The #RoadtoBlizzCon is winding down, and the best Hearthstone talent in the world are gearing up for most prestegious tournament to date. Among those, are the players competing today and tomorrow in the second phase of the North American qualifers, held in New York City. Their prize? One of the four spots in the 2014 Hearthstone World Championship and a chance at $250,000.
Amongst these players are some of the most recognizable names in Hearthstone. Will StrifeCro, ThatsAdmirable, Chakki and TidesofTime continue their undefeated streak from the first phase? Or will an underdog like Stunner come in for the upset? Regardless of the outcome, this tournament is poised to solidfy some of the lingering debates on what decks perform well in the current post buzzard nerf meta.
This group promises an exciting series of matches and you can keep track of the action here with continual updates throughout the matches. Who do you think will make it out on top?
Group A recap:
Hyped VS Stunner.
Game 1: Priest vs ZooLock
Zoo will always be a viable deck, and Stunner's decision to run it first paid off. Hyped was simply overwhelmed by a powerful series of draws, including a timely Void Terror that closed the book on Hyped’s priest. In response to the loss, Hyped chose Freeze Mage to combat the Zoo.
Game 2: Freeze Mage VS ZooLock
Hyped knew his Freeze Mage deck had more than enough ways to stem the bleeding a Zoo deck could cause, and through a combination of Ice Blocks, Ice Barriers, Doomsayers and Frost Novas, Stunner would eventually run out of killing power and die to multiple Fireballs brought on by Archmage Antonidas. Notable misplay from Stunner by not tapping first before using his mana, he was unable to play a Nerubian Egg the turn before Hyped would play a very obvious Flamestrike.
Game 3: Freeze Mage vs Ramp Druid.
When Freeze mage draws well it shows. Hyped had an answer for nearly everything Stunner attempted to play and was quickly able to assemble more than enough damage through Fireballs and Ice lances.
Game 4: Freeze Mage vs Priest.
Excellent use of Doomsayer. Stunner started off strong with a solid priest opener, but again, Hyped showed why Doomsayer is one of his favorite cards with an excellence early use to control the board. From then on, Stunner couldn’t do anything to stop Hyped from drawing multiple cards from an Acolyte of Pain and wait through turn after turn of having a full board of frozen minions. Interesting to note: Hype’s two copies of Ice Block were in the bottom 3 cards of his deck and Stunner still couldn’t kill the Freeze mage.
Result: Hyped wins 3-1 vs Stunner.
Game 1: Control Paladin vs Zoolock
Slow Paladin decks have a very hard time vs Zoolock, and Thatsadmirable’s decision to run one first was a tactical risk that didn’t quite payoff this round. Ant’s Zoolock did it’s thing and killed everything before anyone had a chance to fight back. Well met, Zoolock. Well Met.
Game 2: Handlock vs Zoolock.
Explosively fast game from Ant. It is not every day you see a turn 4 kill, but alas, today we saw a turn 4 kill. Both players couldn’t help but laugh, but I think Thatsadmirable might have had some tears mixed of sorrow amongst Ant’s tears of joy.
Game 3: Ramp Druid vs Zoolock.
Ant must have paid his dutiful tithe to the RNG Gods, as this game was easily won yet again with an explosively fast set of draws, resulting in more straight to the face Zoolock goodness. Thatsadmirable can’t seem to catch a break.
Result: Ant wins 3-0 vs Thatsadmirable.
Game 1: Zoolock vs Ramp Druid.
Ant is a great Zoolock player, and it shows in this match. Hyped had a pretty good swipe, but ultimately double Undertaker has way too much value. However, keeping in line with Hyped strategy throughout this tournament, I believe this Druid deck isn’t very important and it was used mainly to scout the opponents deck and see whether or not it will hard counter Freeze mage.
Game 2: Zoolock vs Freeze mage.
Ant played an optimal Zoolock match vs freeze mage, but it doesn't matter. Hyped has been showing superb game sense and awareness when selecting his decks, and it appears that he knows his Freeze Mage deck is suited very well against this tournaments meta. The lack of warriors in this tournament must make Hyped feel very good.
Game 3: Ramp Druid vs Freeze Mage.
Ant has a very interesting Druid deck, as I don’t believe running Ancient of War is standard. That being said, Ant has a very impressive level of predictions this game, including an almost game winning Loatheb play and a game saving Keeper of the Grove. However, the strength of Hyped and his Freeze Mage was on full display here. There was nothing Ant could do.
Game 4: Shaman(?) vs Freeze Mage.
A lot of great moves this game, especially the minion placement from Ant. Knowing that Hyped runs two copies of Cone of Cold, Ant took a little extra time planning where to place his minions to devalue the Cone of Cold as much as possible. However, like every game against Hyped and his Freeze Mage, there was a point in which things become truly un-winnable, and Ant crossed that point rather quickly.
Game 1: Backspace Rogue VS Ramp Druid.
These type of rogue decks use Coldlight Oracle to great affect vs slower decks and this game is a great example of that. Stunner was forced to over draw twice and Thatsadmirable’s Sap’s turned into two mana assassinates vs an opponent with a full hand. Regardless of all of this synergy, Gadgetzan Auctioneer was never drawn. Also, Stunner's use of Spectral Knights vs a nearly an all spell deck was brutal.
Game 2: Control Paladin VS Ramp Druid.
Thatsadmirable’s Control Paladin is serious about surviving the late game, but Stunner is serious about killing you when you get there. After a punishing Cenarius that buffed over 8 attack and 8 health worth of minions, there wasn’t enough holy lights in the world to keep Thatsadmirable alive.
Interesting play: The choice to NOT silence Tyrion Fordring, and instead play Cenarius. I’m not sure most players would have the discipline to not silence the most silence-able target in the game.
Game 3: Ramp Druid vs Ramp Druid
Thatsadmirable had an amazing set of draws, doing over 12 damage with a single minion, and ending the game with two minions and double Savage Roar. Stunner had already gotten two wins out of his druid deck however, and happily decided to go into game 4 with his Rogue deck.
Game 4: Ramp Druid vs Miracle Rogue
Stunner shows in this match just how powerful Miracle Rogue can be when you manage your removal with your face damage. Thatsadmirable Fought tooth and nail, but couldn’t survive the shiv’s and daggers towards his face. Thatsadmirable is eliminated.
Group B recap:
Game 1: Aggro Hunter VS Zoo lock
Both players had similar ideas of opening the series with their most aggressive deck, and this match was an all out slug fest. Double Kill Command eventually sealed the game away in 15 damage out of nowhere, giving Firebat the win. Twisted chose Shaman for the next match.
Game 2: Aggro Hunter vs Control shaman
Twisted runs double Lava Burst in this deck; an interesting meta call that unfortunately is the last two cards you want to draw in the first 3 turns vs aggro hunter. After a fast start from Firebat, Twisted found himself with 8 health on turn 6. You can guess what card was in Firebat’s hand. I will give you a hint: rhymes with pill demand.
Game 3: Aggro Hunter VS Mid-range Hunter.
In a mirror match gaining little bits of value at every opportunity is extra important. So when Twisted managed to silence the opposing Savannah Highmane before trading with his own Savannah Highmane, thinks were looking up. After that, a devastating Unleash the Hounds was all it took to gain back some momentum and take his first game vs Firebat.
Game 4: Zoolock VS Mid-range Hunter.
While the slower, mid-range version of the Hunter Deck provided Twisted the edge in the mirror, it was too slow to survive vs Firebats Zoolock deck. You know how the story goes: Firebat play a lot of minions, and Twisted couldn't keep up with their deadly intent to smash into faces.
Result: Firebat wins 3-1 vs Twisted.
Game 1: Aggro Hunter vs Ramp Druid.
Two Spectral Knights followed by a sun fury protector leaves a hunter opponent extremely sad. There really wasn’t much that Deathstar could of down once StrifeCro assembled the wombo-combo. In response Deathstar went to an aggressive looking Shaman deck.
StrifeCro is running two copies of sun fury protector and Spectral Knight in this deck, which is turning out to be a very wise meta game call.
Game 2: Control Shaman vs Ramp Druid
This game went down to the wire, with both players below 10 HP in the late stages of the game, trading empty board against empty board. StrifeCro’s Spectral Knight proved to invaluable again, as once played on an empty board, control Shaman has no way to clear it. Deathstar: 0 Spectral Knight: 2
Game 3: Mid-range Priest vs Ramp Druid.
Deathstar managed to get back on the board by controling the early game and entering the late game with 30 health and board control. While a timely Cenarious gave Strifecro the much needed taunt and board presence, a even more timely Shadow Madness from Deathstar gave him his first win vs the infamous druid player.
Game 4: Mid-range Priest VS Handlock
Things were going very well for Deathstar and his priest deck, until around turn 9 and he found him self facing LORD JAXXARAS OF THE BURNING LEGION and proceded to die through a combination of INFERNAL'S and more INFERNAL's.
Interesting play towards the end of the game when StrifeCro used Siphon Soul on his own creature to increase his chances of winning from 97% to 99%.
Result: StrifeCro wins 3-1 vs Deathstar
Game 1: Aggro Hunter vs Aggro (snakes) Hunter.
Both players decided to star with Hunter, but Twisted's deck seemed built more around Snake Trap and Knife Juggler, allowing him to control the board easier and more consistently. Double Kill Command eventually won the game for Twisted, and it was a huge victory.
Deathstar loss here is important, as he really doesn’t have any strong decks to switch into vs Twisted’s hunter.
Game 2: Zoolock vs Aggro (snakes) Hunter
Deathstar had the INSANE Zoolock draw. Turn 4 4/5 Gravedigger is very strong and Twisted can attest to this via the bruises on his face. Things looked good for a bit after a timely Sludge Belcher draw, but the early damage made it all too easy to finish the game with a Doom Guard.
Game 3: Zoolock vs Aggressive Shaman.
There was a point in this match where Twisted used Defender of Argus a Flame on a Flame Tongue totem. I questioned this move at first, and than Twisted proceeded to win the game due to his opponent being three HP off from lethal. Great match, especially seeing Shaman win vs a lucky series of Zoolock draws.
Game 4: Shaman vs Aggressive Shaman.
In the Shaman mirror, the control elements of the match are highlighted, so it makes sense that Deathstar’s deck had the advantage. Drawing more cards and playing higher mana cost minions will eventually make a difference, especially in the mirror.
Game 5: Shaman vs Zoolock
Both players this set have encounter a loss when playing Shaman VS Zoolock, which provides an interesting look into a possible strategy going into Day 2. A decisive Victory for Deathstar here- well earned win vs a great player. Fire Elemental is a really good card.
Result : Deathstar wins 3-2 vs Twisted
Game 1: Ramp Druid vs Zoolock
StrifeCro doesn’t seem to break a sweat, even when his Zoolock opponent plays Doom Guard and draws into a Doom Guard the next turn with 0 cards in hand. Thanks to some precise swipe math, StrifeCro was able to win the face race and start off the series with some momentum. Most likely Firebat will go Priest to battle the deceptively fast Druid deck.
Game 2: Ramp Druid vs Priest.
Long game. StrifeCro has a great talent for playing cards the moment they are the most effective, most notably a moment towards the end of the match when he decided to play Chillwind Yeti instead of Ancient of Lore. Double Savage roar showed it’s strength and Firebat looks visibly upset after losing twice to the druid, especially in matches that his decks were favored to win.
Game 3: Ramp Druid vs Shaman.
Firebat seems more comfortable in Shaman, and perhaps he should of chosen it earlier vs the Druid. As the game drew out, Firebat seemed ahead on the draws, eventually ending the game with Al’akir the Windlord and double Rock biter weapon for 18 damage in one swing. Firebat still has an uphill battle to fight if he wants to take the set.
Game 4: Hunter VS Shaman
Hunter vs Shaman is an interesting matchup because as the game goes later, Hunter hero power punishes Doomhammer badly. All Strifecro needed was a timely Unleash the Hounds + Kill Command to finish the set 3-1. Somewhat unlucky for these two players to get paired with each other, as they are training partners and good friends, but maybe now Firebat can help StrifeCro on his deck selection for Day 2.
Result: StrifeCro wins 3-1 vs Firebat
Group C recap:
Game 1:Handlock VS Zoolock
The ultimate game ending upset. Chakki had Doom Guard and Soulfire in hand plus two other cards. If Soul fire discards anything other than Doom Guard, he wins. Of course, Soulfire Discards the Doom and Chakki should lose right?
Yeah he should. But than next turn he draws Leper Gnome. With Power Overwhelming in his hand. And Tarei has two HP left.
Game 2: Hunter vs Zoolock.
Chakki taking game two vs Hunter is a very surprising outcome.Tarei had the advantage throughout most of the game, and knowing this, Chakki made a lot of risky plays that he needed to get lucky for. Knife Juggler Plays. Blind life tap plays. This is the correct play though, as any other style of play would of most likely lost, although they seemed more reasonable.
An important lesson can be found in this match. You aren’t just trying to “not die” in hearthstone. You are always trying to kill the opponent.
Game 3: Druid vs Zoolock.
Sometimes it takes a long time to stabilize vs Zoolock. Tarei had a lot of opportunities to give up, but he didn’t. For his grit, he was rewarded with a top decked savage war for the win. It is important to give credit to Chakki’s ability to take big risks when playing Zoolock. A lot of these matches he is getting extremely lucky, but at the same time, he is putting him selves in positions where the good luck is so advantageous, it becomes a reasonable gamble.
Game 4: Druid vs Shaman
Double Doomhammer! Unique deck choice from Chakki, but it doesn't look like it paid off. This game was so close that Chakki actually had two seperate instances to win if he rolled a spell damage totem, but he didn't and instead Tarei brought it all the way back from 0-2 with another win with his druid deck, tying it up.
Interesting note that Tarei is playing Argent Commander in his Druid deck, which won him this match.
Game 5: Druid vs Violet Teacher Rogue
Intresting take on the Miracle rogue deck. It attempts to focus more on board control as it attempts to OTK. Impressive reverse sweep by Tarei, thought not too surprising considering his last deck was Druid. The versatilty of Druid was put on display this series, as the deck has a strong removal suite, poweferul minions that dominate the board, and even a burst combo element in the form of Savage Roar. In this last game, Chakki had to legitimately play around leaving two minions on the board, despite having around 20 health. You would think you are playing against a dedidcated combo deck but no, that is just Druid.
Result: Tareri wins 3-2 against Chakki
Game 1: Ramp Druid vs Hunter.
The power of Spectral Knight shines again against Hunter. There really isn’t many effective ways to for hunter to clear the board against Spectral Knight, and if you start trading minions as a Hunter, than you start losing out on a lot of the synergy your deck needs to win.
Interesting to note: This is very similar to the Druid deck that StrifeCro used to clear his bracket.
Game 2: Ramp Druid vs Midrange Shaman
This game was played very differently because of DTWO's deck construction. DTWO is running double Savage Roar and Force of Nature, which used to be standard in Druid but eventually fell out of favor. In this match, DTWO's entire game plan was revolved around using the combo he drew relatively early. He would of not had the reach necessary to win vs Protohype's Shaman if it wasn't for him running double instances of the combo.
Game 3: Ramp Druid vs Control Priest
Priest decks these days don't run very many taunt minions, which leaves them especially vulnerable to the druid combo. Sure enough, the conclusion of this game was dependent entirely on whether or not DTWO would draw Savage Roar or not. Despite being ahead on board and hand count, Protohype still was vulnerable to losing at any moment in the game. I think this says a lot about the Druid vs Priest matchup and I think Senjin Shieldmasta's could make a reasonable comeback in this Meta.
Thankfully to Protohype, DTWO did not draw the savage roar. Onward to game 4.
Game 4: Handlock vs Control Priest.
Even though Protohype's Priest deck is so late game oriented, the strength of Zombie chow + Undertaker as neutral minions really can not be understated here. Any deck now can have a fast early game start, which in the case of a control priest, is very powerful. A lot of things went Protohype's way this game, most notably a disasterous turn in which DTWO plays a Ragnaros across three enemy minions. Rag went for face, and on protohype's turn, he casted Mind Steal followed by Siphon Soul on Ragnaros. Ouch.
However, thanks to LORD JAXXARAS OF THE BURNING LEGION, DTWO made a great comeback using INFERNALS.
Result: DTWO Wins 3-1 VS Protohype
Game 1: Miracle Rogue VS Ramp Druid.
This was a very hard game to win for Tarei, so hard, he actually didn’t win. When a druid has rampant growth innervate start, their ability to flood the board is too much for Miracle rogue to handle. Tarei even drew rather well, and was able to “go off” in miracle rogue fashion on around turn 7. The problem is he had 5 health when that happened, and all of the tempo in the world can’t stop Force of Nature from killing you.
Also, MVP in this match was Loatheb. The card designed to kill miracle did just that.
Game 2: Control Druid vs Ramp Druid.
Tarei starts the game off with turn one coin rampant growth into a turn 2 Shade of Naxramas. It’s a strong play that’s echoes could be felt throughout the next 3 turns. DTWO's Druid deck simply couldn’t keep up with the break neck speed offered by that turn 1 Ramp, and sure enough by turn 6 DTWO was getting mauled to death by three charging trees.
Game 3: Control Druid VS Handlock
When your Handlock opponent has to Power Overwhelming a Twilight Drake followed by a ShadowFlame just to clear your turn 5 board, things are going right.Tarei was gifted with another very fast hand aided by innervates and Chillwind Yeti’s that immediately put pressure DTWO had to account for. The result? A hand lock without cards in their hand.
That result? A dead Handlock
game 4: Control Druid VS Shaman
Argent Commander has been doing very well in Tarei’s deck, but I am not sure if that is because the card is strong in this meta or Tarei never seems to face a Sludge Belcher. Shaman is usually well suited for the long game, but we have seen it in this match, and we have seen it in dozens of other matches this tournament; none of that helps when your opponent has force of nature. Druids are strong!
Result: Tarei wins 3-1vs DTWO
Game 1: Shaman vs Shaman
The infamous double Doom Hammer came into play for Chakki, but again, was rather clunky. In the mirror match, the subtle differences of the two decks take factor how they will be played, however in this case, Chakki’s more burst oriented deck actually managed to control the board better then Protohypes. That small advantage was carried Chakki to the very end of the match, and as both players were top decking, Chakki simply had more minions on the board for the win.
Game 2: Burst Shaman vs Zoolock.
Protohype knows how to play Zoolock, but there is inevitably a period in which the Zoolock player runs out of cards, but still has a strong board presence vs an opponent with very low health. Normally, most Shaman’s wouldn’t have the resources needed to clear the board, but Chakki’s Shaman deck is different. It is more aggressive in nature and packs a lot of damage spells. Including Flame Burst and Lighting Bolts, meaning that clearing Zoo before it can kill you becomes a little easier. And that is exactly what Chakki Did.
Game 3: Burst Shaman vs Hunter.
One of the quickest rounds of the tournament. Even Protohype’s hunter deck couldn’t keep up with the burst damage capable of Chakki’s Shaman. Explosive trap was very weak in this matchup, as was Frost trap. Tough game for Protohype, as this deck was clearly designed to face a deck with smaller minions.
Result: Chakki wins 3-0 over Protohype.
Group D recap:
Game 1: Control Warrior VS Handlock.
The first warrior seen so far in the tournament! TidesofTime is such a top level player, it doesn’t surprise me that he would make such a specific meta game call. This deck also includes Big Game Hunter, which naturally was played on turn 4 after Kuhaku played a Mountain Giant. Interesting play: TidesofTime drops a Ragnaros onto a board with two mountain Giants (one was a faceless). The risk of course is if Ragnaros hits face, but technically the odds were in TidesofTime’s favor.
TidesofTime goes on to win with a very clever Ysera play.
Game 2: Control Warrior vs Mid-range Rogue
Interested deck from Kuhaku. You don’t often see a Rogue deck running Cairn Bloodhoof and Edwin Vancleef.
Very cool plays by both players. In one instance Kuhaku plays a Sludge Belcher and than Cold Blood on a 1/1 Violent Teacher token. In response, TidesofTime equips a Frostbite, attacks the Sludge Belcher, and than equips a Fiery War Axe, triggering the whirlwind on the Frostbite, killing both minions. Very close game. Comes down to the very wire!
Impressive play by TidesofTime as usual. Kuhaku must feel pretty deflated after this loss, as this rogue deck is pretty much expected to perform well against the warrior.
Game 3: Control Warrior VS Mid-range Shaman.
When a Warrior doesn’t draw Fiery War Axe, Mana Tide Totem becomes a disgustingly powerful card. In this game, Kuhaku drew up to 3 cards with Mana Tide totem. Then it was 4 cards. Then 5. The result of such an untouched Mana Tide Totem is a hand full of Lighting bolts, Hexes, and Earth Shocks used precisely to answer every threat TidesofTime has to offer. That early advantage sealed the deal.
Game 4: Control Priest VS Mid-Range Shaman
Very grindy game with some fantastic plays by both players, interrupted only by a very uncharacteristic misstep by TidesofTime in which he ran out of time and played a somewhat suboptimal play. Kuhaku is impressing the entire tournament at this point, as he consistently plays this old-school Shaman deck with precision. Diligent use of removal this game allowed Kuhaku to come back from the edge of defeat and burst down TidesofTime.
Game 5: Handlock vs Mid-Range Shaman.
Both players kept well balanced hands, although Kuhaku may have mistakenly predicted Zoolock and mulliganed with that in mind. An unlikely Soulfire for TidesofTime discarded an important Shadow Flame, allowing Kuhaku to freely develop an aggressive boarder. There was an interesting moment when TidesofTime played a Twilight Drake into a hand that almost assuredly had Earth Shock. It appeared to be a deliberate attempt to bait out Earth Shock in order to better protect his taunt minions for when he inevitably goes to low health, protected only by taunted giants.
TidesofTime takes a very long and well earned series!
Game 1: Zoolock vs Control Druid.
Very interesting Druid build that runs Ancient of War and Healing touch, which appears to be a meta call against aggro decks. The game went very very lopsided once Deerjason Healed a 5/2 Ancient of War with taunt back to a 5/10 Ancient of War after Jab traded nearly his entire board in an attempt to kill it. Like most druid games this tournament, it ended with Force of Nature.
Game 2: Ramp Druid vs Control Druid
DeerJason’s inclusion of Ancient of War is very powerful in the mirror, however not surprisingly it will eventually run into a Black Knight, as it did this game. However, once Jab had the momentum in his favor, DeerJason simply played ANOTHER rooted ancient of war and behind the protection of a 5/10, was able to establish a Ragnaros that simply fired too many huge fireballs for Jab to come back from.
Game 3: Midrange hunter vs Control Druid.
Yet another series in this tournament that comes down to a Druid sweeping multiple victories against decks that were not prepared to fight them. DeerJason had wild growth one very single one of his opening hands in this series, which no doubt contributed to his success, however near flawless play coupled with a unique deck designed to beat out aggressive strategies, It was no surprise that this match vs Jab ended so easily. Healing touch is a huge 8 damage swing against small minion based aggressive strategies, and against Jab’s hunter, allowed him to make it to the late game. I look forward to seeing more of this deck.
Result: DeerJason wins 3-0 over Jab.
Game 1: Shaman VS Frost Mage
Sometimes the Freeze Mage looks like the most powerful deck in the game. When you watch this game vs DeerJason's Shaman, there realy isn't anything that he could of done to stop TidesofTime from idefinently stalling the board ad nauseum until lethal damage VIA spells is drawn. DeerJason's shaman deck has no reliable heal to counter the Frost Mage win condition, so his loss is very expected.
Game 2: Control Druid vs Frost Mage
Perfect example of how a unique meta call can win your a tournament. Deer Jason should of lost this game.
That is to say, DeerJason would of lost this game, if it wasn’t for his lone healing touch that TidesofTime had no idea was in DeerJason’s deck. Playing FrostMage, TidesofTime had the game won for multiple turns. However, due to a desire to be cautious and safe to the extreme, TidesofTime gave DeerJason just enough time to draw a Healing Touch and bring him out of lethal range.
It’s hard to explain the levels of trickery / Throws that were at hand in this game. Watch it for your self. Cringe at the horror of it all.
Game: 3 Control Druid vs Control Warrior
Again, this game is a little hard to watch. TidesofTime gets very unlucky, and for some reason, healing touch is, yet again, the MVP that wins DeerJason the game. Very entertaining match however, despite a very clear misplay on the part of DeerJason involving the use of Wrath. Interesting Moment: When the game literally came up to a coin toss that DeerJason won, altering playing lone Ragnaros against TidesofTIme’s lone Ragnaros.
Game 4: Control Druid vs Handlock
In probably the biggest upset of the Tournament, DeerJason Sweeps TidesofTime with a ramp Druid deck that runs lot’s of taunts and Healing touch. Many instances of this game were extremely coin-tossy However, You can’t take credit away from DeerJason. These situations he placed him self in where calculated risk’s that paid off. Is a defensive ramp druid a viable deck for today’s meta? Looks like it.
Result: DeerJason wins 3-1 over TidesofTime
Game 1: Mid-Range Rogue VS ZooLock
Jab on ZooLock keeps even pace with Kuhaku’s board centric rogue deck, but that isn’t even what Zoolock want’s to do. Just keep pace that is. So when Jab plays a Dark Iron Dwarf followed by a newly drawn Doomguard for 7 bonus points of unexpected damage, Kukahku can’t help but tilt before he dies. In his hand was more than enough spells and minions to secure the victory, and if he had only sapped the turn before, he likely would have won the game. Guess you should always be counting potential damage from your opponent.
Game 2: Shaman vs Zoolock.
All throughout this tournament, Shaman decks have had a very interesting relationship between Doomhamer and Zoolocks. For one, Shamans have been performing very well vs Zoolocks and largely off the back of a timely Doomhammer. Kuhaku walks a razor thin line and goes wind fury swinging into all sorts of 2 health minions, resulting in an extremely precarious low life total but total board control. The game is both tense, but not. The Shaman is winning, but all it takes is a Doomguard or Soulfire draw.
It’s always a Doomguard or Soulfire draw. This match, it wasn’t and Kuhaku takes the win.
Game 3: Shaman VS Death rattle Priest
Priest is a very one-sided matchup vs Shaman, and naturally, Jab chose it vs the Shaman. This match highlights that advantage, as we see most of the Shamans removal spells simply not doing enough damage to kill any minions. Once Jab established board control with a a turn 1 Zombie Chow and a timely Dark Cultist it was all down hill from there.
Just to highlight how hard this match is for Shaman, the game ended 0 Health to 30 health. Jab wins with Priest.
game 4: Control Druid VS Death rattle Priest
On the other hand, Druid can give priest some problems due to the large number of 4 health minions immune to both shadow word: Death and Shadow word: Pain. Keeping in line with the rest of this tournament, Kuhaku takes advantage of the Druid deck’s versatility and manages to go maintain equilibrium long enough with the Priest deck until he can draw the Force of Nature + Savage roar. With these two cards, he then shatters the equilibrium and wins the game.
Game 5: Control Druid vs Ramp Druid
How fitting that the last game of Day 1 is a mirror of the most dominating class of the day! I think the largest difference between these two decks was a Kelthuzad that Kuhaku included, but I am not entirely sure. Both players start off with strong hands, and trade minions throughout the first 6 furns, however on the 7th turn Jab executes a rather clever bait that tempts Kuhaku to play a Druid of the Claw in bear form: perfect target for Jab’s Black Knight. With this advantage, Jab continues to dominate the board, eventually winning the match and taking the series.
Result: Jab wins 3-2 vs Kuhaku
