Estrid, the Masked: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

Estrid, the Masked is a powerful and versatile Planeswalker commander that excels in controlling the board with enchantments. Her abilities generate card advantage, set up future plays, and create new opportunities for strategy. This analysis will delve into the intricacies of Estrid's gameplay, exploring her mechanics, strategic uses, deckbuilding roles, and competitive context.

Detailed Card Mechanics and Interactions

Estrid's +2 ability is straightforward: it untaps each enchanted permanent you control, generating card advantage and setting up future plays. This ability can be particularly effective when paired with other controlling strategies, such as counterspells or permanents that generate card draw.

However, Estrid's -1 ability creates a Mask Aura token, which has two key effects: enchanting another target permanent and granting the enchanted creature "umbra armor," making it immune to damage. The Mask Aura token can be attached to various permanents, generating value or granting protection.

Estrid's -7 Ability

Estrid's -7 ability is her most powerful play, but it also has some risks. Milling seven cards can be a game-changer in terms of generating card draw and disrupting the opponent's plans. However, it requires careful planning and timing, as Estrid will need to use her other abilities to generate card advantage and protect herself from the mill.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

Estrid is a highly synergistic commander that excels when used with other controlling strategies. Here are some key combos and synergies:

• Enchanted Permanents: Estrid's +2 ability makes enchanted permanents extremely powerful, as they can be untapped to generate card advantage.
• Mask Aura Token: The Mask Aura token is a versatile play that can be attached to various permanents, generating value or granting protection.
• Counterspells: Estrid's +2 ability can be used in conjunction with counterspells to disrupt the opponent's plans and gain an advantage.

Example combos include:

• Estrid + Enchanted Creatures + Counterspells: Estrid's +2 ability generates card advantage from enchanted creatures, while the counterspells allow you to disrupt the opponent's plans and gain an advantage.
• Estrid + Mask Aura Token + Trample Creatures: The Mask Aura token can be attached to a trample creature, making it more difficult for opposing creatures to deal damage.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Estrid is typically used as a controlling commander in midrange or combo decks. Here are some key deckbuilding roles and archetypes:

• Midrange: Estrid's +2 ability makes her an excellent choice for midrange decks, which focus on generating card advantage through enchantments and counterspells.
• Combo: Estrid's -7 ability makes her a great fit for combo decks that rely on generating card draw and disrupting the opponent's plans.

Some key archetype examples include:

• Enchanted Token Deck: Estrid's +2 ability generates enchanted token synergy, making this an excellent choice for enchanted token decks.
• Counterspell Combo: Estrid's +2 ability pairs well with counterspells, making this a great fit for combo decks that rely on disrupting the opponent's plans.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Estrid is a highly viable commander in various formats, including:

• Commander: Estrid is an excellent choice for Commander decks, as her abilities generate card advantage and synergize well with enchantments.
• Modern: Estrid's -7 ability makes her a great fit for Modern decks that rely on generating card draw and disrupting the opponent's plans.

However, Estrid also has some drawbacks in competitive formats. Her -1 ability can be vulnerable to disruption spells or other removal effects, which can neutralize the benefits of the Mask Aura token.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

Estrid is a Planeswalker commander that has several key interactions with other cards:

• Enchanted Permanents: Estrid's +2 ability makes enchanted permanents extremely powerful.
• Counterspells: Estrid's +2 ability can be used in conjunction with counterspells to disrupt the opponent's plans and gain an advantage.
• Removal Spells: The Mask Aura token can be vulnerable to removal effects, which can neutralize its benefits.

Some technical notes to keep in mind include:

• Aura Enchantment Tokens: Estrid's -1 ability creates a white Aura enchantment token named Mask, which has enchant permanent and umbra armor.
• Mill Effects: Estrid's -7 ability requires careful planning and timing, as she will need to use her other abilities to generate card advantage and protect herself from the mill.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Estrid is a legendary Planeswalker commander with a fascinating backstory. According to the Magic: The Gathering lore, Estrid was once a powerful wizard who lived during a time of great turmoil in the world. She discovered a mysterious artifact known as the Mask, which granted her incredible magical powers.

The Mask also came with a terrible curse, however, one that drove Estrid to madness and despair. She became trapped in a cycle of violence and destruction, using the Mask's power to wreak havoc on the world.

In the end, Estrid was defeated by a coalition of rival wizards who sought to stop her destructive plans. However, before she died, she imbued her spirit with the Mask's power, creating the Planeswalker commander that players know today.

Summary of Key Points

• Estrid's Abilities: +2 untaps enchanted permanents, -1 creates a white Aura enchantment token named Mask, and -7 mills seven cards.
• Mask Aura Token Synergy: The Mask Aura token can be attached to various permanents, generating value or granting protection.
• Combos and Synergies: Estrid pairs well with other controlling strategies, such as counterspells and enchanted creatures.

Conclusion

Estrid, the Masked, is a powerful Planeswalker commander that excels in controlling the board with enchantments. Her abilities generate card advantage, set up future plays, and create new opportunities for strategy. With careful planning and timing, Estrid can become an unbeatable force on the battlefield.