Going into Round 18, both Vidianto Wijaya and Alex Shvartsman are undefeated in draft, a particularly impressive feat considering that they have been at the top tables with the best possible competition. With only three losses each, they each need a single win in the next four rounds to be in the Top 8 of Pro Circuit New York. Shvartsman was undefeated in Indianapolis in Limited, and Vidi has the second-highest rank in that format.

 

With Shvartsman winning the die roll in this, the good version of the bubble match, he chose to take the odd initiative. Alex was happy with his hand, while Vidi elected to mulligan.

 

Neither player had a turn-1 recruit, and Vidi busted out of the gates with Nekra on turn 2. Unfortunately for him, Deacon Frost had just enough to stun her without too much trouble.

 

Turn 3 brought Elektra, Elektra Natchios for Alex and Mr. Hyde for Vidi. Deacon again had Nekra's number, and Elektra comfortably overpowered Vidi's 3-drop.

 

Turn 4 saw Jester for Vidi. “No War Wagon for you!” he exclaimed, and Shvartsman was forced to agree. He had to make do with Bullseye, Deadly Marksman. Vidi was forced to team attack the massive 4-drop, and he faced the consequences when Elektra got to attack back and force a KO on either side of the board.

 

“I don't need 5-drops, because my 4-drops are huge.” When Alex made Moon Knight, Vidi was forced to agree.

 

“This is unfair.”

 

Vidi recruited Battering Ram and passed. The endurance totals were 40 to 32 in Shvartsman's favor, and he was looking good to cause a lot more damage. Moon Knight attacked Battering Ram, and Vidi showed Marvel Team-Up, allowing him to reinforce. Rough House and a power-up forced Alex to use Head Shot to achieve the mutual stun. Bullseye attacked Jester, and a power-up again meant a mutual stun.

 

On turn 6, Vidi had Jaime Ortiz ◊ Damage to Shvartsman's Kirigi. For the first time, Vidi had arguably the better recruit. With the initiative, Vidi sent Battering Ram into Deacon Frost, ensuring a large amount of breakthrough. Damage went for Kirigi, and Shvartsman reinforced and played Face the Master to make his character have 14 ATK/14 DEF for the attack. That was easily enough to stun Ortiz. When Kirigi attacked Battering Ram for Alex, Vidi had a Shakedown to ensure a mutual stun. He was still down on endurance at 4 compared to his opponent's 18.

 

Turn 7 brought out Nightmare for Shvartsman, while Vidi had Daredevil, Guardian Devil. Kirigi and Bullseye team attacked Daredevil, achieving the stun. Then, Nightmare attacked for enough to end the game.

 

Alex Shvartsman wins.