defender967
3k views46 hrs ago
Commander
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{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Kess, Dissident Mage Primer"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Deck Overview"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Kess Control"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" is a Grixis spells deck that plays the long game until it very suddenly does not."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This list is built to keep other decks from snowballing, tax explosive turns, and quietly stack resources through efficient draw engines, mana-positive turns, and recursive spell value from "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Kess, Dissident Mage"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":". It is not trying to be the fastest deck at the table. It is trying to be the deck that makes sure nobody else gets to be."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The game plan is simple in theory and very satisfying in practice:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"interact early"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"accrue cards and mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"force the table to play fair"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"convert one big turn into a win"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Most games, that means you spend the first several turns looking like the responsible adult in the room. Then eventually that responsibility becomes "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"ritual mana"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", a stocked hand, and an opponent realizing they should have been more worried about you."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"What This Deck Is Doing"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"At its core, this is a "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"control-first spellslinger deck"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You are not trying to dump your hand and race. You are trying to make every other deck play below its ceiling while your deck continues to function at a high level. Your advantage comes from a few overlapping axes:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"1. Efficient interaction"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You have a dense suite of premium answers and stack interaction:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Counterspell, Fierce Guardianship, Force of Will, Force of Negation, Flusterstorm, Deflecting Swat, Cyclonic Rift, Chaos Warp, Deadly Rollick, Damnation, Toxic Deluge, Blasphemous Act, Blasphemous Edict."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This lets you police combo turns, answer problematic permanents, and preserve your own windows to resolve Kess or push a finisher."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"2. Card flow and selection"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The deck does not need to draw twenty cards at once to feel in control. It just needs to see more cards than everyone else and make those cards count:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rhystic Study, Mystic Remora, Archmage Emeritus, Fact or Fiction, Brainstorm, Ponder, Preordain, Scroll Rack, Sensei’s Divining Top, Jace, the Mind Sculptor, Lim-Dûl’s Vault."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You are sculpting, not rummaging blindly."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"3. Value from casting spells"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Once the game settles, your payoffs start turning “cast an instant or sorcery” into a real board presence or real damage:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Young Pyromancer, Talrand, Sky Summoner, Storm-Kiln Artist, Longshot, Rebel Bowman, Archmage Emeritus, Rite of the Dragoncaller."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These cards mean your interaction is never just interaction. It becomes pressure, mana, bodies, cards, or a clock."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"4. Recursion through Kess"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess is what turns the deck from “good Grixis control pile” into a machine. Recasting a tutor, cantrip, removal spell, counterspell, or ritual from the graveyard changes your sequencing dramatically and makes your turns much more mana-efficient than they look."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess rewards patience. You do not need to jam spells just because you can. Very often the best play is to use your hand conservatively because your graveyard is also a hand."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Why Kess?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess gives this list its backbone."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"She does three important things:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"She extends your resources."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A used "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Ponder"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Preordain"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Fact or Fiction"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", or tutor is not really gone."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"She makes one-card keeps and interaction-heavy hands more functional."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If your first few turns are mostly land drops, rocks, and keeping people honest, Kess helps you recover velocity later."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"She turns your graveyard into leverage."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Opponents have to account for the spell in your hand and the spell in your yard. That often changes how they sequence against you, which is exactly where a control deck wants the table."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess is not always a cast-on-curve commander. A lot of games, she is better as a turn where you can immediately get value, protect her, or create a swing in resources."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Win Conditions"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This deck usually wins in one of three ways."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"1. Big mana into a finisher"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the cleanest “fair” finish."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You develop mana through rocks, rituals, and treasure, then convert that mana into a lethal or nearly lethal spell. The headline closer here is:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Torment of Hailfire"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the classic “the table has been softened up, hands are smaller, mana is available, and now everyone has a problem” finisher."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"2. Storm-adjacent value chain into payoff"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is less deterministic and more explosive."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cards like:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Dark Ritual"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Cabal Ritual"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Storm-Kiln Artist"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Archmage Emeritus"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rite of the Dragoncaller"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Aetherflux Reservoir"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"let one turn snowball very quickly. You do not need to be a dedicated storm deck for "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Aetherflux Reservoir"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" to be scary. In this shell, it often plays as a reward for doing what the deck already wants to do: cast multiple cheap spells in a turn after spending the early game trading efficiently."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" is a major inflection point. It provides the kind of mana and velocity that turns “stable control position” into “I am ending this game now.”"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"3. Optional high-power combo package"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If you are sitting with stronger pods, you have access to a very real compact combo finish:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Thassa’s Oracle"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Demonic Consultation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"And depending on configuration and pod expectations:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Underworld Breach"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Brain Freeze"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"fast mana / rituals / tutors"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This package pushes the deck upward significantly. It shortens the game, changes how opponents should respect your mana, and alters Rule Zero expectations. If you are using that package, it is worth saying so clearly before the game starts."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"What the Deck Is Not Trying to Do"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is useful to say out loud because Kess can be built in a lot of directions."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"not"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" a turbo deck."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"It is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"not"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" trying to race to an early deterministic combo every game."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"It is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"not"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" trying to flood the board and win through combat pressure alone."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This build wants to be interactive, controlling, and flexible. It wants the game to go long enough that your decisions matter and your card quality starts to outpace everyone else’s."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Then it wants one turn where that advantage becomes impossible to recover from."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Early Game Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Your first priority is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"mana and card quality"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Ideal early plays include:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a cheap rock"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a one-mana cantrip"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a value engine like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Mystic Remora"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rhystic Study"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"holding up interaction if someone is clearly representing nonsense"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Your early turns are mostly about answering one question:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Who at this table is most likely to force me to spend resources first?"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If someone is setting up a fast combo line, your job is obvious. If not, you should resist firing off interaction just because you can. This deck gets stronger the longer your cards trade up."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Early creatures like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Young Pyromancer"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Baleful Strix"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" are nice, but they are not mandatory. You do not need to “get on board” early unless the table dynamics demand it."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Midgame Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is where the deck starts to feel like itself."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You want to:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"continue hitting land drops"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"keep the most dangerous player from getting traction"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"establish a card engine or spell payoff"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"choose your spot for Kess"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Archmage Emeritus"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Storm-Kiln Artist"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Narset, Parter of Veils"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Notion Thief"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Opposition Agent"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Dauthi Voidwalker"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" all do a good job of making the midgame miserable for opponents in slightly different ways."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is also when wheel effects become particularly threatening:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Windfall"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Reforge the Soul"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A wheel with "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Narset"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Notion Thief"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" in play can completely reset a table in your favor. Even when it does not create a lock, it often creates enough asymmetry to set up your winning turn."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Late Game Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If the game goes long, you should feel favored as long as you have not spent your interaction too loosely."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"At this stage:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess gives you extra material every turn cycle"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your tutors become much cleaner"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"ritual-based turns get bigger"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"payoff cards become lethal instead of cute"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Late game is where you stop asking “how do I survive this table?” and start asking “what is the safest line that ends the game before the table can recover?”"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That distinction matters. A control deck often loses by continuing to play control after it has already turned the corner."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"When you have the window, close the game."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Mulligan Guide"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A good opener usually has "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"three things"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":":"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"functional mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"at least one piece of card selection or draw"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"either acceleration or interaction"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Hands I would generally keep:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"2-4 lands with a rock and a cantrip"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"3 lands with "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Mystic Remora"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rhystic Study"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"2 lands with strong fixing, a cantrip, and fast mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"slower hands with premium interaction if the pod is clearly explosive"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Hands I would be careful with:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"reactive hands with no velocity"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"hands full of cute payoffs and no setup"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"hands that depend on Kess to function"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"one-land hands that are pretending to be brave"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You do not need an aggressive opener. You need an opener that lets you make land drops, see more cards, and not die to someone doing something criminal on turn three."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Key Packages"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Draw and selection"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These cards keep the deck smooth and let you find the right answer or the right pivot:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Brainstorm, Ponder, Preordain, Gitaxian Probe, Fact or Fiction, Mystic Remora, Rhystic Study, Scroll Rack, Sensei’s Divining Top, Jace, the Mind Sculptor, Lim-Dûl’s Vault."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Control and table policing"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the skeleton of the deck:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Counterspell, Mana Drain, Fierce Guardianship, Force of Will, Force of Negation, Flusterstorm, Cyclonic Rift, Chaos Warp, Damnation, Toxic Deluge, Blasphemous Act, Deadly Rollick, Deflecting Swat."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Hate pieces that fit the plan"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These do a lot of heavy lifting without diluting your deck’s identity:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Narset, Parter of Veils, Notion Thief, Opposition Agent, Dauthi Voidwalker."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"They do not just stop opponents. They create huge swing turns when combined with your draw, wheel, and tutoring patterns."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Spellslinger payoffs"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These reward you for doing the normal thing:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Young Pyromancer, Talrand, Sky Summoner, Longshot Rebel Bowman, Storm-Kiln Artist, Archmage Emeritus, Rite of the Dragoncaller, Aetherflux Reservoir."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Finishers"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Your closers are compact and largely fit inside your normal game plan:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Torment of Hailfire, Aetherflux Reservoir, Rite of the Dragoncaller, optional Oracle/Consultation package."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Sequencing Notes"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A few small things matter a lot with this deck."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Do not rush Kess."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Casting Kess into open mana just because you can is often a trap. She is strongest when she either replaces herself immediately or forces opponents into an awkward exchange."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Cantrips get better later than you think."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"It is fine to use them early to smooth mana, but in many games they become dramatically better once Kess is online or once you know what you are digging for."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Use your life total like a resource, not a diary entry."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Between fetches, shocks, Remora decisions, and card flow, you are going to spend life. That is fine. Just keep in mind that "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Aetherflux Reservoir"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" can turn that story around quickly."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Hold the premium interaction for premium problems."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Do not spend "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Force of Will"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" to stop medium-value nonsense unless that nonsense clearly leads to your death."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will should change your posture."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"When you have a credible chance to resolve it with useful mana and cards behind it, start thinking one turn ahead. It often marks the point where you pivot from control to closing."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rule Zero Notes"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the important conversation piece."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"As built, this reads like a "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Bracket 4 control deck"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":": fast mana, efficient stack interaction, compact finishers, and the ability to play a strong policing role at a high-power table."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The big thing to disclose is the "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"combo package"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If you are running or presenting:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Thassa’s Oracle"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Demonic Consultation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Underworld Breach"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Brain Freeze"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"then the deck is moving closer to “high-power with cEDH-adjacent finishing lines” than “interactive high-power control deck with explosive fair wins.”"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That does not make it wrong. It just changes the contract."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If you want the deck to feel more firmly like Bracket 4 control rather than edging upward, you can frame those as a swap-in package for stronger pods and leave them out for games where you want the spellslinger finishers and big ritual turns to do the heavy lifting."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Why I Like This Deck"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Because it gets to play real Magic in both directions."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You get to interact. You get to sculpt. You get to be patient. You get to look responsible. Then, when the table gets comfortable with that version of you, the deck reminds everyone that “control deck” and “harmless deck” are not remotely the same thing."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess is excellent at that kind of game. She does not need much help to turn one extra spell into a real advantage, and once the game has gone long, she makes your deck feel bigger than ninety-nine cards."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is a deck for players who enjoy saying “no” for a while, then saying “actually, I think I’m done saying no now, I’m just going to win.”"},{"insert":"\n\n"}]}
Counters
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Jace, the Mind Sculptor
+2: Look at the top card of target player's library. You may put that card on the bottom of that player's library.
0: Draw three cards, then put two cards from your hand on top of your library in any order.
−1: Return target creature to its owner's hand.
−12: Exile all cards from target player's library, then that player shuffles their hand into their library.
0: Draw three cards, then put two cards from your hand on top of your library in any order.
−1: Return target creature to its owner's hand.
−12: Exile all cards from target player's library, then that player shuffles their hand into their library.
Legendary Planeswalker - Jace
Mystic Remora
Cumulative upkeep (At the beginning of your upkeep, put an age counter on this permanent, then sacrifice it unless you pay its upkeep cost for each age counter on it.)
Whenever an opponent casts a noncreature spell, you may draw a card unless that player pays .
Whenever an opponent casts a noncreature spell, you may draw a card unless that player pays .
Enchantment
Narset, Parter of Veils
Each opponent can't draw more than one card each turn.
−2: Look at the top four cards of your library. You may reveal a noncreature, nonland card from among them and put it into your hand. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.
−2: Look at the top four cards of your library. You may reveal a noncreature, nonland card from among them and put it into your hand. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.
Legendary Planeswalker - Narset
The One Ring
Indestructible
When The One Ring enters, if you cast it, you gain protection from everything until your next turn.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you lose 1 life for each burden counter on The One Ring.
: Put a burden counter on The One Ring, then draw a card for each burden counter on The One Ring.
When The One Ring enters, if you cast it, you gain protection from everything until your next turn.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you lose 1 life for each burden counter on The One Ring.
: Put a burden counter on The One Ring, then draw a card for each burden counter on The One Ring.
Legendary Artifact
Draw
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Finisher
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Gemstone Caverns
If this card is in your opening hand and you're not the starting player, you may begin the game with Gemstone Caverns on the battlefield with a luck counter on it. If you do, exile a card from your hand.
: Add . If Gemstone Caverns has a luck counter on it, instead add one mana of any color.
: Add . If Gemstone Caverns has a luck counter on it, instead add one mana of any color.
Legendary Land
Urza's Saga
(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after III.)
I — This Saga gains ": Add ."
II — This Saga gains ", : Create a 0/0 colorless Construct artifact creature token with 'This token gets +1/+1 for each artifact you control.'"
III — Search your library for an artifact card with mana cost or , put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle.
I — This Saga gains ": Add ."
II — This Saga gains ", : Create a 0/0 colorless Construct artifact creature token with 'This token gets +1/+1 for each artifact you control.'"
III — Search your library for an artifact card with mana cost or , put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle.
Land Enchantment - Saga Urza's
Land
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Protection
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Vivi Ornitier
: Add X mana in any combination of and/or , where X is Vivi Ornitier's power. Activate only during your turn and only once each turn.
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Vivi Ornitier and it deals 1 damage to each opponent.
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Vivi Ornitier and it deals 1 damage to each opponent.
Legendary Creature - Wizard
Ramp
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Snapcaster Mage
Flash
When this creature enters, target instant or sorcery card in your graveyard gains flashback until end of turn. The flashback cost is equal to its mana cost. (You may cast that card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)
When this creature enters, target instant or sorcery card in your graveyard gains flashback until end of turn. The flashback cost is equal to its mana cost. (You may cast that card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)
Creature - Human Wizard
Recursion
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Removal
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Dauthi Voidwalker
Shadow (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.)
If a card would be put into an opponent's graveyard from anywhere, instead exile it with a void counter on it.
, Sacrifice this creature: Choose an exiled card an opponent owns with a void counter on it. You may play it this turn without paying its mana cost.
If a card would be put into an opponent's graveyard from anywhere, instead exile it with a void counter on it.
, Sacrifice this creature: Choose an exiled card an opponent owns with a void counter on it. You may play it this turn without paying its mana cost.
Creature - Rogue Dauthi
Opposition Agent
Flash
You control your opponents while they're searching their libraries.
While an opponent is searching their library, they exile each card they find. You may play those cards for as long as they remain exiled, and you may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast them.
You control your opponents while they're searching their libraries.
While an opponent is searching their library, they exile each card they find. You may play those cards for as long as they remain exiled, and you may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast them.
Creature - Human Rogue
Stax
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Tokens
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Lim-Dûl's Vault
Look at the top five cards of your library. As many times as you choose, you may pay 1 life, put those cards on the bottom of your library in any order, then look at the top five cards of your library. Then shuffle and put the last cards you looked at this way on top in any order.
Instant
Tutor
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Kefka, Court Mage
Whenever Kefka enters or attacks, each player discards a card. Then you draw a card for each card type among cards discarded this way.
: Each opponent sacrifices a permanent of their choice. Transform Kefka. Activate only as a sorcery.
: Each opponent sacrifices a permanent of their choice. Transform Kefka. Activate only as a sorcery.
Legendary Creature - Human Wizard
Thassa's Oracle
When this creature enters, look at the top X cards of your library, where X is your devotion to blue. Put up to one of them on top of your library and the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order. If X is greater than or equal to the number of cards in your library, you win the game. (Each in the mana costs of permanents you control counts toward your devotion to blue.)
Creature - Wizard Merfolk
Underworld Breach
Each nonland card in your graveyard has escape. The escape cost is equal to the card's mana cost plus exile three other cards from your graveyard. (You may cast cards from your graveyard for their escape cost.)
At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice this enchantment.
At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice this enchantment.
Enchantment
Maybeboard
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Deck Info
Deck stats
CategoriesQtyOdds
Click charts to focus on cards
Deck extras (0)
Description
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Kess, Dissident Mage Primer"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Deck Overview"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Kess Control"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" is a Grixis spells deck that plays the long game until it very suddenly does not."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This list is built to keep other decks from snowballing, tax explosive turns, and quietly stack resources through efficient draw engines, mana-positive turns, and recursive spell value from "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Kess, Dissident Mage"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":". It is not trying to be the fastest deck at the table. It is trying to be the deck that makes sure nobody else gets to be."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The game plan is simple in theory and very satisfying in practice:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"interact early"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"accrue cards and mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"force the table to play fair"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"convert one big turn into a win"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Most games, that means you spend the first several turns looking like the responsible adult in the room. Then eventually that responsibility becomes "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"ritual mana"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", a stocked hand, and an opponent realizing they should have been more worried about you."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"What This Deck Is Doing"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"At its core, this is a "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"control-first spellslinger deck"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You are not trying to dump your hand and race. You are trying to make every other deck play below its ceiling while your deck continues to function at a high level. Your advantage comes from a few overlapping axes:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"1. Efficient interaction"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You have a dense suite of premium answers and stack interaction:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Counterspell, Fierce Guardianship, Force of Will, Force of Negation, Flusterstorm, Deflecting Swat, Cyclonic Rift, Chaos Warp, Deadly Rollick, Damnation, Toxic Deluge, Blasphemous Act, Blasphemous Edict."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This lets you police combo turns, answer problematic permanents, and preserve your own windows to resolve Kess or push a finisher."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"2. Card flow and selection"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The deck does not need to draw twenty cards at once to feel in control. It just needs to see more cards than everyone else and make those cards count:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rhystic Study, Mystic Remora, Archmage Emeritus, Fact or Fiction, Brainstorm, Ponder, Preordain, Scroll Rack, Sensei’s Divining Top, Jace, the Mind Sculptor, Lim-Dûl’s Vault."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You are sculpting, not rummaging blindly."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"3. Value from casting spells"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Once the game settles, your payoffs start turning “cast an instant or sorcery” into a real board presence or real damage:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Young Pyromancer, Talrand, Sky Summoner, Storm-Kiln Artist, Longshot, Rebel Bowman, Archmage Emeritus, Rite of the Dragoncaller."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These cards mean your interaction is never just interaction. It becomes pressure, mana, bodies, cards, or a clock."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"4. Recursion through Kess"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess is what turns the deck from “good Grixis control pile” into a machine. Recasting a tutor, cantrip, removal spell, counterspell, or ritual from the graveyard changes your sequencing dramatically and makes your turns much more mana-efficient than they look."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess rewards patience. You do not need to jam spells just because you can. Very often the best play is to use your hand conservatively because your graveyard is also a hand."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Why Kess?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess gives this list its backbone."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"She does three important things:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"She extends your resources."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A used "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Ponder"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Preordain"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Fact or Fiction"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", or tutor is not really gone."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"She makes one-card keeps and interaction-heavy hands more functional."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If your first few turns are mostly land drops, rocks, and keeping people honest, Kess helps you recover velocity later."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"She turns your graveyard into leverage."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Opponents have to account for the spell in your hand and the spell in your yard. That often changes how they sequence against you, which is exactly where a control deck wants the table."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess is not always a cast-on-curve commander. A lot of games, she is better as a turn where you can immediately get value, protect her, or create a swing in resources."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Win Conditions"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This deck usually wins in one of three ways."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"1. Big mana into a finisher"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the cleanest “fair” finish."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You develop mana through rocks, rituals, and treasure, then convert that mana into a lethal or nearly lethal spell. The headline closer here is:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Torment of Hailfire"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the classic “the table has been softened up, hands are smaller, mana is available, and now everyone has a problem” finisher."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"2. Storm-adjacent value chain into payoff"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is less deterministic and more explosive."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cards like:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Dark Ritual"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Cabal Ritual"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Storm-Kiln Artist"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Archmage Emeritus"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rite of the Dragoncaller"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Aetherflux Reservoir"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"let one turn snowball very quickly. You do not need to be a dedicated storm deck for "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Aetherflux Reservoir"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" to be scary. In this shell, it often plays as a reward for doing what the deck already wants to do: cast multiple cheap spells in a turn after spending the early game trading efficiently."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" is a major inflection point. It provides the kind of mana and velocity that turns “stable control position” into “I am ending this game now.”"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"3. Optional high-power combo package"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If you are sitting with stronger pods, you have access to a very real compact combo finish:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Thassa’s Oracle"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Demonic Consultation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"And depending on configuration and pod expectations:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Underworld Breach"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Brain Freeze"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"fast mana / rituals / tutors"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This package pushes the deck upward significantly. It shortens the game, changes how opponents should respect your mana, and alters Rule Zero expectations. If you are using that package, it is worth saying so clearly before the game starts."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"What the Deck Is Not Trying to Do"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is useful to say out loud because Kess can be built in a lot of directions."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"not"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" a turbo deck."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"It is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"not"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" trying to race to an early deterministic combo every game."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"It is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"not"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" trying to flood the board and win through combat pressure alone."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This build wants to be interactive, controlling, and flexible. It wants the game to go long enough that your decisions matter and your card quality starts to outpace everyone else’s."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Then it wants one turn where that advantage becomes impossible to recover from."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Early Game Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Your first priority is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"mana and card quality"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Ideal early plays include:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a cheap rock"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a one-mana cantrip"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a value engine like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Mystic Remora"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rhystic Study"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"holding up interaction if someone is clearly representing nonsense"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Your early turns are mostly about answering one question:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Who at this table is most likely to force me to spend resources first?"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If someone is setting up a fast combo line, your job is obvious. If not, you should resist firing off interaction just because you can. This deck gets stronger the longer your cards trade up."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Early creatures like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Young Pyromancer"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Baleful Strix"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" are nice, but they are not mandatory. You do not need to “get on board” early unless the table dynamics demand it."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Midgame Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is where the deck starts to feel like itself."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You want to:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"continue hitting land drops"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"keep the most dangerous player from getting traction"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"establish a card engine or spell payoff"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"choose your spot for Kess"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Archmage Emeritus"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Storm-Kiln Artist"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Narset, Parter of Veils"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Notion Thief"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Opposition Agent"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Dauthi Voidwalker"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" all do a good job of making the midgame miserable for opponents in slightly different ways."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is also when wheel effects become particularly threatening:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Windfall"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Reforge the Soul"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A wheel with "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Narset"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Notion Thief"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" in play can completely reset a table in your favor. Even when it does not create a lock, it often creates enough asymmetry to set up your winning turn."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Late Game Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If the game goes long, you should feel favored as long as you have not spent your interaction too loosely."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"At this stage:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess gives you extra material every turn cycle"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your tutors become much cleaner"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"ritual-based turns get bigger"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"payoff cards become lethal instead of cute"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Late game is where you stop asking “how do I survive this table?” and start asking “what is the safest line that ends the game before the table can recover?”"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That distinction matters. A control deck often loses by continuing to play control after it has already turned the corner."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"When you have the window, close the game."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Mulligan Guide"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A good opener usually has "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"three things"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":":"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"functional mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"at least one piece of card selection or draw"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"either acceleration or interaction"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Hands I would generally keep:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"2-4 lands with a rock and a cantrip"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"3 lands with "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Mystic Remora"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rhystic Study"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"2 lands with strong fixing, a cantrip, and fast mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"slower hands with premium interaction if the pod is clearly explosive"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Hands I would be careful with:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"reactive hands with no velocity"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"hands full of cute payoffs and no setup"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"hands that depend on Kess to function"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"one-land hands that are pretending to be brave"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You do not need an aggressive opener. You need an opener that lets you make land drops, see more cards, and not die to someone doing something criminal on turn three."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Key Packages"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Draw and selection"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These cards keep the deck smooth and let you find the right answer or the right pivot:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Brainstorm, Ponder, Preordain, Gitaxian Probe, Fact or Fiction, Mystic Remora, Rhystic Study, Scroll Rack, Sensei’s Divining Top, Jace, the Mind Sculptor, Lim-Dûl’s Vault."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Control and table policing"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the skeleton of the deck:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Counterspell, Mana Drain, Fierce Guardianship, Force of Will, Force of Negation, Flusterstorm, Cyclonic Rift, Chaos Warp, Damnation, Toxic Deluge, Blasphemous Act, Deadly Rollick, Deflecting Swat."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Hate pieces that fit the plan"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These do a lot of heavy lifting without diluting your deck’s identity:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Narset, Parter of Veils, Notion Thief, Opposition Agent, Dauthi Voidwalker."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"They do not just stop opponents. They create huge swing turns when combined with your draw, wheel, and tutoring patterns."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Spellslinger payoffs"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These reward you for doing the normal thing:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Young Pyromancer, Talrand, Sky Summoner, Longshot Rebel Bowman, Storm-Kiln Artist, Archmage Emeritus, Rite of the Dragoncaller, Aetherflux Reservoir."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Finishers"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Your closers are compact and largely fit inside your normal game plan:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Torment of Hailfire, Aetherflux Reservoir, Rite of the Dragoncaller, optional Oracle/Consultation package."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Sequencing Notes"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A few small things matter a lot with this deck."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Do not rush Kess."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Casting Kess into open mana just because you can is often a trap. She is strongest when she either replaces herself immediately or forces opponents into an awkward exchange."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Cantrips get better later than you think."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"It is fine to use them early to smooth mana, but in many games they become dramatically better once Kess is online or once you know what you are digging for."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Use your life total like a resource, not a diary entry."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Between fetches, shocks, Remora decisions, and card flow, you are going to spend life. That is fine. Just keep in mind that "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Aetherflux Reservoir"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" can turn that story around quickly."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Hold the premium interaction for premium problems."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Do not spend "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Force of Will"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" to stop medium-value nonsense unless that nonsense clearly leads to your death."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Jeska’s Will should change your posture."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"When you have a credible chance to resolve it with useful mana and cards behind it, start thinking one turn ahead. It often marks the point where you pivot from control to closing."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rule Zero Notes"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the important conversation piece."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"As built, this reads like a "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Bracket 4 control deck"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":": fast mana, efficient stack interaction, compact finishers, and the ability to play a strong policing role at a high-power table."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The big thing to disclose is the "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"combo package"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If you are running or presenting:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Thassa’s Oracle"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Demonic Consultation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Underworld Breach"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Brain Freeze"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"then the deck is moving closer to “high-power with cEDH-adjacent finishing lines” than “interactive high-power control deck with explosive fair wins.”"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That does not make it wrong. It just changes the contract."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"If you want the deck to feel more firmly like Bracket 4 control rather than edging upward, you can frame those as a swap-in package for stronger pods and leave them out for games where you want the spellslinger finishers and big ritual turns to do the heavy lifting."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Why I Like This Deck"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Because it gets to play real Magic in both directions."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You get to interact. You get to sculpt. You get to be patient. You get to look responsible. Then, when the table gets comfortable with that version of you, the deck reminds everyone that “control deck” and “harmless deck” are not remotely the same thing."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Kess is excellent at that kind of game. She does not need much help to turn one extra spell into a real advantage, and once the game has gone long, she makes your deck feel bigger than ninety-nine cards."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is a deck for players who enjoy saying “no” for a while, then saying “actually, I think I’m done saying no now, I’m just going to win.”"},{"insert":"\n\n"}]}