Matchup Mulligan: Selesnya Depths

Final Black Saga Storm Hand Answer

Hand No. 10: (on the play)

[[Lion’s Eye Diamond|]] [[Lion’s Eye Diamond|]] [[Lion’s Eye Diamond|]] [[Chrome Mox|]] [[Brainstorm|]] [[Ponder|]] [[Veil of Summer|]]

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.

The EPIC Storm vs. Selesnya Depths

Pre-board

Hand No. 1: (on the play)

[[Galvanic Relay|]] [[Mox Opal|]] [[Lotus Petal|]] [[Lion’s Eye Diamond|]] [[Dark Ritual|]] [[Veil of Summer|]] [[Tendrils of Agony|]]

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]].

Hand No. 2: (on the draw)

[[Veil of Summer|]] [[Ponder|]] [[Brainstorm|]] [[Galvanic Relay|]] [[Undercity Sewers|]] [[Chrome Mox|]] [[Burning Wish|]]

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.

Hand No. 3: (on the play)

[[Echo of Eons|]] [[Beseech the Mirror|]] [[Ponder|]] [[Lotus Petal|]] [[Lion’s Eye Diamond|]] [[Gaea’s Will|]] [[Burning Wish|]]

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.

Hand No. 4: (on the draw)

[[Mox Opal|]] [[Underground Sea|]] [[Lotus Petal|]] [[Misty Rainforest|]] [[Song of Creation|]] [[Volcanic Island|]] [[Dark Ritual|]]

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.

Hand No. 5: (on the play)

[[Burning Wish|]] [[Burning Wish|]] [[Brainstorm|]] [[Echo of Eons|]] [[Chrome Mox|]] [[Beseech the Mirror|]] [[Volcanic Island|]]

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.


Post-board

Recommended sideboarding:

IN

[[Force of Will|]] [[Force of Will|]] [[Force of Will|]] [[Force of Will|]] [[Boseiju, Who Endures|]] [[Boseiju, Who Endures|]] [[Chain of Vapor|]]

OUT

[[Veil of Summer|]] [[Veil of Summer|]] [[Veil of Summer|]] [[Veil of Summer|]] [[Galvanic Relay|]] [[Galvanic Relay|]] [[Galvanic Relay|]]

Hand No. 6: (on the draw)

[[Force of Will|]] [[Chain of Vapor|]] [[Ponder|]] [[Bloodstained Mire|]] [[Beseech the Mirror|]] [[Boseiju, Who Endures|]] [[Beseech the Mirror|]]

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.

Hand No. 7: (on the play)

[[Echo of Eons|]] [[Force of Will|]] [[Mox Opal|]] [[Lion’s Eye Diamond|]] [[Dark Ritual|]] [[Burning Wish|]] [[Tendrils of Agony|]]

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.

Hand No. 8: (on the draw)

[[Force of Will|]] [[Ponder|]] [[Beseech the Mirror|]] [[Dark Ritual|]] [[Misty Rainforest|]] [[Bloodstained Mire|]] [[Song of Creation|]]

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.

Hand No. 9: (on the play)

[[Echo of Eons|]] [[Dark Ritual|]] [[Chrome Mox|]] [[Mox Opal|]] [[Bloodstained Mire|]] [[Underground Sea|]] [[Bayou|]]

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.

Hand No. 10: (on the draw)

[[Boseiju, Who Endures|]] [[Lion’s Eye Diamond|]] [[Lotus Petal|]] [[Mox Opal|]] [[Misty Rainforest|]] [[Commercial District|]] [[Lotus Petal|]]

Stay tuned for the next article!

The answer will be provided in the next Matchup Mulligan.