The Ultimate Guide to the Grand Larceny Commander Deck
The Grand Larceny Commander deck, part of the Outlaws of Thunder Junction set, showcases a unique blend of strategy, creature synergies, and gameplay mechanics. This deck is led by Gonti, Canny Acquisitor, a formidable Aetherborn Rogue who excels at stealing cards from opponents’ libraries. With the potential for explosive plays and a focus on evasion and combat damage, this deck offers players a fresh experience in the world of Magic: The Gathering. In this guide, we will explore the various features, strategies, and potential upgrades for the Grand Larceny deck.
Comparison of Grand Larceny Deck Types
| Deck Type | Commander | Primary Strategy | Key Features | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Larceny | Gonti, Canny Acquisitor | Card theft and evasion | Evasion creatures, card advantage | Strong late-game potential | Vulnerable to removal spells |
| Most Wanted | Queen Marchesa | Control and stealing | Token generation, combat manipulation | Can outlast opponents | Requires careful resource management |
| Desert Bloom | Omnath, Locus of Rage | Ramp and board presence | Landfall triggers, creature synergies | Strong ramp potential | Slower start without ramp cards |
| Shadow’s Grasp | Gonti, Lord of Luxury | Control and disruption | Exile and steal mechanics | Disruption-oriented | Less focus on damage output |
Understanding the Grand Larceny Deck
Commanders and Their Roles
The Grand Larceny deck features two commanders: Gonti, Canny Acquisitor and Felix Five-Boots. Gonti’s ability to reduce the cost of spells you don’t own while allowing you to play cards from opponents’ libraries creates a unique playstyle focused on stealing and playing opponents’ resources. Conversely, Felix enhances trigger effects from combat damage, increasing the effectiveness of your strategies.
Key Creatures
The creature base in the Grand Larceny deck is crucial for executing its strategies. Notable inclusions like Shadowmage Infiltrator and Thief of Sanity provide evasion and card advantage. Creatures with menace and flying are particularly effective in ensuring combat damage reaches opponents, triggering Gonti’s ability to steal cards.
Spell Selection
Spells in this deck complement its creature strategies and enhance its ability to control the board. Cards like Villainous Wealth and Chaos Wand allow for additional theft of resources, while spells such as Feed the Swarm and Putrefy provide essential removal options. The deck’s spell suite is designed to maximize value while maintaining pressure on opponents.
Land Base
The land configuration includes various utility lands that aid in mana fixing and spell casting. Command Tower and Opulent Palace ensure access to your primary colors, while cards like Reliquary Tower help in managing card advantage by allowing you to hold extra cards in hand. This diverse land base supports the deck’s color identity while maintaining flexibility in play.
Synergies and Combos
Grand Larceny thrives on creature synergies. Using Felix Five-Boots to double the triggers from Gonti allows for explosive turns where you can steal multiple cards in one combat phase. The deck can also leverage creatures that have additional benefits when dealing damage, resulting in a dynamic playstyle that keeps opponents on their toes.
Upgrading Your Grand Larceny Deck
Strategies for Improvement
While the Grand Larceny deck is solid, there are numerous avenues for improvement. Consider adding more evasion creatures to ensure consistent damage output. Cards like Whispering Snitch and Nightveil Specter can help maintain pressure while providing additional card advantage.
Enhancing the Mana Base
Improving the mana base can significantly enhance the deck’s performance. Adding more dual lands or fetch lands can help ensure that you consistently have access to the colors you need. Cards like Fabled Passage and Watery Grave are excellent additions to provide reliable mana sources.
Additional Tech Choices
Consider including cards that provide additional card draw or filtering. Options like Rhystic Study or Mystic Remora can significantly increase card advantage and keep your hand full of options. Additionally, spells that allow you to manipulate your opponents’ libraries can further enhance Gonti’s theft capabilities.
Meta Considerations
Tailor your deck to your local meta. If you frequently face aggressive decks, consider adding more defensive creatures or spells that can help stabilize your board. Conversely, if you face heavier control strategies, consider tech choices that allow you to break through board stalls.
Technical Features of the Grand Larceny Deck
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Blue (Sultai) |
| Primary Strategy | Stealing and controlling opponents’ resources |
| Commander | Gonti, Canny Acquisitor |
| Backup Commander | Felix Five-Boots |
| Creature Count | 37 |
| Spell Count | 25 |
| Land Count | 38 |
| Average CMC | 3.4 |
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Conclusion
The Grand Larceny Commander deck offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience centered around card theft and combat damage. With strategic commanders, a well-rounded creature base, and a flexible mana configuration, this deck is poised for both casual and competitive play. Upgrading your deck with additional evasion creatures, enhancing the mana base, and tailoring your strategy to your local meta can elevate your gameplay experience further.
FAQ
What is the primary strategy of the Grand Larceny deck?
The Grand Larceny deck focuses on stealing cards from opponents’ libraries while dealing combat damage. The primary commanders, Gonti, Canny Acquisitor and Felix Five-Boots, support this strategy through their unique abilities.
Who are the key commanders for this deck?
The key commanders are Gonti, Canny Acquisitor, who allows you to cast spells you don’t own for a reduced cost, and Felix Five-Boots, who doubles triggers from your creatures dealing combat damage.
How can I improve the Grand Larceny deck?
You can improve the deck by adding more evasion creatures, enhancing the mana base with dual lands, and including additional card draw options to maintain hand size and resource availability.
What types of creatures are best for this deck?
Creatures with evasion abilities such as flying or menace are ideal, as they help ensure combat damage reaches opponents. Cards like Shadowmage Infiltrator and Thief of Sanity fit this role well.
What spells should I include in the Grand Larceny deck?
In addition to creature spells, include removal options like Feed the Swarm and Putrefy, as well as spells that allow you to manipulate opponents’ resources, such as Villainous Wealth and Chaos Wand.
How does the mana base affect the deck’s performance?
A well-constructed mana base ensures consistent access to the colors needed to cast spells and use abilities effectively. Adding dual lands and fetch lands can improve color fixing significantly.
What are some notable synergies in the Grand Larceny deck?
Key synergies involve using Felix Five-Boots to double Gonti’s triggers, allowing for multiple card thefts in a single turn. Additionally, creatures that benefit from dealing damage can enhance overall strategy.
Is this deck suitable for competitive play?
Yes, the Grand Larceny deck can be competitive, especially if optimally tuned to your local meta. It offers strong late-game potential and powerful card advantage mechanics.
How does the Grand Larceny deck perform against aggressive strategies?
While it can handle aggressive strategies with the right defensive spells and creatures, it may struggle without proper board control. Including additional defensive options can help stabilize against aggressive decks.
Where can I find more resources and decklists for Grand Larceny?
You can explore resources and decklists for Grand Larceny on platforms like moxfield.com, edhrec.com, and www.tcgplayer.com for additional insights and strategies.