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COMMANDER(S)
Shiko and Narset, Unified
QR Code
R U W
- Jeskai
Created by  Metamorph
Bracket
5.5 - 6.0
Bracket 3
Average CMC Average CMC
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Cost Cost
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ANALYSIS

Overview:

This Jeskai spellslinger deck leverages Shiko and Narset, Unified to amplify instant/sorcery value through spell copying and combat pressure. The primary strategy focuses on casting two spells per turn to trigger Flurry's copy/draw effect, supported by magecraft payoffs like Archmage Emeritus and Storm-Kiln Artist. Secondary themes include extra combat steps (Seize the Day, Great Train Heist) and value recursion via Arcane Bombardment/Taigam, Ojutai Master. The commander serves as both value engine (copying key spells) and aerial threat, though the deck can function without it through general spell synergy.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

  1. Early Setup (T1-4): Prioritize ramp (Sol Ring, talismans) and defensive enchantments (Propaganda, Crystal Barricade). Cast cantrips (Anticipate, Impulse) to dig for key pieces while triggering early Flurry draws.
  2. Midgame Value (T4-7): Deploy magecraft engines (Veyran, Voice of Duality, Whirlwind of Thought) and copy effects (Narset's Reversal). Use Flurry to duplicate removal (Dismantling Wave) or draw spells. Activate Kykar, Wind's Fury/Storm-Kiln Artist for token/treasure generation.
  3. Win Conditions (T7+):
    • Combat: Use multiple combat phases (Relentless Assault+copy) with pumped flyers (commander, Transcendent Dragon).
    • Spell Recursion: Chain copied spells via Arcane Bombardment exiling high-impact sorceries (Inspired Ultimatum, Call Forth the Tempest).
    • Burn: Amplify damage through repeated Channeled Force copies or Narset of the Ancient Way emblem.

Mulligan Priorities:

  • Keep hands with 3 lands (including color-fixing), 1-2 ramp pieces, and at least 1 instant/sorcery.
  • Prioritize early interaction (Force of Will, Boros Charm) in unknown metas.
  • Avoid hands with only high-CMC spells (≥5) without ramp.

Key Tips:

  • Sequence Flurry triggers carefully: Copy targeted removal first, use draw mode for non-targeted spells.
  • Silent Hallcreeper can become a copy of Archmage Emeritus or Veyran for exponential value.
  • Use Decanter of Endless Water to enable Channeled Force/See the Truth full-hand synergies.

Weaknesses:

Critical

  • Over-reliance on commander for value acceleration – repeated removal forces costly recasts.
  • Minimal graveyard recursion beyond Arcane Bombardment leaves exiled spells irrecoverable.

Moderate

  • High density of tap lands (12+ entries) creates slow starts against aggressive decks.
  • Limited board presence makes recovery from wraths (Time Wipe) resource-intensive.

Minor

  • Few counterspells beyond Force of Will/Whirlwind Denial leave combo decks underchecked.
  • No instant-speed win conditions enable opponents to interact during end steps.

Most Important Cards:

  • Arcane Bombardment (Recursive spell engine)
  • Narset's Reversal (Protection + value duplication)
  • Storm-Kiln Artist (Mana acceleration via Treasures)
  • Archmage Emeritus (Primary card advantage)
  • Veyran, Voice of Duality (Magecraft amplifier)
  • Kykar, Wind's Fury (Token generation + color fixing)
  • Force of Will (Critical early interaction)
  • Whirlwind of Thought (Sustained card draw)
  • Taigam, Ojutai Master (Spell recursion)
  • Inspired Ultimatum (Game-ending value bomb)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

  • Capable of explosive T7-9 wins through spell recursion, but lacks fast mana/tutors for earlier consistency.

Resilience: 6/10

  • Multiple protection spells (Flawless Maneuver, Deflecting Swat) and value engines provide recovery paths, but commander dependency creates fragility.

Consistency: 5/10

  • Moderate card selection (cantrips) but limited tutors beyond Perilous Landscape, relying on drawn synergies.

Interaction: 7/10

  • Strong targeted removal (Pongify, Reality Shift) and stack interaction (Whirlwind Denial), though lacks permanent-type diversity.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates as a mid-powered spellslinger build with Focused gameplans (T7-9 wins) but suffers from inconsistent acceleration and over-reliance on commander-enabled value. While interaction density and recursion provide resilience, the slow mana base and lack of compact wincons cap its power.

Power level: 5.5 - 6.0

DECK LIST
Shiko and Narset, Unified
Planeswalker: 1
($0.5)
1
Narset of the Ancient Way
1 U R W
Creature: 18
($32.28)
1
Archmage Emeritus
2 U U
1
Crystal Barricade
1 W
1
Emrakul's Messenger
1 U
1
Goblin Electromancer
U R
1
High Fae Trickster
3 U
1
Highspire Bell-Ringer
2 U
1
Kykar, Wind's Fury
1 U R W
1
Kykar, Zephyr Awakener
2 W U
1
Livaan, Cultist of Tiamat
2 R
1
Narset, Enlightened Exile
1 U R W
1
Shiko, Paragon of the Way
2 U R W
1
Silent Hallcreeper
1 U
1
Soulfire Grand Master
1 W
1
Storm-Kiln Artist
3 R
1
Taigam, Master Opportunist
1 U
1
Taigam, Ojutai Master
2 W U
1
Transcendent Dragon
4 U U
1
Veyran, Voice of Duality
1 U R
Artifact: 7
($8.9)
1
Arcane Signet
2
1
Decanter of Endless Water
3
1
Hexplate Wallbreaker
3 R R
1
Sol Ring
1
1
Talisman of Conviction
2
1
Talisman of Creativity
2
1
Talisman of Progress
2
Enchantment: 6
($16.23)
1
Arcane Bombardment
4 R R
1
Curse of Opulence
R
1
Ghostly Prison
2 W
1
Land Tax
W
1
Propaganda
2 U
1
Whirlwind of Thought
1 U R W
Instant: 21
($96.01)
1
Aetherize
3 U
1
Anticipate
1 U
1
Boros Charm
R W
1
Channeled Force
2 U R
1
Dawn's Truce
1 W
1
Deflecting Palm
R W
1
Deflecting Swat
2 R
1
Flame of Anor
1 U R
1
Flawless Maneuver
2 W
1
Force of Will
3 U U
1
Great Train Heist
R
1
Impulse
1 U
1
Narset's Rebuke
4 R
1
Narset's Reversal
U U
1
Pongify
U
1
Press the Enemy
2 U U
1
Rapid Hybridization
U
1
Reality Shift
1 U
1
Resculpt
1 U
1
Return the Favor
R R
1
Whirlwind Denial
2 U
Sorcery: 9
($24.25)
1
Aether Gale
3 U U
1
Call Forth the Tempest
5 R R R
1
Dismantling Wave
2 W
1
Inspired Ultimatum
U U R R R W W
1
Relentless Assault
2 R R
1
See the Truth
1 U
1
Seize the Day
3 R
1
Time Wipe
2 W W U
1
Will of the Temur
5 U
Land: 36
($105.01)
1
Azorius Chancery
1
Boros Garrison
1
Cascade Bluffs
1
Clifftop Retreat
1
Command Tower
1
Cori Mountain Monastery
1
Deserted Beach
1
Floodfarm Verge
1
Glacial Fortress
1
Hallowed Fountain
4
Island
1
Izzet Boilerworks
1
Mistrise Village
4
Mountain
1
Mystic Gate
1
Mystic Monastery
1
Perilous Landscape
3
Plains
1
Riverpyre Verge
1
Rugged Prairie
1
Scalding Tarn
1
Sea of Clouds
1
Spectator Seating
1
Stormcarved Coast
1
Sulfur Falls
1
Sunbillow Verge
1
Sundown Pass
1
Training Center
Other: 1
($)
1
Wear/Tear

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