No Tundra Challenge #1: Aminatou vs Elminster* | Round 1 | VA 011423 | Duel Commander-in-Focus

Deck & Commander Strategies

• 

  Aminatou, the Fateshifter

  Focuses on flickering permanents to maximize value from ETB effects and control the board state. The deck aims to gain incremental advantage through repeated reuse of powerful creatures and artifacts, eventually winning through a combination of value and board control.

• 

  Elminster

  A spell-focused control deck that uses instant and sorcery spells to disrupt opponents and gain advantage. It aims to out-tempo opponents with timely removal and card advantage, closing out the game with potent spells and strategic plays.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  The absence of Tundra forced both players to carefully manage their mana base, highlighting the importance of fixing and utility lands in the matchup.

• 2

  Aminatou’s flicker ability proved crucial in maintaining board presence and value despite Elminster’s attempts to disrupt the game.

• 3

  Timing of removal and flicker triggers determined the flow of the game, with both players needing to anticipate and react to each other’s plays.

• 4

  Elminster's reliance on spells made it vulnerable to Aminatou’s recurring disruption, showcasing the strength of recurring value in this duel.

Notable Cards

• 

  Aminatou, the Fateshifter

• 

  Elminster

Gameplay Summary