Commander Versus Series: Lazav (David McDarby) vs. Zegana (Danny West)

Deck Strategies

• 

  Lazav, Dimir Mastermind

  Utilizes a Dimir control and copy strategy, leveraging tutors to find key creatures and equipment to build a Voltron threat. Lazav copies creatures entering the graveyard to maintain board presence and pressure opponents through discard and combat damage.

• 

  Prime Speaker Zegana

  Focuses on ramp and evolve mechanics to grow creatures big and draw cards. Uses ramp spells and creatures with evolve to build a large board and generate value from card draw and creature development.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  Lazav's decision to equip Sword of Feast and Famine on his commander early created a strong Voltron threat that pressured Zegana effectively.

• 2

  Copying Fathom Mage with Lazav allowed for significant card draw through evolve triggers, maintaining hand advantage.

• 3

  Zegana's inability to fully capitalize on evolve triggers due to Lazav's disruptive plays slowed down her growth strategy.

• 4

  The use of tutors by Lazav ensured quick access to key threats and answers, demonstrating the power of efficient mana ramp and tutoring in Commander.

• 5

  Discard sequencing during combat damage was manipulated to reduce information given to the opponent, showing nuanced gameplay in managing hand resources.

Notable Cards

• 

  Lazav, Dimir Mastermind

• 

  Prime Speaker Zegana

• 

  Sword of Feast and Famine

• 

  Fathom Mage

• 

  Demonic Tutor

• 

  Vampiric Tutor

• 

  Explosive Vegetation

• 

  Acidic Slime

• 

  Body Double

• 

  Strip Mine

• 

  Talisman of Dominance

Summary

The game featured a matchup between Lazav, Dimir Mastermind and Prime Speaker Zegana, with both players navigating early mana challenges and ramping into their key pieces. Lazav quickly utilized his Dimir toolbox and copy abilities, employing tutors such as Demonic Tutor and Vampiric Tutor to assemble a threatening board state. He equipped his commander with Sword of Feast and Famine, turning it into a potent Voltron threat that pressured Zegana significantly while forcing discards and leveraging Lazav's ability to copy creatures like Fathom Mage for card draw and board presence. Zegana's approach revolved around ramping and leveraging evolve triggers on creatures like Fathom Mage, using spells like Explosive Vegetation and strategic plays to develop a board capable of drawing cards and growing creatures. Despite this, Lazav's aggressive Voltron strategy and efficient tutors allowed him to apply pressure and maintain tempo. The game saw multiple combat phases with significant evolve triggers and card draw interactions, culminating in Lazav's lethal attacks backed by equipment and copy effects. The interplay of discard, milling, and board control spells further tipped the scales in Lazav's favor, leading to a decisive victory.