Art by Todd LockwoodModified from CLASSIC CUBE, The version that was last updated: 1 Jan 2024
Please visit the original for information about them, I am very grateful to have found this list and most credit goes to them.
I have copied this cube and made several modifications, but the original synergies remain intact. I also made some tweaks so Orzhov is more viable. And of course, I made changes to include some personal favorites from my childhood. Who wouldn't? :)
Nostalgic Aesthetics + Contemporary Design.
Behold! A Cardboard Time Machine to MTG's Golden Age ☀!
'97 Frame (🌴 Mirage – 🐲 Scourge) is the main constraint, with a few inclusions that are even older. No modern retroframe printings muddying the waters. Only the pre-8th card pool that's no longer expanding.
KEY INFO
- ⚖ NO FAST MANA – Broken rocks are excluded, since answers are too weak.
- ✔ NO COMBO – Old-fashioned slugfests are the norm. Synergy is rewarded.
- 👯♀️ SINGLETON BREAKS – Multiple copies of key 1-drops for extra consistency.
- ⛰ MODERN LANDS – To help playability, I use old-framed proxies of modern nonbasics.
- 🤷♂️ LOOSE ARCHETYPES – 90's Magic had no signposts, so decks are more freeform.
- 📷 IRL PICTURES – Check out the physical cards and drafting kit!
ARCHETYPES
1. 
TRADITIONAL CONTROL 🔗 Example Deck
Neuter them with sweepers, counters, defensive removal and control magic while potentially leveraging enchantment recursion.
2. 
REANIMATOR CONTROL 🔗 Example 1 · 2 · 3
Cycle or loot away a finisher, then resurrect it ahead of schedule. Draft the reanimates first!
3. 
BLITZ AGGRO 🔗 Example Deck · 2
The cube's most aggressive creatures and excellent removal, along with recursion tools .
4. 
PONZA MIDRANGE 🔗 Example Deck · 2 · 3
Accelerate into land destruction using your mana elves, while deploying cheap threats. Ensure a critical mass of mana denial cards (8+ ideally), not forgetting those that are lands / artifacts.
5. GO-WIDE MIDRANGE 🔗 Example 1 · 2
Frequently Naya, sometimes Bant. Muster a wide board with tokens, then pump and swing. Early plays are mana elves or tappers usually.
6. REMOVAL-HEAVY CONTROL 🔗 Example Deck · 2
Generate card advantage by destroying their creatures with 2-for-1's and utilize ETBs + recursion engines to dominate the late game!
7. BURN TEMPO 🔗 Example Deck · 2
Beaters and burn to knock down life totals and cheap interaction to control the game.
8. THE ROCK 🔗 Example Deck
Pulverize the opposition with value-heavy plays, resilient threats and stellar removal.
9. WEENIE AGGRO 🔗 Example Deck
A flood of angry one- and two-drops, complemented by anthems and burn.
10. TEMPO MIDRANGE 🔗 Example Deck · 2
Plenty of interaction coupled with robust / evasive beaters and countermagic.
11. 
SPELL-BASED RAMP 🔗 Example 1 · 2 ·3
Purge the board with sweepers, while ramping into late-game monsters.
12. MONO WHITE WEENIE 🔗 Example Deck
All about that 1, 2 , 3 aggro curve-out, powered by anthems. Pick mana disruption highly!
13. MONO BLUE CONTROL 🔗 Example Deck
Draw-Go, with copious counter spells, control magics and smugness! Big flyers to mop up.
14. MONO BLACK MIDRANGE 🔗 Example Deck
Plenty removal, fast-paced clocks and recursion. Just don't bleed to death.
15. MONO RED AGGRO 🔗 Example Deck
Maximum speed, maximum consistency, maximum goblins. 20 to 0, you know the drill.
16. MONO GREEN STOMPY 🔗 Example Deck
Bulky threats, ahead of schedule. Very limited interaction, so end things quickly.