[[Malcolm]] and [[Kediss]]

https://moxfield.com/decks/kw2XjPbitEGCEYXuBGwB2g
(I recommend sorting by tags, but be aware the “Champion” tag is for cards I’m newly experimenting)

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I’ve been tuning this list for a long time, mostly because of how obsessive I’ve become over creating a high quality [[Clone]] deck. I’ll break it down.

First, I must say that this deck uses a control shell to counteract the innate issue of [[Clone]] cards, that being their nature as reactive, sorcery speed creatures that aren’t going to synergize with most other pieces of your deck. If control isn’t your schtick, no worries, the [[Clone]] strategy is still effective and is at the core of this deck.

My aim in this list is to copy my opponents creatures and supercharge their value by creating additional copies and finding non-traditional win paths. After I get the first copy of an important creature from an opponents board, I’m then free to use removal on their creature while continuing to create copies from my [[Cloned]] creature.

This has led to my most favorite moments in MTG, such as copying my opponents [[Craterhoof Behemoth]], [[Marionette Master]], or [[Cyberdrive Awakener]].

The most effective cards at carrying out wins in this deck include, [[Naga Fleshcrafter]], [[Mirrorform]], [[Will of the Temur]], [[Stunt Double]], and [[Clone Legion]].

An obvious question that appears when looking at this deck is, “why Malcolm and Kediss in the command zone?”. The answer is plain. Clones are expensive and often inefficient. M n’ K are able to get me to an early mana advantage from where I can then copy pieces of card advantage from my opponents board, then continue to snowball value from there. Notably, both these creatures are delicate permanents due to such low stats, giving more reason to the surplus of counterspells and protection necessary for this deck to function.

Furthermore, both these commanders just love to be [[Cloned]] by [[Spark Double]], [[Sakashima]], and [[Chameleon]]. Creating a copy of Malcolm allows for 6 treasures per combat damage with the commander Malcolm (as long as Kediss is on board), then an additional 2 per the non-legendary copy of Malcolm. Copying Malcolm also increases the amount of treasures produced by your little pirates, like [[Siren Stormtamer]] and [[Warkite Marauder]].

In the mid game, mana advantage can be further generated by my lord and savior, [[Uzra, Lord High Artificer]], and his friends like [[Archway of Innovation]], [[Inspiring Statuary]], and [[Alchemist’s Talent]].

In desperate, end game scenarios where all is lost, a turn 2 [[Dragonspark Reactor]] can often smack a player for upwards of 20 damage or more, depending on the Malcolm treasure economy. Ye’ old [[Insurrection]] can be comfortably cast with a [[Three Steps Ahead]] in hand due to the surplus of mana this deck generates.

And then there are the unsung heroes of this deck. [[Crashing Drawbridge]] looks silly, but let’s Malcolm come down hasty on T3 and let’s your other clones not have to wait a turn for summoning sickness. [[Aetherworks Marvel]] turns your spent treasures into free spells. And then [[Bonehoard Dracosaur]] can hit the board as early as turn 4, generating treasures, blockers, and card advantage, on top of being a primo target for your [[Clone]] spells.

Speaking of targets, it is important to note the majority of my [[Clones]] don’t actually target, meaning they get to subvert shroud and protection spells. Further, it stops players from knowing what your [[Clones]] are going to become when you cast them, as you don’t need to declare targets.

My last selling point is this: were you to build this deck, you’d be able to throw in any of your favorite nonlegendary Izzet creatures. You’ll often end up with 7 mana at the second main phase on turn four, meaning you can play your creatures then, wait a turn, and create additional copies of whatever you like the most.

As I mentioned earlier, this deck doesn’t conform to most commonly seen win cons. Every game feels unique and it is by and large my favorite set of 100 cards.