Control decks are a type of deck in MTG Arena that aim to control the game and stop your opponent’s strategy until you can win.
In this article, we’ll guide you through building your own winning control deck in MTG Arena. We’ll explain what a control deck is and why it’s important, as well as provide some examples of popular control decks.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to build a strong control deck, including choosing the right cards and balancing your deck. And once you have your deck built, we’ll teach you how to play it effectively and adapt to different opponents.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to start winning matches with your own control deck. So let’s dive in and learn how to build a winning control deck in MTG Arena!
Understanding Control Decks
A control deck is a type of deck in MTG Arena that focuses on controlling the game’s tempo and denying your opponent’s strategy until you can win. There are a few key principles that make control decks different from other types of decks in MTG Arena.
First, control decks aim to control the board by using spells and creatures to remove threats from the game. They often use counterspells to stop your opponent from casting important spells and limit their options.
Second, control decks usually have a higher mana curve than other decks, which means they play more expensive spells that can deal with bigger threats. They also usually have a lower number of creatures, which allows them to focus more on spells and abilities to control the game.
Finally, control decks are all about patience and strategy. You need to be able to bide your time and wait for the right moment to strike. You also need to be able to anticipate your opponent’s moves and plan accordingly.
Some popular control decks in MTG Arena include Esper Control, Dimir Control, and Azorius Control. These decks use different strategies to control the game, such as using removal spells, counterspells, and board wipes to control the board and win the game.
Understanding these principles is essential when building a control deck, as it will help you choose the right cards and strategies to use in your deck.
Deck Building 101
Building a strong control deck in MTG Arena requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some basic things to keep in mind when building your deck:
Mana Curve: The mana curve refers to the distribution of cards with different mana costs in your deck. A good control deck should have a higher mana curve than other decks, meaning that it should have more expensive spells that can deal with bigger threats. However, it’s important to balance your mana curve so that you have a mix of spells at different costs, from low-cost removal spells to high-cost finishers.
Card Balance: A good control deck should have a mix of spells and creatures that work well together. You’ll want to choose cards that can remove threats from the board, protect your own creatures, and deal damage to your opponent. It’s important to balance your deck so that you have enough removal spells, creatures, and other spells to control the game.
Synergy: Cards in MTG Arena often work well together, and it’s important to take advantage of these synergies when building your deck. For example, you might choose cards that have abilities that work well together, or cards that can be played in combination to create a powerful effect. Be sure to choose cards that work well with your strategy and other cards in your deck.
When building your control deck, it’s important to consider all of these factors and choose cards that work well together. It’s also important to refine your deck over time, adding or removing cards as needed based on your experiences playing with the deck.
Strategies for Building a Winning Control Deck
Now that you have a basic understanding of the principles behind control decks and how to build a strong deck, let’s go over some specific strategies you can use to build a winning control deck in MTG Arena.
- Choose the Right Colors: Control decks can be built using any combination of colors in MTG Arena, but some colors are better suited to control strategies than others. Blue is a popular color for control decks, as it has access to counter spells and card draw spells. Black is also a good choice, as it has removal spells and discard spells that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy. White and green can also be used in control decks, but they are less commonly used.
- Use Removal Spells: Removal spells are key to controlling the game with your deck. Choose spells that can remove threats from the board, such as creature removal spells or enchantment removal spells. Board wipes, which remove all creatures from the board, are also useful in control decks.
- Use Counter spells: Counter spells are another important tool for control decks, as they can stop your opponent from casting important spells. Be sure to choose counter spells that can stop a variety of spells, such as creature spells, enchantment spells, and planeswalker spells.
- Have a Win Condition: While control decks are all about controlling the game, you also need to have a way to win the game. Choose spells or creatures that can deal damage to your opponent or win the game in another way. Some popular win conditions for control decks include planeswalker ultimates, creature attacks, and mill strategies.
- Adapt to Your Opponent: One of the keys to winning with a control deck is being able to adapt to your opponent’s strategy. Be sure to choose spells and creatures that can deal with your opponent’s deck, and be prepared to switch up your strategy if necessary. For example, if your opponent is using a lot of creatures, you might want to focus more on creature removal spells.
By using these strategies and building a deck that works well together, you’ll be well on your way to building a winning control deck in MTG Arena. Just remember to be patient, plan your moves carefully, and adapt to your opponent’s strategy to succeed.
Tips for Playing a Winning Control Deck
Once you’ve built a strong control deck, it’s important to know how to play it effectively. Here are some tips to help you play your control deck to its full potential:
- Patience is Key: Control decks are all about waiting for the right moment to strike. Be patient and wait for the right time to use your removal spells and counter spells. Don’t be afraid to take some damage early in the game if it means you can save your spells for later.
- Plan Your Moves Carefully: When playing a control deck, it’s important to plan your moves carefully. Think ahead and anticipate your opponent’s moves. Plan your spells and creatures in advance so that you can react to your opponent’s strategy.
- Protect Your Life Total: Your life total is important in MTG Arena, and it’s especially important when playing a control deck. Be sure to choose spells and creatures that can protect your life total, such as creatures with lifelink or spells that can gain you life.
- Use Your Resources Wisely: When playing a control deck, it’s important to use your resources wisely. Don’t waste your removal spells and counter spells on minor threats, and don’t play your win condition cards too early. Save your resources for when you really need them.
- Adapt to Your Opponent’s Strategy: As we mentioned earlier, adapting to your opponent’s strategy is key to winning with a control deck. Be sure to pay attention to your opponent’s moves and adjust your strategy accordingly.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to play your control deck to its full potential and increase your chances of winning in MTG Arena. Remember to be patient, plan ahead, and adapt to your opponent’s strategy to succeed.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Finally, one of the best ways to build a winning control deck is to practice playing with it. MTG Arena is a great way to practice playing with your control deck against other players from around the world.
Take the time to play a variety of games with your control deck, and try out different strategies and cards. Pay attention to what works well and what doesn’t, and adjust your deck accordingly.
You can also watch videos or streams of other players playing control decks in MTG Arena to learn new strategies and techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out new things. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at playing your control deck and winning games in MTG Arena.
In conclusion, building a winning control deck in MTG Arena takes time and effort, but by following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to success. Remember to be patient, plan ahead, adapt to your opponent’s strategy, and practice playing with your deck to improve your skills. Good luck and have fun!
FAQ: Build A Winning Control Deck
What is a control deck in MTG Arena?
A control deck is a type of deck in Magic: The Gathering that focuses on disrupting the opponent’s game plan through spells and abilities that remove or neutralize their creatures and other threats. Control decks often have few creatures of their own, relying instead on spells and card advantage to win the game.
What are some key cards to include in a control deck?
Some key cards to include in a control deck are counterspells like Negate and Dovin’s Veto, removal spells like Eliminate and Heartless Act, and card draw spells like Opt and Thirst for Meaning. Board wipes like Doomskar and Shatter the Sky can also be useful for clearing the opponent’s board.
How do I build a winning control deck in MTG Arena?
To build a winning control deck in MTG Arena, start by choosing a color combination that fits your playstyle and has access to powerful control spells. Then, add a mix of removal spells, counterspells, and card draw spells to your deck. Be sure to include a win condition, such as a powerful creature or planeswalker, and test your deck against a variety of opponents to refine your strategy.
How do I play a control deck effectively in MTG Arena?
To play a control deck effectively in MTG Arena, focus on disrupting the opponent’s game plan while building card advantage through card draw spells and other means. Use your removal and counterspells strategically to neutralize the opponent’s threats and protect your win conditions. Be patient and don’t overextend, as control decks often win through attrition rather than aggression.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when playing a control deck?
Some common mistakes to avoid when playing a control deck include overcommitting to the board, using removal spells too early or too late, and neglecting to protect your life total. It’s also important to be aware of your opponent’s potential plays and anticipate their moves. Finally, be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the opponent’s deck and playstyle.
