Red Dead Redemption (Masters)

Guys, I think I just made mono red a consistent gauntlet grinder..
First 3 runs:
6-1 — lost to Grab Bag boss, unlucky draws
7-0 — beat mindless charge boss
7-0 — beat limitless possibilities boss

7-0 — beat power of progress boss (even with being power screwed)
5-1 — lost to deep freeze, got him to 1 health and then flooded.. I marketed wrong too
7-0 — beat mindless aggression boss
4-1 — lost to hellfire, bad matchup on the draw because it’s very aggressive and has lifegain
5-1 — lost to hellfire again.. ideas to improve this matchup??
More testing to come..

This deck follows 3 stages:
1st - Begin early aggression/warcries
2nd - Control board state with either hard removal (damage spells) or pseudo removal (exhaust)/continue pressure
3rd - Close with 4-drops

Tricks of the deck:
-Exhaust effects really screw up the AI, especially Urn of Choking Embers.

-Zuberi, Outlands Warlord makes Warhelm an excellent closer with this much exhaust effects. Easy to draw into a double damage, warcry-buffed unit and slap on a warhelm for lethal. Zuberi is a decent body to begin with.

-Lots of card flow with Ornate Katana and Xo of the Endless Hoard, which allows us to maintain pressure. Signal Flare and Cinder Yeti helps too.

Card choices:
-Mindfire - This is a tempo play. Can force the opponent to make horrible blocks. Also allows us to attack with Crimson Firemaw and Zuberi, Outlands Warlord for game changing swings.

-Oni Ronin - Steeple of all fire aggro. Fits in the deck nicely.

-Signal Flare - This over Pummel because pummel requires a unit on board, and sometimes encourages bad attacks. Flare adds to our reach, removal, and overall strategy of the deck.

-Torch - Because torch.

-Warhelm - A 3-of because this card can sometimes be a dead draw. But it is really strong when the window is open. Works well with exhaust effects to maximize our tempo attacks.

-Bladekin Apprentice - Basically an outlaw that warcries itself. Works well with exhausts.

-Ornate Katana - Weapon of choice because we really don't want to run out of gas.

-Rakano Outlaw - Steeple 2-drop of fire aggro. It works.

-Cinder Yeti - Definitely under valued. Warp + overwhelm + exhaust effect makes for a huge tempo swing. Makes this strategy work.

-Ixtun Merchant - Pretty much required. There are a few other market choices, like Cloud of Ash or Rally. Just pick to your liking.

-Shogun's Scepter - A great weapon but not that great to go more than 2-of. Works well with warhelm.

-Crimson Firemaw - Mainly used as a big butt flyer. The effect is just a bonus. It does feel good to hit into a Xo.

-Jawbone Greatsword - A really good multi use card. Mostly used as removal, but can be used to end board stalls and/or create a big body that gets zuberi's inspire. Only a 1-of because it is very situational.

-Zuberi, Outlands Warlord - Our main closer. Requires opponent to remove or will end the game if left unanswered. Works well with exhaust effects.

-Xo of the Endless Hoard - Mandatory for red decks now. Has so many uses throughout the whole game. As I mentioned before, its a nice target for crimson firemaw to hit.

-Sealed Writ - Just some added reach for late game.

Market choices:
-Bore - Steeple market card for red decks.

-Urn of Choking Embers - Board controller and aegis popper. Basically makes the opponent play a turn behind.

-Groundbreaker - Another big butt 4-drop that stops those lifesteal decks dead in their tracks. Easy to spark in this deck.

-Obliterate - For added reach and removal.

-Shugo Standard - Guarantees the ability to play our 4-drop or allows us to push damage.


Still playing to find its weaknesses. Will update as I continue testing. So far this deck is fun, quick, and consistent. Takes some practice to get the most out of it. Give it a go! Feedback is appreciated.