TES Infernal Tutoring #55

Davide Aiello

Tough spot. I don’t see many options here. Since all of the copies of [[Veil of Summer]] are gone, we must hope that our [[Dark Ritual]] resolves. Otherwise, we are in trouble. Assuming that it resolves, we can technically cast an unprotected [[Ad Nauseam]], but since our opponent didn’t show us any copies of [[Force of Will]] or [[Force of Negation]] yet, it’s very unlikely that they are totally blank. What we can do here is cast [[Dark Ritual]], activate a [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to find [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], activate the second [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to find another [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], and then cast both copies. Then, cast [[Burning Wish]], hold priority, crack both [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for . At this point, if our opponent decides to counter the [[Burning Wish]], we can take [[Ad Nauseam]] with the third [[Wishclaw Talisman]] and hope that they do not have a second [[Force of Will]]. If the [[Burning Wish]] resolves, we can take a copy of [[Galvanic Relay]] from our sideboard and another copy of [[Galvanic Relay]] with the third [[Wishclaw Talisman]] and cast both of them putting a grand total of 11 copies on the stack! This is not great because our opponent can activate all copies of [[Wishclaw Talisman]] on their turn and destroy them, but we get to untap with 12 cards available to us and maybe we can kill them with a natural [[Tendrils of Agony]].

Jordan Karim

With as many cantrips and card selection our opponent has gone through, I feel confident they have at least one point of interaction – be it [[Force of Will]] or [[Flusterstorm]]. If they have two pieces, they have us dead to rights and nothing we do can change that. Since we are not in danger of dying to their combo quickly, we can consider a few options that allow us to pass the turn or we can attempt to make our stand now. [[Defense Grid]] is our only remaining protection piece, and I would like to incorporate that into our combo turn, but I think we need to have our tutors be used for mana and hopefully bait interaction with the [[Burning Wish]].

Start off with a [[Dark Ritual]] using the [[Swamp]] and activate two of the copies of [[Wishclaw Talisman]] using the floating mana to find and cast a pair of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] (Storm 3 || ). Our goal is to use [[Burning Wish]] as either a bait spell or, if it miraculously resolves, as a win condition. Cast [[Burning Wish]] with the floating and crack both copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] (Storm 4 || ). If the [[Burning Wish]] is countered, we can use the floating mana to activate the last remaining [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to find and subsequently cast [[Ad Nauseam]]. This line plays around one piece of countermagic, but cannot play around two.

If the [[Burning Wish]] is not met with [[Force of Will]] or [[Flusterstorm]], we can find [[Empty the Warrens]]. Since we have plenty of floating mana, we can use the remaining [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to bump up the Storm count by finding a [[Brainstorm]] or [[Ponder]] and casting it off of the untapped [[Underground Sea]] (Storm 5 || ). We would be looking for more zero mana artifacts or rituals to increase Storm for the turn. At the very least, we would be presenting 10 [[Goblin Token]]s and a two-turn clock for our opponent to deal with. The Jeskai Control lists with [[Displacer Kitten]] do not often play more than one copy of [[Engineered Explosives]]. I think it would be safe to pass the turn and give our opponent the copies of [[Wishclaw Talisman]]. If they are running something like [[Supreme Verdict]], they do not have the mana to find and cast this boardwipe while also activating [[Engineered Explosives]]. This would allow us to use the [[Wishclaw Talisman]] again on our turn for another attempt at a combo.

Bryant Cook

We realistically have two paths to victory:

1. [[Natural Storm]] into [[Tendrils of Agony]]
2. [[Ad Nauseam]]

We have access to six cards realistically between three active copies of [[Wishclaw Talisman]], [[Dark Ritual]], [[Burning Wish]], and whatever card [[Burning Wish]] could get ([[Tendrils of Agony]]). This is 12 life for a hypothetical [[Tendrils of Agony]], which is a bit short. If the opponent casts a single copy of [[Force of Will]], they would lower their life to 14 plus the additional Storm. This could be lethal, but would require some luck and creating a narrative with the way we sequence our cards.

If we want to cast [[Ad Nauseam]], the ideal game plan would be to first play [[Defense Grid]] after searching it up with [[Wishclaw Talisman]]. The issue with this line is that we tap [[Swamp]] for [[Dark Ritual]], activate the [[Wishclaw Talisman]] for [[Defense Grid]], and cast it. Even if it resolves, we can’t [[Ad Nauseam]] even if we use one [[Wishclaw Talisman]] for [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]. We end up two mana short.

What if we use the [[Burning Wish]] as bait? A pseudo-[[Defense Grid]] so to speak. The best way to do that is to put mana into it up front to sell a lie, the issue here is using [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to get [[Dark Ritual]] isn’t that effective and it could tip our plans to [[Ad Nauseam]]. In theory, you could get a little extra juice out of a [[Carpet of Flowers]].

Honestly, I think people over-think these situations too much trying to come up with a definitive plan. The best thing to do is just cast some spells and try to get more information on what the best line is before select a path. I’d probably just tap [[Swamp]], activate [[Wishclaw Talisman]] for [[Carpet of Flowers]], and then see what happens. If it gets countered by [[Force of Will]], we can cast [[Dark Ritual]], use [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to get [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], and [[Ad Nauseam]]. If it resolves, sweet, let’s keep trying to get them to interact (I’d add ) into a lethal [[Tendrils of Agony]].

Alex Poling

Without [[Veil of Summer]] in the deck relying on protection will be too difficult. We have to hope the [[Dark Ritual]] resolves. I would use two of the black mana to activate two copies of [[Wishclaw Talisman]] for two copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]. I would then cast [[Burning Wish]] and sacrifice both copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for red and black. If [[Burning Wish]] resolves, I would cast [[Empty the Warrens]]. If it gets countered, I would use the third [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to get and cast [[Ad Nauseam]]. The opponent already used their [[Engineered Explosives]], and I doubt they play two to destroy the goblin tokens.

Alex McKinley

With access to four tutors, there should be a way to present enough threats to overpower the opponent’s cards. Unfortunately, the [[Galvanic Relay]] in hand is likely dead, especially if any of the copies of [[Wishclaw Talisman]] are activated. The opponent can tutor for all the cards they want and then use that to overpower the [[Galvanic Relay]]. Thus, this situation requires a bit of a gamble, especially because none of the sideboard engines are active due to the [[Narset, Parter of Veils]]. I would start by casting [[Dark Ritual]], then activating two copies of [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to find two copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] and then play them. I would then cast [[Burning Wish]], hold priority and crack the copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for red and green, with the intent of finding the [[Empty the Warrens]] in the sideboard. This is done with [[Veil of Summer]] back up. The gamble is that the opponent does not have another [[Engineered Explosives]] in their deck.

Greg Sor

I would lead on [[Dark Ritual]] and search [[Carpet of Flowers]]. If it resolves, we can assume our opponent has no counter, so we get [[Ad Nauseam]] and kill with a [[Tendrils of Agony]]. Start by switching phases and adding with the [[Carpet of Flowers]] to cast [[Ad Nauseam]].

If the [[Carpet of Flowers]] is countered, I would get [[Verdant Catacombs]] and fetch for [[Tropical Island]]. Cast the [[Carpet of Flowers]] and switch phases to add . Cast [[Burning Wish]] for [[Galvanic Relay]] for six. I would rather have the first option, but I do believe this is the best line.

Davide Aiello

I’ll certainly start by playing our [[Wishclaw Talisman]] again. If their strategy is to counter it, I think I’ll just jam the [[Echo of Eons]] and hope to dodge a second [[Force of Will]].

If for some reason the [[Wishclaw Talisman]] resolves, I would play the second copy of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] in our hand and crack both of them. I would find a [[Defense Grid]] with the [[Wishclaw Talisman]], cast the [[Defense Grid]] and then cast the [[Echo of Eons]] we discarded previously. It’s not exciting to give them a fresh seven cards hand, but we are lacking mana for other lines.

Another possible line is to get the main deck copy of [[Echo of Eons]] with the [[Wishclaw Talisman]]. The outcome is the same as the first line but we will have one less mana floating.

Jordan Karim

Besides the [[Chalice of the Void]], this has not been a particularly hateful start from our 8-Cast opponent. This leads me to think they have stack interaction they are leaving up, like [[Force of Will]] or [[Metallic Rebuke]]. We cannot easily play around their interaction while also dealing with the [[Chalice of the Void]], our [[Wishclaw Talisman]] can only pull so much weight. Along with that, [[Urza’s Saga]] is about to pop off. This can tutor [[Pithing Needle]] to shut off any future lines that involve [[Wishclaw Talisman]].

I would start the turn with casting the [[Wishclaw Talisman]] and the [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] before sacrificing both copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for mana. We can use some of the floating mana to tutor and cast a [[Defense Grid]] (Storm 3 || ). Regardless of it resolving or not, [[Echo of Eons]] is our next spell we cast with Flashback from the graveyard. We will be left with an unspent [[Lotus Petal]], a [[Verdant Catacombs]], and a land drop to make. If our seven cards are good enough, we can win right now, or we can prepare for a grindier game with a [[Galvanic Relay]] that finishes off the turn.

Bryant Cook

If only we had [[Pulverize]] like a true v12.9 player… I would just start off by casting the known [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to see how they react. If push comes to shove, we can always go search for [[Defense Grid]] if need be. I wouldn’t cast [[Echo of Eons]] blind against the deck with four copies of [[Force of Negation]] on top of [[Force of Will]].

Alex Poling

I would go for it on this turn. I would start by casting the [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] and then the [[Wishclaw Talisman]]. I would sacrifice [[Verdant Catacombs]] for a land and then activate [[Wishclaw Talisman]]. In response, I would sacrifice both copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for blue and black. I would search for [[Defense Grid]] and cast it using the black mana. From there, I would use the blue mana to flash back [[Echo of Eons]]. This leaves one black mana floating and the unused [[Lotus Petal]] to try and win the game.

Alex McKinley

Cast [[Wishclaw Talisman]] then [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]. If [[Wishclaw Talisman]] resolves, activate the [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]s to add blue and black. Activate [[Wishclaw Talisman]] and find [[Defense Grid]]. Cast [[Defense Grid]] and then [[Echo of Eons]].

Greg Sor

I would lead on [[Wishclaw Talisman]], they should let it resolve as they know we will Flashback the [[Echo of Eons]] sooner or later. Play Lion’s Eye Diamond, crack the Led for and try to resolve [[Echo of Eons]], if it does resolve we are in quite a good spot. If not, we can now fetch [[Badlands]] to tutor the maindeck [[Echo of Eons]] and attempt to resolve it. This way we can play around one piece of interaction, if they have double counter they got us.

Davide Aiello

I think we have a winning line here. Put back [[Veil of Summer]] and [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to resolve the [[Brainstorm]]. Play the [[Badlands]] as our land for turn. Play the [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] and the [[Dark Ritual]] off the [[Swamp]]. Next cast [[Brainstorm]] off the [[Lotus Petal]], hold priority and crack both [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for . Get the copy of [[Wishclaw Talisman]] that we just placed on top with the first [[Brainstorm]] and cast it. Cast the [[Ponder]] and get whatever, we only need it for Storm count. Cast [[Veil of Summer]] to increase the Storm count again and activate the [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to find a lethal [[Tendrils of Agony]].

Jordan Karim

As long as we don’t miss our sequencing, there is a lethal line available to us! Luckily, the Storm count was already jump-started from the [[Brainstorm]] and (presumably) the zero-mana artifacts. Start off by putting back the redundant [[Veil of Summer]] and then [[Dark Ritual]]. We then play [[Badlands]] as our land this turn followed by the [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]. [[Wishclaw Talisman]] is up next off of the lands, saving the [[Lotus Petal]] for later in the turn.

Our goal here is to use the [[Dark Ritual]] we floated on top of our library, but to get it we need a cantrip. Sacrifice both copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for and cast the [[Brainstorm]] from exile, putting the [[Dark Ritual]] in our hand (the rest can go on top in any order). Cast the [[Dark Ritual]] (Storm 7 || floating). We have plenty of mana, so if at any point during this combo turn our opponent decides to interact, we have double [[Veil of Summer]] available to us. From this point, we can cast copies of [[Ponder]] and [[Veil of Summer]] to build up the Storm count before activating [[Wishclaw Talisman]] to tutor up a lethal [[Tendrils of Agony]].

Bryant Cook

Let’s finish resolving [[Brainstorm]], I would put back [[Veil of Summer]] first and then [[Dark Ritual]] on top of it. We have a pair of [[Veil of Summer]] in exile that we can cast this turn and won’t be needing the third copy.

Play [[Badlands]], cast [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], tap the pair of lands to then play [[Wishclaw Talisman]]. I would assume the opponent doesn’t try to cast a [[Force of Will]], but if they do, we have plenty of mana for a [[Veil of Summer]]. We’re already at Storm 5, half-way there!

At this point, we can sacrifice the pair of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for so that we can cast [[Brainstorm]] and/or [[Ponder]] into the [[Dark Ritual]] on top of our library.

If the opponent hasn’t responded by now, we cast cast [[Veil of Summer]] using [[Lotus Petal]] followed by a lethal [[Tendrils of Agony]] that we found using [[Wishclaw Talisman]].

Alex Poling

I would put back the [[Veil of Summer]] and the [[Wishclaw Talisman]] on top. I would then play the [[Badlands]] from exile and [[Veil of Summer]] off the [[Lotus Petal]]. I would then cast [[Dark Ritual]] and sacrifice both copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for blue and black. I could then [[Ponder]] for [[Wishclaw Talisman]] and activate it to search and cast [[Ad Nauseam]]

Alex McKinley

I would put back the [[Veil of Summer]] and the [[Dark Ritual]] on top. Cast [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] next, play the [[Badlands]] and cast a [[Wishclaw Talisman]]. If the opponent interacts here, I would crack one of the copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for black and the other for green and cast a [[Veil of Summer]], drawing the [[Dark Ritual]] on top of the deck. This leads into a nice [[Burning Wish]] for [[Tendrils of Agony]] line or just an [[Ad Nauseam]] if the opponent has not provided the storm count for us.

Greg Sor

Put back [[Wishclaw Talisman]] and [[Veil of Summer]], play [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] and [[Dark Ritual]]. If our opponent tries to interact, we can crack the first [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for and play [[Veil of Summer]], drawing the other copy. If everything resolves, we crack bot copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for , [[Brainstorm]], [[Wishclaw Talisman]], [[Veil of Summer]], [[Ponder]], and [[Tendrils of Agony]] for letal.