Kari Zev RDW vs. Jeska & Ludevic [Duel Commander-EDH] - Magic: The Gathering thumbnail Blurred backdrop thumbnail
bitzelberg profile icon

Kari Zev RDW vs. Jeska & Ludevic [Duel Commander-EDH] - Magic: The Gathering

bitzelberg


Commanders featured in this Gameplay Reviewed & Verified

Decklists

Deck & Commander Strategies

  • Kari Zev, Skyship Raider

    Kari Zev, Skyship Raider

    An aggressive red deck focused on fast creatures and burn spells to quickly reduce opponents' life totals. Utilizes Ragavan and Swift Spear for early board presence, plus token generation from Kari Zev’s ability to maintain pressure and close out games with direct damage.

  • Jeska, Thrice Reborn

    Jeska, Thrice Reborn

    A red-based tempo deck paired with Ludevic to leverage Jeska's damage triggers alongside Ludevic’s spell-slinging and card draw. The deck aims to control the board with removal and bounce while generating incremental advantage through triggered damage and efficient spells.

  • Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist

    Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist

    An Izzet (blue-red) control and tempo deck that focuses on casting multiple spells per turn to draw cards and disrupt opponents. Combines with Jeska for additional damage triggers and tempo plays, using bounce effects and draw spells to maintain a card advantage and control the game.

Gameplay Insights

  • 1

    Kari Zev’s early use of Lightning Bolt and Chain Lightning to remove key threats like Jeska and creatures helped maintain board control and tempo.

  • 2

    Jeska’s ability to bounce creatures and generate damage triggers provided intermittent disruption but was not enough to stem Kari’s aggressive onslaught.

  • 3

    The use of Royal Eruption and Grim Lavamancer by Jeska and Ludevic helped stabilize the board temporarily but failed to prevent lethal burn damage.

  • 4

    Kari Zev’s aggressive combat steps combined with burn spells allowed the deck to close out the game efficiently before Jeska-Ludevic could develop a sustained control position.

  • 5

    Maintaining pressure with token generators and efficient one-drops proved critical for Kari Zev to overcome the opponent’s tempo and control elements.

Notable Cards

  • Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

    Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

  • Skyfire Phoenix

    Skyfire Phoenix

  • Chain Lightning

    Chain Lightning

  • Grim Lavamancer

    Grim Lavamancer

  • Exquisite Firecraft

    Exquisite Firecraft

  • Goblin Rabblemaster

    Goblin Rabblemaster

Gameplay Summary

The game featured a fast-paced duel between aggressive red and Izzet tempo decks.

Kari Zev's mono-red aggro deck leveraged efficient creatures like Ragavan and Swift Spear to apply early pressure, using burn spells such as Lightning Bolt and Chain Lightning to clear blockers and deal direct damage.

Kari Zev’s ability to generate tokens and trigger damage on attacks created threats that forced the opponent to respond quickly. On the other side, Jeska partnered with Ludevic in an Izzet tempo build aimed at controlling the board and generating card advantage.

Jeska's damage-dealing triggers combined with Ludevic’s spell-slinging and card draw engine sought to disrupt Kari's aggression.

Key moments included Jeska's ability to bounce threats and generate incremental value with spells like Royal Eruption.

Ultimately, Kari Zev capitalized on a well-timed sequence of burn spells and combat damage to close out the game, showcasing the raw tempo and burn synergy of the deck against a control-oriented opponent.

Watch on YouTube