Yuriko vs Anafenza vs Sram vs Avacyn EDH / CMDR game play for Magic: The Gathering

Deck Strategies

• 

  Anafenza, the Foremost

  Utilizes graveyard recursion combos centered around Protean Hulk and sac outlets like Viscera Seer to generate lethal board states while disrupting opponents through sacrifice effects.

• 

  Avacyn, Angel of Hope

  Controls the board with strong removal spells, board wipes, and protection effects, aiming to stabilize the game and protect key permanents for a late-game win.

• 

  Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow

  Employs ninjutsu and evasive creatures to trigger Yuriko's damage-dealing ability, focusing on dealing incremental commander damage and card advantage through ninja synergy.

• 

  Sram, Senior Edificer

  A voltron build that equips Sram with auras and equipment to quickly deal combat damage while drawing cards and maintaining pressure on opponents.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Anafenza's controller used a Protean Hulk recursion combo to clear the board and rebuild a strong presence, leveraging sac effects to force opponents into tough choices.

• 2

  Avacyn's player used Cleansing Nova effectively to reset the board, disrupting Yuriko's artifact-dependent strategy early on.

• 3

  Yuriko's ninjutsu triggers were potent but less effective due to artifact removal and counterspells, limiting damage output.

• 4

  Sram's deck focused on equipping and drawing cards through combat damage, maintaining steady pressure despite board resets.

• 5

  The use of utility lands like Strip Mine and Reflecting Pool provided mana fixing and disruption, impacting key plays across the table.

• 6

  Marco’s repeated use of recursion spells like Dread Return and Necromancy demonstrated a resilient approach to maintaining board presence.

• 7

  The timing and sequencing of sacrifice and recursion spells were pivotal in Anafenza’s ability to dominate mid to late game.

Notable Cards

• 

  Protean Hulk

• 

  Karmic Guide

• 

  Viscera Seer

• 

  Plaguecrafter

• 

  Chromatic Lantern

• 

  Gilded Lotus

• 

  Cleansing Nova

• 

  Bone Saw

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  Sword of the Animist

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  Reflecting Pool

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  Strip Mine

• 

  Ancient Tomb

Summary

The game featured an intense multiplayer Commander match with four distinct decks piloted by Anafenza, Avacyn, Yuriko, and Sram. Early turns saw the deployment of key commanders and ramp pieces such as Chromatic Lantern and Gilded Lotus, alongside critical utility lands like Strip Mine and Reflecting Pool. Yuriko's deck attempted to leverage ninjutsu and evasive damage triggers but struggled due to artifact removal by Avacyn's controller using Cleansing Nova, which reset much of the early setup. Anafenza's deck capitalized on powerful creature recursion combos, notably with Protean Hulk and Karmic Guide, enabling a devastating graveyard resurrection sequence that forced opponents to sacrifice creatures and gained significant board presence. Meanwhile, Sram's voltron strategy equipped his commander with multiple auras and equipment, steadily applying pressure through combat damage and card draw synergy. Avacyn's deck maintained strong control elements and board wipes to keep the table in check but fell behind as Anafenza executed a complex combo to regain dominance. A key turning point was Anafenza's Protean Hulk combo resurrection involving Karmic Guide, Viscera Seer, and Plaguecrafter, which allowed him to clear opponents' boards and rebuild his own, swinging combat damage decisively. Throughout the game, Yuriko's attempts to generate incremental advantage were stymied by removal and counterspells, while Sram's incremental damage and card advantage kept him relevant. The game culminated with Anafenza maintaining overwhelming board control through recursion and sacrifice synergies, positioning him for a likely close victory.