<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spock, Logical Choice" href="#" target="_blank">Spock, Logical Choice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/bastienjez">Bastien Jez</a></em></p>
<p>Hello, everyone, my name's Jonathan and today's deck tech is aimed at new players. In particular, it wants to showcase the benefits of playing at instant speed.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spock, Logical Choice"></div></div>
<p>To do so, I chose to use a new commander that also happens to be an extremely simple card. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spock, Logical Choice" href="#" target="_blank">Spock, Logical Choice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> only has two lines of text: it has vigilance and it can be tapped to draw a card.</p>
<p>Clearly, it's not a fancy card and it's not complex in the slightest. And that's exactly its appeal.</p>
<p>In fact, I think <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spock, Logical Choice" href="#" target="_blank">Spock, Logical Choice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be a good option to lead a deck that wants to teach new-ish players about the importance and the positive aspects of playing during your opponents' turns.</p>
<p>This concept sprouts from the very same basic textbox I mentioned before. Vigilance allows the player to activate their commander's ability at any point. And this means starting to realize you can take actions during each player's turn, not just your own.</p>
<p>This concept may seem obvious to dedicated TCG players. But trust me when I say it isn't. So I decided to build a Bracket 2 - Core deck that fully aims at showcasing how important it is to play during everyone else's turn.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Spock&#039;s Lesson About Flash" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Spock, Logical Choice
[/Commander]
[Interaction]
*1 Aetherize
*1 Brazen Borrower
*1 Counterspell
*1 Evacuation
*1 Fear of Impostors
*1 March of Swirling Mist
*1 Mystic Confluence
*1 Negate
*1 Pongify
*1 Rapid Hybridization
*1 Reality Shift
*1 Run Away Together
*1 The Wondrous Wasp
*1 Tishana&#039;s Tidebinder
*1 Venser, Shaper Savant
[/Interaction]
[Flash Threats]
*1 Aboleth Spawn
*1 Hullbreaker Horror
*1 Portal Mage
*1 Smirking Spelljacker
*1 Torrential Gearhulk
[/Flash Threats]
[Flash Support]
*1 Academy Loremaster
*1 Baral, Chief of Compliance
*1 Brineborn Cutthroat
*1 Eluge, the Shoreless Sea
*1 Geist of Saint Thalia
*1 Geyser Drake
*1 Naiad of Hidden Coves
*1 Unwelcome Sprite
*1 Valeria Richards, Precocious
*1 Wavebreak Hippocamp
[/Flash Support]
[Finishers]
*1 Chrome Host Seedshark
*1 Docent of Perfection
*1 Hermes, Overseer of Elpis
*1 Mass Manipulation
*1 Metallurgic Summonings
*1 Murmuring Mystic
*1 Ominous Seas
*1 Rise from the Tides
*1 Talrand, Sky Summoner
[/Finishers]
[Artifact]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Bender&#039;s Waterskin
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Midnight Clock
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Misleading Signpost
*1 Sky Diamond
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sonic Screwdriver
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifact]
[Draw]
*1 Behold the Multiverse
*1 Dig Through Time
*1 Fact or Fiction
*1 Flow of Knowledge
*1 Frantic Search
*1 Meeting of Minds
*1 Omen of the Sea
*1 Opt
*1 Pull from Tomorrow
[/Draw]
[Flash Enablers]
*1 Final-Word Phantom
*1 Leyline of Anticipation
*1 Vedalken Orrery
[/Flash Enablers]
[Land]
*1 Agna Qel&#039;a
*1 Castle Vantress
*33 Island
*1 Lonely Sandbar
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 War Room
[/Land]"></span></div>

<hr />
<h2>The Flash Package</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Counterspell"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rapid Hybridization"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evacuation"></div></div>
<p>So what can we do at instant speed?</p>
<p>First of all, counter our opponents' spells. We can do so via classic options, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Negate" href="#" target="_blank">Negate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; but we can also use creatures, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fear of Impostors" href="#" target="_blank">Fear of Impostors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Finally, we also want some more flexible counters, for example <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mystic Confluence" href="#" target="_blank">Mystic Confluence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Additionally, we can interact with other people's boards. Rapid Hybridization and Pongify are the gold standards for this role, removing creatures for as cheap as <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. But there's also <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wondrous Wasp" href="#" target="_blank">The Wondrous Wasp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which removes abilities, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Venser, Shaper Savant" href="#" target="_blank">Venser, Shaper Savant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can both interact with permanents and spells on the stack.</p>
<p>Finally, we want to be able to wipe away the whole board with one spell. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evacuation" href="#" target="_blank">Evacuation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is perfect for this role, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherize" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherize</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can help as well.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Threats and Support</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hullbreaker Horror"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Portal Mage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Smirking Spelljacker"></div></div>
<p>When casting spells on our opponents' turns, we don't only want to be reactive. We also want to be a menace.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hullbreaker Horror" href="#" target="_blank">Hullbreaker Horror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is our boogeyman. It doesn't need to do anything specific, nor to combo off with something. The moment it hits the battlefield, we simply become untouchable. Most importantly, we can cast it right before our turn and then keep on passing with all of our mana up. Also, we'd be drawing cards with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spock, Logical Choice" href="#" target="_blank">Spock, Logical Choice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Additionally, we can mess with our opponents' combat steps using something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Portal Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Portal Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, redirecting creatures left and right. Interestingly enough, even just showing this card to our opponents can be functional, as we let them know we're ready to reorganize their combat step if we don't like it.</p>
<p>Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smirking Spelljacker" href="#" target="_blank">Smirking Spelljacker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is fragile, but it can be backbreaking if played at the right time.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Naiad of Hidden Coves"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Geist of Saint Thalia"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Academy Loremaster"></div></div>
<p>Clearly, we want something more than only spells with flash.</p>
<p>Our support package counts a number of cards that benefit us for casting cards during other people's turn.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Naiad of Hidden Coves" href="#" target="_blank">Naiad of Hidden Coves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Geyser Drake" href="#" target="_blank">Geyser Drake</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> both reduce the cost of our spells, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valeria Richards, Precocious" href="#" target="_blank">Valeria Richards, Precocious</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wavebreak Hippocamp" href="#" target="_blank">Wavebreak Hippocamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> give us cards back, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unwelcome Sprite" href="#" target="_blank">Unwelcome Sprite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> grants us a bit of card selection.</p>
<p>Additionally, we want even more mana reduction to make sure we can always cast the spell we want when we want to. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Geist of Saint Thalia" href="#" target="_blank">Geist of Saint Thalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baral, Chief of Compliance" href="#" target="_blank">Baral, Chief of Compliance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are the ones in charge of granting us some cost reduction. Also, we can count on the help of our friendly neighbor Elemental Fish: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eluge, the Shoreless Sea" href="#" target="_blank">Eluge, the Shoreless Sea</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Lastly, I wanted to highlight one card in particular: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Academy Loremaster" href="#" target="_blank">Academy Loremaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. If our plan doesn't include casting spells during our turn anyway, we might as well draw an additional card before passing the turn.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Finishers</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Murmuring Mystic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ominous Seas"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mass Manipulation"></div></div>
<p>Our deck wants to play the long game, accumulating resources turn after turn before taking over in the late game.</p>
<p>For this reason, we want to slowly but steadily proceed towards the inevitability of our final board state. To do so, we are going to pass through some steps before properly finishing the game.</p>
<p>First, we can use creatures such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Murmuring Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Murmuring Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hermes, Overseer of Elpis" href="#" target="_blank">Hermes, Overseer of Elpis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talrand, Sky Summoner" href="#" target="_blank">Talrand, Sky Summoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to pressure our opponents while we keep their spells and boards in check.</p>
<p>Then, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ominous Seas" href="#" target="_blank">Ominous Seas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can grant us some bigger creatures that we can produce at instant speed, thus functioning as a reserve of power we can unleash at will.</p>
<p>Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mass Manipulation" href="#" target="_blank">Mass Manipulation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We can't rely on many strong, hard-hitting creatures; so we'll gladly take our opponents'. Once they're sure we've run out of answers to their board, we'll simply take control of all of their creatures and seal the deal.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>I know I said it at the very beginning of this article, but I really want to say it again. This deck is meant for new players trying to learn one of the basics of the game. The commander is clearly not optimal and many cards could be replaced by stronger variants of the same effect.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, I think this list actually achieves its goal. It showcases the many spots in which casting spells not during our turn can be very powerful. Perhaps it could also help some players find their own play style and make them eager to explore this archetype more and more.</p>
<p>So, what do you think? Does this deck achieve its goal? What changes would you suggest? Is there any other commander that could help new players learn about a specific aspect of the game in an easy way? Let me know in the comments below!</p>


Spock, Logical Choice | A Flash Primer for New Players

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Harmless Offering" href="#" target="_blank">Harmless Offering</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| Art by <a href="https://www.howardlyon.com/illustration/proofs">Howard Lyon </a></h6>
<h1>Interaction in a game of Commander is difficult...</h1>
<p>There are three opponents, with their own boards, and own sets and sequences of interaction. You might be tapping out for an Insurrection or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Craterhoof Behemoth" href="#" target="_blank">Craterhoof Behemoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but someone might have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fog" href="#" target="_blank">Fog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Obscuring Haze" href="#" target="_blank">Obscuring Haze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>We live in fear of someone having the answer, but sometimes we have the game, all interaction in hand to protect our win, but we still don't try to take the win. Some of the reasoning as to why can be broken up into: improper threat assessment and emotional burden.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Craterhoof Behemoth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Insurrection"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Obscuring Haze"></div></div>
<h2>Threat Assessment in MTG</h2>
<p><em>Magic: The Gathering</em> is a complicated game with tons of mechanics and points of interaction. Don't get me started with the stack and reverse priority order resolution.</p>
<p>This game is especially complex. Commander makes the game even more complicated with additional players and a more complex stack as they add interaction.</p>
<p>We are going to misplay. We are going to misread a card, forget a trigger, sequence poorly. Maybe we play a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lotus Cobra" href="#" target="_blank">Lotus Cobra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> after out land for turn and miss an extra mana. These aren't the kind of misplays I'm talking about.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lotus Cobra"></div></div>
<h3>Working Against the Rest of the Table</h3>
<p>I want to first talk about the kind of misplay where you correctly understand the board state and make a call that hinges on an accurate assessment of player intentions, or capabilities, and you get it wrong.</p>
<p>I'll set the scene. I'm playing against a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prossh, Skyraider of Kher" href="#" target="_blank">Prossh, Skyraider of Kher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, 10 Kobolds, and they have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirkwood Bats" href="#" target="_blank">Mirkwood Bats</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mahadi, Emporium Master" href="#" target="_blank">Mahadi, Emporium Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I've got an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Olivia, Crimson Bride" href="#" target="_blank">Olivia, Crimson Bride</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in hand and a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sheoldred, Whispering One" href="#" target="_blank">Sheoldred, Whispering One</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in grave. I also have an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eowyn, Fearless Knight" href="#" target="_blank">Eowyn, Fearless Knight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in hand and a 10/10 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Carmen, Cruel Skymarcher" href="#" target="_blank">Carmen, Cruel Skymarcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I'm at 13 life.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Olivia, Crimson Bride"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sheoldred, Whispering One"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Carmen, Cruel Skymarcher"></div></div>
<p>Do I remove the Mahadi or the Bats with the Eowyn and swing in for the damage, ending that player but leaving me open to the other opponent, or do reanimate the Sheoldred, strengthen my board, and hope the Prossh player doesn't have removal? Sometimes the incorrect assessment is not anticipating or banking on removal.</p>
<p>Don't play with your food. If you can eliminate a threat, you should bite down hard on it. I played this game and the Prossh player <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Assassin&#039;s Trophy" href="#" target="_blank">Assassin&#039;s Trophy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'d my Carmen so I didn't remove the Bats or the Mahadi and was dead to the sacrifices.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirkwood Bats"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prossh, Skyraider of Kher"></div></div>
<h3>Arrogance in Interactions</h3>
<p>Here is another situation we might get ourselves into. Imagine you're playing against a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghalta, Primal Hunger" href="#" target="_blank">Ghalta, Primal Hunger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which I do a lot. Imagine they play a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> one turn, then a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Tribe" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Tribe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, then a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tribute to the World Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Tribute to the World Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> then a Guardian Project the next.</p>
<p>You have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dihada, Binder of Wills" href="#" target="_blank">Dihada, Binder of Wills</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; and open mana. The other player has a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist" href="#" target="_blank">Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with three open mana. Everything the Ghalta player has is just mana and value with a creature entering. Nothing seems scary yet. Even if they play a creature right now I'm not the biggest threat.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tribute to the World Tree"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Generous Gift"></div></div>
<p>You know you should deal with that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tribute to the World Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Tribute to the World Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> but you're hoping the Hashaton is a bigger threat and you can hedge your bets that the damage is going that way, and the Hashaton player might remove it themselves.</p>
<p>This is a huge gamble. Removal is important and limited, but this feels like a big gamble. The Ghalta player could play their commander this turn and that's 12 trample damage.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghalta, Primal Hunger"></div></div>
<p>It's tough, but we can't let a threat like that lie, we can't toy around with present danger. Turns out the Hashaton player had nothing and the Ghalta came from me next turn.</p>
<p>I know threading the needle with when it absolutely essential moment to use removal, and that's a whole other article, but if you can remove a big value engine and stop snowballing effects you should instead of banking on others to handle it for you.</p>
<p>Also never assume opponents won't see you as a thread just because you aren't doing anything now. Possibility matter too.</p>
<h3>Pity and Underestimating the Other Players</h3>
<p>I know it seems like this should be in the emotional burden section, but the problem with this particular situation is that player will underestimate those they pity. Someone playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Titania, Protector of Argoth" href="#" target="_blank">Titania, Protector of Argoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, missing a few land drops shouldn't be underestimated.</p>
<p><em>It is a lands deck, I will catch up. I will make blockers. Get damage in on them ahead of time. Don't let them build up to becoming a threat.</em> We might think a few missed land drops will make them not a threat for a while, but we can be so wrong.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Titania, Protector of Argoth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ramunap Excavator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Terramorphic Expanse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nissa, Resurgent Animist"></div></div>
<p>In a similar vein, don't underestimate a Voltron deck like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aurelia, the Warleader" href="#" target="_blank">Aurelia, the Warleader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, after a board wipe. Unless it's a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farewell" href="#" target="_blank">Farewell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, hitting artifacts and enchantments, graveyards, and creatures, they will rebuild and incredibly fast. Don't think little of those who are a little bit behind.</p>
<p>Depending on the deck, rebuilding and recovery might be easy. Improper assessment of when a player is behind and not a threat shouldn't be based on blanket statements, it should be an assessment of their deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aurelia, the Warleader"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Feast and Famine"></div></div>
<h2>Emotional Burden</h2>
<p>Sometimes we are compelled to not remove a threat or win a game because of the social pressures present in a game of Commander. We've all been in a situation where a win feels stinky or uncomfortable, and we lean into that feeling so much that we sandbag or throw. Feels bad to win that way sometimes, but are we helping as much as we think?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tivit, Seller of Secrets"></div></div>
<h3>Winners and Losers</h3>
<p>We all have someone in our playgroup who wins more than anyone else. It's not usually just because their decks are much stronger, but that they're an exceptional pilot of decks in general. They can threat assess well, manage triggers, and sequence very well. They aren't usually playing Bracket 5 at a Bracket 4 table.</p>
<p>There is sometimes a burden to being that winner. Sometimes you've won every game in a session of Commander on Saturday and you want to let your opponent's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reins of Power" href="#" target="_blank">Reins of Power</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> resolve.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reins of Power"></div></div>
<p>I don't know how others feel, but wins like this feel unearned. Finding out my opponent had interaction, but didn't play it, means that in actual fact, I didn't win. It also is a little condescending to let someone else win. Winning is something I would like to earn and it isn't the gift you think it is.</p>
<p>Players want to win on their own merit most of the time and finding out that you actually didn't feels bad. If the goal is to get rid of that bad feeling of constantly losing to the same player, sandbagging doesn't help.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Harmless Offering"></div></div>
<h3>Prolonged Enjoyment</h3>
<p>A deck can sometimes outperform your expectations. It can do the thing faster and more efficiently than before. You're having so much fun piloting, even when you're way ahead, and you don't want the fun to end.</p>
<p>You're taking a fifteen minute turn with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urabrask // The Great Work" href="#" target="_blank">Urabrask // The Great Work</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and you see the win in sight but you don't take it. You want other players to get a chance to go off, you want the game to continue.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Urabrask // The Great Work"></div></div>
<p>Once again, players like to win on their own merits. Finding out that you took a 15 minute turn, could win, and didn't win might even upset other players. They might want to shift to higher power level in a game two, but can't because you sandbagged your own power level.</p>
<p>Maybe they had interaction and could stop you, but you didn't give them the opportunity by not even playing the card. That's the tricky thing with, "I could have won." You never know what other players are holding up.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Swords to Plowshares"></div></div>
<h3>Excessive</h3>
<p>Lastly, decks can be annoying to get the win with, a complicated <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Food Chain" href="#" target="_blank">Food Chain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> stack or something. Maybe you don't want to go through the trouble.</p>
<p>Or maybe you can win, but you'd have to remove someone's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaalia of the Vast" href="#" target="_blank">Kaalia of the Vast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for the sixth time. Or maybe you could win, but you'd have to kill the player who has been mana screwed all game. Maybe it will feel bad to win this way.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Food Chain"></div></div>
<p>I like to think that everyone playing Commander likes this game enough that the prospect of losing doesn't make the game unfun. We all grapple with loss when we play.</p>
<p>It's okay to face a loss to a complicated win or a uncomfortable piece of removal before your win. Some of us relish the opportunity to see a complex interaction. We like to learn the lines of an interaction so we can be prepared for it next time.</p>
<h1>Finding the Middle</h1>
<p>Ultimately, the point of this article is to let you know that when you have an opportunity to eliminate a threat effectively, you should probably take it. It's what's best for the feelings and ultimate conclusion to your games. I know it might feel bad sometimes, and the reading player's intentions are hard, but we have to attempt it if we want to remain competitive and learn new things.</p>
<p>Either way, talk about it with your pod; see how they feel about all these kinds of situations and get a pulse on what works for you all. If you want to argue with me about this I'm <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/strixhavendropout.bsky.social">@Strixhavendropout</a> on Blue Sky. Catch me there!</p>


interactions

Spock, Logical Choice | A Flash Primer for New Players

Don't Play With Your Food: Social Interactions in Commander