Unleashing the Power of Invasion of New Phyrexia in Explorer Azorius Control

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Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself.

My name is Alex Blackard, but you can call me LessAlex, the Control Freak.

I am an avid Control player that specializes in Pioneer, Explorer, Historic, and Modern. I am a content creator and I couldn't be more stoked to get the opportunity to make videos and articles for Quiet Speculation. I’ve been playing competitive Magic since New Phyrexia came out in 2011. I stream on Twitch weekdays, have a YouTube Channel, and host a podcast called “The Control Freak” where I have guests on to chat about competitive Magic through the lens of a Control player.

Some of my Magic accomplishments include a Standard SCG Top 4 in 2014 with Jeskai Geist, a Modern NRG Series Trial 2nd place finish in 2017 with ol’ reliable Azorius Control, several SCG IQ Top 8’s, and a litany of Gameday wins.

Welcome to New Phyrexia.

In today’s video, I’m testing out the power of Invasion of New Phyrexia // Teferi Akosa of Zhalfir in Explorer Azorius Control.

Why, though? Invasion of New Phyrexia // Teferi Akosa of Zhalfir does an excellent Elspeth, Sun's Champion impersonation and is extremely good at gumming up the board. This is exactly what we want to be doing against some of the best decks in Explorer—Specifically Rakdos Midrange, Mono-Green Devotion, and Mono-White Humans. It's also good in the Azorius Control mirror. I have to say you don’t typically transform it and flip into Teferi Akosa of Zhalfir because more times than not when you resolve a large Invasion of New Phyrexia you win the game soon after. However, if you ever do get to cast Teferi Akosa of Zhalfir every ability is absolute gas. Looting two cards every turn is so powerful. The Emblem makes it so your tokens are often bigger and better than your opponents' creatures. The Ultimate does a good impression of Teferi, Hero of Dominaria’s “tuck” ability.

The Decklist

Azorius Invasion Control, Explorer

Planeswalkers

3 Teferi, Hero of Dominaria

4 The Wandering Emperor

Instants

1 Fateful Absence

2 March of Otherworldly Light

2 Absorb

2 Dovin's Veto

2 Memory Deluge

2 Make Disappear

1 Censor

2 Change the Equation

1 Spell Pierce

Sorceries

1 Farewell

3 Supreme Verdict

4 Lay Down Arms

Enchantments

2 Shark Typhoon

Battles

2 Invasion of New Phyrexia // Teferi Akosa of Zhalfir

Land

7 Plains

1 Hall of Storm Giants

1 Castle Ardenvale

1 Otawara, Soaring City

2 Castle Vantress

3 Glacial Fortress

4 Hallowed Fountain

4 Irrigated Farmland

2 Field of Ruin

1 Island

Sideboard

2 Change the Equation

1 Rest in Peace

2 Dovin's Veto

1 Temporary Lockdown

1 Kaheera, the Orphanguard

1 Shark Typhoon

1 Sunfall

1 Temporary Lockdown

3 Regal Caracal

1 Invasion of New Phyrexia // Teferi Akosa of Zhalfir

1 Mystical Dispute

If you're looking for a fun new look at Azorius Control in Explorer I definitely recommend trying this one out! Thanks for reading and enjoy the Gameplay video! I’m looking forward to the future of Control in this format with the newest addition to the deck!