The Epic Return to Studio! | MTG Commander Gameplay | Commander VS #259

Deck Strategies

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  Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

  This deck aimed to steal valuable resources from opponents, with a key strategy involving attacking and exiling cards from the top of an opponent's library.

• 

  Blim, Comedic Genius

  The deck's game plan revolved around gifting opponents cards that would eventually harm them, creating a unique Rakdos-style stax strategy.

• 

  Zedruu the Greathearted

  This deck leaned into Zedruu's ability to gift permanents to opponents and benefit from the number of gifts given.

• 

  Xanathar, Guild Kingpin

  This deck's strategy was to control the board by stealing cards from opponent's deck and playing them, thus utilizing the resources of opponents.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  The surprise Embercleave play during an attack with Ragavan showcased the power of having additional combat tricks up one's sleeve in Commander.

• 2

  The decision to give control of Zantcha, Sleeper Agent to Stephen added an interesting dynamic to the game, forcing players to adjust their strategies.

• 3

  Exiling the Smothering Tithe with Ragavan's ability was a crucial moment, as it could have significantly altered the game's dynamics if it had been drawn and played.

Notable Cards

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  Embercleave

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  Smothering Tithe

• 

  Thaumatic Compass // Spires of Orazca

Summary

In a game that truly celebrated the return to in-person play, the players commanded decks that involved a lot of interaction with each other. With commanders like Blim, Comedic Genius and Zedruu the Greathearted, there was a significant focus on exchanging control of permanents. Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer aimed to steal from opponents while Xanathar, Guild Kingpin aimed to manipulate opponents' decks. Key turning points included a surprise Embercleave play combined with Ragavan's attack, and the appearance of a Zantcha, Sleeper Agent that was handed over to Stephen. The game was full of twists and turns, with aggressive play and significant exchanges of control over board state.