MTG > Metagame Commander > deck Vial Smasher the Fierce // Tana, the Bloodsower

Strategy

### Commander Deck: Vial Smasher the Fierce // Tana, the Bloodsower **Commander Pair**: Vial Smasher the Fierce (1/1, Menace) and Tana, the Bloodsower (3/3, Trample) **Strategy**: This deck leverages a combination of aggressive creature strategies and spells that deal damage to opponents, capitalizing on the synergy between Vial Smasher’s ability to deal damage when you cast spells and Tana’s ability to create Saproling tokens when she deals combat damage. The goal is to apply pressure through both direct damage and overwhelming board presence. #### Key Strategies: 1. **Aggressive Playstyle**: Utilize low-cost creatures like Elvish Mystic and Burning-Tree Emissary to ramp into larger threats and spells quickly. This allows for a fast-paced game where you can overwhelm opponents before they stabilize. 2. **Token Generation**: Tana generates Saproling tokens, which can be used both defensively and offensively. The tokens can help absorb damage or be used to swarm opponents, especially when combined with cards like Golgari Germination, which creates additional tokens when a creature dies. 3. **Direct Damage and Disruption**: Cards like Firespout and Guttural Response allow you to control the board while dealing damage to opponents. Vial Smasher’s ability to deal damage when you cast spells means that even your opponents’ actions can lead to damage, creating a unique pressure dynamic. 4. **Sacrifice Synergy**: With cards like Greater Gargadon and Bramble Elemental, you can take advantage of sacrificing creatures for additional value. This can also trigger effects from Golgari Germination, allowing for a continuous flow of tokens. 5. **Flexible Removal**: Utilizing cards like Golgari Charm and Cindervines provides flexible answers to various threats, whether they be creatures or enchantments. This adaptability is crucial in a multiplayer setting. #### Good Points: - **Fast and Aggressive**: The deck can apply pressure quickly, often catching opponents off guard. - **Token Generation**: Tana’s ability to generate tokens can lead to overwhelming board states, especially when combined with other token-generating effects. - **Direct Damage**: Vial Smasher can deal damage to opponents without needing to attack, allowing for strategic plays that can finish games unexpectedly. - **Versatility**: The deck has a mix of creature threats, removal, and ramp, allowing it to adapt to different game states and opponents. #### Bad Points: - **Reliance on Creatures**: If the board is cleared or if opponents have strong removal, the deck can struggle to regain momentum. - **Mana Base**: The deck relies on a mix of Forests, Mountains, and Swamps, which can lead to mana issues if not drawn correctly, especially with a three-color commander. - **Vulnerability to Board Wipes**: While you can generate tokens, a well-timed board wipe can set you back significantly, especially if you have committed many resources to the board. - **Limited Late Game**: If the game goes long, the aggressive strategy may not hold up against decks that can stabilize and generate value over time. ### Conclusion: The Vial Smasher and Tana deck is a dynamic and aggressive Commander build that thrives on early pressure and token generation. With a balanced mix of creatures, ramp, and removal, it can adapt to various situations but must be wary of board wipes and removal that can hinder its strategy. Overall, it offers a fun and engaging gameplay experience, especially in a multiplayer format.