Affinity vs Turbo Initiative | Semifinals 1 - Quest for the Best Pauper Deck Ever

What was the best Pauper deck ever? We made our community vote for one deck to represent each year since 2010, recruited 16 Pauper Experts to play a 5-round tournament, and now we bring you each match of the Top 8. Carl is playing Andrea and either All That Glitters or the Initiative Mechanic could be knocked out of the tournament.
All decklists & Swiss matches: bit.ly/49tJHSF
Decks featured in this video: bit.ly/430ToXe
The Swiss pilot for All that Glitters Affinity was @walker7355
The Swiss pilot for Turbo Initiative was @saltandpauper
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[@CardmarketMagic]

All decklists & Swiss matches: bit.ly/49tJHSF Decks featured in this video: bit.ly/430ToXe The Swiss pilot for All that Glitters Affinity was @walker7355 The Swiss pilot for Turbo Initiative was @saltandpauper

[@stefan_wsl3398]

The dead three are the three dead gods, Bane (tyranny), Baarl (Murder) and Myrkul (death)

[@jacobeden2083]

I think in canon Bane survived (not sure if undead myrkul counts) and became an actual god, but they were all working together to take over the job of the previous god of death, then inevitably betrayed each other, murdered the brand new god of murder, and the other two split the rest of the portfolio

[@davidhouseman4328]

Yeah, Bhaal is the fella that spawned a score of mortal progeny to kick of Baldurs gate.

[@GaybrohamStinkton]

Bane (Batman), Baal (Diablo), Miku (will punch you to death)

[@JerryTheToast]

Sad to see Carl doesn't seem to have played Baldurs Gate 3 :(

[@Mightypi]

And they are fools, every one.

[@MateoByrd-kg9rf]

The little shape showing which cards are being put on bottom post-mulligan is a nice touch

[@sl3848]

To add to this, it would be nice if there were a way to better see which cards get discarded/brainstormed/etc in these videos. I usually have to rewind a few seconds to catch it

[@theelectricant98]

The editing on these is unmatched by any mtg channel. Great info, displayed in a satisfying way, but never over the top or obstructive

[@aryst0krat]

Andrea's "Nooooooo :D" would make a great reaction gif

[@redstoneplaysmc1639]

The same could be said for Andrea's face when he top-decked that Galvanic Blast

[@fish_in_distress]

So would his "I'm sorry (I'm not, I'm not sorry)" at the end there lol

[@tempest1246]

I like how the chatterstorm deck was so favored to win that its still highlighted on the bracket over elves

[@outputcoupler7819]

"Damage on the stack" to steal the fez killed me.

[@joshuaplank9791]

I don't think "damage on the stack" is required though, since putting on a hat is a special action!

[@fwop7436]

It also killed Karl! 😄

[@giacomofasulo3861]

A Vintage exclamation

[@Tharkon]

Even if you put damage on the stack, The Initiative only triggers when you deal the damage, and then SBA's will end the game before it can resolve so there is no way to take the initiative here and Carl would take the initiative, and the fez, with him to the grave.

[@ari_cool]

that last draw in game 2 was amazing!!!

[@eigilbundgaard3364]

How did you finish already? It dropped 6 min ago😂

[@EmbeJuicemazzopazzo]

@@eigilbundgaard3364 people watch stuff at 1.5x speed or even more

[@ari_cool]

@@eigilbundgaard3364 I like to see who wins the game so I can root for them

[@bricelory9534]

Unsurprising MVP: Snuff Out on the one side, Gingerbrute on the other. Turns out unblockable, haste 1/1s are the most important part of the matchup - to have or to deal with. (Not at all surprising since Initiative itself is so busted).

[@malte54]

I mean, the only reason why Snuff Out is the MVP on the one side, is because Gingerbrute is on the other side :D

[@Dracomandriuthus]

I knew very well how this MU would go. Either Andrea has ginger Or Andrea loses

[@ursulcx299]

When I say why I love pauper, my main reason is how close the meta is, no deck truely ever is dominant and on a good day you can see basically any of the good deck pull a win. This just show it again. Pauper is awesome.

[@joefekete4384]

Andrea. Hire Andrea. These videos with him are the best you guys make

[@CardmarketMagic]

We tried, but you'll never get Andrea out of Italia :)

[@filippodardi2180]

@@CardmarketMagic Just open an Italian branch already!! >:D

[@melo7444]

You guys are always very dynamic, but the back-and-forth plays in this match in particular were fantastic. Well done!

[@Dropzewinner]

Andrea’s piloting of affinity has finally made me get the non commander bug and I’ll happily say I’m joining pauper with affinity

[@CommanderAmateur]

The thing i love most about the "Quest for..."-videos is not only that the games are highly competitive, but all participants have such a sweet chemistry with one another. Thats what makes these games so enjoyable to watch.

[@victoraraujo3315]

Love to see Pauper content!

[@augustoyuthayasuda6631]

Chama no boleto!

[@saltandpauper]

Me too!

[@sorin_markov]

"Damage on the stack" 25:08 that's some *old* Magic lore lol

[@Aaackermann]

Bring it back, I say! 😅

[@Ifedoll]

I've never seen anyone draw like Andrea. This man can't be stopped.

[@sh41]

Yes! Go Andrea, go! Only aggro decks remain. None of the games went the way I expected. The tech play around the pyroblast was very cool

[@lucamarsiglia7284]

no

[@sh41]

@@lucamarsiglia7284 I guess you're a fan of initiative?

[@joshuagriffith9191]

@@sh41 It turned out not to matter due to Andrea drawing the galvanic blast , but the correct creature was the sneak. It would have hexproof until Karl’s next turn. Pyroblast wouldn’t have been able to kill it and he would have had a flyer.

[@ericadams2045]

This is my favorite series on KZbin

[@saltandpauper]

Mine too!

[@user-ud5tk4oc6r]

Thank you for putting indicators on what cards get bottomed when you mulligan this time! That's really helpful for following the game

[@user-ud5tk4oc6r]

Of all the decks in the bracket, if one deck was going to beat Turbo Initiative, it was going to be Glitters (... or Chatterstorm). Turns out the deck with a built-in way to take the Initiative is pretty good in this matchup.

[@gotic1926]

I love it, when Andrea comes to visit and a beat down to you guys.

[@MindstabThrull]

Carl putting on his cap at the start of game three was cool. Because it's a fez, and fezzes are cool!

[@CardmarketMagic]

They are! 🤓 so are bowties!

[@ericdobrowski5033]

Those were some great games! Always love seeing Mengu!!

[@castanus4343]

What an insane deck it's Jeskai Affinity! Can't believe it defeated the initiative😮

[@SRPowers2891]

I’ve never seen two gentlemen that look so dapper and debonair in a fez! Great vid, this has been a fun series so far.

[@Yodel1ngS0up]

Cardmarket uploading on my birthday!!!! I love this series, amazing game!

[@CardmarketMagic]

Happy birthday! 🥳

[@Yodel1ngS0up]

@@CardmarketMagic thanks so much! You guys are by far my favorite Magic content creators, top tier content!!!

[@johncameron1935]

@@Yodel1ngS0up Happy birthday!

[@andreww479]

I think one of my favorite things about these series with decks from different eras is the little things in matchups that never come up, like Andrea not having a basic but commenting that he would have one if Initiative didnt get banned out.

[@nicobaur3076]

1 am in Japan and the best thing this week just dropped. Thank you guys, perfect for after the gym.

[@CardmarketMagic]

I hope you enjoy it :)

[@tyler2906]

Love seeing Mengu!

[@GotchaPlaysGer]

We love Andrea Mengucci, bring him every time!

[@zurreal8087]

I am constantly impressed by Andrea Mengucci. He’s just so good!

[@HearseonHydros]

Tough draws for initiative! Really close though this was a fun one to watch

[@rusholotl]

seeing initiative will always be amazing.

[@hashtag156]

Thank you for adding an indicator for what cards you bottom after a mulligan!

[@munsterotaku3058]

Whole match was tense and so good to watch! Andréa top decking for real :D

[@TheMichaelArmando]

What a great match! Can't wait for the next video loving this series!

[@djanpo993]

I think game two was one of the best this channel ever showcased. And your chemistry in this one was amazing. Thanks :)

[@bfoley32]

Love your guys videos, its getting me to want to play more than just commander as a newer player.

[@jakfrost2]

Love seeing my favourite deck coming out on top. Great video as always!

[@kalikaiz]

Gingerbrute!!!!

[@krakengaming3420]

1 day ago?

[@kalikaiz]

@@krakengaming3420 sneaky preview for me

[@saltandpauper]

Makes me sad lol

[@faefeatherweight]

THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! The suspense! The reads! That game 2 was incredible! Thank you once again for an amazing video!

[@cerocero2817]

I noticed that now indicate what card is going to be discarded with a subtle arrow. Such a nice detail.

[@eigilbundgaard3364]

Awesome! Cant wait to finish the vid!❤❤❤

[@modothegreat108]

For the record: When Jamin says turbo initiative isn't great at taking lost initiative back, it should be noted that any of his creatures do just that by ETB-ing, so it's not all that bad! Provided you have the lands to deploy more creatures, of course. I hear Jamin's bad at peat mining.

[@bambabam1234]

Great matchup, awesome close games and great banter. Love this series

[@hayden32040]

The gingerbrute laugh gets me every time XD

[@betabrett0223]

I never knew how much I needed those arrows you put next to the card being bottomed. Thank you so much editor(s)!

[@CardmarketMagic]

I saw it asked for in the comments once or twice and realized it was very low effort for me to add them :) so it's definitely worth it for the few people who care

[@TheDevlain]

Sorry Andrea but the game ends before the trigger of initiative resolves so you technically don't get to have the hat xD Anyways it was such an amazing match!

[@derAlphabet]

Love to see Andrea and Carl! You two are goaded :)

[@miyomiyo1050]

Fantastic match! Three super close and dynamic games. Saw the final game was only 4 mins and still didn't know who would win.

[@AgonalRhythm]

Great games! Also, the shade from Andrea at @21:57 😂

[@beforememory]

Great video, enjoying all the pauper!

[@quickdrawz05]

WHAT AN ABSOLUTE BANGER. MY HEART WAS PUMPING!!!

[@PeterKorlus]

Love to see more Pauper content with Andrea :-)

[@VonSilvermoon]

This is one of the most entertaining games of Magic i've ever watched. This is a great tournament!

[@waves-]

Love the series!

[@mRboylls]

I can’t believe how good of a matchup this is

[@Verlisify]

WHAT AN END TO GAME 1! Carl channeling his inner red player tapping the table to count for lethal

[@jash5437]

This might be my new favorite feature match. The gameplay videos are the best

[@clord2674]

Nice content as always 😁

[@massive_avecado]

for some reason, i just really like listening to Andrea's voice

[@CardmarketMagic]

It is very soothing!

[@ToraminoSiB]

Did someone else notica at 0:23 how Elves are greyd out and Chatterstorm is highlighted in the quarterfinal bracket? My working hypothesis is that the person who did this graph just couldn't see Chatterstorm lose :D

[@hgarcia9021]

I'm such an andrea mengucci fan man, this guy's so happy and expressive, more than 99% mtg players

[@RPGeater]

Wonderful match, it really gave me chills...

[@Thatguy223-vc4wb]

I'm actually addicted to watching Mengu play pauper rn.

[@emoman7777]

I will always love it when Carl talks big game, have the highest confidence throughout the video Then proceed to lose despite playing a broken deck with a banned mechanic

[@el_pablodocus]

Great game and great entertainment, thank you !

[@MrEliakimRAS]

Carl, I'm really impressed on how you managed the initiative deck: that game 2 was gloriously played. Too bad Gingerbrute+All that Glitters is more busted.

[@CardmarketMagic]

Thank you :) that is very kind of you to say!

[@ralr]

I was just in the process of ordering my All That Glitters cards from cardmarket! 🎉 Now I get to see how I should be playing it! ❤ Thanks!

[@CardmarketMagic]

Ralph! Be careful 😅 enjoy it while it lasts. Many people are worried All That Glitters is likely to get banned this year

[@danthelionxyz]

congrats on 150k guys!

[@CardmarketMagic]

Thank you! :D

[@arnoldjohannfrancisco5641]

Yes! I love All that glitters! So happy it won!

[@Sinfulpapaya]

You make the game so legible and interesting i came to love these series and i don't even play magic

[@Millus1987]

great match, game 2 was incredible

[@LukeCTFD]

Best episode of the serie so far, second game was amazing!! Go Andrea for the wiiiiin 🚀

[@JarneB]

I, we, you, they LOVE Cardmarket

[@maarten0104]

“Damage on the stack….” 😂😂😂

[@theprojectdaemon]

These are some real titans of Pauper right here, honestly I'd be happy to see either win because either can make for really tense games.

[@keithbarlow9701]

This was a good match up. I would've put my money on Turbo Initiative, but I'm not terribly surprised that Affinity won. This series has been quite an adventure. Stoked for the next 2 videos!

[@cpnpmp94]

Not sure if this series is proving which deck is the best, or that Mengu is a Pauper beast… either way, I’m here for it. Lol

[@theelectricant98]

Other mtg channels gotta learn from how you guys edit these, top notch!

[@jaundicedmisanthrope7817]

another banger of a video, ya love to see it

[@arielgomes7989]

Those were some great games!

[@Ragnarok633]

When Karl asked if he looked good and Andre said nothing but had that horrible hunger in his eyes for the fez. I knew then he was locked in and going to do everything he possible could to win.

[@spark1128]

Incredible match.

[@Matyanson]

Wow, such a close game!

[@TerminallyNerdy]

I love how Elves and Goblins will be going up against each other XD

[@saltandpauper]

Really proud of you and the deck in getting this far! Such a close match! Grwat watch :)

[@ElektechN9ne]

Andrea's topdecking game never disappoints!

[@GregJungg]

I loved how, even losing, Chatterstorm still won on the bracket image (even if it didn't advance). Can't keep the storm down

[@LK90512]

How is it this not the best format ever?? I wish every day for a permanent queue on Arena :') Thank you for the content, you're also the best! Always enjoy when Mengucci is a guest (true Italian pride! Although the fez is not necessarily a good look on us :/)

[@CardmarketMagic]

I think Andrea looked great with the fez :)

[@LK90512]

@@CardmarketMagic he certainly did :D

[@joshuagriffith9191]

Sadly most of the best pauper cards aren’t on Arena.

[@LK90512]

@@joshuagriffith9191 i know, but historic pauper is still a very enjoyable format! unfortunately it's only available through sporadic events (or via direct match)

[@joshuagriffith9191]

@@LK90512 Agreed, the format is fun and I’m not sure why they don’t have a pauper queue especially seeing that it is a popular format on MTGO. It’s the same problem with Arena Cube. I would play Arena cube a lot if they had it available more often. It feels like they are blatantly trying to get people to not play non rotating formats on the platform which is disappointing as a customer.

[@mateodejesus5426]

My favorite Italian playing my favorite deck

[@Kettwiesel25]

It's GALVANIC BLAST! (Would've been great if Affinity played lightning helix for that moment alone)

[@joshvon8495]

These are the highlight of my Thursday lunch break lol. I’d love to see you do it again but but if you all pick the pauper decks. Don’t get me wrong I love the community getting to vote but I think a lot of votes were by people who don’t follow pauper there were definitely crazier decks that weren’t voted for. I assume it’s because people voted more based on what they recognized instead of all the decks that actually shook up/got cards banned in pauper

[@krakengaming3420]

yo same im watching these during lunch too

[@CardmarketMagic]

Guten Appétit! Enjoy your meals!

[@joshvon8495]

@@CardmarketMagic Danke!

[@rubensmith776]

Andrea wearing a fez was not something I knew I needed to see.

[@SirZapdos]

Game 2 was very entertaining

[@IceCoola]

this is what i wait for every 12am here rooting for glitters since it's one of my pet decks

[@danielheadhunter9594]

We did it affinity gamers!!!!! We beat the turbo menace we still have one tribal deck to go and I hope in my heart we walk away with the gold. The worse battle is over

[@Izelor]

Glad to see Affinity still being a force to be reckoned with after 20 years!

[@sh41]

Lol, I remember playing it in standard

[@user-mf4sc8im8y]

I’ve killed people with plattings and ravagers in every format I wish it was still a teir 1 deck in modern

[@ClubbingSealCub]

It's galvanic blast! Oh my god!

[@JustsomeMTGplayer]

Great video guys! I’m going to Italy later in the month and I was wondering if you guys knew of any locations to play in a more competitive scenario?