{"ops":[{"insert":"Overview"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sergeant John Benton is unlike most Voltron commanders.\nInstead of relying on Equipment, Auras, or expensive creatures, this deck focuses on chaining together cheap pump spells while turning every successful attack into an enormous burst of card advantage.\nThe strategy is incredibly straightforward but surprisingly resilient.\n\nAttack. Pump. Draw cards. Protect Benton. Repeat.\n\nEventually one attack becomes lethal.\nThe deck is explosive, consistent, and capable of eliminating players with very little mana thanks to an abundance of efficient pump spells and free protection.\nUnlike traditional Voltron decks that slowly build one enormous creature, this list often wins out of nowhere by chaining multiple combat tricks in a single turn.\n\nCore Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The most important lesson when piloting this deck is: Sergeant John Benton must keep attacking.\nEverything in the deck is built around making that happen.\n\nThe first priority is accelerating into Benton as quickly as possible.\nThe second is making sure he survives.\nThe third is turning every combat step into a huge burst of card draw.\n\nUnlike most Voltron commanders, Benton doesn't force you to choose between dealing damage and generating value. Every additional point of combat damage means another card drawn.\n\nThis creates a powerful snowball effect.\nMore damage becomes more cards.\nMore cards become more pump spells.\nMore pump spells become even more damage.\n\nAs long as Benton survives combat after combat, your hand will continue to grow while your opponents struggle to keep up.\nBecause of this, protecting Benton is usually more important than casting another pump spell.\n\nA single successful attack that draws ten cards is often worth far more than risking your commander for a few extra points of damage.\nThink of the deck as three priorities working together:\nRamp into Benton."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Protect Benton."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Keep attacking."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nIf you can do those three things consistently, the deck will usually provide all the cards and damage needed to finish the game.\n\nHow the Deck Wins"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"Most games follow a similar pattern:\nAccelerate your mana."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Resolve Sergeant John Benton."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Protect him at all costs."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Attack every turn."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Draw enormous numbers of cards."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Finish opponents one by one with one massive combat step."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe deck rarely wins through incremental combat damage.\nIt wins through explosive turns where multiple pump spells transform Benton into a lethal attacker.\n\nThe Four Engines"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"1. The Card Draw Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Everything revolves around Sergeant John Benton.\nEvery successful attack creates another hand full of resources.\nBecause the commander continually refills your hand, the deck can afford to play an unusually high number of combat tricks.\nUnlike most aggressive decks, running out of cards is rarely a concern.\nDrawing more cards is almost always better than committing to unnecessary risks.\nThe longer Benton remains on the battlefield, the stronger every future turn becomes.\n\nNo Maximum Hand Size"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"One of the easiest mistakes to make with this deck is underestimating the importance of having no maximum hand size.\nSergeant John Benton is capable of drawing an enormous number of cards in a single combat. It is not unusual to end a turn with ten, fifteen, or even twenty cards in hand.\nDiscarding those cards during your cleanup step means throwing away the resources that make the deck so powerful.\nCards such as: \nReliquary Tower, "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Thought Vessel, "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Library of Leng, "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Spellbook "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n...are much more than convenience pieces—they allow you to convert Benton's explosive card draw into long-term advantage.\n\nKeeping a full hand means you can:\nHold multiple protection spells without exposing yourself."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Save pump spells for the perfect opportunity instead of using them immediately."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Recover quickly after board wipes or removal."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Always threaten a lethal attack, even when opponents believe you are out of resources."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nWhenever possible, try to establish one of your \"no maximum hand size\" effects before Benton starts drawing large numbers of cards. Once your hand begins to grow, every additional attack becomes even more threatening because you are able to keep every card you draw.\n\n2. The Pump Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck contains an enormous number of efficient pump effects.\nExamples include:\nBerserk"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Become Immense"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Invigorate"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mutagenic Growth"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Giant Growth"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Groundswell"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Might of Oaks"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Might of Old Krosa"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Scale Up"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Primal Bellow"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Inner Calm, Outer Strength"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Kaya's Onslaught"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Duelist's Heritage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Empyrial Plate"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nMany of these spells cost very little mana.\nSeveral cost no mana at all.\nBecause Benton continually draws cards, you can often chain several pump spells together during a single combat.\nMost opponents simply cannot predict how much damage is coming.\n\n3. The Protection Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Protecting Sergeant John Benton is more important than almost anything else.\nExamples include:\nMother of Runes"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Flawless Maneuver"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Flare of Fortitude"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tamiyo's Safekeeping"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Blossoming Defense"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Snakeskin Veil"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Vines of Vastwood"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Royal Treatment"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Loran's Escape"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Stonewood Invocation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Adamant Will"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Angel's Grace"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Benevolent Bodyguard"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Solitary Confinement"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Jennifer Walters // The Sensational She-Hulk"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nMany protection spells also increase Benton's power, allowing you to advance your offense while defending your commander.\nNever be afraid to spend protection early.\nWithout Benton, the deck becomes dramatically weaker.\n\n4. The Mana Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck wants to deploy Benton early while still leaving mana available for pump and protection.\nExamples include:\nSol Ring"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Birds of Paradise"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Elvish Mystic"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Burgeoning"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Exploration"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Azusa, Lost but Seeking"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Summer Bloom"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Arboreal Grazer"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Elvish Pioneer"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nSeveral explosive openings allow Benton to attack much earlier than opponents expect.\nThose early attacks often determine the pace of the entire game.\n\nCard Advantage"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Most Voltron decks eventually run out of resources.\nThis one rarely does.\nSergeant John Benton is your primary draw engine.\nThe goal is not simply to hit harder.\nThe goal is to continue attacking while drawing enough cards to keep your hand full for the rest of the game.\nBecause of this, attacking safely is often better than forcing maximum damage.\nOne successful attack that draws six cards is usually stronger than a risky attack that deals a little more damage but exposes Benton to removal.\n\nProtection First"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"One of the most common mistakes is using pump before ensuring Benton is safe.\nWhenever possible, leave protection available.\nA protected commander can continue drawing cards.\nA dead commander cannot.\nIf given the choice between dealing a few extra damage or guaranteeing Benton's survival, survival is almost always the correct play.\n\nRamp Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck values early acceleration more than expensive threats.\nGetting Benton onto the battlefield one turn earlier frequently means drawing an entire extra hand of cards before opponents are fully prepared.\nMana acceleration also allows you to cast multiple pump and protection spells during the same combat.\nThat flexibility is often the difference between dealing ten damage and eliminating a player.\n\nFinishing the Game"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck usually wins in one way. A combination of efficient pump spells allows Sergeant John Benton to eliminate players with 21 commander damage in a single combat.\n\nMulligan Guide"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Strong opening hands usually contain:\nThree lands"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"One or two ramp pieces"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A protection spell"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"One pump spell"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nAvoid hands filled exclusively with pump spells.\nWithout mana and protection, pump spells accomplish very little.\n\nPlaying From Ahead"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"When ahead, resist the temptation to commit every pump spell immediately.\nContinue attacking, drawing cards, and forcing opponents to spend removal.\nThe deck naturally becomes stronger every combat.\nThere is rarely a need to rush.\n\nPlaying From Behind"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"When behind, your priority is always the same:\nGet Benton back onto the battlefield.\nThen protect him.\nOne successful attack often draws enough cards to completely rebuild your position.\nThe deck is surprisingly resilient because Benton naturally replenishes your resources.\n\nCommon Mistakes"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tapping out before combat"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Always consider leaving mana available for protection.\nA single removal spell can undo an entire turn.\n\nUsing pump too early"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Pump spells are strongest when they force lethal damage or generate massive card draw.\nBe patient.\n\nForgetting free spells"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Several of the deck's strongest cards cost little or no mana.\nAlways consider what opponents think you cannot cast.\nSurprise wins are one of the deck's greatest strengths.\n\nKeeping slow opening hands"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck wants Benton attacking as early as possible.\nHands without early mana acceleration often fall behind.\n\nFinal Thoughts"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sergeant John Benton is one of the most explosive Voltron commanders because he solves the archetype's biggest weakness: running out of cards.\nEvery successful attack fuels the next one.\nEvery pump spell makes future attacks even stronger.\nEvery protection spell keeps the engine alive.\nThe deck rewards careful sequencing, patience, and knowing exactly when to commit your resources.\nYou do not need many creatures.\nYou do not need complicated combos.\nYou only need one determined soldier, a handful of combat tricks, and one attack your opponents never saw coming.\n"}]}