Building an MTG Pauper Deck: Do's and Don'ts For Greater Success

So you've decided to dive into Pauper, Magic: The Gathering’s format where every card in your deck must have been printed at common rarity at some point in Magic's history. That’s right — no mythics, no rares, not even the humble uncommon. We play with the blue-collar backbone of Magic.

MTG Pauper is beloved for being affordable, competitive, and full of hidden gems. But if you think that means throwing 60 cheap cards into a pile and hoping for the best, well, buckle up. Here’s a handy list of do’s and don’ts to help you build a Pauper deck that doesn’t get stomped by someone’s turbocharged Delver.

DO: Pick a Proven Archetype

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. Pauper has well-established archetypes that are strong, fun, and affordable. Decks like Mono-Blue Delver, Boros Synthesizer, Mono-Black Control, and Burn all have a solid history of wins and a loyal following.

When in doubt, Goblins out

Think of it this way: if you show up to a sword fight, it's better to bring a sharpened blade than a plastic spoon you built yourself.

DON'T: Build a Janky 5-Color Combo Pile on a Whim

Yes, Pauper is budget-friendly. No, that doesn’t mean you should spend exactly $3 and force every card you found in your childhood shoebox into a deck. Unless your goal is “losing with style,” in which case, carry on, noble brewer.

Stick to one or two colors, especially if you're just starting out. Your mana base — and your win rate will thank you.

DO: Maximize Card Efficiency

You want cards that do more for less. In Pauper, one-mana spells are golden, and any creature that draws a card, kills something, or spits out a token when it enters is basically a VIP.

Example: Mulldrifter is like the Beyoncé of Pauper. It flies, it draws cards, and it’s fabulous at five mana or evoked for three.

DON'T: Fill Your Deck With Draft Chaff

Just because it says “common” doesn’t mean it’s good. That vanilla 3/3 for four mana may have looked solid in Limited, but it’s going to get laughed off the battlefield in Pauper. Stick to cards that have seen real competitive play or offer strong synergies.

If your card does nothing when it enters the battlefield and nothing when it dies, you might as well be playing with a rock.

DO: Pack Interaction

Your deck is not just a beautiful machine designed to do your favorite thing. It is also a fortress under constant siege. You need ways to stop your opponent. That means counterspells, removal spells, and maybe a sneaky fog effect or two.

Pauper has great removal: Snuff Out, Lightning Bolt, Journey to Nowhere, and Cast Down are all common. Use them. Your creatures will thank you. So will your life total.

DON'T: Forget Your Sideboard

If you're playing Pauper in paper or online, you need a good sideboard. This is your toolbox against bad matchups. Graveyard hate, artifact removal, and anti-aggro tech are essential.

Skipping a sideboard is like going camping without a flashlight. Sure, you can do it. But you’ll end up walking into trees and possibly lose to Affinity in two turns.

DO: Test and Tweak

Even a budget deck deserves love. Play test your list. Pay attention to your mana curve. If your opening hand consistently looks like a sad pile of five lands and two six-drops, it’s time for a tune-up.

Magic decks are like sourdough starters. They need regular feeding and occasional adjustments. And maybe a punny name if you’re feeling extra attached.

MTG Pauper Decks Can Be Fun!

Pauper is proof that you don’t need a $500 mana base to have a blast and win games. With smart choices and a little polish, your pile of commons can punch way above its weight class. Just remember the golden rule: cheap doesn’t mean weak, and janky doesn’t mean fun unless it’s intentionally janky.

So go forth, common hero. Brew wisely, sideboard smartly, and may all your Delvers flip on turn two.