Overview:
A token-focused deck led by Baylen, the Haymaker that aims to generate large numbers of tokens for both utility and combat, with the commander serving as both a mana engine and card advantage source while potentially becoming a significant combat threat.
Primer:
The deck operates on multiple axes, primarily focusing on token generation through various means including creatures like Krenko, Mob Boss and spells like Dragon Fodder. These tokens serve multiple purposes: they can be tapped for mana through the commander's ability, sacrificed for card draw, or used to pump the commander into a formidable combat threat. The inclusion of Doubling Season and other token doublers significantly amplifies the deck's ability to generate resources.
The strategy typically involves establishing a token base in the early game while ramping with traditional means like Sol Ring and Arcane Signet. As the game progresses, the deck can pivot between using tokens for value through the commander's abilities or going wide with combat damage. Key enchantments like Impact Tremors provide additional damage outlets, while cards like Bootleggers' Stash offer alternative ways to generate value from tokens.
Weaknesses:
- The deck is particularly vulnerable to board wipes, as it relies heavily on maintaining a board presence of tokens.
- Limited protection for key pieces and relatively few countermeasures against targeted removal.
- While the deck can generate significant value, it lacks infinite combos or explosive win conditions, making it somewhat slower in closing out games.
Most Important Cards:
- Doubling Season
- Bootleggers' Stash
- Xenagos, the Reveler
- Krenko, Mob Boss
- Impact Tremors
- Second Harvest
- Aura Shards
- Wild Pair
- Karlach, Fury of Avernus
- Song of the Dryads
Attribute Ratings:
- Speed: 5/10
- Resilience: 4/10
- Consistency: 6/10
- Interaction: 5/10
Rating Justification:
This deck operates at a focused casual level, with clear synergies and a coherent gameplan but lacking the explosive power or protection suite of higher-powered decks. While it can generate significant value through token production and commander abilities, it typically wins through combat damage or incremental advantage around turns 8-10. The deck's performance aligns with optimized casual strategies but falls short of more competitive builds due to its reliance on combat damage and vulnerability to disruption.
Final power level rating: 5.0 - 5.5
The deck shows clear optimization in its token strategy and includes powerful cards like Doubling Season, but its fair nature and combat-focused approach place it firmly in the optimized casual category. It's more refined than a typical precon but lacks the fast mana and protective elements that would push it into higher power levels.
Baylen, the Haymaker