MTG Commander Gameplay | Memnarch v First Sliver v Zhulodok v Gishath | The Cookout ‘24 |TTJ ep69

Deck Strategies

• 

  Memnarch

  Focuses on artifact synergies and control, aiming to gain control of opponents' artifacts and generate value through artifact-based combos and interactions.

• 

  Gishath, Sun's Avatar

  Utilizes aggressive ramp and big creature threats, especially dinosaurs, to overwhelm opponents while benefiting from bloodthirst triggers.

• 

  Zhulodok, Void Gorger

  Leverages cascade mechanics to cast spells efficiently from hand, aiming to chain noncreature spells for value, though noted as somewhat vanilla in this game.

• 

  The First Sliver

  Builds a synergistic sliver tribal board with flying and first strike slivers, focusing on incremental combat superiority and tribal buffs.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  The use of Forsaken Monument to reduce activation costs and gain life significantly enhanced infinite mana combos, particularly for Memnarch.

• 2

  Strategic passing and temporary truces were critical in managing threats and preventing early table-wide aggression.

• 3

  The synergy between artifact ramp and untap effects allowed for explosive mana generation and multiple spell casts in a single turn.

• 4

  Sliver tribal synergy with flying and first strike provided a strong defensive and offensive presence, forcing opponents to respond rather than develop their own board.

• 5

  Players carefully managed their mana and timing to prevent others from easily executing infinite combos while setting up their own win conditions.

Notable Cards

• 

  Forsaken Monument

• 

  Gilded Lotus

• 

  Mox Diamond

• 

  Sol Ring

• 

  Arcane Signet

Summary

The game featured a dynamic four-player Commander match with Memnarch, Gishath, Sun's Avatar, Zhulodok, Void Gorger, and The First Sliver. Early turns saw the Sliver deck establishing a flying sliver presence, while Gishath ramped up with powerful artifact mana acceleration, including Mox Diamonds and Sol Ring, setting up for big plays. Zhulodok focused on a cascade-centric strategy but admitted the deck felt somewhat underwhelming in this game. Memnarch aimed to leverage artifact synergies and control elements, attempting to gain control of key artifacts on the board. A pivotal moment arose when infinite mana loops were teased and achieved, particularly involving artifact interactions and Forsaken Monument, enabling explosive mana generation. This allowed for significant plays such as casting Gilded Lotus and manipulating board state with untaps and counters. The Sliver player maintained steady board development with synergy among slivers granting first strike and flying, creating a formidable board presence that demanded attention from opponents. Throughout the game, players negotiated temporary truces and strategic targeting, balancing aggression with defensive postures. Memnarch’s artifact control potential posed a looming threat, while Gishath’s bloodthirst and big creature prowess pressured the table. The game continued with players seeking to leverage their unique synergies and mana advantages toward a winning combo or overwhelming board state.