Deck Strategies
Narset, Jeskai Waymaster
Focuses on casting multiple noncreature spells each turn to trigger card draw at the end step by discarding and refilling the hand, enabling a spellslinger storm-like combo to overwhelm opponents.
Tivit, Seller of Secrets
Utilizes efficient ramp and value creatures to generate board presence and incremental advantage, aiming to control the pace of the game and potentially leverage Tivit’s abilities for card advantage and disruption.
Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow
Leverages ninjas and stealth to deal damage through combat triggers, aiming to draw and play cards that manipulate the top of the library and enable burst damage through evasive attacks.
Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy
Focuses on ramping mana quickly through creatures and artifacts to cast big spells or activate powerful abilities, often building towards a combo finish by exploiting Kinnan’s mana doubling effect.
Gameplay Insights
- 1
Casting The One Ring cheaply via a treasure token allowed Steve to gain card advantage and protection without paying full mana, demonstrating efficient resource use.
- 2
The distinction between casting a spell versus gaining control of it was critical, as Kyle did not benefit from The One Ring’s protection when it was taken, underscoring the importance of spell origin in control interactions.
- 3
Steve’s decision to sometimes hold lands or discard to leverage Narset’s draw ability emphasized careful hand management to maximize storm potential.
- 4
Use of uncounterable spells and mana ramp artifacts like Lotus Pedal and Soul Ring helped maintain tempo and ensure key spells resolved amid competitive interaction.
- 5
Incremental combat damage from creatures like Ragavan set a steady pace of pressure, forcing opponents to respond while developing their own strategies.
Notable Cards
Narset, Jeskai Waymaster
The One Ring
Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer
Gemstone Caverns
Arcane Signet
Elvish Mystic
Summary
The game opened with cautious land plays and early development as each player set up their mana base and started laying down key pieces like Ragavan and Öza's Saga. Narset, Jeskai Waymaster, led by Steve, focused on ramping into her spellslinger strategy, aiming to quickly cast multiple spells per turn and capitalize on her end step draw ability to refill her hand and maintain card advantage. Early combat started with incremental damage, primarily from Ragavan and Narset herself, putting pressure on opponents. A pivotal moment occurred when Steve utilized a treasure token to cast the One Ring at a reduced cost, gaining powerful card draw and protection benefits, although the control effect bypassed another player, Kyle’s Yuriko deck, due to casting mechanics. Meanwhile, Jeremy on Kinnan and John on Tivit developed their boards with efficient ramp and utility creatures. The game featured continuous interaction with clues, treasures, and artifacts fueling each player's resources. Steve’s ability to chain spells and maintain card advantage with Narset set the tempo, while the other decks aimed to establish their combos and disrupt his flow. The game was marked by strategic use of uncounterable spells and careful resource management, with Narset’s storm-like spellcasting approach at the center of the action.