Merfolk standard decks

[RowrosaurausRex]

I built these two Merfolk decks for standard, but I only want to buy one. Any suggestions as to which one I should buy? Also, recommendations to making them better would be great.

Option 1: Standard merfolk tribal
https://deckstats.net/decks/69802/807951-standard-merfolk-tribal

Option 2: Merfolk tribal (Ixalan)
https://deckstats.net/decks/69802/775941-merfolk-tribal-ixalan-

[Blacksheep436]

I think you could revise both decks a bit. Some thoughts when I look at your first deck:

1. Deeproot Waters isn't that good, or rather, hexproof on tokens isn't that good.

2. Remove Deeproot Champion, as you barely have any spells to buff him with.

3. I believe there are better options than Rishkar and Magosi.

4. Remove some cards that you don't need and add more duplicates of your core cards to make your deck more consistant.

Might look at your other deck another day. Cheers, and good job!

[Firegriff]

Four copies River Sneak to go with Deeproot Waters.  4 Prying Blade to equip on Sneak.  Free treasure every turn, tokens amp river sneak at twice the rate.

[CardAgain Sweater]

I like the first deck a little more than the 2nd. Herald of Secret streams begs to be put to use. I know it is high for your mana curve, but verdurous gearhulk seems an apt choice for the +1/+1 counter strategy, and I see you have durable handicraft.

Thanks for sharing your ideas; merfolk interest me after the set release, especially when one thinks about Rivals of Ixalan and more merfolk to come. They are a new tribe to me; what do you think are their best traits to exploit?

(Edited: spelling, card links)

[RowrosaurausRex]

Throughout Magic's history, merfolk have different variants of their strategies, but they are mostly about being unblockable. In this set, they use Herald of Secret Streams as a fulcrum, and they bolster each other by making +1/+1 counters. In other formats, like modern, Master of the Pearl Trident and Spreading Seas are used to make all of your merfolk unblockable.