Overview:
This is a sacrifice-based deck that leverages death triggers and token generation to build up Kresh the Bloodbraided while generating value through card draw and mana production, ultimately winning through commander damage or large creature beats.
Primer:
The deck operates on multiple synergistic layers, primarily focusing on sacrificing creatures for value while building up Kresh's power. The strategy involves establishing a sacrifice outlet like Ashnod's Altar or Viscera Seer alongside token generators like Tendershoot Dryad or Scute Swarm. These pieces work together with value engines like Blood Artist and Moldervine Reclamation to generate card advantage and incremental damage.
The deck can pivot between aggressive and controlling strategies, using cards like Chandra's Ignition for board control or massive damage, while maintaining pressure through recursive threats like Reassembling Skeleton and Cult Conscript. The inclusion of cards like Rise of the Dark Realms and Victimize allows for explosive late-game plays, while tutors provide consistency in finding key pieces.
Weaknesses:
The deck is vulnerable to graveyard hate and can struggle if Kresh is repeatedly removed due to the commander tax. While it has some interaction, it's primarily focused on creature removal and lacks consistent answers to problematic enchantments. The deck can be somewhat slow to set up its engine pieces and may struggle against faster combo decks.
Most Important Cards:
- Ashnod's Altar
- The Ozolith
- Blood Artist
- Moldervine Reclamation
- Pitiless Plunderer
- Skullclamp
- Death's Presence
- Viscera Seer
- Garruk's Uprising
- Chandra's Ignition
Attribute Ratings:
- Speed: 6/10
- Resilience: 7/10
- Consistency: 6/10
- Interaction: 5/10
Rating Justification:
This deck sits firmly in the 6.0-6.5 range due to its ability to consistently execute its strategy while maintaining some interaction. While it includes powerful cards and synergies, it typically needs several turns to establish its engine and doesn't consistently threaten wins before turn 7-8. It's more powerful than typical casual decks but lacks the explosive speed and protection of higher-powered builds.
Final power level rating: 6.0 - 6.5
The deck features a solid mana base with appropriate color fixing and utility lands, good tutors for consistency, and strong value engines. However, it lacks the fast mana and protection packages seen in higher-powered decks. The strategy is resilient but generally fair, making it a strong choice for focused but not competitive pods.
Kresh the Bloodbraided