{"ops":[{"insert":"Introduction\nDo what you want 'cause a pirate is free. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"You are a pirate!"},{"insert":"\nThis is a budget version of Conartistry's "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.moxfield.com/decks/0dByuK3U6kqMI9XEGMpjgg"},"insert":"Gecko Bird"},{"insert":" list, originally intended to be made on a $30 budget, then a $50, and finally just sub-$100. We built the first draft of the list in college, and after the two of us altered the entire meta, decided to share it around with the original Malcolm discord. We truly were not expecting it to be just as efficient as it is! Con and I are both mods and quite active in the "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://discord.gg/cdphmNYe26"},"insert":"Malcolm Discord"},{"insert":", so feel free to pop in if you have any questions!\nWe’re currently floating around $100, so for the price of two precons you can make a pretty sweet deck. The deck is effectively a stripped-down but still effective version of the classic "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar"},{"insert":" midrange combo deck. For versions on even tighter budgets, see the “Other Lists” tab at the bottom of this primer. This deck is bracket 4 according to WotC's system. See the bottom of this primer for a quick description of how to power it down.\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":"As of 6/29/2025, this list is the most-liked Malcolm Kediss list on Moxfield, and the third most-liked Malcolm list regardless of partner! Thank you to everyone who appreciates or plays the deck!"},{"insert":"\n\n\nGameplay\nThe first main objective of this deck is to play both of our commanders as early as possible. While a turn one "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator"},{"insert":" is theoretically possible (Exile "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Simian Spirit Guide"},{"insert":" for , cast "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sol Ring"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Rite of Flame"},{"insert":" with the , and play an "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Island"},{"insert":"), the main goal will be to get him down on turn two. This means that by turn three we can play "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar"},{"insert":" and begin to swing with Malcolm, creating a minimum of a Black Lotus' worth of Treasure tokens. From here, we can begin to focus on drawing as many cards as is humanly possible and move into the midrange phase.\nMuch of the gameplay of this deck is simply protecting our commanders and drawing cards. Being an Izzet list, particularly a budget one, we do not have access to the tutors found in other Malcolm decks such as Grixis, Temur, or Jeskai. As such, we must either transmute or draw our way into our various wincons. Thankfully, we have oodles of mana, due to Malcolm's Treasures. Malcolm must be kept alive in order for the deck to function as intended, so we will spend a lot of time relying on counterspells and protection instants in order to keep him intact, all while using draw spells to dig for our wincons. Our combos are layered, often involving interchangeable pieces, and so this is not particularly difficult.\nOnce a combo has been acquired and we are confident we have enough protection (or that the table has no interaction), we can begin with our attempt to win. In our experience, Pirateweaver is the predominant wincon and offers the most success.\n\n\nWincons\nCopied and modified from Con's primer.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Glint-Horn Buccaneer"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator"},{"insert":": The de facto Malcolm combo; all you need is to attack with both of them, then activate Glinthorn's ability to ping each opponent for 1, make 1 treasure per opponent damaged, and make enough mana to pay for Glint-Horn's ability again, repeat until everybody's dead (doesn't work if opponents have more life than you do cards, or if there are two or fewer opponents with heavily varied life totals). "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Bonus tech: If you don't have the required mana to start, you can combo during the \"End of Combat\" phase after both Glint-Horn and Malcolm dealt combat damage to different opponents and make Treasures."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Glint-Horn Buccaneer"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Curiosity"},{"insert":"/"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Tandem Lookout"},{"insert":" + Eight cards in hand on end step: Discard to seven, trigger Glint, deal damage to each opponent and draw up to three cards. Discard to 7 again, deal damage to each opponent and draw up to three cards... repeat. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Note: Tandem Lookout does not have a \"may\" clause, so you will deck yourself before you win unless you remove Tandem late in the loop."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/Yj585-niv-mizzet-parun"},"insert":"Niv-Mizzet, Parun"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Curiosity"},{"insert":"/"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Tandem Lookout"},{"insert":": The only non-commander reliant combo in the deck, with both halves being quite valuable on their own. Enchant/pair Niv and, whenever an instant or sorcery is cast, draw a card and ping an opponent. This will cause you to draw another card, which pings someone, and so on. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Note: Tandem Lookout does not have a 'may' clause, so you will deck yourself before you win unless you remove Tandem late in the loop."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Reckless Fireweaver"},{"insert":"/"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sunshot Militia"},{"insert":"/"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/doa18-weftstalker-ardent"},"insert":"Weftstalker Ardent"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Trickery Charm"},{"insert":"/"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Glamer Gifter"},{"insert":"/"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Leyline of Transformation"},{"insert":"/"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Maskwood Nexus"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator"},{"insert":": The iconic Pirateweaver line. Drop one of the creatures (henceforth referred to as Fireweaver for convenience), turn it into a Pirate via one of the three hack effects, then spit out an artifact. Every time a Treasure enters play, Fireweaver will deal damage to each opponent. As it is now a Pirate, Malcolm will trigger, producing another Treasure and repeating the process."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If all else fails, hit people with big things: "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"The Unagi of Kyoshi Island"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Nezahal, Primal Tide"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Niv-Mizzet, Parun"},{"insert":" are huge bodies that can swing in to eventually beat your opponents to death given enough time."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\nNotable Inclusions\nNotable or unusual inclusions. For details on the combo pieces, see the Wincons tab.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Alchemist's Gambit"},{"insert":": While a cheap extra turn spell that may or may not result in death, Alchemist's Gambit can also be cast with our excessive Treasures for a traditional extra turn. Furthermore, Gambit dodges One Ring protection, which is the most important reason to play it. ("},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.moxfield.com/users/azureblazing"},"insert":"https://www.moxfield.com/users/azureblazing"},{"insert":") for this suggestion)."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Borne Upon a Wind"},{"insert":": Giving everything flash is quite busted. With this and sufficient mana, it is possible to perform the Pirateweaver combo over top of someone else's win attempt."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Fanatical Firebrand"},{"insert":": A pirate that allows us to perform the Pirateweaver combo post-combat, as Firebrand's haste allows it to immediately sac itself to ping someone and start the loop."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Glamer Gifter"},{"insert":": One of the coolest hack effects, as this little creature ensures that the entire Pirateweaver combo line is creature-based, thus allowing us to dodge most of the popular counterspells."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Nezahal, Primal Tide"},{"insert":": "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mystic Remora"},{"insert":" all grown up, Nezzy is both a massive beater and a card draw engine, who can dodge removal. One of our strongest grind options since "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Consecrated Sphinx"},{"insert":" is outside our budget."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Professional Face-Breaker"},{"insert":": Both pseudo ramp and pseudo card draw, PFB serves a wide number of roles and is a great card in Malcolm lists. Being able to both produce Treasures, and turn said tokens into cards, is fantastic."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Riptide Shapeshifter"},{"insert":": Name either Minotaur, to tutor "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Glint-Horn Buccaneer"},{"insert":" to the battlefield, or Dragon, to tutor up "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Niv-Mizzet, Parun"},{"insert":". This card does not function properly with "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Maskwood Nexus"},{"insert":" in play, as it will stop at the first creature we flip."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Spyglass Siren"},{"insert":": Similar to "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Fanatical Firebrand"},{"insert":", Spyglass Siren can be used to kick off the Pirateweaver line post-combat due to its Map token."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir"},{"insert":": Teferi is both another flash enabler and "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Silence"},{"insert":" on a stick."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\nUpgrades\nOur primary recommendation for upgrading this list is to add "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/mP7yr-consecrated-sphinx"},"insert":"Consecrated Sphinx"},{"insert":". Sphinx is fantastic and effectively wins the game if it resolves."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/Ylv26-artificial-evolution"},"insert":"Artificial Evolution"},{"insert":": Art Evo is one of the two main one-mana hack effects alongside "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/kyKj4-trickery-charm"},"insert":"Trickery Charm"},{"insert":". Each has its advantages; Artificial Evolution permanently changes the text box of the creature it targets, including type lines, while Trickery Charm is only type lines, until end of turn, and allows us to rearrange the top four cards of our library. Currently, we are on Trickery Charm due to budget, but Art Evo is superior due to the permanent type change. If a pinger is turned into a Pirate, then opponents are forced to deal with the creature "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"instead"},{"insert":" of Malcolm (thanks to "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/users/azureblazing"},"insert":"azureblazing"},{"insert":" for this line!)"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The two-mana counters such as "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Negate"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Lofty Denial"},{"insert":" can be replaced by staples such as "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Swan Song"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Flusterstorm"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Red Elemental Blast"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Pyroblast"},{"insert":" are out of the list for budget reasons at the moment, but we highly encourage both."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Basics can be replaced by fetchlands, "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Steam Vents"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Training Center"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Fiery Islet"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"City of Brass"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Mana Confluence"},{"insert":", etc. The main consideration is that the lands enter untapped, regardless of budget."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Underworld Breach"},{"insert":" combo is quite powerful and is included in proper cEDH lists. Breach and "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Brain Freeze"},{"insert":" allow for a win with "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Lion's Eye Diamond"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Lotus Petal"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"An Offer You Can't Refuse"},{"insert":". If this line is added to the deck, we also recommend the addition of "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Gamble"},{"insert":". The former is a cheap pirate who helps feed the graveyard, and the latter lets you do funny things with Breach."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The bolt MDFCs such as "},{"attributes":{"link":"about:blank"},"insert":"Sink Into Stupor"},{"insert":" are lands with upside, no reason not to run them if you have the budget."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/Ervzo-ophidian-eye"},"insert":"Ophidian Eye"},{"insert":" is phenomenal, but thanks to a couple cards from the Final Fantasy set, it spiked upwards of $15 as of the time of writing."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n\nPowering Down\nIn the case that you need to power the deck down, swap to "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/YnM95-breeches-brazen-plunderer"},"insert":"Breeches, Brazen Plunderer"},{"insert":" there are some viable options. The easiest is to simply swap out the combo pieces for beaters; things like "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/kpzvp-inferno-titan"},"insert":"Inferno Titan"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://moxfield.com/cards/BXoeW-shimmer-dragon"},"insert":"Shimmer Dragon"},{"insert":" that are big and easily castable off your hoard of treasures. This means you can also shave a lot of the tutors to make room for more card advantage and creature wincons. If you drop the Niv Curiosity line and Glint, the deck will be a (strong) bracket 3 list.\n"}]}