Deck & Commander Strategies
Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy
Focuses on generating massive amounts of mana through noncreature green ramp and mana dorks, then using that mana to cast large threats or combos quickly to close out the game.
Thrasios, Triton Hero
Acts as a powerful value engine and ramp commander that enables infinite or near-infinite mana combos with partners like Rograkh or Yoshimaru, often aiming to combo out with mana sinks and draw spells.
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful
A creature-based aggro and combo strategy that leverages ninjutsu triggers and synergistic creatures to generate incremental advantage and pressure the board.
Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh
A red-green aggressive commander that uses direct damage and combat tricks, combined with Thrasios for card advantage and combo potential.
Etali, Primal Conqueror
Aggressive damage through attacking and cheating out spells for free from opponents' libraries, generating card advantage and board presence.
Gameplay Insights
- 1
Players leveraged bounce effects and responses to protect key creatures and disrupt opponents’ combos, especially using noxious revival to manipulate the top of libraries.
- 2
Maintaining and protecting key mana bases and artifacts was crucial, with players prioritizing disruption against Gilded Cradle to prevent overwhelming mana production.
- 3
Clever Impersonator was pivotal in copying key creatures like Merfolk and Fish to maximize mana and draw triggers, increasing tempo and resource advantage.
- 4
Grand Abolisher was used effectively to prevent opponents from casting spells during crucial turns, securing important plays.
- 5
Players remained cautious about allowing Etali to attack freely due to its ability to cast spells from opponents’ libraries, focusing on controlling or removing it quickly.
- 6
The use of fish triggers (cards or effects that draw cards when casting spells) was a central mechanic exploited for card advantage and tempo.
Notable Cards
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Etali, Primal Conqueror // Etali, Primal Sickness
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Grand Abolisher
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Clever Impersonator
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Mana Vault
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Arcane Signet
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Birds of Paradise
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Mystic Remora
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Noxious Revival
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Mana Crypt
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Trophy Mage
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Devoted Druid
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Selesnya Signet
Gameplay Summary
The game started with players developing their mana bases and establishing early board presence through creatures like Merfolk and mana dorks.
The players used efficient mana rocks and draw engines such as Arcane Signet, Birds of Paradise, and Mana Vault to accelerate their strategies.
A key moment involved casting Etali, Primal Conqueror, which prompted a focus on controlling legendary artifacts and creatures due to its powerful combat trigger and card advantage potential.
Players also utilized interaction spells like Grand Abolisher to protect their plays and clever impersonators to copy useful creatures like Merfolk, further ramping their resources. Mid-game saw tactical exchanges involving bounce spells and responses to key threats, including targeting lands and creatures with abilities like noxious revival and removal spells.
One player attempted to leverage synergy with cards like Mystic Remora and casting spells that triggered additional draws and mana generation.
The game featured constant vigilance around critical cards such as Gilded Cradle, which was recognized as a major threat to be denied.
Throughout, players focused on maintaining board control and resource advantage while preparing for potential big plays from their opponents.
The gameplay demonstrated tight cEDH-level interaction, with players carefully sequencing their spells and responses to optimize their combos and limit opponents’ options.
