple of this strategy because they work perfectly in cooperation with Springleaf Drum for an explosive game start.

 

 

Having many cards with Affinity for artifact means you can’t cut any of these cards in your main deck because you don’t want to risk your hands becoming too clunky.

 

 

Frogmite was never played after the artifact lands ban, but this romantic card has a perfect home in the new Affinity version.

 

MANA SPELLS

 

                     

 

Their main function is to discount our spells with Affinity for artifact.

 

EQUIPMENTS

 

                    

 

Cranial Plating was a nightmare during my first years of playing and while trying to qualify for the Pro Tours. Creatures can become lethal and need to be answered quickly. You’ll get several chances with Inkmoth Nexus to deal 10 or more infect damage in a single attack.

 

 

Nettlecyst is similar except his Living weapon ability causes one important difference — you have a threat to steal the game if you draw it without any creature in play.

 

DRAW PACKAGE

 

                    

 

Thought Monitor is a great addition because it gives the deck gas throughout the duration of the game, allowing for big comebacks in the middle and long game.

 

COUNTERSPELLS

 

 

In the first weeks of a new format, I like to play copies of counterspells to prepare for any situations I may encounter.

 

ACCELERATION

 

                   

 

You simultaneously love and hate this card because it’s incredible in your opening hand but horrendous in late game when it’s top of your deck. Playing four copies is a must.

 

SILVERBULLETS

 

                                                          

 

Urza’s Saga’s third ability makes finding these tools easier. The Spellbombs can work as removal or cantrip, and Shadowspear is a great way to gain life or trample over blockers.

 

THE NEW LAND

 

 

This new Saga is insane and does everything you want from a card. The second step plays a huge threat in the battlefield, and the third step puts your silver bullets into play.

 

SIDEBOARD

 

3 Etched Champion: The Jund’s nightmare! This card is almost impossible to kill and is amazing

 

2 Metallic Rebuke: Having counterspells between the main deck and sideboard is a great way to approach the new Modern format.

 

3 Dispatch: Probably the best way for Affinity to fight against some of the format’s big threats like Death’s Shadows, Scourge of the Skyclaves, and Eldrazi.

 

2 Pithing Needle: A great answer to some problematic cards like Engineered Explosives, but this card is also a nice tool against the Heliod combo and Planeswalkers.

 

2 Grafdigger’s Cage: A strong hate card against the graveyard and some Collected Company decks.

 

1 Tormod’s Crypt: A nice silver bullet for Urza’s Saga.

 

2 Ghirapur Aether Grid: A great card against Heliod Company, and you never know if someone will play Stony Silence.

 

SIDEBOARD PLAN

 

 

                  

                   

 

                   

                   

 

The Champion is a great way to win against a cheap-removal deck, and Dispatch is a great answer for all prowess creatures.

 

 

I board out Memnites because I don’t like having too many creatures that can be killed by Lava Dart. Metallic Rebuke looks too slow to impact the game.

 

 

                   

                   

 

                   

                   

 

Counterspells are great in this match-up and can stop Cryptic Command or Snapcaster. Pithing Needle is a nice answer for Engineered Explosives, but most of the time you will use it on a Planeswalker.

 

                   

 

This is another match-up where Etched Champion could be an all-star because it can easily attack Fatal Push and Path to Exile.

 

 

                   

                   

                   

                   

 

                   

                   

                  

                   

 

This is a difficult match-up in game one because Heliod Combo is too fast, you only have a few ways to interact with your opponent’s combo, and Skyclave is a nightmare.

 

 

Game two improves because Affinity adds more removals, and there are many ways to stop the combo.

 

I love Ghirapur Aether Grid because you have a permanent removal in play that can clean the board and open a window to steal the game.

 

 

Despite its clunkiness, It’s important to use Grafdigger’s Cage to stop your opponent’s Collected Company.

 

 

                   

                   

 

                   

                   

 

It’s tricky to find the correct spot to kill your opponent before a Temuer Battle Rage kills you — but finding that spot is why I like to play this match-up.

 

 

After side, your chance to win improves after adding six amazing cards, which include the unbeatable threat Etched Champion and Dispatch, which is better than Path to Exile.

 

 

                   

         

 

                   

         

 

This match is a race! You have to kill it before Amulet can arrange a lethal Valakut with Primeval Titan or Dryad of the Ilysian Grove. Possessing a Metallic Rebuke in your hand can easily win.

 

                   

 

After side, you board in the other two counterspells and 3 Dispatch, which are insane against creatures.

 

I will play this deck in some tournaments this weekend, and I hope to have great results!

 

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