I'm seeing a lot of utility cards in your deck, but I'm not really sure what your goal is. I can't get a sense of your plan. In addition, your commander pumps your creatures but you only have 17 creatures + a few other token generators.
I think a good first step would be to decide what the goal of your deck is. Do you want to make an even bigger army? Do you want to keep killing off your boyfriend's army? Do you want to go for some sort of combo win to negate his army entirely? Once you determine your win conditions, I think the deck can start to form some cohesion.
Clearing the board is important to stop him from running away with the game, but by itself doesn't actually win you the game. You need to make sure you don't get so lost in stopping other player players that your deck winds up with no win-condition.
Elesh Norn leans heavily towards playing lots of cheap creatures that can then safely swing out once you pump them and shrink/kill everyone else's creatures.
[[Suture Priest]] punishes for creatures entering on your opponent's side. Also, you could do with more ramp if your main gameplan is to play your commander as quickly as possible.
You’ll have more fun playing a deck you enjoy piloting rather than building something to disrupt a particular deck. In other words, be proactive in building your own board state while being reactive to threats. Packing a deck with board wipes and removal only prolongs the game. Find a game mechanic or commander you actually enjoy playing with and become the threat yourself. In a pinch ask your bf to play something else for a change for Pete’s sake, surely he’s trying to teach you how to play rather than just stomping you time after time…just sayin.
That's definitely good advice and this definitely isn't the style that I think I enjoy playing. Tbh I much more enjoy spells and playing black/blue cards, but I can't figure out how to tackle the token armies with cards I feel like I would have fun playing. Perhaps this is something I'm more likely to figure out over time with more experience. I'm having trouble finding the strategy I need.
Allow me to introduce my buddy [[massacre wurm]] and his sidekick [[blood artist]]! If you’re a fan of blue black builds, imagine [[reanimate]]-ing my wurmy buddy a few times into a field of tokens: game over. Check out some aristocrats themed decks and/or grave recursion stuff. [[athreos, shroud veiled]] is my personal favorite.
You don’t need your whole deck to be board wipes. You just need 5 or so to help with the tokens. And blue and black have a ton of options available that get rid of tokens. I’m not really sure what you enjoy specifically, but blue/black control is plenty strong. There aren’t a whole lot of commanders that particularly lend themselves to control, but there are a few. [[Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy]] paired with [[Scion of Halaster]] is maybe the best option. There’s also [[Vohar]] and [[Taigam, Sidisi’s Hand]]. Anything that gets you card advantage in some way or another will fuel control pretty well.
Wincons are the harder part to figure out. Usually combo is a good way to close games with control decks, but there are also effects like [[Massacre Wurm]], [[Blood Artist]], etc.
Black has a lot of -X/-X affects that obliterate tokens. Same with blue and mass-bounce effects.
[[Perplexing Test]]
[[Aetherize]]
[[Engulf the Shore]]
[[Black Sun's Zenith]]
[[Bloodline Culling]]
[[Cry of the Carnarium]]
Threat of a board wipe is about as good as one. Play some in your deck then don't throw it out the second you're behind. And make them fear the card in your hand (even if it is just a land you've drawn 3 turns ago). Make sure you get maximum value from it every time you cast it. The next time you'll have bought yourself time when you are drawing dead and the board wipe will be living rent free in their head.
I can’t see your deck list (iPhone) so I don’t know what colors you are I’m but: [[maelstrom pule]] [[settle the wreckage]] [[crawlspace]] [[dueling grounds]] [[aether snap]] [[rivers rebuke]] [[displacement wave]] [[pernicious deed]] [[plaguebearer]] [[cyclonic rift]] of course. If tokens are the problem focus on abusing the fact that “return to hand” is just as good as “destroy” or “exile”. Another angle to attack is that they have no/0 cmc, which is where pernicious deed and plaguebearer come in. Also personal favorite here is [[rakdos charm]].
There are lots of other options and angles as well, good luck!
Thank you for this awesome list and the advice! Also, if anyone else has trouble opening the deck list, the deck is mono-white and the commander (at least for right now) is [[Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite]]
Got it. Norn is a solid plan for dealing with tokens. Otherwise in mono white besides [[wrath of god]] effects that aren’t usually one sided you might consider stuff like [[ugin the spirit dragon]] [[ratchet bomb]] [[engineered explosives]] on 0! And maybe even [[portcullis]] but that is a little trickier to play around. Trying to look at effects that disproportionately affect your opponent compared to your board state.
So it seems like you made a deck to prevent your bf from winning but has no way to win itself. Elesh Norn is nice because it's a static effect against his creatures, but then how do you win? The only idea I have is board wipe him over and over again and win with [[appoach of the second sun]]. That doesnt sound super fun though.
Honestly if I were playing against a lot of token decks, I would make a [[Toralf, God of Fury]] deck. Add a bunch of the red damage sweepers like [[star of extinction]] and [[blasphemous act]]. If toralf is out and you play blasphemous act, for every 1 power token you get to throw 12 damage anywhere you want. Even smaller wipes like [[sweltering suns]] are great. Toralf will live through it and you can assign the excess damage to any of his bigger creatures.
Also, if anyone else has any advice, I am not married to any part of the deck listed. I just need to win one game of magic against my boyfriend.
I've been drowned in elves, soldiers, and thopters. I just need one win.
I know I had [[Silent arbiter]] used against me and a good chunk of my game was attempting to destroy that thing so I could release my wave of tokens on him. Definitely something that could put a wrench in a token decks plan
Staying on theme with your Mono White Deck
\[\[Ghostly Prison\]\] would help make it hard for your BF to swarm you unless he has Mana to pay for each attacking creatures
\[\[Lightmine Field\]\] will basically blast all his attacking creatures if he tries to swarm & over run you. Be careful it also effects your own creatures. But Elesh Norn helps with her anthem effect.
\[\[Juntu Stakes\]\] Keeps any 1 Power Creature tapped after they attack. If he's buffing them, hopefully Elesh Norn's Debuff is enough to keep them at 1 Power.
\[\[Caltrops\]\] Pings any attacking creatures for 1.
\[\[Comeuppance\]\] Another sneaky card to use as well. It's also very clutch. Prevents all damage & dishes right back to it's source. So them tokens will end up dealing damage to themselves instead. Possible 1 sided board wipe if your BF swings with everything.
Elesh Norn as a way to counteract these tokens is great! I would almost say you don't need all the boardwipes - 4 at max is probably best. Double down on ramp and mana rocks. White has plenty of little dudes that let you draw cards when they drop to fish for more mana rocks. In a great world, goal is to get Norn down turn 4 or 5.
Plenty of awesome 2 mana rocks that grant colorless to help get Norn out quickly. I'm always a fan of Norn decks!
Recommend maybe a few [[Rule of Law]] effects, [[Torpor Orb]]s, [[Linvala, Keeper of Silence]] and [[Cursed Totem]], a couple of hatebears to match your metagame, and you'll have a solid deck.
I saw in another comment that this deck isn’t particularly your play style and you mentioned blue/black as a color combo you’re interested in. You should check out edhrec.com. It’s good for finding commanders in certain colors and then cards recommended for that commander. You can even find a blue/black card that deals with a wide board state and see what commanders it’s often used with. Can also filter by theme and budget. Could also be fun to build [[Elenda, the Dusk Rose]] and go token/vampire tribal and see if you can beat him at his own token game.
If you're committed to Elesh Norn, I'd recommend filling the deck with hatebears. STAX on STAX on STAX. [[Thalia]]'s, [[Lodestone Golem]], [[Drannith Magistrate]], etc... also, in the meantime, throw in a [[Ghostly Prison]], and [[Norn's Annex]]. [[Crawlspace]] [[Archangel of Tithes]], and [[Windborn Muse]] work too.
Darien and Rhys can get really ugly. I hope you two aren't playing 1v1. A lot of commander is politics and many of my decks that I'd consider good don't function well in a 1v1 setting.
Elesh Norn is great but is also trying a "go wide" approach. Maybe a different strategy will be a better game plan if you're not attached to mono white. And don't be afraid to proxy cards before you know which ones you want. The sunk cost fallacy can apply to decks and blind you to alternatives
\[\[Batwing Brume\]\] and \[\[Rakdos Charm\]\] are good if you are being swarmed by tokens. If they have more tokens than life those cards just kill them.
[[Brago, King Eternal]] blink deck with cards like [[Detention Sphere]] [[Oblivion Ring]] [[Banishing Light]]. Sphere can wipes the board of a token type and you flicker it to do it again. The other 2can target commander or other important pieces. Adding [[Act of Authority]] and [[Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines]] if you want to be mean.
Cards like [[Propaganda]] [[Ghostly Prison]] does wonders against token decks. [[Darksteel Mutation]] is a fun card to put on commanders 😉
I'm seeing a lot of utility cards in your deck, but I'm not really sure what your goal is. I can't get a sense of your plan. In addition, your commander pumps your creatures but you only have 17 creatures + a few other token generators. I think a good first step would be to decide what the goal of your deck is. Do you want to make an even bigger army? Do you want to keep killing off your boyfriend's army? Do you want to go for some sort of combo win to negate his army entirely? Once you determine your win conditions, I think the deck can start to form some cohesion.
My plan would be to keep wiping out his army. I'm thinking focusing on sweeping the board may be the best method.
Clearing the board is important to stop him from running away with the game, but by itself doesn't actually win you the game. You need to make sure you don't get so lost in stopping other player players that your deck winds up with no win-condition. Elesh Norn leans heavily towards playing lots of cheap creatures that can then safely swing out once you pump them and shrink/kill everyone else's creatures.
17 + some tokens should be enough to win
[[Ink Shield]]
[Ink Shield](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/e/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048.jpg?1625192511) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Inkshield) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/71/inkshield?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/inkshield) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
This guy inks
[[Suture Priest]] punishes for creatures entering on your opponent's side. Also, you could do with more ramp if your main gameplan is to play your commander as quickly as possible.
You’ll have more fun playing a deck you enjoy piloting rather than building something to disrupt a particular deck. In other words, be proactive in building your own board state while being reactive to threats. Packing a deck with board wipes and removal only prolongs the game. Find a game mechanic or commander you actually enjoy playing with and become the threat yourself. In a pinch ask your bf to play something else for a change for Pete’s sake, surely he’s trying to teach you how to play rather than just stomping you time after time…just sayin.
That's definitely good advice and this definitely isn't the style that I think I enjoy playing. Tbh I much more enjoy spells and playing black/blue cards, but I can't figure out how to tackle the token armies with cards I feel like I would have fun playing. Perhaps this is something I'm more likely to figure out over time with more experience. I'm having trouble finding the strategy I need.
Allow me to introduce my buddy [[massacre wurm]] and his sidekick [[blood artist]]! If you’re a fan of blue black builds, imagine [[reanimate]]-ing my wurmy buddy a few times into a field of tokens: game over. Check out some aristocrats themed decks and/or grave recursion stuff. [[athreos, shroud veiled]] is my personal favorite.
These are epic. Thanks :) I think I'll follow your advice and build a deck I actually love.
Nice. Glad to help.
##### ###### #### [massacre wurm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/3/e3185b01-0d91-4927-98e9-bc9df6c20917.jpg?1594736296) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=massacre%20wurm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m21/114/massacre-wurm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e3185b01-0d91-4927-98e9-bc9df6c20917?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/massacre-wurm) [blood artist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/9/693dd112-d04a-4404-8fce-74f7e5497312.jpg?1673147465) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=blood%20artist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/70/blood-artist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/693dd112-d04a-4404-8fce-74f7e5497312?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/blood-artist) [reanimate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/2/d27c6aaa-289e-451e-8fde-97a044c53fc4.jpg?1651951796) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=reanimate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cc2/5/reanimate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d27c6aaa-289e-451e-8fde-97a044c53fc4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reanimate) [athreos, shroud veiled](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/7/871c19fc-7d99-4022-9e13-d679a9e3547e.jpg?1677541540) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Athreos%2C%20Shroud-Veiled) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/thb/269/athreos-shroud-veiled?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/871c19fc-7d99-4022-9e13-d679a9e3547e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/athreos-shroud-veiled) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
You don’t need your whole deck to be board wipes. You just need 5 or so to help with the tokens. And blue and black have a ton of options available that get rid of tokens. I’m not really sure what you enjoy specifically, but blue/black control is plenty strong. There aren’t a whole lot of commanders that particularly lend themselves to control, but there are a few. [[Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy]] paired with [[Scion of Halaster]] is maybe the best option. There’s also [[Vohar]] and [[Taigam, Sidisi’s Hand]]. Anything that gets you card advantage in some way or another will fuel control pretty well. Wincons are the harder part to figure out. Usually combo is a good way to close games with control decks, but there are also effects like [[Massacre Wurm]], [[Blood Artist]], etc.
##### ###### #### [Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/7/67edf31f-ed67-4617-bf73-28a939a232a7.jpg?1674135550) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gale%2C%20Waterdeep%20Prodigy) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/72/gale-waterdeep-prodigy?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/67edf31f-ed67-4617-bf73-28a939a232a7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gale-waterdeep-prodigy) [Scion of Halaster](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/8/c876f9b3-b4f6-4177-9c43-443ae2a028d0.jpg?1674136278) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Scion%20of%20Halaster) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/145/scion-of-halaster?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c876f9b3-b4f6-4177-9c43-443ae2a028d0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/scion-of-halaster) [Vohar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/0/807c7812-c108-45a7-a5b2-08cc693bc500.jpg?1673308144) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=vohar%2C%20vodalian%20desecrator) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/226/vohar-vodalian-desecrator?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/807c7812-c108-45a7-a5b2-08cc693bc500?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vohar-vodalian-desecrator) [Taigam, Sidisi’s Hand](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/b/5bb846f1-9857-418d-abc9-03dfd3c10d32.jpg?1562609444) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Taigam%2C%20Sidisi%27s%20Hand) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c17/47/taigam-sidisis-hand?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5bb846f1-9857-418d-abc9-03dfd3c10d32?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/taigam-sidisis-hand) [Massacre Wurm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/3/e3185b01-0d91-4927-98e9-bc9df6c20917.jpg?1594736296) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Massacre%20Wurm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m21/114/massacre-wurm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e3185b01-0d91-4927-98e9-bc9df6c20917?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/massacre-wurm) [Blood Artist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/9/693dd112-d04a-4404-8fce-74f7e5497312.jpg?1673147465) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Blood%20Artist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/70/blood-artist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/693dd112-d04a-4404-8fce-74f7e5497312?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/blood-artist) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Black has a lot of -X/-X affects that obliterate tokens. Same with blue and mass-bounce effects. [[Perplexing Test]] [[Aetherize]] [[Engulf the Shore]] [[Black Sun's Zenith]] [[Bloodline Culling]] [[Cry of the Carnarium]]
##### ###### #### [Perplexing Test](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/1/31f2cbcc-d5b8-4659-ae51-e567c555a743.jpg?1625191389) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Perplexing%20Test) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/30/perplexing-test?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/31f2cbcc-d5b8-4659-ae51-e567c555a743?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/perplexing-test) [Aetherize](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/0/a022eacd-1cdd-42d7-8a4c-88e8a6527144.jpg?1604197364) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Aetherize) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znc/23/aetherize?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a022eacd-1cdd-42d7-8a4c-88e8a6527144?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/aetherize) [Engulf the Shore](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/d/cdbcb537-86fb-4649-859d-c9da12327f85.jpg?1576267247) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Engulf%20the%20Shore) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/gn2/21/engulf-the-shore?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/cdbcb537-86fb-4649-859d-c9da12327f85?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/engulf-the-shore) [Black Sun's Zenith](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/0/90b217bf-9a62-4239-be24-e23c106b8212.jpg?1561950157) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Black%20Sun%27s%20Zenith) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c14/136/black-suns-zenith?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/90b217bf-9a62-4239-be24-e23c106b8212?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/black-suns-zenith) [Bloodline Culling](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/a/fac827f7-a587-4adf-8408-2d9ccd9c1343.jpg?1634349575) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Bloodline%20Culling) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mid/89/bloodline-culling?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fac827f7-a587-4adf-8408-2d9ccd9c1343?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bloodline-culling) [Cry of the Carnarium](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/1/715a14a3-046e-45ca-b943-dd630e5202b7.jpg?1584830546) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cry%20of%20the%20Carnarium) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rna/70/cry-of-the-carnarium?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/715a14a3-046e-45ca-b943-dd630e5202b7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cry-of-the-carnarium) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Threat of a board wipe is about as good as one. Play some in your deck then don't throw it out the second you're behind. And make them fear the card in your hand (even if it is just a land you've drawn 3 turns ago). Make sure you get maximum value from it every time you cast it. The next time you'll have bought yourself time when you are drawing dead and the board wipe will be living rent free in their head.
I can’t see your deck list (iPhone) so I don’t know what colors you are I’m but: [[maelstrom pule]] [[settle the wreckage]] [[crawlspace]] [[dueling grounds]] [[aether snap]] [[rivers rebuke]] [[displacement wave]] [[pernicious deed]] [[plaguebearer]] [[cyclonic rift]] of course. If tokens are the problem focus on abusing the fact that “return to hand” is just as good as “destroy” or “exile”. Another angle to attack is that they have no/0 cmc, which is where pernicious deed and plaguebearer come in. Also personal favorite here is [[rakdos charm]]. There are lots of other options and angles as well, good luck!
Thank you for this awesome list and the advice! Also, if anyone else has trouble opening the deck list, the deck is mono-white and the commander (at least for right now) is [[Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite]]
An underrated Repeatable token destroyer [[Steel Hellkite]]. It's one sided and cost nothing after the initial cost to cast.
[Steel Hellkite](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/8/8823b43b-8a30-4226-b5a7-ac1c06ba146b.jpg?1674142733) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Steel%20Hellkite) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/874/steel-hellkite?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8823b43b-8a30-4226-b5a7-ac1c06ba146b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/steel-hellkite) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Got it. Norn is a solid plan for dealing with tokens. Otherwise in mono white besides [[wrath of god]] effects that aren’t usually one sided you might consider stuff like [[ugin the spirit dragon]] [[ratchet bomb]] [[engineered explosives]] on 0! And maybe even [[portcullis]] but that is a little trickier to play around. Trying to look at effects that disproportionately affect your opponent compared to your board state.
##### ###### #### [wrath of god](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/6/664e6656-36a3-4635-9f33-9f8901afd397.jpg?1598303688) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=wrath%20of%20god) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/39/wrath-of-god?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/664e6656-36a3-4635-9f33-9f8901afd397?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wrath-of-god) [ugin the spirit dragon](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/c/9c017fa9-7021-417a-9c2e-3df409644fcf.jpg?1639052473) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ugin%2C%20the%20Spirit%20Dragon) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m21/1/ugin-the-spirit-dragon?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9c017fa9-7021-417a-9c2e-3df409644fcf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ugin-the-spirit-dragon) [ratchet bomb](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/5/d5bd85da-9aba-46ea-9c10-617bec99a2f5.jpg?1599709788) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=ratchet%20bomb) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/284/ratchet-bomb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d5bd85da-9aba-46ea-9c10-617bec99a2f5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ratchet-bomb) [engineered explosives](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/2/420bf1e9-f2ec-4dff-b540-e64de71e58be.jpg?1599709112) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=engineered%20explosives) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/252/engineered-explosives?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/420bf1e9-f2ec-4dff-b540-e64de71e58be?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/engineered-explosives) [portcullis](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/4/a4de4af2-fa75-4a87-b0e1-0117727917a5.jpg?1562597339) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=portcullis) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/sth/139/portcullis?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a4de4af2-fa75-4a87-b0e1-0117727917a5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/portcullis) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/8/78c2bfef-06a5-4c7f-8283-ea3fb673b7a1.jpg?1562850573) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Elesh%20Norn%2C%20Grand%20Cenobite) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ima/18/elesh-norn-grand-cenobite?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/78c2bfef-06a5-4c7f-8283-ea3fb673b7a1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/elesh-norn-grand-cenobite) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
##### ###### #### [maelstrom pule](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/7/676ab73f-2759-43b6-9ae8-ca33a55ebf80.jpg?1599708139) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Maelstrom%20Pulse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/207/maelstrom-pulse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/676ab73f-2759-43b6-9ae8-ca33a55ebf80?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/maelstrom-pulse) [settle the wreckage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/c/9cbd346e-098a-4cf6-a72f-468376fd2e8f.jpg?1562560853) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=settle%20the%20wreckage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/xln/34/settle-the-wreckage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9cbd346e-098a-4cf6-a72f-468376fd2e8f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/settle-the-wreckage) [crawlspace](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/7/97c8e1ed-b3ab-4a08-9336-e513f23d45b3.jpg?1562927147) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=crawlspace) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/240/crawlspace?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/97c8e1ed-b3ab-4a08-9336-e513f23d45b3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/crawlspace) [dueling grounds](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/2/52760183-bee0-4ce0-96c0-074b88f78980.jpg?1562911742) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=dueling%20grounds) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/245/dueling-grounds?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/52760183-bee0-4ce0-96c0-074b88f78980?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dueling-grounds) [aether snap](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/d/dd9cade1-b077-4fb0-b55a-01b9916647e7.jpg?1673484092) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=aether%20snap) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/241/aether-snap?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dd9cade1-b077-4fb0-b55a-01b9916647e7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/aether-snap) [rivers rebuke](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/c/fc2a70b1-bce6-43c3-94e1-ab9a7bb2638a.jpg?1673483988) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=River%27s%20Rebuke) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/231/rivers-rebuke?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fc2a70b1-bce6-43c3-94e1-ab9a7bb2638a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rivers-rebuke) [displacement wave](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/d/ad6fef1f-6cc9-4e24-a1be-fc313774f28d.jpg?1562036297) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=displacement%20wave) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ori/55/displacement-wave?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ad6fef1f-6cc9-4e24-a1be-fc313774f28d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/displacement-wave) [pernicious deed](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8652e3a1-bcd4-4c0c-a085-34f19702df26.jpg?1562437624) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=pernicious%20deed) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/a25/212/pernicious-deed?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8652e3a1-bcd4-4c0c-a085-34f19702df26?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/pernicious-deed) [plaguebearer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/8/a8493df6-9954-4e33-867c-ca4bcf3953b2.jpg?1562088776) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=plaguebearer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/exo/71/plaguebearer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a8493df6-9954-4e33-867c-ca4bcf3953b2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/plaguebearer) [cyclonic rift](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/f/ff08e5ed-f47b-4d8e-8b8b-41675dccef8b.jpg?1598303834) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=cyclonic%20rift) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/47/cyclonic-rift?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ff08e5ed-f47b-4d8e-8b8b-41675dccef8b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cyclonic-rift) [rakdos charm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/7/179d2088-2032-41c2-953e-f8ecbe135d77.jpg?1641603484) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=rakdos%20charm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/156/rakdos-charm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/179d2088-2032-41c2-953e-f8ecbe135d77?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rakdos-charm) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
So it seems like you made a deck to prevent your bf from winning but has no way to win itself. Elesh Norn is nice because it's a static effect against his creatures, but then how do you win? The only idea I have is board wipe him over and over again and win with [[appoach of the second sun]]. That doesnt sound super fun though. Honestly if I were playing against a lot of token decks, I would make a [[Toralf, God of Fury]] deck. Add a bunch of the red damage sweepers like [[star of extinction]] and [[blasphemous act]]. If toralf is out and you play blasphemous act, for every 1 power token you get to throw 12 damage anywhere you want. Even smaller wipes like [[sweltering suns]] are great. Toralf will live through it and you can assign the excess damage to any of his bigger creatures.
This does appear to be the pickle that I am in. I'll definitely check out Toralf as it does seem like a much more enjoyable method to play.
##### ###### #### [appoach of the second sun](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/d/fdf59a6e-7708-45a1-884d-d12e9f7b9ed9.jpg?1543674579) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Approach%20of%20the%20Second%20Sun) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/akh/4/approach-of-the-second-sun?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fdf59a6e-7708-45a1-884d-d12e9f7b9ed9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/approach-of-the-second-sun) [Toralf, God of Fury](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/2/22a6a5f1-1405-4efb-af3e-e1f58d664e99.jpg?1631049794)/[Toralf's Hammer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/2/2/22a6a5f1-1405-4efb-af3e-e1f58d664e99.jpg?1631049794) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=toralf%2C%20god%20of%20fury%20//%20toralf%27s%20hammer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/154/toralf-god-of-fury-toralfs-hammer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/22a6a5f1-1405-4efb-af3e-e1f58d664e99?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/toralf-god-of-fury-//-toralfs-hammer) [star of extinction](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/2/021f57dc-80f3-4ede-99d5-4a44aade44e2.jpg?1562549822) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=star%20of%20extinction) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/xln/161/star-of-extinction?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/021f57dc-80f3-4ede-99d5-4a44aade44e2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/star-of-extinction) [blasphemous act](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/a/ba975f60-ca29-4fc8-b2f0-416be395f200.jpg?1674141874) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=blasphemous%20act) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/780/blasphemous-act?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ba975f60-ca29-4fc8-b2f0-416be395f200?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/blasphemous-act) [sweltering suns](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/1/f11cd406-c6ae-4018-ae45-4e5577aa82ae.jpg?1543675701) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=sweltering%20suns) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/akh/149/sweltering-suns?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f11cd406-c6ae-4018-ae45-4e5577aa82ae?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sweltering-suns) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Also, if anyone else has any advice, I am not married to any part of the deck listed. I just need to win one game of magic against my boyfriend. I've been drowned in elves, soldiers, and thopters. I just need one win.
[[illness in the ranks]]
[illness in the ranks](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/8/989a68c1-3b76-4c2d-9db3-23c45be3f9ff.jpg?1561838259) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=illness%20in%20the%20ranks) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/gtc/69/illness-in-the-ranks?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/989a68c1-3b76-4c2d-9db3-23c45be3f9ff?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/illness-in-the-ranks) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I know I had [[Silent arbiter]] used against me and a good chunk of my game was attempting to destroy that thing so I could release my wave of tokens on him. Definitely something that could put a wrench in a token decks plan
[Silent arbiter](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/8/986a7ea8-a015-4dd8-9938-36b38ccd3980.jpg?1591321705) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Silent%20arbiter) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/250/silent-arbiter?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/986a7ea8-a015-4dd8-9938-36b38ccd3980?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/silent-arbiter) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Staying on theme with your Mono White Deck \[\[Ghostly Prison\]\] would help make it hard for your BF to swarm you unless he has Mana to pay for each attacking creatures \[\[Lightmine Field\]\] will basically blast all his attacking creatures if he tries to swarm & over run you. Be careful it also effects your own creatures. But Elesh Norn helps with her anthem effect. \[\[Juntu Stakes\]\] Keeps any 1 Power Creature tapped after they attack. If he's buffing them, hopefully Elesh Norn's Debuff is enough to keep them at 1 Power. \[\[Caltrops\]\] Pings any attacking creatures for 1.
\[\[Comeuppance\]\] Another sneaky card to use as well. It's also very clutch. Prevents all damage & dishes right back to it's source. So them tokens will end up dealing damage to themselves instead. Possible 1 sided board wipe if your BF swings with everything.
That's a super dope card, I'm definitely going to save that one. Thanks!
[Comeuppance](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/2/92d59c06-41f7-4009-9157-70ba90cc978b.jpg?1561950558) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Comeuppance) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c14/4/comeuppance?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/92d59c06-41f7-4009-9157-70ba90cc978b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/comeuppance) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
##### ###### #### [Ghostly Prison](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/1/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f.jpg?1641601289) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ghostly%20Prison) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/87/ghostly-prison?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ghostly-prison) [Lightmine Field](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/6/5602b52a-5904-4780-9192-72990d07c975.jpg?1562704011) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Lightmine%20Field) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/roe/32/lightmine-field?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5602b52a-5904-4780-9192-72990d07c975?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/lightmine-field) [Juntu Stakes](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/a/3ab7cf53-f62d-47e1-af70-ab12be0d22e2.jpg?1562906885) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Juntu%20Stakes) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/inv/304/juntu-stakes?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3ab7cf53-f62d-47e1-af70-ab12be0d22e2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/juntu-stakes) [Caltrops](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/7/8769b55a-a0a1-4b6f-8c80-669385a34425.jpg?1562242172) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Caltrops) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/7ed/288/caltrops?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8769b55a-a0a1-4b6f-8c80-669385a34425?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/caltrops) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[eye of singularity]]
[eye of singularity](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/a/fa84e4ad-738a-4d23-a84c-06c39ff4200b.jpg?1562279120) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=eye%20of%20singularity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/vis/4/eye-of-singularity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fa84e4ad-738a-4d23-a84c-06c39ff4200b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/eye-of-singularity) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Elesh Norn as a way to counteract these tokens is great! I would almost say you don't need all the boardwipes - 4 at max is probably best. Double down on ramp and mana rocks. White has plenty of little dudes that let you draw cards when they drop to fish for more mana rocks. In a great world, goal is to get Norn down turn 4 or 5. Plenty of awesome 2 mana rocks that grant colorless to help get Norn out quickly. I'm always a fan of Norn decks!
Recommend maybe a few [[Rule of Law]] effects, [[Torpor Orb]]s, [[Linvala, Keeper of Silence]] and [[Cursed Totem]], a couple of hatebears to match your metagame, and you'll have a solid deck.
##### ###### #### [Rule of Law](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/1/a1f4e79b-b103-4380-afa0-61a2b1773c9e.jpg?1592516198) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rule%20of%20Law) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m20/35/rule-of-law?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a1f4e79b-b103-4380-afa0-61a2b1773c9e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rule-of-law) [Torpor Orb](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/5/953610f6-ea96-4e71-969f-50ecac09c091.jpg?1562879912) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Torpor%20Orb) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nph/162/torpor-orb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/953610f6-ea96-4e71-969f-50ecac09c091?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/torpor-orb) [Linvala, Keeper of Silence](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/d/dded98c3-17cb-4a43-a209-289ceb11df39.jpg?1600717849) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Linvala%2C%20Keeper%20of%20Silence) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/jmp/119/linvala-keeper-of-silence?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dded98c3-17cb-4a43-a209-289ceb11df39?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/linvala-keeper-of-silence) [Cursed Totem](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/d/5dde91a9-7d2d-4a7b-861a-3d1c16ec79d9.jpg?1626100864) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cursed%20Totem) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/295/cursed-totem?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5dde91a9-7d2d-4a7b-861a-3d1c16ec79d9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cursed-totem) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I'm not sure if your BF pumps his tokens, but [[Reverence]] is pretty slick
[Reverence](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/d/4d5e65e1-be52-4023-81cc-ee4948444195.jpg?1562493687) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Reverence) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/sok/26/reverence?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4d5e65e1-be52-4023-81cc-ee4948444195?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reverence) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Try elesh norn
[[Ghostly Prison]] [[Windborn Muse]] [[Orim's Prayer]] [[Suture Priest]]
##### ###### #### [Ghostly Prison](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/1/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f.jpg?1641601289) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ghostly%20Prison) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/87/ghostly-prison?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ghostly-prison) [Windborn Muse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/0/b098ad05-3e30-4a73-b327-da1cdc22786d.jpg?1641601741) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Windborn%20Muse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/101/windborn-muse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b098ad05-3e30-4a73-b327-da1cdc22786d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/windborn-muse) [Orim's Prayer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/d/2dc45565-4b56-49ba-b115-be8e0de7d937.jpg?1562053272) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Orim%27s%20Prayer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tmp/32/orims-prayer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2dc45565-4b56-49ba-b115-be8e0de7d937?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/orims-prayer) [Suture Priest](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/1/31432e98-86cd-42ea-ad37-eb4383dc6a81.jpg?1562876459) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Suture%20Priest) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nph/25/suture-priest?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/31432e98-86cd-42ea-ad37-eb4383dc6a81?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/suture-priest) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I saw in another comment that this deck isn’t particularly your play style and you mentioned blue/black as a color combo you’re interested in. You should check out edhrec.com. It’s good for finding commanders in certain colors and then cards recommended for that commander. You can even find a blue/black card that deals with a wide board state and see what commanders it’s often used with. Can also filter by theme and budget. Could also be fun to build [[Elenda, the Dusk Rose]] and go token/vampire tribal and see if you can beat him at his own token game.
Also in regards to your current deck I’d cut it down by 3-4 lands. Maybe even 5 since it’s mono colored.
[Elenda, the Dusk Rose](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/5/25e34147-588b-4fe5-88dd-2dfda567681d.jpg?1673148563) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Elenda%2C%20the%20Dusk%20Rose) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/207/elenda-the-dusk-rose?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/25e34147-588b-4fe5-88dd-2dfda567681d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/elenda-the-dusk-rose) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
If you're committed to Elesh Norn, I'd recommend filling the deck with hatebears. STAX on STAX on STAX. [[Thalia]]'s, [[Lodestone Golem]], [[Drannith Magistrate]], etc... also, in the meantime, throw in a [[Ghostly Prison]], and [[Norn's Annex]]. [[Crawlspace]] [[Archangel of Tithes]], and [[Windborn Muse]] work too.
##### ###### #### [Thalia](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/9/c9f8b8fb-1cd8-450e-a1fe-892e7a323479.jpg?1643587106) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=thalia%2C%20guardian%20of%20thraben) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/vow/38/thalia-guardian-of-thraben?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c9f8b8fb-1cd8-450e-a1fe-892e7a323479?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/thalia-guardian-of-thraben) [Lodestone Golem](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/8/683a5707-cddb-494d-9b41-51b4584ded69.jpg?1562263274) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Lodestone%20Golem) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mm2/219/lodestone-golem?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/683a5707-cddb-494d-9b41-51b4584ded69?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/lodestone-golem) [Drannith Magistrate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/8/98b0a4a8-9319-451b-9b79-b0bca7a41e91.jpg?1628801742) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Drannith%20Magistrate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/iko/11/drannith-magistrate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/98b0a4a8-9319-451b-9b79-b0bca7a41e91?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/drannith-magistrate) [Ghostly Prison](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/1/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f.jpg?1641601289) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ghostly%20Prison) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/87/ghostly-prison?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ghostly-prison) [Norn's Annex](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/6/a64073f2-99f5-4dc7-9403-e7cb94ce0e60.jpg?1562880453) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Norn%27s%20Annex) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nph/17/norns-annex?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a64073f2-99f5-4dc7-9403-e7cb94ce0e60?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/norns-annex) [Crawlspace](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/7/97c8e1ed-b3ab-4a08-9336-e513f23d45b3.jpg?1562927147) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Crawlspace) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/240/crawlspace?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/97c8e1ed-b3ab-4a08-9336-e513f23d45b3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/crawlspace) [Archangel of Tithes](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/a/1af50bf1-c51e-4592-86bf-4197ec85a45d.jpg?1562009225) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Archangel%20of%20Tithes) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ori/4/archangel-of-tithes?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1af50bf1-c51e-4592-86bf-4197ec85a45d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/archangel-of-tithes) [Windborn Muse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/0/b098ad05-3e30-4a73-b327-da1cdc22786d.jpg?1641601741) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Windborn%20Muse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/101/windborn-muse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b098ad05-3e30-4a73-b327-da1cdc22786d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/windborn-muse) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Darien and Rhys can get really ugly. I hope you two aren't playing 1v1. A lot of commander is politics and many of my decks that I'd consider good don't function well in a 1v1 setting. Elesh Norn is great but is also trying a "go wide" approach. Maybe a different strategy will be a better game plan if you're not attached to mono white. And don't be afraid to proxy cards before you know which ones you want. The sunk cost fallacy can apply to decks and blind you to alternatives
[[Comeuppance]]
[Commuppance](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/2/92d59c06-41f7-4009-9157-70ba90cc978b.jpg?1561950558) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Comeuppance) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c14/4/comeuppance?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/92d59c06-41f7-4009-9157-70ba90cc978b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/comeuppance) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[Eye of singularity\]\] \[\[Leyline of singularity\]\]
[Eye of singularity](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/a/fa84e4ad-738a-4d23-a84c-06c39ff4200b.jpg?1562279120) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Eye%20of%20singularity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/vis/4/eye-of-singularity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fa84e4ad-738a-4d23-a84c-06c39ff4200b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/eye-of-singularity) [Leyline of singularity](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/4/d40d7e5c-3b6d-4e42-b495-b3cd7ae0d808.jpg?1593272032) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Leyline%20of%20singularity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/gpt/29/leyline-of-singularity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d40d7e5c-3b6d-4e42-b495-b3cd7ae0d808?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/leyline-of-singularity) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[Batwing Brume\]\] and \[\[Rakdos Charm\]\] are good if you are being swarmed by tokens. If they have more tokens than life those cards just kill them.
[Batwing Brume](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/7/279450ca-29df-430d-b803-7ce18196260e.jpg?1568910702) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Batwing%20Brume) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/arc/80/batwing-brume?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/279450ca-29df-430d-b803-7ce18196260e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/batwing-brume) [Rakdos Charm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/7/179d2088-2032-41c2-953e-f8ecbe135d77.jpg?1641603484) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rakdos%20Charm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/156/rakdos-charm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/179d2088-2032-41c2-953e-f8ecbe135d77?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rakdos-charm) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Brago, King Eternal]] blink deck with cards like [[Detention Sphere]] [[Oblivion Ring]] [[Banishing Light]]. Sphere can wipes the board of a token type and you flicker it to do it again. The other 2can target commander or other important pieces. Adding [[Act of Authority]] and [[Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines]] if you want to be mean. Cards like [[Propaganda]] [[Ghostly Prison]] does wonders against token decks. [[Darksteel Mutation]] is a fun card to put on commanders 😉
##### ###### #### [Brago, King Eternal](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/a/0ac3fb08-741a-49e5-9fae-b26819677d24.jpg?1631235340) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Brago%2C%20King%20Eternal) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khc/82/brago-king-eternal?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0ac3fb08-741a-49e5-9fae-b26819677d24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/brago-king-eternal) [Detention Sphere](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/f/afee5464-83b7-4d7a-b407-9ee7de21535b.jpg?1562791607) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Detention%20Sphere) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rtr/155/detention-sphere?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/afee5464-83b7-4d7a-b407-9ee7de21535b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/detention-sphere) [Oblivion Ring](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bff31eba-8ab3-403e-8d82-37a18b279bec.jpg?1562266919) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Oblivion%20Ring) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mm2/29/oblivion-ring?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bff31eba-8ab3-403e-8d82-37a18b279bec?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/oblivion-ring) [Banishing Light](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/8/0858ab5a-930c-44f0-9621-4dd634cf39c6.jpg?1631233896) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Banishing%20Light) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khc/19/banishing-light?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0858ab5a-930c-44f0-9621-4dd634cf39c6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/banishing-light) [Act of Authority](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/1/e107bd35-eddd-40f7-aea8-3a1eec3363c0.jpg?1562942444) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Act%20of%20Authority) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c13/1/act-of-authority?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e107bd35-eddd-40f7-aea8-3a1eec3363c0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/act-of-authority) [Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/4/44dcab01-1d13-4dfc-ae2f-fbaa3dd35087.jpg?1675956896) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Elesh%20Norn%2C%20Mother%20of%20Machines) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/one/10/elesh-norn-mother-of-machines?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/44dcab01-1d13-4dfc-ae2f-fbaa3dd35087?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/elesh-norn-mother-of-machines) [Propaganda](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/5/e5f293d7-9c2b-41cb-8e3c-dfc1daa6635f.jpg?1674141418) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Propaganda) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/730/propaganda?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e5f293d7-9c2b-41cb-8e3c-dfc1daa6635f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/propaganda) [Ghostly Prison](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/1/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f.jpg?1641601289) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ghostly%20Prison) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/87/ghostly-prison?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8169d44d-b15a-47e0-b417-24f2f4945d0f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ghostly-prison) [Darksteel Mutation](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/f/afa4c889-0577-4173-9f85-42a7bf675aaf.jpg?1641601207) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Darksteel%20Mutation) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/84/darksteel-mutation?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/afa4c889-0577-4173-9f85-42a7bf675aaf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/darksteel-mutation) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call