Can Tivit survive the target on their back? |S1G3| ISHAI/VIAL v WINOTA v MALCOLM|VIAL v TIVIT

Deck Strategies

• 

  Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator

  Focuses on resource denial and control while assembling combo pieces through tutors and Necropotence to generate card advantage and execute a winning combo.

• 

  Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker / Vial Smasher the Fierce

  A tempo/control hybrid deck using disruption and efficient spells to control the board and protect its combo pieces, aiming to win through Splinter Twin or Orzhov Oracle combos.

• 

  Winota, Joiner of Forces

  Aggressive creature-based deck that leverages combat damage and Winota’s ability to cheat in powerful Human creatures to quickly apply pressure and close out the game.

• 

  Tivit, Seller of Secrets

  Utilizes artifact ramp and card draw through treasures and clues, aiming to assemble a time-sieve combo or other combo finishes by leveraging card advantage and resource generation.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Early discard spells like Winds of Change significantly disrupted players' hands, forcing careful resource management.

• 2

  Malcolm's use of Necropotence allowed him to refill his hand at the cost of life, setting up for a powerful late-game combo.

• 3

  Counterspells such as Pact of Negation were pivotal in protecting key plays and shutting down opponents' responses.

• 4

  Tivit's ability to generate treasures and clues provided sustained card advantage, helping it survive despite being a primary target.

• 5

  Aggressive combat from Winota placed pressure on opponents, shifting the game tempo and forcing defensive plays.

• 6

  Players balanced fast mana ramp with disruption and counterplay to maintain board presence and control the flow of the game.

Notable Cards

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  Jeweled Lotus

• 

  Vampiric Tutor

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  Necropotence

• 

  Winds of Change

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  Pact of Negation

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  Tivit, Seller of Secrets

• 

  Smothering Tithe

• 

  Mana Confluence

Summary

The game started with each player setting up their mana base and early plays, including fast mana such as Jeweled Lotus and aggressive discard spells like Winds of Change. Malcolm utilized Vampiric Tutor early to sculpt his hand while Tivit focused on ramping and card advantage through treasures and clues generated by its ability. Ishai/Vial Smasher leveraged control elements and counters to disrupt opponents, while Winota looked to assemble aggressive, combat-oriented plays with early creatures like Monkeys and return-to-play effects. A turning point occurred when Malcolm cast Necropotence, paying heavy life to refill his hand with powerful spells, signaling a shift toward a slower, resource-intensive combo approach. Meanwhile, Tivit survived the early targeted disruption and continued to generate resources, managing to stay relevant despite being a prime target. Vial Smasher and Ishai worked to slow down opponents using counterspells and removal, while Winota attempted to apply pressure through combat damage. The game featured key interactions involving mana denial, artifact ramp, and pivotal counterspells such as Pact of Negation, which prevented a crucial counter from being used. The gameplay emphasized balancing aggression with resource management and disruption, with the eventual win condition revolving around executing Tivit's time-sieve combo or Malcolm's combo finish, depending on who could stabilize and protect their board state first.