Soldiering On

Perhaps it is intuitive: the most recent set, Brothers' War, features a lot of soldiers (32 cards, to be exact). These cards, combined with some staples from recent releases, have made soldiers a staple archetype in standard. Here are two decks I've enjoyed recently. Both are home brews, but influenced by net decks.

Deck 1: Azorius Soldier

A typical tribal deck. Brutal Cathar for removal, Valiant Veteran and Yotian Tactician to buff the soldiers, Skystrike Officer for card draw, Thalia to slow down an opponent's response. Late-game, Myrel can give you an army and Harbin can make your soldiers fly.

4 Recruitment Officer (BRO) 23

4 Yotian Frontliner (BRO) 42

4 Zephyr Sentinel (BRO) 74

3 Thalia, Guardian of Thraben (DKA) 24

4 Resolute Reinforcements (DMU) 29

4 Brutal Cathar (MID) 7

3 Valiant Veteran (DMU) 38

1 Siege Veteran (BRO) 25

2 Harbin, Vanguard Aviator (BRO) 212

3 Yotian Tactician (BRO) 228

3 Skystrike Officer (BRO) 62

2 Myrel, Shield of Argive (BRO) 18

11 Plains (BRO) 269

8 Island (BRO) 271

4 Deserted Beach (MID) 260

Deck 2: Boros Soldier/Warrior/Knight

This Boros offering focuses on Baird's ability to create soldiers. But that is conditional, so I include Fllaji Vanguard, Tori, and Sunrise Cavalier to make that more likely to trigger. Keldon Strike Team and Heroic Charge can be late game finishers. Though it lacks the card draw of deck 1, it is still effective.

3 Recruitment Officer (BRO) 23

3 Heroic Charge (DMU) 20

4 Keldon Strike Team (DMU) 136

4 Baird, Argivian Recruiter (DMU) 195

4 Sunrise Cavalier (MID) 244

2 Sacred Fire (MID) 239

4 Resolute Reinforcements (DMU) 29

4 Fallaji Vanguard (BRO) 210

2 Tori D'Avenant, Fury Rider (DMU) 223

3 Valiant Veteran (DMU) 38

4 Brutal Cathar (MID) 7

9 Plains (BRO) 269

8 Mountain (BRO) 275

4 Wind-Scarred Crag (NEO) 282

1 Battlefield Forge (BRO) 257

1 Sundown Pass (VOW) 266

Standard Soldier Staples

With white the common color, you would expect a few cards to be staples. Recruitment Officer, Resolute Reinforcements, Valiant Veteran, and Brutal Cathar all feature strongly in both decks.

If you are planning a standard soldier deck, build around these.