Angel STAX 😇 Live Forever Angel of Suffering Combo in Explorer | MTG Gameplay | Against the Odds

What are the odds of locking our opponent out of ever killing us with damage with Angel of Suffering in Explorer? Let's find out!
Today's video is brought to you by Card Kingdom. You can pick up some Magic: the Gathering cards (and help support the show) at www.cardkingdom.com/mtggoldfish
► Read more about this deck (full article): www.mtggoldfish.com/articles/...
► View this deck with the latest prices: www.mtggoldfish.com/deck/4824...
◼ Purchase this deck (paper): mtg.fish/DpmvP
◼ Purchase this deck (Magic Online): mtg.fish/HXmkA
#MTG
#MagicTheGathering
#MTGO
#MTGExplorer
0:00 Intro
0:15 Match 1/Deck Tech
2:34 Match 2
8:55 Match 3
21:38 Match 4
26:32 Match 5
46:30 Wrap Up

[@MTGGoldfish]

Thanks for all the feedback on the deck tech over gameplay idea. It seems like most people don't like it, so it probably won't be a regular thing going forward.

[@ajcurren]

Awesome to see you trying new things and taking in the feedback on it. The content keeps getting better.

[@RobiousIllyrian]

We appreciate the response too! I’ve always liked how clear the deck tech is at the beginning so I’ve always known everything the deck wants to do. :)

[@person3176]

I think the gameplay deck tech has to show off the gameplan better, not just a fast forwarded game. Play the cards as you explain them and show the wincon/trigger go off. So just a turn or two vs Sparky. A full bo3 game in one minute while trying to watch and listen is hard to follow.

[@er00ic]

I respect you trying something different, even if it didn't quite land

[@csys690]

Yeah, I'm sure there's a way to make it work, and it sounds really great on paper, but it's hard to focus on fast-forward gameplay while you're also trying to understand how the deck works. There's definitely a huge benefit to being able to see the entire deck laid out as you're explaining how it works.

[@ad5198]

I’m sure the KZbin stats have told you that people skip through the intro, but some of us like me I really liked the old intros with the whole deck tech. I also liked watching the first match. With this, I feel like I didn’t get either.

[@BobardeZanzibar]

Some of us also miss the memes!

[@ImJustHereToWatch14]

I bet it's the opposite. I'll regularly watch the deck tech, but not the games. Sometimes I'm rewatching to get the deck conceit; sometimes I'm not interested after the deck tech in the games

[@derekcline950]

Agreed. I miss the old full deck techs. I particularly miss the number of each card in the deck techs as he explains them. Linvala, for example, is legendary. Does he play 4? How many Gaias? I know I can see the list but it'd be nice to see as he explains the role of each card

[@TheMadManHimself]

I concur with my esteemed colleagues. By combining the deck tech and first match I feel like we miss out on both

[@sommolovely]

Absolutely! Deck tech, please!

[@Rancidtunip]

I think in game 2, maybe others Seth forgot that Shalai gives you hexproof as well, so bonecrusher could not target his face.

[@lucascorziello514]

The rest in peace in the sideboard should probably be a different graveyard hate card because rest in peace exiles gaes blessings which shuts off the combo.

[@Linky609]

need leyline of the void.

[@rprat350]

Been watching your videos for ages. I’ve always loved your intros and find them very chill. This intro format is almost stressful it goes so fast. Most of my constructed exposure is from you so the intros being easier to follow has always been helpful.

[@dieguitopp]

I totally agree! no need to rush, we love Seths content. if we don't stop him soon this videos are gonna be a reel. love ya Seth

[@MTGGoldfish]

Yeah, I wanted to try something different because a lot of people seem to skip the deck tech anyway, but it seems like the deck tech over the first match thing isn't especially popular, so I probably won't keep doing that :)

[@itsallenwow]

Hey guys as some feedback it’s hard to focus on Seth’s deck intro with Arena flying at hyper speed in the background. I personally prefer the older deck intros, but if you wanna mix it up I’m sure I’ll get used to it

[@dieguitopp]

please Seth read us here, no need to rush the intros.

[@auxillaryinput]

I prefer he says the names of the cards properly.

[@jeremyobriant7266]

For people who think that hexproof is safety from Bonecrusher Giant/Stomp, Stomp has text that says "damage can't be prevented this turn". The opponent can target himself or a creature without hexproof (including his) and the attacking creature's damage isn't prevented by the Angel of Suffering. The Stomp negates the text on Angel of Suffering that says "prevent that damage".

[@BlakeFaeMorton]

Yes, but it was still clearly wrong to say 3 life is out of Bonecrusher range in that case and he wasn't playing around or talking about that move. So, it is clear that he didn't consider that and was only thinking about the face.

[@jeremyobriant7266]

@@BlakeFaeMorton The opponent can activate Hive of the Tyrant and copy it with Reflections of Kiki-Jiki, giving the opponent two 3 power creatures with menace. Seth only had two blockers at the time. If the opponent did have Stomp, they would have been able to win that turn.

[@BlakeFaeMorton]

@@jeremyobriant7266 Irrelevant to my response. If it was considered he would've at least counted to see how many blockers he would have to leave back.

[@jeremyobriant7266]

@@BlakeFaeMorton You can't win with combat damage if you're not attacking. But, sure, you win. 👍🏼

[@BlakeFaeMorton]

@@jeremyobriant7266 You are correct that attacking was probably the most legitimate play regardless. And that meant having not enough blockers. But, people are complaining because he clearly misunderstood hexproof. Not because they think Stomp won't be lethal regardless.

[@supahdinosaurs]

Great video! I do like when the intro is shown with the deck as the background. There’s a lot going on and it’s hard to focus on either

[@MTGGoldfish]

On Bonecrusher Giant: the big problem is it turning off Angel of Suffering's damage prevention with its "damage can't be prevented" clause. Our opponent can target anything with it and still get that ability even if we don't end up taking the two damage from it.

[@elitebustin3956]

I understand now.

[@requinox]

@@elitebustin3956 They can bone crusher their own creatures or themselves and then attack for lethal.

[@RafaelAAMerlo]

Nice to note that Questing Beast and Alchemist Gambit have the same rules line 🤪

[@perezortegavalentin9343]

...I didn't even know Gaea's Blessing was a card that existed! Auto sideboard inclusion in all my decks with green in them.

[@polaris5135]

Why? For mill? Tasha’s Hideous Laughter is too heavily played for it to help that much

[@MTGGoldfish]

It's the best way not to lose to mill, that's for sure.

[@t0t1lev0]

I’ll be completely honest, in my personal experience deck techs are unnecessary when you’re familiar with the cards and format, which is why a number of individuals skip it. Pairing it with a match is cool in theory, but in practice I think the same people are just going to skip the deck tech AND the first match now :/

[@Omnicrom]

Certainly what I did.

[@erisdiscordia5429]

And ya'll can do that. Easy peasy. Others can watch it, which is not as easy peasy if it's excluded. I'm not sure if this is a complaint and you want deck techs to stop, or if you're just making an observation, but I like the explanations.

[@shogostarr6218]

Keep the normal Intro and Game 1 pleeeeease! Love your work, as always :)

[@georgelacatus1495]

Bravo, well done Seth lol. It's really cool to see that Explorer definitely has the room for this sort of exploration and deckbrewing

[@zxcvgvgv1]

I love that you guys are experimenting. I don't have much of an opinion on the change (I do watch the deck tech and am much more likely to skip matches), but I thought it was cool and worth exploring further. You are all collectively my favorite channel on KZbin across my interests!

[@forgottonpast6847]

You know, I thought this combo was busted until I realized Angel of suffering in this deck is functionally a cheaper platinum angel or that new kiren equipment card from kamigawa

[@surfinggarchomp2820]

Yeah

[@ScornfulEg0tist]

it is kinda nice how it doesn't lead to an immediate loss if removed pot combat tho

[@smelltank]

Gotta echo the general thoughts on the intro, really appreciate the continuous innovation from the team but the deck techs my fave part. I like to watch the deck tech before sleeping so I know what's going on and then close my eyes and listen to your match commentary like it's a radio show as I fall asleep (you're one of the only channels with robust enough commentary to know what's going on without visual aids)

[@princequincy5421]

Gotta love Seth being anxious about Bonecrusher Giant while being hexproof thanks to Shalai.

[@CyberNewType]

I was thinking the same thing. I was like…umm…did you not read Shalai at all? I mean he even highlighted her several times while panicking about Bonecrusher. lol

[@joshuaelbaum3874]

@@CyberNewType its the negation of damage prevention that had him worried

[@Jim_Owen]

If opponent targets Shalai and swings out all the creatures damage doesn't get prevented due to Stomps ability.

[@oORoOFLOo]

I really prefer the calmer introductions of the deck. I dont play basically anything but limited and commander, but I watch your videos as a way to keep up with the rest of mtg. The intros were essential for full enjoyment of the videos tbf.

[@jerrymcdaniel6643]

The dinosaurs reminds me that there's the infinite combo with the one that makes copies plus the red enchantment that pings every time a creature enters the field

[@Linky609]

impact tremors, or purphoros works too.

[@jerrymcdaniel6643]

@@Linky609 impact tremors is what I was thinking about lol just couldn't remember the name

[@techoutsider5631]

aether flash* the creature needs to be dealt dmg, not your opponent

[@jerrymcdaniel6643]

@techoutsider5631 no the combo of the dinosaurs results in a game state that draws, however impact tremors deals damage so it actually kills your opponents instead.

[@SnowboarderDan]

Enjoyed this against the odds. Don't always watch the entire thing due to lack of time but this one I had to make time for! Keep the jank coming! I definitely am going to play this in Arena competitively too.

[@jeremyobriant7266]

3 lands, 3 Pyres, 3 Angels of Suffering, 3 Shalai.... That's next-level Magic.

[@petersteiman2443]

Super sweet as usual Seth.

[@samjackson5576]

I prefer the older style. Either way I’ll continue to watch, thanks for the great content!

[@nathansofparadise]

Deck tech over video is a cool idea! Inventive.

[@homebrewed]

Great great matches!

[@kingginger3335]

I wanna see a Dino Combo deck. It would use Marauding Raptor and Polyraptor to create infinite Polyraptors. But you need an etb payoff to actually win. I bet it would be really fun!

[@LadyMapi]

I feel like you might have gone a little heavy on the whole "protect the Angel of Suffering" plan. :p Given the Pyre of Heroes, I'm kinda curious why you didn't try a more Angel Tribal-y setup - I feel like having a Lyra Dawnbringer to tutor up would be really nice. EDIT: Oof, that Feather match was absolutely brutal. On the topic of Connive in Modern... apparently Ledger Shredder is seeing A LOT of play. EDIT EDIT: After watching the video... yeah, I'm not seeing why Kyodai is in the deck? If you're just using it to protect Angel of Suffering, it's basically just a 4-mana Withstand Death (because another 3/3 body probably isn't going to save you if you're at the rely-on-Angel-of-Suffering part of the game). I think you could probably replace it with 1x Lyra Dawnbringer and 2x Vengeful Reaper without too much worry.

[@samueldefazio6369]

Holding the "opponent" waiting to see what they did was the best thing I've seen from Seth in a while It's on flavor

[@i_fuze_hostages6]

God I haven’t played magic in forever

[@goomshill]

I think I'm like a lot of people, played MTGA in lockdown, left when they introduced alchemy and never came back

[@i_fuze_hostages6]

@@goomshill I was done after kaldheim got announced

[@xLegendaryPete]

It's pretty funny Seth doesn't realize he had hexproof during game 3 when he kept saying that Bonecrusher what kill him

[@neilgulley969]

Came here to say that lol

[@marcoriley9116]

is Angel of Suffering just that good??? No, bro, SHALAI is that good

[@jeremyobriant7266]

@@neilgulley969 Stomp has text that says "damage can't be prevented this turn". The opponent can target himself or a creature without hexproof (including his) and the attacking creature's damage isn't prevented by the Angel of Suffering. If I remember the game correctly, that's the situation. The Stomp negates the text on Angel of Suffering that says "prevent that damage".

[@TheEvolver311]

Because Bronecrusher negates the damage prevention

[@neilgulley969]

@@jeremyobriant7266 and that line is fair but then going up from 2 life to 3 wasn't going to help. The way he was acting, it seemed like he was forgetting that he had hexproof

[@MrShinyObject]

I watch Against the Odds for two main reasons: the entertainment of a magic game and the entertainment from Seth's great personality and commentary. I'll admit I skip the deck techs often unless A) the deck is weird enough that I need some time to figure it out or B) Seth is excited about it and I get caught up in it. Both of these things are much more common with AtO specifically. Doing the intro and first match at the same time means I don't get commentary and I don't get a good look at the deck as a whole, so it's losing out on 2 out of 4 things I listed. Not a fan.

[@MTGGoldfish]

Hmm, that makes sense. Thanks for the feedback!

[@mujercomiendoensalda2221]

This deck is great, because is mostly standard stuff, so you can build standard angles and then add a bunch of cards and play the combo in explore

[@fromadhdtodndtomtg]

Seth, that might have been one of the most entertaining games!

[@TheEvolver311]

Always nice to see Seth Jank out some spikes

[@liorramati265]

Is there a specific reason righteous Valkyrie isn't in the deck? It's such a powerful card in more traditional angel decks that leaving it out seems like a mistake

[@oafkad]

If the deck tech is at the end I'll watch it. I just like being surprised during gameplay. Getting a summary at the end would work for me. Otherwise I always skip them to try and figure the deck out haha.

[@archangeljmj6008]

I have a super old school dragon deck (like 4th edition old) that has gaias blessings, not only wrecks mill decks but I also run oath of druids. Oh, it makes me so happy

[@jlawsl]

Its amusing to see the day that the card draw for Saffron Olive is a mono white angel. After years of watching him play, this is amusing to me.

[@tavitalvensaari6355]

I do always love the videos, being the only MTG content I watch with regularity, but I do have some swift feedback for the new intro format. I feel as if having the gameplay and the deck tech conflated negates the information of both. The hastened gameplay is already difficult to follow, and thereupon the words are further lost without slower visuals. Thus is all. Have a good day.

[@VargonDraxar]

Definitely miss the deck list intro

[@valorantfaded]

14:25 you have enough creatures to block bonecrusher once and win. it’s stomp can’t target you because Shalai gives you hexproof as well

[@Alessandro-vv2fh]

This is a great piece to be included in a midrange BO1 deck.

[@gemgraphix]

I'm here to hear you laughing ! always make me happy :)

[@ExplorerOfMTG]

I REALLY hate being on the other end of this deck lol a turn 2 Giada is just insane

[@FluffySpikeM]

Where does that card sleeve come from?! Didn't see it anywhere in rewards.

[@freya002YT]

Awesome

[@rayzeckz4573]

At match 2, 2nd round, Seth is Sir Lands-a-lot

[@aidantalksalot5132]

Is questing beast legal in explorer? Cuz it says damage cant be prevented which would mess this whole deck up

[@mergirlvi7552]

As neat as it is seeing angels being played, it seems like it's kind of just a bad solemnity lock deck with more weaknesses.

[@fez284]

I like that at around 13:00 you start worrying about bone crusher so much, but you had hexproof so they couldn't target you with it anyways lol. Totally understandable miss

[@bony_thicc]

Good job messing with the formula for the intro, though I personally prefer the deck layed out to see quantity and all the text on one screen.

[@47Mortuus]

Ponent, sometimes called "Ah-Ponent".

[@benjaminbogel7554]

Would also like top see a new take on the book of exalted with faceless haben, also kind of a angels stax.

[@sstankfish]

9:14 I re-watched this 5 times and laughed my ass off every single time.

[@alecolson8360]

So goood!

[@ryangainey94]

Can do this in modern with emrakul as well yes?

[@lurjacoby5120]

You should add a creeping chill as a win condition

[@justinreschke3642]

9:15 "Oppooooooooooooooooooooooonent"

[@MrZelis]

gotta throw in a Syr Conrad, punish them for swinging face, also put in underrealm lich so you can pitch gaea in grave instead of drawing.

[@bladebro4178]

spicy deck

[@ave_maria323]

Would the book of exalted deeds help?

[@ODIRGO]

Seth scoops to invoke despair while he has shalai in hand...

[@madgodloki]

You do technically have hexproof so bone crusher won't hit your face they'd have to bone crusher and attack with 3 connecting damage... would have been hard to achieve.

[@yongestation_]

reflection of kiki copying hive of the eye tirant is 3 connecting damage on board

[@TheAgentGold]

I was hoping to see one situation (just one!) where the opponent pulled a surprise win by using Stomp to get around damage prevention. (If y'all are playing this deck, just be aware that it can happen!)

[@zasshulad2619]

Ky-oh-die or Key-oh-die the second one is not correct but it's much closer than key-o-dee. Kyodai in Japanese is an archaic way to say sibling which in modern Japan is or was (I do not claim to be an expert) used by Yakuza members to refer to someone within their clan. When we Romanize Japanese we do it mostly phonetically so dai is actually pronounced the same way we say die because dai is the phonetic spelling of die.

[@Palasdin]

Starting a GoFundMe for Seth’s pants after drawing that 2nd veto in match 5.

[@BIGDTHEVILLAIN76]

Bone crusher can get through shalai's hexproof?

[@TheHuktuk]

Seth: '' OOOOOOPPPPPPPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooonent. '' xD

[@gaivscaesar]

Seth in every Against the Odds; Wins one game - Did we just break xx format?

[@xnestor1x]

Questing beast is another way to shutdown angel of suffering

[@wesmorris3529]

why was he worried about bone crusher killing him so often? doesnt angel of suffering stope all damage?

[@mcockle23]

Am I missing something? Seth kept saying that Bonecrusher is an answer to the Angel of Suffering but it's a 5/3 and stomp only does 2 damage. I am confused....

[@techoutsider5631]

It gets around the damage prevention effect.

[@boatingaccident2882]

Could this be built in pioneer somehow?

[@FesterrotGaming]

Number 15, burger king foooot lettuce 12:30 lol

[@Drakshl]

there are a couple of cards in the format that mean you can't lose the game

[@RuneKing324]

Anyone got that dino list from match 2?

[@aaronshockney5009]

Doesn't Shalai give you Hexproof too? Cause during match two he kept saying he was dead to Bonecrusher but they would have to have removal for the Shalai, then for the Angel of Suffering too. And even if it didn't give you Hexproof wouldn't the Angel of Sufferings effect change the Boncrusher damage to mill? Am I missing something? This isn't a criticism or anything from me but honest curiosity on my part. Thank you Seth and keep doing what you do. Love the Deck Tech with the Game in the background and even as someone who tries to be up to date on the cards I love seeing you there with them showing how they go together like in the old way. Honestly I'm just happy with the content.

[@MTGGoldfish]

The issue is the "damage can't be prevented" clause. The opponent could cast Bonecrusher on anything (even themselves, if need be) just to get the "damage can't be prevented" part and then Angel of Suffering would stop working and they could kill us by attacking.

[@andymccoy8393]

I know this probably won’t change how Seth pronounces it, but I’m pretty sure that Giada is pronounced “jee-ahda”

[@ninjadave3281]

Not a fan of the first match being fast forwarded through during the deck tech.

[@antoniocidade131]

With Shalai in play you have hexproff. Bonecruch can't target you

[@wassupyall3881]

Should of put spark double in the deck so u could copy shalia

[@docterfantazmo]

Was kinda routing for the Dino guy, aint gonna lie.

[@fez284]

Also, I SWEAR the hand smoother is causing all of these horrible draws and hands. If you play any deck beyond two colors, it doesn't know what to do and ruins your deck

[@janrichter1044]

In aggro matchups you dont need blessing in your Deck so i would sideboard it out.

[@masterale10]

Against rakdos you werent in problem for a bonecrusher cause of shalai giving you hexproof

[@absolutelynot615]

Cant find gaea’s blessing in mtg arena… this already outdated in 6 hours? Or am I being dumb…

[@stephenhousman6975]

21:05 You were not going to win that race due to creature lands even without the invoke if you planned to attack. You were Guaranteed to take 4 come their next turn. 3 from hive/trespasser and 1 from trespasser with you having 2 blockers available. If you decide to leave 1 back then they just fire up den and you lose. 31:12 I counted 16 with the block here and it seems that they didn't use Koma to tap your only angel. So did you just miss lethal here? Linvala, 2 Legion Angels and Shilia can all attack. They are forced to block the bigger one and they still take 16.

[@taylorostempowski9453]

Game against the dirty dirty ramp player made it worth it

[@blueridin]

Your light makes you look orange. Still gonna watch

[@imperatordersonne5167]

Ah!!! My Eyes!!! No speedy Stuff in the background pls, while explaining deck tech. +1 For Old Deck Tech

[@Wuronjilong]

Warms my heart to see feather still being played ❤️

[@oORoOFLOo]

Pyre of heroes was a dead card, i think the deck would be better off with a removal or a cheap blue card for digging.

[@starmanda88]

Love the content Seth (and you) but I don’t love the new intro. I really liked the old deck techs personally. I’ll watch either way, just saying. Also you’re such a good sport. Drawing that many lands would’ve made me so angry but you’re so good at brushing stuff like that off. Makes me a better player. ❤️

[@airenrain]

*has Shalai* Aww man, we’re dead to Bonecrusher Can we get a compilation of the MTGGoldfish gang not reading the cards?

[@christopheranderson8311]

Kyodai = key-o-dye

[@Threadoflength]

Jaa-da or Jee-ada but never Gee-ada or Guy-ada

[@AkodoNoEyes]

I know. Every time he says it I cringe at his cringy “trolling by mispronouncing names” cringe.

[@austinmitchell2053]

Angel of Suffering makes you mill twice the damage you would have taken.

[@Dontlikenaimepas]

Got this card in a booster haha

[@EnclaveOfObsidian]

22:25 "Subscribe to my OnlyLands!"

[@absolutelynot615]

31+ damage wins the game still I believe since you would mill more than your deck has.

[@absolutelynot615]

Because gaea activates after every card is finished being sent, you can over mill.

[@TheDragoMorph]

Milling can't kill you. You can mill from an empty deck all you want, you only lose the game when you try to *draw* a card from an empty deck.