Varina vs Rafiq vs Lathril vs Valki [EDH/Commander, Magic The Gathering Gameplay] 2021

Deck & Commander Strategies

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  Varina, Lich Queen

  Zombie tribal deck focused on generating card advantage through discards and creating zombie tokens. Uses graveyard synergies and combos like Phyrexian Altar with Gravecrawler to win through combat damage or combo finishers.

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  Rafiq of the Many

  A voltron strategy aimed at quickly equipping and enchanting Rafiq to deal lethal commander damage to opponents, leveraging exalted triggers and protection from equipment like Swiftfoot Boots.

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  Lathril, Blade of the Elves

  Elf tribal midrange deck that combines token generation and recursion to wear down opponents with sustained attacks and synergy-driven value plays.

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  Valki, God of Lies // Tibalt, Cosmic Impostor

  A midrange control deck that uses single-target removal, board wipes, and the transformational ability of Valki/Tibalt to control the board early and seize the late game.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Varina’s discard triggers combined with Archfiend of Ifnir’s -4/-4 effect significantly weakened opponents' creatures, demonstrating powerful synergy between discard and board control.

• 2

  Manicrypt provided explosive early mana acceleration for Varina but came with the risk of life loss, which was managed carefully throughout the game.

• 3

  Rafiq’s use of equipment and enchantments early on set up a fast voltron threat, forcing opponents to respond quickly or risk lethal commander damage.

• 4

  Lathril’s slow start due to keeping a one-land hand made it difficult to keep pace early but the deck’s synergy with elves and token generation was poised for midgame pressure.

• 5

  Valki/Tibalt’s transformational ability and access to board wipes gave the control player a reliable way to reset the board and maintain tempo advantage.

Notable Cards

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  Archfiend of Ifnir

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  Wayward Servant

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  Lord of the Accursed

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  Phyrexian Altar

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  Swiftfoot Boots

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  Heliod, God of the Sun

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  Kodama's Reach

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  Noxious Revival

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  Everflowing Chalice

Gameplay Summary