IS LUTRI TOO GOOD FOR cEDH? (Emergency Ban) - Play to Win

Deck Strategies

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  Lutri, the Spellchaser

  Utilizes Lutri’s ability to generate free blockers each turn to control the board while leveraging spells and card advantage to maintain tempo and protect key creatures. The deck aims to combine aggressive early pressure with solid defense to outlast opponents.

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  Brallin, Skyshark Rider and Shabraz, the Skyshark

  A midrange deck that leverages wheel effects like Wheel of Fortune to refill hands and grow Brallin through +1/+1 counters, aiming to maintain steady card flow and board presence for incremental advantage.

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  Kess, Dissident Mage

  A value engine deck focusing on casting spells from the graveyard to generate repeated card advantage and control elements, allowing for a sustained board presence and disruption.

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  Kraum, Ludevic's Opus and Tymna the Weaver

  Combines aggressive draw with combat damage triggers and efficient spellcasting to outpace opponents, leveraging both commanders’ synergy to maintain card advantage and pressure.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Early deployment of an 8/8 Lutri commander on turn one forces opponents onto the back foot and dictates much of the game's tempo.

• 2

  Brandon’s decision to avoid over-aggression against Tyler demonstrates strategic patience, opting to win through fair play rather than early elimination.

• 3

  The use of wheel effects early in the game creates complex hand management challenges but also fuels card advantage and counters for Brallin.

• 4

  Protective spells like Cyclonic Rift and Pyroblast are used to maintain board control and prevent critical threats from resolving.

• 5

  Lutri’s ability to create free chump blockers provides significant defensive value, effectively saving turns without expending additional resources.

• 6

  Players carefully manage damage and card draw triggers to maximize value, including the use of Mystical Remora and tax-paying mechanics.

• 7

  The interplay between graveyard recursion (Kess) and wheel effects creates high-value turns that shift board state and card advantage dynamically.

Notable Cards

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  Lutri, the Spellchaser

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  Brallin, Skyshark Rider

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  Shabraz, the Skyshark

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  Kess, Dissident Mage

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  Kraum, Ludevic's Opus

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  Tymna the Weaver

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  Wheel of Fortune

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  Cyclonic Rift

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  Pyroblast

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  Manic Vandal

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  Mana Crypt

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  Mystic Remora

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  Lotus Petal

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  Talisman of Curiosity

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  Vampiric Tutor

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  Mental Misstep

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  Forbidden Orchard

Summary

The game opens explosively with a turn one 8/8 commander on the battlefield, applying immediate pressure that sets the tone for a tense and dynamic match. Lutri, the Spellchaser, serves as a pivotal piece with its ability to generate free blockers, providing defensive tempo against aggressive early threats. The players engage in a complex wheel of fortune interaction early on, discarding cards and taking damage while simultaneously growing creatures and strategizing around card advantage. The mid-game sees strategic decisions focused on controlling the board and managing resources, with notable plays like casting Cyclonic Rift and Pyroblast to protect key pieces and disrupt opponents' plans. Throughout the game, players carefully balance attacking thresholds and cooperative targeting, such as choosing when to apply pressure or hold back to manage threats effectively. The interplay between card draw engines, discard effects, and protective counters demonstrates the high-level tactical depth of the game. Ultimately, the match highlights Lutri's capacity to influence both offense and defense, showcasing why it was considered powerful enough for an emergency ban before seeing widespread play.