{"ops":[{"insert":"Nobody expects the Pingquisition.\nThe Pingquisition is a Jund Goblin combo deck built around one simple principle: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"every Goblin is a resource, and every resource can become damage."},{"insert":"\nRather than relying primarily on combat, the deck turns creatures entering, dying, being sacrificed, and occasionally refusing to stay dead into a steady stream of damage and life loss. Small triggers from cards like "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Impact Tremors, Pashalik Mons, Boggart Cursecrafter, Blood Artist, Zulaport Cutthroat, Boggart Mischief, Mayhem Devil, Sling-Gang Lieutenant"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Goblin Bombardment"},{"insert":" quickly become lethal once one of the deck's recursive engines comes online.\nThe primary combo plan revolves around "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"persist creatures"},{"insert":", particularly "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Putrid Goblin"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Murderous Redcap"},{"insert":", combined with effects such as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Grumgully, the Generous, Metallic Mimic"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rhythm of the Wild"},{"insert":". Add a sacrifice outlet and the Goblin can die, return, lose its persist counter, and do it all over again.\nThe deck also carries a separate "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Food Chain + Squee, the Immortal"},{"insert":" package, creating an infinite creature-mana loop that becomes lethal alongside the deck's enter-the-battlefield damage effects.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Shattergang Brothers"},{"insert":" sit in the command zone as both insurance and intimidation. Creatures, Treasures, artifacts, and expendable permanents can be converted into forced sacrifices, allowing the deck to disrupt opposing boards while assembling its own engine.\nThe Pingquisition does not need to attack you.\nIt does not even particularly care if its Goblins survive.\nIn fact, it would usually prefer that they didn't.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Confess your sins. Sacrifice a permanent. Take one damage."},{"insert":"\n\n\nThe Pingquisition Primer"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Commander"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Shattergang Brothers"},{"insert":"\nColors"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Jund: Black, Red, Green\nArchetype"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Goblin Combo / Aristocrats / Persist / Sacrifice\nPrimary Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Assemble a recursive creature loop and convert repeated enters, deaths, or sacrifices into lethal damage.\nSecondary Plan"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Generate overwhelming Goblin value, control opposing permanents through sacrifice effects, and grind the table down through incremental damage.\nWhy Shattergang Brothers?"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Shattergang Brothers are not the centerpiece of our combo.\nThat is actually an advantage.\nMany commander decks stop functioning correctly when their commander is removed repeatedly. The Pingquisition does not have that problem. Shattergang provides access to Jund colors, carries the Goblin creature type, and gives us a powerful utility piece sitting permanently in the command zone.\nOnce Shattergang reaches the battlefield, expendable creatures and artifacts suddenly become removal.\nA Goblin token can become an edict.\nA Treasure can become artifact removal.\nAn expendable enchantment can force opposing enchantments off the table.\nThis means Shattergang can help dismantle problematic boards while our actual combo pieces do the dirty work.\nThe commander is therefore best viewed as a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"control valve"},{"insert":", not the engine.\nWhat the Deck Is Trying to Do"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The Pingquisition operates on three related principles:\n1. Goblins are expendable."},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"We are perfectly happy sacrificing our creatures. In many situations, sacrificing them is considerably more valuable than attacking with them.\n2. Moving creatures between zones creates value."},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A creature entering can cause damage.\nA creature dying can cause damage.\nA creature being sacrificed can cause damage.\nA creature returning from the graveyard can cause more damage.\nIf we can repeat that process indefinitely, one point of damage becomes infinite damage.\n3. Redundancy wins games."},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck does not rely on one exact three-card combination.\nThere are multiple persist creatures.\nThere are multiple ways to remove the persist counter.\nThere are multiple sacrifice outlets.\nThere are multiple damage payoffs.\nAs a result, many seemingly unrelated cards on the battlefield are actually one card away from becoming a win.\nThe Persist Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The heart of The Pingquisition is "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"persist"},{"insert":".\nThe primary persist creatures are:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Putrid Goblin"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Murderous Redcap"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"When a creature with persist dies without a -1/-1 counter on it, it returns to the battlefield with a -1/-1 counter.\nNormally, that means it can only return once.\nWe disagree.\nRemoving the Persist Counter"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck uses:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Grumgully, the Generous"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Metallic Mimic"},{"insert":", naming Goblin"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rhythm of the Wild"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These allow the returning creature to receive a +1/+1 counter.\nThe +1/+1 counter and -1/-1 counter cancel each other, leaving the creature without a -1/-1 counter.\nIt can now persist again.\nAnd again.\nAnd again.\nThat gives us the recursive creature.\nNow we need to kill it.\nSacrifice Outlets"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck contains several ways to sacrifice creatures repeatedly.\nImportant outlets include:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Goblin Bombardment"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Skirk Prospector"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ashnod's Altar"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Warren Soultrader"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sling-Gang Lieutenant"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Shattergang Brothers"},{"insert":", when sufficient mana is available"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Each outlet provides something slightly different.\nGoblin Bombardment"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is one of the cleanest combo pieces in the deck.\nSacrifice the persist creature.\nDeal 1 damage.\nThe creature returns.\nIts counters cancel.\nSacrifice it again.\nRepeat until everyone is dead.\nNo separate aristocrats payoff is required.\nSkirk Prospector"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Putrid Goblin is a Goblin, so Skirk Prospector converts each sacrifice into red mana.\nWith the persist engine assembled, this can create repeated sacrifices and tremendous or infinite mana depending on the line being used.\nAdd any appropriate death or enter trigger and the mana engine becomes a win condition.\nAshnod's Altar"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Ashnod's Altar performs a similar role while generating colorless mana.\nIt is particularly valuable because the Altar remains useful even when we are not actively comboing.\nWarren Soultrader"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Soultrader turns sacrificed creatures into Treasure.\nThe life payment matters, so a life-gaining drain effect can be important when attempting an unlimited loop.\nCards such as Blood Artist or Zulaport Cutthroat can help turn that exchange into something much less fair.\nSling-Gang Lieutenant"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sling-Gang is both an outlet and a payoff.\nSacrifice a Goblin.\nAn opponent loses life.\nYou gain life.\nWith an infinite persist Goblin, that ends the game immediately.\nThe Ping Package"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is where the deck gets its name.\nThe Pingquisition contains a large number of effects that convert ordinary game actions into damage.\nDeath Payoffs"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These reward creatures dying:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Blood Artist"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Zulaport Cutthroat"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Boggart Mischief"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Boggart Cursecrafter"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Pashalik Mons"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cauldron of Essence"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"With an infinite persist loop, any suitable one of these can become the kill condition.\nSacrifice Payoffs"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mayhem Devil"},{"insert":" deserves special attention.\nIt triggers whenever a player sacrifices a permanent, not merely when you sacrifice a creature.\nThat means fetch lands, Treasures, Food, opposing sacrifice effects, and Shattergang activations can all become ammunition.\nThe Pingquisition is very good at making permanents disappear.\nMayhem Devil makes disappearing hurt.\nEnter-the-Battlefield Payoffs"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Important examples include:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Impact Tremors"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"General Kreat, the Boltbringer"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These care about creatures entering rather than dying.\nThat distinction is extremely important because they work with both the persist engine and the Food Chain engine.\nPrimary Combo Line"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Putrid Goblin + Counter Engine + Sacrifice Outlet + Payoff"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You need:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Putrid Goblin"},{"insert":"\nplus one of:\nGrumgully, the Generous"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Metallic Mimic naming Goblin"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Rhythm of the Wild"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"plus a sacrifice outlet\nplus a payoff if the outlet does not already kill the table.\nExample"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You control:\nPutrid Goblin"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Grumgully"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Goblin Bombardment"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sacrifice Putrid Goblin to Goblin Bombardment.\nBombardment deals 1 damage.\nPutrid Goblin dies.\nPersist returns it with a -1/-1 counter.\nGrumgully causes it to enter with a +1/+1 counter.\nThe counters cancel.\nPutrid Goblin once again has no -1/-1 counter.\nSacrifice it again.\nRepeat.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Result: Infinite damage."},{"insert":"\nThe Redcap Shortcut"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Murderous Redcap"},{"insert":" makes some persist lines even easier.\nRedcap deals damage when it enters the battlefield.\nCombine:\nMurderous Redcap"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Grumgully, Metallic Mimic, or Rhythm of the Wild"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A repeatable sacrifice outlet"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sacrifice Redcap.\nPersist returns it.\nThe counters cancel.\nRedcap's ETB ability deals damage.\nSacrifice it again.\nRepeat.\nBecause Redcap itself provides the damage trigger, you do not necessarily need a separate Blood Artist or Impact Tremors effect.\nThis makes Murderous Redcap one of the most dangerous cards in the deck.\nFood Chain"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck has another combo engine that attacks from an entirely different direction.\nFood Chain + Squee, the Immortal"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Food Chain allows us to exile a creature to produce creature-only mana equal to that creature's mana value plus one.\nSquee can be cast from exile.\nThat creates the loop.\nCast Squee."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Exile Squee to Food Chain."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Generate four mana."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Spend three of it to cast Squee from exile."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Keep the extra mana."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Repeat."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Each cycle generates additional creature-only mana.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Result: Infinite mana for casting creature spells."},{"insert":"\nMore importantly, Squee is entering the battlefield every time.\nThat means:\nFood Chain + Squee + Impact Tremors"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cast Squee.\nImpact Tremors triggers.\nExile Squee.\nCast him again.\nImpact Tremors triggers again.\nRepeat.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Infinite damage to every opponent."},{"insert":"\nFood Chain + Squee + General Kreat"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"General Kreat similarly turns Squee's repeated entrances into damage.\nThis gives The Pingquisition a combo line that does not depend upon persist or the graveyard.\nThat is strategically important.\nIf an opponent shuts down the graveyard, they have not necessarily shut down the deck.\nToken Pressure"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Not every game requires an infinite combo.\nSometimes Goblins do Goblin things.\nKrenko, Mob Boss"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Krenko can produce enormous numbers of Goblins very quickly.\nThose Goblins can:\nAttack."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Feed sacrifice outlets."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Trigger Impact Tremors."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Die to Pashalik Mons."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Feed Skullclamp."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Become mana through Skirk Prospector."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Become removal through Shattergang."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Become damage through Sling-Gang Lieutenant or Goblin Bombardment."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is one of the important characteristics of the deck.\nOur combo pieces are rarely useless outside of the combo.\nSkullclamp"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Skullclamp is particularly brutal here.\nA small Goblin wearing Skullclamp frequently becomes:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sacrifice this creature: draw two cards, trigger every death effect you control, and possibly generate mana or damage."},{"insert":"\nThat is an excellent trade.\nDo not become overly protective of your Goblins.\nThey know what they signed up for.\nProbably.\nTutors"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck runs a substantial tutor package, including:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Demonic Tutor"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Vampiric Tutor"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Worldly Tutor"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Diabolic Intent"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gamble"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Goblin Matron"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The important question when tutoring is not:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"What is the best card in my deck?\""},{"insert":"\nThe question is:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"Which role am I currently missing?\""},{"insert":"\nThink of the persist combo as three functional pieces:\nRecursive Creature"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Putrid Goblin or Murderous Redcap\nCounter Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Grumgully, Metallic Mimic, or Rhythm of the Wild\nSacrifice Outlet"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Bombardment, Prospector, Altar, Soultrader, Sling-Gang, etc.\nThen determine whether you also require a payoff.\nTutor for the missing role rather than automatically searching for the same card every game.\nGoblin Matron"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Goblin Matron is particularly useful because so many roles are represented by Goblins.\nDepending upon the board, Matron can find:\nPutrid Goblin"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Murderous Redcap"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Grumgully"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Skirk Prospector"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sling-Gang Lieutenant"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Pashalik Mons"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Krenko"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Utility Goblins"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This makes Matron considerably closer to a combo tutor than a simple tribal value card.\nShattergang as Interaction"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Do not underestimate your commander.\nShattergang can turn expendable resources into symmetrical effects that are frequently very asymmetrical in practice.\nIf you sacrifice a Goblin token and every opponent sacrifices a meaningful creature, you won that exchange.\nIf you sacrifice a Treasure and opponents lose mana rocks or important combo artifacts, you won that exchange.\nThe deck naturally produces things it does not mind losing.\nMany opposing decks do not.\nShattergang therefore gives the deck a useful way to slow the table while advancing its own plan.\nMayhem Devil and Shattergang"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This interaction deserves special mention.\nShattergang makes players sacrifice permanents.\nMayhem Devil sees permanents being sacrificed.\nThat means activating Shattergang can generate several Mayhem Devil triggers from a single activation.\nAgainst a developed board, this can become a surprising amount of targeted damage.\nIt is not necessarily infinite.\nIt does not need to be.\nSometimes six or eight carefully placed points of damage are enough to dismantle an opponent's board.\nProtecting the Combo"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck has several ways of making its important plays difficult to stop.\nKey protection includes:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Deflecting Swat"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Hexing Squelcher"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Rhythm of the Wild"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Lightning Greaves"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Rhythm is especially valuable because it serves two jobs.\nIt can make creature spells uncounterable while simultaneously functioning as one of the persist counter engines.\nCards that perform multiple combo roles are exactly what this deck wants.\nMulligan Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The Pingquisition should generally be looking for "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"acceleration plus direction"},{"insert":", not simply seven individually powerful cards.\nA strong opening hand normally contains:\nTwo or three usable mana sources"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Early acceleration"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A tutor, draw engine, or combo component"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Preferably interaction or protection"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Hands with mana but no plan should be examined carefully.\nHands containing several expensive Goblins without acceleration should usually go back.\nHands containing one combo piece plus a tutor are considerably more interesting.\nExcellent Early Cards"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cards such as:\nBirds of Paradise"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Ignoble Hierarch"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sol Ring"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Arcane Signet"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Dark Ritual"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Goblin Anarchomancer"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Skirk Prospector"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"allow the deck to begin developing quickly.\nThe goal is not necessarily to cast Shattergang as fast as possible.\nThe goal is to establish mana and begin assembling an engine.\nEarly Game"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"During the first turns:\nEstablish colors."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Deploy acceleration."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Determine what opponents are playing."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Avoid exposing combo pieces unnecessarily."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tutor only after you know which piece you actually need."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A turn-two Grumgully sitting alone on the battlefield tells the entire table something.\nSometimes that is fine.\nSometimes keeping that information in your hand is more valuable.\nMidgame"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The midgame is where The Pingquisition becomes dangerous.\nAt this point you should begin developing overlapping pieces.\nA battlefield containing:\nA sacrifice outlet"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A pinger"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A tutor"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Several disposable Goblins"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"may look harmless.\nIt isn't.\nOne persist creature can turn that board into a win.\nThis is also where Shattergang becomes particularly useful.\nUse the commander to remove problematic permanents and force opponents to spend resources before committing to the combo.\nWhen to Attempt the Win"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Do not assemble all three pieces face-up and then pass the turn unless absolutely necessary.\nWhenever possible:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Develop two roles and introduce the final piece when you can immediately execute the loop."},{"insert":"\nFor example:\nIf Grumgully and Goblin Bombardment are already in play, Putrid Goblin represents an immediate win.\nIf Putrid Goblin and Grumgully are already in play, casting Bombardment may represent the win.\nThe final piece should ideally be the piece your opponents have the least opportunity to interact with.\nPlaying Through Interaction"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Because the combo is modular, losing one piece does not necessarily end the attempt.\nIf Putrid Goblin is removed, Murderous Redcap can replace it.\nIf Grumgully dies, Metallic Mimic or Rhythm may replace it.\nIf Bombardment is destroyed, another sacrifice outlet may work.\nIf the graveyard is shut down, Food Chain and Squee provide another route.\nThis redundancy is one of the deck's greatest strengths.\nDo not think in terms of specific cards.\nThink in terms of "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"roles"},{"insert":".\nResource Management"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"A Goblin's life is worth exactly as much as you can extract from its death.\nBefore sacrificing something, check the battlefield.\nDoes it:\nTrigger Blood Artist?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Trigger Pashalik Mons?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Trigger Boggart Mischief?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Trigger Mayhem Devil?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Draw cards with Skullclamp?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Produce mana?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Force an opponent to sacrifice something?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Create Treasure?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Return through persist?"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"One sacrifice can generate several different resources simultaneously.\nThat is how the deck gains advantage without relying on traditional card-for-card exchanges.\nCommon Win Packages"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Package One"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Putrid Goblin + Grumgully + Goblin Bombardment"},{"insert":"\nInfinite sacrifice loop and infinite damage.\nPackage Two"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Putrid Goblin + Metallic Mimic + Goblin Bombardment"},{"insert":"\nName Goblin with Metallic Mimic.\nInfinite sacrifice loop and infinite damage.\nPackage Three"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Putrid Goblin + Rhythm of the Wild + Goblin Bombardment"},{"insert":"\nChoose the +1/+1 counter from riot when Putrid Goblin returns.\nInfinite sacrifice loop and infinite damage.\nPackage Four"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Murderous Redcap + Counter Engine + Sacrifice Outlet"},{"insert":"\nRedcap repeatedly returns and deals damage with its ETB trigger.\nInfinite damage.\nPackage Five"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Putrid Goblin + Counter Engine + Sling-Gang Lieutenant"},{"insert":"\nRepeatedly sacrifice Putrid Goblin to Sling-Gang.\nInfinite life loss and infinite life gain.\nPackage Six"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Putrid Goblin + Counter Engine + Sacrifice Outlet + Death Trigger"},{"insert":"\nUse Blood Artist, Zulaport Cutthroat, Pashalik Mons, Boggart Mischief, Boggart Cursecrafter, or another appropriate payoff.\nInfinite death triggers.\nPackage Seven"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Food Chain + Squee, the Immortal"},{"insert":"\nInfinite creature-only mana.\nAdd Impact Tremors or another compatible ETB payoff to turn the loop into lethal damage.\nWhat the Deck Is Not"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The Pingquisition is not traditional Goblin aggro.\nIt can attack.\nIt can make a large Krenko army.\nIt can overwhelm an unprepared table.\nBut combat is Plan B.\nThe deck is also not dependent upon Shattergang Brothers.\nThe commander contributes interaction and utility, but the deck's engines operate independently.\nThat makes commander removal considerably less effective against us than it is against many Commander strategies.\nStrengths"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Redundant combo structure"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Multiple cards perform each necessary function.\nCreature-based tutoring"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Goblin Matron and creature tutors can locate important engine pieces.\nStrong sacrifice synergies"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Almost every expendable creature can generate additional value.\nMultiple win axes"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Persist, aristocrats, tokens, and Food Chain force opponents to respect several different strategies.\nCommander-independent"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck functions without Shattergang on the battlefield.\nNatural resilience"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Persist and recursion make ordinary creature removal less effective than it appears.\nWeaknesses"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Graveyard hate"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Persist requires creatures to reach and return from the graveyard.\nCards that exile creatures or shut down graveyards can interfere with the primary engine.\nFood Chain provides an important alternative.\nReplacement effects"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Anything that prevents creatures from dying normally or prevents them from returning can disrupt persist.\nWell-timed removal"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Removing the counter engine in response to the persist creature dying can stop the loop.\nProtect the engine when possible.\nStack interaction"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Jund cannot fight counterspell wars the same way blue decks can.\nThe deck compensates with redundancy, uncounterability effects, tutors, and multiple angles of attack.\nPiloting Philosophy"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The Pingquisition rewards thinking about cards according to function rather than name.\nDo I have a creature that returns?\nDo I have something that removes its persist counter?\nDo I have a way to sacrifice it?\nDoes that sacrifice already kill the table?\nIf not, do I have something that cares about entering, dying, or being sacrificed?\nWhen those questions start receiving too many yes answers, the game is probably about to end.\nThe deck often looks like a collection of small creatures producing insignificant triggers.\nOne damage.\nOne Treasure.\nOne card.\nOne Goblin.\nOne sacrifice.\nThat is intentional.\nBecause eventually one becomes ten.\nTen becomes twenty.\nAnd twenty becomes:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"I demonstrate the loop.\""},{"insert":"\nFinal Thought"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Nobody expects the Pingquisition because nothing in the deck looks particularly terrifying by itself.\nA Putrid Goblin is not terrifying.\nA sacrifice outlet is not terrifying.\nOne point of damage is definitely not terrifying.\nThe problem begins when the Goblin comes back.\nAnd comes back again.\nAnd comes back again.\nBy that point, the interrogation has already begun.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Welcome to The Pingquisition."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Your chief weapon is sacrifice."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sacrifice and ping damage."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Your two chief weapons are sacrifice and ping damage..."},{"insert":"\nWe'll come in again.\n"}]}