Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander Gameplay | Xavier v Abuelo v Pantlaza v Carmen | EDH MTG

Deck Strategies

• 

  Abuelo, Ancestral Echo

  Abuelo's deck focused on blink effects, hoping to take advantage of enter-the-battlefield abilities.

• 

  Pantlaza, Sun-Favored

  Jon M's Pantlaza deck aimed to ramp up quickly and leverage dinosaur themes for powerful combat damage.

• 

  Carmen, Cruel Skymarcher

  Spencer's Carmen deck was built around a reanimator strategy, using sacrifice and edict effects to maintain board control and generate value.

• 

  Xavier Sal, Infested Captain

  Jeff's Xavier Sal deck was a Super Friends strategy with a focus on populating and proliferating for value.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Spencer's decision to repeatedly activate Carmen's abilities early on gave him a significant lead in terms of resources.

• 2

  Jeff's attempt to keep pace with Xavier Sal's populate and proliferate abilities was hindered by the pressure from Spencer's board.

• 3

  Carlos' use of Reflector Mage to bounce Spencer's Braids was a key defensive move, but it was not enough to turn the tide.

• 4

  Spencer's use of Solitude to exile Carlos' Reflector Mage demonstrated the power of free interaction in the Commander format.

Notable Cards

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  Dark Ritual

• 

  Black Market Connections

• 

  Mage Slayer

• 

  Solitude

Summary

The game started with each player slowly setting up their board states, with Carlos playing Abuelo, Ancestral Echo, Jon M piloting Pantlaza, Sun-Favored, Spencer commanding Carmen, Cruel Skymarcher, and Jeff at the helm of Xavier Sal, Infested Captain. Early on, Spencer used Carmen's abilities to generate a significant advantage, while Jon M used Pantlaza to ramp up his dinosaur-themed deck. Carlos and Jeff tried to keep pace, with Carlos using Abuelo's blink effects and Jeff attempting to populate and proliferate with Xavier Sal. However, Spencer was able to maintain his lead, forcing opponents to sacrifice key creatures and amassing a powerful army. Despite the others' best efforts, they could not overcome Spencer's commanding board state, leading to his victory.