Shaun Hayward needs no introduction — the prodigal son of Vs. System New Zealand is playing a deck based primarily on Checkmate and JSA this afternoon, sans Team-Ups. However, he likes the raw potential of individual cards (such as Animal Man, Obsidian, and Brainiac) and their ability to be easily splashed within in the format.
Ben Quemard is a long term Brisbane player who works in Queensland's hottest card hangout, Online Games Centre. Always encouraging new players into the game, and a consistent staple in the Vs. community, Ben's JSA / Villains United build has taken him to 2-0 in this pod thus far! His trademark "jinxy" shuffle is notorious for instilling bad luck on players and he must be hoping that its charms will work for him today!
Ben wins the coin toss and takes odds.
Turn 1
Shaun started off nicely with Jacob Lee and swings in for 2. *Pow!*
Endurance
Shaun: 50
Ben: 48
Turn 2
Wesley Dodds ◊ The Sandman came out for Shaun, while Ben couldn’t muster a 2-drop and was forced to take another 4 to the face — ouch, bad times! *Biffo!*
Endurance
Shaun: 49
Ben: 44
Turn 3
Dr. Polaris, Force of Nature came out for Ben sporting this winter's hottest accessory, Laser Watch. Christopher Smith ◊ Peacemaker came out in Shaun’s front row, concealed, and Sandman got a Laser Watch of his own — looking sharp, Mr. Dodds!
Polaris attacked Dodds and a Rann activation pushed through some extra damage for Ben. The characters traded, and Jacob Lee became exhausted via Polaris' vengeance. With no board, Smith was able to smash in for 5 direct damage and both players moved on to recovery.
Endurance
Shaun: 44
Ben: 36
Turn 4
Valentina Vostok ◊ Negative Woman, Bishop came out in concealed of both boards, but Shaun moved Ben's into the visible area with a timely copy of Relentless Pursuit. Christopher was activated at the end of build as Shaun looked to clear Ben's board with minimal effort.
Dodds' ability exhausted Polaris and then the Vostoks traded stuns. With his Polaris exhausted, Ben had no means of reinforcement, and was forced to take 6 for Shaun’s 4. Polaris then stunned via Christopher Smith's ability and Jacob Lee became exhausted. In what was becoming standard fare, Shaun then used Wesley Dodds to attack directly for a very impressive 4 endurance. Go Laser Watch!
Endurance
Shaun: 40
Ben: 22
Turn 5
Black Adam, Teth-Adam came out for Ben and a Rann exhaustion meant that Vostok received a top-rate Tricked-Out Sports Car at bargain-basement prices. Ragman, Redeemer of Souls came out on Shaun's side, and a Vostok activation meant that Ben's characters were going to have some trouble attacking efficiently. Ben knew that the only way for him to attack efficiently was to get Black Adam's vengeance online pronto.
The Villains United 5-drop attacked Ragman and both players passed. Ragman gained a counter by removing Ben's Polaris from the KO’d pile and then Black Adam's amazing ability ensured that Dodds turned from an impressive 4 ATK/3 DEF into a troublesome 1 ATK/0 DEF. Vostok attacked the Sandman and Shaun was forced to take a whopping 12 endurance, evening up the scores considerably. With only 4 DEF available, Ben's Vostok was attacked by the hidden Christopher Smith. With no defense trick, both characters traded stuns and Ben's board became demolished. In what was becoming a game-winning strategy for Shaun, Jacob Lee snuck in for 2 endurance once more.
Endurance
Shaun: 18
Ben: 10
Turn 6
Power Girl, Earth 2 came down on both sides.
A lethal Vostok activation from Shaun practically sealed Ben's fate, however, when Shaun announced his Power Girl into Ben’s. Ben offered a handshake and both players started discussing the game.
"Missing a 2 is really a problem when he hits 1 and 2. He just had the board the whole game," commented Ben, causing Shaun to retort, "Heh, I was really stoked to have that — it hasn’t happened before today!"