Hello everyone!
Today, let’s delve into the Izzet Phoenix Pioneer deck that propelled me to a 9th place finish at Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor. While just missing Top 8 is always a bit disappointing, the result confirms the deck’s strong performance.
[ – 2022/7/15
- Izzet Phoenix in Pioneer After the Bans
- Javier Dominguez
](https://article.hareruyamtg.com/article/63902/?lang=en) It’s been a while since my last article on Izzet Phoenix, which was after the 《Expressive Iteration》 ban. My recent experience shows that in Pioneer, a good understanding of an archetype allows you to revisit it successfully, provided it remains competitive.
For the Pro Tour, Team Handshake refined the Phoenix deck, and I was very pleased with the impact of these adjustments.
Building on my previous Izzet Phoenix article, this piece will focus on the innovations we implemented and some crucial technical aspects of playing the deck effectively in the Pioneer format.
So, what makes this iteration of Izzet Phoenix tick? Let’s explore!
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer Decklist
Here’s the Izzet Phoenix Pioneer decklist we used at Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor:
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer Decklist by Javier Dominguez – 9th Place, Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor
Izzet Phoenix has consistently been a strong contender in Pioneer, often positioned as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 strategy. Leading up to the Pro Tour, it was apparent that Izzet Phoenix Pioneer was a deck to watch out for, potentially becoming the most played deck in the tournament.
Choosing a highly anticipated deck for a Pro Tour comes with inherent risks. Opponents are likely to be well-prepared for the matchup, potentially diminishing the deck’s effectiveness.
Initially, I had reservations about playing Phoenix. However, I am glad I ultimately chose it, thanks to my teammates’ expertise and experience with the archetype. They were instrumental in refining the stock version of Izzet Phoenix Pioneer we initially considered.
The core of the Izzet Phoenix Pioneer archetype is already quite optimized, resulting in highly similar decklists. While we were initially content with a standard list, Anthony Lee made a crucial suggestion: incorporating 《Ashiok, Dream Render》 into the main deck.
Within hours, we finalized our Pro Tour decklist, centered around this innovative inclusion.
The Impact of 《Ashiok, Dream Render》 in Izzet Phoenix Pioneer
《Ashiok, Dream Render》 proved to be a significant upgrade for Izzet Phoenix Pioneer in several key matchups at the Pro Tour.
Firstly, 《Ashiok》 excels in the mirror match of Izzet Phoenix Pioneer. Mirror matches often become protracted, and 《Ashiok》 provides an exceptionally efficient way to disrupt both 《Arclight Phoenix》 and 《Treasure Cruise》 simultaneously. Moreover, maindecking Ashiok circumvents the risk of it being countered by 《Mystical Dispute》.
Ashiok, Dream Render
It’s important to consider 《Ashiok》‘s versatility beyond its Planeswalker type, as Planeswalkers often function best as tempo plays. While 《Ashiok》 can indeed dominate a game and potentially lead to a turn 3 victory on an empty board in early turns, unlike some Planeswalkers, it remains potent even when deployed later in the game. Even 《Spell Pierce》 is ineffective against a late-game Ashiok. Its strength in the Izzet Phoenix Pioneer mirror match was a primary reason for its inclusion.
However, the Lotus Field matchup is where 《Ashiok》 truly shines in Pioneer. In our testing, most Izzet Phoenix Pioneer victories against Lotus Field involved 《Ashiok》. We initially considered Ashiok as a sideboard card for this matchup, but game 1 testing revealed that Lotus Field decks significantly struggled to combo off with Ashiok on the battlefield.
Lotus Field
Dragonlord DromokaA key difference in game 1 is that Izzet Phoenix Pioneer typically has access to all 《Fiery Impulse》 spells, while Lotus Field opponents often have fewer creatures, reducing the likelihood of losing to a surprise 《Dragonlord Dromoka》. We found Ashiok’s impact in this matchup to be substantial. Having a hate card maindeck in a deck rich with cantrips significantly increases the frequency of drawing it compared to decks with less card manipulation.
Fiery Impulse
《Ashiok》 is undeniably powerful in these matchups. However, including such a card in the maindeck of Izzet Phoenix Pioneer does carry a cost against creature-heavy decks like Rakdos Midrange or Azorius Control. This is where Ashiok’s decent floor becomes crucial.
Even if its primary ability is not immediately relevant – which is rarely the case, especially against decks playing 《Kroxa, Titan of Death’s Hunger》 – untapping with 《Ashiok》 just once mills eight cards. This alone often enables casting 《Treasure Cruise》 for a mere one mana. Furthermore, this milling effect fuels 《Galvanic Iteration》 and 《Arclight Phoenix》 strategies.
In one game against Azorius Control, I was able to cast 《Treasure Cruise》 and then 《Temporal Trespass》 in the same turn, thanks to 《Ashiok》‘s graveyard filling. This play cemented my decision to include Ashiok in the main deck of Izzet Phoenix Pioneer.
Treasure Cruise
While I wouldn’t recommend running two Ashioks if the metagame shifts significantly, if Izzet Phoenix Pioneer remains a dominant strategy, incorporating some number of 《Ashiok, Dream Render》 in the main deck is likely optimal.
The Power of 《Picklock Prankster》 in Izzet Phoenix Pioneer
Frankly, I believe 《Picklock Prankster》 is a primary reason why Izzet Phoenix Pioneer became a top-tier deck in Pioneer, although 《Sleight of Hand》 also played a crucial role.
Initially, 《Picklock Prankster》 might seem unremarkable. Many, including myself, initially dismissed it as a weaker version of 《Pieces of the Puzzle》. We were profoundly wrong.
Go Blank《Picklock Prankster》 is a premium enabler for Izzet Phoenix Pioneer. It mills cards and provides card selection in a way unmatched by other spells. Crucially, its instant speed makes all the difference. 《Go Blank》 used to be a potent counter against Izzet Phoenix, negating the graveyard filling from 《Pieces of the Puzzle》 and hindering 《Treasure Cruise》 casting. With 《Picklock Prankster》, casting 《Free the Fae》 at the end of the opponent’s turn puts you in an excellent position.
Pieces of the Puzzle
《Picklock Prankster》 shares a similarity with 《Fable of the Mirror-Breaker》 in that its power is often underestimated on paper. The flexibility it adds to Izzet Phoenix Pioneer significantly improves the utility of counterspells, which were less synergistic with the sorcery speed 《Pieces of the Puzzle》.
Moreover, 《Picklock Prankster》 provides a free creature. While a 1/3 flying vigilance for two mana might not seem impactful, its value becomes apparent when compared to 《Jegantha, the Wellspring》, a companion that is essentially a 5/5 for 8 mana. Suddenly, a couple of 1/3s for two mana sounds quite appealing.
Jegantha, the Wellspring
《Picklock Prankster》 acts as a pseudo-companion for Izzet Phoenix Pioneer, often securing wins in resource-depleted late-game scenarios by chipping away with its evasive bodies.
Furthermore, 《Picklock Prankster》 facilitates 《Temporal Trespass》 + 《Galvanic Iteration》 kill combos and efficiently triggers 《Ledger Shredder》 in topdeck situations. It truly does everything the deck needs.
Temporal Trespass
The Pivotal Role of 《Ledger Shredder》 in Izzet Phoenix Pioneer
Previously, I suggested that 《Ledger Shredder》 was so impactful for Izzet Phoenix Pioneer that it might surpass 《Expressive Iteration》 in importance. Now, I contend that 《Ledger Shredder》 is the most critical threat in the deck, even more so than 《Arclight Phoenix》 itself.
In many matchups, a turn 2 《Ledger Shredder》 puts Izzet Phoenix Pioneer significantly ahead, while failing to establish it early can lead to a weaker position. Therefore, in unfavorable matchups, aggressively mulliganing for hands containing a turn 2 《Ledger Shredder》 is often a better strategy than keeping a mediocre hand, especially in game 1. Understanding the importance of 《Ledger Shredder》 and adjusting your mulligan strategy accordingly can significantly increase your game 1 win rate with Izzet Phoenix Pioneer.
Ledger Shredder
When playing 《Ledger Shredder》, deciding between playing it on turn 2 or waiting until turn 3 to guarantee a trigger is a key decision point. I generally default to playing it on turn 2, but will delay until turn 3 if my hand is otherwise weak, contains 《Arclight Phoenix》 without discard outlets, or if removal is highly anticipated, such as against Rakdos Midrange when they keep a hand without early plays.
《Opt》 vs. 《Consider》 in Izzet Phoenix Pioneer
ConsiderThe choice between 《Opt》 and 《Consider》 in Izzet Phoenix Pioneer is nuanced. Generally, 《Consider》 is the preferred cantrip, as it more rapidly fills the graveyard, facilitating faster 《Treasure Cruise》 casts.
Opt
When both 《Consider》 and 《Opt》 are available, prioritize 《Consider》 when you intend to send cards to the graveyard and 《Opt》 when you are more likely to keep cards on top of your library.
For instance, if a cantrip reveals both a land and a removal spell that you wish to keep, casting 《Opt》 first is often better as you are unlikely to put cards into the graveyard in this scenario. Also, consider 《Treasure Cruise》 availability. Avoid missing the opportunity to cast 《Treasure Cruise》 by opting for 《Opt》 when 《Consider》 would fill the graveyard more effectively.
Other factors influencing the 《Opt》 vs. 《Consider》 decision include:
– 《Opt》 places a card at the bottom of your library. While seemingly less beneficial than graveyard filling, this can extend your deck’s longevity, potentially granting an extra turn in decking situations, which is relevant in Izzet Phoenix Pioneer as you often draw through a significant portion of your deck. In such scenarios, 《Opt》 can be superior by delaying decking.
If you’ve mulliganed and placed key cards like 《Temporal Trespass》 or 《Arclight Phoenix》 at the bottom of your library, 《Opt》, alongside 《Sleight of Hand》, can help you redraw them while preserving library size. Remember this when choosing 《Consider》 over 《Opt》 and recall if you sent crucial cards to the bottom.
Temporal Trespass
– 《Graveyard Trespasser》 and 《Go Blank》 are reasons to prioritize 《Opt》. If you anticipate reanimating 《Arclight Phoenix》 on a specific turn, you’d prefer having them in the graveyard precisely then. Similarly, against 《Graveyard Trespasser》 from Rakdos, opting with 《Opt》 might be preferable if you risk discarding a 《Ledger Shredder》 to 《Consider》.
Graveyard Trespasser
《Sleight of Hand》 vs. 《Opt》/《Consider》 in Izzet Phoenix Pioneer
While 《Sleight of Hand》 is often the first cantrip to cast due to its sorcery speed, a notable exception occurs against discard-heavy decks. When facing a 《Thoughtseize》 deck and holding both 《Opt》 and 《Sleight of Hand》, it can be strategically advantageous to skip casting 《Sleight of Hand》 on your turn, even sacrificing its sorcery speed flexibility. This approach yields two benefits.
Sleight of Hand
Firstly, withholding 《Sleight of Hand》 conceals information about your hand from your opponent. This prevents them from preemptively discarding a key card like 《Ledger Shredder》 that you might draw into with the cantrip. This information concealment is valuable. Secondly, delaying 《Sleight of Hand》 allows you to gain insight into your opponent’s game plan before committing to card selection, which should not be underestimated. Discard spells often reveal significant information about the opponent’s hand composition.
Thoughtseize
For example, if you hold a 《Ledger Shredder》 and a 《Treasure Cruise》, and they discard the 《Ledger Shredder》, it likely indicates a lack of immediate removal in their hand. Utilizing this information enhances the value of your cantrip spells, outweighing the early-turn sorcery speed advantage of 《Sleight of Hand》 in such scenarios.
Ledger Shredder
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer Sideboarding Guide
The most anticipated part of the guide!
Mirror Match
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer vs. Mirror
Out
Fiery Impulse 
Fiery Impulse Fiery Impulse
In
AbradeAzorius Control
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer vs. Azorius Control
Out
Lightning AxeIn
Young Pyromancer Young Pyromancer
Negate
Mystical Dispute 
Mystical Dispute
Rakdos Midrange
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer vs. Rakdos Midrange
Out
In
Brazen Borrower Brazen Borrower
Lotus Field
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer vs. Lotus Field
Out
In
Young Pyromancer Young Pyromancer
Amalia Combo
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer vs. Amalia Combo
Out
[Fiery Impulse [Fiery Impulse [Fiery Impulse
In
Anger of the GodsBoros Convoke
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer vs. Boros Convoke
Out
Galvanic Iteration Galvanic Iteration
In
BrotherhoodEnsoul Artifact
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer vs. Ensoul Artifact
Out
Galvanic Iteration Galvanic Iteration
In
Young Pyromancer Young Pyromancer
Niv to Light
Izzet Phoenix Pioneer vs. Niv to Light
Out
In
Young Pyromancer Young Pyromancer
Javier Dominguez (Twitter / Twitch)
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](https://article.hareruyamtg.com/article/75390/?lang=en) [ – 2022/7/15
- Izzet Phoenix in Pioneer After the Bans
- Javier Dominguez
](https://article.hareruyamtg.com/article/63902/?lang=en)
Recommended Items
《Ashiok, Dream Render》
Ashiok, Dream Render
《Arclight Phoenix》
Arclight Phoenix
《Picklock Prankster》
Picklock Prankster
《Ledger Shredder》
Ledger Shredder
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Javier Dominguez He is the representative player of Spain. Grand Prix Top 8 is six times, including won the Grand Prix Paris 2014 and Grand Prix Rotterdam 2016 winning victories. At the Pro Tour level, he has brilliant achievement such as winning the 9th place in Pro Tour Battle of Zendikar and Pro Tour Hour of Devastation, and finally top8 in Pro Tour Rivals of Ixalan. Read more articles by Javier Dominguez
