Flexible Aggression: Pirate Rogue

         So, it's finally a national emergency here in the US. Social distancing is now expected norm until further notice. This means that most of us will most likely spend more time around home rather than out and about. During this time, we could see more candid posts around Steem. That is, if this place doesn't implode first.

         I have been messing around with some decks on Hearthstone. I have been playing with more aggressive decks due to lack of time. How ironic! Now, I have plenty of time. I should consider slower control/combo decks during this time.

         Anyways, here's a version of Pirate Rogue I have been messing with. This is a Wild only deck.

To make this deck from scratch, it will cost you 4680 Arcane Dust.

General Strategy

         As with all aggressive decks, you are looking to bash your opponent's face in before you run out of steam. This decks uses the explosive openings of Pirates. Then, followed by mid-game staying power of Leyline Spiders to push for damage.

         The key card for your spider rush is Stowaway. He guarantees you to summon the spiders while drawing two extra cards from you deck. In an ideal scenario, you receive 3 4/4 bodies and draw two cards for 5 mana. That's a lot of value and tempo!

         Like all aggressive decks, this one is weak against control decks with multiple AoEs. Unlike most aggressive decks, healing only goes so far before the spiders flood the board.

         There is also flexibility in this deck. As you can see it's got four tech cards against Secrets. You may switch out Eater of Secrets and Chief Inspector at your own discretion. You can put in any tech cards or other win conditions.

Mulligan

         Depending on your starting hand, you might consider mulligan for the following groups.

1. Bloodsail Flybooter + Bloodsail Howler - a great combo for board control.

2. Lab Recruiter + Ship's Cannon or Southsea Captain - targeting Patches the Pirate. You get value off of the cannon or a strong early board. Sometimes, you get both.

Other Things to Consider

         Gang Up is a flexible card. You can either shuffle more copies of your own cards or your opponent's. Some of my favorite targets include Ragnaros the Firelord.

         Shadowstep is great for more value out of Bloodsail Howler or Fal'dorei Strider.

         You can use Buccaneer for some unorthodox push for damage. It's not difficult to equip 4/2 weapons during the mid-game by using [Lab Recruiter] and Stowaway.

Weaknesses

         As mentioned before, AoEs are the bane of this deck. In addition, a Taunt-heavy setup could give this decks some trouble. You can mitigate this by subbing in [Sap] or pack Silence effects. Remember, this list has four tech cards against Secrets by default.

         If you are feeling adventurous, you could also try Myra's Unstable Element with Chef Nomi. This gives you one last wave of board presence before you are down and out.