{"ops":[{"insert":"Deck Overview"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This Commander deck, led by "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl"},{"insert":", is a Bracket 2 Squirrel tribal deck built around transforming a growing squirrel army into an overwhelming resource engine.\nAt first glance, the deck looks like a traditional token swarm strategy. In practice, however, squirrels serve a much greater purpose than simply attacking.\nEvery squirrel can become:\nMana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Card advantage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Combat power"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Future squirrels"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Devotion"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Attack-based value"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sacrifice material"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The commander is the centerpiece of the deck. Rather than relying on many independent token producers, the main plan is to cast "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl"},{"insert":", establish one or more mana engines, and use the commander to create an increasingly large army.\nCards such as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cryptolith Rite"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Jaheira, Friend of the Forest"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Circle of Dreams Druid"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Enduring Vitality"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Citanul Hierophants"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Supportive Parents"},{"insert":" convert creatures into mana in different ways.\nThat mana is then used to create more squirrels, draw more cards, deploy a combat payoff, or protect the engine.\nAs the game progresses, the deck transitions from a simple tribal strategy into a powerful feedback loop:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Squirrels → Mana → More squirrels → More mana"},{"insert":"\nThe deck does not rely on a deterministic infinite combo. Instead, it generates enough creatures and mana that a single explosive turn can create an overwhelming board and end the game through combat.\n\nCore Game Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Early Game"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The early turns are focused primarily on mana development.\nImportant early plays include:\nWild Growth"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Utopia Sprawl"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Exploration"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Emerald Medallion"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Nature's Lore"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Three Visits"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Rampant Growth"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Shared Roots"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The ideal sequence is:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ramp → Cast Squirrel Girl → Begin producing squirrels"},{"insert":"\nUnlike many token decks, flooding the battlefield before casting the commander is not always necessary.\nSquirrel Girl is the deck's most reliable source of tokens and the card that connects the mana engines to the deck's main game plan. Casting her early is usually more important than deploying a slower squirrel producer.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wild Growth"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Utopia Sprawl"},{"insert":" are especially useful because they accelerate the commander without depending on creatures that can be removed.\nThey are also excellent with "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"insert":", since untapping an enchanted Forest can generate more than one mana.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Exploration"},{"insert":" can produce very fast openings by allowing additional land drops, but it becomes less valuable when the hand does not contain enough lands. It is usually strongest when combined with early card draw or a land-heavy opening hand.\nMid Game"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Once Squirrel Girl is on the battlefield, the objective shifts from simply making squirrels to transforming them into resources.\nThe most important engines include:\nCryptolith Rite"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Jaheira, Friend of the Forest"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Circle of Dreams Druid"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Enduring Vitality"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Citanul Hierophants"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Supportive Parents"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Druids' Repository"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"At this stage, every additional squirrel increases:\nAvailable mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Future token production"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Card-draw potential"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Combat pressure"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Green devotion"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The strength of tribal payoffs"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Many games can be won without resolving several additional squirrel producers. Once supported by a mana engine, the commander can often create all the creatures the deck needs.\nThe important decision is knowing when to stop developing and begin preparing a winning turn.\nA large army without protection or a payoff may disappear to a board wipe. A smaller army supported by mana, cards, and protection is often much more dangerous.\nLate Game"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The late game revolves around the deck's central feedback loop:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Squirrels → Mana → More squirrels → More mana"},{"insert":"\nEvery new squirrel improves cards such as:\nCircle of Dreams Druid"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cryptolith Rite"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Jaheira, Friend of the Forest"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Enduring Vitality"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Citanul Hierophants"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Supportive Parents"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Three Tree City"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Growing Rites of Itlimoc"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Druids' Repository"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Beastmaster Ascension"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Coat of Arms"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Eventually, the deck reaches a tipping point where one commander activation creates enough additional creatures to generate a significant portion of the mana needed for another activation.\nThe deck may not technically produce infinite mana or infinite squirrels, but it can generate a board state large enough that the distinction no longer matters.\nOnce the engine is established, the goal is to resolve or tutor for a combat payoff and end the game before opponents can untap.\n\nPrimary Win Conditions"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"🐿️ Commander-Driven Swarm"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The commander is the deck's primary engine and most reliable source of squirrels.\nRepeatedly using "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl"},{"insert":" transforms mana into a rapidly expanding board.\nEach new squirrel improves:\nCreature-based mana engines"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Three Tree City"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Circle of Dreams Druid"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Combat payoffs"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Card-draw triggers"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tribal bonuses"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This creates a snowball effect in which every activation makes future activations and attacks stronger.\nThis is the deck's most common route to victory.\n🐿️ Beastmaster Ascension"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Beastmaster Ascension"},{"insert":" is one of the deck's most efficient finishers.\nBecause the deck naturally creates a wide battlefield, attacking with seven creatures is usually easy.\nBeastmaster Ascension can often be cast immediately before combat and become active during that same attack. This allows it to function as a surprise finisher rather than a permanent that must remain exposed for an entire turn cycle.\nWhenever possible, avoid playing it too early. It is much stronger when opponents have little time to prepare for it.\n🐿️ Coat of Arms"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Coat of Arms"},{"insert":" can turn even a modest squirrel army into a lethal threat.\nBecause nearly every token shares the Squirrel creature type, each additional squirrel dramatically increases the power of the entire army.\nHowever, Coat of Arms also benefits opposing tribal decks.\nFor that reason, it is normally best used during the same turn in which the deck intends to attack for lethal damage.\n🐿️ Thunderfoot Baloth"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Thunderfoot Baloth"},{"insert":" provides a large power boost and trample while the commander is on the battlefield.\nTrample is essential for converting a wide board into actual damage. Without it, opponents may be able to absorb a large attack with a small number of blockers.\nThunderfoot Baloth is also an excellent target for "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Chord of Calling"},{"insert":" when the army is already large enough to threaten lethal damage.\n🐿️ Eldrazi Monument"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Eldrazi Monument"},{"insert":" serves as both a finisher and a protection piece.\nIt gives the army:\nFlying"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Indestructible"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Additional power"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Flying allows squirrels to attack over crowded battlefields, while indestructible protects the board from many destruction-based sweepers.\nThe sacrifice requirement is normally manageable because the deck can continually produce expendable creatures.\n\nKey Synergies"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Squirrels → Mana"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is the defining engine of the deck.\nThe main enablers are:\nCryptolith Rite"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Jaheira, Friend of the Forest"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Circle of Dreams Druid"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Enduring Vitality"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Citanul Hierophants"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Supportive Parents"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Druids' Repository"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These cards do not all function in the same way.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cryptolith Rite"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Jaheira"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Enduring Vitality"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Citanul Hierophants"},{"insert":" allow individual creatures to tap for mana. Normally, a newly created squirrel cannot use those abilities immediately because it has summoning sickness.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Concordant Crossroads"},{"insert":" removes that limitation by giving creatures haste, allowing new squirrels to generate mana or attack immediately.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"insert":" works differently. The activated ability belongs to Earthcraft, and tapping a creature is part of its cost. Therefore, a newly created squirrel can be tapped through Earthcraft even if it has summoning sickness.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Supportive Parents"},{"insert":" also uses creatures as part of the cost of its own ability:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Tap two untapped creatures you control: Add one mana of any color."},{"insert":"\nThis means newly created squirrels can help pay the cost immediately. However, Supportive Parents is less efficient than Cryptolith Rite because it requires two creatures to produce one mana.\nIts main strength is redundancy. It allows a large squirrel army to continue functioning as a mana engine even when the deck has not drawn one of its stronger enablers.\nEarthcraft and Enchanted Forests"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"insert":" is one of the deck's strongest engine pieces.\nIt allows each untapped squirrel to untap a basic land.\nThis becomes especially powerful with:\nWild Growth"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Utopia Sprawl"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Vernal Bloom"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If a Forest produces more than one mana, each squirrel used with Earthcraft can effectively generate multiple mana.\nA typical sequence is:\nTap an enchanted Forest for mana."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tap a squirrel with Earthcraft to untap that Forest."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tap the Forest again."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Repeat with additional squirrels."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This allows even squirrels with summoning sickness to contribute immediately.\nDruids' Repository"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Druids' Repository"},{"insert":" transforms attacks into stored mana.\nEach attacking creature adds a charge counter, and those counters can later be removed for mana.\nThis allows the deck to:\nGenerate value from attacks that are not yet lethal"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Produce mana during combat"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Activate the commander after combat"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Rebuild during the second main phase"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Hold mana for interaction"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Store resources for a later explosive turn"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"It is particularly strong with "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Toski, Bearer of Secrets"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ohran Frostfang"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Beastmaster Ascension"},{"insert":", since the same attack can generate mana, cards, counters, and damage.\nConcordant Crossroads"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Concordant Crossroads"},{"insert":" is an explosive support card.\nIt allows newly created squirrels to:\nAttack immediately"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tap through Cryptolith Rite"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tap through Jaheira"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tap through Enduring Vitality"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Use abilities granted by Citanul Hierophants"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The effect is symmetrical, so opposing creatures also gain haste.\nFor that reason, Concordant Crossroads is normally best played during a major engine turn or immediately before a lethal attack, rather than being left on the battlefield without a clear purpose.\n\nSquirrels → Cards"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck contains several ways to convert creatures and combat into card advantage.\nThe main draw engines include:\nSkullclamp"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Toski, Bearer of Secrets"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Ohran Frostfang"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fecundity"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Hunter's Insight"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Return of the Wildspeaker"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Skullclamp"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Skullclamp"},{"insert":" is one of the strongest card-draw engines in the deck.\nSquirrel tokens are naturally expendable, making them excellent creatures to equip.\nIt also helps the deck recover from removal and combat by converting small creatures into new cards.\nToski and Ohran Frostfang"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Toski, Bearer of Secrets"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ohran Frostfang"},{"insert":" reward the deck for attacking with many creatures.\nToski can draw several cards from a wide combat step, while Ohran Frostfang gives attacking creatures deathtouch and draws cards when they connect.\nDeathtouch makes blocking difficult. Even a small squirrel can trade with a much larger creature, allowing the rest of the army to attack more effectively.\nFecundity"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Fecundity"},{"insert":" provides cards whenever creatures die.\nIt can protect the deck from losing all momentum after combat or a board wipe.\nHowever, Fecundity affects every player. It should be played carefully when opponents also control sacrifice outlets or expendable creatures.\nHunter's Insight and Return of the Wildspeaker"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Hunter's Insight"},{"insert":" provides burst card draw when one creature is expected to deal substantial combat damage.\nIt becomes especially effective with a large "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Champion of Lambholt"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Thunderfoot Baloth"},{"insert":", or a creature enhanced by "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Coat of Arms"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Beastmaster Ascension"},{"insert":".\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Return of the Wildspeaker"},{"insert":" is flexible. It can refill the hand based on the power of a large non-Human creature or increase the power of the army during a decisive attack.\nMassive Mana Production"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck can generate very large quantities of mana through:\nCircle of Dreams Druid"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cryptolith Rite"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Jaheira, Friend of the Forest"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Enduring Vitality"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Citanul Hierophants"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Supportive Parents"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Karametra's Acolyte"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Growing Rites of Itlimoc"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Three Tree City"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Vernal Bloom"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Circle of Dreams Druid"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Circle of Dreams Druid"},{"insert":" generates mana based on the number of creatures you control.\nBecause the deck naturally creates a wide board, the Druid can produce enormous amounts of mana.\nIt is one of the best "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Chord of Calling"},{"insert":" targets when the deck already controls several squirrels.\nDevotion Engines"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Karametra's Acolyte"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Fanatic of Rhonas"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx"},{"insert":" benefit from the deck's high devotion to green.\nMany important permanents contain multiple green mana symbols, allowing these cards to produce substantial amounts of mana in developed board states.\nThree Tree City"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Three Tree City"},{"insert":" is one of the deck's strongest lands once several squirrels are on the battlefield.\nBecause almost every token shares the same creature type, Three Tree City can generate enough mana to support multiple commander activations or cast a finisher while still leaving mana available for protection.\nGrowing Rites of Itlimoc"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Growing Rites of Itlimoc"},{"insert":" provides card selection before transforming and becomes a powerful creature-based mana land afterward.\nThe deck can normally satisfy its transformation condition without difficulty.\nDeserted Temple"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Deserted Temple"},{"insert":" can untap the deck's most productive lands, including:\nNykthos, Shrine to Nyx"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Three Tree City"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"It can also untap utility lands such as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"War Room"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Swarmyard"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Yavimaya Hollow"},{"insert":" when needed.\n"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Protection and Interaction"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck is primarily proactive, but it includes enough protection and interaction to preserve its engine and remove the permanents most likely to stop it.\nProtection"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Important protection cards include:\nHeroic Intervention"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tamiyo's Safekeeping"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Lightning Greaves"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Swarmyard"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Yavimaya Hollow"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Collective Resistance"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Heroic Intervention"},{"insert":" is the deck's strongest general protection spell and should usually be reserved for board wipes or removal that would destroy multiple important permanents.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Tamiyo's Safekeeping"},{"insert":" efficiently protects the commander or another key permanent.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Lightning Greaves"},{"insert":" protects important creatures and gives haste to mana creatures such as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Circle of Dreams Druid"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Karametra's Acolyte"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Fanatic of Rhonas"},{"insert":".\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Swarmyard"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Yavimaya Hollow"},{"insert":" provide repeatable protection from the mana base.\nDefensive Fog Effects"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck includes:\nMoment's Peace"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tangle"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These cards buy the critical turn needed to transform a developing engine into a winning board.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Moment's Peace"},{"insert":" can be used twice because of flashback.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Tangle"},{"insert":" prevents combat damage and keeps attacking creatures tapped during their controller's next untap step.\nThese cards should not be viewed only as emergency protection. One additional untap step is often enough for the deck to create a lethal army.\nRemoval and Utility"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The interaction package includes:\nBeast Within"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Nature's Claim"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Heritage Reclamation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Pick Your Poison"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Kenrith's Transformation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Collective Resistance"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Pawpatch Formation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Nature's Rhythm"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Keen-Eyed Curator"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The goal is not to control the entire table.\nInteraction should be saved for permanents that directly interfere with the deck's plan, such as:\nEffects that prevent token creation"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Effects that shut down activated abilities"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Permanents that prevent attacking"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Dangerous combo pieces"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Graveyard engines"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Problematic artifacts or enchantments"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Large evasive threats"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":"Practical Heuristics"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Prioritize"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"In most games, prioritize:\nMana development"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Casting Squirrel Girl"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Establishing a mana engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Establishing card advantage"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Protecting the engine"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Preparing a lethal combat step"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mana engines are usually more important than additional squirrel producers.\nOnce Squirrel Girl is active, she can often create all the squirrels the deck needs.\nMulligan Decisions"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Strong opening hands normally contain:\nTwo or three lands"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"At least one early ramp card"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A clear path to casting Squirrel Girl"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A mana engine or card-draw card"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Desirable early cards include:\nWild Growth"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Utopia Sprawl"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Exploration"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Emerald Medallion"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Nature's Lore"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Three Visits"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Rampant Growth"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Shared Roots"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cryptolith Rite"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Earthcraft"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Hands containing only expensive payoffs and no acceleration should usually be mulliganed.\n\nRule of Thumb"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ramp → Cast Squirrel Girl → Turn squirrels into mana → Turn mana into more squirrels → Turn squirrels into lethal combat"},{"insert":"\nEvery squirrel should be viewed as a resource rather than merely a creature.\nDepending on the board state, each squirrel may represent:\nMana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cards"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Future squirrels"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Combat damage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Devotion"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Attack triggers"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck rewards patience, resource management, and careful sequencing.\nRather than committing everything as quickly as possible, focus on establishing a resilient engine.\nOnce enough resource converters are online, even a modest squirrel army can suddenly become an overwhelming battlefield capable of eliminating the entire table in a single combat step.\n"}]}