Kozilek vs Phage vs Krenko vs Vial Smasher | Ikra EDH / CMDR game play for Magic: The Gathering

Deck Strategies

• 

  Krenko, Mob Boss

  Generate large numbers of goblin tokens quickly and use synergies with Impact Tremors and Goblin Bushwhacker to deal massive damage through token swarms.

• 

  Vial Smasher the Fierce

  Aggressively cast spells to deal direct damage each turn, leveraging Vial Smasher’s triggered damage to keep pressure on opponents while disrupting their plans.

• 

  Phage the Untouchable

  Utilize disruption and removal spells to control the board state while aiming to land Phage for a game-ending combo or overwhelming threat.

• 

  Kozilek, the Great Distortion

  Ramp into large Eldrazi threats to control the board with annihilator effects and heavy disruption, drawing cards on cast to maintain hand advantage.

• 

  Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper

  Focus on life gain and political manipulation, using Ikra’s life link to stabilize and outlast opponents while deploying impactful creatures and spells.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  The early deployment of Impact Tremors combined with Krenko’s tokens consistently chipped away at opponents’ life totals, establishing a strong board presence and incremental damage.

• 2

  Frank used artifact sacrifice combos effectively to disrupt the board, taking out key artifacts and permanents with Goblin Trashmaster to slow down opponents’ ramp and synergy plays.

• 3

  Kozilek’s on-cast draw triggered off a low hand, but the commander was immediately countered by Force of Despair, highlighting the high counterspell presence in the game.

• 4

  Ulamog’s arrival was a game-changing moment, wiping out critical permanents and forcing Phage to concede due to lack of lands and board presence.

• 5

  Krenko’s combination of Goblin Bushwhacker and Impact Tremors enabled huge bursts of damage in a single turn, showcasing the power of token synergy in Commander.

• 6

  Trevor’s use of Assassin’s Trophy to remove Forsaken Monument effectively slowed Frank’s mana ramp, demonstrating timely removal to disrupt opponents’ strategies.

Notable Cards

• 

  Impact Tremors

• 

  Goblin Piledriver

• 

  Goblin Bushwhacker

• 

  Krenko, Mob Boss

• 

  Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre

• 

  Kozilek, the Great Distortion

• 

  Vial Smasher the Fierce

• 

  Blast Zone

• 

  Doubling Cube

• 

  Dreamstone Hedron

Summary

The game began with each player setting up their mana base and early board presence, with Krenko focusing on goblin token production and Impact Tremors to steadily chip away at opponents' life totals. Vial Smasher applied consistent damage through aggressive creature plays and spells, while Phage tried to stabilize with disruption and removal. Kozilek entered the battlefield but was promptly countered, setting back that player's momentum. Midgame saw Krenko explode with multiple token generations and a Goblin Bushwhacker to pump and haste the army, dealing significant damage all at once. Meanwhile, Kozilek's controller recovered by casting Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre, which heavily impacted the board state by eliminating key permanents and forcing opponents to concede, notably Phage after suffering a brutal hit and losing vital lands. The game transitioned into a battle between the remaining players, with Krenko leveraging token swarms and impact tremors damage, and Vial Smasher continuing to pressure with aggressive plays and removal, including blowing up key artifacts. Eventually, Krenko's overwhelming goblin assault and continuous impact tremors damage became the dominant strategy threatening to close out the game.