Dralnu vs Vial Smasher / Ikra vs Niv-Mizzet, Parun vs Mirko Vosk EDH / CMDR game

Deck Strategies

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  Niv-Mizzet, Parun

  Control and spell-slinging deck focused on drawing cards through Niv-Mizzet's ability and casting multiple instants and sorceries. Uses counterspells and burn pings to control the board and finish opponents with Niv-Mizzet’s damage triggers.

• 

  Dralnu, Lich Lord

  A control deck with a focus on spells, recurrence, and possibly a combo finish. Uses Dralnu’s ability to draw cards and return instants and sorceries from the graveyard to maintain card advantage.

• 

  Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper / Vial Smasher the Fierce

  Aggressive damage-dealing deck leveraging Ikra’s life gain from combat damage and Vial Smasher’s high damage output on spells. Uses ramp artifacts like Primal Amulet and spells like Mana Geyser to generate large mana bursts for lethal damage.

• 

  Mirko Vosk, Mind Drinker

  A control and attrition deck using life loss and card draw synergies. Utilizes creatures like Virtus the Veiled and effects that drain life and generate card advantage, aiming to slowly wear down opponents.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Trevor’s use of Primal Amulet flipping into Primal Wellspring was a key turning point, enabling explosive mana generation and multiple spell casts per turn.

• 2

  Matt’s control strategy with Niv-Mizzet involved constant card draw and pinging opponents to slowly reduce their life totals while protecting his board with counterspells.

• 3

  Mike’s Mirko Vosk deck capitalized on life loss triggers and card draw, but faced heavy pressure from both aggressive commanders and control decks.

• 4

  Multiple players leveraged bounce and counter magic to disrupt early aggression, leading to a high-interaction game state with frequent responses.

• 5

  Trevor’s aggressive combat with Ikra Shidiqi and Vial Smasher consistently pressured opponents and gained him significant life, helping sustain his position during the midgame.

Notable Cards

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  Primal Amulet // Primal Wellspring

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  Mana Geyser

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  Fact or Fiction

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  Cryptic Command

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  High Tide

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  Sensei's Divining Top

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  Coastal Piracy

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  Wildest Dreams

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  Force of Will

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  Cut // Ribbons

Summary

The game began with a cautious, control-oriented pacing from all four players, each developing their mana bases and setting up early plays. Matt on Niv-Mizzet, Parun leveraged card draw and counterspells to maintain control, while Trevor on Vial Smasher and Ikra Shidiqi applied pressure through aggressive creatures and combos involving Primal Amulet to ramp mana and cast multiple spells per turn. Mike on Mirko Vosk utilized life loss synergies and card advantage from creatures like Virtus the Veiled and Soul Ring to build board presence. The early turns featured multiple counterspells, bounce effects, and card draw spells creating a dynamic back-and-forth. A pivotal moment came when Trevor flipped Primal Amulet to Primal Wellspring, enabling explosive mana generation and recurring lands, which allowed him to cast spells like Mana Geyser and Wildest Dreams to refill his hand and ramp aggressively. Matt maintained defensive control with counterspells like Cryptic Command and Fact or Fiction, while also using Niv-Mizzet's ping ability to steadily chip away at opponents. Trevor’s aggressive attacks with Vial Smasher and Ikra, combined with life gain triggers, pressured opponents heavily. Meanwhile, Matt’s combo of High Tide and cards like Sensei's Divining Top further accelerated his mana and card draw, setting up for potential storm or spell-slinging finishers. The game revolved around control interactions, mana ramp, and incremental damage until it progressed beyond the transcript.