The weekend begins with being let out of work early Thursday afternoon, with my car already packed, I hit 81S for roughly six hours. I drive by Philadelphia and then Baltimore before arriving in Washington, DC.

One of my good friends and former roommates from college, Chris, greets me at his doorstep. I unpack quickly and soon enough we’re at a local Mexican restaurant drinking a cheap Mexican beer — Tecate! It wasn’t bad considering how cheap it was. The next day I did was every tourist thing I could think of while in Washington, DC. We went to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Museum of American History, The National Air and Space Museum, and my personal favorite of the bunch was the National Museum of Natural History. The reason being? Dinosaurs.

We ended the night by going to a Japanese ramen house called Daikaya in Chinatown that was insanely good. I plugged in my phone before crashing for the night, something must’ve happened to the chord, because I woke up without an alarm. I grabbed the charging cord out of my car before I began the thirty-five minute walk to the convention center. I saved some time by printing out my deck list, which is conveniently always located on the home page!

Star City Games: Legacy Open

Round One – Michael Kochis with MUD

Game One:

Mike wins the die roll and starts the day off with an [[Ancient Tomb]], [[Grim Monolith]], and then a [[Trinisphere]] on the first turn. I play a [[Polluted Delta]]. Mike then plays a [[City of Traitors]] and a [[Lightning Greaves]]. I play a [[Bloodstained Mire]] and pass before Mike plays a [[Lodestone Golem]].

Sideboarding: -4 [[Ponder]], -2 [[Cabal Therapy]], +3 [[Abrupt Decay]], +2 [[Chain of Vapor]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

Michael mulligans down to five cards. I start the second game of the day with [[Gitaxian Probe]] into [[Cabal Therapy]] (forcing Mike to discard a [[Trinisphere]]). On Michael’s turn an [[Ancient Tomb]] into [[Phyrexian Revoker]] on [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] comes down. On my second turn, I [[Brainstorm]] and lay a [[Polluted Delta]]. Michael attacks and passes. I search for a land, untap, draw and… It’s [[Ad Nauseam]]! [[Rite of Flame]], [[Rite of Flame]], [[Dark Ritual]], into [[Ad Nauseam]].

Game Three:

Michael takes a single mulligan before playing [[Ancient Tomb]] and passing. I [[Brainstorm]], play [[Chrome Mox]] (Imprint:[[Infernal Tutor]]), [[Chrome Mox]] (Imprint: [[Duress]]), [[Lotus Petal]], [[Rite of Flame]], and [[Empty the Warrens]] for 12 [[Goblin Token]]s. Michael draws plays a [[City of Traitors]] and [[Metalworker]]. On my turn, I just attack and pass. Michael draws and concedes!

Round Two – Nathan Horne with Junk

Game One:

Nathan wins the die roll and starts with a [[Verdant Catacombs]], [[Bayou]], and then taps it to cast [[Deathrite Shaman]]. I use [[Polluted Delta]], find [[Volcanic Island]], and play [[Ponder]]. Nathan hastily plays basic [[Forest]] into… [[Choke]]?! I don’t untap and then I draw into [[Bloodstained Mire]]. Now finding the other [[Volcanic Island]], I cast [[Rite of Flame]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], and [[Burning Wish]] (discarding [[Dark Ritual]], [[Infernal Tutor]], and [[Ad Nauseam]]) retrieving [[Past in Flames]]. Cast it, then Flashback [[Dark Ritual]] and Flashback [[Infernal Tutor]] for [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]. [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], Flashback [[Rite of Flame]] and finally Flashback [[Ad Nauseam]].

Sideboarding: -4 [[Cabal Therapy]], -2 [[Ponder]], +3 [[Abrupt Decay]], +2 [[Chain of Vapor]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

Nathan starts the game with [[Leyline of Sanctity]] and basic [[Forest]]. I play [[Underground Sea]] into [[Ponder]]. Nathan plays [[Ancient Tomb]] and another [[Choke]]. I didn’t actually have a second land. However, I did have the only other [[Ponder]] left in the deck. [[Lotus Petal]] into [[Ponder]] which finds [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] and [[Infernal Tutor]]. [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Gitaxian Probe]] (sacrificing the pair of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]), draw [[Infernal Tutor]], cast it, and then put [[Empty the Warrens]] onto the stack. Nathan picks up their cards before they even draw.

After my round two feature, Nick Miller walks over after watching the victory and asks if I would mind doing a “Deck Tech” — I tell Nick that would be great!

Round Three – Edward Cullen with Burn

Game One:

Edward wins the die roll and says, “[[Mountain]], suspend [[Rift Bolt]], go!” My start was a tiny bit better. [[Underground Sea]], [[Lotus Petal]], [[Rite of Flame]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Infernal Tutor]], and [[Ad Nauseam]].

Sideboarding: -4 [[Gitaxian Probe]], -1 [[Empty the Warrens]], -1 [[Swamp]], +3 [[Abrupt Decay]], +2 [[Chain of Vapor]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

Edward starts with [[Monastery Swiftspear]] followed by a second [[Monastery Swiftspear]] on the next turn with a [[Lightning Bolt]] to enlarge them. I needed just one more turn for a “Tutor-Chain” kill, but on the third turn three one mana burn spells paired with Prowess is enough to kill me.

Game Three:

As we’re presenting decks for game three a judge taps my opponent on the shoulder, they ask if that’s their [[Lightning Bolt]] under their foot. Edward facepalms almost immediately — a game loss for an illegal deck. My seven cards were: [[Lotus Petal]], [[Rite of Flame]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Chain of Vapor]], [[Brainstorm]], and [[Volcanic Island]].

Round Four – Dan Signorini with Grixis Delver

I’ve known and played against Dan since Legacy was Type 1.5, there were very few surprises here.

Game One:

Dan starts off with a first turn [[Delver of Secrets]]. I play a [[Bloodstained Mire]], searching up [[Swamp]], and casting [[Duress]] discarding a [[Force of Will]]. The cards left in Dan’s hand were: [[Spell Pierce]], [[Dig Through Time]], [[Wasteland]], and [[Tropical Island]]. [[Delver of Secrets]] transforms revealing a [[Daze]]. I draw, lay a [[Polluted Delta]], and play [[Cabal Therapy]] which draws-out a [[Spell Pierce]]. Dan attacks again and passes. I play a second [[Cabal Therapy]], this one resolves, discarding the [[Dig Through Time]]. All that Dan has drawn are lands. I play [[Rite of Flame]], [[Rite of Flame]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Burning Wish]], and [[Empty the Warrens]].

Sideboarding: -1 [[Ponder]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

My notes say, “Dan had two [[Delver of Secrets]], [[Flusterstorm]], and [[Spell Pierce]]”.

Game Three:

I open my seven and tried to hide my excitement. [[Bloodstained Mire]], [[Lotus Petal]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Gitaxian Probe]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], and [[Infernal Tutor]]. I cast [[Gitaxian Probe]] which reveals: [[Delver of Secrets]], [[Delver of Secrets]], [[Delver of Secrets]], [[Daze]], and [[Spell Pierce]] after Dan’s turn one [[Deathrite Shaman]]. It’s go time! I cast the remaining spells in my hand into [[Ad Nauseam]] and coast to victory.

Round Five – Tom Ross with Infect

We are seated in a feature match area (and every single round after this). Tom is very stoic and cold with little communication.

Game One:

I win the die roll which probably results in my mulligan. I keep a hand with two discard spells, unfortunately, I draw two more before I lose.

Sideboarding: -3 [[Cabal Therapy]], -1 [[Empty the Warrens]], +3 [[Xantid Swarm]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

[[Underground Sea]], [[Lotus Petal]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Rite of Flame]], and [[Ad Nauseam]]. Tom rolls their eyes and motions to continue.

Game Three:

Tom fetches and searches for [[Tropical Island]] and casts [[Noble Hierarch]]. I play an [[Underground Sea]] into [[Ponder]]. Tom quickly puts a [[Gitaxian Probe]] on the stack, my hand is capable of going off next turn with one of the two [[Duress]] as back-up. That said, it needs the [[Bloodstained Mire]] as its only red source. Tom plays a second [[Noble Hierarch]] and attacks for two. I draw, lay the [[Bloodstained Mire]] on the table, and cast [[Duress]]. Tom floats a blue and casts [[Daze]]. I think for a moment and decide that it feels like a trap. I remembered that early lists often played [[Stifle]] but then he moved to a white splash. I didn’t want to risk the [[Stifle]], I allow my [[Duress]] to get countered. I then move to combat, in my second main phase use the [[Bloodstained Mire]] to find [[Volcanic Island]]. Tom plays an [[Inkmoth Nexus]] and attacks again with [[Noble Hierarch]]. I draw a third land, play it, and cast [[Duress]]. Tom reveals [[Spell Pierce]], [[Stifle]], and lands — [[Spell Pierce]] down. [[Dark Ritual]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Burning Wish]], [[Dark Petition]], and [[Ad Nauseam]].

Round Six – Dylan Donegan with Grixis Delver

Dylan and I have played a few times, Dylan has had my number (including a win-and-in for a top 8 in Baltimore). We know what each other are playing and expect a tough match.

Sideboarding: -1 [[Ponder]], +1 [[Bayou]]

I actually made a play mistake game two, I could’ve stacked my [[Ponder]] better. I didn’t actually need to [[Ad Nauseam]], I was greedy with an available mana. My storm count was eight (which I didn’t realize at the time) before the [[Ad Nauseam]], if it was [[Burning Wish]] it would’ve been storm nine with [[Tendrils of Agony]] being lethal. I was punished, but even if it was only nine, eighteen [[Goblin Token]]s might’ve been safer considering I had already used two [[Lotus Petal]] and a [[Chrome Mox]]. Sigh.

Round Seven – Jeffrey Kieper with Sneak & Show

Game One:

Jeff wins the die roll and starts off with a basic [[Island]] into [[Ponder]]. I cast [[Duress]] off an [[Underground Sea]], which is countered [[Force of Will]] removing [[Dig Through Time]]. Jeff plays a second [[Island]] and passes. I cast [[Cabal Therapy]] and name [[Show and Tell]], then a second [[Cabal Therapy]] to discard the [[Omniscience]] leaving the opponent with only two lands. Jeff draws, lays a land, and passes. I play a third land and [[Burning Wish]] for [[Empty the Warrens]], at this point Jeff makes a comment about how slow that play is. Jeff casts [[Brainstorm]] on my end step and shuffles using the land drop from the previous turn. I draw [[Gitaxian Probe]] for the turn! [[Gitaxian Probe]] and eventually make 12 [[Goblin Token]]s, then Flashback both copies of [[Cabal Therapy]]. They discard [[Omniscience]] and [[Griselbrand]] leaving Jeff with [[Emrakul, the Aeons Torn]] in hand. Two turns later the game is over.

Sideboarding: -2 [[Ponder]], -1 [[Empty the Warrens]], -1 [[Swamp]], +3 [[Xantid Swarm]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

Turn one [[Duress]]. Turn two [[Xantid Swarm]] and [[Ponder]]. Turn three [[Ad Nauseam]].

Round eight – James Rynkiewicz with Infect

Game One:

I win my second die roll but sadly have to mulligan to five. I keep a no land hand, but cast [[Gitaxian Probe]] and draw into [[Volcanic Island]]. [[Ponder]] into [[Gitaxian Probe]], [[Rite of Flame]], and [[Ad Nauseam]]. Keep them in that order. James plays a [[Misty Rainforest]] before passing, James had the option to [[Crop Rotation]] for [[Wasteland]] but didn’t do it. [[Rite of Flame]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Gitaxian Probe]], and [[Ad Nauseam]]. James responds with a [[Brainstorm]], doesn’t find either [[Daze]] or [[Force of Will]].

Sideboarding: -3 [[Cabal Therapy]], -1 [[Empty the Warrens]], +3 [[Xantid Swarm]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

James has a turn three win with [[Daze]] and [[Force of Will]] back-up, I wasn’t able to disfigure James’s hand in time while having the mana to combo.

Game Three:

I cast a first turn [[Xantid Swarm]], which is countered by [[Force of Will]]. On the second turn, I cast [[Burning Wish]] which meets a [[Flusterstorm]]. James plays a [[Blighted Agent]]. I draw [[Brainstorm]] and cast it into a pair of discard spells — I end up casting one and then pass. The following turn, cast the other followed by [[Rite of Flame]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Infernal Tutor]], and [[Ad Nauseam]].

Round nine – Jonathon Morawski with Grixis Delver

Sideboarding: -1 [[Ponder]], +1 [[Bayou]]

The only undefeated player after day one! Chris and I celebrate by going to a BBQ beer garden not too far from his place. I typically drink hefeweizens like Franziskaner or Weihenstephaner. This place happened to have both, I order pulled pork with coleslaw on it before stuffing my face and going to bed.

Round ten – Jeremy Vanscoyoc with Miracles

We sit down and Jeremy tells me that I’m most likely going to win because it’s an unfavorable match-up. Apparently, it was their only loss the day before.

Game One:

Jeremy wins the die roll and plays basic [[Island]] into [[Sensei’s Divining Top]], I chuckle at the “bad match-up”. I play a [[Gitaxian Probe]] and Jeremy reveals a pair of [[Brainstorm]] and lands. [[Cabal Therapy]]! On my second turn, [[Rite of Flame]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Infernal Tutor]], and [[Ad Nauseam]].

Sideboarding: -3 [[Ponder]], -2 [[Chrome Mox]], -1 [[Empty the Warrens]], -1 [[Swamp]], +3 [[Abrupt Decay]], +3 [[Xantid Swarm]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

Jeremy plays a turn two [[Rest in Peace]], which tells me that they may not be very familiar with the matchup. On the next turn, a [[Swords to Plowshares]] is cast on my [[Xantid Swarm]]. I get a feeling that Jeremy sided out all copies of [[Terminus]]. I eventually get locked out of the game by [[Counterbalance]] paired with [[Sensei’s Divining Top]] while a [[Vendilion Clique]] attacks me to death.

Sideboarding: -1 [[Ponder]], +1 [[Empty the Warrens]]

Game Three:

I start with a [[Duress]] discarding [[Brainstorm]] leaving: [[Swords to Plowshares]], [[Rest in Peace]], [[Counterspell]], [[Counterspell]], [[Tundra]], and [[Flooded Strand]]. On the next turn, I find a [[Cabal Therapy]] and discard the couple of [[Counterspell]] out of their hand (unknown card in hand was [[Wear / Tear]]). Jeremy puts [[Rest in Peace]] into play, I play [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], activate a [[Bloodstained Mire]] hoping to get him to use [[Wear / Tear]] on my [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], but Jeremy doesn’t bite. I then cast [[Dark Ritual]] and [[Empty the Warrens]] from my hand. The rest of the game consists of me attacking while Jeremy doesn’t do much.

As we de-sideboard I do see all all four copies of [[Terminus]] being slid back into the deck. That made me feel a little better, as I made the proper call in game three.

Round eleven – Chris Anderson with Death & Taxes

I had seen Chris playing Omnitell and was convinced that they were playing it, you can imagine my face with the way the first game starts.

Game One:

I play a [[Gitaxian Probe]] into [[Cabal Therapy]] off of a [[Swamp]] to see white cards! But no white mana? I discard the [[AEther Vial]] leaving behind: [[Wasteland]], [[Rishadan Port]], [[Stoneforge Mystic]], [[Swords to Plowshares]], [[Flickerwisp]], and [[Thalia, Guardian of Thraben]]. Chris plays a [[Wasteland]] and passes. I play a [[Cabal Therapy]] on [[Thalia, Guardian of Thraben]] this time, which reveals a second [[Stoneforge Mystic]]. Chris lays [[Rishadan Port]] and taps my [[Swamp]] on my upkeep while asking if they are dead. I tell Chris, “Not yet.” But then put 10 [[Goblin Token]]s onto the table and Flashback the pair of [[Cabal Therapy]].

Sideboarding: -3 [[Duress]], +2 [[Chain of Vapor]], +1 [[Void Snare]]

Game Two:

Chris plays a [[Plains]] into [[AEther Vial]]. For my first draw of the game, it’s a [[Dark Ritual]]. I was planning on just using [[Cabal Therapy]] — but now I can go for it! [[Bloodstained Mire]] looking for [[Swamp]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Lotus Petal]], [[Lotus Petal]], [[Chrome Mox]] (Imprint: [[Infernal Tutor]]) and cast [[Burning Wish]] into [[Empty the Warrens]] for 12 [[Goblin Token]]s. Chris adds a counter to [[AEther Vial]] and plays a [[Thalia, Guardian of Thraben]] before passing the turn. I play [[Underground Sea]] and [[Cabal Therapy]] naming [[Stoneforge Mystic]] — it hits! Although, it does make me question playing [[Thalia, Guardian of Thraben]] — I only named it because it was the only thing that could save Chris from dying. I attack and then Flashback [[Cabal Therapy]] discarding [[Ethersworn Canonist]]. I had the option of saving [[Cabal Therapy]] for a second [[Stoneforge Mystic]] but [[Ethersworn Canonist]] is another blocker that lives, unlike the [[Phyrexian Revoker]] still in Chris’s hand. Chris adds a counter to [[AEther Vial]] again and casts [[Phyrexian Revoker]] naming [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]].

I draw [[Chain of Vapor]] and attack, Chris uses [[AEther Vial]] to put in [[Stoneforge Mystic]] and quickly blocks. I consider using the [[Chain of Vapor]] in my hand to bounce the [[Stoneforge Mystic]] before blockers but then I realize that Chris missed the [[Stoneforge Mystic]] trigger. I quickly say, “damage?” and then move my tokens off to the side and pass. As Chris goes to untap, he swears loudly, I mention that the trigger had been missed — Chris makes a snarky comment before smashing the white cards back into the deck box. Chris signs the match slip and leaves rapidly.

I wasn’t going to rub in that I had [[Chain of Vapor]] still.

Round twelve – Zach Koch with Infect

Sideboarding: -3 [[Cabal Therapy]], -1 [[Empty the Warrens]], +3 [[Xantid Swarm]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Round thirteen – Josh Pelrine with Omnitell

Josh is another Syracuse local, we play a lot. Josh typically plays Sneak & Show and has unbelievable luck against me. It’s a little frustrating, I’ll admit it.

Game One:

I win a die roll! My opening hand is: [[Lotus Petal]], [[Lotus Petal]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Gitaxian Probe]], [[Infernal Tutor]], and [[Ad Nauseam]]. Ugh, so close. I decide to keep it anyway. I cast [[Gitaxian Probe]] and see: [[Ponder]], [[Show and Tell]], [[Show and Tell]], [[Dig Through Time]] and three fetchlands. I cast everything, then another [[Infernal Tutor]] before I make 16 [[Goblin Token]]s off of [[Empty the Warrens]]. Josh casts [[Ponder]], keeps, and passes. I attack on my turn. Josh then he plays [[City of Traitors]], [[Show and Tell]], puts [[Omniscience]] into play and kills me. This is what I was talking about when I mentioned his luck!

Sideboarding: -2 [[Ponder]] , -1 [[Empty the Warrens]], -1 [[Swamp]], +3 [[Xantid Swarm]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

I start game two with a [[Gitaxian Probe]] which reveals: [[Preordain]], [[Brainstorm]], [[Brainstorm]], and four lands. I [[Duress]] taking [[Brainstorm]] setting up a turn two kill. Josh plays [[Preordain]] keeping one card on top. I cast five cards into [[Ad Nauseam]] and then Josh removes [[Brainstorm]] to [[Force of Will]]. I pick up my cards.

Round fourteen – Daryl Ayers with Lands

Daryl sits down and immediately asks me if I’m willing to draw into top eight. Daryl then gives me a lecture about how we’re both in if we double draw, which would put us in the bottom of the bracket assuming our round fifteen opponents could also draw. I know what Daryl is playing, I was always going to take the easy match-up.

Game One:

I win the die roll and start with a [[Gitaxian Probe]] which reveals: [[Exploration]], [[Punishing Fire]], [[Wasteland]], [[Verdant Catacombs]], [[Thespian’s Stage]], [[Grove of the Burnwillows]], and another [[Grove of the Burnwillows]]. I lay [[Bloodstained Mire]] before passing the turn. Daryl plays a [[Grove of the Burnwillows]] into [[Exploration]] and puts a [[Verdant Catacombs]] into play. Because of the fact Daryl didn’t play [[Wasteland]], I end-step search for an [[Underground Sea]] and cast [[Brainstorm]] — which just happens to find a [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]. I untap draw, play a [[Volcanic Island]], cast [[Rite of Flame]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Infernal Tutor]], and [[Ad Nauseam]].

Sideboarding: -4 [[Cabal Therapy]], -2 [[Ponder]], +3 [[Abrupt Decay]], +2 [[Chain of Vapor]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

Daryl begins by shuffling all the way down to five cards and then playing just a [[Wooded Foothills]]. I cast a [[Gitaxian Probe]], my hand could be a turn one with a solid draw off of this and a [[Brainstorm]]. Daryl shows [[Trinisphere]], [[Grove of the Burnwillows]], [[Dark Depths]], and [[Mox Diamond]]. I draw, play a [[Volcanic Island]], and then cast [[Brainstorm]]. It wasn’t enough to win this turn, but I was set up for a turn two which now doesn’t matter against [[Trinisphere]]. Daryl does the expected and puts [[Trinisphere]] into play discarding the [[Dark Depths]] to [[Mox Diamond]]. I play [[Bloodstained Mire]] and pass with [[Abrupt Decay]] in hand. Daryl plays a [[Thespian’s Stage]] and passes. I activate [[Bloodstained Mire]] to search for [[Bayou]] which also shuffles away a card I didn’t want off of [[Brainstorm]]. The downside is I need another land for [[Abrupt Decay]], fortunately for me, my draw step is an [[Underground Sea]]. Daryl draws and quickly destroys my [[Bayou]] with [[Wasteland]]. In return, I destroy [[Trinisphere]] in response. This creates a rather large sigh before Daryl passes. I untap and start my turn off with a [[Brainstorm]], [[Lotus Petal]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Infernal Tutor]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Rite of Flame]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Burning Wish]], and [[Tendrils of Agony]].

Round fifteen – Mike Derczo with Death & Taxes

I’ve seen Mike around a lot, Mike lives in northern New Jersey which is pretty close. We sit down and I offer a draw, Mike is a bit hesitant as there’s some concern about drawing into 9^th. When I looked at the breakers and matches Mike looked highly likely to me. I get up, take a picture of the standings, and sit down. Upon doing so a judge taps me on the shoulder and tells me to put away my phone. I state that the round hasn’t started yet AND the standings are still up, they claim that once players are seated the standings are now hidden information. It seems questionable to me, but I cooperate. Mike seems very nervous now, I ask Mike once again if they would like to draw. Mike accepts based on the match-up.

I’m scouting the match-ups for the people who have to play to make it, my first loss (Zach Koch) loses to Jeremy Denmon. Josh Pelrine defeats Michael Braverman who would’ve had to win the match and pray their breakers would leap over Mike’s (which seemed unlikely).

Top Eight – Jeremy Denmon with RUG Delver

I know Jeremy fairly well from the Jupiter Games days. Jeremy is a super nice person and I was happy to see that they made top eight — I was less happy that we were paired. Not to mention, that Jeremy knocked me out of contention of a 60 person PPTQ the weekend before in the modern Burn mirror.

Game One:

I keep a hand of: [[Bloodstained Mire]], [[Volcanic Island]], [[Underground Sea]], [[Lotus Petal]], [[Brainstorm]], [[Brainstorm]] and [[Ponder]]. You can’t actually ask for much better against the mana denial deck, especially considering that it’s a [[Stifle]]-based list. I got to be on the play due to seeding, I begin with a [[Volcanic Island]] into [[Ponder]], shuffle, and draw [[Infernal Tutor]]. Jeremy searches for a [[Volcanic Island]] and lays a [[Delver of Secrets]]. I draw a [[Burning Wish]] for turn, lay [[Bloodstained Mire]] and [[Brainstorm]] which sees two more “tutor effects” and [[Ad Nauseam]]. I use [[Bloodstained Mire]] and pass the turn. Jeremy’s [[Delver of Secrets]] flipped revealing a [[Lightning Bolt]] and attacks. I draw another [[Infernal Tutor]] for turn… I can never get Hellbent before dying to the [[Delver of Secrets]] paired with a few [[Lightning Bolt]].

Sideboarding: -1 [[Ponder]], +1 [[Bayou]]

Game Two:

I mulligan to five on the play and keep: [[Gitaxian Probe]], [[Cabal Therapy]], [[Polluted Delta]], [[Brainstorm]] and [[Burning Wish]]. I start off with the [[Gitaxian Probe]] which reveals: [[Force of Will]], [[Force of Will]], [Daze]], [[Pyroblast]], [[Misty Rainforest]], [[Delver of Secrets]], and a second [[Delver of Secrets]]. I was never even remotely in this game.

Totals & Stats