• Nord Firebrand
• Markarth Bannerman
• Raiding Party
• Disciple of Namira
• Doomcrag Vampire

Nord Firebrand: This is what enables this deck to work. These 1/1s with Charge can be both removal (Doomcrag) and card draw (Disciple). While they are expendable, try to use them in a way which nets you some kind of bonus.

Markarth Bannerman: This card usually doesn’t stick around too long. Its 4 health means it dies to Lightning Bolt which your opponent always seems to have in hand (salt). Regardless of its less-than-immediate impact, if you’re able to successfully attack with this creature at least once, its done its job. If you get multiple attacks, you’re in a very strong position to win the game. With all the different things you can do with Firebrands in this deck, the 1/1s it generates will always lead to additional benefits.

Raiding Party: If this card shows up in your opening hand, keep it. When you play it, unless you really need to attack, its best to save the Firebrands it generates until you can maximize their utility.

Disciple Of Namira: This card makes each of your Firebrands into Rapid Shots. If your opponent has a Guard or just a creature you don’t like, run your Firebrands into it to draw more cards. These cards will often lead to you either generating more Firebrands. While previous iterations of the deck tried to buff the Firebrands and cycle them by sacrificing them repeatedly to draw more cards, this deck just out-values your opponent for the win. Its not unlikely to have drawn 15+ cards with Disciple in a game.

Doomcrag Warrior: This is a pretty self-explanatory one, use the Doomcrag with Firebrands and creatures that can ping for very efficient removal. Don’t be afraid to copy Doomcrag Warrior with Galyen, as they’re pretty vulnerable.

Outside of these key cards, just play this like a control deck. Pick off high value targets, don’t unnecessarily break runes unless you have a strong board presence, and don’t spill everything onto the board. This deck can take a single Firebrand and turn it into a full hand of cards, so keep some gas in the tank!

Here are my play tips from having played many games with the deck:

• Don’t waste your Firebrands attacking face unless you’re going for the kill.
• Your Bannerman will die if you just run it out when you opponent has a full hand. Try baiting with the Stormcloak Batallion. Its a big body that your opponent will try to remove.
• Due to rampant support removal, your necromancer’s amulets will be vulnerable. They’re a big reason why this deck is so strong. You can outlast absurd board states once you have a couple in play. Its best to play them when you anticipate that you’ll start churning through creatures soon.
• Make sure you won’t fill up your hand if you are generating cards. This deck often has a nearly full hand, so don’t be afraid to remove some unnecessary targets once you’ve started to secure the board.