{"ops":[{"insert":"Overview"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"At first glance, this looks like an Orzhov Stax deck. It isn't.\nIt is a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Voltron-control deck"},{"insert":" built around slowing the table down just enough for "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" to quietly become the biggest threat on the battlefield.\n\nDeck Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck is built around one simple idea:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Slow everyone else down while making your own game plan better every turn."},{"insert":"\nAlmost every card belongs to one of four categories:\nStax"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Protection"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Card advantage"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Commander support"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nEach category strengthens the others.\nYour Stax creatures stay alive because of your protection package.\nYour protection package is easier to find because "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Esper Sentinel"}},{"insert":" , and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Archivist of Oghma"}},{"insert":" continuously generate cards.\nThose additional cards allow you to keep deploying more disruptive permanents while your commander continues growing.\nEventually, opponents become trapped in an impossible position.\nThey cannot efficiently develop their own boards.\nThey cannot easily remove yours.\nMeanwhile, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" quietly becomes large enough to eliminate players with commander damage.\n\nCore Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The most important lesson when piloting this deck is:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Protect your advantage before creating a new one."},{"insert":"\nMany players instinctively tap out to deploy another Stax creature.\nVery often, keeping one mana available for "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blacksmith's Skill"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Loran's Escape"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Surge of Salvation"}},{"insert":" , or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mana Tithe"}},{"insert":" is the stronger play.\nOne protected Stax piece usually generates far more value than two creatures that immediately die to removal.\nThis deck rewards patience far more than speed.\n\nHow the Deck Wins"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Most games follow a similar pattern.\nDevelop fast mana and Deploy Stax creatures."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Resolve "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" ."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Begin drawing additional cards."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Deploy even more Stax creatures."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Protect your board."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Continue placing +1/+1 counters on "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" ."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Eliminate opponents one by one with commander damage."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nIf combat becomes impossible, assemble one of the "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" combos to finish the game immediately.\nThe deck rarely overwhelms opponents with battlefield presence.\nInstead, it slowly removes their ability to keep up.\n\nLess Obvious Uses of Breena’s Ability"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You don't have to attack with Breena herself to get value from her ability."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If you attack two opponents who have more life than the third oponent, Breena triggers twice.. Each trigger lets you draw a card and put two +1/+1 counters on a creature of your choice. This means a single combat can potentially give you "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"two cards and four +1/+1 counters"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The counters can be placed on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"any creatures you control"},{"insert":", including creatures that are attacking. This can be especially useful during combat: for example, turning a 2/2 attacker into a 4/4 can allow it to survive a block that would otherwise kill it. A larger creature can also be much harder for opponents to block profitably."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You can also put the counters on creatures that aren't attacking, allowing you to develop your board while keeping your defenses intact. This flexibility is one of the less obvious strengths of Breena's ability."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe Four Engines"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"1. The Stax Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Everything starts here.\nThe Stax package forces opponents to play a slower, fairer game while giving your commander time to take over.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Archon of Emeria"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Drannith Magistrate"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Clarion Conqueror"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Kataki, War's Wage"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Doorkeeper Thrull"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aven Mindcensor"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Containment Priest"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Phyrexian Censor"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Deafening Silence"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ethersworn Canonist"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sanctum Prelate"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Opposition Agent"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Soulless Jailer"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nUnlike hard prison strategies, these cards are chosen because they interfere with the fastest decks while leaving your own game plan largely intact.\nWhenever possible, establish your Stax pieces early.\nThen protect them.\n\n2. The Protection Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Protection is arguably the most important part of the deck.\nYour creatures are valuable because they remain on the battlefield.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mother of Runes"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Giver of Runes"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Benevolent Bodyguard"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blacksmith's Skill"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Loran's Escape"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Flare of Fortitude"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Galadriel's Dismissal"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Surge of Salvation"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Reverent Mantra"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Boromir, Warden of the Tower"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Voice of Victory"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Restoration Magic"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Spectacular Spider-Man"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Enter the Avatar State"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nMany games are won simply because opponents eventually run out of removal while your key permanents continue surviving.\n\n3. The Card Advantage Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Unlike many aggressive commander decks, this list rarely runs out of cards.\nIts draw engines naturally reward the way the game develops.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Esper Sentinel"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Archivist of Oghma"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nEvery extra card increases the likelihood of finding another Stax piece, another protection spell, or another answer.\nThe deck performs best when these small, repeatable sources of card advantage remain active for several turns.\n\n4. The Counter Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The +1/+1 counter package transforms incremental value into actual pressure.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Urdnan, Dromoka Warrior"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Agatha's Soul Cauldron"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Leonardo, Cutting Edge"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Heliod, Sun-Crowned"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nCounters are not only about making creatures larger.\nThey create lethal commander damage.\nThey enable combo lines.\nThey allow utility creatures to remain relevant throughout the game.\nEventually, every combat step becomes dangerous for your opponents.\n\nBreena, the Demagogue"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Despite leading a Stax deck, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Breena, the Demagogue"},{"insert":" is fundamentally an aggressive commander.\nHer ability rewards opponents for attacking each other while quietly rewarding you with cards and +1/+1 counters.\nThe result is remarkably political.\nEarly in the game, opponents often help you draw cards without realizing how quickly those counters accumulate.\nOnce "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Breena, the Demagogue"},{"insert":" reaches double-digit power, the politics end.\nAt that point, commander damage becomes your primary win condition.\n\nMana Production"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fast mana allows the deck to establish control before opponents fully develop.\nExamples include:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sol Ring"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mana Vault"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Chrome Mox"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mox Amber"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lotus Petal"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Arcane Signet"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dark Ritual"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nEarly acceleration frequently means deploying both a Stax piece and protection before opponents are ready.\nThat tempo advantage often decides the game.\n\nFinishing the Game"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck usually wins in one of three ways.\n\nCommander Damage"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is the primary plan.\nRepeated triggers from "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" quickly create a commander capable of eliminating players in only one or two attacks.\nCards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Shizo, Death's Storehouse"}},{"insert":" help force those attacks through blockers.\n\nWalking Ballista Combo"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck includes several compact combo finishes.\nThe classic combination of "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" and"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Heliod, Sun-Crowned"}},{"insert":" creates infinite damage.\nThe deck can also assemble similar kills using "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Agatha's Soul Cauldron"}},{"insert":" together with an exiled "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" , or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Leonardo, Cutting Edge"}},{"insert":".\nThese combinations are secondary win conditions rather than the primary focus of the deck.\n\nBoard Control"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sometimes the game simply reaches a point where opponents are unable to meaningfully resolve spells through your collection of Stax creatures.\nAt that stage, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Breena, the Demagogue"},{"insert":" finishes the game naturally through combat.\n\nMulligan Guide"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A strong opening hand contains:\nThree mana sources."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fast mana or acceleration."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"At least one Stax piece."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nHands containing only protection spells without meaningful pressure should usually be avoided.\nThe deck needs to establish an advantage before protecting it.\n\nPlaying From Ahead"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"When ahead, continue developing your lock rather than rushing for lethal.\nDeploy additional Stax pieces.\nKeep mana available for protection.\nForce opponents to spend multiple removal spells before committing to an attack.\nThe longer the game lasts, the more likely "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" will naturally become lethal.\n\nPlaying From Behind"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"When behind, prioritize rebuilding your board with efficient hatebears.\nLook for:\nCard advantage.\nProtection.\nLow-cost Stax creatures.\nFast mana.\nOne well-timed "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Drannith Magistrate"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Archon of Emeria"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Clarion Conqueror"},{"insert":" can dramatically slow the table and buy enough time to recover.\n\nCommon Mistakes"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Playing Stax without protection"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Resolving a powerful hatebear only to lose it immediately is rarely worth the tempo.\nWhenever possible, keep protection available.\n\nAttacking too early"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Your commander becomes far more threatening after accumulating several +1/+1 counters.\nBe patient.\nA single lethal commander attack is often better than several smaller ones.\n\nForgetting the political aspect of Breena"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Early in the game, encourage opponents to attack each other.\nEvery attack they make is another opportunity for "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" to generate value.\n\nTreating the combo as the primary plan"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" combinations exist to finish games that become stalled.\nMost victories should come through commander damage backed by disruption.\n\nOverextending"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You rarely need every Stax piece on the battlefield.\nDeploy only what the current table requires.\nKeep additional threats in reserve.\n\nFinal Thoughts"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" s best viewed as a tempo commander disguised as a political commander.\nEvery part of the deck exists to create small advantages while preventing opponents from executing their own plans efficiently.\nIts strength does not come from locking the table completely out of the game.\nIt comes from creating just enough disruption to let "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" steadily grow into an unstoppable threat.\nOnce the Stax, protection, card advantage, and counter engines are operating together, every turn becomes increasingly one-sided.\nEventually, opponents discover that they can neither resolve meaningful spells nor remove your battlefield.\nBy then, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Breena, the Demagogue"}},{"insert":" is already large enough to end the game with commander damage.\nAnd if combat somehow isn't enough, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" is always waiting.\n"}]}