What is Kingmaking?

Kingmaking happens in multiplayer games when one player, unable to win themselves, has the power to decide who among the other players will win.

Key Elements:

• The kingmaker cannot achieve victory but can influence the outcome.

• Open information is critical—hidden information invalidates the kingmaker role (e.g., if player C’s win is unknown to player A).

Example Scenario:

1. Player A: Has a counterspell in hand.

2. Player B: Has a [[Thassa's Oracle]] + [[Demonic Consultation]] combo ready to execute.

3. Player C: Has enough damage on board to kill everyone during their combat step.

4. Player D: Is hellbent (no cards in hand) and has no board state.

If Player A counters Player B’s combo, Player C wins during combat. If Player A doesn’t counter the combo, Player B wins. Here, Player A becomes the kingmaker.

Approaches to Resolving Kingmaking Scenarios

Approach 1: Do Nothing

This approach involves taking no action, which effectively decides the game in favor of the active player’s win attempt.

• Why it’s not viable:

  • It does not align with the goal of winning the game.

  • It forfeits any chance to influence the outcome in your favor.

  • As a cEDH player, your goal is always to improve your odds of winning, even when in a losing position.

Approach 2: Cut a Deal

Use your position as the kingmaker to negotiate with other players. By leveraging your interaction (e.g., a counterspell), you can strike a deal that potentially gives you a chance to return to the game.

Steps for Cutting a Deal:

1. Identify Leverage:

   • In the example, Player A has a counterspell that can stop Player B’s win attempt.

   • This gives Player A leverage over both Player B and Player C.

2. Propose a Deal:

   • Negotiate with Player C, who has the board presence to win if Player B’s combo is countered.

   • Example deal:
     “I will counter Player B’s combo if you agree not to win for at least two turn cycles, avoid stacking the board against me, and refrain from setting up an instant-speed win.”

3. Ensure Fair Terms:

   • Avoid deals that leave you with little chance to recover (e.g., Player C leaves you at 1 life or sets up an inevitable win).

   • Clearly define terms to prevent ambiguity.

Risks of Cutting Deals:

• Unenforceable Terms: In a tournament setting, agreements are not regulated by rules, and a player may break the deal.

• Complex Negotiations: Deals must be carefully worded to avoid unintended outcomes.

• Bad Deals: Poorly negotiated terms may result in kingmaking rather than improving your position.

Approach 3: Propose a Draw and Rematch

In tournament settings, a draw and rematch can be a viable solution when no one has a clear path to victory.

Why Propose a Draw?

• It increases everyone’s odds of winning the next game rather than solidifying a single winner in the current game.

• Players may accept if the alternative is losing to another opponent.

How It Works:

• Present the draw as an equitable solution.

• Highlight how rejecting the draw may result in a loss for the player in the winning position.

• Ensure that all players agree to the draw for it to be valid.

Key Takeaways

1. Avoid Creating Kingmaking Scenarios:

   • Players should carefully evaluate whether to force a win attempt in situations where failure is likely.

   • Assess threats and interact strategically to prevent entering a kingmaker position.

2. Maximize Your Odds:

   • Use leverage to negotiate terms that significantly improve your position.

   • Avoid deals that leave you with minimal chances of recovering.

3. Communicate Clearly:

   • Discuss your intentions and terms with the table or the relevant players.

   • Avoid acting impulsively—decisions should be well-considered and strategic.

4. In Tournaments, Consider Proposing a Draw:

   • A draw can provide a clean resolution that preserves everyone’s chances in subsequent games.

Closing Thoughts

Kingmaking is a challenging and often controversial aspect of multiplayer Magic. While there’s no universal solution for every situation, the approaches outlined here can help you navigate these scenarios more effectively. Remember, cEDH is about maximizing your chances of winning, even when the odds are against you.