Meren vs Derevi vs Grand Arbiter vs Rafiq EDH / CMDR game play for Magic: The Gathering

Deck Strategies

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  Meren of Clan Nel Toth

  A Golgari graveyard-based deck focused on sacrificing creatures and recurring them for value, controlling the board through attrition and incremental advantage.

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  Derevi, Empyrial Tactician

  A Bant deck leveraging tap/untap mechanics and disruption to control the board, protect key creatures, and generate incremental advantage through activated abilities.

• 

  Grand Arbiter Augustin IV

  An Azorius control deck taxing opponents' spells to slow their development, while using counterspells and draw to maintain card advantage and lock the board.

• 

  Rafiq of the Many

  A Bant aggro deck that aims to deal commander damage quickly using infect and unblockable attacks, supported by equipment and combat tricks.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Bottomless Pit repeatedly disrupted players by forcing them to discard key cards in their upkeep, significantly impacting game tempo.

• 2

  Meren's use of Fleshbag Marauder and Smoke Stack created a recurring sacrifice loop that kept opponents' boards clear while fueling graveyard recursion.

• 3

  Derevi's ability to tap down key threats like Rafiq and Mold Drifter was crucial in slowing down aggressive plays.

• 4

  Grand Arbiter's taxing effect on spells added an additional layer of resource management pressure on all players, affecting the timing and sequencing of plays.

• 5

  Kevin's timely use of Terminus wiped the board, resetting the board state and forcing players to rebuild.

• 6

  Adam's strategic use of Derevi's untap ability to tap down key permanents like Rafiq during combat phases prevented lethal swings and protected himself.

• 7

  Brian's attempt to leverage infect with Grafted Exoskeleton on Rafiq was neutralized by Derevi’s removal and tapping capabilities.

• 8

  The interplay between card draw engines like Ristic Study, Sylvan Library, and Jace allowed for sustained card advantage despite heavy disruption.

Notable Cards

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  Bottomless Pit

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  Fleshbag Marauder

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  Jace, Vryn's Prodigy // Jace, Telepath Unbound

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  Grand Arbiter Augustin IV

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  Archangel of Thune

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  Aura Shards

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  Karmic Guide

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  Iona, Shield of Emeria

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  Vendilion Clique

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  Mystifying Maze

Summary

The game featured a dynamic four-player battle with Meren of Clan Nel Toth, Derevi, Empyrial Tactician, Grand Arbiter Augustin IV, and Rafiq of the Many. Early turns were marked by cautious plays, with players developing their mana bases and establishing board presence. Meren used graveyard recursion and sacrifice effects to control the board, notably using Fleshbag Marauder and Smoke stacks to dismantle opponents' creatures while leveraging card advantage through creatures like Elves of Deep Shadow. Derevi focused on tapping and untapping permanents to disrupt opponents and protect herself, while Grand Arbiter imposed taxing effects on spells, increasing the cost for everyone and slowing the pace. Rafiq aimed to apply commander damage pressure with infect and unblockable creatures, but was repeatedly checked by removal and tap effects.