The Death and Taxes archetype in Legacy Magic: The Gathering is renowned for its resilient, consistent game plan. Its core strategy revolves around controlling the board with efficient creatures, taxing the opponent's actions, and eventually overwhelming them with a powerful, resilient clock. However, the optimal creature suite within the deck has been a subject of ongoing debate, particularly since the banning of Deathrite Shaman (DRS). This article will delve into the central conflict within the Death and Taxes metagame post-DRS: the choice between the stalwart Mirran Crusader and the increasingly popular Breitling (Thalia, Guardian of Thraben). While both contribute significantly to the deck's overall strategy, their strengths and weaknesses differ substantially, impacting deckbuilding decisions and overall gameplay.
The Mirran Crusader's Reign:
Before the DRS ban, Death and Taxes often prioritized creatures with high resilience and efficient stats. Mirran Crusader, with its protection from black and white, perfectly embodied this philosophy. Its ability to consistently trade favorably, especially against the ubiquitous Delver decks of the time (Sultai, Grixis, and even Maverick), made it a key component. Its strength lay in its ability to serve as both a disruptive element and a consistent clock. Against control strategies, the Crusader's evasion from key removal spells (like Fatal Push and Go for the Throat) often proved invaluable. Against aggressive decks, it could trade effectively while simultaneously pressuring the opponent's life total. The Crusader's efficiency, especially in the context of a board filled with other creatures and taxing effects, made it a powerful finisher, a "combo finisher" as some players describe it, often culminating in a swift victory.
Numerous resources, both online and in print, highlight the importance of Mirran Crusader in Death and Taxes lists. Posts on r/DeathAndTaxesMTG frequently discuss its merits, comparing it to other potential inclusions. Guides like "The Ultimate Guide to Death and Taxes" and Enevoldsens' comprehensive guide often feature it as a staple. Even budget Death and Taxes lists, aiming for affordability without sacrificing effectiveness, often retain the Crusader due to its power-to-cost ratio. Decks listed on sites like MTG Goldfish and in articles like "[Deck] Death and Taxes" and "Boros & Taxes (Legacy MTG Deck)" frequently include the Crusader, demonstrating its consistent presence in competitive builds. Discussions on forums like r/MTGLegacy, specifically in threads such as "Death & Taxes list?", further illustrate the ongoing relevance and debate surrounding its inclusion.
The Rise of Breitling:
The banning of DRS dramatically altered the Legacy metagame. The loss of early mana acceleration and graveyard hate significantly impacted the Death and Taxes strategy. This created an opportunity for cards that excelled in the new environment. Breitling (Thalia, Guardian of Thraben), while always a strong card in the archetype, saw its stock rise considerably. Her ability to tax opponents' spell costs, particularly those reliant on multiple mana, proved incredibly powerful in a metagame where DRS was no longer available to accelerate strategies. This significantly slowed down many decks, allowing Death and Taxes more time to establish its board presence and execute its game plan.
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