Sphinx's Revelation #14: Storm's A-Comin'

Welcome back to this week's puzzle! For the solution to our last puzzle, The Promised End, click here to scroll to the bottom.

You've entered into a Legacy Open, and you're playing in Game 2 of Round 3. Sitting across from you is Earl, your opponent for this round. Things got off to a rough start as Earl opened the game with a Leyline of Sanctity and you're playing Storm. To make things even worse, Earl landed a turn two Thalia, Guardian of Thraben. It becomes apparent that you need to win immediately, as Death and Taxes waits for no one. You just started your first main phase. Defeat Earl before the end of your turn without losing!

The Puzzle

(click to enlarge)

Opponent: Earl

Earl is at 20 life and tapped out. On board he has:

• Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
• Leyline of Sanctity
• Cavern of Souls
• Plains

You

You are at 20 life, and in your first main phase. On board you have:

• Swamp
• Underground Sea
• Polluted Delta with Swamp, Island, Underground Sea, and Volcanic Island as legal targets in your library

the following cards in hand:

• Dark Ritual
• Past in Flames
• Cabal Ritual
• Lotus Petal
• Lotus Petal
• Lion's Eye Diamond
• Abrupt Decay

the following cards in your graveyard:

• 2 Infernal Tutor
• Dark Ritual
• Bloodstained Mire

and the following relevant cards in your library:

• Tendrils of Agony
• Chain of Vapor

Goodluck!

Post any solutions you come up with in the comments section and be sure to check back soon for the next puzzle! Remember you can reach Jordan via Twitter, @adjunctmagician and email, urzaspuzzlebox@gmail.com.

Sphinx's Revelation #13 Solution

1. First Main Phase
   • Cast Gone Missing (4U) targeting Emrakul, the Promised End.
   • +1 Sorin, Grim Nemesis revealing Emrakul, the Promised End. Kurt loses 13 life. 
   • Play Hanweir Battlements. 
   • Activate Vessel of Volatility (1R) to add RRRR to mana pool. 
   • Cast Emrakul, the Promised End for (8) mana.
   • Activate Hanweir Battlements (R) to give Emrakul, the Promised End haste. 
   •  
2. Combat Phase
   • Attack with Identity Thief, Emrakul, the Promised End, and Goldnight Castigator. 
     • Let Identity Thief exile and copy Gisela, the Broken Blade. 
   • Kurt can only block with Avacyn, the Purifier. Depending on his choice either 16 or 17 damage gets through, both of which are lethal.