benthic_druid 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"Voting has concluded!\n\nđ„ Loserboi\nđ„ Darkwolferum47\nđ„ Stavrogin\n\nEach winner will be contacted via the email associated with their Archidekt account within the next 48 hours. \n\nCongratulations, and thank you to all who participated!"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\nHello brewers,\n\nHappy New Year! Before we get to the first deckbuilding contest prompt of 2025, a brief introduction. My name is Ben, and I'll be helping Jeremy run the competition this year. I've been writing articles for "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://edhrec.com/articles/author/ben-doolittle"},"insert":"EDHREC"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://commandersherald.com/author/ben-doolittle/"},"insert":"Commander's Herald"},{"insert":" since 2019, with a focus on legendary creatures that come with a drawback. So it seems only fitting that this month's prompt should also highlight these tricky commanders. With great restriction (sometimes) comes great power. Details below.\n\nWhatâs the contest all about?"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Working within the parameters of the prompt provided below, construct a decklist with your own creative spin. Three chosen finalists will be awarded store credit to cardsphere.com. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":"For January's deckbuilding contest, brew a Commander-legal list helmed by a commander with a drawback that turns that drawback into a strength. The goal is not to mitigate your commander's drawback, but to work with it as much as possible. Lists will be evaluated on how effectively they turn the commander's drawback into an advantage. "},{"insert":"\n\nKeep in mind that this prompt isn't limited to \"bad\" commanders. In fact, it's much easier to build an interesting deck when the commander has a powerful effect, but requires you to work a little to achieve it. For example, what would a deck need to do to win the game with Inferno of Star Mounts' activated ability? Or could you build Lord of Tresserhorn like a Nekusar deck? Your chosen commander should have a powerful payoff with your deck's strategy.\n\nThis is also the perfect opportunity to combine themes and bend the color pie in unique ways. Can mono-white draw enough cards to make Kiyomaro, First to Stand a real threat? Or can you combine spell slinging with aristocrats in Dralnu, Lich Lord? What is a downside in one color can sometimes be an advantage in another, and with 30 years of cards to choose from chances are there's some way to take advantage of any effect.  \n\nFinally, be sure your commander doesn't impose a restriction and then immediately solve it. Taigam, Sidisi's Hand may skip your draw step, but also draws a card and fills your graveyard in your upkeep. Compare that to Asmodeus the Archfiend, who stops you from drawing cards at all until you pay the price. The same applies to Companions most of the time. They're so powerful, and easy enough to build around, that they end up being all upside for little to no cost. If you include a companion in your submission, think carefully about how impactful it's restriction actually is for your deck.\n\nHereâs how to participate:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Brew an EDH/Commander legal deck on Archidekt that satisfies the prompt.\n\nAny unreleased cards spoiled during the contestâs duration are allowed."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Silver-bordered and acorn cards, while cool, are not allowed. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Digital-only cards (such as those designed for the Alchemy format on Arena) are not allowed."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Strictly one deck submitted per user."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nReply to this newspost, or the Discord submission post with a link to your deck before "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"9:00 pm EST"},{"insert":" (UTC -5, currently) on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 8, 2025"},{"insert":" (do not submit the same deck in multiple places). Only one submission per user! \n\nFrom the eligible submissions, we'll select three finalists with lists that we believe best embody the spirit of the prompt. Deck descriptions are not required but certainly may provide valuable context!\n\nOn "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 15, 2025"},{"insert":", weâll announce three finalists via Discord and a brief article on EDHREC highlighting each deck. Each finalist will be awarded credit on cardsphere.com. The value of the credit is in US dollars and depends on the finalist's placement in deck upvotes at the end of the week-long polling period:\n\n1st Place Prize - $250"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"2nd Place Prize - $150"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"3rd Place Prize - $100"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nFinalists will be contacted via email or Discord (depending on where they submitted) regarding their winnings within roughly 24 hours following the conclusion of voting on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 22, 2025"},{"insert":". Please note, you must have a Cardsphere account in order to receive your winnings. It's quick and free-- "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.cardsphere.com/"},"insert":"register here"},{"insert":" if you don't have an account already!\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/contestRules"},"insert":"Official contest rules"},{"insert":".\n\nThank you!\n\nIf you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or join our "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://discord.gg/sctEc9Ru36"},"insert":"public Discord server"},{"insert":". We look forward to seeing what you all come up with! \n\nThe Archidekt Team\n"}]}
Edited 1/23/2025, 2:57:22 PM
44
WQueue 11 months{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rasputin Charge Counters "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10725368"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10725368"},{"insert":"\nThis deck is designed to take advantage of 2 drawbacks of Rasputin Dreamweaver, his ability to make "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"colorless"},{"insert":" mana and the fact that he uses "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Dream"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Counters"},{"insert":" to accomplish this. Rasputin is not a very popular commander given that he's an expensive Legends card with a weird effect, but when people do build him, they already tend to use his drawback of colorless mana to cheat out things like Eldrazi or combo off with artifacts. So, my deck is not entirely original in that regard since it is very much an artifact combo deck with a couple of Eldrazi. However, I wanted to take advantage of Blue and White's more recent support for proliferating to squeeze more mana out of Rasputin and combine it with the charge counter mechanic for added utility and value. The result is that it opened up several combo lines that I didn't expect. For example: Rasputin Dreamweave + Gemstone Array (needs a charge counter) + Norn's Choirmaster + Deadeye Navigator is infinite colorless mana and proliferates. The deck is definitely held together with some expensive staples, but I am happy with the results. This was a fun challenge. \n"}]}
1
ClearuniqueID 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"Veldrane "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10728603/veldrane"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10728603/veldrane"},{"insert":"\n\nI have a blast making decks and this is my first one for a challenge like this!\n\nPicking a commander was pretty easy, I found Veldrane of Sengir as an interesting choice. His activated ability gives him -3/-0 and forestwalk, which then made me think of a weird Voltron in black. I included Yavimaya Cradle of Growth and Urborg Tomb of Yawgmoth to turn all lands into Forest Swamps to capitalize off this. I built him as a Voltron with teeth and recursion elements taking advantage of his low to negative power with Shirei, Shizoâs Caretaker and many boardwipes. \n\nI hope yall like it!\n"}]}
1
Player_Too 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"Hazoret the Fervent - "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10728181/this_is_madness"},"insert":"This is Madness!"},{"insert":"\n\nHey everyone. \n\nSending in a list for Hazoret the Fervent. We want to take advantage of his drawback of needing to be heckbent to attack. Since Hazoret wants us to discard, and can assist with its activated ability, we use madness and hellbent effects to turn the drawback into a strength. We'll also use a few fortell cards to help get our hand cut down to size, too. Ultimately we want to win with boosted red damage from City on Fire and/or Torbran paired with attacking red creatures and burn effects. We can also make for some interesting storm-like turns with Birgo, Run-Away Steamkin, Neheb, etc. to get lots of mana for Hazoret's ability or even top it off with Impending Flux (cast from fortold exile of course) to board wipe and deal lots of damage. \n\nThe deck can be built on a budget at just under $120 as well so it's definitely cost friendly.\n\nHave fun!\n\n\n"}]}
1
The42ndPower 11 months{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10725812/phd_in_losing"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10725812/phd_in_losing"},{"insert":"\n\nDo you have a PhD in losing? Well now you can! This deck revolves around "},{"attributes":{"background":"#cce8cc"},"insert":"Demonstrate"},{"insert":", which is a bit of a tough card effect to use without giving your opponents ample power and goodies. \n\nBut...what if you give them a card that makes them instantly lose the game? This deck is focused on using silly combinations of cards to force your opponents to take the downfall with cards like "},{"attributes":{"background":"#cce8cc"},"insert":"Final Fortune, Phage the Untouchable"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"background":"#cce8cc"},"insert":"Pacts"},{"insert":", while allowing the player to counter their own spells or benefit instead, with cards like "},{"attributes":{"background":"#cce8cc"},"insert":"Synthesis Pod, Sudden Substitution, and Untimely Malfunction"},{"insert":"! This deck focuses more on impulse draw instead of suspend to get the combo pieces out faster, though it isn't shy of using the time counters. \n\nThe 12th Doctor has said many times he is an expert in losing...why not build around it? Alternate name for this deck is Waluigi's Thesis.\n\nBy the by, really REALLY like this challenge! I love making decks as well with variety of challenge where you think outside the box. I encourage you to look at my other decks (JUST FOR FUN, NOT FOR COMPETITION!), especially my \""},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/9870186/pure_orb_typal"},"insert":"Orb Typal"},{"insert":",\" "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/9870345/win_the_game_typal"},"insert":"Win The Game Typal"},{"insert":",\" and \""},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10056482/the_naraka_realm"},"insert":"The Naraka Realm"},{"insert":"!\"\n"}]}
Edited 1/3/2025, 10:01:06 PM
1
Magnolius 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":{"card-link":"Shauku, Endbringer"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10712766/jan_2025_deckbuilding_challenge"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10712766/jan_2025_deckbuilding_challenge"},{"insert":"\n\nI like to put some restrictions on decks I build, so this was right up my alley. It's mainly a removal/stax engine to keep "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Shauku, Endbringer"}},{"insert":" as the only creature on the field, and then have her either exile any creature that comes in or swing for pretty big damage every turn. The key cards are ones like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tainted Aether"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lethal Vapors"}},{"insert":", though these are very specific effects that don't come in a lot of cards. If only black had a way of consistently getting cards it wants...\n\nIf you're not able to get any of the creature prevention cards, you've got two ways of keeping creatures off the board. One is straightforward removal with the weirdest one for this deck being "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Grave Pact"}},{"insert":". Since you often want to get rid of your own creatures, you can "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Withering Torment"}},{"insert":" one of the other 6 creatures in this deck and make your opponents sac a creature themselves. The other route is to use your commander (groundbreaking stuff) - cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Magewright's Stone"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sting, the Glinting Dagger"}},{"insert":" help you tap Shauku multiple times a turn.\n\nThere are a few cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gonti's Machinations"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Magus of the Mirror"}},{"insert":" that try to take advantage of the fact that you're losing 3 life each upkeep, and some life gain (lifelink mostly from some of my favorite cards - "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Deadly Wanderings"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Homicidal Seclusion"}},{"insert":" ). The life gain is not meant to mitigate the life loss, but to ensure you can keep losing life and take advantage of those cards. Throw in some tutors and maybe a bit too much ramp for consistency, and have fun being the only person with a creature on the board!\n\nI initially thought I was going to have a bunch of heavy hitters in this deck, and added a bunch of ramp to compensate. I could probably get rid of the \"Gruesome Twosome\" ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth"}},{"insert":" x "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cabal Coffers"}},{"insert":") though I do like Urborg for "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mutilate"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Defile"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Consuming Corruption"}},{"insert":". "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torment of Hailfire"}},{"insert":" is your late game finisher because of all the mana.\n\nThe other route I think you could go with this is full Stax + Discard. The Maybeboard has a few contenders like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Worms of the Earth"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Death Cloud"}},{"insert":" that would really clamp down on opponents' ability to do anything, while you chip away with 5+ commander damage a turn.\n\nUpdate: Removed some cards that seemed good initially but ultimately didn't mesh great with the deck. Added "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Vorpal Sword"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nightmare Lash"}},{"insert":" as great vibe additions, and to make Shauku a more dangerous threat.\n"}]}
Edited 1/7/2025, 9:55:05 PM
1
sp776 11 months{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true,"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10700091"},"insert":"Skullwinder in the Command Zone"},{"insert":"\n\nThis deck is built around one of my favorite political commanders: "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Neyam Shai Murad"}},{"insert":".\n\nThe commander's ability allows you to return a permanent from your graveyard to the battlefield if you hit someone. This is a powerful effect, but it's constrained by two major drawbacks: 1) that player gets to return a permanent from their graveyard to their hand and 2) that player gets to pick what you get back.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gameplan"},{"insert":"\n\nWhile this could be made into a standard WB reanimator deck, I believe that this drawback is more of an upside in a political deck focused on ramp. When you have your commander out, the conversation typically goes like this:\nYou ask: \"Does anyone want something back from their graveyard?\""},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You'll get a few players saying yes. You're going to focus on players with large threats in their graveyards. You should prioritize big creatures that mainly just deal damage. Examples include dragons, lords in kindred decks, etc."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You ask if they'll attack you with the card you give them. If they say yes, ask another player. (But people will almost always say no.)"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If someone agrees, ask if they'll give you a land like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Evolving Wilds"}},{"insert":" from your graveyard. (People almost always accept this deal.)"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThis ultimately leads to your opponents doing a lot of the heavy lifting for you: playing big creatures and attacking your opponents. In the meantime, you get to ramp.\n\nThe goal is to help your opponents fight each other and deal with archenemies --- with help from the deck's wraths if things get to out of hand --- until you play one of the deck's finishers ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mirror Entity"}},{"insert":" to buff a large board or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Damnable Pact"}},{"insert":" to burst down a remaining opponent) or whittle down opponents with fliers or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Retreat to Hagra"}},{"insert":" triggers.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Restrictions"},{"insert":"\n\nIn a political deck like this, you never want to appear like the biggest threat until you're getting ready to win. As a result, the deck follows a \"white weenie\" approach. Creatures are small, focused on blocking, and accumulate small amounts of card or mana advantage. While there are a few larger creatures, these should not be played on curve while you can still get some political advantage. \n\nThere are also a lot of wraths in the deck. These are crucial to not die to snowballing strategies. Wraths can lead to negative table reactions though, so they require a careful hand when playing. Typically, you only want to play wraths when a clear archenemy has emerged and the rest of the table really wants a wrath. When played like this, the table reaction is a lot less negative --- and you get to survive.\n\nUltimately, though, this deck leads to highly engaging games with a lot of table talk. As a plus, you get to play a relatively efficient ramp deck without needing to play green.\n"}]}
Edited 1/3/2025, 6:07:38 PM
1
bBork 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... except maybe a jellyfish.\n\nThis is the story of "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10718106/how_the_gluntch_stole_christmas"},"insert":"How The Gluntch Stole Christmas"},{"insert":". Helmed by "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gluntch, the Bestower"}},{"insert":" normally a group hug commander, this deck aims to reduce the benefits our opponents get from our grinchy Gluntch.\n\nFirstly Gluntch allows someone to put two +1/1 counters on a creature they control. To counteract this we run cards that either care about the number of counters a creature has or the power of a creature. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nils, Discipline Enforcer"}},{"insert":" acts as a pillow fort piece taxing our opponents from attacking us depending on the number of +1/+1 counters on the attacking creature. Cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dusk // Dawn"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Expel the Interlopers"}},{"insert":", and more can be one-sided board wipes. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Meekstone"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Crackdown"}},{"insert":" prevent creatures with power greater than 3 from untapping.\n\nSecond Gluntch allows a second player to draw a card. The hate for this section is a little lacking as many of the hand-size punishers are in red. However, we still have "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sword of War and Peace"}},{"insert":" which burns our opponents for the number of cards in hand, as well as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Smothering Tithe"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Scrawling Crawler"}},{"insert":" which punishes individual draws. Since there is less hate for this effect we are more likely to pick ourselves to draw a card, which helps us find more ways to hate out the other effects of Gluntch.\n\nAnd lastly, Glunch allows a third player to create two treasure tokens. Luckily Selesnya is extremely good at shutting down artifacts with cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Stony Silence"}},{"insert":". "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Collector Ouphe"}},{"insert":", and more completely preventing usage of artifacts. This causes our opponents to stockpile artifacts that will benefit our "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Curious Herd"}},{"insert":" to make a big board of beaters. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Titania's Song"}},{"insert":" is also a fantastic hate piece that acts as a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Humility"}},{"insert":" for artifacts. Finally, we can also benefit from people using the treasures we give them with cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tarrian's Soulcleaver"}},{"insert":" to pump Gluntch, or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fangren Marauder"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Powerleech"}},{"insert":" to gain life.\n\nTo smooth out the deck we have some synergistic pieces that interact well with our commander, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Scholar of New Horizons"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gyre Sage"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Incubation Druid"}},{"insert":" are all ramp pieces that benefit from the counters Gluntch bestows. As well as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Evolution Witness"}},{"insert":" which is fantastic recursion with counters. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Esper Sentinel"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar"}},{"insert":" are good card draw options for pumping our creatures as well. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Excise the Imperfect"}},{"insert":" is a good catch-all removal spell since most artifact abilities should be shut down from our hate pieces. We can also use "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pariah"}},{"insert":" on an opponent's big creature to act either as removal or protection for ourselves, we can also attach it to Phyrexian Vindicator to become basically immortal.\n\nI hope you enjoy this different flavor of Selesnya Stax and maybe can punish your naughty friends with some coal.\n"}]}
1
Volbe(Common Patron)
11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"Silent or Silenced? ft. Phlage: "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/7788736/silent_or_silenced"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/7788736/silent_or_silenced"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Phlage, Titan of Fire's Fury"}},{"insert":" is a card known for its power in modern, but is relatively fair in commander. Yes, big body with a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lightning Helix"}},{"insert":" attached to it isn't anything to scoff at, but having to exile six cards from your graveyard to get it to stick out on the field the first time can be a be a little difficult at times.\n\nSo what if we took a different route and just avoided the grave altogether? That's where "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torpor Orb"}},{"insert":" and similar effects come in. Cards like these might make Phlage a little less impactful immediately, but we really care about is "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hushbringer"}},{"insert":"ing that first ability so we no longer need to sacrifice it right away. Now we've got a huge body that can swing and shoot down creatures as early as turn 3 or 4!\n\nBut why stop there? There are plenty of other creatures that are way above curve, but happen to have a huge downside on ETB that stops them from seeing play. Cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Eater of Days"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dust Elemental"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Boldwyr Heavyweights"}},{"insert":" all are massive creatures that we can cheat out the same way as our commander. We have plenty of protection like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Devoted Caretaker"}},{"insert":" to make sure our hushbringer effects stick around to see the creatures through their ETB abilities and also many effects that benefit off high power like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sarkhan's Unsealing"}},{"insert":" so we aren't only relying on big vanilla beaters for the win.\n\nSo if you ever wanted to play a Timmy deck with a little extra risk, this is the one for you!\n"}]}
1
EliC 11 months{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10716253/flubs_the_dragon_speaker"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10716253/flubs_the_dragon_speaker"},{"insert":"\n\nâflubs the dragonspeakerâ\n\nThis deck uses the drawback flubs the fool has of having to discard when I play cards to get the card âDragons approachâ into the graveyard, which then I exile 5 of, to get massive dragons from my library into play and I then kill my opponents with these dragons. I also take advantage of dragon synergyâs, I do this so if I donât have enough dragons approachâs in my graveyard I then can hard-cast the dragons instead.\n"}]}
1
Falconnor4 11 months{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10708023/deckbuilding_contest_january_2025"},"insert":"Gallowbraid, The Depressed:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gallowbraid"}},{"insert":" was one of the first printed legend cards, as is common with some of the first-printed high-power creatures, he comes with a heavy cost of a cumulative upkeep life cost.\n\nIn this deck, we use Gallowbraid's upkeep as a life outlet. Allowing us to combo into cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Magus of the Mirror"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mirror Universe"}},{"insert":" place this cost onto our opponents, or sacking everyone using cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Repay in Kind"}},{"insert":". In order to survive these feats we need some preservation cards, notably: "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pact Weapon"}},{"insert":" & "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"insert":"\nand to add some control rods to this reactor we need cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ashiok, Wicked Manipulator"}},{"insert":" for if our life loss gets too out of hand.\n\nOnce we've used our fair share of Gallowbraid, we can initiate table politics using "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gauntlets of Chaos"}},{"insert":" as we will not target players with high life totals with our ability.\n\nSince this deck relies on a few specific cards, we are running 11 tutors and some heavy card draw that both can double as life outlet, using cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ad Nauseam"}},{"insert":".\nWe run a pretty standard black swamp mana base, leveraging cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cabal Stronghold"}},{"insert":". \nAlso, pretty standard mono-black interaction, primarily focusing on creature destruction.\nCombo-wise Some notable mentions are some infinite combos built around Ashiok and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"insert":" to keep the game spicy.\n\nThats about it!\n"}]}
1
duck123 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"Why did you choose gallowbraid instead of morinfen?\nI built the same deck for this competition just around morinfen, "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10720055"},"insert":"Cumulative fun"},{"insert":"\n"}]}
1
ForsakenWynd 11 months{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10713464/no_commander_no_problem"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10713464/no_commander_no_problem"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Etrata, the Silencer"}},{"insert":" is a peak \"Assassin\" card, especially for a commander. However, despite being unblockable and having built-in removal (she exiles a creature when she attacks), she has one significant weakness for a commander: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":"After attacking, she removes herself from the battlefield"},{"insert":". This incurs an ever-increasing commander tax and prevents her from easily dealing 21 lethal commander damage to any one player, especially since she only has 3 power when unmodified. There are three ways to combat this inherent weakness built into this deck: Increasing the number of hit counters deployed to opponents, powerful commander buffs, and methods for copying Etrata, all of which is supported by potentially surprising levels of ramp for a Dimir deck.\n\nThe first of these strategies employs two other creatures: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Mari, the Killing Quill"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Ravenloft Explorer"},{"insert":". Both of these creatures make it so that any creatures opponents control that would die are instead exiled with hit counters on them. Assuming that any other player loses two other creatures this way, a player would only need to successfully deploy and attack with Etrata one time to eliminate that player. This means that a player can potentially eliminate all their opponents with three uses of Etrata, rather than just one opponent. Additionally, "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Rames, Assassin Lord"},{"insert":" has been included as an alternative win-con that may allow a player to win after attacking with Etrata just once.\n\nWhile this strategy is powerful, it is also never a good idea to rely entirely on two creatures that are subject to countering or removal as your only path to victory. As such, this deck also incorporates numerous artifacts intended to allow Etrata to strike harder or repeatedly. These include "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Excalibur, Brass Knuckles, Sword of the Animist, and Blackblade Reforged"},{"insert":". Each of these are meant to significantly increase Etrata's lethality per strike.\n\nTo further combat Etrata's weakness, the deck includes a few ways to copy Etrata, thus circumventing her self-removal once more. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Helm of the Host"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Mirror Box + Mirage Mirror/Glasspool Mimic/Phantasmal Image"},{"insert":" are the primary avenues for making an additional copy of Etrata who can land an extra hit and deploy another hit counter.\n\nAs if this were not enough, numerous powerful and distracting cards such as "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Shard of the Nightbringer"},{"insert":", variations on "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Jin-Gitaxias, Talion the Kindly Lord, Liliana Vess"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Painful Quandry"},{"insert":" have been included to ensure that the player remains competitive during the game while also providing alternative targets for focused removal from opponents. Additional win-cons in the form of "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Triskadekaphile "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Laboratory Maniac "},{"insert":"+"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":" Enter the Infinite"},{"insert":" have been included to further distract opponents. It should be noted that while these are not the focus of the deck, both of these win-cons remain viable pathways to victory if circumstances present themselves.\n\nAs a last fun twist for this deck, it has a highly functional alternative Commander built-in: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Basim Ibn Ishaq"},{"insert":". While he does not eliminate players in quite the same way as Etrata, the large selection of artifacts and legendary cards in this deck provide powerful support for his abilities.\n"}]}
Edited 1/3/2025, 6:06:51 AM
1
mitona 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"Bounty counters are an amazing group hug mechanic and provide a nice subgame of headhunting creatures to gain life and draw cards. But what if this can be more hurtful than helpful. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10713173/mathas_is_life"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10713173/mathas_is_life"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mathas, Fiend Seeker"}},{"insert":" helms this "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tainted Remedy"}},{"insert":" / "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rain of Gore"}},{"insert":" style deck, giving your opponents life and proliferating Bounty counters until one creature's death can potentially one shot the table.\n\nWhat else proliferates well? \nThat's right this is also a poison counter deck because some games you won't find your drain pieces and your opponents gain too much life or the extra card draw gives your opponents too many answers. You'll need an extra way to secure the win and that is threatening to proliferate the few poison counters you can create.\n"}]}
1
CastleGoCrash 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"I love the idea and the card choices! Unfortunately, I don't think it works the way you think it does, proliferating bounty counters doesn't also add new instances of âWhen this creature dies, each opponent draws a card and gains 2 life.â\n"}]}
0
Poneface 11 months{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10711594/badcommander"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10711594/badcommander"},{"insert":"\n\nMorinfen has Cumulative upkeep - pay 1 life.\n\nDeck Summary: Get your life total low and swap your life with someone else's. Have enough lifelink/life gain/extort in order to not die while setting up win conditions. Card that do both like Dreadhorde Invasion are particularly good.\n\nSynergistic cards:\nVilis, Broker of Blood: draws cards when you lose life\nFont of Agonies: Gains counters when losing life that can be used for 2 mana removal\nVampire Scrivener: gets +1/+1 counters when gaining/losing life\n\nCards that swap your life with an opponent's:\nMagus of the Mirror\nMirror Universe\nProfane Transfusion\nSoul Conduit\nRepay in Kind - makes everyone have the lowest life\n\tCan be comboed with Triskaidekaphobia/Tree of Perdition\n\nTemporal Extortion: Can be used to take an extra turn or to cut your own life in half\n\nProtection:\nThe One Ring: Protection from a turn and provides draw + life loss to trigger other cards\nPact Weapon: Stay alive even with 0 life as long as there's a creature to attach it to\nStunning Reversal: Draw cards instead of losing the game\n\nLife total triggers:\nPhial of Galadriel\nArguel's Blood Fast\nCryptolith Fragment\n"}]}
Edited 1/2/2025, 7:40:26 PM
1
Aktarus006 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"We hunt them down, and we kill 'em."},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true,"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10278979/hunt_shoot_repeat"},"insert":"Decklist"},{"insert":"\n\nThis deck revolves around"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" Daryl, Hunter of Walkers"},{"insert":" ("},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Hansk, Slayer Zealot"}},{"insert":"), a guy so cool he turns giving gifts (Walkers) into a devastating advantage. Every time Daryl hands out some undead tokens, he grabs his trusty crossbow, shoots them down, and says, âThanks for the cards.â The more Walkers show up, the more fun we haveâand by fun, we mean turning opponentsâ creatures into chaos, cards, and carnage.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"1. (Nearly) Unlimited Ammo for Daryl"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nDaryl doesnât just shoot once per turnâoh no, weâre getting our moneyâs worth. With untap effects like "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Seeker of Skybreak"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Quest for Renewal"}},{"insert":" , and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Seedborn Muse"}},{"insert":" , Darylâs ready to lock, load, and fire again. Add "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nature's Chosen"}},{"insert":" or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Instill Energy"}},{"insert":" for even more action. By untapping him repeatedly, you can clear Walkers from the board, refill your hand, and keep the pressure on your opponents. When Darylâs on duty, Walkers donât last longâand neither do your enemies.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"2. Making Walkers Hurt (For Everyone Else)"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nGiving your opponents creatures doesnât make you a bad personâit just makes you creative. With cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Repercussion"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Spiteful Banditry"}},{"insert":" , every time someone gets hit, their Walkers hit back⊠hard. When things get out of hand, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blasphemous Act"}},{"insert":" is your reset button, dealing massive damage to everything. But bewareâwith "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Repercussion"}},{"insert":" , the Act can hit everyoneâs life totals hard, including yours! Use it carefully, preferably when you have just a bunch of creatures on the battlefield or a clear path to close out the game. Itâs not just a fireworks showâitâs a calculated explosion.\n\n---\n"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"3. Weaponizing the Walkers Presence"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe Walkers your opponents receive donât just power Darylâs abilityâthey create value for the entire deck. Cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Compost"}},{"insert":" turn their deaths into card draw, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Reap"}},{"insert":" lets you recur key cards from the graveyard, and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pygmy Kavu"}},{"insert":" draws you even more cards when your opponents play black spells. With so many ways to benefit from the Walkers, youâll find yourself drawing, recurring, and ramping far ahead of the competition.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"4. Shooting for Value (With or Without Walkers)"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nNo Walkers? No problem! Daryl is more than happy to start targeting your own "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Enrage"},{"insert":" creatures for extra value. Shoot your "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ripjaw Raptor"}},{"insert":" for a card, ping your "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Silverclad Ferocidons"}},{"insert":" to make opponents sacrifice permanents, or ramp up with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ranging Raptors"}},{"insert":" . And if you equip Daryl with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Basilisk Collar"}},{"insert":" , his crossbow becomes a lifegaining, deathtouch sniper. Pair this with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thornbite Staff"}},{"insert":" , and suddenly every kill untaps Daryl, letting him clear entire boards while you rack up insane value.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"5. Weaponizing Defense of the Heart"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThanks to Darylâs ability, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Defense of the Heart"}},{"insert":" is almost guaranteed to trigger at the first upkeep itâs on the field. The constant presence of Walkers ensures you can cheat out powerful creatures early, like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker"}},{"insert":" with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hyrax Tower Scout"}},{"insert":" for infinite tokens, or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Godo, Bandit Warlord"}},{"insert":" with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Helm of the Host"}},{"insert":" to create endless combat phases. Whether itâs combos or powerful value engines, this card turns your opponentsâ Walkers into game-winning plays for you.\n\n---\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"How We Win"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nWe draw all the cards, burn all the creatures, and laugh maniacally as our board grows stronger. When the dust settles and the Walkers are all dead, the last one standing isâyou guessed itâDaryl, sipping a beer and grinning.\nSo grab your crossbow, equip some gear, and letâs show those Walkers (and opponents) whoâs boss!\n\n\n"}]}
Edited 1/2/2025, 6:41:53 PM
1
Foolbert 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":{"card-link":"River Song"}},{"insert":" , no spoilers: "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/9463083/no_spoilers"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/9463083/no_spoilers"},{"insert":"\n\nWhen I read River's card, I knew I wanted to build around her but had no idea how to proceed. Drawing from the bottom part of the deck is a drawback, but also an opportunity. Most approaches seemed to focus on "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Opt"}},{"insert":"-like effects, but that wasn't enough to separate her from the \"generic Izzet spell-slinger\" category.\n\nEventually, I found my inspiration: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Reito Lantern"}},{"insert":"Â . With its effect, I could maintain bottom-deck manipulation and create some silly loops. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Spell Crumple"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Timestream Navigator"}},{"insert":" are good examples of the synergy.\n\nWith that, I had a direction, but it also introduced challenges. There are many Reito Lantern-like effects, but most are very overcosted, the Lantern itself is the best option. So, when we donât have enough copies of a specific effect in our deck, what do we do? Draw. But then I thought \"what if "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"everyone"},{"insert":" drew, a lot?\". I always liked "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Howling Mine"}},{"insert":" effects, but let's go further let's punish these draws with another favorite card of mine, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ebony Owl Netsuke"}},{"insert":" and its many sisters. \n\nIf River and a Lantern effect are on the battlefield, whatever I play is essentially \"forever\" in my hand. Even if an opponent tries to interact with my graveyard, I can simply hide the needed cards at the bottom of the deck and draw them again.\n\nWith this foundation, the deck was born. It just needed some insurance to avoid dying prematurely. The deck has categories, but you'll notice they're fairly standard: how to survive the value I give my opponents and eventually defeat them. Iâm very pleased with this one and like to think it maintains part of the characterâs theme "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"no spoilers,"},{"insert":" if you draw all your cards, youâre left with none.\n"}]}
Edited 1/2/2025, 9:38:14 PM
1
TheDragonOfFlame 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"I wouldn't exactly call drawing from the bottom a disadvantage...\n"}]}
7
duck123 11 months{"ops":[{"insert":"you should try adding \"minds aglow\", it's a join forces card that makes everybody draw cards equal to the amount paid.\n"}]}
1