Thassa, Deep-Dwelling vs Isperia vs Arvad vs Polukranos, Unchained EDH / CMDR game play

Deck Strategies

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  Polukranos, Unchained

  Utilizes +1/+1 counter synergies and sacrifice outlets to control the board with removal spells like Black Sun's Zenith, aiming to dominate combat and reset opponents when overwhelmed.

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  Thassa, Deep-Dwelling

  Focuses on blink effects to repeatedly trigger enter-the-battlefield abilities on creatures like Toothy, drawing cards and gaining incremental advantage, while using control elements to maintain tempo.

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  Arvad the Cursed

  Aggressive combat-oriented deck that leverages equipment like Swiftfoot Boots and Blackblade Forged to enhance commander attacks, supported by life gain and treasure generation from cards like Revel in Riches.

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  Isperia, Supreme Judge

  Control and token generation deck that creates angel tokens to pressure opponents, uses enchantments like Luminarc Ascension to grow threats, and employs disruption tools such as Arcane Lighthouse and Supreme Verdict.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  The sacrifice of Polukranos to cast Black Sun's Zenith was a pivotal moment, effectively resetting the board and stalling aggressive strategies.

• 2

  Martin leveraged Thassa's blink ability on Toothy to maximize card draw and maintain card advantage despite board setbacks.

• 3

  Nick's use of Arcane Lighthouse to counteract equipment-induced hexproof was a crucial control play against Jared's Arvad deck.

• 4

  Jared's aggressive equip-and-attack strategy with Arvad, combined with life gain and treasure tokens, kept constant pressure on opponents throughout the game.

• 5

  The interplay between control spells like Supreme Verdict and Cryptic Command balanced the board state, forcing players to adapt their strategies continually.

Notable Cards

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  Polukranos, Unchained

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  Black Sun's Zenith

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  Toothy, Imaginary Friend

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  Thassa, Deep-Dwelling

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  Revel in Riches

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  Snapcaster Mage

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  Cryptic Command

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  Arcane Lighthouse

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  Solemn Simulacrum

Summary

The game featured a four-player Commander match with Polukranos, Unchained; Thassa, Deep-Dwelling; Arvad the Cursed; and Isperia, Supreme Judge. Early on, the players established their board states with ramp and value creatures, including Winding Constrictor, Toothy, and multiple angels from Isperia's player. Nick, playing Isperia, focused on generating angel tokens and building counters on Luminarc Ascension, while Martin's Thassa deck leveraged blink effects on creatures like Toothy to draw cards and gain incremental advantage. Jared's Arvad deck centered on aggressive combat and equipment synergy, notably with King Makar and Blackblade Forged. A significant turning point came when Polukranos, Unchained was cast and later sacrificed to cast Black Sun's Zenith, wiping the board and resetting the game state, disrupting the momentum of other players. Despite this, players recovered through value plays—Martin utilized Snapcaster Mage and Cryptic Command for control and card draw, while Jared exploited treasures from Revel in Riches and continued aggressive swings. Nick's Isperia deck kept mounting pressure with angel tokens and drew into additional answers like Arcane Lighthouse and Solemn Simulacrum to maintain board presence. The game showcased a dynamic interplay of control, value, and aggression, with key moments including the timely board wipe, blink synergies, and artifact-based ramp fueling ongoing threats.