{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Volrath, the Shapestealer 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":"Volrath, the Shapestealer"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" is a Sultai counter deck that plays like a midrange control shell with a very strange sense of humor."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"At its core, the plan is to spread counters across the board, keep the game under control, and then let "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Volrath"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" become the most relevant creature in play. Sometimes that means copying your best value engine. Sometimes it means turning into the scariest creature an opponent resolved. Sometimes it means making an army of "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"7/4 Scute Swarms"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", which is every bit as stupid and satisfying as it sounds."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This deck is built to win longer games through flexibility, card advantage, and board control. It is not trying to race to the finish line. It is trying to make sure the game goes long enough that Volrath starts doing things nobody else at the table can quite replicate."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The broad plan is simple:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"get counters onto creatures consistently"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"develop mana and card flow"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"interact with the most important opposing threats"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"land Volrath when he can matter"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"copy the best thing on the board until the game collapses in your favor"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is a "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Bracket 4 midrange control deck"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":". It has strong interaction, strong card quality, and some powerful board states, but it wins more through layered value and clever positioning than through fast deterministic combo."},{"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":"counter-enabled value and control deck"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" built around one of the more flexible commanders in the format."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Volrath rewards you for doing two things well:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"1. Put counters everywhere"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Once creatures have counters on them, Volrath gets options. Your creatures become utility pieces, scaling threats, card engines, or combat tricks waiting to happen. Opponents’ creatures can become options too, which is where the deck starts feeling particularly unfair."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"2. Turn flexibility into advantage"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Volrath does not need you to build around one narrow line. He wants a battlefield full of possibilities. If the best creature in play is yours, great. If the best creature in play belongs to someone else, also great. You are not committing to a single identity. You are choosing the best one each turn."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That gives the deck a few overlapping strengths."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Counter support"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Forgotten Ancient, Evolution Sage, Rishkar, Peema Renegade, Master Biomancer, Kami of Whispered Hopes, Generous Patron, Fathom Mage, Innkeeper’s Talent"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", and your proliferate package help make sure the board stays full of valid Volrath targets."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Midrange control"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You have a real interaction suite:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Assassin’s Trophy, Beast Within, Beast Within, Counterspell, Mana Drain, Fierce Guardianship, Cyclonic Rift, Damnation, Culling Ritual, Deadly Rollick, Beast Within, Boseiju, Who Endures."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You are not just goldfishing your own board. You are making sure the table does not get too far ahead while your value engine comes together."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Card advantage through creatures and counters"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This deck accrues a lot of cards over time:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Beast Whisperer, Fathom Mage, Generous Patron, Rhystic Study, Sylvan Library, The Great Henge, Tribute to the World Tree, Wan Shi Tong, Librarian."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That means your midgame turns tend to stay live even after a wipe or a stalled board."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Board exploitation"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the real Volrath appeal. The deck does not just build a board. It weaponizes whatever board exists."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Why Volrath?"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Because Volrath is one of the best “play what matters right now” commanders around."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"He does not ask you to be linear. He asks you to stay aware."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"With a counter somewhere on the battlefield, Volrath becomes:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your best value creature"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your best beater"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your best utility body"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your opponent’s best creature, but on your terms"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That makes him incredibly adaptable. A lot of commanders tell you exactly how the deck is supposed to function. Volrath gives you a toolbox and asks whether you are paying attention."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"He also naturally supports the kind of game this list wants to play. You are already interested in counters, board development, and interaction. Volrath takes that shell and gives it a highly flexible closer."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"And then there is the small joy of him surviving things in ways he absolutely should not."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"The Pet Cards, On Purpose"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"One of the most satisfying parts of this build is the inclusion of lands that can become creatures."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Blinkmoth Nexus"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Mutavault"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" are not here by accident. They create one of the funniest and most rewarding interactions in the deck: if someone overloads "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Cyclonic Rift"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", Volrath can copy an animated land and remain on the battlefield as a land."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That is deeply rude, extremely satisfying, and exactly the kind of thing a Volrath deck should get to enjoy."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These lands are not the backbone of the deck, but they add texture, utility, and a little extra payoff for piloting the deck carefully. They are the kind of pet cards that feel earned when they matter."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Win Conditions"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This deck wins through board control, scaling value, and combat pressure."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"1. Volrath copies the best thing on the board"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is the default plan."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Once counters are established, Volrath becomes the most relevant creature on the battlefield every turn. That might mean copying:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a card draw engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"an evasive threat"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a utility creature"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a giant stat monster"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"a piece of an opponent’s plan that now works better for you"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Over time, that flexibility creates enough value and pressure that opponents run out of good exchanges."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"2. Counter-based board snowballing"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cards like:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Forgotten Ancient"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Master Biomancer"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Kami of Whispered Hopes"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Persistent Constrictor"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Evolution Sage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Innkeeper’s Talent"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rishkar, Peema Renegade"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"let the board get out of hand quickly. Even when Volrath is not actively copying something game-ending, the shell itself can produce very large, very difficult-to-manage creatures."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"3. Scute Swarm as an alternate kill"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is one of the splashier lines in the deck."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"With counters available and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Volrath"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" doing Volrath things, "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Scute Swarm"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" can turn into an alternate win condition by making a pile of "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"7/4 Scute Swarms"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":". It is weird, effective, and exactly the sort of line that makes this commander so enjoyable."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"It is not the only plan, but it is a very real one, and it gives the deck a nice angle for closing games without relying on a single giant Volrath attack."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"4. Opponent resources becoming your pressure"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This deck is especially good at winning games where someone else helped provide the best target. Volrath does not care who resolved the scariest creature. He just cares whether there is a counter on it."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That means opposing bombs can quietly become part of your win condition."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"What This Deck Is Not Trying to Do"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is not a dedicated combo deck."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"It is not trying to assemble a deterministic loop as quickly as possible, and it is not a purely creature-aggro counters deck either. It is more interactive and more patient than that."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is also not a commander deck that needs Volrath in play at all times to function. He is the centerpiece, but the shell is built to play a real game even without him. You have enough ramp, draw, interaction, and creature quality to operate as a midrange value deck until Volrath shows up and starts being absurd."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That matters, because one of the strengths of this list is that it does not look dead in the water when the commander gets answered once or twice."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Early Game Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The early turns are about mana, setup, and quietly establishing future Volrath targets."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Your priorities are usually:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"develop mana cleanly"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"deploy early value creatures"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"get counters onto the battlefield"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"hold interaction when the table demands it"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Good early setup pieces include:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Birds of Paradise"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Biophagus"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Incubation Druid"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Arcane Signet"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Fellwar Stone"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Talisman of Curiosity"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Talisman of Resilience"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Cultivate"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Nature’s Lore"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Early counter support matters too:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Master Biomancer"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Forgotten Ancient"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Rishkar, Peema Renegade"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Pollywog Prodigy"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Generous Patron"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Fathom Mage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You do not need to rush Volrath onto an empty or irrelevant board. He is much better when you already have counters in place and a sense of what he should become."},{"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 clever."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"By the midgame, you ideally want:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"counters spread across the board"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"at least one value engine online"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"enough interaction to stop the most dangerous player"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Volrath entering a battlefield where he has real choices"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That is where the deck becomes difficult to play against. Volrath is not just a threat. He is the best version of whichever threat matters most."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This stage is also where your proliferate package becomes especially useful:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Contagion Clasp"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Contagion Engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Evolution Sage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Karn’s Bastion"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Tezzeret’s Gambit"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These cards keep your board scaling, keep your targets online, and make your value creatures increasingly obnoxious."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The deck is at its best here when you are balancing two things at once:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"not letting the table get away from you"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"not showing your full hand too early"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You are a control deck, but not a pure draw-go control deck. You want to commit enough to generate pressure without becoming the easiest player to punish."},{"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, this deck should feel excellent."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"At that stage:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your card engines have likely paid you well"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your counters are everywhere"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Volrath has multiple high-quality targets"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"your interaction has forced the table into awkward positions"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"every creature on the board has become potential material for your commander"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Late game Volrath is where the deck feels especially unfair. There is rarely just one correct thing to copy, which means your turn-to-turn flexibility becomes hard for opponents to predict and harder to answer efficiently."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Cards like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Toxrill, the Corrosive"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Massacre Girl, Known Killer"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Necroskitter"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Obelisk Spider"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" also give the deck some meaner angles once the board is developed. You can grind, control, and pressure at the same time, which is exactly where a midrange deck wants to be."},{"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 three things:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"functional mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"some form of early development"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"either interaction or a value engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Hands I would usually keep:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"3 lands with good access to colors and a ramp piece"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"2 lands with early ramp and a cantrip-quality draw engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"hands with an early counter enabler plus mana development"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"slower hands if they clearly lead into a strong midgame"},{"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 that do not actually progress your board"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"creature-heavy hands with no ramp"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"hands that need Volrath immediately to do anything meaningful"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"hands with nice cards but no clear first three turns"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Because this build includes animated lands as pet cards, it is worth remembering that they are upside, not a reason to keep a weaker hand. They add utility and create some excellent lines, but your opener still needs to function as a Sultai midrange deck first."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Key Packages"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Counter support"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These are what make Volrath’s ability consistently live:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Forgotten Ancient, Evolution Sage, Rishkar, Peema Renegade, Master Biomancer, Generous Patron, Fathom Mage, Kami of Whispered Hopes, Innkeeper’s Talent, Contagion Clasp, Contagion Engine, Karn’s Bastion."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Value engines"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These keep the deck full of cards and relevant plays:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Beast Whisperer, Rhystic Study, Sylvan Library, The Great Henge, Tribute to the World Tree, Wan Shi Tong, Librarian, Evolution Witness."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Control package"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These are what let you play a real interactive game:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Assassin’s Trophy, Beast Within, Counterspell, Mana Drain, Fierce Guardianship, Cyclonic Rift, Damnation, Culling Ritual, Deadly Rollick, Heroic Intervention, Gaea’s Gift."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Counter payoff and scaling bodies"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These help the deck become threatening even before Volrath takes over:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Champion of Lambholt, Defiler of Vigor, Persistent Constrictor, Dread Tiller, Obelisk Spider, Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons, Toxrill, the Corrosive."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Volrath-specific texture"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"These are the cards that make this list feel particularly like your version:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Blinkmoth Nexus, Mutavault, Scute Swarm, Volrath, the Shapestealer."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Sequencing Notes"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A few things matter a lot with this deck."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Do not cast Volrath just because you hit five mana."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"He is best when there are already meaningful counters on the battlefield and a real reason for him to copy something immediately or threaten to do so."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Think about counters as permissions."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A counter on a creature does not just make that creature better. It gives Volrath access. Sometimes your best play is not the biggest creature. It is simply making sure the right options exist for later."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Use opponents’ boards shamelessly."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This commander gets much better when you stop thinking of opposing creatures as separate from your plan. If they resolved the best creature at the table and it can carry a counter, that is now part of your menu."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Do not reveal the funniest line too early."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The animated-land interaction is delightful, but it is even better when it catches people off guard. Let them learn the hard way if the opportunity presents itself."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Know when to stop grinding and start killing people."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This deck can accrue value for a long time, but eventually the right call is to turn Volrath into the most dangerous thing available and start shortening the game."},{"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 a "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Bracket 4 Sultai midrange control deck"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" built around counters, interaction, and Volrath’s ability to copy the best thing on the board."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"A clean Rule Zero description is:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"“This is a high-power Volrath deck built around getting counters everywhere, controlling the game, and using Volrath to become the best creature in play. It has some fun alternate lines like making 7/4 Scute Swarms, but mostly it wins by outvaluing the table and turning flexibility into pressure.”"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"That tells the table what matters:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"you are interactive"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"you are midrange"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"you are not trying to combo off immediately"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"the deck gets stronger the longer the game goes"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Volrath can use both your threats and theirs"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\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 plays like a deck for someone who enjoys options."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"You are not locked into one plan. You are building a board, managing the table, and staying ready to pivot into whatever role the game asks for. Sometimes Volrath is your value engine. Sometimes he is your biggest threat. Sometimes he is your opponent’s bomb wearing your nametag."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"And then sometimes he survives an overloaded "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Cyclonic Rift"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" by becoming a land, which is the kind of nonsense that makes a deck worth sleeving up in the first place."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"This is a deck for players who like midrange games, subtle setup, and the feeling of always having one more angle than the table accounted for."},{"insert":"\n"}]}