Walden
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Commander
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{"ops":[{"insert":"The Fine Print of Immortality"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is built around "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"insert":", but it's not entirely dependent on it. Like many old cards, Lich has a powerful but narrow effect that creates a strong gravitational pull in deckbuilding. Most Lich decks rely on multiple expensive tutors to find it quickly. While black excels at tutoring, I personally don't find most tutors to be creatively expressive. I'd rather lose a ton of life and draw a bunch of cards to find Lich organically, seeing as it’s going to set my life total to 0 anyway. I take lots of joy in actually looking at my deck as I play it, and in a 100-card singleton format, tutoring for a single card feels overly strong and stifles my creativity. \n"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Commander Choice"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck originally ran "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"as the commander ("},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/12551234/probably_lose"},"insert":"original list here"},{"insert":"). Playing ultra-greedy for mana was fun, and I occasionally miss it, but I often ended up either dead from my own plays or passing turns in fear of killing myself. Both deck lists can run into a corner if they have no more life to pay, turning off card draw mostly. Lotho is riskier and harder to pilot, but still strong.\n\nNow, I run "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Sorin of House Markov // Sorin, Ravenous Neonate"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"in the command zone. This trades raw ramp for "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"consistent sustain and a burst lifegain win-con."},{"insert":" Sorin tends to draw more heat than Lotho (as he should), and I do lose him very often, but he’s just 2 mana. It’s great to have a threatening planeswalker for my opponents to attack instead of my life total at times. He really is threatening. Leave him alone in the early game and many creatures die. His synergy with x-gain lifegain spells is also great. Ideally, you gain a bunch of life, flip Sorin, and activate his -1 to finish off an opponent. Many of the lifegain spells are primarily included to help offset the massive life loss in the deck, but the fact that they enable a win-con is a bonus. They’re also X draw spells under Lich. \n\nWin Conditions"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Repay in Kind"}},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Set your life total to 1 (or less), then equalize everyone else’s. Do it yourself, or ask opponents to hit you for free, as they wonder what the heck you're up to. Use cards like:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Phyrexian Unlife"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The Book of Exalted Deeds"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Soul Echo"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Pact Weapon"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Herald of Eternal Dawn"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck drops to below 0 life nearly every game. There are a million ways to end up at exactly 1 life with this deck, after which, it only takes one extort trigger from Sorin to finish the table. Extort resolves "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"before"},{"insert":" Repay in Kind, so you’ll need to cast an "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"additional spell afterward"},{"insert":" to get there. One game, I cast Repay in Kind and dropped everyone's life total to 1. The player to my left had a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Plague Spitter"}},{"insert":". On their upkeep, we all lost. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Profane Transfusion"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mister Negative"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Similar to Repay in Kind, but targets one player. You drop to 1 (or lower), switch life totals. In the case of Profane Transfusion, you make a massive creature. Mister Negative gives the added bonus of insane card draw and putting yourself closer to your desired life total of 0. If life totals are exchanged positively for you, it also counts as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"lifegain"},{"insert":", so it can help flip "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sorin "},{"insert":"and power out another win.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sorin + Lifegain Burst"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cards like:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Exsanguinate"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Heliod's Intervention"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Sanguine Sacrament"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Martyr of Sands"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Eternity Vessel"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Children of Korlis"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Other than Exsanguinate, these combos are often one-player removals and set you up with enough life to survive and win against the other two. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Near-Death Experience"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"More reliable than you'd think. Cards that set your life to 1:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Hatred"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Toxic Deluge"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Necropotence"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Necrologia"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"(proactive)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The Golden Throne"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Stunning Reversal"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Angel's Grace"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Worship"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"(defensive)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nProtection Suite"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Greedy cards mean you "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"will"},{"insert":" flirt with death. That’s part of the fun. As such, you need lots of ways to avoid instantly exploding. Here are the protections:\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Invulnerability Effects"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Teferi's Protection"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The One Ring"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Everybody Lives!"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Angel's Grace"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Stunning Reversal"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The Golden Throne"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Damage Prevention / Loss Avoidance"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Inkshield"}},{"insert":" randomly wins games. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Intervention Pact"}},{"insert":" is massive clutch potential. In addition to being protection, you can order Intervention Pact and Near-Death Experience beginning of upkeep triggers so Near-Death responds last, you can lose the game by not paying upkeep, respond to losing the game with Stunning Reversal, go to 1, then have Near-Death see that you win the game. You can also do this with The Golden Throne."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Solitary Confinement"}},{"insert":"is among the most effective ways to not die in the game, super underrated. It’s not hard to have a draw engine in this deck and gives you enormous upside. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Phyrexian Unlife"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Delaying Shield"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Nine Lives"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Solemnity"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"makes you immortal and demands an answer."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Delaying Shield"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Phyrexian Unlife"}},{"insert":" makes damage become converted into loss of life, bypassing Phyrexian Unlife's downside. Avoid infect and damage."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Near-Death Experience"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Delaying Shield"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"is a great situation. Order the upkeep"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"triggers to win before you die."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nAnything that makes you ignore or convert damage into loss of life is "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"gold"},{"insert":" with Lich. You fully mitigate the downside of the enchantment.\n\nDraw Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"greedy with card draw"},{"insert":". The draw spells are among the most powerful things you can do. If one resolves and you have at least 3 or 4 mana remaining for the protection spells you’ll draw, it becomes incredibly hard to kill you. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"High-Risk, High-Reward Draw"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Ad Nauseam"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Necropotence"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Peer into the Abyss"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These cards can absolutely kill you. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Children of Korlis"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Martyr of Sands"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Eternity Vessel"}},{"insert":" are your safety nets. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Skirge Familiar"}},{"insert":" turns excess cards into mana for explosive plays. Pair it with "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"lifegain spells"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sorin"},{"insert":" for a full table wipe. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Lich"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Words of Worship"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"now reads \"Pay 1 mana, draw 5 cards.\" \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Other Key Draw"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Vilis, Broker of Blood"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"is greedy and insane, and helps you get your life total towards the desired 0. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Archivist of Oghma"}},{"insert":" gets better and better at higher powered table. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Dark Confidant"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Black Market Connections"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Darkstar Augur"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"are all classic black card draw. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Sign in Blood"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Night's Whisper"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Ancient Craving"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Ambition's Cost"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Syphon Mind"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"are important filler. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nRemoval Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Orzhov has great removal and prides itself on such, but I find traditional removal "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"unnecessary for this deck "},{"insert":"in most games. This deck doesn’t care what most opponents are doing. You do have reliable creature removal in the command zone if you want it. \n\nSorin acts as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"repeatable creature spot removal"},{"insert":" via extort triggers, flipping him, and using his -1 ability for three damage. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Words of Worship"}},{"insert":" lets Sorin ping for 5 damage for only one mana. Great value.\n\nRamp & Mana Base"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is mana-hungry. Your finishers cost 8–9 mana. Though both black ritual effects are in the deck, I lean more into "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"white catch-up ramp"},{"insert":" using land manipulation:\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Land Sac / Bounce Lands"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Karoo"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Everglades"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Orzhov Basilica"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Guildless Commons"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lotus Field"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lotus Vale"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Scorched Ruins"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These help you "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"get behind on land count"},{"insert":" intentionally.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"White Ramp & Recoup"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Loyal Warhound"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Keeper of the Accord"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Land Tax"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Weathered Wayfarer"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Archaeomancer's Map"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"And occasionally: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Deep Gnome Terramancer"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"insert":"absolutely nutty with rampy green players around. These all help you get the land count up, and be ahead on mana. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Utility Lands"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Cabal Coffers"}},{"insert":" is not in this deck. I think they’re anti-synergistic, but it’s possible they’re still worth it. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Glacial Chasm"}},{"insert":" is a busted, unfair card. It’s not at its absolute best here, but it’s free protection. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Boseiju, Who Shelters All"}},{"insert":" is necessary for higher power pods. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Mutavault"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Faceless Haven"}},{"insert":" combos with "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The Book of Exalted Deeds"}},{"insert":" for “you can't lose” lock."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Thought Vessel"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Reliquary Tower"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"are good if you draw half your deck, which you just might."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nFinal Thoughts"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is weird, wild, and constantly on the edge of disaster, and that’s what makes it fun. You're playing with danger, drawing like mad, and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"possibly"},{"insert":" winning with a spell your opponents didn’t even understand when you cast it. It’s not the safest strategy, but it’s one of the most entertaining. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Other Cards Worth Considering"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Silence"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Grand Abolisher"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Voice of Victory"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"depends on your pod. Might be able to get away with fewer protection spells in exchange."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Triskaidekaphobia"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" are good. Setting your life total to 13 when it was once 0 or lower is very satisfying. Still looking for the game where I Repay in Kind into everyone at 13 life and we all lose. Better yet, Repay in Kind to 14 life, then extort, and everyone else loses. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Soul Sisters"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"("},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Soul Warden"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"and"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Soul's Attendant"}},{"insert":") are additional sustain, passive benefit for Sorin, cheap cards are easy to extort with"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Lifegain-based Stax ("},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Authority of the Consuls"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Blind Obedience"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Charismatic Conqueror"}},{"insert":") are great for this deck, and they give you more time to draw into important pieces. May draw you more hate? "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Exemplar of Light"}},{"insert":" is repeatable card draw with extort in the command zone, a great slot-in if there were more instances of passive lifegain in the deck."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Additional Drain Effects ("},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Debt to the Deathless"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Gray Merchant of Asphodel"}},{"insert":") CMC effects like this give more flexibility with Sorin's -1, and these will also win. Gary has certain connotations in commander that I like to avoid, since there's no recursion at all in this deck. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Forcefield"}},{"insert":" is a busted card if you have an extra $400. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Transcendence"}},{"insert":" is a card I wish was for this deck, and I will continue to look for a deck where it belongs. Might need to run Enchantment sacrifice outlets so it doesn't get out of hand. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Reverse the Sands"}},{"insert":" is probably a viable replacement for many of the life exchange effects. I don’t run it because it’s easier to make large amounts of black mana than white mana. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Have fun, try not to die."},{"insert":"\n\n\n\n\n"}]}
Commander
Sorin of House Markov
Lifelink
Extort (Whenever you cast a spell, you may pay . If you do, each opponent loses 1 life and you gain that much life.)
At the beginning of each of your postcombat main phases, if you gained 3 or more life this turn, exile Sorin, then return him to the battlefield transformed under his owner's control.
Extort (Whenever you cast a spell, you may pay . If you do, each opponent loses 1 life and you gain that much life.)
At the beginning of each of your postcombat main phases, if you gained 3 or more life this turn, exile Sorin, then return him to the battlefield transformed under his owner's control.
Legendary Creature - Human Noble


Commander
(CTRL to add secondary)
Draw
Black Market Connections
At the beginning of your first main phase, choose one or more —
• Sell Contraband — Create a Treasure token. You lose 1 life.
• Buy Information — Draw a card. You lose 2 life.
• Hire a Mercenary — Create a 3/2 colorless Shapeshifter creature token with changeling. You lose 3 life. (It is every creature type.)
• Sell Contraband — Create a Treasure token. You lose 1 life.
• Buy Information — Draw a card. You lose 2 life.
• Hire a Mercenary — Create a 3/2 colorless Shapeshifter creature token with changeling. You lose 3 life. (It is every creature type.)
Enchantment

Darkstar Augur
Offspring (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell. If you do, when this creature enters, create a 1/1 token copy of it.)
Flying
At the beginning of your upkeep, reveal the top card of your library and put that card into your hand. You lose life equal to its mana value.
Flying
At the beginning of your upkeep, reveal the top card of your library and put that card into your hand. You lose life equal to its mana value.
Creature - Bat Warlock

Pact Weapon
As long as this Equipment is attached to a creature, you don't lose the game for having 0 or less life.
Whenever equipped creature attacks, draw a card and reveal it. The creature gets +X/+X until end of turn and you lose X life, where X is that card's mana value.
Equip—Discard a card.
Whenever equipped creature attacks, draw a card and reveal it. The creature gets +X/+X until end of turn and you lose X life, where X is that card's mana value.
Equip—Discard a card.
Artifact - Equipment

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
Finisher
(CTRL to add secondary)
Land
Glacial Chasm
Cumulative upkeep—Pay 2 life. (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.)
When this land enters, sacrifice a land.
Creatures you control can't attack.
Prevent all damage that would be dealt to you.
When this land enters, sacrifice a land.
Creatures you control can't attack.
Prevent all damage that would be dealt to you.
Land

Land
(CTRL to add secondary)
Lifegain
Lifegain
(CTRL to add secondary)
Protection
Angel's Grace
Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't cast spells or activate abilities that aren't mana abilities.)
You can't lose the game this turn and your opponents can't win the game this turn. Until end of turn, damage that would reduce your life total to less than 1 reduces it to 1 instead.
You can't lose the game this turn and your opponents can't win the game this turn. Until end of turn, damage that would reduce your life total to less than 1 reduces it to 1 instead.
Instant

Lich
As this enchantment enters, you lose life equal to your life total.
You don't lose the game for having 0 or less life.
If you would gain life, draw that many cards instead.
Whenever you're dealt damage, sacrifice that many nontoken permanents. If you can't, you lose the game.
When this enchantment is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, you lose the game.
You don't lose the game for having 0 or less life.
If you would gain life, draw that many cards instead.
Whenever you're dealt damage, sacrifice that many nontoken permanents. If you can't, you lose the game.
When this enchantment is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, you lose the game.
Enchantment

Nine Lives
Hexproof
If a source would deal damage to you, prevent that damage and put an incarnation counter on this enchantment.
When there are nine or more incarnation counters on this enchantment, exile it.
When this enchantment leaves the battlefield, you lose the game.
If a source would deal damage to you, prevent that damage and put an incarnation counter on this enchantment.
When there are nine or more incarnation counters on this enchantment, exile it.
When this enchantment leaves the battlefield, you lose the game.
Enchantment

Soul Echo
This enchantment enters with X echo counters on it.
You don't lose the game for having 0 or less life.
At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice this enchantment if there are no echo counters on it. Otherwise, target opponent may choose that for each 1 damage that would be dealt to you until your next upkeep, you remove an echo counter from this enchantment instead.
You don't lose the game for having 0 or less life.
At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice this enchantment if there are no echo counters on it. Otherwise, target opponent may choose that for each 1 damage that would be dealt to you until your next upkeep, you remove an echo counter from this enchantment instead.
Enchantment

Teferi's Protection
Until your next turn, your life total can't change and you gain protection from everything. All permanents you control phase out. (While they're phased out, they're treated as though they don't exist. They phase in before you untap during your untap step.)
Exile Teferi's Protection.
Exile Teferi's Protection.
Instant

The Book of Exalted Deeds
At the beginning of your end step, if you gained 3 or more life this turn, create a 3/3 white Angel creature token with flying.
, , Exile The Book of Exalted Deeds: Put an enlightened counter on target Angel. It gains "You can't lose the game and your opponents can't win the game." Activate only as a sorcery.
, , Exile The Book of Exalted Deeds: Put an enlightened counter on target Angel. It gains "You can't lose the game and your opponents can't win the game." Activate only as a sorcery.
Legendary Artifact - Book

Protection
(CTRL to add secondary)
Ramp
Archaeomancer's Map
When this artifact enters, search your library for up to two basic Plains cards, reveal them, put them into your hand, then shuffle.
Whenever a land an opponent controls enters, if that player controls more lands than you, you may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Whenever a land an opponent controls enters, if that player controls more lands than you, you may put a land card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Artifact

Keeper of the Accord
At the beginning of each opponent's end step, if that player controls more creatures than you, create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token.
At the beginning of each opponent's end step, if that player controls more lands than you, you may search your library for a basic Plains card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle.
At the beginning of each opponent's end step, if that player controls more lands than you, you may search your library for a basic Plains card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle.
Creature - Human Soldier

Ramp
(CTRL to add secondary)
Sideboard
Sideboard
(CTRL to add secondary)
Maybeboard
Courageous Resolve
Up to one target creature you control gains protection from each of your opponents until end of turn. Draw a card. (It can't be blocked, targeted, dealt damage, enchanted, or equipped by anything controlled by those players.)
Fateful hour — If you have 5 or less life, you can't lose life this turn, you can't lose the game this turn, and your opponents can't win the game this turn.
Fateful hour — If you have 5 or less life, you can't lose life this turn, you can't lose the game this turn, and your opponents can't win the game this turn.
Instant

Guide of Souls
Whenever another creature you control enters, you gain 1 life and get (an energy counter).
Whenever you attack, you may pay . When you do, put two +1/+1 counters and a flying counter on target attacking creature. It becomes an Angel in addition to its other types.
Whenever you attack, you may pay . When you do, put two +1/+1 counters and a flying counter on target attacking creature. It becomes an Angel in addition to its other types.
Creature - Human Cleric

Maybeboard
(CTRL to add secondary)
Deck Info
Deck stats
CategoriesQtyOdds
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Deck extras (0)
Description
{"ops":[{"insert":"The Fine Print of Immortality"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is built around "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"insert":", but it's not entirely dependent on it. Like many old cards, Lich has a powerful but narrow effect that creates a strong gravitational pull in deckbuilding. Most Lich decks rely on multiple expensive tutors to find it quickly. While black excels at tutoring, I personally don't find most tutors to be creatively expressive. I'd rather lose a ton of life and draw a bunch of cards to find Lich organically, seeing as it’s going to set my life total to 0 anyway. I take lots of joy in actually looking at my deck as I play it, and in a 100-card singleton format, tutoring for a single card feels overly strong and stifles my creativity. \n"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Commander Choice"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck originally ran "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"as the commander ("},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/12551234/probably_lose"},"insert":"original list here"},{"insert":"). Playing ultra-greedy for mana was fun, and I occasionally miss it, but I often ended up either dead from my own plays or passing turns in fear of killing myself. Both deck lists can run into a corner if they have no more life to pay, turning off card draw mostly. Lotho is riskier and harder to pilot, but still strong.\n\nNow, I run "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Sorin of House Markov // Sorin, Ravenous Neonate"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"in the command zone. This trades raw ramp for "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"consistent sustain and a burst lifegain win-con."},{"insert":" Sorin tends to draw more heat than Lotho (as he should), and I do lose him very often, but he’s just 2 mana. It’s great to have a threatening planeswalker for my opponents to attack instead of my life total at times. He really is threatening. Leave him alone in the early game and many creatures die. His synergy with x-gain lifegain spells is also great. Ideally, you gain a bunch of life, flip Sorin, and activate his -1 to finish off an opponent. Many of the lifegain spells are primarily included to help offset the massive life loss in the deck, but the fact that they enable a win-con is a bonus. They’re also X draw spells under Lich. \n\nWin Conditions"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Repay in Kind"}},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Set your life total to 1 (or less), then equalize everyone else’s. Do it yourself, or ask opponents to hit you for free, as they wonder what the heck you're up to. Use cards like:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Phyrexian Unlife"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The Book of Exalted Deeds"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Soul Echo"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Pact Weapon"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Herald of Eternal Dawn"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck drops to below 0 life nearly every game. There are a million ways to end up at exactly 1 life with this deck, after which, it only takes one extort trigger from Sorin to finish the table. Extort resolves "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"before"},{"insert":" Repay in Kind, so you’ll need to cast an "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"additional spell afterward"},{"insert":" to get there. One game, I cast Repay in Kind and dropped everyone's life total to 1. The player to my left had a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Plague Spitter"}},{"insert":". On their upkeep, we all lost. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Profane Transfusion"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mister Negative"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Similar to Repay in Kind, but targets one player. You drop to 1 (or lower), switch life totals. In the case of Profane Transfusion, you make a massive creature. Mister Negative gives the added bonus of insane card draw and putting yourself closer to your desired life total of 0. If life totals are exchanged positively for you, it also counts as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"lifegain"},{"insert":", so it can help flip "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sorin "},{"insert":"and power out another win.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sorin + Lifegain Burst"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cards like:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Exsanguinate"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Heliod's Intervention"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Sanguine Sacrament"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Martyr of Sands"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Eternity Vessel"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Children of Korlis"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Other than Exsanguinate, these combos are often one-player removals and set you up with enough life to survive and win against the other two. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Near-Death Experience"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"More reliable than you'd think. Cards that set your life to 1:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Hatred"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Toxic Deluge"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Necropotence"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Necrologia"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"(proactive)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The Golden Throne"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Stunning Reversal"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Angel's Grace"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Worship"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"(defensive)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nProtection Suite"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Greedy cards mean you "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"will"},{"insert":" flirt with death. That’s part of the fun. As such, you need lots of ways to avoid instantly exploding. Here are the protections:\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Invulnerability Effects"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Teferi's Protection"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The One Ring"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Everybody Lives!"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Angel's Grace"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Stunning Reversal"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The Golden Throne"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Damage Prevention / Loss Avoidance"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Inkshield"}},{"insert":" randomly wins games. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Intervention Pact"}},{"insert":" is massive clutch potential. In addition to being protection, you can order Intervention Pact and Near-Death Experience beginning of upkeep triggers so Near-Death responds last, you can lose the game by not paying upkeep, respond to losing the game with Stunning Reversal, go to 1, then have Near-Death see that you win the game. You can also do this with The Golden Throne."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Solitary Confinement"}},{"insert":"is among the most effective ways to not die in the game, super underrated. It’s not hard to have a draw engine in this deck and gives you enormous upside. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Phyrexian Unlife"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Delaying Shield"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Nine Lives"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Solemnity"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"makes you immortal and demands an answer."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Delaying Shield"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Phyrexian Unlife"}},{"insert":" makes damage become converted into loss of life, bypassing Phyrexian Unlife's downside. Avoid infect and damage."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Near-Death Experience"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Delaying Shield"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"is a great situation. Order the upkeep"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"triggers to win before you die."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nAnything that makes you ignore or convert damage into loss of life is "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"gold"},{"insert":" with Lich. You fully mitigate the downside of the enchantment.\n\nDraw Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"greedy with card draw"},{"insert":". The draw spells are among the most powerful things you can do. If one resolves and you have at least 3 or 4 mana remaining for the protection spells you’ll draw, it becomes incredibly hard to kill you. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"High-Risk, High-Reward Draw"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Ad Nauseam"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Necropotence"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Peer into the Abyss"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These cards can absolutely kill you. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Children of Korlis"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Martyr of Sands"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Eternity Vessel"}},{"insert":" are your safety nets. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Skirge Familiar"}},{"insert":" turns excess cards into mana for explosive plays. Pair it with "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"lifegain spells"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sorin"},{"insert":" for a full table wipe. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Lich"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Words of Worship"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"now reads \"Pay 1 mana, draw 5 cards.\" \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Other Key Draw"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Vilis, Broker of Blood"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"is greedy and insane, and helps you get your life total towards the desired 0. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Archivist of Oghma"}},{"insert":" gets better and better at higher powered table. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Dark Confidant"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Black Market Connections"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Darkstar Augur"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"are all classic black card draw. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Sign in Blood"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Night's Whisper"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Ancient Craving"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Ambition's Cost"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Syphon Mind"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"are important filler. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nRemoval Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Orzhov has great removal and prides itself on such, but I find traditional removal "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"unnecessary for this deck "},{"insert":"in most games. This deck doesn’t care what most opponents are doing. You do have reliable creature removal in the command zone if you want it. \n\nSorin acts as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"repeatable creature spot removal"},{"insert":" via extort triggers, flipping him, and using his -1 ability for three damage. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Words of Worship"}},{"insert":" lets Sorin ping for 5 damage for only one mana. Great value.\n\nRamp & Mana Base"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is mana-hungry. Your finishers cost 8–9 mana. Though both black ritual effects are in the deck, I lean more into "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"white catch-up ramp"},{"insert":" using land manipulation:\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Land Sac / Bounce Lands"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Karoo"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Everglades"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Orzhov Basilica"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Guildless Commons"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lotus Field"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Lotus Vale"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Scorched Ruins"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These help you "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"get behind on land count"},{"insert":" intentionally.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"White Ramp & Recoup"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Loyal Warhound"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Keeper of the Accord"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Land Tax"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Weathered Wayfarer"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Archaeomancer's Map"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"And occasionally: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Deep Gnome Terramancer"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"insert":"absolutely nutty with rampy green players around. These all help you get the land count up, and be ahead on mana. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Utility Lands"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Cabal Coffers"}},{"insert":" is not in this deck. I think they’re anti-synergistic, but it’s possible they’re still worth it. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Glacial Chasm"}},{"insert":" is a busted, unfair card. It’s not at its absolute best here, but it’s free protection. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Boseiju, Who Shelters All"}},{"insert":" is necessary for higher power pods. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Mutavault"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Faceless Haven"}},{"insert":" combos with "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"The Book of Exalted Deeds"}},{"insert":" for “you can't lose” lock."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Thought Vessel"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Reliquary Tower"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"are good if you draw half your deck, which you just might."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nFinal Thoughts"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is weird, wild, and constantly on the edge of disaster, and that’s what makes it fun. You're playing with danger, drawing like mad, and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"possibly"},{"insert":" winning with a spell your opponents didn’t even understand when you cast it. It’s not the safest strategy, but it’s one of the most entertaining. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Other Cards Worth Considering"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Silence"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Grand Abolisher"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Voice of Victory"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"depends on your pod. Might be able to get away with fewer protection spells in exchange."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Triskaidekaphobia"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" are good. Setting your life total to 13 when it was once 0 or lower is very satisfying. Still looking for the game where I Repay in Kind into everyone at 13 life and we all lose. Better yet, Repay in Kind to 14 life, then extort, and everyone else loses. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Soul Sisters"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"("},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Soul Warden"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"insert":"and"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Soul's Attendant"}},{"insert":") are additional sustain, passive benefit for Sorin, cheap cards are easy to extort with"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Lifegain-based Stax ("},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Authority of the Consuls"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Blind Obedience"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Charismatic Conqueror"}},{"insert":") are great for this deck, and they give you more time to draw into important pieces. May draw you more hate? "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Exemplar of Light"}},{"insert":" is repeatable card draw with extort in the command zone, a great slot-in if there were more instances of passive lifegain in the deck."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Additional Drain Effects ("},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Debt to the Deathless"}},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Gray Merchant of Asphodel"}},{"insert":") CMC effects like this give more flexibility with Sorin's -1, and these will also win. Gary has certain connotations in commander that I like to avoid, since there's no recursion at all in this deck. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Forcefield"}},{"insert":" is a busted card if you have an extra $400. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Transcendence"}},{"insert":" is a card I wish was for this deck, and I will continue to look for a deck where it belongs. Might need to run Enchantment sacrifice outlets so it doesn't get out of hand. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Reverse the Sands"}},{"insert":" is probably a viable replacement for many of the life exchange effects. I don’t run it because it’s easier to make large amounts of black mana than white mana. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Have fun, try not to die."},{"insert":"\n\n\n\n\n"}]}











































































































