Deck Strategies
Greel, Mind Raker
Utilizes discard mechanics to randomly force opponents to discard multiple cards, while maintaining synergy with self-discard and card draw to keep the hand stocked and pressure opponents' resources.
Dong Zhou, the Tyrant
Focuses on making opponents' creatures large to damage them directly equal to the creature's power, leveraging an unconventional and risky damage-dealing method.
Hakim, Loreweaver
Uses aura-themed synergy by recurring auras from the graveyard during upkeep when not enchanted, then destroying auras for additional effects, creating value through enchantment manipulation.
Slobad, Goblin Tinkerer
Centers around artifact recursion and protection, using Slobad's ability to grant indestructibility to artifacts, sacrificing them for combos, and recovering key artifacts from the graveyard.
Gameplay Insights
- 1
Greel, Mind Raker's discard ability requires discarding two cards to force an opponent to discard X cards at random, which synergizes well with self-discard and card draw to maintain pressure.
- 2
Dong Zhou's strategy to increase opponents' creature size to inflict damage on them is creative but risky, especially if opponents do not commit large creatures.
- 3
Hakim's ability to return multiple auras from the graveyard during upkeep if not enchanted, combined with destroying auras for value, creates a powerful enchantment toolbox effect.
- 4
Slobad's protection ability on artifacts combined with graveyard recursion and artifact sacrifice combos offers a resilient and potentially infinite combo path.
- 5
Early turns focused on ramping into key pieces such as mana rocks and utility creatures like Circuit Mender to stabilize and prepare for the midgame.
- 6
Despite the decks being built around unpopular commanders, players quickly found effective synergies and board presence, demonstrating that even less popular commanders can build viable and fun strategies.
Notable Cards
Skullclamp
Mind Stone
Midnight Clock
Circuit Mender
Summary
The game featured four players each piloting a uniquely unpopular and unconventional commander deck: Greel, Mind Raker; Dong Zhou, the Tyrant; Hakim, Loreweaver; and Slobad, Goblin Tinkerer. Early turns were focused on ramping and setting up synergies specific to each deck's theme. Greel centered on discard mechanics, forcing opponents to discard cards randomly while fueling its own hand disruption engine. Dong Zhou employed a risky strategy of inflating opponent creatures to deal damage to them, though this plan was acknowledged as flawed but entertaining. Hakim's deck revolved around aura recursion and enchantment interactions, with the ability to return auras from the graveyard and destroy them for value. Slobad's deck aimed to leverage artifact recursion and protection, including some infinite combos based on sacrificing and protecting artifacts with Slobad's ability.
