EDH/Commander Gameplay #6 - Elsha of the Infinite vs Kaalia of the Vast vs Octavia, Living Thesis

Deck Strategies

• 

  Octavia, Living Thesis

  Focuses on artifact synergies and graveyard recursion to reduce spell costs and generate card advantage. Utilizes spells and artifacts that allow recasting from the graveyard, comboing with cost reducers and card draw to overwhelm opponents.

• 

  Elsha of the Infinite

  Leverages prowess and top-deck manipulation to cast noncreature spells from the top of the library, generating value through repeated spellcasting and control elements like counterspells to maintain board presence.

• 

  Kaalia of the Vast

  Aims to cheat in large, impactful creatures such as angels, demons, and dragons to deal heavy combat damage quickly. Uses aggressive creatures and combat triggers to pressure opponents and close out games swiftly.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Octavia's pilot effectively used graveyard exile and cost reduction to chain multiple spells and artifacts, creating a strong synergy engine.

• 2

  Elsha's strategy of casting spells from the top of the library was hampered by land-heavy draws, slowing down the deck's usual burst potential.

• 3

  Kaalia's aggressive combat plan was disrupted by opponents' removal and control spells, demonstrating the importance of protection and timing in aggressive decks.

• 4

  The interaction between artifact synergies and graveyard manipulation was a key factor in maintaining card advantage and board presence.

• 5

  Players balanced between developing board states and holding up interaction like counterspells, reflecting a cautious but strategic midgame.

Notable Cards

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  Brainstorm

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  Rapid Hybridization

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  Clock of Omens

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  Herald of Kozilek

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  Golden Egg

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  Traveler's Amulet

Summary

The game featured three commanders: Octavia, Living Thesis; Elsha of the Infinite; and Kaalia of the Vast, each piloted by different players. Early turns saw slow development with mana ramp and card filtering through spells like Soul Ring, Opt, and various draw effects. Octavia's pilot focused on artifact synergies and graveyard interactions, utilizing cards such as Assembling Zhenvault to reduce spell costs and digging through the deck with spells like Brainstorm and Vexing Puzzle Box. Elsha's player leveraged prowess triggers and top-deck manipulation, trying to maximize the value of non-creature, non-planeswalker spells to cast from the top of their library, while also applying pressure with prowess creatures and counterspells. Kaalia's player aimed to deploy aggressive creatures and leverage combat damage to close out the game quickly, relying on Kaalia's ability to cheat in powerful angels, demons, and dragons to swing the game in their favor. A significant turning point occurred when Octavia's pilot assembled a strong artifact-based combo engine, enabling multiple free or reduced-cost spell casts and graveyard recursion, generating considerable card advantage. Elsha's deck attempted to control the board and tempo with counterspells and prowess triggers, but was slowed by land-heavy draws and disruption. Kaalia's player managed to put pressure on opponents with aggressive creatures and combat damage, but was hindered by removal and control elements from the others. The game saw tactical exchanges involving key artifact synergies, graveyard setups, and combat damage phases, with each player trying to outvalue the others through either combo engines or direct combat damage. Ultimately, the interplay of control, ramp, and aggression defined the pacing and flow of the match.