Kamahl//Jeska vs Torbran vs Akiri vs Skithiryx [EDH Commander] Gameplay 2020

Deck Strategies

• 

  Kamahl, Heart of Krosa // Jeska, Thrice Reborn

  A combination of elf tribal ramp and synergy with Jeska's burn-based loyalty abilities to control the board and deal direct damage, leveraging massive mana and creature tokens to dominate combat.

• 

  Torbran, Thane of Red Fell

  Goblin token generation combined with Torbran's ability to amplify red damage, aiming to quickly chip away opponents' life totals through aggressive creatures and burn spells.

• 

  Akiri, Fearless Voyager

  Voltron-style aggressive equipment deck that focuses on equipping Akiri and other creatures with powerful artifacts to deal consistent combat damage and card advantage.

• 

  Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon

  Infect and equipment synergy deck that aims to grow Skithiryx into a lethal threat using powerful artifact equipment and spells to spread poison counters rapidly.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Jeska's repeated use of her loyalty abilities to shoot down key opposing creatures and tokens was crucial in maintaining board control.

• 2

  The destruction of Ensnaring Bridge by Reclamation Sage opened the board for more aggressive attacks and mana ramp, shifting the game momentum.

• 3

  Akiri's player effectively used equipment like Shuko and Mask of Memory to generate card advantage and enhance combat damage but was set back by well-timed removal from Skithiryx's player.

• 4

  Skithiryx’s combination of artifact equipment like Cranial Plating and Blackblade Reforged set up a dangerous infect threat that required careful attention from opponents.

• 5

  Torbran’s strategy relied on creating goblin tokens and using his damage amplification to pressure opponents early, but the presence of Jeska and Kamahl's board slowed this plan.

• 6

  Players demonstrated careful mana management, particularly Skithiryx’s player who spent several minutes optimizing mana usage before passing the turn.

Notable Cards

• 

  Reclamation Sage

• 

  Ensnaring Bridge

• 

  Mask of Memory

• 

  Shuko

• 

  Cranial Plating

• 

  Blackblade Reforged

• 

  Natural Order

• 

  Tragic Slip

• 

  Snuff Out

• 

  Dragon Fodder

• 

  Beetleback Chief

• 

  Heritage Druid

• 

  Elvish Harbinger

Summary

The game began with each player establishing their board presence through mana ramp and early creatures. Torbran focused on goblin token generation and boosting red damage, while Akiri aimed to build a Voltron-style deck with equipment and aggressive creatures. Kamahl and Jeska combined an elf-centric ramp and synergy strategy, quickly generating large amounts of mana to flood the board. Skithiryx aimed for an infect and equipment-based build, growing threat potential through powerful artifacts. Key turning points included Jeska's repeated use of her damage-dealing loyalty ability to control the board and eliminate key threats, notably knocking down Torbran's tokens and creatures. Akiri suffered a significant setback when Calvin used a combination of Tragic Slip and Snuff Out to wipe her board, which slowed her aggression. Kamahl's player leveraged Natural Order to tutor Reclamation Sage, destroying an Ensnaring Bridge that was limiting creature attacks, which allowed for a mana explosion and board development. Skithiryx's player carefully managed mana and equipment, setting up for a potential high-impact infect finish. The game featured heavy interaction and removal, with the board state swinging back and forth as players sought to protect their commanders while pressuring opponents. The win condition revolved around Kamahl's elves and Jeska's damage output, Akiri's equipment aggression, Torbran's burn synergy, and Skithiryx's infect threat, making for a dynamic and tense mid-game. The game was defined by strong synergy plays, removal timing, and equipment utilization. Despite setbacks, the players adapted by rebuilding and focusing on incremental advantages, keeping the tension high as the board developed. The destruction of the Ensnaring Bridge was a pivotal moment that opened the board for larger attacks, signaling the mid to late game transition.