Donald Grant and Paul Bernard of Quebec’s Team Attaqc both held x-2 records. They were both on the proverbial bubble, on the verge of bitter defeat but also within grasping distance of making Day 2. For Bernard it was a matter of team representation, while for Grant it was a matter of personal pride.

Grant played Beast, Furry Blue Scientist on turn 1, but had no reply to Erik Josten ◊ Atlas, Kosmos Convict, on turn 2. Bernard recruited Tiger Shark on turn 3 and Grant recruited Egghead, giving him a Framistat by exhausting Beast.

Tiger Shark attacked Egghead for the double stun, but Atlas took down Beast without stunning back, knocking him out in one punch. Egghead was joined and protected by Hawkeye next turn, though. His archery and high attack promised to equalize the field. Bernard rubbed his face and then recruited Kang, Master of Time to his hidden area. Grant made a conservative play and had Hawkeye activate to take aim at Atlas. He went down amongst a flurry of arrows. Egghead then attacked Tiger Shark, and Atlas was KO’d while Bernard claimed the Master of Time’s effect.

Bernard recruited Ultron ◊ Crimson Cowl next turn, while Grant recruited Klaw. Bernard discarded for Master of Time, Egghead got a +3 ATK bonus from Framistat, and combat began.

Stormfront-1 flipped, and Bernard teamed up Kang Council and Masters of Evil. Tiger Shark attacked Klaw, and a power-up and Call to Arms were enough to overcome Klaw’s defense and Sonic Disruption. Kang attacked Hawkeye for the double-stun and Crimson Cowl then went after Egghead. Grant was bereft of answers. Egghead went down but took Ultron with him, and the endurance totals were 21 to 21. Klaw and Ultron remained on the field, a peculiar choice for Bernard to make given that Grant had control of the initiative next turn.

He recruited Vision, while Bernard recruited Radioactive Man, Reformed Renegade. Vision attacked him for the double stun and endurance moved to 15–13 in Grant’s favor. Klaw then attacked Ultron. Bernard flipped Sonic Disruption to keep Klaw exhausted for a turn, but lost 5 endurance and Ultron in the process! The score was 8 to 15, but Bernard had control of turn 7.

Enchantress arrived to aid him, but then a surprise emerged in the form of . . . another Enchantress! Grant formed up with Enchantress protected by Klaw, and Vision next to her. Radioactive Man attacked Klaw, backed by a Justice Like Lightning. Grant reinforced with his own Enchantress and flipped United We Stand, but Bernard had a power-up! Grant laughed. “That was awesome.” He had lost.

Enchantress then mauled Vision, and Bernard began to scoop up his cards.

“Up-bup-bup, wait, I could have an Insect Swarm.” Grant grinned. “I don’t have one, but good luck in the Top 8!”

Paul Bernard moves on to Day 2, just barely beating out Donald Grant with two game-breaking power-ups!