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Average CMC
Cost
Salt Score
Overview:
Zaxara, the Exemplary leverages X-cost spells to generate massive Hydra tokens and combo potential. The deck focuses on ramping into infinite mana via commander-enabling untap effects (Freed from the Real/Pemmin's Aura), then using X-cost finishers like Torment of Hailfire or Exsanguinate. Backup plans include value hydras and card advantage engines like Rhystic Study.
Primer:
Core Strategy:
- Early Ramp: Use 1-2 CMC ramp (Farseek, Nature's Lore) to cast Zaxara by T3-4.
- Combo Setup: Protect Zaxara with Lightning Greaves while assembling untap effects.
- Infinite Mana: Freed from the Real + Zaxara's mana ability generates infinite colored mana.
- Win Conversion: Cast X=∞ spells or create infinitely large Hydras via Unbound Flourishing.
Key Lines:
- T4: Zaxara + Freed from the Real = infinite mana.
- T5: Torment of Hailfire X=20 with Nyxbloom Ancient in play.
Mulligan Priorities:
- Keep hands with 3 lands + 2 ramp spells.
- Prioritize early protection (Heroic Intervention) in removal-heavy metas.
Critical Sequencing:
- Tutor chains: Demonic Tutor → Freed from the Real → Blue Sun's Zenith.
- Unbound Flourishing doubles X values before casting key hydras.
Weaknesses:
Critical:
- Commander-dependent (folds to 3+ removals on Zaxara).
- Infinite mana combos require resolving multiple sorcery-speed pieces.
Moderate:
- Limited graveyard recursion for key artifacts/enchantments.
- Minimal stax resistance beyond counterspells.
Most Important Cards:
- Freed from the Real
- Pemmin's Aura
- Torment of Hailfire
- Exsanguinate
- Nyxbloom Ancient
- Unbound Flourishing
- Demonic Tutor
- Vampiric Tutor
- Cyclonic Rift
- Hydroid Krasis
Attribute Ratings:
Speed: 7/10
- Can assemble T4-5 infinite mana with optimal draws.
- X=10+ spells become lethal by T6-7 naturally.
Resilience: 6/10
- 8 counterspells protect combos but rely on blue mana.
- Weak to Drannith Magistrate/Cursed Totem effects.
Consistency: 8/10
- 7 tutors + 10+ card draw engines find combo pieces.
- 14 X-cost spells provide redundancy.
Interaction: 6/10
- S/A-tier counters/removal (Fierce Guardianship, Beast Within).
- Minimal permanent recursion beyond Eternal Witness.
Rating Justification:
Outpaces casual decks with T5-6 combo potential but lacks free interaction/0-cost mana rocks of cEDH. More resilient than focused decks (6.0) through tutor density but slower than optimized lists (7.5) due to commander dependency. Matches "Focused Competitive" (7.0) in goldfish speed but held back by vulnerability to targeted hate.
Power level: 6.5 - 7.0
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