There was a period of time back in 2021 where Mono-White was a strong contender in B01 Arena with a deck that relied heavily on the Exile mechanic to control your opponent. I played the the deck quite a bit as it was fun to play and did quite well. It had a nice mana curve with Stonebinder’s Familiar able to kick things off on turn one, followed by Sungold Sentinel and then a number of options depending on the board state. 

Standard rotation came and the deck faded into obscurity. Almost. I still remember enjoying playing with this deck and have since tried a few things to make it relevant in Explorer B01. It has since morphed into a Boros deck that leverages Exile to keep my opponent on the back foot. I dusted the deck off today and took it for a spin.

Sadly, it did not fare very well. As it stands, its heydays are well and truly behind it. But I’m still toying with different cards to see if we can bring some of those glory days back. To be honest, I can’t recall why I moved it from mono-white to Boros but the additional colour does give some additional options.

Here is what the deck looks like right now with a 5-7 record in Explorer Play.

Deck
2 Ixalan’s Binding (XLN) 17
4 Stonebinder’s Familiar (STX) 31
4 Sungold Sentinel (MID) 37
4 Brutal Cathar (MID) 7
4 Kumano Faces Kakkazan (NEO) 152
2 The Wandering Emperor (NEO) 42
2 Robber of the Rich (ELD) 138
2 Reckless Impulse (VOW) 174
4 Obliterating Bolt (BRO) 145
2 Borrowed Time (MID) 6
2 Ossification (ONE) 26
2 Elspeth’s Smite (MOM) 13
2 Mentor of the Meek (M19) 27
8 Mountain (SIR) 288
10 Plains (SIR) 279
4 Needleverge Pathway (ZNR) 263
2 Sundown Pass (VOW) 266

Sideboard
2 Expel (STX) 18
2 Seal from Existence (MOM) 35
2 Lay Down Arms (BRO) 11
2 Nahiri’s Resolve (MAT) 37

I’ll keep everyone posted on any major breakthroughs with the deck!