Metagame Breakdown: PPTQ Neutral Grounds Centris

Deck Name	Quantity	Percentage
Abzan Aggro	9	18%
Atarka Red/ Mono Red Control	9	18%
G/x Ramp	8	16%
Jeskai	7	14%
U/B/x Control	4	8%
GW Megamorph	3	6%
Others	10	20%
Total	50	100%

Q&A With Your 2015 Top Duel Commander Players!

Learn what the best players of the format has got to say about Duel Commander format, its growth over time, the current metagame, their winning commanders, and Magic: the Gathering in General! Also, Pay attention to their tips! It might just be what you need to hear... er, read! 

RJ Espiritu

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 
A: I've been playing mtg for about 16 years now. Duel commander, probably 4 years.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?

A: 1st Leg. I was running Grenzo, Dungeon Warden. As far as my memory goes, I was against Thraximundar on the first round, Geist on the 2nd and Mimeo on the finals.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes?
A: I think the banlist and the rules changes promote aggro based decks. I'm quite alright with the current local metagame. More creature based decks, less control and less combo. 

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Just play a lot and learn through experience.

Ronald Fong

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 

A: Duel Commander was introduced to me in 2012, my first ever deck was a casual B/R Goblin Tribal. My first 1v1 competitive deck was a Doran Siege Tower list by Emether that won me a lot of tournaments. 

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?

A: I qualified in the first leg of the Super Series using a Mimeoplasm Reanimator based on Jaseper's list and tweaked it a little on what i had. The funny thing is I arrived late in the venue but my friends already pre-registered me so when I came I already lost round 1. When round 2 started I never lost a round until round 6 which was an intentional draw because I was assured a spot in the top 8 with the points I accumulated. In the top 8 match, I was paired with a tough Jenara player and won in 3 games. As it was the very first Super Series Tournament top 4 players still need to battle it out to the very top unlike the succeeding Super Series where Top 4 was sufficient enough and does not need to determine the champion. My top 4 match was Louie who used Prossh Elf Ball, a very popular deck. Game 1 was decided by a turn 2 Griselbrand and a scoop from the enemy, game 2 was a loss due to food chain cycle and game 3 was a turn 3 buried alive in to a turn 4 Necrotic ooze combo. At the finals I lost two games straight to Grenzo Combo landing me in the top 2.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes?

A: The vancouver mulligan has balanced a fair amount of decks. I have to say that mono color commanders have the edge due to great mana base and tri-color commanders need to have a great deck construction to maintain its dominance. 

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Always check the current meta and plan your expected competition.

Louie Siongco

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 

A: I started playing MTG with my cousins and brothers when I was around 7-8 years old, only as a natural pastime along with video games. Just like most of us, it was a casual hobby at first, then turned competitive many years after. As I started working in Ortigas on 2010, I found a nice playgroup of EDH players in the area and routinely played with them for a long period of time. After several years of multiplayer EDH gaming, I decided to try playing Duel Commander. Getting into the competitive scene was a product of years of training and support from the playgroup as well as managing my time and budget wisely.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?

A: I qualified for the Super Series on the first leg using a Prossh Elfball list. It was held during a time when Food Chain isn't banned, so I got to abuse it. During the top8 rounds, I fought against Maelstrom Wanderer, finishing with a 2-1 record. After that, I fought against Mimeoplasm, losing to a 1-2 record. It was a nice overall experience.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes?

A: I watched how Duel Commander grew over the years with the bannings and rules changes after every set. Overall, it has improved a lot and kudos to the DC committee for putting up an excellent job keeping the format balanced, interactive and exciting even for new players. At a relative standpoint, the format is now healthier than ever compared to the Edric/Zur/Derevi-dominated days. With proper training, metagame knowledge and good decision-making, anyone can play combo, control or aggro and get a top finish.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?

A: I encourage MTG players to try the format because (1) it requires good deck-building skills and rewards forward thinking (just like any other constructed format), (2) it has a unique flavor - having only singleton copies of each card adds flexibility and variety in playstyles and outcomes, and (3) it just has the right mix of being competitive and fun at the same time. As a plus, it can be considered as good investment into the cards since the usability splashes with Legacy/Modern card pools.

Israel Rodriguez

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 
A: 1997 Ice Age block. Then I stopped when Visions came out then I came back around 2007 during 10th ed. Played Duel Commander around 2012

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: First Leg using Geist of Saint Traft. Played against Vendilion Clique

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes?
A: A bit hard using the new vancouver mulligan especially with bannings of mystical tutor. Aggro also got punished in the new mulligan rule I think

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Invest in good cards and play hard.

Mark Lasam

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 

A: I started to learn playing Magic during high school at a time where I think dual lands were crap cards and green fatties were the best ones. The first few cards that I had were from Revised edition up until Ice Age and Alliances. As a newbie, I remember using counter spells on my opponent's lands to which my opponent completely agreed to, placing his land card(s) to the graveyard. Pretty funny everytime I think of it, but hell, we were kids back then and never really read the rules that much. I stopped for a time since Magic was a bit straining to my allowance and I opted to focus on other stuff as well.

I got back during college when one of my peers asked me to join their group who plays casually. I used mono-black zombies during the Onslaught block which got me pretty hyped to play again. My first competitive tournament was when I joined GP Manila during the Lorwyn block, I played a Kithkin deck back then. Due to lack of experience playing competitively, I failed miserably during the matches due to misplays. Regardless, it was a good experience for me but that triggered me to play Magic more. I played different decks back then and focused on Green based decks with splashes from other colors. I stopped for a time since I found playing standard a bit "grindy" and opted to lie low and just played casually with friends.

I learned playing EDH and duel-commander at work with my Magic buddies and things were never the same after that. My first deck back then was a pre-made Animar, Soul of Elements. EDH really caught my attention since it was a new way to play magic and it was awesome playing as a group. I first got into the competitive world in duel-commander playing a bunch of decks but finally got settled using Maelstrom Wanderer and Marath, Will of the Wild which luckily bought me to the upper ranks.

Recently having a kid, I've decided to lie low again and would most likely be out of the competitive scene for quite sometime. But playing Magic the Gathering or duel-commander specifically would always be a part of me and I expect to be back playing games occasionally once things settle down. 

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Good luck to everyone who reached the Super Series top 20 for 2015! I really enjoyed the fun times and epic plays we had! More power to duel-commander!

Richmund Lim

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 

A: I started playing commander after Innistrad block cycled out, running a modified Ruhan deck, the first commander release from "political puppets", I discovered that the color wasn’t really for me. 

It was 2012 when wotc (Wizards of the Coast) previewed maelstrom wanderer, 7 power and haste was really strong, although the drawback was the mana cost. The payoff, an  unpredictable double cascade mechanic (most of the time makes you smile when you get a time warp or a devastation to close the deal if your opponent doesn't have any instant answer). The card made me decide to convert my white card pool to green.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?

A: I was able to qualify in leg 2 of the super series using a maelstrom wanderer deck, and was matched with Manuel (Sidisi, Brood tyrant)

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 

A: The recent banning of mystical tutor, sensei's divining top was a game changer. Plus the Vancouver mulligan rule change was a real challenge, for me it pushes all archetypes to rethink their card choices, making it more coherent. I think it’s more of an advantage for control or any other archetype that utilizes more land count rather than aggro, but we have our own opinions and most likely bound to be proven wrong someday.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Two thumbs up and keep on wandering, game on this Nov. 15

Ches Bausa 

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 
A: I've been playing duel since 2012, first deck Edric. hahaha. 

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: second leg. and with narset. prossh skyraider of kher.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 
A: The current meta is balanced and fixed at this point, i think that the vancouver mulligan fixed all of our problems. even though i dont like the vancouver mulligan in 1v1 haha. 

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Playhard. buy cards and invest in eternal staples. and most of all just. have. fun.

Earl Castel

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 

A: Hi I'm Earl, I have been playing Magic The Gathering for more than a decade already. I am a hobbyist playing MTG as a past time. I played various formats of this game - Vintage, Legacy, Extended, Modern and Standard as well. Last year, Duel Commander just captivated my inner Planeswalker flair that lead me to victory. It was my first MTG top 8 and first Duel Commander tournament last December at Kick Engines along with 108 competitors.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: I joined the Super Series 3rd Leg where I won and ranked 1st, by using my obscure Esper Commander Sen Triplets. At the top 8 Playoffs, I battled with one of the Fastest and Lethal MTG Duel Commander General which is Titania, Protector of Argoth, where I won with a stroke of luck.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 

A: The current Meta and banlist are very quite repressive as they break a lot of my favorite accelerators and notable cards, but I never let these discourage me, because to triumph is not always the mindset of the eminent and victorious but rather, it is to overcome and survive. Deck building with the thought of not losing rather than thoughts of winning, that is what I do.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Failure and mistakes are used as stepping stones and foundations for understanding, and these are regarded as opportunities for growth to make you become stronger, wiser and better.

Basic tips for the aspiring players in Duel Commander format:

Planeswalkers must be equipped with the right skills, knowledge, and understanding in how to deal with various circumstances and situations that could affect their future turns in matches. Learn the basic fundamentals (Deck building skills, Game objective, and Deck Mastery) 

Don’t do your best, Do whatever it takes!!! 

Janji Naling

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 

A: I started playing MTG around the time the original Ravnica block was released. I only played casual kitchen table Magic with my friends, until Lorwyn came and started playing Standard. Fast forward to New Phyrexia and I decided to quit Standard, but got hooked to another format…EDH. Then I found myself building a Zur deck for multiplayer and of course it got hated in my playgroup. That deck got scrapped fast, but I still wanted to play Zur! I found out about Duel Commander during the last quarter of 2013, played Zur happily and the rest was history.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: 2nd leg in Pat Sessions Legarda, piloting Anafenza, versus Mr. Ed Tanyag in the quarterfinals.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 

A: We currently have a healthy metagame, not one Commander is better than the majority of other Commanders. Green decks mostly litter all tourneys but all archetypes are always represented. Reanimator decks dwindled since the banning of Entomb, and the absence of Mystical Tutor hurt them more. The new Mulligan rule shifted deckbuilding towards more consistency; thus more lands, more redundancy, more tutors, more card draws.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Go out and play! Experience is always the best teacher. With mastery comes luck and not the other way around. That’s all, thank you.

Teo Diaz

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 
A: Around 2012
Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: Animar Mofo!

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 
A: Pretty Ssssick!
Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Keep it real yo!

Edwin Jocson

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander?

A: I started playing MTG in 1997 when my classmates introduced it to me. As I'm still in high school, I didn't have enough money to buy many cards. I just save some of my allowance to buy packs every once in a while. 

I didn't consistently play MTG. I just played when I felt like it. I didn't join tournaments either. I just liked building decks and playing with friends. Eventually, I stopped playing and buying MTG for a long time due to the border art change.

Playing MTG again was inevitable. I was encouraged to play (and buy) MTG again in June 2013 when I saw some of my officemates playing MTG in EDH Multiplayer format. The format seems different and fun so I tried it. 

Eventually, I converted my multiplayer deck to a 1 vs 1 deck and joined some mini tournaments just for fun.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?

A: I was able to qualify during the 3rd Leg of the series (in Madcap) using The Mimeoplasm as my commander.

I fought and won over a Prossh Commander deck during the top 8.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 

A: In my perspective, our local meta is good. The deck types are well distributed and commanders are diverse. We don't encounter many players with same commanders during tournaments.

Although many of the cards I used got banned during recent banlist updates, I just tried to adjust as I understand that those cards got banned for a good reason. It may not be very visible in our community as we may have a different meta from other locations, but I know that those cards got banned to try to balance or improve the format.

I'm okay with the new Vancouver mulligan. It may have affected me, but so has everyone else. Again, I just adjusted my deck to adapt to this new rule.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Duel commander format is quite different from other usual formats such as Standard, Legacy, and Modern. Having just 1 copy of a card each in a 100 card deck versus 4 copy of a card in a 60 card deck is quite a different deck building and game play experience. So just give it a try and enjoy.

Peter Ang

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander?

A: been playing EDH since 2013 in a small community in Lipa City Batangas

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: I qualified on the 3rd super series finals at madcap in san pedro laguna facing Chuck Lim using Prosch and I, Jenara and made it through top 4.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 

A: the local meta game for me is still mixed in favor for aggro, I have no wish to un-ban or ban any cards, same goes for the rules, I have no complaint

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?

A: Tips to new players: its an eternal format and more fun to play with, having a lot of cards you can choose from, thus not limiting your imagination on what cards you want to use.

Gabe Enriquez

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander?
A: It was way back in post "Ice Age" release. I guess 94-95ish. Been playing on and off ever since. Started playing Duel Commander late 2013 I think. I currently play standard and Duel Commander. I'm actually a blue player at heart but I veered towards RG because I grew to resent grindy games.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?

A: I got in the 4th Leg, (NG Sto.Domingo) using my homebrew Radha Heir to Keld deck and was lucky enough to qualify versus Alexander Pe using Maelstrom Wanderer.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 

A: The Current meta...hmm green based? or green splash X ...then throw in a few control decks like Tasigur or Ojutai, I do not agree, or rather my deck doesn't agree with the new "Vancouver" Mulligan, since my deck relies mostly on the opening hand, and since I did not base it on any online list, Its harder for me to tune it up, tho I'll figure something out to adapt. If you ask me I still prefer the Partial Paris.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?

A: To new players, for now, lets wait for the next commander 2015 release, every time they release commander decks there are some competitive commanders like Prossh, Marath, Derevi (which was too strong and got the Ban Hammer)...Also I encourage new players to try their own deck brewing, think of your duel commander

deck as something that should break the meta :)

Gerry Ramos

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander?

A: I started playing Duel Commander sometime around early 2013, because my multiplayer group had really oppressive decks now, and I wanted to get them to try 1 on 1 battles with the EDH singleton format. I joined an official tournament back in June 2013, and got into the top 8 on my first try. (http://www.mtgmanila.com/manila-duel-commander-june-2013-results/)

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: I only got qualified on the 4th leg of the super series. I was using Dragonlord Ojutai at the time, and my main-deck "Hibernation" crushed a lot of green-based decks. I suffered just 1 draw in that tournament, and won all the other rounds. In the quarters, I faced-off against a Karador deck, and couldn't find my "Rest in Peace" card for the whole 2 games, but managed to win anyway with timely removals and sweepers.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 

A: Local metagame actually doesn't change much, as many players opt to tweak their current decks, or just change the commander, but retain the same colors for their decks. It's a small community of hardcore players, so you can expect the same people to bring the same decks most of the time. Banlists and rules changes happen all the time, so just play on and keep tweaking your deck so that you enjoy playing. If you're not enjoying while playing, then you should probably move on to another format entirely.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: Just keep playing, and keep tweaking your deck. Also, try posting your ideas in forums locally, and abroad. Sharing ideas, and trying them out is the most fun part of this game. If you are not having fun, then the format is not for you.

Ste Villaraza

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander?
A: I've been playing magic since Chronicles was released. I stopped just before Kamigawa was released and returned during RTR. It was then that I was introduced to Commander(EDH). I was lucky enough to have been acquainted with Migs Florendo, an EDH aficionado, and was even luckier to have kept some old cards like Wastelands and Fetchlands. I started with regular EDH then moved to Duel Commander in a couple of months.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: I qualified for the super series finals in during the 4th leg. My commander was Anafenza. I remember dueling against Ojutai, Titania, Maelstrom Wanderer, Tasigur and Sidisi.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 
A: With the implementation of the Vancouver Mulligan, I think that the metagame has shifted mroe towards midrange decks. Aggro deck have gained some leverage when it comes to competitiveness with the new mulligan rule as well.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: 1. Find a shop or play group you can playtest with. 2. Explore websites such as mtgsalvation and mtgtop8.  3. Keep on joining tournaments! support your local game shops. 

Dondee Abad

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 

A: I've been playing since 5th grade, but then i had to stop because of religious movements against mtg before. guess what? i'm atheist now. lol i was introduced by players from the legacy/vintage format such as adrew chan and his friends from manila, since then i have learned a lot and has contributed to my creativity in building decks. imagine, i quit legacy to play duel commander. thats how commander is to me.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: Qualified on the last leg. faught hard on each leg though and the last one, just got lucky from animar.

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 
A: the current local meta game. for me, nothing has changed much. i still love it. dont need to adjust. just have fun. thats all it is to me

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?
A: tips? just have fun. dont persecute your brain too much. relax. concentrate on your true life responsibilities, then continue playing to win/fun

Ben Co

Q: Since when have you been playing M:tG and how long have you been playing Duel Commander? 
A: Since late 90's. About 2012.

Q: From which leg did you qualify for the super series finals? What commander did you use? And who did you fight in the top 8 to get to top 4?
A: 5th leg, DL ojutai, JP Nicholas

Q: What do you think of the current local metagame? Of the recent banlist and rules changes? 

A: More on green based creature decks. control has tasigur. Aggro control has jenara. Aggro combo has animar and marath. Not to mention all the elfballs running around. The Vancouver mull was format warping since people needed to recreate their decks that balances their lands and curves. I still miss mystical tutor. Hehe.

Q: Any tips for aspiring players of Duel Commander format?

A: To keep on playing. Its all about enjoying the game. The whole idea of duel commander is to get to play timeless and vintage cards that sets it apart from other formats which makes it all the more appealing. More power to duel commander!!!

Notes: Some phrases were reworded to best convey the contributors' ideas. Shared with permission from the Duel Commander Facebook Group.

WMCQ 3 Metagame Breakdown

Deck Name	Quantity	Percentage
Abzan Aggro	48	16%
Abzan Control	38	12%
U/X Control	35	11%
Mono Red	35	11%
Mardu	31	10%
Jeskai	31	10%
GR Dragons	20	6%
UR Scissors	14	5%
Others	57	18%

Finals: Jan Ang (1st Seed), Esper Dragons vs. Donovan Babiano (2nd Seed), Hangarback Abzan

Two players remain. One plane ticket to Barcelona and the last slot in the Philippine Team for this year's World Magic Cup at stake, the number one seed Jan Ang and number two seed Donovan 'Dons' Babiano prepare to cast their best spells and be called champion.

Game 1

Both players start with seven cards in hand. Jan opens the game with a Temple of Deceit. Both spend the next turns playing their second lands with no other action. Jan Thoughtseizes a DenProtector from Donovan's hand, then plays a Temple of Enlightenment. An Anafenza, the Foremost comes down for Donovan. By the time it attacked, it was Hero'sDownfalled. A post-combat Siege Rhino drained for three life.

Across the board, Jan summons Dragonlord Ojutai. Donovan on his turn started with an attack with his SiegeRhino, then follows up with a Thoughtseize to take Jan's Hero's Downfall. Jan plays Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver come his turn, and ups his loyalty to exile Anafenza, the Foremost, Fleecemane Lion and another non-creature spell from the top of the Donovan's library. An end of turn Abzan Charm drew Donovan two cards.

Another attack with the Rhino goes unblocked, and another Siege Rhino drains three! With only one land untapped for Donovan, it was an easier risk for Jan to take: to attack Dragonlord Ojutai without hexproof and hope for better cards from the top of his library after its triggered ability resolves. Post-combat, Jan also used Ashiok's second skill to animate Anafenza under his control. Both Dons' rhinos crash onto the red zone, one blocked by Anafenza and the other ready to deal four damage unopposed. Donovan attempts to close the game with a Bile Blight on the Anafenza to push lethal trampling damage, but Jan had a Silumgar's Scorn to spoil that route to victory... until a second Bile Blight resolves. Donovan takes game 1!

Donovan Babiano considering his scry. Photo by Johann Guasch

Game 2

Jan Ang again opts to play first. After seeing another set of great opening hands for the respective players, they decide to keep their first seven.

Jan plays a scry land on his turn. Donovan fires a Thoughtseize, another opportunity for the black sorcery to sculpt the opponent's hand, as it has carved its importance across formats. A Foul-Tongue Invocation goes to the bin. Intent on keeping the disruption route, Donovan casts a Duress the following turn, which met a Silumgar's Scorn.

A third-turn Ashiok immidiately mills three, but misses the creatures from the top of Donovan's library. Anafenza,the Foremost comes down as the first creature on the battlefield. Another '+2' activation from Ashiok exiles a Fleecemane Lion. Back on Donovan's turn, another mind-wrenching Thoughtseize pulls out a Crux of Fate, leaving Dragonlord Ojutai and a land on Jan's hand. An Anafenza attack followed, and a Fleecemane Lion summoning closed Donovan's turn.

Now heavily under fire, Jan put up his defenses by animating Fleecemane Lion exiled by Ashiok and by casting Dragonlord Ojutai, leaving him tapped out of mana. Donovan's attack pumped the Fleecemane lion with Anafenza's triggered ability, and both were left unblocked. Donovan presses his grip on the match with a post-combat Siege Rhino.

Jan draws then attacks with Ojutai, hitting for four and allowing him to look at the top three cards of his library. An Ashiok activation exiles 2 creatures, both Den Protectors. Jan passes the turn. Pre-combat, Jan fires a Foul-Tongue Invocation, gaining him precious life and removing an attacker. Poor Fleecemane lion was sacrificed. Attacking with the other two creatures, the +1/+1 counter from Anafenza was put on the Siege Rhino. The nightmare-woven Fleecemane Lion got on the way of Anafenza and died. A second Rhino came down.

Still looking for answers, Jan attacked again with Dragonlord Ojutai. A follow up Dig Though Time, netted him a Foul-Tongue Invocation. Tapped out of mana and every spell resolved, Jan saw the writing on the wall and promptly scooped his cards. The top two players shook hands as the champion had just been determined! Donovan Babiano completes the 2015 World Magic Cup Philippine Team! Congratulations!

The triumphant Dons Babiano. Photo by Johann Guasch

See the video coverage here!

Jan Ang

6 Creatures
4 Dragonlord Ojutai
2 Silumgar, the Drifting Death

27 Spells
4 Thoughtseize
1 Ugin, the Spirit Dragon
1 Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
3 Heroes Downfall
2 Bile Blight
2 Foul Tongue Invocation
1 Ultimate Price
4 Silumgar's Scorn
2 Dissolve
2 Crux of Fate
1 Languish
4 Dig Through Time

27 Lands
4 Temple of Deceit
4 Temple of Enlightenment
4 Polluted Delta
1 Flooded Strand
4 Dismal Backwater
2 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
1 Urborg, Town of Yawgmoth
2 Caves of Koilos
3 Island
2 Swamp

15 Sideboard
3 Jace, Vryn's Prodigy / Jace, Telepath Unbound
2 Tasigur, the Golden Fang
2 Foul Tongue Invocation
2 Drown in Sorrow
1 Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
1 Dragonlord's Prerogative
1 Languish
1 Perilous Vault
1 Orbs of Warding
1 Dragonlord Silumgar

Donovan Babiano

20 Creatures
4 Fleecemane Lion
4 Hangarback Walker
4 Den Protector
4 Anafenza, the Foremost
4 Siege Rhino

15 Spells
2 Sorin, Solemn Visitor
3 Thoughtseize
4 Dromoka's Command
2 Bile Blight
1 Ultimate Price
3 Abzan Charm

25 Lands
4 Sandsteppe Citadel
4 Windswept Heath
2 Forests
2 Plains
1 Urborg, Town of Yawgmoth
3 Llnowar Waste
3 Caves of Koilos
3 Temple of Malady
3 Temple of Silence

15 Sideboard
3 Self-Inflicted Wound
1 Ultimate Price
1 Bile Blight
1 Hero's Downfall
1 Thoughtseize
2 Duress
1 Ajani, Mentor of Heroes
1 Herald of Torment
1 Feed the Clan
1 Drown in Sorrow
1 Gather Courage
1 Evolutionary Leap

Semi-Final Feature Match Between Jan Ang (1st Seed), Esper Dragons and Michael Joseph Villano (4th Seed), Jeskai Tempo

Jan Ang, the higher seeded player, opts to play first. Both players shuffled their respective decks then offered the other to add to the randomization of their cards. After seeing their opening hands, both settle with their starting seven.

Game 1

Both players used their opening turns to play scry lands, fixing their mana and draws. On Michael's following turn, he attempts a Jace, Vryn's Prodigy. It met Silumgar's Scorn. On Mr. Ang's turn however, he resolves Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver and wasted no time exiling the top three cards of Michael's deck. A second Jace from Michael sticks.

Mr. Ang missed his fourth land drop and simply passed the turn after Ashiok had done his milling, still exiling non-creatures. Michael, on his turn, loots with Jace, then points a Wild Slash at Ashiok, lowering its loyalty by two. During his end step, Mr. Ang attempts to hand Jace his Hero's Downfall but Michael's Jace kept standing with a Valorous Stance.  

Untapping and drawing for his turn, Mr. Ang upticks his Ashiok to exile yet another trio of non-creature cards. A follow-up Thoughtseize sees a Mantis Rider, Roast, Stoke the Flames, and Elspeth, Sun's Champion. Mantis Rider hits the bin together with Jace as Jan Ang made Vryn's Prodigy pay the Ultimate Price. Michael, still with only three lands too, drew for his turn and passed. Ashiok, on his next '+2' activation, got to exile a Soulfire Grand Master. Then another draw-go turn for the Jeskai player, now with four lands on his side. An end of turn Dig Through Time Prompted a Stoke the Flames at Ashiok, which was still at a healthy 5 loyalty counters.

Ashiok went to 3 loyalty and animated the exiled Soulfire Grand Master for Jan Ang, only to be Roasted on the following turn. Next in line for Ashiok's nightmare weaving is Jace, Vryn'sProdigy. Michael tried a Stormbreath Dragon but the spell got Dissolved. The nightmare weaving has long been hard at work, as now it was Jace that got animated under Jan Ang's control.

Michael finally stuck a non-land permanent on board in the form of a Soulfire Grand Master, then pointed a MagmaSpray at Jace. Mr. Ang responded with a Foul-Tongue Invocation which cleared the board of creatures again. Another creature went to the twilight zone of Ashiok: a Mantis Rider. A sixth land for Michael finally opened the chance for him to successfully cast Elspeth, Sun's Champion, if only Silumgar's Scorn wasn't on his opponent hand at the time.

With Michael tapped out and with no cards in hand, Mr. Ang brought in Silumgar, the Drifting Death himself. Mantis Rider came out of the exile zone to join the battlefield and punch three damage. A Lightning Strike finally ended the Nightmare Weaver. Alas, the following swing was enough to make Michael go look to his sideboard for game 2. Jan Ang Takes Game 1.

 

Jan Ang, focused in controlling his games. Photo by Johann Guasch 

Game 2

Both players started out the game with their own copies of Jace, Vryn's Prodigy, though the earlier Jace of Michael stuck long enough to become the Telepath Unbound. It was joined by a Soulfire Grand Master. Jan removed the Grand Master on his turn. Quite some draw-go turns passed, and Jace grew to 9 loyalty.

Jan broke the ice by tapping out to cast a Dig Through Time at end of Michael's turn, which got Negated. No problem for Jan as he untapped to cast a main phase Dig Through Time again, which resolves. He then Thoughtseizes Michael's own copy of the eight-mana instant. The other cards he saw were two Mastery of the Unseen and an Elspeth, Sun'sChampion.

With enough loyalty, Michael activated Jace, Telepath Unbound's ultimate. He now had an emblem that put onto Jan Ang's graveyard the top five cards of his library every time he casts a spell, successful or not. Upon casting Mastery of the Unseen, a slew of cards went down the bin. And another five after the second Mastery was put on the stack.

Michael Joseph Villano, intent on milling out a rubber match. Photo by Johann Guasch

Jan did get to advance his board position with Dragonlord Ojutai, and a Silumgar's Scorn secured its presence longer after countering Michael's Elspeth, Sun's Champion. The Dragonlord swung for four, then anticipated a card. Jan tapped six mana for Silumgar, the Drifting Death. Michael attempts to survive with a dragon of his own, a Stormbreath, but it met Silumgar's Scorn. A wild slash milled another five cards.

Jan spent no time wasting with his turn back and swooped in with both dragons, taking a seven-damage chunk out of Michael's life total. Michael looked to the top of his library for an answer, and there was none. Michael extends his hand! Jan Ang moves to the Finals!  

Jan Ang

6 Creatures
4 Dragonlord Ojutai
2 Silumgar, the Drifting Death

27 Spells
4 Thoughtseize
1 Ugin, the Spirit Dragon
1 Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
3 Heroes Downfall
2 Bile Blight
2 Foul Tongue Invocation
1 Ultimate Price
4 Silumgar's Scorn
2 Dissolve
2 Crux of Fate
1 Languish
4 Dig Through Time

27 Lands
4 Temple of Deceit
4 Temple of Enlightenment
4 Polluted Delta
1 Flooded Strand
4 Dismal Backwater
2 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
1 Urborg, Town of Yawgmoth
2 Caves of Koilos
3 Island
2 Swamp

15 Sideboard
3 Jace, Vryn's Prodigy / Jace, Telepath Unbound
2 Tasigur, the Golden Fang
2 Foul Tongue Invocation
2 Drown in Sorrow
1 Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
1 Dragonlord's Prerogative
1 Languish
1 Perilous Vault
1 Orbs of Warding
1 Dragonlord SilumgarDeck 2

Michael Villano

15 Creatures
2 Harbringer of Tides
3 Soulfire Grandmaster
4 Jace, Vryn's Prodigy / Jace, Telepath Unbound
4 Mantis Rider
2 Stormbreath Dragon

20 Spells
1 Magma Spray
1 Roast
2 Wild Slash
3 Valorous Stance
3 Lightning Strike
1 Jeskai Charm
2 Stoke the Flames
3 Ojutai's Command
1 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
3 Dig Through Time

25 Lands
2 Battlefield Forge
4 Shivan Reef
3 Temple of Epiphany
3 Temple of Triumph
4 Flooded Strand
4 Mystic Monastery
1 Mountain
2 Plains
2 Island

15 Sideboard
3 Arashin Cleric
2 Tragic Arrogance
2 Negate
2 Disdainful Stroke
2 Master of the Unseen
1 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
1 Glare of Heresy
1 Revoke Existence
1 Rending Volley