It might not be obvious from the final standings, but Bant Ramp actually underperformed last week. The deck was a large portion of the overall metagame across MTG Arena and Magic Online this past weekend, but only put up a few results in the multiple large tournaments on Saturday and Sunday. It lead Yoman5 to move Bant Ramp to "Decks People Will Play, but Shouldn't," and summarize his thinking like this:
While Bant Ramp contains many of the most powerful cards in Standard, it's no longer one of the best decks. There's definitely a floor on how "bad" Bant Ramp can be with cards this powerful, but Temur Reclamation has garnered an edge in the head-to-head, and the aggressive new top tier of decks is all unfavorable matchups.
No matter how "good" your cards are, you shouldn't play a deck that's unfavored against all three of the top decks. Elspeth Conquers Death isn't what it once was, and Ugin isn't great against the top decks. Bant Ramp warped the format around itself, and the resulting metagame is incredibly hostile.
While I don't agree with the conclusion, this is more than just a hot take; I think that Adam's reasoning has a fairly solid basis.
The Bant decks people were playing are no longer well positioned. The cards it was leaning on—Shatter the Sky, Elspeth Conquers Death and Ugin, the Spirit Dragon—aren't at their best right now. Stonecoil Serpent on its own makes the latter two pretty worthless at their job, and having to Shatter the Sky every Stonecoil Serpent is a losing proposition when most every threat from Mono-Green Aggro is capable of ending the game so quickly.
Meanwhile, Temur Reclamation has shown it can be built in multiple ways to disrupt the months-old plan of "just resolve Teferi, Time Raveler." The matchup still is very close, but adopting Nissa, Who Shakes the World to go along with Shark Typhoon means that Temur Rec suddenly has ways pull off a large Expansion // Explosion through a Teferi, Time Raveler without Wilderness Reclamation.
Where I disagree with Adam, though, is that Bant is dead. Yes, this version of Bant is dead, but needing to change and adapt to the metagame isn't just a good thing, it's a huge component of what makes good formats good.
Bant has too many format staples and high-power cards to simply die off. With three colors of practically perfect mana, there are multiple ways to build the deck, not just the one that we've seen for a couple weeks. The trick is identifying why it's not working as we've seen it.
Most of the Bant lists that I've seen the past few weeks have been similar to the list I played last week looking at the Bant vs Jund Sacrifice matchup. It plays Growth Spiral and Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath as ways to ramp while still triggering Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse's token making ability. It plays a pile of planeswalkers to take over the game, from Teferi, Time Raveler up the curve to Ugin, the Spirit Dragon, including Teferi, Master of Time for flexibility and triggering Jolrael. It has Shark Typhoon because it's phenomenal against everyone but aggro decks and (in theory), ties everything else together, taking advantage of ramp, Nissa, Who Shakes the World's Mana Flare passive, and Jolrael. Elspeth Conquers Death provides both an answer to opponents' problematic permanents and a way to bring back all of the powerful creatures and planeswalkers above.
This breaks down, though, on a closer examination of the deck. Growth Spiral is a powerful card because of its ability to practically Time Walk an opponent in the early game, skipping from turn two to turn four. But this competes to some degree with Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse, who doesn't benefit from a Growth Spiral played the turn before or earlier in the turn, meaning that far too often there's a tension between ramping and trying to put Jolrael into play first. The list is an Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath deck, but there aren't actually that many ways to escape him. The deck has Fabled Passage, Growth Spiral and Shark Typhoon that tend to end up in the graveyard, a handful of other cards like Aether Gust and Dovin's Veto, and then… a lot of creatures and planeswalkers that you want to bring back with Elspeth Conquers Death.
The deck also only has a couple ways to get ahead on cards, and they're both Hydroid Krasis. Everything else is card-neutral. While that's fine in the abstract, paying six mana to activate a Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse with two cards in hand isn't actually that impressive. Multiple times the past week I've watched Bant players (myself included) hold on to lands rather than putting them into play so that Jolrael's ability will do anything relevant.
And for how many cards it has that require six or more mana to really be impressive, the deck really relies on hitting all its land drops just off those cantrips. With so many ways to ramp that only work if there's already land in hand, once the deck runs out of lands in hand, Bant's advantage starts to evaporate.
All of this adds up to a deck that's functional, but not optimized. It's trying to do too many things without considering how those pieces actually fit together.
It's not a coincidence that the two Bant Ramp decks that did well this weekend did not look like the ones that saw success the week before:
Magic: The Gathering TCG Deck - Bant Ramp by Mani Davoudi
'Bant Ramp' - constructed deck list and prices for the Magic: The Gathering Trading Card Game from TCGplayer Infinite!
Created By: Mani Davoudi
Event: Red Bull Untapped International Qualifier II
Rank: 3rd-4th
Standard
Market Price: $428.80
Plains
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235540_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {W}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/plains-366
Fabled Passage
Market Price: $9.45
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215556_200w.jpg
{T}, Sacrifice Fabled Passage: Search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library. Then if you control four or more lands, untap that land.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/fabled-passage
Growth Spiral
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $0.43
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/227368_200w.jpg
Draw a card. You may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-legends/growth-spiral
Shatter the Sky
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.27
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207069_200w.jpg
Each player who controls a creature with power 4 or greater draws a card. Then destroy all creatures.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/shatter-the-sky
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $0.36
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215534_200w.jpg
Whenever you draw your second card each turn, create a 2/2 green Cat creature token.
{4}{G}{G}: Until end of turn, creatures you control have base power and toughness X/X, where X is the number of cards in your hand.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/jolrael-mwonvuli-recluse
Ugin, the Spirit Dragon
Market Price: $30.19
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215338_200w.jpg
+2: Ugin, the Spirit Dragon deals 3 damage to any target. −X: Exile each permanent with converted mana cost X or less that's one or more colors. −10: You gain 7 life, draw seven cards, then put up to seven permanent cards from your hand onto the battlefield.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/ugin-the-spirit-dragon
Opt
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.17
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215840_200w.jpg
Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.) Draw a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/opt
Dovin's Veto
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $1.50
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/187186_200w.jpg
This spell can't be countered. Counter target noncreature spell.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/dovins-veto
Hallowed Fountain
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $7.90
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182831_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {W} or {U}.)
As Hallowed Fountain enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/hallowed-fountain
Forest
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $3.99
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235548_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/forest-374
Breeding Pool
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $22.32
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182842_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G} or {U}.)
As Breeding Pool enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/breeding-pool
Temple Garden
Color Identity:G,W
Market Price: $11.95
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/175203_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G} or {W}.)
As Temple Garden enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/guilds-of-ravnica/temple-garden
Hydroid Krasis
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $14.30
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182840_200w.jpg
When you cast this spell, you gain half X life and draw half X cards. Round down each time. Flying, trample Hydroid Krasis enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/hydroid-krasis
Llanowar Visionary
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $0.26
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215462_200w.jpg
When Llanowar Visionary enters the battlefield, draw a card.
{T}: Add {G}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/llanowar-visionary
Temple of Mystery
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/236345_200w.jpg
Temple of Mystery enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Mystery enters the battlefield, scry 1.
{T}: Add {G} or {U}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-2021/temple-of-mystery
Devout Decree
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.07
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/192525_200w.jpg
Exile target creature or planeswalker that's black or red. Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2020/devout-decree
Mystical Dispute
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.37
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/198683_200w.jpg
This spell costs {2} less to cast if it targets a blue spell.
Counter target spell unless its controller pays {3}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/mystical-dispute
Brazen Borrower // Petty Theft
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $13.16
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/199387_200w.jpg
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/brazen-borrower
Island
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235542_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {U}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/island-368
Shark Typhoon
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $8.14
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/212133_200w.jpg
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, create an X/X blue Shark creature token with flying, where X is that spell's converted mana cost.
Cycling {X}{1}{U} ({X}{1}{U}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)
When you cycle Shark Typhoon, create an X/X blue Shark creature token with flying.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ikoria-lair-of-behemoths/shark-typhoon
Sublime Epiphany
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $2.74
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215698_200w.jpg
Choose one or more — • Counter target spell. • Counter target activated or triggered ability. • Return target nonland permanent to its owner's hand. • Create a token that's a copy of target creature you control. • Target player draws a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/sublime-epiphany
Aether Gust
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.66
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/192535_200w.jpg
Choose target spell or permanent that's red or green. Its owner puts it on the top or bottom of their library.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2020/aether-gust
Castle Vantress
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.88
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/199284_200w.jpg
Castle Vantress enters the battlefield tapped unless you control an Island.
{T}: Add {U}.
{2}{U}{U}, {T}: Scry 2.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/castle-vantress
Teferi, Time Raveler
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $12.93
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/187194_200w.jpg
Each opponent can cast spells only any time they could cast a sorcery. +1: Until your next turn, you may cast sorcery spells as though they had flash. −3: Return up to one target artifact, creature, or enchantment to its owner's hand. Draw a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/teferi-time-raveler
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $18.75
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206836_200w.jpg
When Uro enters the battlefield, sacrifice it unless it escaped.
Whenever Uro enters the battlefield or attacks, you gain 3 life and draw a card, then you may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Escape—{G}{G}{U}{U}, Exile five other cards from your graveyard. (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its escape cost.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/uro-titan-of-natures-wrath
Elspeth Conquers Death
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.78
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207052_200w.jpg
(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after III.)
I — Exile target permanent an opponent controls with converted mana cost 3 or greater.
II — Noncreature spells your opponents cast cost {2} more to cast until your next turn.
III — Return target creature or planeswalker card from your graveyard to the battlefield. Put a +1/+1 counter or a loyalty counter on it.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/elspeth-conquers-death
Nissa, Who Shakes the World
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $7.03
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/188415_200w.jpg
Whenever you tap a Forest for mana, add an additional {G}.
+1: Put three +1/+1 counters on up to one target noncreature land you control. Untap it. It becomes a 0/0 Elemental creature with vigilance and haste that's still a land.
−8: You get an emblem with "Lands you control have indestructible." Search your library for any number of Forest cards, put them onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/nissa-who-shakes-the-world
Temple of Enlightenment
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $0.25
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206634_200w.jpg
Temple of Enlightenment enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Enlightenment enters the battlefield, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)
{T}: Add {W} or {U}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/temple-of-enlightenment
Scavenging Ooze
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $0.48
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215695_200w.jpg
{G}: Exile target card from a graveyard. If it was a creature card, put a +1/+1 counter on Scavenging Ooze and you gain 1 life.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/scavenging-ooze
Baneslayer Angel
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $2.39
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215372_200w.jpg
Flying, first strike, lifelink, protection from Demons and from Dragons
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/baneslayer-angel
Magic: The Gathering TCG Deck - Bant Ramp by Noam Zimet
'Bant Ramp' - constructed deck list and prices for the Magic: The Gathering Trading Card Game from TCGplayer Infinite!
Created By: Noam Zimet
Event: SCG Championship Qualifier 3
Rank: 1st
Standard
Market Price: $491.00
Shark Typhoon
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $8.14
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/212133_200w.jpg
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, create an X/X blue Shark creature token with flying, where X is that spell's converted mana cost.
Cycling {X}{1}{U} ({X}{1}{U}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)
When you cycle Shark Typhoon, create an X/X blue Shark creature token with flying.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ikoria-lair-of-behemoths/shark-typhoon
Forest
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $3.99
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235548_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/forest-374
Aether Gust
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.66
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/192535_200w.jpg
Choose target spell or permanent that's red or green. Its owner puts it on the top or bottom of their library.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2020/aether-gust
Temple Garden
Color Identity:G,W
Market Price: $11.95
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/175203_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G} or {W}.)
As Temple Garden enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/guilds-of-ravnica/temple-garden
Hallowed Fountain
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $7.90
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182831_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {W} or {U}.)
As Hallowed Fountain enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/hallowed-fountain
Elspeth Conquers Death
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.78
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207052_200w.jpg
(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after III.)
I — Exile target permanent an opponent controls with converted mana cost 3 or greater.
II — Noncreature spells your opponents cast cost {2} more to cast until your next turn.
III — Return target creature or planeswalker card from your graveyard to the battlefield. Put a +1/+1 counter or a loyalty counter on it.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/elspeth-conquers-death
Temple of Mystery
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/236345_200w.jpg
Temple of Mystery enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Mystery enters the battlefield, scry 1.
{T}: Add {G} or {U}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-2021/temple-of-mystery
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $18.75
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206836_200w.jpg
When Uro enters the battlefield, sacrifice it unless it escaped.
Whenever Uro enters the battlefield or attacks, you gain 3 life and draw a card, then you may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Escape—{G}{G}{U}{U}, Exile five other cards from your graveyard. (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its escape cost.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/uro-titan-of-natures-wrath
Shatter the Sky
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.27
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207069_200w.jpg
Each player who controls a creature with power 4 or greater draws a card. Then destroy all creatures.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/shatter-the-sky
Ketria Triome
Color Identity:G,R,U
Market Price: $11.57
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/212697_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G}, {U}, or {R}.)
Ketria Triome enters the battlefield tapped.
Cycling {3} ({3}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ikoria-lair-of-behemoths/ketria-triome
Island
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235542_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {U}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/island-368
Dovin's Veto
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $1.50
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/187186_200w.jpg
This spell can't be countered. Counter target noncreature spell.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/dovins-veto
Teferi, Time Raveler
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $12.93
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/187194_200w.jpg
Each opponent can cast spells only any time they could cast a sorcery. +1: Until your next turn, you may cast sorcery spells as though they had flash. −3: Return up to one target artifact, creature, or enchantment to its owner's hand. Draw a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/teferi-time-raveler
Fabled Passage
Market Price: $9.45
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215556_200w.jpg
{T}, Sacrifice Fabled Passage: Search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library. Then if you control four or more lands, untap that land.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/fabled-passage
Mystical Dispute
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.37
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/198683_200w.jpg
This spell costs {2} less to cast if it targets a blue spell.
Counter target spell unless its controller pays {3}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/mystical-dispute
Glass Casket
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.17
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/199004_200w.jpg
When Glass Casket enters the battlefield, exile target creature an opponent controls with converted mana cost 3 or less until Glass Casket leaves the battlefield.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/glass-casket
Plains
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235540_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {W}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/plains-366
Hydroid Krasis
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $14.30
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182840_200w.jpg
When you cast this spell, you gain half X life and draw half X cards. Round down each time. Flying, trample Hydroid Krasis enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/hydroid-krasis
Breeding Pool
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $22.32
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182842_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G} or {U}.)
As Breeding Pool enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/breeding-pool
Nissa, Who Shakes the World
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $7.03
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/188415_200w.jpg
Whenever you tap a Forest for mana, add an additional {G}.
+1: Put three +1/+1 counters on up to one target noncreature land you control. Untap it. It becomes a 0/0 Elemental creature with vigilance and haste that's still a land.
−8: You get an emblem with "Lands you control have indestructible." Search your library for any number of Forest cards, put them onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/nissa-who-shakes-the-world
Temple of Plenty
Color Identity:G,W
Market Price: $1.19
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206636_200w.jpg
Temple of Plenty enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Plenty enters the battlefield, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)
{T}: Add {G} or {W}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/temple-of-plenty
Growth Spiral
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $0.43
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/227368_200w.jpg
Draw a card. You may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-legends/growth-spiral
Brazen Borrower // Petty Theft
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $13.16
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/199387_200w.jpg
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/brazen-borrower
Dream Trawler
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $0.22
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207050_200w.jpg
Flying, lifelink Whenever you draw a card, Dream Trawler gets +1/+0 until end of turn. Whenever Dream Trawler attacks, draw a card. Discard a card: Dream Trawler gains hexproof until end of turn. Tap it.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/dream-trawler
Temple of Enlightenment
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $0.25
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206634_200w.jpg
Temple of Enlightenment enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Enlightenment enters the battlefield, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)
{T}: Add {W} or {U}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/temple-of-enlightenment
Mani Davoudi (Zapgaze) dominated the Red Bull Untapped Qualifier with a list that, I believe, was popularized by Arena players McWinSauce and Kannister. Cut the Teferi, Master of Time, shave on the top end, and make room for Opt and countermagic to play less of a tapout game and more of a tempo one. It also lets the deck play fewer than 29 lands to hit its land drops, as there are actually ways to filter the wrong type of cards out in the early game.
Noam Zimet went the opposite way, back to the tried-and-true method of fully embracing the haymakers by cutting Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse to play more Nissa, Who Shakes the World, Aether Gust and Hydroid Krasis instead. Ugin, the Spirit Dragon notably also got the cut as not pulling its weight in a format of low-to-the-ground aggro decks and blue control decks.
Both of them picked a function of the deck and embraced it, rather than splitting the focus across multiple ideas. Both were rewarded for it.
Realistically, I think that both are reasonable choices for going forward: safe, strong, and obviously proven, even on a weekend where the archetype otherwise underperformed. But I think there's one other step neither deck really took.
I have two major frustrations with every Bant deck I've played lately. One, I miss land drops. Two, most of the cards cantrip, and few actually get ahead on cards.
Enter Cultivate.
One of the more hyped cards of M21 at first, attention seems to have moved away from Cultivate. The green Divination apparently doesn't capture Bant players' attention any more in a format that is defined by Growth Spiral and Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath… somehow. The Sultai players have certainly picked it up, because it works incredibly well both as a ramp spell, a way to hit the future land drops these decks need to make, and as fuel for Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath. And what is Bant but the better version of Sultai anyway?
Magic: The Gathering TCG Deck - Bant Ramp by Nick Prince
'Bant Ramp' - constructed deck list and prices for the Magic: The Gathering Trading Card Game from TCGplayer Infinite!
Created By: Nick Prince
Event:
Rank:
Standard
Market Price: $491.97
Plains
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235540_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {W}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/plains-366
Island
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235542_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {U}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/island-368
Shatter the Sky
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.27
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207069_200w.jpg
Each player who controls a creature with power 4 or greater draws a card. Then destroy all creatures.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/shatter-the-sky
Hydroid Krasis
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $14.30
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182840_200w.jpg
When you cast this spell, you gain half X life and draw half X cards. Round down each time. Flying, trample Hydroid Krasis enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/hydroid-krasis
Mystical Dispute
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.37
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/198683_200w.jpg
This spell costs {2} less to cast if it targets a blue spell.
Counter target spell unless its controller pays {3}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/mystical-dispute
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $18.75
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206836_200w.jpg
When Uro enters the battlefield, sacrifice it unless it escaped.
Whenever Uro enters the battlefield or attacks, you gain 3 life and draw a card, then you may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Escape—{G}{G}{U}{U}, Exile five other cards from your graveyard. (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its escape cost.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/uro-titan-of-natures-wrath
Nissa, Who Shakes the World
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $7.03
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/188415_200w.jpg
Whenever you tap a Forest for mana, add an additional {G}.
+1: Put three +1/+1 counters on up to one target noncreature land you control. Untap it. It becomes a 0/0 Elemental creature with vigilance and haste that's still a land.
−8: You get an emblem with "Lands you control have indestructible." Search your library for any number of Forest cards, put them onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/nissa-who-shakes-the-world
Narset, Parter of Veils
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $1.33
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/188705_200w.jpg
Each opponent can't draw more than one card each turn. −2: Look at the top four cards of your library. You may reveal a noncreature, nonland card from among them and put it into your hand. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/narset-parter-of-veils
Aether Gust
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.66
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/192535_200w.jpg
Choose target spell or permanent that's red or green. Its owner puts it on the top or bottom of their library.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2020/aether-gust
Forest
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $3.99
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235548_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/forest-374
Elder Gargaroth
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $16.54
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215477_200w.jpg
Vigilance, reach, trample Whenever Elder Gargaroth attacks or blocks, choose one — • Create a 3/3 green Beast creature token. • You gain 3 life. • Draw a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/elder-gargaroth
Dovin's Veto
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $1.50
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/187186_200w.jpg
This spell can't be countered. Counter target noncreature spell.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/dovins-veto
Narset's Reversal
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $6.52
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/188708_200w.jpg
Copy target instant or sorcery spell, then return it to its owner's hand. You may choose new targets for the copy.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/narsets-reversal
Fabled Passage
Market Price: $9.45
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215556_200w.jpg
{T}, Sacrifice Fabled Passage: Search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library. Then if you control four or more lands, untap that land.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/fabled-passage
Cultivate
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $0.77
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/227333_200w.jpg
Search your library for up to two basic land cards, reveal those cards, and put one onto the battlefield tapped and the other into your hand. Then shuffle your library.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-legends/cultivate
Elspeth Conquers Death
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.78
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207052_200w.jpg
(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after III.)
I — Exile target permanent an opponent controls with converted mana cost 3 or greater.
II — Noncreature spells your opponents cast cost {2} more to cast until your next turn.
III — Return target creature or planeswalker card from your graveyard to the battlefield. Put a +1/+1 counter or a loyalty counter on it.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/elspeth-conquers-death
Wilt
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $0.20
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/212274_200w.jpg
Destroy target artifact or enchantment.
Cycling {2} ({2}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ikoria-lair-of-behemoths/wilt
Breeding Pool
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $22.32
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182842_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G} or {U}.)
As Breeding Pool enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/breeding-pool
Growth Spiral
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $0.43
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/227368_200w.jpg
Draw a card. You may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-legends/growth-spiral
Temple Garden
Color Identity:G,W
Market Price: $11.95
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/175203_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G} or {W}.)
As Temple Garden enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/guilds-of-ravnica/temple-garden
Teferi, Time Raveler
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $12.93
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/187194_200w.jpg
Each opponent can cast spells only any time they could cast a sorcery. +1: Until your next turn, you may cast sorcery spells as though they had flash. −3: Return up to one target artifact, creature, or enchantment to its owner's hand. Draw a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/teferi-time-raveler
Hallowed Fountain
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $7.90
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182831_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {W} or {U}.)
As Hallowed Fountain enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/hallowed-fountain
Shark Typhoon
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $8.14
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/212133_200w.jpg
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, create an X/X blue Shark creature token with flying, where X is that spell's converted mana cost.
Cycling {X}{1}{U} ({X}{1}{U}, Discard this card: Draw a card.)
When you cycle Shark Typhoon, create an X/X blue Shark creature token with flying.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ikoria-lair-of-behemoths/shark-typhoon
Temple of Enlightenment
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $0.25
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206634_200w.jpg
Temple of Enlightenment enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Enlightenment enters the battlefield, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)
{T}: Add {W} or {U}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/temple-of-enlightenment
Temple of Mystery
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/236345_200w.jpg
Temple of Mystery enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Mystery enters the battlefield, scry 1.
{T}: Add {G} or {U}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-2021/temple-of-mystery
When I wasn't lamenting the loss of my beloved Field of the Dead and Nexus of Fate combination in Historic, I played a couple dozen games of Bant on ladder looking for ways to include Cultivate to lower the land count a little and up the number of basic lands. If there's one thing I want substantially less of in a format where aggro is on the rise, it's enters-the-battlefield-tapped lands like the Triomes and Temples. I still play a couple, but I've been increasingly tempted to replace the Temple of Enlightenment and Temple of Mystery with one more each of basic Plains and basic Island, just to make late-game Cultivate more likely to get even one land.
This deck feels like a return to the bread and butter of Bant Ramp and what made it great in the first place six months ago. It has a fairly singular focus: win by playing the highest quality card possible, frequently a massive Hydroid Krasis or a Shark Typhoon. Its pre-sideboard plan is effectively just to win on pure card quality, but post-board it gets to transform to whichever plan will be most effective: countermagic control, or Wrath of God followed up by Unbeatable Life Gain Monster control in the form of Elder Gargaroth.
The biggest chungus is a card people are sleeping on somehow. Unless they have exactly Primal Might or Ram Through against a deck that otherwise is light on creatures, Elder Gargaroth is basically impossible to attack through. It blocks (most) Stonecoil Serpents and every other threat out of Mono-Green Aggro, and worst-case scenario dies to a Questing Beast in combat. Otherwise, it outsizes everything and generates value on both attacks and blocks. How does an aggro deck beat a 6/6 that threatens to make multiple 3/3s every turn, or draw cards without even dealing damage? This is to say nothing of the fact that it actually ends games in short order, especially in combination with a big Hydroid Krasis the next turn.
While I don't love Shatter the Sky, I do think that it's a bit of a necessary evil right now. I'd much rather have better options in the maindeck, but there are a few too many angles to have to fight right now to give up Shatter completely. Considering I think the ceiling has already been found on Mono-Green Aggro, I don't think this will be true forever, and there will be time to change this slot to something that pulls a bit more double duty.
I will note that I shift cards in this deck every couple games. I'm not sure if there is a "correct" build so much as a "build your most comfortable with." It epitomizes the embarrassment of riches that Bant finds itself in: the pool of cards is unfathomably deep, and they can be combined in many ways.
One such example I found that feels like it has potential is a deck that's a blend of Bant Flash and Bant Ramp:
Magic: The Gathering TCG Deck - Bant Ambusher by Nick Prince
'Bant Ambusher' - constructed deck list and prices for the Magic: The Gathering Trading Card Game from TCGplayer Infinite!
Created By: Nick Prince
Event:
Rank:
Standard
Market Price: $469.30
Forest
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $3.99
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235548_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/forest-374
Nissa, Who Shakes the World
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $7.03
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/188415_200w.jpg
Whenever you tap a Forest for mana, add an additional {G}.
+1: Put three +1/+1 counters on up to one target noncreature land you control. Untap it. It becomes a 0/0 Elemental creature with vigilance and haste that's still a land.
−8: You get an emblem with "Lands you control have indestructible." Search your library for any number of Forest cards, put them onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/nissa-who-shakes-the-world
Temple Garden
Color Identity:G,W
Market Price: $11.95
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/175203_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G} or {W}.)
As Temple Garden enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/guilds-of-ravnica/temple-garden
Hydroid Krasis
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $14.30
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182840_200w.jpg
When you cast this spell, you gain half X life and draw half X cards. Round down each time. Flying, trample Hydroid Krasis enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/hydroid-krasis
Island
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235542_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {U}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/island-368
Mystical Dispute
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.37
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/198683_200w.jpg
This spell costs {2} less to cast if it targets a blue spell.
Counter target spell unless its controller pays {3}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/mystical-dispute
Cultivate
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $0.77
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/227333_200w.jpg
Search your library for up to two basic land cards, reveal those cards, and put one onto the battlefield tapped and the other into your hand. Then shuffle your library.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-legends/cultivate
Heliod's Intervention
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $2.68
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207075_200w.jpg
Choose one — • Destroy X target artifacts and/or enchantments. • Target player gains twice X life.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/heliods-intervention
Elder Gargaroth
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $16.54
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215477_200w.jpg
Vigilance, reach, trample Whenever Elder Gargaroth attacks or blocks, choose one — • Create a 3/3 green Beast creature token. • You gain 3 life. • Draw a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/elder-gargaroth
Brazen Borrower // Petty Theft
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $13.16
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/199387_200w.jpg
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/throne-of-eldraine/brazen-borrower
Rewind
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.31
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215472_200w.jpg
Counter target spell. Untap up to four lands.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/rewind
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $18.75
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206836_200w.jpg
When Uro enters the battlefield, sacrifice it unless it escaped.
Whenever Uro enters the battlefield or attacks, you gain 3 life and draw a card, then you may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Escape—{G}{G}{U}{U}, Exile five other cards from your graveyard. (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its escape cost.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/uro-titan-of-natures-wrath
Temple of Mystery
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/236345_200w.jpg
Temple of Mystery enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Mystery enters the battlefield, scry 1.
{T}: Add {G} or {U}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-2021/temple-of-mystery
Nightpack Ambusher
Color Identity:G
Market Price: $0.28
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/192631_200w.jpg
Flash Other Wolves and Werewolves you control get +1/+1. At the beginning of your end step, if you didn't cast a spell this turn, create a 2/2 green Wolf creature token.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2020/nightpack-ambusher
Breeding Pool
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $22.32
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182842_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {G} or {U}.)
As Breeding Pool enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/breeding-pool
Plains
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.69
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/235540_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {W}.)Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/strixhaven-school-of-mages/plains-366
Hallowed Fountain
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $7.90
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/182831_200w.jpg
({T}: Add {W} or {U}.)
As Hallowed Fountain enters the battlefield, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters the battlefield tapped.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/ravnica-allegiance/hallowed-fountain
Temple of Enlightenment
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $0.25
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/206634_200w.jpg
Temple of Enlightenment enters the battlefield tapped.
When Temple of Enlightenment enters the battlefield, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)
{T}: Add {W} or {U}.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/temple-of-enlightenment
Aether Gust
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $0.66
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/192535_200w.jpg
Choose target spell or permanent that's red or green. Its owner puts it on the top or bottom of their library.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2020/aether-gust
Growth Spiral
Color Identity:G,U
Market Price: $0.43
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/227368_200w.jpg
Draw a card. You may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/commander-legends/growth-spiral
Dovin's Veto
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $1.50
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/187186_200w.jpg
This spell can't be countered. Counter target noncreature spell.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/dovins-veto
Teferi, Time Raveler
Color Identity:U,W
Market Price: $12.93
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/187194_200w.jpg
Each opponent can cast spells only any time they could cast a sorcery. +1: Until your next turn, you may cast sorcery spells as though they had flash. −3: Return up to one target artifact, creature, or enchantment to its owner's hand. Draw a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/teferi-time-raveler
Fabled Passage
Market Price: $9.45
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215556_200w.jpg
{T}, Sacrifice Fabled Passage: Search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library. Then if you control four or more lands, untap that land.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/fabled-passage
Elspeth Conquers Death
Color Identity:W
Market Price: $0.78
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/207052_200w.jpg
(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after III.)
I — Exile target permanent an opponent controls with converted mana cost 3 or greater.
II — Noncreature spells your opponents cast cost {2} more to cast until your next turn.
III — Return target creature or planeswalker card from your graveyard to the battlefield. Put a +1/+1 counter or a loyalty counter on it.Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/theros-beyond-death/elspeth-conquers-death
Sublime Epiphany
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $2.74
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/215698_200w.jpg
Choose one or more — • Counter target spell. • Counter target activated or triggered ability. • Return target nonland permanent to its owner's hand. • Create a token that's a copy of target creature you control. • Target player draws a card.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/core-set-2021/sublime-epiphany
Narset, Parter of Veils
Color Identity:U
Market Price: $1.33
ImageURL: https://tcgplayer-cdn.tcgplayer.com/product/188705_200w.jpg
Each opponent can't draw more than one card each turn. −2: Look at the top four cards of your library. You may reveal a noncreature, nonland card from among them and put it into your hand. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.
Buy This Card! https://shop.tcgplayer.com/magic/war-of-the-spark/narset-parter-of-veils
I came to this by way of trying Simic Flash and deciding that ultimately, the deck was better including the white cards. Teferi, Time Raveler needs no introduction, but I've been extremely impressed by Dovin's Veto now in its last few months of Standard. With basically everyone— including the green aggro players—registering Nissa, Who Shakes the World, there's always an obvious target for the card in the matchup. If I thought that I could get away with playing more maindeck, I would in a heartbeat.
Instead this deck focuses on having some elements of countermagic, while focusing on an endgame that I'm absolutely loving as a concept right now: Nightpack Ambusher and Sublime Epiphany. Having Sublime Epiphany in hand with six mana and Nightpack Ambusher in play feels nearly unbeatable. Rewind complements the Nightpack Ambusher in obvious ways, but it's another synergy that people identified early on that feels like it's fallen to the wayside. Especially now with more aggressive decks around, the squeeze of whether to attack first or cast a spell first feels more relevant than ever.
If there's one other card I've been wanting more frequently also, it's Brazen Borrower. There's at least some chance that the card is going to make its way into the other Cultivate Bant list as a way to slow down Temur Reclamation, bounce Stonecoil Serpent, and make Primal Might dangerous into open mana. It sort of does everything you want against the top three decks right now, and is only a liability against Rakdos Sacrifice.
With more reason to work on this deck, I really don't see why I would move off of this archetype in the next few weeks. There's a lot of potential in deckbuilding to outmaneuver an opponent before the match ever starts simply by not showing up with last week's deck. Rather than give up on it, find a build that solves this week's problems instead of playing against last week's metagame, and crush them with that.