Tiduss mechanics of passing counters around is a reference to the sphere grid and I believe the card draw is a representation of scoring points in Blitzball
This is a distinct metagame, with its own rules and structures
In all cases, its possible to build your deck to have an advantage in the tug of war (combine Flailing Soldier with Strip Mine, or play Drooling Ogre as a sideboard card against artifact-free decks), but in general, the winning move is to never play the game in the first place
I'm hugely impressed by this card and can see it getting some play in Limited and Standard, but maybe not so much in Commander unless part of a Hero tribal deck
I got this job years ago when I made Unglued , the first silver-bordered set
And make sure to look for some rocks or enchantments that can replace themselves in the late game, like Mind Stone