This post is originally by Newez and has been copied from /r/MTGLegacy/

I think legacy is one of the best format in terms of depth, skill, interaction and balance (when it comes to deck diversity). Argument can be made that compared to the past, newer cards release have started to become more impactful than before although this is a different discussion all together.

The legacy format on paper however can be a financial barrier for some especially when it comes to the duals or lands under reserved lists. As such I’m alway on the lookout for viable decks that doesn’t run reserved lists.

In particular I’m NOT looking for decks that need not run RL cards - ie decks that ideally should have RL cards to function optimally. This would inside death shadows that need not run underground sea, or green post that need not run tabernacle. These decks ultimately will still need the RL cards to perform optimally.

Here are decks that I feel which are viable and if under a skilled pilot - can still do well or even win a tournament. I try not to use the term “tier” as this is often defined by meta, and most importantly the skill of the pilot. If I were to give a tier to these decks , I feel they are at least tier 2, or even tier 1.5 (whatever this means) and above.

• Mono-Red Painter: https://www.hareruyamtg.com/en/deck/518896/show/

• Merfolk: https://www.hareruyamtg.com/en/deck/539405/show/

• Death and Taxes with Yorion: https://www.hareruyamtg.com/en/deck/541349/show/

• 8-Cast: https://www.hareruyamtg.com/en/deck/541114/show/

• Rainbow Depths: https://www.hareruyamtg.com/en/deck/531076/show/

I know some may argue that cards like force of will are not cheap, and I recognise that. However with the new printing of FOW prices today are already considerably lower than before, and there is possibility that prices could go lower with more prints which are always welcome. In addition, veteran legacy players can also attest that investing in a legacy deck often allow longevity of play compared to other formats. And often find themselves still using largely the same deck in years to come.

I will also like to draw your attention to this article written on brainstorm more than a decade ago by A J sacher. It’s quite heartening to see that quite a number of cards are still relevant to the legacy meta today.

https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/scg-classic-pondering-brainstorm/

Overall, the lists are by no means exhaustive. And with such a wide card pool, there is often room for innovation. I hope these gives players a chance to explore the format, and have a go to some of the deepest play mtg can offer.