Eshki vs. Kellan - Duel Commander - EDH│MTG│bitzelberg

Deck Strategies

• 

  Eshki Dragonclaw

  Utilizes a midrange approach focusing on triggering Eshki's ability by casting cheap non-creature spells to generate value and leverage a delirium subtheme. The deck aims to build board presence with creatures that gain ward, trample, and vigilance, using spells and incremental advantage to outpace opponents.

• 

  Kellan, the Fae-Blooded

  An aggressive Boros deck centered around equipping creatures with powerful auras and equipment like Pre-War Formalwear and Embercleave. Kellan’s adventure ability provides flexibility and value, allowing the deck to maintain pressure through enhanced attackers and strategic equipment choices tailored to matchups.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Kellan’s use of the adventure mechanic on the commander provided additional utility and resilience, allowing for flexible responses during combat and board states.

• 2

  Eshki’s delirium subtheme activated early, enabling aggressive attacks with warded creatures, but was challenged by Kellan’s equipment buffs and removal spells.

• 3

  Ghostfire Slice was effectively used to remove Eshki’s commander temporarily, buying Kellan time to apply more pressure.

• 4

  Discarding key cards like Giant Killer or lands at certain points to maintain tempo and protect against aggressive plays was a crucial tactical decision.

• 5

  Kellan’s low curve and targeted equipment choices allowed for consistent pressure while managing mana costs to keep up with midrange threats.

Notable Cards

• 

  Eshki Dragonclaw

• 

  Kellan, the Fae-Blooded // Birthright Boon

• 

  Birds of Paradise

• 

  Ghostfire Slice

• 

  Pre-War Formalwear

• 

  Embercleave

• 

  Skullclamp

Summary

The duel commander match featured a clash between Eshki Dragonclaw's midrange deck and Kellan, the Fae-Blooded's Boros aggressive equipment-based deck. Early in the game, Eshki deployed a Birds of Paradise and built up a delirium subtheme, leveraging cheap non-creature spells to trigger Eshki's abilities. Kellan's deck focused on equipping and buffing creatures, using key equipment cards like Pre-War Formalwear and Embercleave to apply pressure. The game saw several tactical exchanges, including Kellan using Ghostfire Slice to remove Eshki's commander temporarily and Eshki responding with spells to maintain board presence. Delirium was quickly achieved, enhancing Eshki's attacks, but Kellan's aggressive equipment and supporting creatures kept the pressure consistent. Despite some defensive plays and attempts to reestablish board control by both players, Kellan's aggressive tempo and equipment synergy eventually overwhelmed Eshki, closing the game with effective attacks and well-timed equipment utilization. The match highlighted the tension between midrange value strategies and aggressive equipment-driven beatdown plans in a duel commander setting.