Radical idea: what if I show kiln fiend game 1, but remove most kiln fiends for game 2? The opponent will put in more lightning types of removals. So I can put in 4 whirlwind adepts, maybe a couple more elusive spellfists, and more land. The land helps get me to nivix faster and whirlwind eventually. How would that go?

Alternatively, what if I just have kiln fiend deck be more creature heavy in general? I would need to make sure to have many many instants with flashback.

I did try one game like this and didn't like what I saw. Too many lands, too few instants. Diluted the regular deck concept.


Electrickery is a must vs token decks, eldrazi, etc.

Not completely sold on apostle's blessing. It costs 2 life in addition to the 1 mana, and I only get to use it once.

Defy gravity also costs one but I get to use it twice. It offers no protection, but in many cases there will be creatures that can block a flyer. Perhaps Defy gravity and apostle blessing can be subbed for each other with sideboard depending on whether there are flyers?

The great thing with flashback is it means I can get away with less instants/sorceries, and therefore have more creatures. It also means I'll have less need for card manipulation - perhaps even none at all. And when milled (or more likely) forced to discard, I can at least get one use by cards with flashback.

So how to protect kiln fiend? Here's a couple possibilities:

Brute Force! This can be used for offense or (if needed) defense. The only thing not to like is that it doesn't have flashback.

Robe of mirrors

Clout of the Dominus (only protects my other 3 creatures that have blue in them)


Weird notes:

Martyr of Ashes is one of the best pauper board wipes. Not sure it fits with this deck but clearly it fits with something!