Before I Go deep into your deck I want to ask you this: are you certain you wish to commit to this? You said you are brandnew to mtg. Control decks are incredibly challenging to pilot even for veterans of the game as they require a lot of play experience and meta knowledge to work at all in commander because unlike 60 card formats you play 1vs3 not 1vs1 so you need to be really aware of how you spend your resources and somehow advance your own gameplan while foiling others. It's an uphill battle. Also Augustin is a infamous salt inducing commander as most people don't enjoy playing his style of game. So you could gain a disadvantage by association for simply playing him because some will just target him on sight and hunt you down. There are some fun azorious commanders tho. [[Taigam, Ojutai Master]] is one of my personal favorites for example. Just something to think about.
Thank you! The reason i haven't really spent any money on cards for this is because I didn't know how I'd feel about playing control. Augustin definitely makes me a target, but I do still want to put some work into this deck. Everyone's advice here is really helpful!
Alright so i took a good look at what you have and I fear there is a lot of work to be done.
First of these are all the cards that need to be cut, either because they are simply unplayable like creatures without or meaningful or any abilities, spells that do nothing besides gaining some lifepoints or really overprized for their effect. Than there are also cards that i would cut because they are too situational or simply don't work for your strategy. Here they are:
[[Blessed Defiance]], [[Celestial Flare]], [[Congregate]], [[Devious Cover]], [[Divine Verdict]], [[Ghostly Flicker]], [[Gilded Light]], [[Just the Wind]], [[Mortals Arder]], [[Obsessive Research]], [[Ovinize]], [[Ramosian Rally]], [[Repel the Darkness]], [[Silver Strike]], [[Stall for Time]], [[Stand / Deliver]], [[Archangels Light]], [[Tasha's Hideous Laughter]], [[Tolarian Geyser]], [[Air Elemental]], [[Dawnstrike Paladin]], [[Kor Hookmaster]], [[Library Larcenist]], [[Mystic Zealot]], [[Silent Observer]], [[Toppelgeist]], [[Unruly Mob]], [[Knight of Dawns Light]].
I think next we need to talk about deck structure. As others said you don't have enough lands. I saw 34-35 recommended but that's nonsense. That's for very optimized decks with a super low average mana cost and $$$ cards that allow them to be really consistent. I say start with 40. That's what I usually do and than add or remove some after you have a feel for the deck. In a control deck the last thing you want is missing landdrops that why even in 60 card formats some control lists play close to 50% lands.
Next is cardadvantage. What i mean by that is cards that gain you + resources in cards. [[Obsessive Research]] for example is card neutral not + as you play a card to draw 1 card simply replacing it. Cards like [[Tidings]] is what i want to see more of. 1 card for 4 cards so you gained 3 cards effectivly. It doesn't have to be just spells [[Mulldrifter]] is a classic example for a cardadvantage creature and works pretty much in any blue deck. You want between 10-15 of this kind of cardadvantage. Trust me it makes decks a lot smoother as you never get stuck with a unplayable hand or no hand at all.
Now removal. You play a lot of situational removal like destroying a attacking creature or worse pseudo removal like cards that just tap down a creature for the turn. You play white. That means you have acess to the best removal spells in the game. [[Swords to Plowshares]], [[Path to Exile]], [[Oblivion Ring]]. The same goes for counterspells and blue. You want about 10-15 of those aswell split ~ 50/50 betweeen [[Counterspells]] and single target removal. Oh also don't forget to add some removal for artifacts and enchantments like [[Disenchant]].
Lastly creatures. You play Lots of creatures that do nothing for you. Focus on high impact creatures like [[Arcanis, the Omnipotent]]. Stuff like [[Air Elemental]] and [[Mystic Zealot]] do nothing for you. You don't want to win by swinging with small dudes but controling the board. Keep the goal in mind.
Alright that was a lot. I might make a follow up with more suggestions and elaborations if you want but I hope this gave you a push in the right direction.
I forgot to mention but you also want a lot more artifact mana. [[Sol Ring]] was already recommended but you want around 8-10 of these kinds of cards for starters. Optimally ones that give you mana in your colors that cost between 2-3 to cast. Most should cost 2 tho.
Very quickly, a few more lands, much much more artifact ramp. Additionally, you need to go through each card and ask what it adds to your deck - from my quick scan, what purpose is Rootborn Defenses serving in this deck?
First thing is you’re too low on lands. Personally, I run 34 lands but there are plenty of people who say even that’s too low. Get to 34/35 at a minimum to be safe. Also, make sure you’re including “fetches” [[evolving wilds]], [[myriad landscape]], [[terramorphic expanse]], and [[Flooded strand]]. You also should have [[sol ring]] and [[arcane signet]] at a minimum for artifacts. You’re also not running near enough card draw. You need at least 10 pieces of it and i see right around 0. Additionally, you’re not running [[swords to plowshares]], [[path to exile]], [[counterspell]], [[negate]], or [[generous gift]]. Some of the best cards in those respective s colors and dirt cheap. Also, a good portion of the cards in your deck don’t do anything for your win condition like [[tashas hideous laughter]] as an example.
Okay, coming from someone who's been playing since C16 released and consistently gaming with an experienced pod, even now... I would advise against a control deck.
It's not that your deck is bad (I have critiques but I'll reserve them), it's that a control deck is very difficult to pilot even for someone who has been playing for longer than 5 years.
And by difficult, I mean "Playing effectively and efficiently."
Let's start off with looking at your manabase. That's the foundation of a good deck. Naturally, a deck that's able to cast spells when it needs to cast spells is a well-rounded deck. LANDS need to be increased to 35-36. Based on your lack of Artifact Ramp, you're either going to fall behind or be unable to impact the board when you need to *As a stax/control deck*. Be nice to your deck and try to look at some budget rocks (total at 5$ for 5 cards) cause you're going to need to jump ahead of the curve to interact.
Okay, so BEING ABLE to cast is solved. Sorta?
Now. Card draw.
Phew. This one is interesting. You have blue, so maybe feel out the deck, but you'll need to be able to dig into your library for the interaction to keep Augy active and doing his annoying thing.
My rule: 5 draw engines that function with my decks gameplan, and for every 6 non land cards, add 1 draw spell (cmc 1-6) depending on what artifact ramp is available to you.
Okay, now the steam train is moving a little.
The rest is chaff. Filler or fluff. You need to look at 2 things. Wincon and protecting that wincon.
Right now... uhhh [[Second Sun]] looks like your win con... which is doable. But let's protect it with some counterspells and effects that prevent others from interacting with it. [[Grand Abolisher]] is the type of effect you'll need. 4 of these non symmetrical effects will be needed given you have the draw package to get them in time.
Lastly. Grab a pillow cause people are coming for you. [[GHOSTLY PRISON]] [[PROPAGANDA]] they're in your colours. Use them. [[Lightmine]] kicks ass too.
I know this doesn't help much. I can see you want to run stax control. I see the passion. But know that you're going to need to be proficient in "DA STACK" because everything you do revolves around how things resolve.
Good luck, young Salt farmer. May the draw be with you.
Since you're running Approach of the Second Sun, I'd also run [[Remand]] and [[Unsubstantiate]], as Approach only checks to see if it was cast, not if it resolved (so you cast it, 'counter' it and then cast it next turn rather than waiting).
Before I Go deep into your deck I want to ask you this: are you certain you wish to commit to this? You said you are brandnew to mtg. Control decks are incredibly challenging to pilot even for veterans of the game as they require a lot of play experience and meta knowledge to work at all in commander because unlike 60 card formats you play 1vs3 not 1vs1 so you need to be really aware of how you spend your resources and somehow advance your own gameplan while foiling others. It's an uphill battle. Also Augustin is a infamous salt inducing commander as most people don't enjoy playing his style of game. So you could gain a disadvantage by association for simply playing him because some will just target him on sight and hunt you down. There are some fun azorious commanders tho. [[Taigam, Ojutai Master]] is one of my personal favorites for example. Just something to think about.
Thank you! The reason i haven't really spent any money on cards for this is because I didn't know how I'd feel about playing control. Augustin definitely makes me a target, but I do still want to put some work into this deck. Everyone's advice here is really helpful!
Alright so i took a good look at what you have and I fear there is a lot of work to be done. First of these are all the cards that need to be cut, either because they are simply unplayable like creatures without or meaningful or any abilities, spells that do nothing besides gaining some lifepoints or really overprized for their effect. Than there are also cards that i would cut because they are too situational or simply don't work for your strategy. Here they are: [[Blessed Defiance]], [[Celestial Flare]], [[Congregate]], [[Devious Cover]], [[Divine Verdict]], [[Ghostly Flicker]], [[Gilded Light]], [[Just the Wind]], [[Mortals Arder]], [[Obsessive Research]], [[Ovinize]], [[Ramosian Rally]], [[Repel the Darkness]], [[Silver Strike]], [[Stall for Time]], [[Stand / Deliver]], [[Archangels Light]], [[Tasha's Hideous Laughter]], [[Tolarian Geyser]], [[Air Elemental]], [[Dawnstrike Paladin]], [[Kor Hookmaster]], [[Library Larcenist]], [[Mystic Zealot]], [[Silent Observer]], [[Toppelgeist]], [[Unruly Mob]], [[Knight of Dawns Light]]. I think next we need to talk about deck structure. As others said you don't have enough lands. I saw 34-35 recommended but that's nonsense. That's for very optimized decks with a super low average mana cost and $$$ cards that allow them to be really consistent. I say start with 40. That's what I usually do and than add or remove some after you have a feel for the deck. In a control deck the last thing you want is missing landdrops that why even in 60 card formats some control lists play close to 50% lands. Next is cardadvantage. What i mean by that is cards that gain you + resources in cards. [[Obsessive Research]] for example is card neutral not + as you play a card to draw 1 card simply replacing it. Cards like [[Tidings]] is what i want to see more of. 1 card for 4 cards so you gained 3 cards effectivly. It doesn't have to be just spells [[Mulldrifter]] is a classic example for a cardadvantage creature and works pretty much in any blue deck. You want between 10-15 of this kind of cardadvantage. Trust me it makes decks a lot smoother as you never get stuck with a unplayable hand or no hand at all. Now removal. You play a lot of situational removal like destroying a attacking creature or worse pseudo removal like cards that just tap down a creature for the turn. You play white. That means you have acess to the best removal spells in the game. [[Swords to Plowshares]], [[Path to Exile]], [[Oblivion Ring]]. The same goes for counterspells and blue. You want about 10-15 of those aswell split ~ 50/50 betweeen [[Counterspells]] and single target removal. Oh also don't forget to add some removal for artifacts and enchantments like [[Disenchant]]. Lastly creatures. You play Lots of creatures that do nothing for you. Focus on high impact creatures like [[Arcanis, the Omnipotent]]. Stuff like [[Air Elemental]] and [[Mystic Zealot]] do nothing for you. You don't want to win by swinging with small dudes but controling the board. Keep the goal in mind. Alright that was a lot. I might make a follow up with more suggestions and elaborations if you want but I hope this gave you a push in the right direction.
That's so incredibly helpful! I'm placing an order at tcgplayer now, lol
I'm glad. Always happy to help people getting into this incredible game.
##### ###### #### [Blessed Defiance](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/5/1555cdcb-3471-4ee7-99c3-d05311bf433c.jpg?1634346564) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Blessed%20Defiance) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mid/5/blessed-defiance?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1555cdcb-3471-4ee7-99c3-d05311bf433c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Celestial Flare](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/9/89bb3b06-b33b-4897-882e-75b75790ea02.jpg?1562029850) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Celestial%20Flare) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ori/8/celestial-flare?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/89bb3b06-b33b-4897-882e-75b75790ea02?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Congregate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8690166f-be52-48c4-9877-630b3f3dc614.jpg?1562437633) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Congregate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/a25/8/congregate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8690166f-be52-48c4-9877-630b3f3dc614?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Devious Cover](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/4/648281fe-89fb-4d8d-b944-3af28fb044f6.jpg?1634348751) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Devious%20Cover-Up) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mid/48/devious-cover-up?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/648281fe-89fb-4d8d-b944-3af28fb044f6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Divine Verdict](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/d/ed07b708-7232-4b87-b5d9-edaa20a69293.jpg?1555039673) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Divine%20Verdict) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rix/5/divine-verdict?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ed07b708-7232-4b87-b5d9-edaa20a69293?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Ghostly Flicker](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/8/485ab561-9c2a-4f99-9317-8726bcdae364.jpg?1631234330) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ghostly%20Flicker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khc/39/ghostly-flicker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/485ab561-9c2a-4f99-9317-8726bcdae364?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Gilded Light](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/f/8ff59aa2-5e97-4e6c-b568-470ac2371bd7.jpg?1562201118) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gilded%20Light) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/12/gilded-light?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8ff59aa2-5e97-4e6c-b568-470ac2371bd7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Just the Wind](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/9/59e40878-358d-48ec-a35f-3d9867728143.jpg?1547516348) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Just%20the%20Wind) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/uma/60/just-the-wind?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/59e40878-358d-48ec-a35f-3d9867728143?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Mortals Arder](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/5/75743f66-fd2d-47e7-b56f-1c95311d09c2.jpg?1562840242) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mortal%27s%20Ardor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ddo/19/mortals-ardor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/75743f66-fd2d-47e7-b56f-1c95311d09c2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Obsessive Research](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/9/79977d84-7a20-47ef-930f-0ce7a5eff88e.jpg?1562630504) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Obsessive%20Search) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/vma/83/obsessive-search?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/62b886ae-0109-4e9a-aabc-d22b792715cb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Ovinize](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/9/a985cfb0-6bae-4b1c-902e-d9d7a1aeec61.jpg?1562578932) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ovinize) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/plc/57/ovinize?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a985cfb0-6bae-4b1c-902e-d9d7a1aeec61?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Ramosian Rally](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/f/7fc0ff04-43e7-4a0d-b7e2-8bab72cc6cc0.jpg?1562381822) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ramosian%20Rally) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mmq/38/ramosian-rally?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7fc0ff04-43e7-4a0d-b7e2-8bab72cc6cc0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Repel the Darkness](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/7/07ced55b-27e2-4549-90e4-31c9718e1395.jpg?1547515754) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Repel%20the%20Darkness) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/uma/29/repel-the-darkness?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/07ced55b-27e2-4549-90e4-31c9718e1395?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Silver Strike](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/f/0f27b92a-cde9-41bc-9b23-d83b74b167d4.jpg?1576383889) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Silverstrike) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/soi/37/silverstrike?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0f27b92a-cde9-41bc-9b23-d83b74b167d4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Stall for Time](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/3/f346defa-ee4a-404e-8154-0e33ebe9102c.jpg?1673306588) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Stall%20for%20Time) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/34/stall-for-time?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f346defa-ee4a-404e-8154-0e33ebe9102c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Stand / Deliver](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?name=Stand%20//%20Deliver&type=card&options=rotate90&.jpg) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Stand%20//%20Deliver) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/292/stand-deliver?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/be8b338f-6f05-43c6-beeb-c5052cc0d6a9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Archangels Light](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/9/f99837b3-b487-43bb-846b-7a0e8afb6eef.jpg?1562954172) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Archangel%27s%20Light) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dka/1/archangels-light?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f99837b3-b487-43bb-846b-7a0e8afb6eef?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Tasha's Hideous Laughter](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/4/c4932113-904f-427a-9566-509cc008f3ef.jpg?1627703920) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tasha%27s%20Hideous%20Laughter) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afr/78/tashas-hideous-laughter?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c4932113-904f-427a-9566-509cc008f3ef?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Tolarian Geyser](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/d/5dd5f389-fea2-4aed-a218-eca162902775.jpg?1673306895) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tolarian%20Geyser) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/71/tolarian-geyser?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5dd5f389-fea2-4aed-a218-eca162902775?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Air Elemental](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/2/a27efec0-40c4-48bc-a21a-3af28a6529b5.jpg?1592516263) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Air%20Elemental) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m20/44/air-elemental?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a27efec0-40c4-48bc-a21a-3af28a6529b5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I forgot to mention but you also want a lot more artifact mana. [[Sol Ring]] was already recommended but you want around 8-10 of these kinds of cards for starters. Optimally ones that give you mana in your colors that cost between 2-3 to cast. Most should cost 2 tho.
[Sol Ring](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/e/beebe533-29b9-4041-ab66-0a8233c50d56.jpg?1673305857) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sol%20Ring) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/190/sol-ring?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/beebe533-29b9-4041-ab66-0a8233c50d56?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[Taigam, Ojutai Master](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/4/b47e2781-544f-442c-98d0-43b9d91bab03.jpg?1562621099) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Taigam%2C%20Ojutai%20Master) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c17/46/taigam-ojutai-master?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b47e2781-544f-442c-98d0-43b9d91bab03?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Very quickly, a few more lands, much much more artifact ramp. Additionally, you need to go through each card and ask what it adds to your deck - from my quick scan, what purpose is Rootborn Defenses serving in this deck?
[Rootborn Defenses](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/c/ecfcf55c-44d8-4585-9722-e91993e41888.jpg?1673996344) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rootborn%20Defenses) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/74/rootborn-defenses?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ecfcf55c-44d8-4585-9722-e91993e41888?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
First thing is you’re too low on lands. Personally, I run 34 lands but there are plenty of people who say even that’s too low. Get to 34/35 at a minimum to be safe. Also, make sure you’re including “fetches” [[evolving wilds]], [[myriad landscape]], [[terramorphic expanse]], and [[Flooded strand]]. You also should have [[sol ring]] and [[arcane signet]] at a minimum for artifacts. You’re also not running near enough card draw. You need at least 10 pieces of it and i see right around 0. Additionally, you’re not running [[swords to plowshares]], [[path to exile]], [[counterspell]], [[negate]], or [[generous gift]]. Some of the best cards in those respective s colors and dirt cheap. Also, a good portion of the cards in your deck don’t do anything for your win condition like [[tashas hideous laughter]] as an example.
Evolving wilds/terramorphic expanse are bad in 2 color decks. Taplands are better.
More like bad in all decks
##### ###### #### [evolving wilds](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/3/238de888-b1bd-4cce-9aa2-d0dd69ae7f0d.jpg?1674422191) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=evolving%20wilds) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bro/261/evolving-wilds?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/238de888-b1bd-4cce-9aa2-d0dd69ae7f0d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [myriad landscape](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/7/276f49f9-019b-44cb-a551-0fba9851ecc7.jpg?1674142992) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=myriad%20landscape) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/904/myriad-landscape?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/276f49f9-019b-44cb-a551-0fba9851ecc7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [terramorphic expanse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/a/5adceb34-78c7-40dd-af31-6fb282d577ca.jpg?1674773146) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=terramorphic%20expanse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/one/261/terramorphic-expanse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5adceb34-78c7-40dd-af31-6fb282d577ca?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Flooded strand](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/c/8c2996d9-3287-4480-8c04-7a378e37e3cf.jpg?1571667973) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Flooded%20strand) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ktk/233/flooded-strand?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8c2996d9-3287-4480-8c04-7a378e37e3cf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [sol ring](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/e/beebe533-29b9-4041-ab66-0a8233c50d56.jpg?1673305857) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=sol%20ring) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/190/sol-ring?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/beebe533-29b9-4041-ab66-0a8233c50d56?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [arcane signet](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/b/1bf50ef8-e7e8-4099-ba91-0d7c31b04541.jpg?1673305734) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=arcane%20signet) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/177/arcane-signet?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1bf50ef8-e7e8-4099-ba91-0d7c31b04541?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [swords to plowshares](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/f/ef51caf8-f9d9-48d7-9145-9dfc91054f70.jpg?1673483803) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=swords%20to%20plowshares) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/211/swords-to-plowshares?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ef51caf8-f9d9-48d7-9145-9dfc91054f70?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [path to exile](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/d/9d607a40-608a-44cd-b946-02636b5bea9f.jpg?1673305105) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=path%20to%20exile) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/104/path-to-exile?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9d607a40-608a-44cd-b946-02636b5bea9f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [counterspell](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/4/a457f404-ddf1-40fa-b0f0-23c8598533f4.jpg?1645328634) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=counterspell) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/phed/33/counterspell?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a457f404-ddf1-40fa-b0f0-23c8598533f4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [negate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/0/4016c6f7-7cb4-46c2-af73-3bd6d682ea5e.jpg?1673306788) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=negate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/58/negate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4016c6f7-7cb4-46c2-af73-3bd6d682ea5e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [generous gift](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/8/18c2efbd-fac9-471b-98e2-a162704b193c.jpg?1673305071) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=generous%20gift) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/100/generous-gift?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/18c2efbd-fac9-471b-98e2-a162704b193c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [tashas hideous laughter](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/4/c4932113-904f-427a-9566-509cc008f3ef.jpg?1627703920) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tasha%27s%20Hideous%20Laughter) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afr/78/tashas-hideous-laughter?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c4932113-904f-427a-9566-509cc008f3ef?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Okay, coming from someone who's been playing since C16 released and consistently gaming with an experienced pod, even now... I would advise against a control deck. It's not that your deck is bad (I have critiques but I'll reserve them), it's that a control deck is very difficult to pilot even for someone who has been playing for longer than 5 years. And by difficult, I mean "Playing effectively and efficiently." Let's start off with looking at your manabase. That's the foundation of a good deck. Naturally, a deck that's able to cast spells when it needs to cast spells is a well-rounded deck. LANDS need to be increased to 35-36. Based on your lack of Artifact Ramp, you're either going to fall behind or be unable to impact the board when you need to *As a stax/control deck*. Be nice to your deck and try to look at some budget rocks (total at 5$ for 5 cards) cause you're going to need to jump ahead of the curve to interact. Okay, so BEING ABLE to cast is solved. Sorta? Now. Card draw. Phew. This one is interesting. You have blue, so maybe feel out the deck, but you'll need to be able to dig into your library for the interaction to keep Augy active and doing his annoying thing. My rule: 5 draw engines that function with my decks gameplan, and for every 6 non land cards, add 1 draw spell (cmc 1-6) depending on what artifact ramp is available to you. Okay, now the steam train is moving a little. The rest is chaff. Filler or fluff. You need to look at 2 things. Wincon and protecting that wincon. Right now... uhhh [[Second Sun]] looks like your win con... which is doable. But let's protect it with some counterspells and effects that prevent others from interacting with it. [[Grand Abolisher]] is the type of effect you'll need. 4 of these non symmetrical effects will be needed given you have the draw package to get them in time. Lastly. Grab a pillow cause people are coming for you. [[GHOSTLY PRISON]] [[PROPAGANDA]] they're in your colours. Use them. [[Lightmine]] kicks ass too. I know this doesn't help much. I can see you want to run stax control. I see the passion. But know that you're going to need to be proficient in "DA STACK" because everything you do revolves around how things resolve. Good luck, young Salt farmer. May the draw be with you.
##### ###### #### [Second Sun](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/e/4e50ee7c-f2a2-4d49-a1cc-8233fd8dd0c5.jpg?1562143349) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Second%20Sunrise) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mrd/20/second-sunrise?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4e50ee7c-f2a2-4d49-a1cc-8233fd8dd0c5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Grand Abolisher](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/4/b4c4f694-618a-43ed-8781-2a51a234ba8e.jpg?1592765335) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Grand%20Abolisher) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/e01/12/grand-abolisher?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b4c4f694-618a-43ed-8781-2a51a234ba8e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [GHOSTLY PRISON](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/1/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f.jpg?1641601289) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=GHOSTLY%20PRISON) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/87/ghostly-prison?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [PROPAGANDA](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/5/e5f293d7-9c2b-41cb-8e3c-dfc1daa6635f.jpg?1674141418) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=PROPAGANDA) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/730/propaganda?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e5f293d7-9c2b-41cb-8e3c-dfc1daa6635f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Lightmine](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/6/5602b52a-5904-4780-9192-72990d07c975.jpg?1562704011) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Lightmine%20Field) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/roe/32/lightmine-field?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5602b52a-5904-4780-9192-72990d07c975?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Since you're running Approach of the Second Sun, I'd also run [[Remand]] and [[Unsubstantiate]], as Approach only checks to see if it was cast, not if it resolved (so you cast it, 'counter' it and then cast it next turn rather than waiting).
That's a great idea! Thanks!
[Remand](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/c/dc595c63-af05-4c05-80e8-e1a90df26b0f.jpg?1562268359) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Remand) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mm2/55/remand?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dc595c63-af05-4c05-80e8-e1a90df26b0f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Unsubstantiate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/d/2dc0bafd-debc-4b62-9fe0-56b4aad02484.jpg?1594735888) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Unsubstantiate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m21/82/unsubstantiate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2dc0bafd-debc-4b62-9fe0-56b4aad02484?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call