Win More EDH Games (Without Being Cringe)

[@granite_4576]

Things that made me start winning more: 1. Hit EVERY land drop. 37 lands minimum. 2. Prioritize syngeristic card draw. 3. Removal. Run it. 4. Run a commander who is useful (creates a vital resource in the game) but not clearly utterly broken.

[@BasedDeckDept]

All great points friend. I think you'd enjoy my deck building video if you haven't watched it already. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@khathecleric]

A commander that is an engine IS a threat in the command zone. Because that's how I roll and I think my LGS has cottoned on to that.

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@khathecleric Too true. I think the trick is finding the balance and choose a commander that is strong enough while not being obviously broken, so that we don't fly too close to the sun 😁

[@granite_4576]

@@khathecleric sometimes you just wanna play something big and scary and cool. I have decks like that. But I also have things like my Faramir deck which is basically just sub-optimal card draw and token making, there for a flavorful head to my humans/soldiers deck. Deck wins a lot because no one removes my stuff because it's 'not worth it' but then it reaches a critical mass of underwhelming but synergistic cards. Fun way to play.

[@granite_4576]

@@BasedDeckDept I have - really enjoying your stuff!

[@matthewkuehne5480]

Let's be honest, you win games because you're a cute frog

[@matthewkuehne5480]

Also, thank you for giving up your secrets. I'm finding it harder and harder to navigate Commander, and videos like this help

[@BasedDeckDept]

I had to keep some secrets for myself, but I guess the cats out of the bag 🤣 or is that the frog's out of the pond? Thanks for watching ❤️

[@BasedDeckDept]

❤️❤️❤️ that's why I make the videos. Thanks for watching friend.

[@unseeliedream42]

I came here to say this but knew deep down in my heart that it was already being said

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@unseeliedream42

[@Zeyga]

Fantastic as always dude. The philosophy of EDH is just as important as the deck

[@BasedDeckDept]

Thanks friend, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching ❤️

[@Jupiterbun-bunJetson]

I recently got a job at a newly opened lgs and my boss has me jump into games during commander nights so nobody’s left out or without a 4th player. I have a Glunch deck where I focus entirely on boosting everyone as much and as quickly as possible without trying to win myself. People I’ve never met before have started showing up asking to play against “The Glunch Deck” lol A lot of your videos (from what I’ve seen) follow a lot of the deck building philosophy I’ve always gone with. Love your vids dude.

[@BasedDeckDept]

You're the hero we deserve. And I think you've inspired me to build a similar list. That sounds like a hell of a lot of fun. Thank you friend, and glad you've enjoyed the videos ❤️

[@Jupiterbun-bunJetson]

@@BasedDeckDept It started as a phelddagrif deck because I thought that giving people hippos was fun but I had trouble finding enough friendly blue cards. Glunch came out and is nothing but friendly. Every card in the deck gives another player something (or is capable of it) the meanest cards in it are swords to plowshare and the other 1 drop white removal that fetches people a land. But I use it for self defense and/or to give someone land or a ton of health. The join forces cards are so much fun and people love them because I’ll tell them it’s in my hand. The card tempt with bunnies is so cool and I wish I had one, the gift mechanic is also great but a lot of them feel way too aggressive. I’ve only won twice and it was by accident fighting golgari decks milling themselves. I made them draw so many cards they died lol Can’t wait to see your deck list when/if you make one! Two of my favorites are knowledge pool and (if you like blue) eye of the storm. My current goal is to make a rakdos group hug deck. Edit: Assault suit is also soooo much fun. I love putting it on Glunch so each round people have to group hug

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@Jupiterbun-bunJetson I really love all of this, and I'm so tempted to ask for your list, but I think it's more fun for both of us if I don't. I will almost certainly make this, and if I'm happy with my efforts, I'll make a video about it.

[@Jupiterbun-bunJetson]

@@BasedDeckDept I’d love to see it if you do and I’d especially love to see what commander you pick. I’m really tempted to maybe make a mtg video or two talking about the social aspect of commander, playing casually and how your mindset/deck philosophy matters more than anything imo

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@Jupiterbun-bunJetson The more content there is out there that talks about the social aspects of commander the better. The research has started already, so I guess we'll see :D

[@peterd8251]

great lessons! I recently used #1 and #10 in a 3 pod where I was playing simic control against selesnya midrange and abzan reanimator. As the reanimator player had his board wiped, he sacrificed everything to his graveyard, INCLUDING his commander, so I knew something was up. On my next turn, I left 5 mana open for a Gale's Redirection. But then my selesyna friend went to cast something that made non-creature spells cost 1 more to cast. I told him, "Barry, please don't do that, man. Look, Brandon just sent everything to his huge graveyard, he's probably got Rise of the Dark Realms or Living Death or something in hand and I left my mana open to counter that, but I can't if you make spells more expensive." While Barry decided on an alternative play, Brandon had a laugh and showed me privately that he did indeed have Living Death in hand! I know him well enough at this point that this is one of his favorite win cons. And as it turned out, he still went for it, because he thought I was going to counter the spell instead of exile it. Double gotcha moment! I didn't end up winning that game, but it was a lot of fun!

[@BasedDeckDept]

Haha, love that. This is why we play commander. Thanks for watching friend ❤️

[@yungmythologist]

Yeah, that's cool and all, but I'm gonna become the archenemy specifically so my 3 friends can have the satisfaction of taking me down.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Luckily, if your friends are down with that, that's absolutely fine 😁 I didn't say you cannot be the arch enemy, just that there are consequences. Thanks for watching friend ❤️

[@jeluenhayo2410]

Good job on fixing the presentation of text, it feels much better to read! Also a great hint for people on the other side of "the bluffing" moments: play straight into it if it's not a game-defining situation for you. The worst thing - they weren't bluffing and now don't have a piece of removal/protection/etc so every other opponent (and yourself in the future) can threaten them now. It's much more efficient than living under the threat because unlike actual removal/protection - a threat can be used indefinitely until called out. P.S. "Don't live your life at a sorcery speed" is in my book of best quotes now.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Great! Glad it made an improvement! On bluffing, yeah I've basically ended my own career with that one, but it's very true, couldn't agree more. And glad you liked that line, I was fairly proud of it To be fair I think there are lowkey plenty of great life lessons scattered throughout the video.

[@jyomi7506]

I think a great tip is being willing to give your opponent's some resources if it'll help you as well. Think bout all the 'group hug' decks that are essentially secret control decks, and the cards they play without any worry that it'll be bad for them. Howling Mine is a big example of this, giving your opponents some cards is amazing if you know your deck tends to go hand empty faster than theirs does. My Alania deck hands out 2-3 cards a turn and it usually means I can take my time setting up without as much worry AND I have more of my counter spells available to protect myself if needed. Pacing is also a big deal, most games of Commander won't end without warning, so if there's not an immediate threat then don't be afraid of setting up slowly. Running a Mondrak out on curve may seem like a good idea, but an opponent who played a 4 drop on their turn 5 can now Swords it for no real cost to them, where they probably can't get rid of a land or mana rock for 1 mana. Commander is a game of Resources and Politics, it's a lot closer to a game of Civ than normal Magic.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Couldn't agree more friend. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@TheIrrelevantYT]

Me piloting Henzie-Umori battlecruiser: "This video can't stop me because I can't read anything but lethal damage!"

[@BasedDeckDept]

[@SirFingleton]

the real win, was the friends we made along the way

[@lukebortot7625]

I agree with all of this advice. The problem is that I enjoy playing fast and aggressive. Being the arch enemy of the table is fun. My favorite decks are ones that put the table on a clock (ie. deal with me now or you will lose). I win less than I should because of this, but I think its more fun to play this way.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Nothing wrong with that, with the caveat that the table is eager for that experience and that they're not suffering through it. I have my own fast and aggressive decks, so find myself in the same situation regularly. I go into those games expecting lower odds of getting to the end because of it too Thanks for watching

[@zavenwolf990]

Did some politicking the other day in a game, and while I ended up losing I was actually happy with the result because we both got to teach another player how to play because it was their first time and I got the check out my new mono red deck and I thought it did pretty darn well for its first go.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Turns out real winning was the friends we made along the way Thanks for watching!

[@vincent-antoinesoucy1872]

Excellent concise video.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Thanks for watching Hope you enjoy the next one

[@vincent-antoinesoucy1872]

@@BasedDeckDept Recommended the video to my friends already, it goes the same way I usually try to explain how to win, you can't put something into play that's gonna make you win next turn and expect it to last one turn cycle, you have to win from hand from a board state that wasn't gonna win before. You also can't play cards that are remove on sight, because well, they will be removed on sight. I win 2/3 of my games at least these times, and I get almost no cards removed, like 0-1 per games, because I play synergistic crap that deserve no removal!

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@vincent-antoinesoucy1872 Hope they enjoy the video too. Yeah telegraphing wins, or playing just the filthiest most broken things ever and being sad when they're removed is a rookie error

[@vinz4015]

dope video! really appreciate the font change!

[@BasedDeckDept]

Thanks friend. Glad it helped!

[@micahhonig1575]

2:35 I often leave up one white mana just to make people worry

[@BasedDeckDept]

That one white mana generates a high ROI 🤣 thanks for watching 🤜🤛

[@fragtore6457]

What a lovely video. That's a subscription

[@BasedDeckDept]

No u. Thanks for watching Ps. Based on that sentiment I think you'll enjoy my deck building video that was mentioned if you haven't seen it already.

[@chickennugget4376]

Love your content! I just binged all your videos and they are super helpful. I want to build a deck with huge spells and am looking at commanders like Cecily, Haunted Mage, and Magar of the Magic Strings(One of the most unique commanders I've seen), and would greatly appreciate your input on what commander you would use or how you would build a deck like this. In general, I hope to see some more cool, budget edh decks from you in the future!

[@BasedDeckDept]

Thanks friend, still figuring out making videos as I go but glad you enjoyed them and thanks for watching I think Magar is one of the most interesting spell based commanders. The only downside being that it's very static as your spells become creatures and thus commit their crimes at sorcery speed. From seeing my videos, you'll know that I think Melek, Sauron and Galazeth are all amazing spell slinger commanders. If you want to cast huge spells and use an interesting commander, my personal vote is Galazeth. It's not as unique as Magar, but fulfills the massive spells fantasy very well for very little money. You'd also already have a base to build off given I've done a video about it. Proof from a recent game: x.com/BasedDeckDept/status/1840724665729499524

[@Chthuwu_OwO]

I just made a fat spell deck myself recently! It’s vadrik astral archmage, gives discounts to instants/sorceries. People also seem to like playing against it more than what the deck started out as (modified Stella Lee Precon)

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@Chthuwu_OwO Vadrik looks like a fun time Definitely more fun than the Stella Lee Precon. Big fan of Stella (as evidenced by the fact I made a video about her) but really did not like that precon at all.

[@BrandyJ]

I’ve definitely had to learn to sandbag a little so I don’t get the first big round of removal. Usually go too fast and get picked off by stuff

[@BasedDeckDept]

I feel like the more powerful the pod the more this is true. Thanks for watching friend ❤️

[@monomanamaniac]

My Galea Kindler of Hope deck is a good example of an archenemy deck. It runs on a lot of gears that are all extremely scary looking. The deck is so scary that I haven't even found a pod up for the challenge against it yet. That's perfectly okay though, the deck is mainly a personal statement and a practice tool for consistently gold fishing turn 4-5 game. It actually makes people less scared of my other decks, because that's where all my fast mana lives, and my rhystic study and diaries m friends, and I can show it off before the game and then offer to play a different deck right out the gate lol. I can't wait for the day the table wants to go up against it so I can see how fast it gets turn apart by other competent decks. Until then i usually just get to use my +1/+1 counters deck, which is much closer to this under the radar strategy

[@Toastyjams93]

My buddy is the lightning rod in my playgroup, so I just play with him, and the other 2 have to waste their recourses stopping him from winning. It's a strategy I've used for years, and it works great. Be the small fish

[@BasedDeckDept]

Piranha's are small fish Everyone needs a good lightning rod friend. Thanks for watching

[@captainflapjax7240]

Ah yes, build better, play better, win more. A very simple lesson that keeps needing to be taught for some reason.

[@jaceg810]

My favorite deck is "lurrus all smol artifacts" It sadly quite quickly becomes a target, as from turn 2 onwards, you will be vomiting out your hand, since the curve ends at 2, and aim to draw enough cards to keep playing cards. Yes, I do have 5 artifacts and 4 creatures, against his 2, but my entire board has a total power of 5/5, while he owns 2 giant dinosaurs. It is very funny when people first announce that they are casting a removal spell, and then picking a target, because all of my stuff only costs 1-2 mana, my idiots generally escape getting target removaled Also, building better decks is very, very interesting. I have no problem upgrading my deck, it would be trivial to fit in some good tutors I have lying around, sprinkle in the combo pieces that where practically made for it, and remove some of the jankier cards for power houses. Problem being, My deck already does quite well, I don't want to pub stomp. What is the logical end point for power level within a pod?

[@BasedDeckDept]

Thanks for watching friend ❤️ how does your artifact deck go with people who have played against it a bunch? Do they still nuke things on sight or do they let it be? Also, when it comes to building better decks, I don't necessarily mean tons more power. I really mean synergy. Definitely watch my deck building video if you haven't, as it will give a lot more context.

[@jaceg810]

@@BasedDeckDept When it comes to people who are experienced, it still often doges single target removal, on anything but the best 3 or so cards, since most of the time, whatever 7 cost is on the table is more threatening than a 2 cost. Even if I have 3 2-cost things that together add up, only removing one feels bad. Also, I fully agree that synergy is important. Take for example Wishclaw talisman, a 2 mana artifact that can tutor, but then goes to your opponent. It fits in the deck perfectly, since I can cast it, then use it and respond to its ability by saccing it to my commander (Bjorna) or any other artifact sac outlet. I still get a 3 mana tutor, however my opponent does not get the talisman. Then there is the lurrus part of the deck saying that I can ressurect this 2 cost permanent to tutor for a card to hand every turn. Is whishclaw a good tutor? Its decent, definitely up there, but far from the best. However in specifically an Lurrus artifact shenenigains deck, it goes hard. Same with time sieve, yes, an repeatable, recurrable extra turns spell for 2 mana, fuelled by what the deck is trying to do.

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@jaceg810 Couldn't agree more, and good to know not everyone's destroying all your artifacts constantly

[@BartasRapowanie]

I have this Mill deck of mine and Im always the arch enemy when I play it (Which is understandable) BUT I’d say with time we discovered that because this deck is a bulkymagnet and I lose most games in midgame, then everyone is kinda hyped whenever I get to win especially since killing is a pretty unorthodox wincon

[@BasedDeckDept]

If your group is having a good time, that's the real win right there.

[@akumu2625]

Whenever i cast velomachus on the table Everyone: _KILL HIM, HE IS THE THREAT!_

[@BasedDeckDept]

As someone that runs Velomachus in my ur dragon deck, I feel this. 🤣

[@akumu2625]

@@BasedDeckDept I mean, _it literally my commander_ 🥲

[@reidtimms7551]

I need a clement the worry wort deck. Frog man for Frog boy 2024. Would love to see you build a wonky blink deck lol

[@BasedDeckDept]

I'll add it to the list 😁

[@samelol8149]

I used to win 2 out of 3 games, but i don't update my decks anymore and powercreep makes me win only 1 in 5 now. Not just power creep i just realized, i don't care about making optimal plays anymore just as long as i cast some spells I'm happy nowadays

[@BasedDeckDept]

If you're having fun with people you like, that's winning

[@flosiporosi7827]

I never bluff. I always loudly run down all the possible calculations my opponent might consider and tell them that i dont know whats best to do.

[@toedrag-release]

Things ive done to win more games 1) i run about 38 lands now i want 3 lands in my opening hand 2) pick a low key commander, your commander shouldnt be crucial to your strategy but should add value to what you already want to be doing. Like i swapped out Kriik with vilis. Both want me to lose life but kriik has a reputation where as vilis gets laughed at due to its high cmc 3) run more removal and a couple board wipes. A single card can often nueter a strategy and it has to be dealt with it also has political factors. Sure i can deal with X but what can you do for me? I also include protection spells in this catagory, 4) card draw, nothing is worse than having one or two cards in hand you want that hand full as often as possible 5) dont play cards just for the sake of playing them. Too often i see a commander come down, that player is all tapped out then their commander gets removed. Unless you can do somethething with the card when it comes out dont bother playing it. For instance if you dont have any zombies in play that can swing dont play varina until you do. 6) buld a deck you wouldnt mind losing to. If youre having fun playing and your opponents are too then you win every game.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Number 6 is right in line with my deck building video. I think you'd enjoy that. I think the only thing I'd comment on is the board wipes. I lean much more towards targed removal and I tend to run very few board wipes UNLESS they are situational and open the way for a win, or unless it's a control style deck, which I'll only play if it's the only control deck in the pod. I find few things as boring as 4 precon level decks each packing 5+ boardwipes, resetting the game every few turns and making a game last 3 hours. Great points friend, and thanks for watching

[@toedrag-release]

@@BasedDeckDept I typically run 2 or 3 wipes and double the amount of removal. I agree precons are putting in too many wipes and theres been a mentality of having alot of wipes for some time now but a couple are definitely needed sometimes. Something else I'd add is graveyard hate, at least in the pods I've been playing with I'm seeing alot more play from the graveyard even if the deck isnt centered around the graveyard. Cant speak for everyone in this regards but I've been seeing alot more of it. Love the video I agree with all your points especially about having fun, liked and subbed😁

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@toedrag-release Haha noooooooooooooo *cries in Meren*... but yeah I agree with you.

[@_claymore]

using politics to your advantage is definitely a huge part of EDH that can easily swing matches into your favour (or opposite, if someone else does it against you). it's also very table dependant on whether people "like it" or not - meaning I have played with players who called it "cheating because it's manipulation and lying", which I sort-of get where they are coming from, but imo it's a wrong view on politics. making deals with other players is one thing that makes EDH unique and extra fun. another big point you talked about is "fly under the radar" & "don't be arch enemy". often players just wanna jam lots of flashy big mana spells, or cards that do ridiculous things, which inevitably draw attention to you and make you the threat, but they don't actually have the mana, cards & general resources to defend themselves, resulting in getting stomped on by three other players. if you manage to stay out of the "threat assessment convo" during play and are slowly able to build up your resources without taking heat from others, you up your win% a lot. obviously you need to pick your timing well and can't just durdle the whole time - you need to add to your board or hand in a way that does not draw aggro but still has impact. and then once you are set, you drop your bombs and try to win in 1-2 turns.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Thanks for watching ❤️ ironically my next video is about play groups and I think the sentiment around players not liking politics comes down to 'finding your people'. Id also say those players should probably go play 60 card competitive formats because maybe commander isn't for them. But again, if I'm the odd one out in the pod, I should leave them to it and find my own people. They're not wrong if they have 4 people that want the same thing. Then as for big flashy spells, that's a big part of my fun in magic. It's just about making sure you can back it up if you draw the attention.

[@TCG9777]

Why do i keep getting videos like these? I must be in a bubble, cause i never meet players with this type of mentality. Not saying im playing with people who are bad at the game; just that nobody i play with has any fear - including myself. Someone down due to hate pieces or constant removal? Why back them up? Someone leave 9 sources of blue mana production untapped for a rotation? Go for the combo and win and resource your opponent. Idk. I watch videos like these and i never see scenarios like them

[@BasedDeckDept]

You are very lucky Appreciate you watching nonetheless

[@FriteVerte]

i can relate. Most times i find overthinking and playing around "possible cards" actually slows my game plan too much and gives more turns for my oppponents to take over. Yes, don't be trigger happy like he said, but only if you can't back up that trigger pull. If you have a combo/big play that will most likely win you the game: go for it. Let them have interaction. If they have it, oh well, if they dont, oh yes

[@honestthink2171]

I always stay attentive to my pod I have a Guy un the Playgroup that i can Tell when the big Plays is coming because he starts breathing a bit faster and i can feel it and deal with it aconrdingly.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Congrats for living life at instant speed, very based Thanks for watching friend

[@jedbex7070]

I’ve won before because my buddy swung at my other friend not me because I had some open mana and said “Okay you can swing at me if you think it’s a good idea” and I gently put my two fingers on my cards and moved them around and then back in my lap and he attacked my friend and said “Yeah sorry idk what he has but I don’t want to find out, I got to keep my stuff”

[@BasedDeckDept]

A tale as old as time Thanks for watching

[@jedbex7070]

@@BasedDeckDept Best part is is I think I was playing Gruul. So it's not like I had thw whole host of instant spells at my disposal. Still not sure why he believed me.

[@pbhill8350]

My all-time favorite bluff happened when opponent 1 played 2 huge creatures with haste.i declared to opponents 2&3 that I could exile them both at instant speed and should I? ,they both emphatically said yes.opponent 1 ask if they never attacked me would I leave them alone? I agreed and he proceeded to pummel opponent 2&3 untill one of them found an answer..I never had any removal at all😅

[@BasedDeckDept]

Absolute banger. 10/10 no notes

[@RunThermal]

It’s unfortunate but yeah I’m the problem I just love decks that take immediate actions and decks that 3 people need to band together to beat

[@BasedDeckDept]

As long as the 3 people agree to the shenanigans, there's nothing wrong with that

[@RunThermal]

@@BasedDeckDept look everything I do is very out in the open the first time ghyrson starn pings the whole table for 9 they know what it is

[@steamh4mmer264]

So just prey on inexperienced players that dont know how your combos/Strategy works, know whos the threat.

[@brandoncreek5709]

Clearly not what he's saying. Playing with new players is a whole different thing and you should adjust accordingly

[@tr3161]

My problem is that I enjoy doing stuff too much or play meme strats that make people scared I’m about to win. I’m not looking to win every match, but I don’t want to get knocked out in the first 30% of the game just to have to wait an hour and a half for my friend who takes 20 minutes on each turn because of his poor reading comprehension.

[@BasedDeckDept]

The trick is not flying too close to the sun 😁

[@TheRadioCupboard]

BRITISH MAN MENTIONED, WTF IS COMMANDER DAMAGEEEE

[@BasedDeckDept]

[@casualgoats]

"you can't control the outcome" Yeah tell that to the blue/white players who don't let me play magic.

[@BasedDeckDept]

Haha. Well, the good thing is that they can't control everything. If they're stopping you it means the other players are getting hits in. But also, ironically my next video is about play groups, and if you hate your friends control deck and don't think it makes for fun games of commander, tell them! Nicely of course 🤜🤛 thanks for watching friend ❤️

[@andrewjasonhilario]

Build better decks!

[@BasedDeckDept]

Thanks for watching friend ❤️ definitely watch that video if you haven't already 😁

[@VicVoxtric]

Trigger happy magic is way more fun than slow play "i have to make the right choice everytime because winning is all I care about and yet I choose to play a non-competitive mulitplayer format instead of a competitive 1v1 format" .

[@BasedDeckDept]

My friend did you get to the end and watch the part where I say that winning doesn't matter? 🤣 The joy of commander is that if you want to be something in commander, and your play group doesn't hate it, then congrats, no problem with being trigger happy. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@VicVoxtric]

@@BasedDeckDept Your use of "my friend" seems kinda sarcastic like you took my comment to be an attack on your thesis when it wasn't. Hmm.

[@BasedDeckDept]

@@VicVoxtric you'll see I use the word friend liberally. I have no interest in Internet fisticuffs 🤜🤛

[@VicVoxtric]

@@BasedDeckDept Be weary of baseless accusations then , friend :)