Non-Removal Interaction: Bounce

Queer Phyrexia • October 24, 2023

Deckbuilding

Good afternoon, reader! I'm Chloee, aka QueerPhyrexia, a Trans/Nonbinary creative who's introducing you into the world of Non-Removal Interaction. In my last article we dove into goad, a mechanic that is absurdly strong and will no doubt lead you to the tides of victory! This week we delve into a new form of Non-Removal Interaction: Bounce Spells.

One of the most common methods for dealing with problematic permanents in EDH involves using removal spells, like Swords to Plowshares

or Beast Within
. These spells effectively eliminate creatures, artifacts, enchantments, and even lands causing trouble. Yet, removal spells come with their share of drawbacks, potentially souring the EDH experience. They are often limited in number and availability, particularly in specific color combinations. Moreover, they can provoke negative reactions from targeted players, causing them to feel singled out or unfairly attacked. Lastly, removal spells can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, such as triggering death effects, fueling graveyard strategies, or forming unlikely political alliances, thus generating discontent.

An alternative approach to handling permanents in EDH involves using bounce spells, such as Cyclonic Rift

or Unsubstantiate
. These spells return permanents to their owners' hands, disrupting their plans and board state. Bounce spells offer several advantages over traditional removal in EDH. They are more readily available across various colors, particularly blue. Additionally, they tend to generate less resentment from affected players, who may perceive them as minor setbacks or fair responses. Furthermore, bounce spells can lead to beneficial outcomes, such as preventing damage, safeguarding your own permanents, or triggering enter-the-battlefield abilities, steering us clear of the salt factory.

The Deck

Let's take a closer look at my The Rani

decklist to explore some options for utilizing bounce spells. In this deck, we employ a plethora of bounce spells that target both our creatures, allowing us to recast them, and our opponents' creatures, returning them to their owners' hands. We've also incorporated a discard suite to preemptively rid ourselves of these creatures before they hit the battlefield or after we've bounced them back to our opponents' hands. Additionally, you'll notice the presence of several wheel effects in our deck. These wheels compel our opponents to discard creatures we've bounced into their hands.

Whovian Bounce

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Commander (1)

Enchantments (3)

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Now, on to the creatures in the deck. Hullbreaker Horror

is a standout in our deck, effectively turning our bounce spells into advantageous one-for-two trades. We also feature Brazen Borrower
, which not only serves as a creature but boasts an adventure that allows us to bounce a target. Blizzard Specter
 proves to be another all-star, combining a flying 2/3 body with the ability to bounce a permanent or force the damaged player to discard a card.

Bounce and Value

While our deck boasts numerous bounce spells, some stand out more than others. Cards like Aetherize

and Aetherspouts
 serve as valuable combat tricks, saving us from overwhelming stampedes. Clutch of the Undercity
 not only functions as a bounce spell but it also inflicts a three-life loss on the controller of the bounced permanent. Additionally, Deny Reality
 holds a special place due to its cascade ability.

Turning to the elephant in the room, we've incorporated wheel effects, like Wheel and Deal

, Windfall
, and Winds of Change
. Why, you ask? Once we've bounced those pesky creatures into our opponents' hands, we don't want them casting those creatures with abandon, do we? So we provide them with fresh hands! Then, we leverage cards like Waste Not
, Animate Dead
, and Necromancy
 to capitalize on their filled graveyards.

In wrapping up our The Rani

deck, we've incorporated some good old-fashioned goad, as discussed in our previous article. Given our commander's ability to goad upon entering the battlefield and attacking, we've opted for Disrupt Decorum
. Since we're in Grixis, we've added some Grixis staples, such as Archon of Cruelty
, Tergrid, God of Fright
, and Kardur, Doomscourge
, to solidify our gameplan.

Nonetheless, it's essential to recognize that bounce spells do have limitations and challenges in EDH. They don't offer permanent solutions, as the bounced permanents can be recast later. They can prove ineffective against low-cost or high-value permanents, like mana rocks or commanders. Additionally, cards that prevent or punish bouncing, such as Teferi's Protection

or Torbran, Thane of Red Fell
, can counteract bounce spells. Nonetheless, bounce spells can be used strategically and creatively to achieve various goals and effects in different situations, such as dealing with indestructible or hexproof permanents, removing blockers or attackers during combat phases, responding to triggers or activations of permanents, or resetting and reusing your own permanents with enter-the-battlefield abilities.

One of the primary reasons players prefer bounce spells over regular removal spells in EDH is their versatility and flexibility. Bounce spells can address a broader spectrum of permanents and situations compared to removal spells. They can be employed for both offensive and defensive purposes, depending on the context, contributing to more intriguing and dynamic gameplay. They foster additional interactions and decision points among players, introducing variety and unpredictability into the game. Bounce spells are an invaluable and adaptable form of non-removal interaction in EDH. They offer numerous advantages and opportunities that removal spells cannot. However, effectively and efficiently utilizing bounce spells necessitates careful timing and judgment. In EDH, bounce spells should be regarded as a crucial component of a diverse array of interaction tools capable of adapting to varying scenarios and opponents.

The versatility of bounce spells in the EDH format extends beyond their strategic advantages. Their ability to create memorable and dynamic gameplay experiences is yet another compelling aspect. Bounce spells introduce an element of unpredictability that keeps every game fresh and exciting, offering players opportunities to adapt, innovate, and outmaneuver their rivals. This unpredictability is not just about shaking up the game but also about encouraging players to think outside the box, making each EDH game an intellectually stimulating and engaging experience.

Moreover, bounce spells promote inclusivity in the EDH community by encouraging players to explore unconventional deck-building options. In a format that celebrates diversity and creativity, bounce spells provide a canvas on which players can paint unique deck archetypes and themes. Unlike traditional removal, which often adheres to generic removal spells, bounce spells allow for a wide array of deck designs. From theme-specific decks that revolve around returning permanents to their owners' hands to highly interactive decks focused on exploiting bounce effects, the possibilities are virtually endless. This inclusivity fosters a more vibrant and diverse EDH community, where players can express their creativity and identity through their decks, ultimately making the format more enjoyable for everyone involved.

In summary, bounce spells in EDH represent a versatile and multifaceted form of non-removal interaction. Their strategic advantages are complemented by their potential to create captivating and unpredictable gameplay experiences. By embracing bounce spells, players not only expand their tactical toolkit but also enrich their EDH gaming adventures. This dynamic approach to interaction invites everyone to participate in the diverse and imaginative world of Commander, where ingenuity and versatility reign supreme. As you explore the intricacies of bounce spells in your EDH decks, you'll discover the joy of surprising your opponents and crafting truly memorable gaming experiences. Happy brewing, and may your EDH games be filled with thrilling surprises!

Queer Phyrexia

Queer Phyrexia

Chloee Hoyle is the universe's biggest Yargle stan, loves long walks through the swamps of Urborg and is most definitely not infected with any "Glistening Oil" or whatever that is. When they aren't going tor a stroll on Urborg, Chloee likes to brew janky and outside of the box edh decks!