Affinity vs Turbo Initiative | Semifinals 1 - Quest for the Best Pauper Deck Ever

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  • Опубліковано 28 січ 2025
  • What was the best Pauper deck ever? We made our community vote for one deck to represent each year since 2010, recruited 16 Pauper Experts to play a 5-round tournament, and now we bring you each match of the Top 8. Carl is playing Andrea and either All That Glitters or the Initiative Mechanic could be knocked out of the tournament.
    All decklists & Swiss matches: bit.ly/49tJHSF
    Decks featured in this video: bit.ly/430ToXe
    The Swiss pilot for All that Glitters Affinity was @walker7355
    The Swiss pilot for Turbo Initiative was @saltandpauper
    _______________________________
    !Opinions expressed in this video are those of the author/video creator and not necessarily Cardmarket.
    ➥ Buy and Sell your cards: 🛒
    www.cmkt.co/v
    You can find us on:
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 327

  • @CardmarketMagic
    @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому +21

    All decklists & Swiss matches: bit.ly/49tJHSF
    Decks featured in this video: bit.ly/430ToXe
    The Swiss pilot for All that Glitters Affinity was @walker7355
    The Swiss pilot for Turbo Initiative was @saltandpauper

  • @MateoByrd-kg9rf
    @MateoByrd-kg9rf 9 місяців тому +446

    The little shape showing which cards are being put on bottom post-mulligan is a nice touch

    • @sl3848
      @sl3848 9 місяців тому +8

      To add to this, it would be nice if there were a way to better see which cards get discarded/brainstormed/etc in these videos. I usually have to rewind a few seconds to catch it

    • @theelectricant98
      @theelectricant98 8 місяців тому +3

      The editing on these is unmatched by any mtg channel. Great info, displayed in a satisfying way, but never over the top or obstructive

  • @tempest1246
    @tempest1246 9 місяців тому +92

    I like how the chatterstorm deck was so favored to win that its still highlighted on the bracket over elves

  • @aryst0krat
    @aryst0krat 9 місяців тому +267

    Andrea's "Nooooooo :D" would make a great reaction gif

    • @redstoneplaysmc1639
      @redstoneplaysmc1639 9 місяців тому +9

      The same could be said for Andrea's face when he top-decked that Galvanic Blast

    • @fish_in_distress
      @fish_in_distress 9 місяців тому +7

      So would his "I'm sorry (I'm not, I'm not sorry)" at the end there lol

    • @MrWnw
      @MrWnw 4 місяці тому +1

      He lost by his own mistake. It was obvious when the opponent was counting rooms that he can get to the trap.

  • @outputcoupler7819
    @outputcoupler7819 9 місяців тому +208

    "Damage on the stack" to steal the fez killed me.

    • @joshuaplank9791
      @joshuaplank9791 9 місяців тому +5

      I don't think "damage on the stack" is required though, since putting on a hat is a special action!

    • @fwop7436
      @fwop7436 9 місяців тому +8

      It also killed Karl! 😄

    • @giacomofasulo3861
      @giacomofasulo3861 9 місяців тому +2

      A Vintage exclamation

    • @Tharkon
      @Tharkon 8 місяців тому +4

      Even if you put damage on the stack, The Initiative only triggers when you deal the damage, and then SBA's will end the game before it can resolve so there is no way to take the initiative here and Carl would take the initiative, and the fez, with him to the grave.

  • @stefan_wsl3398
    @stefan_wsl3398 9 місяців тому +554

    The dead three are the three dead gods, Bane (tyranny), Baarl (Murder) and Myrkul (death)

    • @jacobeden2083
      @jacobeden2083 9 місяців тому +18

      I think in canon Bane survived (not sure if undead myrkul counts) and became an actual god, but they were all working together to take over the job of the previous god of death, then inevitably betrayed each other, murdered the brand new god of murder, and the other two split the rest of the portfolio

    • @davidhouseman4328
      @davidhouseman4328 9 місяців тому +10

      Yeah, Bhaal is the fella that spawned a score of mortal progeny to kick of Baldurs gate.

    • @GaybrohamStinkton
      @GaybrohamStinkton 9 місяців тому +9

      Bane (Batman), Baal (Diablo), Miku (will punch you to death)

    • @JerryTheToast
      @JerryTheToast 9 місяців тому +4

      Sad to see Carl doesn't seem to have played Baldurs Gate 3 :(

    • @Mightypi
      @Mightypi 9 місяців тому +1

      And they are fools, every one.

  • @CommanderAmateur
    @CommanderAmateur 9 місяців тому +22

    The thing i love most about the "Quest for..."-videos is not only that the games are highly competitive, but all participants have such a sweet chemistry with one another. Thats what makes these games so enjoyable to watch.

  • @ursulcx299
    @ursulcx299 9 місяців тому +39

    When I say why I love pauper, my main reason is how close the meta is, no deck truely ever is dominant and on a good day you can see basically any of the good deck pull a win. This just show it again. Pauper is awesome.

  • @MelanieOh
    @MelanieOh 9 місяців тому +68

    You guys are always very dynamic, but the back-and-forth plays in this match in particular were fantastic. Well done!

  • @bricelory9534
    @bricelory9534 9 місяців тому +140

    Unsurprising MVP: Snuff Out on the one side, Gingerbrute on the other.
    Turns out unblockable, haste 1/1s are the most important part of the matchup - to have or to deal with. (Not at all surprising since Initiative itself is so busted).

    • @malte54
      @malte54 9 місяців тому +14

      I mean, the only reason why Snuff Out is the MVP on the one side, is because Gingerbrute is on the other side :D

    • @Dracomandriuthus
      @Dracomandriuthus 9 місяців тому +1

      I knew very well how this MU would go.
      Either Andrea has ginger
      Or Andrea loses

  • @sh41
    @sh41 9 місяців тому +55

    Yes! Go Andrea, go!
    Only aggro decks remain.
    None of the games went the way I expected. The tech play around the pyroblast was very cool

    • @lucamarsiglia7284
      @lucamarsiglia7284 9 місяців тому

      no

    • @sh41
      @sh41 9 місяців тому

      @@lucamarsiglia7284 I guess you're a fan of initiative?

    • @joshuagriffith9191
      @joshuagriffith9191 9 місяців тому +4

      @@sh41 It turned out not to matter due to Andrea drawing the galvanic blast , but the correct creature was the sneak. It would have hexproof until Karl’s next turn. Pyroblast wouldn’t have been able to kill it and he would have had a flyer.

  • @luna_coool
    @luna_coool 9 місяців тому +162

    that last draw in game 2 was amazing!!!

    • @eigilbundgaard3364
      @eigilbundgaard3364 9 місяців тому +4

      How did you finish already? It dropped 6 min ago😂

    • @EmbeJuicemazzopazzo
      @EmbeJuicemazzopazzo 9 місяців тому

      @@eigilbundgaard3364 people watch stuff at 1.5x speed or even more

    • @luna_coool
      @luna_coool 9 місяців тому +5

      @@eigilbundgaard3364 I like to see who wins the game so I can root for them

  • @boleto_toon
    @boleto_toon 9 місяців тому +103

    Love to see Pauper content!

  • @Ifedoll
    @Ifedoll 9 місяців тому +28

    I've never seen anyone draw like Andrea. This man can't be stopped.

  • @Dropzewinner
    @Dropzewinner 9 місяців тому +15

    Andrea’s piloting of affinity has finally made me get the non commander bug and I’ll happily say I’m joining pauper with affinity

  • @NNNNTTTT-q6c
    @NNNNTTTT-q6c 9 місяців тому +18

    Thank you for putting indicators on what cards get bottomed when you mulligan this time! That's really helpful for following the game

  • @sorin_markov
    @sorin_markov 9 місяців тому +32

    "Damage on the stack" 25:08 that's some *old* Magic lore lol

    • @Aaackermann
      @Aaackermann 9 місяців тому +1

      Bring it back, I say!
      😅

  • @Yodel1ngS0up
    @Yodel1ngS0up 9 місяців тому +40

    Cardmarket uploading on my birthday!!!! I love this series, amazing game!

    • @CardmarketMagic
      @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому +19

      Happy birthday! 🥳

    • @Yodel1ngS0up
      @Yodel1ngS0up 9 місяців тому +11

      @@CardmarketMagic thanks so much! You guys are by far my favorite Magic content creators, top tier content!!!

    • @johncameron1935
      @johncameron1935 9 місяців тому

      @@Yodel1ngS0up Happy birthday!

  • @Jinxedfromthestart
    @Jinxedfromthestart 9 місяців тому +5

    I’ve never seen two gentlemen that look so dapper and debonair in a fez! Great vid, this has been a fun series so far.

  • @ericadams2045
    @ericadams2045 9 місяців тому +58

    This is my favorite series on UA-cam

  • @joefekete4384
    @joefekete4384 9 місяців тому +26

    Andrea. Hire Andrea. These videos with him are the best you guys make

    • @CardmarketMagic
      @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому +32

      We tried, but you'll never get Andrea out of Italia :)

    • @filippodardi2180
      @filippodardi2180 8 місяців тому +4

      @@CardmarketMagic Just open an Italian branch already!! >:D

  • @NNNNTTTT-q6c
    @NNNNTTTT-q6c 9 місяців тому +13

    Of all the decks in the bracket, if one deck was going to beat Turbo Initiative, it was going to be Glitters (... or Chatterstorm). Turns out the deck with a built-in way to take the Initiative is pretty good in this matchup.

  • @djanpo993
    @djanpo993 8 місяців тому +1

    I think game two was one of the best this channel ever showcased. And your chemistry in this one was amazing. Thanks :)

  • @andreww479
    @andreww479 9 місяців тому +6

    I think one of my favorite things about these series with decks from different eras is the little things in matchups that never come up, like Andrea not having a basic but commenting that he would have one if Initiative didnt get banned out.

  • @gotic1926
    @gotic1926 9 місяців тому +5

    I love it, when Andrea comes to visit and a beat down to you guys.

  • @MindstabThrull
    @MindstabThrull 9 місяців тому +7

    Carl putting on his cap at the start of game three was cool. Because it's a fez, and fezzes are cool!

  • @nicobaur3076
    @nicobaur3076 9 місяців тому +24

    1 am in Japan and the best thing this week just dropped. Thank you guys, perfect for after the gym.

  • @ThankYouForTheVideos
    @ThankYouForTheVideos 9 місяців тому +5

    Those were some great games! Always love seeing Mengu!!

  • @faefeatherweight
    @faefeatherweight 9 місяців тому

    THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! The suspense! The reads! That game 2 was incredible! Thank you once again for an amazing video!

  • @betabrett0223
    @betabrett0223 9 місяців тому

    I never knew how much I needed those arrows you put next to the card being bottomed. Thank you so much editor(s)!

    • @CardmarketMagic
      @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому +3

      I saw it asked for in the comments once or twice and realized it was very low effort for me to add them :) so it's definitely worth it for the few people who care

  • @modothegreat108
    @modothegreat108 9 місяців тому +5

    For the record: When Jamin says turbo initiative isn't great at taking lost initiative back, it should be noted that any of his creatures do just that by ETB-ing, so it's not all that bad! Provided you have the lands to deploy more creatures, of course. I hear Jamin's bad at peat mining.

  • @bfoley32
    @bfoley32 9 місяців тому +3

    Love your guys videos, its getting me to want to play more than just commander as a newer player.

  • @GotchaPlaysGer
    @GotchaPlaysGer 9 місяців тому +25

    We love Andrea Mengucci, bring him every time!

  • @rusholotl
    @rusholotl 9 місяців тому +8

    seeing initiative will always be amazing.

  • @gauntel2301
    @gauntel2301 5 місяців тому

    6:35 Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. This is foundational knowledge, Carl!

  • @LK90512
    @LK90512 9 місяців тому +1

    How is it this not the best format ever?? I wish every day for a permanent queue on Arena :')
    Thank you for the content, you're also the best! Always enjoy when Mengucci is a guest (true Italian pride! Although the fez is not necessarily a good look on us :/)

    • @CardmarketMagic
      @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому +1

      I think Andrea looked great with the fez :)

    • @LK90512
      @LK90512 9 місяців тому

      @@CardmarketMagic he certainly did :D

    • @joshuagriffith9191
      @joshuagriffith9191 9 місяців тому +1

      Sadly most of the best pauper cards aren’t on Arena.

    • @LK90512
      @LK90512 9 місяців тому

      @@joshuagriffith9191 i know, but historic pauper is still a very enjoyable format! unfortunately it's only available through sporadic events (or via direct match)

    • @joshuagriffith9191
      @joshuagriffith9191 9 місяців тому +1

      @@LK90512 Agreed, the format is fun and I’m not sure why they don’t have a pauper queue especially seeing that it is a popular format on MTGO.
      It’s the same problem with Arena Cube. I would play Arena cube a lot if they had it available more often.
      It feels like they are blatantly trying to get people to not play non rotating formats on the platform which is disappointing as a customer.

  • @HearseCarpool
    @HearseCarpool 9 місяців тому +4

    Tough draws for initiative! Really close though this was a fun one to watch

  • @hgarcia9021
    @hgarcia9021 9 місяців тому +1

    I'm such an andrea mengucci fan man, this guy's so happy and expressive, more than 99% mtg players

  • @massive_avecado
    @massive_avecado 9 місяців тому +2

    for some reason, i just really like listening to Andrea's voice

  • @TheMichaelArmando
    @TheMichaelArmando 9 місяців тому +2

    What a great match! Can't wait for the next video loving this series!

  • @MrEliakimRAS
    @MrEliakimRAS 9 місяців тому +1

    Carl, I'm really impressed on how you managed the initiative deck: that game 2 was gloriously played. Too bad Gingerbrute+All that Glitters is more busted.

    • @CardmarketMagic
      @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому +1

      Thank you :) that is very kind of you to say!

  • @thewannabecraftsman
    @thewannabecraftsman 9 місяців тому +3

    Day 19 of complimenting great plays instead of pointing out misplays.
    HOLY POOP Game two was one of the best games I have seen in a long time. it was like an amazing game of tennis, just back and forth, one turn you think player a has it in the bag, then player b adds 3 creatures to the board- only decided by the BEST topdeck on the right turn.... Great game guys!!!

  • @munsterotaku3058
    @munsterotaku3058 9 місяців тому +1

    Whole match was tense and so good to watch! Andréa top decking for real :D

  • @jakfrost2
    @jakfrost2 9 місяців тому

    Love seeing my favourite deck coming out on top. Great video as always!

  • @VonSilvermoon
    @VonSilvermoon 9 місяців тому

    This is one of the most entertaining games of Magic i've ever watched. This is a great tournament!

  • @keithbarlow9701
    @keithbarlow9701 8 місяців тому

    This was a good match up. I would've put my money on Turbo Initiative, but I'm not terribly surprised that Affinity won. This series has been quite an adventure. Stoked for the next 2 videos!

  • @bambabam1234
    @bambabam1234 9 місяців тому

    Great matchup, awesome close games and great banter. Love this series

  • @castanus4343
    @castanus4343 9 місяців тому +2

    What an insane deck it's Jeskai Affinity! Can't believe it defeated the initiative😮

  • @zurreal8087
    @zurreal8087 9 місяців тому +1

    I am constantly impressed by Andrea Mengucci. He’s just so good!

  • @cerocero2817
    @cerocero2817 9 місяців тому +1

    I noticed that now indicate what card is going to be discarded with a subtle arrow. Such a nice detail.

  • @Thatguy223-vc4wb
    @Thatguy223-vc4wb 9 місяців тому +1

    I'm actually addicted to watching Mengu play pauper rn.

  • @maarten0104
    @maarten0104 9 місяців тому +1

    “Damage on the stack….” 😂😂😂

  • @miyomiyo1050
    @miyomiyo1050 8 місяців тому

    Fantastic match! Three super close and dynamic games.
    Saw the final game was only 4 mins and still didn't know who would win.

  • @astrograph7875
    @astrograph7875 9 місяців тому +3

    20:14 God that was such a heart of the cards moment. Was literally praying praying in my head when I saw andrew reach for his top card and my prayers were asnwered. LET'S GOOOOOOOOO AFFINITY BEST DECK BABYYYYYYY

  • @Verlisify
    @Verlisify 9 місяців тому +3

    WHAT AN END TO GAME 1!
    Carl channeling his inner red player tapping the table to count for lethal

  • @cpnpmp94
    @cpnpmp94 9 місяців тому +1

    Not sure if this series is proving which deck is the best, or that Mengu is a Pauper beast… either way, I’m here for it. Lol

  • @beforememory
    @beforememory 9 місяців тому

    Great video, enjoying all the pauper!

  • @hayden32040
    @hayden32040 9 місяців тому +1

    The gingerbrute laugh gets me every time XD

  • @AgonalRhythm
    @AgonalRhythm 9 місяців тому

    Great games! Also, the shade from Andrea at @21:57 😂

  • @jash5437
    @jash5437 9 місяців тому

    This might be my new favorite feature match. The gameplay videos are the best

  • @hashtag156
    @hashtag156 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for adding an indicator for what cards you bottom after a mulligan!

  • @danielheadhunter9594
    @danielheadhunter9594 9 місяців тому +1

    We did it affinity gamers!!!!! We beat the turbo menace we still have one tribal deck to go and I hope in my heart we walk away with the gold. The worse battle is over

  • @quickdrawz05
    @quickdrawz05 9 місяців тому

    WHAT AN ABSOLUTE BANGER. MY HEART WAS PUMPING!!!

  • @PeterKorlus
    @PeterKorlus 9 місяців тому

    Love to see more Pauper content with Andrea :-)

  • @saltandpauper
    @saltandpauper 9 місяців тому +2

    Really proud of you and the deck in getting this far! Such a close match! Grwat watch :)

  • @mRboylls
    @mRboylls 9 місяців тому +1

    I can’t believe how good of a matchup this is

  • @emoman7777
    @emoman7777 9 місяців тому

    I will always love it when Carl talks big game, have the highest confidence throughout the video
    Then proceed to lose despite playing a broken deck with a banned mechanic

  • @gillablecam
    @gillablecam 9 місяців тому +1

    Amazing games and a super fun video, but I'm left with the question: Did you guys have two fezes of different sizes, or is Andrea's head really that much smaller than Carl's?

    • @CardmarketMagic
      @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому

      No-no it's the same fez :P I just have a big head

  • @tyler2906
    @tyler2906 9 місяців тому +1

    Love seeing Mengu!

  • @theprojectdaemon
    @theprojectdaemon 9 місяців тому

    These are some real titans of Pauper right here, honestly I'd be happy to see either win because either can make for really tense games.

  • @kalikaiz
    @kalikaiz 9 місяців тому +13

    Gingerbrute!!!!

  • @theelectricant98
    @theelectricant98 8 місяців тому

    Other mtg channels gotta learn from how you guys edit these, top notch!

  • @derAlphabet
    @derAlphabet 9 місяців тому

    Love to see Andrea and Carl! You two are goaded :)

  • @LukeCTFD
    @LukeCTFD 9 місяців тому

    Best episode of the serie so far, second game was amazing!! Go Andrea for the wiiiiin 🚀

  • @TheDevlain
    @TheDevlain 9 місяців тому +3

    Sorry Andrea but the game ends before the trigger of initiative resolves so you technically don't get to have the hat xD
    Anyways it was such an amazing match!

  • @ralr
    @ralr 9 місяців тому

    I was just in the process of ordering my All That Glitters cards from cardmarket! 🎉 Now I get to see how I should be playing it! ❤ Thanks!

    • @CardmarketMagic
      @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому

      Ralph! Be careful 😅 enjoy it while it lasts. Many people are worried All That Glitters is likely to get banned this year

  • @lorenzobassi3082
    @lorenzobassi3082 9 місяців тому +1

    Paused mengu's affinity video to watch this.
    Oh wow, mengu again

  • @arnoldjohannfrancisco5641
    @arnoldjohannfrancisco5641 9 місяців тому

    Yes! I love All that glitters! So happy it won!

  • @RPGeater
    @RPGeater 9 місяців тому

    Wonderful match, it really gave me chills...

  • @Kobabel333
    @Kobabel333 9 місяців тому

    great match, game 2 was incredible

  • @ToraminoSiB
    @ToraminoSiB 9 місяців тому +1

    Did someone else notica at 0:23 how Elves are greyd out and Chatterstorm is highlighted in the quarterfinal bracket? My working hypothesis is that the person who did this graph just couldn't see Chatterstorm lose :D

  • @Izelor
    @Izelor 9 місяців тому

    Glad to see Affinity still being a force to be reckoned with after 20 years!

    • @sh41
      @sh41 9 місяців тому

      Lol, I remember playing it in standard

    • @MarkChaney-b8k
      @MarkChaney-b8k 9 місяців тому +1

      I’ve killed people with plattings and ravagers in every format I wish it was still a teir 1 deck in modern

  • @Ragnarok633
    @Ragnarok633 9 місяців тому

    When Karl asked if he looked good and Andre said nothing but had that horrible hunger in his eyes for the fez. I knew then he was locked in and going to do everything he possible could to win.

  • @TerminallyNerdy
    @TerminallyNerdy 9 місяців тому

    I love how Elves and Goblins will be going up against each other XD

  • @el_pablodocus
    @el_pablodocus 9 місяців тому

    Great game and great entertainment, thank you !

  • @Sinfulpapaya
    @Sinfulpapaya 9 місяців тому

    You make the game so legible and interesting i came to love these series and i don't even play magic

  • @danthelionxyz
    @danthelionxyz 9 місяців тому

    congrats on 150k guys!

  • @SirZapdos
    @SirZapdos 9 місяців тому +1

    Game 2 was very entertaining

  • @JarneB
    @JarneB 9 місяців тому +1

    I, we, you, they LOVE Cardmarket

  • @jaundicedmisanthrope7817
    @jaundicedmisanthrope7817 9 місяців тому

    another banger of a video, ya love to see it

  • @GregJungg
    @GregJungg 9 місяців тому

    I loved how, even losing, Chatterstorm still won on the bracket image (even if it didn't advance). Can't keep the storm down

  • @arielgomes7989
    @arielgomes7989 9 місяців тому

    Those were some great games!

  • @waves-
    @waves- 9 місяців тому

    Love the series!

  • @rinan5317
    @rinan5317 9 місяців тому

    Andrea's pure skill at that top deck at game 2.

  • @benjaminsouthworth5698
    @benjaminsouthworth5698 9 місяців тому

    This series is a great show of variance in mtg, in all three versions you’ve done so far like the objectively “best decks” have lost due to just getting outdrawn.

    • @CardmarketMagic
      @CardmarketMagic  9 місяців тому

      That's just part of the beauty of magic :)

  • @clord2674
    @clord2674 9 місяців тому

    Nice content as always 😁

  • @ElektechN9ne
    @ElektechN9ne 9 місяців тому

    Andrea's topdecking game never disappoints!

  • @IceCoola
    @IceCoola 9 місяців тому

    this is what i wait for every 12am here
    rooting for glitters since it's one of my pet decks

  • @GM_MorganV
    @GM_MorganV 9 місяців тому

    A deck that makes me cheer for affinity. Zoinks

  • @rubensmith776
    @rubensmith776 9 місяців тому

    Andrea wearing a fez was not something I knew I needed to see.