Deck Strategies
Phage the Untouchable
Phage's deck aims to repeatedly cast its commander using recursion tools like Command Beacon and Cabal Stronghold, equipping Phage with evasive auras such as Whispersteel Cloak to deal lethal damage quickly. It combines disruption through board wipes and targeted removal with a focus on quick, unstoppable commander damage.
Krenko, Mob Boss
Krenko's deck aggressively builds a massive army of goblin tokens, leveraging anthem effects like Goblin Chieftain and equipment like Obelisk of Urd to pump the horde. Its win condition is overwhelming opponents through sheer numbers and fast, repeated combat damage.
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade
Lavinia's deck controls the game with counterspells, bounce effects, and reactive spells to disrupt opponents' plays. It slows down aggressive decks and protects its own board, aiming to win through incremental value and controlling the game state.
Bruna, Light of Alabaster
Bruna's deck focuses on building a sturdy board of angels and humans, enhancing creatures with equipment and auras like Angelic Destiny and Celestial Mantle to gain life and deal damage. The deck plays a midrange game, aiming to outlast opponents with resilience and repeated value.
Gameplay Insights
- 1
Dale's use of Command Beacon and Cabal Stronghold to repeatedly cast Phage was a game-changing recursion loop that kept the pressure high.
- 2
The Oblivion Stone board wipe reset the board but left lands intact, favoring decks with efficient recasts and mana acceleration like Phage and Krenko.
- 3
Harry's Lavinia deck effectively used counterspells and bounce effects to slow opponents, but struggled to keep up with the rapid token generation and aggressive swings.
- 4
Krenko's token swarms forced opponents to chump block and take significant damage, applying constant pressure especially on Ryan's Bruna deck.
- 5
The timely use of Cyclonic Rift by Harry bounced all creatures back to hands, temporarily stalling the board but not stopping the momentum of decks with strong mana bases and recursion.
- 6
Equipping Phage with Whispersteel Cloak gave it shroud and unblockable, making it a highly evasive and lethal threat once it hit the board.
- 7
The interplay between equipment, anthem effects, and token generation highlighted the importance of synergy in these decks for maintaining board dominance.
Notable Cards
Phage the Untouchable
Krenko, Mob Boss
Oblivion Stone
Cabal Stronghold
Command Beacon
Goblin Chieftain
Cyclonic Rift
Angelic Destiny
Celestial Mantle
Time of Need
Summary
The game began with players developing their boards at a steady pace, utilizing early cantrips and mana acceleration. The Goblin tribal deck led by Krenko aggressively generated tokens and pushed damage early, leveraging cards like Goblin War Marshal, Goblin Chieftain, and Goblin Matron to flood the board. Meanwhile, Lavinia's deck focused on control and disruption, utilizing counterspells and bounce effects to slow down opponents. Bruna's deck aimed to build a resilient board with efficient creatures and equipment, while Phage's deck sought to capitalize on powerful swings and disruption, including recurring Phage with buffs. Midgame saw pivotal moments including an Oblivion Stone board wipe that reset the battlefield but left lands intact, allowing aggressive players to rebuild quickly. Dale, piloting Phage, leveraged Cabal Stronghold and Command Beacon to repeatedly cast Phage, equipping it with Whispersteel Cloak to make it unblockable and evasive. Krenko continued to overwhelm with goblin tokens, swinging heavily at Ryan's Bruna deck, which had amassed life and board control through Angelic Destiny and Celestial Mantle. Harry's Lavinia deck used tempo plays like Time of Need and counterspells to control the pace, but the aggressive pressure from Krenko and Phage started to dominate. The game featured multiple combat phases where goblin hordes and evasive threats chipped away at opponents, with key disruptions like Cyclonic Rift resetting the board temporarily but not stopping Dale's momentum. The game appeared to be leaning towards Phage taking control through repeated evasive swings and powerful equipment, with Krenko maintaining pressure through sheer token numbers.
