{"ops":[{"insert":"QUICK REFERENCE"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Game plan:"},{"insert":"\nGet Fblthp into play → find "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Proteus Staff"},{"insert":" → activate Staff → stack the library → assemble "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Isochron Scepter + Dramatic Reversal"},{"insert":" → infinite mana → "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Blue Sun's Zenith"},{"insert":" the table.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Priority:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Staff → enough mana to activate it → protection → win"},{"insert":"\nBefore going for it, ask:\nCan I resolve Proteus Staff?"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Can I activate it this turn?"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"How much mana is left afterward?"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Can anyone stop me?"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Do I need Defense Grid/Bauble/protection first?"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If the answer looks good, stop waiting and go.\n\nWHAT THE DECK IS DOING"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fblthp is the only creature in the deck.\nWhen "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Proteus Staff"},{"insert":" targets him, Fblthp goes to the bottom of the library. Staff then reveals cards until it finds another creature.\nThere isn't another creature.\nThat means it reveals essentially my entire library until it reaches Fblthp. Fblthp returns to play and I put every other revealed card back in "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"any order I want"},{"insert":".\nBecause Fblthp entered from the library, he draws two cards.\nSo:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Proteus Staff = stack basically my entire deck and draw the first two cards."},{"insert":"\nThat is the deck.\n\nMULLIGANS"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"I want an opening hand that is actually going somewhere.\nGreat hands have:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fast mana"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fblthp"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Proteus Staff or a way to find it"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cheap/free protection"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"I'm generally trying to threaten the combo around "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"turn 2–3"},{"insert":", not sit around playing mono-blue value.\nKeep hands like:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ancient Tomb + Island + Mana Vault + Staff + protection"},{"insert":"\nor\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Fast mana + Fblthp + Fabricate/Whir/Repurposing Bay + counterspell"},{"insert":"\nBe suspicious of:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Five interaction/value cards with no Staff plan.\nRhystic Study is great, but:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Island + Island + Island + Rhystic + counters"},{"insert":"\nis not why I built this deck.\nMulligan aggressively for a plan.\n\nFINDING PROTEUS STAFF"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These are my important Staff tutors.\nDirect"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Fabricate"},{"insert":"\nSimple. Staff to hand.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Whir of Invention"},{"insert":"\nX=3 puts Staff directly onto the battlefield. Artifacts can help pay through improvise.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Reshape"},{"insert":"\nX=3 turns another artifact into Staff.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Tezzeret the Seeker"},{"insert":"\n-3 finds Staff directly onto the battlefield.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Repurposing Bay"},{"insert":"\nSacrifice a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"2-mana artifact"},{"insert":" and Bay finds Staff directly.\nGood sacrifices include things like:\nArcane Signet\nFellwar Stone\nMind Stone\nIsochron Scepter if I don't need it\nTutor chains"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Merchant Scroll → Whir of Invention → Staff"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mystical Tutor → Whir / Reshape → Staff"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Personal Tutor → Fabricate / Reshape → Staff"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Solve the Equation → Whir / Fabricate / Reshape → Staff"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Long-Term Plans"},{"insert":" can find Staff or basically anything else, but remember it goes third from the top.\n\nMAIN WIN — DRAMATIC SCEPTER"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The main combo is:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Isochron Scepter + Dramatic Reversal"},{"insert":"\nImprint Dramatic Reversal underneath Scepter.\nFor this to make infinite mana, my nonland permanents need to produce "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"more than the 2 mana required to activate Scepter"},{"insert":".\nThe clean rule to remember:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"3+ mana from untappable nonland sources = infinite mana."},{"insert":"\nI also want one of those sources to produce "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"blue"},{"insert":", because I eventually need Blue Sun's Zenith.\nExamples:\nMana Vault\nMox Amber\nChrome Mox\nArcane Signet\nFellwar Stone\nSol Ring\nMind Stone\nEverflowing Chalice\nSpringleaf Drum\nActivate Scepter for 2.\nDramatic Reversal untaps:\nScepter"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Proteus Staff"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mana rocks"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Tap everything again.\nRepeat.\nIf I'm producing 3+ mana each cycle, I make arbitrarily large mana.\n\nSTAFF PILES"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Do not memorize one Staff pile."},{"insert":"\nThis version doesn't have LED/Mox Diamond/Grim Monolith, so the correct pile changes depending on what I already have in play.\nInstead, think in this order:\nIf I already have enough mana:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Put:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Isochron Scepter"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Dramatic Reversal"},{"insert":"\non top.\nFblthp draws both.\nIf I can cast Scepter "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"and still have 2 mana for the first activation"},{"insert":", I'm ready.\nIf I'm short on mana:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"My Staff pile needs to bridge into the combo.\nUseful bridge cards:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gush"},{"insert":" — free draw if I can return two Islands.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Gitaxian Probe"},{"insert":" — free extra card.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Brainstorm"},{"insert":" — digs three and fixes the pile.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Frantic Search"},{"insert":" — draws while untapping lands.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mana Vault"},{"insert":" — huge burst of mana.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Mox Amber"},{"insert":" — free blue mana with Fblthp out.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Lotus Petal"},{"insert":" — free temporary mana.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"High Tide"},{"insert":" — makes Islands much more explosive.\nThink:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Draw → Mana → Scepter/Reversal → Protection → Zenith"},{"insert":"\nDon't force a bad pile just because Staff resolved.\nIf I don't have enough resources to win immediately, I can stack the deck so that I have protection, mana and the combo ready for the next turn.\nProteus Staff resolving has already put me massively ahead.\n\nKILLING THE TABLE"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Once Dramatic Scepter is generating infinite mana, Staff also untaps every cycle.\nNow repeatedly activate Proteus Staff on Fblthp.\nEach activation lets me reorder the library again and Fblthp draws two.\nFind:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Blue Sun's Zenith"},{"insert":"\nCast it on an opponent for more cards than they have remaining in their library.\nThey lose.\nZenith shuffles itself back into my library.\nActivate Staff again.\nPut Zenith back on top.\nFblthp draws it.\nKill the next player.\nRepeat.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"One Blue Sun's Zenith kills the entire table."},{"insert":"\n\nBACKUP COMBO"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mystic Forge + Sensei's Divining Top + Helm of Awakening"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"With all three in play:\nHelm makes Top cost "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"0"},{"insert":".\nTap Top:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Draw a card → Top goes on top of library"},{"insert":"\nMystic Forge lets me cast Top from the top.\nCast Top for 0.\nTap it again.\nRepeat.\nThis draws through the deck and generates a huge storm count.\nFrom there, assemble the normal Dramatic Scepter win.\nThis is a backup plan. I'm usually not tutoring for it before Proteus Staff.\n\nOTHER STRONG LINES"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Narset + Windfall"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"With "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Narset, Parter of Veils"},{"insert":" out, cast "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Windfall"},{"insert":".\nOpponents discard their hands but Narset prevents them from drawing a fresh grip.\nThis can leave the table nearly empty-handed while I prepare the combo.\nVery strong, but it isn't the primary goal.\nCounterbalance + Top"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sensei's Divining Top lets me manipulate the top card to make Counterbalance much better.\nUse this when the game slows down.\nDon't spend five turns pretending I'm a Counterbalance control deck if I can just kill everyone.\n\nPROTECTING THE WIN"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Most of my interaction exists to "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"protect my combo"},{"insert":", not police the entire table.\nPremium protection:\nForce of Will\nFierce Guardianship\nForce of Negation\nPact of Negation\nFlusterstorm\nSwan Song\nAn Offer You Can't Refuse\nMana Drain\nMental Misstep\nSpell Pierce\nMiscast\nI should normally counter something because:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"It stops my win."},{"insert":"\nor:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"That player is about to win before me."},{"insert":"\nNot simply because it's a good card.\n\nDEFENSE GRID"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Defense Grid is excellent before my combo turn.\nIt makes opponents pay an extra 3 mana to cast spells outside their own turns.\nIf the table is mostly tapped out, Grid can turn:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"I think I can win.\""},{"insert":"\ninto:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"You probably can't interact with me.\""},{"insert":"\n\nVEXING BAUBLE — IMPORTANT"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Bauble is fantastic against free interaction.\nIf no mana was spent to cast a spell, Bauble counters it.\nThat includes opposing:\nForce of Will\nFierce Guardianship\nForce of Negation\nPact of Negation\nBut it works on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"me too"},{"insert":".\nIt can also stop my own free spells and zero-mana cards.\nIf I need my Forces or other free cards again:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"1, tap, sacrifice Bauble → draw a card."},{"insert":"\nDon't forget it's symmetrical.\n\nFBLTHP'S WEIRD RULE"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If an opponent casts a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"spell targeting Fblthp"},{"insert":", Fblthp triggers and shuffles himself into my library.\nCountering their removal spell afterward "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"does not stop Fblthp's trigger"},{"insert":".\nThat's why I have:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Stifle"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Trickbind"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Consign to Memory"},{"insert":"\nThey can counter Fblthp's own shuffle trigger.\nProteus Staff is safe because Staff is an "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"activated ability"},{"insert":", not a spell.\n\nOTHER IMPORTANT GOTCHAS"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Dress Down"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Be careful.\nDress Down makes creatures lose their abilities.\nIf Dress Down is active when Staff brings Fblthp back:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Fblthp won't draw the two cards."},{"insert":"\nDon't accidentally shut off your own combo.\nHelm of Awakening"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Helm reduces everyone's spells, not just mine.\nDon't casually give three cEDH players discounts unless I'm actually using it.\nVexing Bauble"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Same idea.\nGreat when it protects my win, awkward when I forget it's also shutting off my own free interaction.\nCursed Totem"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mostly one-sided for me.\nFblthp doesn't need an activated ability and Proteus Staff isn't a creature.\n\nMID-GAME CHECKLIST"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"When my turn is approaching:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Do I have Fblthp?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Where is Proteus Staff?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Can I tutor Staff?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Can I cast AND activate Staff?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"How much mana is left after activation?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Do I already have 3+ mana worth of rocks for Dramatic Scepter?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Who has untapped blue mana?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Do I need Defense Grid or Vexing Bauble first?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"How many counterspells can I fight through?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Can I win now?"},{"insert":"\nIf yes:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Go."},{"insert":"\nDon't give the table another turn just because the board looks comfortable.\n\nHOW I WANT TO PILOT THIS DECK"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fblthp is bait.\nI want the table to see a 1/1 Homunculus and assume I'm doing something cute.\nI'm not trying to grind.\nI'm not trying to establish a giant board.\nI'm not trying to prove that Fblthp is a good commander.\nI'm trying to quietly assemble:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Fblthp + Proteus Staff"},{"insert":"\nand suddenly turn a harmless commander into:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Stack my entire library. Draw exactly what I need. Win."},{"insert":"\nThe joke is Fblthp.\nThe actual commander is Proteus Staff.\n"}]}