{"ops":[{"insert":"What I Like Most About This Deck"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"I really like how explosive and resilient to board wipes this deck is. It recovers very well after a board wipe, quickly draws a ton of cards, and can put huge creatures onto the battlefield surprisingly fast. It's very satisfying to see the deck rebuild so quickly. It's also very straightforward to play: play big creatures and attack."},{"attributes":{"blockquote":true},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe Deck’s Biggest Weakness"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck doesn't have much interaction, so it can struggle to deal with what the opponents are doing. Also, the board can sometimes get so huge that it's easy to miss or forget to resolve some of your triggers."},{"attributes":{"blockquote":true},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nCore Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The most important lesson when piloting this deck is:\n\nIf you must choose between establishing a card advantage engine and putting a large creature onto the battlefield, establishing the card advantage engine is usually correct.\n\nMost of the large creatures in the deck are interchangeable.\nThe difference between Titan of Industry and Vaultborn Tyrant rarely matters early.\nThe difference between having Guardian Project and not having Guardian Project often decides the entire game.\nThe deck is designed so that once card draw starts flowing, the threats naturally follow.\nDo not think of yourself as a stompy deck.\nThink of yourself as a value engine deck that happens to win through combat.\n\nHow the Deck Wins"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Every game follows a similar pattern:\nAccelerate mana."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Deploy Kona, Rescue Beastie."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Find a reliable way to tap Kona."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Establish a card advantage engine."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Use Kona triggers to generate overwhelming value."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Finish opponents with a massive combat step."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe deck rarely wins because of a single creature.\nIt wins because opponents eventually cannot answer everything entering the battlefield every turn.\n\nThe Three Pillars"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"1. Kona Enablers"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Kona is the heart of the deck.\nWithout a way to tap Kona, the deck becomes significantly slower.\nMany cards exist solely to ensure Kona triggers every turn without needing to attack.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Holdout Settlement"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Survivors' Encampment"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Springleaf Drum"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Relic of Legends"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cryptolith Rite"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Enduring Vitality"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Citanul Stalwart"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cultivator's Caravan"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dependable Quinjet"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ashaya, Soul of the Wild"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gene Pollinator"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lumbering Worldwagon"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thunderous Velocipede"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThese cards may not look impressive, but they are often more important than the giant creatures in your hand.\nA turn-three Kona trigger is frequently worth more than casting an additional threat.\nWhen evaluating opening hands, always ask:\n\"Can I reliably trigger Kona?\"\nIf the answer is no, the hand is often weaker than it appears.\n\n2. Card Advantage Engines"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is the most important category in the entire deck.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Guardian Project"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Garruk's Uprising"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tribute to the World Tree"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"The Great Henge"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Soul of the Harvest"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Toski, Bearer of Secrets"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Outcaster Trailblazer"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Garruk, Primal Hunter"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rishkar's Expertise"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Vaultborn Tyrant"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Disciple of Freyalise // Garden of Freyalise"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThese cards are usually stronger than any individual threat.\nA common mistake is using a Kona trigger to put a giant creature onto the battlefield immediately.\nOften the stronger line is:\nTurn 3:\nTrigger Kona and put Guardian Project onto the battlefield.\nTurn 4:\nTrigger Kona again and put a large creature onto the battlefield.\nNow that creature replaces itself immediately.\nTurn 5:\nRepeat.\nThe result is a hand that keeps growing while opponents slowly run out of answers.\nIf one of these engines survives for multiple turns, the deck becomes extremely difficult to stop.\n\n3. Mana Engines"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck does not merely ramp.\nIt aims to produce absurd amounts of mana.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nyxbloom Ancient"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zendikar Resurgent"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Selvala, Heart of the Wilds"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Growing Rites of Itlimoc // Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ashaya, Soul of the Wild"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Exploration Broodship"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nOnce one of these engines is active, many games become trivial.\nYou often transition from cheating permanents into play to simply hard-casting everything in your hand.\n\nSecondary Cheat Engines"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Although Kona is the commander, the deck does not rely exclusively on her.\nSeveral cards allow the deck to continue functioning after repeated commander removal.\nThese include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Monster Manual // Zoological Study"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ojer Kaslem, Deepest Growth // Temple of Cultivation"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Kodama of the East Tree"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Smuggler's Surprise"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Invasion of Shandalar // Leyline Surge"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sledge-Class Seedship"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThese cards create redundancy and make it difficult for opponents to completely shut down your game plan.\nIf Kona becomes too expensive to cast repeatedly, these cards often take over the game.\n\nThreat Categories"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Instead of evaluating creatures individually, it is more useful to think of them as roles.\nValue Threats"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These creatures generate cards, resources, or immediate advantage.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Vaultborn Tyrant"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Titan of Industry"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Silverback Elder"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Soul of the Harvest"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThese are usually your preferred early cheat targets.\nThey help build an overwhelming advantage rather than simply presenting power.\n\nMana Threats"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These creatures dramatically increase your mana production.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nyxbloom Ancient"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ashaya, Soul of the Wild"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThese often enable explosive turns where multiple threats enter the battlefield at once.\n\nUtility Threats"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These creatures solve problems.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Woodfall Primus"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Apex Altisaur"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Titan of Industry"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Silverback Elder"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nWhen behind, prioritize these over raw power.\n\nFinishers"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These are the cards that actually end games.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thunderfoot Baloth"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Surrak and Goreclaw"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tyvar, the Pummeler"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Stonehoof Chieftain"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Finale of Devastation"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Defense of the Heart"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Frenzied Baloth"}},{"insert":" - in the fog meta :)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThese cards convert an already developed board into lethal damage.\nDo not rush them.\nThey are strongest when played after your board is already established.\n\nMulligan Guide"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A strong hand usually contains:\nThree lands"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Ramp"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A Kona enabler"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A card advantage engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThose hands tend to snowball very quickly.\n\nRemember:\nA hand with card draw but no giant creatures is often keepable.\nA hand with giant creatures but no card draw often is not.\n\nPlaying From Ahead"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"When ahead, avoid committing every threat to the battlefield.\nThe deck already generates enormous value.\nForce opponents to answer your current board before exposing additional resources.\nMany losses occur because players overextend into a board wipe.\nIf you already have:\nA draw engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A mana engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A threatening board"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nyou usually do not need to deploy everything.\n\nPlaying From Behind"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"When behind, stop thinking about damage.\nFocus on rebuilding your engines.\nThe priority should usually be:\nCard advantage"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mana production"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Threats"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nA single Guardian Project or The Great Henge often rebuilds an entire board state within a turn cycle.\nTrying to race opponents with one large creature rarely works.\n\nCommon Mistakes"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Prioritizing threats over engines"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The most common mistake.\nThe deck is built around value generation, not individual creatures.\n\nTriggering Kona without a plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Every Kona trigger should have a purpose.\nAsk yourself:\n\"What permanent gives me the most resources over the next three turns?\"\nThe answer is often not the biggest creature in your hand.\n\nUnderestimating card draw"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Drawing five cards is usually stronger than adding ten power to the battlefield.\nThe deck naturally converts cards into power.\nThe reverse is not always true.\n\nOverextending"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You do not need ten creatures to win.\nYou need enough creatures to force answers while maintaining resources in reserve.\n\nFinal Thoughts"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Kona, Rescue Beastie is often mistaken for a straightforward stompy commander.\nIn practice, the deck plays much more like a resource engine.\nThe creatures are not the plan.\nThe engines are the plan.\nEstablish reliable Kona triggers, prioritize card advantage over raw power, build overwhelming mana production, and let the deck's threats take over naturally.\nIf played patiently, the deck will eventually produce more cards, more mana, and more battlefield presence than most tables can realistically answer.\n"}]}