MTG - TARKIR: DRAGONSTORM - COMMANDER DECKS - MARDU SURGE

### Exploring Mardu Surge in MTG: Tarkir's Dragonstorm Commander Decks Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has always captivated players with its diverse lore and complex gameplay mechanics. One of the most thrilling settings within the MTG multiverse is Tarkir, a plane filled with dragon riders, clans, and ancient secrets. Among the various archetypes that emerged from this beloved plane, the Mardu Surge deck stands out with its distinctive playstyle and strategy—especially when it taps into the iconic Dragonstorm mechanic. #### Understanding the Mardu Clan The Mardu clan in Tarkir is known for its aggressive playstyle, embodying the colors red, white, and black (Mardu). These colors encourage quick, powerful attacks and prioritize combat over lengthy spells. Mardu is home to formidable warriors, strategic spellcasters, and a deep connection to the cycle of life and death in the fierce world of Tarkir. Within this identity, the Mardu Surge deck blends the mechanics of fast-paced aggression with the breathtaking flair of dragon summoning. #### The Essence of Dragonstorm Dragonstorm is a mechanic that allows players to summon multiple dragons from their deck by casting spells that increase the number of dragons in play. In a Mardu Surge deck, this is particularly synergistic with cards that benefit from aggressive play and cheap spellcasting, allowing players to ramp into powerful dragon creatures swiftly. Some notable dragons from Tarkir that find their way into this deck include iconic names like Stormbreath Dragon and Ugin, the Spirit Dragon, who can turn the tide of battle. #### Key Card Choices When constructing a Mardu Surge Commander deck focused on Dragonstorm, the card choices become crucial to ensure the deck runs efficiently. Here are some recommendations for card selections: 1. **Dragons**: Incorporate fierce dragons such as **Stormbreath Dragon** and **Thunderbreak Regent** not only for their damage output but also for their powerful effects that can shift the course of the game. 2. **Spells for Surge**: Use cards like **Seismic Assault** and **Eldrazi Monument** to deal damage directly and boost your dragon army. Spells that facilitate bounce effects or forced attacks can capitalize on the aggressive nature of Mardu. 3. **Ramp and Draw**: Since Dragonstorm often requires more mana, incorporating mana-hungry cards like **Cultivate**, **Farseek**, and **Skyshroud Claim** can provide the necessary mana advantage. Ensuring you draw enough cards quickly is essential, so include options like **Faithless Looting** to cycle through your library swiftly. 4. **Strategic Creatures**: Adding creatures that can generate value or provide you access to spells like **Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts**, can create additional board presence and synergize with the aggressive Mardu strategy. 5. **Support Spells**: Support spells like **Anger of the Gods** or **Path to Exile** can control the pace of the game, ensuring you have time to set up your dragonstorm plays without overwhelming pressure. #### Strategies for Success The Mardu Surge Dragonstorm deck thrives on speed and aggression. Here are few strategies to maximize your performance: - **Early Game Aggression**: Leveraging the early turns to establish board control is crucial. Use your mana efficiently by casting low-cost spells and summoning creatures early to apply pressure. - **Managing Resources**: Keep an eye on your hand size and mana pool. Utilize draw spells to keep your options flexible and your board filled with threats as you build up your mana for dragonstorm plays. - **Timing Your Dragonstorm**: Assess when to go for the big summoning. Often, it’s better to hold off until your opponent’s defenses are low or after clearing their blockers. A well-timed Dragonstorm can lead to overwhelming offense. #### Fun Combos and Interactions The fun of playing a Mardu Surge Commander deck lies in the explosive combos. Here are a few notable interactions: - **Storm and Sacrifice**: If you can maintain mana, the combo of **Dragonstorm** with sacrificial modifiers such as **Faithless Looting** can allow you to mill cards and quickly recover through the deck for that final blow. - **Buffing Creatures**: Using cards like **Cathars' Crusade** in conjunction with your dragon entries can transform your board from intimidating to unstoppable, letting each new dragon boost your existing ones. #### Conclusion Crafting a Mardu Surge deck within the Dragonstorm theme presents a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of dragon summoning while embracing the aggressive nature of the Mardu clan. As you play through the intricate design of this deck, you dive deeper into the lore and strategy that MTG offers, all while basking in the glory that comes with commanding a fierce army of dragons. The ability to create powerful synergies and adapt your strategy during play makes Tarkir’s Mardu Surge a must-try for anyone passionate about MTG. Embrace the storm, and take to the skies with your dragons! ---