Is Izzet finally playable in Standard? With Nivix Cyclops I'm thinking maybe...

Flashback and cipher spells are the deck's engine that either feed Nivmagus Elemental, pump the Cyclops or deal direct damage with Guttersnipe, with the absolute star being Artful Dodge.

I'm well aware that this new version has an absurdly low number of lands. I kept getting flooded, and forgetting I had already taken out 2 lands from the original 23, took out two more. However, after a fair bit of playtesting, this seems right. The deck can function pretty well on two lands and three is perfect.

I'm thinking of swapping out one of the Nivix Cyclopses for a fourth Guttersnipe, and possibly dropping the two AEtherize s from the main board - it's hard to tell what's best here: a metagame choice I guess. Need to playtest more against control. In that situation Tamiyo will probably come into her own, too.

Dispel is my must-sideboard card, as they're sure to board in some removal. Apart from that, I'm not sure. Essence Backlash is quite nice against unwieldy creatures but might not be necessary, as Turn & Burn kills most things. I'm open to suggestions.