Keep

The plan involves going all in. First, play [[Chrome Mox]] and imprint [[Brainstorm]]. Then, play three copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] and cast [[Ponder]]. Hold priority and sacrifice all three copies of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for . This play provides four looks (three from [[Ponder]] plus the shuffle, which is why [[Brainstorm]] was imprinted, as it only sees three cards) at [[Burning Wish]], [[Echo of Eons]], and [[Beseech the Mirror]]. Additionally, another [[Ponder]] or [[Brainstorm]] off the shuffle would be acceptable finds to draw even deeper into the deck.

This approach is worth the risk for a probabilistic chance at winning the game in a speed-based match-up.

Keep

There is some risk with [[Galvanic Relay]] needing to find a payoff spell such as [[Burning Wish]], [[Echo of Eons]], or [[Beseech the Mirror]]. Another artifact for [[Mox Opal]]’s Metalcraft would be highly desired. There is a misconception that [[Galvanic Relay]] is only for blue-based match-ups, but it is also effective against non-blue decks if played early enough before any lock pieces or prison elements arrive.

An advantage here is if the opponent has a main deck copy of [[Vexing Bauble]] to start the game, [[Veil of Summer]] can counter it assuming a [[Misty Rainforest]] or [[Bloodstained Mire]] finds [[Bayou]].

Mulligan

The lack of critical early-game interaction and explosiveness makes it difficult to compete effectively against Selesnya Depths. Mulliganing to find a more aggressive or interactive hand would be the better strategy.

Keep

The combination of [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] and [[Echo of Eons]] offers powerful potential. The initial play creates a Storm count of three, and with [[Lotus Petal]] providing both mana and Metalcraft, this setup allows for an early win. While [[Beseech the Mirror]] and [[Ponder]] are useful, the real power in this hand lies in the early game resources and the potential to combo off quickly.

Keep

The mix of mana sources and powerful spells is promising. With access to [[Song of Creation]], a strong mid-game play can be set up to avoid using the graveyard. Selesnya Depths’ best way of attacking The EPIC Storm is to go after the graveyard with [[Elvish Reclaimer]] or [[Crop Rotation]] for [[Bojuka Bog]] during an attempt to use [[Gaea’s Will]]. Being able to play around that is very valuable. Additionally, this hand has real turn two potential.

Mulligan

Despite having powerful cards, the hand lacks early game mana acceleration and interaction. The double [[Burning Wish]] is redundant without sufficient mana to cast them quickly. Mulliganing to find a more balanced hand with mana and action would be advisable, especially to keep up with Selesnya Depths’ potential fast [[Green Sun’s Zenith]] into [[Collector Ouphe]] starts.

Mulligan

This hand has potential, but it lacks early mana sources and is heavily dependent on drawing into specific cards (likely [[Dark Ritual]] and [[Chrome Mox]]). Mulliganing to find a more balanced hand with better mana and immediate plays is highly recommended, especially to keep pace with Selesnya Depths’ post-board disruption such as [[Vexing Bauble]], [[Deafening Silence]], [[Gaddock Teeg]], [[Force of Vigor]], [[Mindbreak Trap]], [[Endurance]], and [[Veil of Summer]]. While many believe this match-up is extremely favored, in post-board games the scales tip back toward even, making it crucial to keep balanced hands.

Keep

It may seem unbelievable, but the correct play with this hand is simply casting [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] and then [[Echo of Eons]]. While there is a [[Mox Opal]], casting it would open up [[Mindbreak Trap]] as a card that ends the game. Additionally, passing the turn is an option, but with the only blue card for [[Force of Will]] being [[Echo of Eons]], this isn’t recommended. Just spin the wheel and see what Keranos offers the Storm believers.

Keep

This hand offers good interaction with [[Force of Will]] and card selection with [[Ponder]]. The challenge here is finding an artifact for the Bargain, ideally a copy of [[Chrome Mox]] to make the [[Gaea’s Will]] win that much easier. If the game goes long, a pivot to [[Song of Creation]] to avoid the graveyard is a realistic decision.

Mulligan

While it is possible to hard-cast [[Echo of Eons]] on roughly turn three with this hand, it’s likely not fast enough. Mulliganing to find a more cohesive hand with better early-game potential is the play here.

Stay tuned for the next article!

The answer will be provided in the next Matchup Mulligan.