Shorikai vs Rocco vs Hapatra vs Zur

Decklists

Deck & Commander Strategies

Rocco, Cabaretti Caterer
Ramp into creature combo loops involving Kiki-Jiki, Felidar Guardian, Karmic Guide, and Vivian on the Hunt to generate infinite creatures and win through combat damage.
Shorikai, Genesis Engine
Control the board with disruption like Humility and Portable Hole, then leverage combo lines with Icer Revolt or Hole Breaker Horror to finish the game.
Zur the Enchanter
Midrange value with lock pieces like Drannith Magistrate and Torpor Orb, aiming to win by milling opponents using Helm of Obedience and Rest in Peace.
Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons
Combo deck that seeks to win through Ad Nauseam and Protean Hulk lines, or through synergies with Hapatra and Yawgmoth to generate overwhelming poison counters or infinite combos.

Gameplay Insights

1
Mike's timely use of Boseiju to destroy Torpor Orb unlocked his critical creature combo pieces, allowing the combo to proceed unhindered.
2
Casting Grand Abolisher on the combo turn ensured opponents could not respond, securing the successful infinite flicker loop.
3
Nick's attempt to disrupt with Collector Ouphe and Allosaurus Shepherd delayed the combo but was not enough to close the game in time.
4
Multiple Rhystic Study triggers kept card advantage high, influencing players' decisions and taxing spells heavily throughout the game.
5
The early deployment of Deafening Silence set a restrictive tone, forcing players to reconsider their initial strategies and ramp options.

Notable Cards

Deafening Silence
Rhystic Study
Mana Vault
Mana Crypt
Collector Ouphe
Torpor Orb
Ad Nauseam
Boseiju, Who Endures
Grand Abolisher
Finale of Devastation
Dockside Extortionist
Felidar Guardian
Karmic Guide
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker

Gameplay Summary

The game began with a heavy focus on disruption and resource denial, as players deployed cards like Deafening Silence, Collector Ouphe, Torpor Orb, and Drannith Magistrate to hinder interactive plays.

Early Rhystic Study and Mystic Remora kept the card draw flowing, while mana acceleration was established through Mana Vault, Mana Crypt, and Ancient Tomb.

Nick's Hapatra deck aimed to assemble a combo via Ad Nauseam, revealing a hand full of potent combo pieces but was consistently pressured by the table's disruption.

Meanwhile, Mike on Rocco used his ramp and tutoring effects to set up a powerful creature combo involving Kiki-Jiki, Felidar Guardian, Karmic Guide, and Vivian on the Hunt.

Despite Nick's attempts to stabilize and set up, Mike managed to break through the disruption after removing Torpor Orb with Boseiju, Who Endures, then resolved Grand Abolisher to prevent counterspells and disruption during his combo turn.

Mike executed an infinite flicker loop producing infinite hasty tokens, swinging in for the win in a decisive final attack.

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