EDH Gameplay - Episode 40: Rafiq VS Niv-Mizzet VS Surrak VS Kozilek

Deck Strategies

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  Rafiq of the Many

  Aggressive combat-focused deck using auras and equipment to quickly apply commander damage and pressure opponents.

• 

  Niv-Mizzet Reborn

  Midrange control with multi-color card advantage, drawing cards and disrupting opponents while maintaining a versatile board presence.

• 

  Surrak Dragonclaw

  Creature-heavy ramp deck leveraging Timur Ascendancy and big creatures to generate value and dominate combat phases.

• 

  Kozilek, the Great Distortion

  Eldrazi tribal ramp deck focused on drawing large hands, casting powerful Eldrazi threats, and disrupting opponents with exile effects.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Martin’s use of Duplicate to protect Kozilek from being copied by opponents prevented key board control plays, maintaining his Eldrazi threat.

• 2

  Stephen’s timely use of Beast Within to destroy Liam’s Genesis Hydra significantly delayed Surrak’s ramp and board presence.

• 3

  Phil’s Supreme Verdict effectively reset the board, neutralizing aggressive strategies and buying time for his control-oriented Niv-Mizzet deck.

• 4

  Management of charge counters on Firemind Vessel allowed Phil to generate incremental advantage and keep his control elements online.

• 5

  Rolling dice to decide attack targets and blocks added an element of unpredictability, influencing combat outcomes and player decisions.

• 6

  Players prioritized removing key threats through sacrifice effects and exile to prevent combos or overwhelming board states.

Notable Cards

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  Beast Within

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  Supreme Verdict

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  Relic of Progenitus

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  Paradox Engine

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  Sword of the Animist

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  Genesis Hydra

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  Firemind Vessel

• 

  Chromatic Lantern

Summary

The game began with each player establishing their mana base and early board presence, with ramp and card draw spells setting the pace. Liam, playing Surrak Dragonclaw, utilized creatures and Timur Ascendancy to generate value, but his big Genesis Hydra was destroyed by a timely Beast Within from Stephen, who played Rafiq of the Many and focused on equipping and attacking with auras and swords. Phil, running Niv-Mizzet Reborn, leveraged the commander’s multi-color card advantage and board control but faced pressure from multiple opponents. Martin’s Kozilek, the Great Distortion deck focused on drawing large hands and casting powerful Eldrazi, using cards like Duplicate and Relic of Progenitus to disrupt opponents and maintain card flow. Key turning points included Phil’s Supreme Verdict clearing the board, which stalled aggressive strategies, and Martin’s use of Duplicate to protect Kozilek from being copied, ensuring his Eldrazi remained a threat. Kozilek’s heavy hitters and card draw engines made Martin a dangerous late-game player, while Stephen’s Rafiq attempted to push command damage through equipment and auras. Though Liam’s Surrak deck showed potential with ramp and big creatures, early removal and board wipes hindered his board development. The game revolved around managing threats and leveraging powerful spells to maintain tempo and control until one player could capitalize on their board state for victory.