[Standard] Big Cats

[Smyth]

Big Cats

Despite this deck's tribal/zerg appeal, Game 1 of Big Cats relies on a midrange shell. Ideally the board starts with its early threats, mana-fixing on turn 1 and casting creatures or a Bestiary on turns 2 and 3.

Turn 4 is a pivotal turn, in which some combination of adding to the board, holding up protection or using a Cast Out takes place. It's a turn of instant-speed battle, and the results of Turn 4 often set the tone for the endgame.

Usually on Turn 5, there's a Regal Caracal to play, but if not, the deck is content to sit behind its board and create more threats, including the eternalized Adorned Pouncer.

In endgame, Scattered Groves and Scrounging Bandar both become more valuable, since they can be cashed in. Protection for Cat lords also gets more and more impactful as it gives tokens beefier bodies. Ajani Unyielding can filter cards and remove problem creatures to secure a win.

[nyra1118]

Try running Huatli, Radiant Champion and Cultivator of Blades. Not cats but they help finish the game in a go wide type strategy. Also Shalai would totally be great for this type of deck so they can’t kill Regal Caracal or Pride Sovereign.

[Smyth]

Huatli strikes me as a “win-more” card, not something that will help when I fall behind. Shalai is good (which is why she’s in the notes for when Dominaria is legal). The creatures get big enough without Cultivator. The real problem is that they’re not evasive.