The usual three-deck format became six this week because the OTA opened more than one credible route. Shou-Lao, Thanos Fractured Frontier, Techno-Organic Virus, Scorpion Brand New Day, and movement all showed up with lists that play differently enough to deserve their own space. The point is not to hand every player six decks at once. It is to show where the new field is giving players choices.

Some of these lists build low and finish tall. Some pressure the opponent's cost or positioning. Some stay patient until a control turn can decide the game. That variety is the reason the OTA mattered.

Two ways to build around Thanos Fractured Frontier

Shou-nos, The Unfractured uses Kitty Pryde, Spider-Ham, Iceman, Hydra Bob, Awesome Andy, Sam Wilson, Venus, Luna Snow, Wong, Shou-Lao, Thanos Fractured Frontier, and Aurora. It opens with smaller cards, keeps its development flexible, and aims for a Shou-Lao payoff enhanced by Wong. Thanos Fractured Frontier and the Stones add another layer of options rather than replacing the primary scaling plan.

Thani Tech takes a different route. King Eitri, Luke Cage, Sam Wilson, Cosmo, Mercury, Viv, En Sabah Nur, Wiccan, The Thing: First Steps, Thanos Fractured Frontier, Mockingbird, and Thanos make it a broader setup deck. King Eitri, Wiccan, and the Stones establish the early work. Luke Cage, Sam Wilson, Cosmo, Mockingbird, and the two Thanos cards provide the board power and protection afterward.

Techno-Organic Virus and control stay relevant

Newt OV places Techno-Organic Virus beside Tarantula, Scarlet Witch, Shadowlands Daredevil, Mobius M. Mobius, Groot, Starbrand, Symbiote Spider-Man, Hydro-Man, Sasquatch, and Skaar. Location changes, cost control, and capable mid-game bodies let the deck disrupt while it develops. It does not need to wait for a single high-roll turn to make the opponent's sequencing uncomfortable.

Scorpion Splat is the control entry. Luke Cage, Mystique, Magik, Chameleon, Hazmat, Crystal, Luna Snow, Wave, Sera, Blink, Onslaught, and Scorpion Brand New Day create a plan around weakening the opposing board while protecting yours. Mystique, Magik, Sera, Blink, and Onslaught give the list several routes into its final turn, which keeps it from being only a Hazmat deck.

Shou-Lao gets a second look and movement gets a closer

Shou's Not Dead, Just Sleeping uses Hawkeye, Iceman, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Maria Hill, Nightcrawler, Adam Warlock, Scarlet Witch, Jane Foster Fractured Frontier, Crystal, Karen Page, Shou-Lao, and Thanos Fractured Frontier. It takes a slower route than Shou-nos. The early cards establish a base, and Jane Foster Fractured Frontier, Crystal, and Thanos Fractured Frontier support the eventual Shou-Lao work.

Shot Stomper rounds out the group with Batroc, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Luke Cage, Kraven, Sam Wilson, Cosmo, Hydra Stomper, Isca, Juggernaut, Miles Morales, Hellion, and Thanos Fractured Frontier. Kraven, Juggernaut, Miles Morales, Isca, and Hydra Stomper reward difficult locations and movement pressure, while Luke Cage, Sam Wilson, Cosmo, and Hellion keep the list from running out of functional plays.

Start with the game plan you enjoy

Play Shou-nos or Shou's Not Dead when you want a Shou-Lao finish with different levels of speed. Play Thani Tech when you want a flexible Thanos Fractured Frontier setup. Play Newt OV for layered disruption, Scorpion Splat for control, and Shot Stomper for lane pressure. Six decks is a lot, but the OTA supplied six different questions worth asking on ladder.

Watch the source video: the original episode.