The Return of Tom | Commander Clash S14 E1 thumbnail The Return of Tom | Commander Clash S14 E1 thumbnail
MTGGoldfish Commander profile icon

The Return of Tom | Commander Clash S14 E1

MTGGoldfish Commander

Commanders featured in this video Reviewed & Verified

Deck Strategies

  • Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith

    Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist & Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith

    Generate artifact tokens via landfall and equip them quickly using Ardenn's ability to create a fast, aggressive board presence that can deal significant damage early.

  • Tasigur, the Golden Fang Gyruda, Doom of Depths

    Tasigur, the Golden Fang & Gyruda, Doom of Depths

    Utilize graveyard recursion and delve mechanics to control the game and generate value over time with efficient six-drop creatures.

  • Soundwave, Sonic Spy // Soundwave, Superior Captain

    Soundwave, Sonic Spy // Soundwave, Superior Captain

    Build a token swarm and mill opponents while transforming Soundwave to access stronger abilities and maintain board presence.

  • Nicol Bolas, the Ravager // Nicol Bolas, the Arisen

    Nicol Bolas, the Ravager // Nicol Bolas, the Arisen

    Control the board with powerful spells and planeswalker abilities, leveraging Nicol Bolas’s disruptive capabilities to dominate the late game.

Gameplay Insights

  • 1

    Tom’s use of Ardenn's ability to equip multiple artifacts instantaneously created a rapid damage clock that pressured other players and shaped combat dynamics.

  • 2

    Phil’s symmetrical 'each opponent' effects helped balance board presence but required careful timing to maximize impact without self-harm.

  • 3

    Crim’s focus on token creation and milling provided steady incremental advantage, with the transformation of Soundwave as a key late-game power spike.

  • 4

    The interplay between graveyard recursion (Tasigur and Gyruda) and artifact aggression (Ardenn and Toggo) created a dynamic tension in board control.

  • 5

    Efficient mana ramp and fixing were critical early game steps enabling each deck to execute its mid-to-late game strategy smoothly.

Notable Cards

  • Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist

    Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist

  • Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith

    Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith

  • Tasigur, the Golden Fang

    Tasigur, the Golden Fang

  • Gyruda, Doom of Depths

    Gyruda, Doom of Depths

  • Soundwave, Sonic Spy // Soundwave, Superior Captain

    Soundwave, Sonic Spy // Soundwave, Superior Captain

  • Nicol Bolas, the Ravager // Nicol Bolas, the Arisen

    Nicol Bolas, the Ravager // Nicol Bolas, the Arisen

  • Leonin Shikari

    Leonin Shikari

  • Windcaller Aven

    Windcaller Aven

  • Cathars' Crusade

    Cathars' Crusade

  • Ancient Tomb

    Ancient Tomb

  • Talisman of Progress

    Talisman of Progress

Summary

The game opened with each player setting up their unique strategies, with Tom piloting a partner deck centered around Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith, and Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist to generate and equip artifact tokens rapidly, establishing an aggressive early board presence. Homer brought a six-drop tribal deck, aiming to play powerful, high-cost creatures that would overwhelm opponents once the game reached mid-to-late stages. Phil focused on an 'each opponent' themed deck, aiming to evenly impact all opponents with symmetrical effects, potentially controlling the board or forcing sacrifices. Crim returned with Soundwave, Sonic Spy, a deck that leverages token generation and milling to outvalue opponents, with the added dynamic of transforming Soundwave for enhanced effects. Early turns saw ramp and mana fixing as players prepared their strategies, with Tom aggressively generating and equipping artifact tokens to apply pressure. Homer's deck was slower, waiting to deploy impactful six-drop creatures, while Phil attempted to maintain control through symmetrical disruption. Crim worked towards establishing a token presence and milling synergy. Key turning points included Tom efficiently leveraging Ardenn’s ability to equip multiple artifacts instantly, creating a strong combat presence and board control. Meanwhile, Tasigur and Gyruda players developed graveyard and delve synergies to gain incremental advantage. The game revolved around managing board states and timing impactful plays, with the winning condition hinging on Tom's aggressive artifact combat clock supported by equipment synergies and quick damage output.

Description

Soundwave, Sonic Spy vs. Nicol Bolas, the Ravager vs. Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith & Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist vs. Tasigur, the Golden Fang & Gyruda, Doom of Depths

The crew kicks off season 14 with a new (or maybe old?) cast member for an anything goes battle!

Looking for our deck lists or want to know about the program we’re using to play the game? Check out our article for all that information: www.mtggoldfish.com/articles/the-return-of-tom-commander-clash-s14-e1

This video is brought to you by Card Kingdom! Support the show by buying stuff at www.cardkingdom.com/mtggoldfish

Buy our merch! Clear out Richard’s garage! mtggoldfishmerch.com

#MTG #MagicTheGathering #Commander #edh