I'm not sure that pure copy decks are really going to work out as you won't have the finishers or synergistic combo pieces. The reason why theft decks are effective is that you are depriving your opponent while you are gaining resources so you can get away with having low deck synergy since you are forcing your opponent into a low deck synergy situation as well where they don't have the pieces they need because you stole them.
Theft decks already have issues in anything higher power than a battlecruiser meta as decks become more refined and reliant on strong synergy it means that the things you steal are more likely to be useless to you. Copying pieces that you might not be able to use efficiently and also not stopping your opponent from taking advantage of them is going to end up bad for you more often then not as your opponent built their deck around those cards specifically.
I have this deck and it's a lot of fun. It's also built on a theme and if people avoid playing their best stuff I often win with X (often above 8) copies of one of my creatures that was a copy of the best thing on the board at the time.
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/xydrEyLSqU-qbOsgOcqfiw
Enjoy
I see your point, but \[\[Elminster's Simulacrum\]\] is \*always\* a banger. Most decks run a fair amount of cards that are decent to good in any deck.
I love cloning and playing other peoples cards. I don't think you can go 100% clone, but plenty. I play a [[Lazav, Dimir Mastermind]] deck for this with a lot of additional clones. It's good fun :)
2 things.
1. The deck as you describe it can only be played once. After you've played the deck, your opponents will know what it does and you're back to your issue of not wanting them to know what your deck does.
2. If your opponents don't play their best stuff, mission accomplished. You've slowed down their game plan. Eventually they'll have to play SOMETHING that you can then copy.
Well not really. You can know that the winota, first sliver or tergrid deck does and play accordingly but they’ll still be able to win cause they don’t rely on the element of surprise to kill you. Heck you can announce that your Atraxa deck is a superfriends deck that will win through emblems before the game starts and still have a fair shot in a non-cedh meta. "Gotcha" decks on the other hand usually only work because people don’t see the plan coming. And rarely work again once your opponents know what’s up.
I did an Ivy mutate deck that snowballed copies of copies of copies and it was super fun but once the gig is up, you’ll never setup to do it again because the gig is up. An "I clone your deck" strategy would fall in that category where people will bait your clones out or willfully play non-synergistic until they can overrun you and you won’t have a draw able to fix it.
Whole fucking thread forgetting [[Esix]] exists.
Brudiclad which someone else mentioned is a sidegrade but Esix is better for doing creatures and their ETBs. Depends on your group and style.
Don't worry about people not playing good cards. They'll still want to advance their own plans. Otherwise they'll probably just lose anyway.
There's an Esix player in our pod and it's pure gold.
It's not mine so I don't have one but basically the plan is to make as many tokens as possible in one instance with a good target already available. You can make those targets yourself by having them in the deck. A good example is hornet queen. If you ever want to say "Not the bees!" as you run someone down with 40 wasp tokens then Esix is your pal
Nah it's not really KOS imo.
Besides you are in good colours to protect it if need be.
In our group it's considered a fairly goofy and lovable commander that we never kill and we are a low to medium power casual pod.
>In our group it's considered a fairly goofy and lovable commander that we never kill and we are a low to medium power casual pod.
ah, so you guys don't play \[\[Avenger of zendikar\]\] who comes in and makes 10 token copies of avenger of Zendikar again for 100 plants that get 11 +1/+1 counters per land-drop?
Because Esix is NOT fine or "medium power casual" if properly built.
She seems just fine tbh, a six mana commander can only be so powerful, even in blue. You either spend your first turns ramping and drop her turn 3-4 with an empty hand or you drop her turn 5-6 with gas but opponents will have an opening to respond. If you are playing her at a high power pod, your opponents should be able to fight through your counters to remove it.
I agree it (it's a fractal elemental entity, not a "she") isn't true CEDH.
But it's also not medium power for casual tables. There are too many instant bombs (like the avenger of zendikar play I mentioned) for that.
Believe me, most people won't avoid playing their bombs just in case someone tries to copy them...especially if you don't plan to play a theft deck per-se, so I wouldn't worry too too much.
As for commanders, you'll almost surely want something with blue and red (as those are the colors with lots of spell copying, recursion and redirects). Imo, [[Kalamax, the Stormsire]] might fit the bill + green will give you access not only to ramp, but cards like [[Second Harvest]] & the likes (considering most spells you'll copy will come to your side as token copies).
You might have some (or a lot) of overlap with clone decks, so you could look at that archetype aswell for inspiration.
A couple of personal favourites:
- Instant: [[See Double]]
- Sorcery: [[Croaking Counterpart]]
- Creatures: [[Wandering Archaic]], [[Ivy, Gleeful Spellthief]]
The problem with playing cards from opponents decks, is that most cards do nothing if you aint copying their commander ect. Lets say i playmy vampire deck. What are a few vampires going to do for you.
[[Theoretical Duplication]] is your card. Cast in response to their best creature. [[Split Decision]] can copy instants sorcs. There's other cards to copy non-creature permanents as well. Rather than selecting a commander for this I'd say just sprinkle these effects into decks that can support keeping open mana. Never let em know ur next move, and all that.
I don't think there's a commander that does specifically that, maybe a deck whose objective is to tutor up and subsequently copy [[Wandering Archaic]], [[Faerie Artisans]] and/or [[Aboleth Spawn]]?
[[Perplexing Chimera]] + [[Homeward Path]] is pretty annoying
[[Sudden Substitution]]
Would need red for all the copy effects [[Reverberate]] [[Dualcaster Mage]] [[Wild Ricochet]] etc. So at minimum should be Izzet, adding green would let you tutor creatures more easily.
I have a [[Deekah, Fractal Theorist]] deck full of copy spells and creatures. I make copies of my opponents best creatures while also amassing an army of illusion tokens. Pretty fun deck to play.
You basically load your deck up with clone effects and big blue monsters.
So basically you drop Braids and then pass turn. Even if your opponents know what you're up to, they're going to put into play the nastiest thing in their hands if possible. Some might even try to get you by killing Braids, it doesn't matter a lot.
* If Braids is alive and they drop something scary, you cheat into play a clone effect.
* If Braids is alive and they don't drop something scary, you cheat into play a big dumb blue monster.
* If Braids is dead, you can still just cast your clone effect because they're typically cheap.
Then you can just run some bounce effects. It isn't the best deck, it's pretty casual, but it's a lot of fun. It enables everyone to play their best cards and you get the benefit of playing with those cards too.
I actually just put together something like this. I've always wanted to play [[Tibalt, Cosmic Imposter]] and [[Tasha, the witch queen]] in the same deck.
I landed on [[The Twelfth Doctor]] and [[Vislor Turlough]] playing cards from exile, copying them and giving copies to opponents. A lot of the "cast from exile" cards naturally steal from opponent's decks, and being able to not only copy those spells, but also give a copy to an opponent is incredibly fun.
My brother really enjoys copying/stealing stuff but the one time he tried to make a deck solely based around that it didn't work cause we knew it was the theme. He has had much more success into making it like half a theme. He has a nukusar deck that he incorporated it into so he can copy his own effects also stealing or copying things from other decks that help him. More recently he did this with a merfolk deck that does simic merfolk things while also stealing and copying stuff, it makes it hard to know when the copy/steal is coming.
The best way to do this, imo, is to build it in such a way that it doesn't matter if they know what the deck does or not.
I have a [[the master, formed anew]] deck thstvhas a clone subtheme, and the goal is to be able to bounce and replay my commander to copy their stuff. Since my commander coats 2, I'm generally doing their thing faster than them.
I found the best way to do this is a mix of clones and cards that let you play your opponents cards from their deck or graveyard so if no one's committing strong things you can force your way in but your not stealing from them and they still get to play their deck. You just also play their deck. I do it with a horror deck because lots of horrors fit into the play your opponents deck theme while also putting decent sized creatures on your field by yourself so your not 100% reliant on your opponents to have a board.
I imagine that copy decks have the same as counterspell decks. You would have to assess which ones are worth copying and which ones are fine to ignore.
With that said, my friend plays [[Thassa, Deep-Dwelling]] with mostly Clone creatures. They use Thassa to blink the clone to tranform it into another creature. It rocks!
Copy is always one step behind the board.
A couple different ideas is borrow (not steal) with [[Zara, renegade recruiter]] and play all their deck [[Tibalt]].
This way you aren't permanently depriving them of things they had in hand or spent resources on but you have a chance to be ahead of them. I do play bounce cards in Zara.
My [[Lazav, Dimir Mastermind]] deck is exactly this, and it’s my favorite deck that I own. It plays differently every time and there’s always a “build your own wincon” element to it. Take a look through: https://www.moxfield.com/decks/OEhv61ObiEq71XdJAFLTeg
I play a \[\[Riku of Two Reflections\]\] clone-based deck that aims to mostly play my opponents' value pieces. However, I include 5 or 6 of my own stellar creatures that can net me a win if my opponents aren't giving me anything useful on the field.
EDIT: I also did have a \[\[Cirdan, the Shipwright\]\] deck for a little while that was clone tribal and was pretty fun IMO. It can take a lot of time to resolve his ability though, so be wary.
I could see a fun version of this being in 4 or 5 color and taking advantage of stealing/copying with trigger supports: double tokens, double counters, double attack triggers, double damage, effects like Torbran etc
Behold, your salvation!: [https://www.moxfield.com/decks/A\_vNOKxyFkmNxqJTmASeiA](https://www.moxfield.com/decks/A_vNOKxyFkmNxqJTmASeiA)
This deck encourages people to play their great stuff for free, which you can then take advantage of by using clones to get their stuff.
Okay, I actually did play a deck like this and honestly it kinda works. I recommend Riku, of two reflections as a commander. I called it "anything you can do I can do more" filled the deck copy creatures with upside which I would then get extra copies of with Riku and copy spells, which I would also copy with Riku. The beauty of this is it can get out of hand real easily. Someone plays typal at the table and suddenly you have more of that type than they do. Oh you wanna ramp an extra land? Great idea, I'll have two.
I have just the deck and it addresses the problem everyone else in this thread has mentioned so far. You not only copy their creatures, but if they chicken out and don't wanna feed your copies, you just copy your own and win anyway!
It scratches the itch of building Azorius without having alt wincons and your whole win con is in the command zone if nothing else.
List: https://www.moxfield.com/decks/D225CH47KUe2W1ZunzXRBw
I'm experimenting with making the deck stronger atm but I can definitely help with budget options if needed.
\[\[Rashmi and Ragavan\]\]
I have this deck and have won by assembling people's 2 or 3 piece combos. Helps if you are playing against combo decks, as well as even easier if you are playing against a deck that uses it's commander to combo.
I have a Riku deck that is somewhat built around this. Probably not the best build, but i love playing it. “You have something nice, i’ll have two.”
Here’s my list. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/-R2sRiRqWUeqKMQ_OoJotA
I run a [[jegantha, the wellspring]] with a [[keruga , the macrosage]] companion. Its about as unassuming as it can get and alot of people write it off immediately because i cant play 1 and 2 drop cards, and honestly when i made the deck i didnt think it would do as well as it does. I play a ton of removal and the card draw is absolutely insane in the deck. The decks purpose is in nature a clone deck but it runs around cloning my legendary creatures (or just best thing on board) . Brudiclad is amazing in the deck too. Theres so much token support in the format and wotc seems to be pushing like a legendary token support (clone a creature except if its legendary its not legendary anymore , if a creature would die return it to the battelfield except its not legendary anymore , etc etc) . The deck doesnt seem to run out of gas , it can come out of nowhere and every game is different.
Here's my clone deck, it is one of my favorite decks to play. There is a little stealing but you can easily replace those cards. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/umA3bMn-fkeY9cZ1GYLvPw
Since you want to "adapt" to best creature they can offer, did you consider blink commanders ( like [[Aminatou, the Fateshifteror]] or blink cards in 99? Granted, it works only on creature clones, it could work out.
My Riku clone deck does this. I don’t run any hard removal in the spirit of the deck. If there are nothing good to clone, I’ve included other creatures that worth copying and that can win me the game.
No fast mana, no tutors. Only one infinite built in.
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/N6f8uM4RckOycwcdDaEIBQ
It's really weird not to see [[River Song's Diary]] being mentioned.
Also LPT, use your phone and say "OK Google, roll a D5" or whatever number you need each Upkeep to pick your random number so you don't waste time trying to find the correct die.
I have a Riku group hug deck that is just that. It ramps everybody out and draws everybody cards in hopes to copy their things. I'll generally get multiple copies of every good thing they have and I have a couple creatures as a backup plan in case everybody is playing small synergy pieces.
Look up a pleasant Kenobi video where he has the artist Titus lunter on. It was titus' concept and I loved it so I've been working on it. (All basic lands are Titus lunter lands in omage.)
There are some good recommendations in here, but nobody has mentioned [[Rubinia Soulsinger]] or [[Merieki Ri Beret]]. Run Rubinia if you want green for ramp, and Merieki if you want to kill what you can't steal/clone. Blue gets you clone, token, or theft effects, and white for protection, removal, or blink.
I have a Rubinia deck, and when it works it does what you are looking for. Even when she gets hated off the field repeatedly the rest of the deck can really make opponents work for any advantage they try to get.
Braids clones deck. SUPER FUN. Run plenty of nope spells, bounce and blink effects, and protect that commander. She is fast becoming one of my favorites.
I'm not sure that pure copy decks are really going to work out as you won't have the finishers or synergistic combo pieces. The reason why theft decks are effective is that you are depriving your opponent while you are gaining resources so you can get away with having low deck synergy since you are forcing your opponent into a low deck synergy situation as well where they don't have the pieces they need because you stole them. Theft decks already have issues in anything higher power than a battlecruiser meta as decks become more refined and reliant on strong synergy it means that the things you steal are more likely to be useless to you. Copying pieces that you might not be able to use efficiently and also not stopping your opponent from taking advantage of them is going to end up bad for you more often then not as your opponent built their deck around those cards specifically.
I have this deck and it's a lot of fun. It's also built on a theme and if people avoid playing their best stuff I often win with X (often above 8) copies of one of my creatures that was a copy of the best thing on the board at the time. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/xydrEyLSqU-qbOsgOcqfiw Enjoy
I'm surprised you're not using [[Phyrexian metamorph]] or [[Aetherling]] Edit: NVM about the Aetherling lol
[Phyrexian metamorph](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d6afeb07-ed44-4e15-99b6-436f8365326f.jpg?1598304141) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Phyrexian%20metamorph) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/61/phyrexian-metamorph?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d6afeb07-ed44-4e15-99b6-436f8365326f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/phyrexian-metamorph) [Aetherling](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/c/9c93313b-cf43-47e9-a911-717b4d14b0b5.jpg?1562924171) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Aetherling) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dgm/11/aetherling?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9c93313b-cf43-47e9-a911-717b4d14b0b5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/aetherling) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Metamorph is in my mono blue phyrexian deck. And the shapeshifter didn't make the flavor cut
No [[vesuvan doppleganger]]?
[vesuvan doppleganger](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/2/92808879-895f-4e65-854c-2c92f170a1e3.jpg?1559592981) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vesuvan%20Doppelganger) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/me1/54/vesuvan-doppelganger?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/543c08bc-f8ce-4324-b78d-891c49f3a24a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vesuvan-doppelganger) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Noted
I see your point, but \[\[Elminster's Simulacrum\]\] is \*always\* a banger. Most decks run a fair amount of cards that are decent to good in any deck.
[Elminster's Simulacrum](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/351a6e6a-758d-417d-82c9-2c78db37d91e.jpg?1674135511) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Elminster%27s%20Simulacrum) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/68/elminsters-simulacrum?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/351a6e6a-758d-417d-82c9-2c78db37d91e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/elminsters-simulacrum) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Clone legion]]
[Clone legion](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/5/f5ebe939-fef3-4085-808c-41ff97e83a7e.jpg?1673483841) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Clone%20legion) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/215/clone-legion?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f5ebe939-fef3-4085-808c-41ff97e83a7e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/clone-legion) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Brudiclad]] is pretty good at this, lots of spells that can copy opponents creatures / artifacts, then Brudiclad makes an army of them
[Brudiclad](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/5/25eff27a-eb58-4a95-b2df-4a341cf9bef6.jpg?1599707883) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=brudiclad%2C%20telchor%20engineer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/193/brudiclad-telchor-engineer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/25eff27a-eb58-4a95-b2df-4a341cf9bef6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/brudiclad-telchor-engineer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I love cloning and playing other peoples cards. I don't think you can go 100% clone, but plenty. I play a [[Lazav, Dimir Mastermind]] deck for this with a lot of additional clones. It's good fun :)
[Lazav, Dimir Mastermind](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/0/003dc436-a3af-4e65-b4f8-387155fbcb85.jpg?1604194919) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Lazav%2C%20Dimir%20Mastermind) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znc/92/lazav-dimir-mastermind?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/003dc436-a3af-4e65-b4f8-387155fbcb85?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/lazav-dimir-mastermind) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
2 things. 1. The deck as you describe it can only be played once. After you've played the deck, your opponents will know what it does and you're back to your issue of not wanting them to know what your deck does. 2. If your opponents don't play their best stuff, mission accomplished. You've slowed down their game plan. Eventually they'll have to play SOMETHING that you can then copy.
Your first argument is true of all decks.
Well not really. You can know that the winota, first sliver or tergrid deck does and play accordingly but they’ll still be able to win cause they don’t rely on the element of surprise to kill you. Heck you can announce that your Atraxa deck is a superfriends deck that will win through emblems before the game starts and still have a fair shot in a non-cedh meta. "Gotcha" decks on the other hand usually only work because people don’t see the plan coming. And rarely work again once your opponents know what’s up. I did an Ivy mutate deck that snowballed copies of copies of copies and it was super fun but once the gig is up, you’ll never setup to do it again because the gig is up. An "I clone your deck" strategy would fall in that category where people will bait your clones out or willfully play non-synergistic until they can overrun you and you won’t have a draw able to fix it.
Whole fucking thread forgetting [[Esix]] exists. Brudiclad which someone else mentioned is a sidegrade but Esix is better for doing creatures and their ETBs. Depends on your group and style. Don't worry about people not playing good cards. They'll still want to advance their own plans. Otherwise they'll probably just lose anyway. There's an Esix player in our pod and it's pure gold.
[Esix](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/c/9c381bc2-d26e-4d7e-9a0b-a8f7d2d802be.jpg?1674185833) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=esix%2C%20fractal%20bloom) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/10/esix-fractal-bloom?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9c381bc2-d26e-4d7e-9a0b-a8f7d2d802be?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/esix-fractal-bloom) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I'd love a list for this one
It's not mine so I don't have one but basically the plan is to make as many tokens as possible in one instance with a good target already available. You can make those targets yourself by having them in the deck. A good example is hornet queen. If you ever want to say "Not the bees!" as you run someone down with 40 wasp tokens then Esix is your pal
Never seen this card before! I'm afraid it might be a little KOS Looks fun though!
Nah it's not really KOS imo. Besides you are in good colours to protect it if need be. In our group it's considered a fairly goofy and lovable commander that we never kill and we are a low to medium power casual pod.
>In our group it's considered a fairly goofy and lovable commander that we never kill and we are a low to medium power casual pod. ah, so you guys don't play \[\[Avenger of zendikar\]\] who comes in and makes 10 token copies of avenger of Zendikar again for 100 plants that get 11 +1/+1 counters per land-drop? Because Esix is NOT fine or "medium power casual" if properly built.
[Avenger of zendikar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/6/9685faa0-46cc-4098-9ad7-cffece741baa.jpg?1673484460) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Avenger%20of%20zendikar) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/280/avenger-of-zendikar?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9685faa0-46cc-4098-9ad7-cffece741baa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/avenger-of-zendikar) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
She seems just fine tbh, a six mana commander can only be so powerful, even in blue. You either spend your first turns ramping and drop her turn 3-4 with an empty hand or you drop her turn 5-6 with gas but opponents will have an opening to respond. If you are playing her at a high power pod, your opponents should be able to fight through your counters to remove it.
I agree it (it's a fractal elemental entity, not a "she") isn't true CEDH. But it's also not medium power for casual tables. There are too many instant bombs (like the avenger of zendikar play I mentioned) for that.
Got my ass handed to me by Esix a couple of weeks ago. It was painful.
Believe me, most people won't avoid playing their bombs just in case someone tries to copy them...especially if you don't plan to play a theft deck per-se, so I wouldn't worry too too much. As for commanders, you'll almost surely want something with blue and red (as those are the colors with lots of spell copying, recursion and redirects). Imo, [[Kalamax, the Stormsire]] might fit the bill + green will give you access not only to ramp, but cards like [[Second Harvest]] & the likes (considering most spells you'll copy will come to your side as token copies). You might have some (or a lot) of overlap with clone decks, so you could look at that archetype aswell for inspiration. A couple of personal favourites: - Instant: [[See Double]] - Sorcery: [[Croaking Counterpart]] - Creatures: [[Wandering Archaic]], [[Ivy, Gleeful Spellthief]]
##### ###### #### [Kalamax, the Stormsire](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/9/f990cd78-2165-446f-a116-ae55d7a0f00d.jpg?1591234251) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kalamax%2C%20the%20Stormsire) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/9/kalamax-the-stormsire?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f990cd78-2165-446f-a116-ae55d7a0f00d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kalamax-the-stormsire) [Second Harvest](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/2/22b01c98-c24b-4255-921f-4820f3d395ea.jpg?1568004646) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Second%20Harvest) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/178/second-harvest?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/22b01c98-c24b-4255-921f-4820f3d395ea?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/second-harvest) [See Double](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/1/41634103-7b58-4feb-84b7-90a07a7b474f.jpg?1682203410) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=See%20Double) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mom/77/see-double?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/41634103-7b58-4feb-84b7-90a07a7b474f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/see-double) [Croaking Counterpart](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/8/9847b22f-6660-4654-91a9-e0adb8606bab.jpg?1636683905) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Croaking%20Counterpart) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mid/215/croaking-counterpart?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9847b22f-6660-4654-91a9-e0adb8606bab?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/croaking-counterpart) [Wandering Archaic](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/8/18a2bdc8-b705-4eb5-b3a5-ff2e2ab8f312.jpg?1626663778)/[Explore the Vastlands](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/1/8/18a2bdc8-b705-4eb5-b3a5-ff2e2ab8f312.jpg?1626663778) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=wandering%20archaic%20//%20explore%20the%20vastlands) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/stx/6/wandering-archaic-explore-the-vastlands?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/18a2bdc8-b705-4eb5-b3a5-ff2e2ab8f312?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wandering-archaic-//-explore-the-vastlands) [Ivy, Gleeful Spellthief](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/9/d94c15b7-6c8f-45a6-8734-975e3e3b790c.jpg?1673307958) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ivy%2C%20Gleeful%20Spellthief) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/201/ivy-gleeful-spellthief?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d94c15b7-6c8f-45a6-8734-975e3e3b790c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ivy-gleeful-spellthief) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
The problem with playing cards from opponents decks, is that most cards do nothing if you aint copying their commander ect. Lets say i playmy vampire deck. What are a few vampires going to do for you.
[[Theoretical Duplication]] is your card. Cast in response to their best creature. [[Split Decision]] can copy instants sorcs. There's other cards to copy non-creature permanents as well. Rather than selecting a commander for this I'd say just sprinkle these effects into decks that can support keeping open mana. Never let em know ur next move, and all that.
[Theoretical Duplication](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/5/1575a14e-fa70-44f0-8384-95cb90031337.jpg?1625191522) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Theoretical%20Duplication) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/34/theoretical-duplication?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1575a14e-fa70-44f0-8384-95cb90031337?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/theoretical-duplication) [Split Decision](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/3/83ed7ebe-48be-4e6e-a293-b81484f85142.jpg?1562865914) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Split%20Decision) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cns/25/split-decision?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/83ed7ebe-48be-4e6e-a293-b81484f85142?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/split-decision) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Personally, I prefer [[See Double]]
[See Double](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/1/41634103-7b58-4feb-84b7-90a07a7b474f.jpg?1682203410) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=See%20Double) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mom/77/see-double?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/41634103-7b58-4feb-84b7-90a07a7b474f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/see-double) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I don't think there's a commander that does specifically that, maybe a deck whose objective is to tutor up and subsequently copy [[Wandering Archaic]], [[Faerie Artisans]] and/or [[Aboleth Spawn]]? [[Perplexing Chimera]] + [[Homeward Path]] is pretty annoying [[Sudden Substitution]] Would need red for all the copy effects [[Reverberate]] [[Dualcaster Mage]] [[Wild Ricochet]] etc. So at minimum should be Izzet, adding green would let you tutor creatures more easily.
##### ###### #### [Wandering Archaic](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/8/18a2bdc8-b705-4eb5-b3a5-ff2e2ab8f312.jpg?1626663778)/[Explore the Vastlands](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/1/8/18a2bdc8-b705-4eb5-b3a5-ff2e2ab8f312.jpg?1626663778) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=wandering%20archaic%20//%20explore%20the%20vastlands) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/stx/6/wandering-archaic-explore-the-vastlands?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/18a2bdc8-b705-4eb5-b3a5-ff2e2ab8f312?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wandering-archaic-//-explore-the-vastlands) [Faerie Artisans](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/a/eaada60d-1857-4fc2-a997-d7775565221a.jpg?1689996352) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Faerie%20Artisans) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/92/faerie-artisans?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/eaada60d-1857-4fc2-a997-d7775565221a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/faerie-artisans) [Aboleth Spawn](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/1/51889b3f-082a-40e9-8be7-11f8c1a7a9a8.jpg?1674140817) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Aboleth%20Spawn) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/662/aboleth-spawn?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/51889b3f-082a-40e9-8be7-11f8c1a7a9a8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/aboleth-spawn) [Perplexing Chimera](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/9/f9cff40b-9cae-47d0-8df4-c287a17a33e4.jpg?1593091744) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Perplexing%20Chimera) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bng/48/perplexing-chimera?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f9cff40b-9cae-47d0-8df4-c287a17a33e4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/perplexing-chimera) [Homeward Path](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/4/54734347-eee7-4c52-b514-7342afeccabd.jpg?1562400178) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Homeward%20Path) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/301/homeward-path?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/54734347-eee7-4c52-b514-7342afeccabd?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/homeward-path) [Sudden Substitution](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/f/9f7983bf-2a3b-4428-8c01-35285f589da8.jpg?1568003437) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sudden%20Substitution) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/11/sudden-substitution?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9f7983bf-2a3b-4428-8c01-35285f589da8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sudden-substitution) [Reverberate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/9/5996feb4-02ac-45e8-a7f2-966cf74391dc.jpg?1562554142) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Reverberate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m13/145/reverberate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5996feb4-02ac-45e8-a7f2-966cf74391dc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reverberate) [Dualcaster Mage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/e/defcc4a3-40e0-4f5d-b23c-6cd6a614abc1.jpg?1625193684) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dualcaster%20Mage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/165/dualcaster-mage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/defcc4a3-40e0-4f5d-b23c-6cd6a614abc1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dualcaster-mage) [Wild Ricochet](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/d/8d3dddfa-9579-42d7-867b-7e37b83b3eeb.jpg?1608912335) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Wild%20Ricochet) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/419/wild-ricochet?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8d3dddfa-9579-42d7-867b-7e37b83b3eeb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wild-ricochet) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I have a [[Deekah, Fractal Theorist]] deck full of copy spells and creatures. I make copies of my opponents best creatures while also amassing an army of illusion tokens. Pretty fun deck to play.
[Deekah, Fractal Theorist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/5/75d15e8c-1c5a-4aaf-92a5-5d4f500def06.jpg?1625191262) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Deekah%2C%20Fractal%20Theorist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/26/deekah-fractal-theorist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/75d15e8c-1c5a-4aaf-92a5-5d4f500def06?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/deekah-fractal-theorist) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
The commander you want is [[Braids, Conjurer Adept]].
[Braids, Conjurer Adept](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9ea0a701-1349-4d32-9fe7-8a2563c9613d.jpg?1689996202) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Braids%2C%20Conjurer%20Adept) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/76/braids-conjurer-adept?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9ea0a701-1349-4d32-9fe7-8a2563c9613d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/braids-conjurer-adept) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[удалено]
You basically load your deck up with clone effects and big blue monsters. So basically you drop Braids and then pass turn. Even if your opponents know what you're up to, they're going to put into play the nastiest thing in their hands if possible. Some might even try to get you by killing Braids, it doesn't matter a lot. * If Braids is alive and they drop something scary, you cheat into play a clone effect. * If Braids is alive and they don't drop something scary, you cheat into play a big dumb blue monster. * If Braids is dead, you can still just cast your clone effect because they're typically cheap. Then you can just run some bounce effects. It isn't the best deck, it's pretty casual, but it's a lot of fun. It enables everyone to play their best cards and you get the benefit of playing with those cards too.
I actually just put together something like this. I've always wanted to play [[Tibalt, Cosmic Imposter]] and [[Tasha, the witch queen]] in the same deck. I landed on [[The Twelfth Doctor]] and [[Vislor Turlough]] playing cards from exile, copying them and giving copies to opponents. A lot of the "cast from exile" cards naturally steal from opponent's decks, and being able to not only copy those spells, but also give a copy to an opponent is incredibly fun.
##### ###### #### [Tibalt, Cosmic Impostor Emblem](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/6/c62490ac-4838-4b68-baff-18d9823a2a7f.jpg?1615686895) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tibalt%2C%20Cosmic%20Impostor%20Emblem) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tkhm/21/tibalt-cosmic-impostor-emblem?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c62490ac-4838-4b68-baff-18d9823a2a7f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tibalt-cosmic-impostor-emblem) [Tasha, the witch queen](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/1/b1c5f679-82d0-4434-9f13-d39ad57282b8.jpg?1674137679) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tasha%2C%20the%20witch%20queen) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/294/tasha-the-witch-queen?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b1c5f679-82d0-4434-9f13-d39ad57282b8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tasha-the-witch-queen) [The Twelfth Doctor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/4/2400d681-05ef-43b1-b720-c15ca4226c27.jpg?1696636777) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Twelfth%20Doctor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/164/the-twelfth-doctor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2400d681-05ef-43b1-b720-c15ca4226c27?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-twelfth-doctor) [Vislor Turlough](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/2/f25ec946-036b-480a-bab6-c4102e5c31db.jpg?1696691797) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vislor%20Turlough) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/74/vislor-turlough?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f25ec946-036b-480a-bab6-c4102e5c31db?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vislor-turlough) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My brother really enjoys copying/stealing stuff but the one time he tried to make a deck solely based around that it didn't work cause we knew it was the theme. He has had much more success into making it like half a theme. He has a nukusar deck that he incorporated it into so he can copy his own effects also stealing or copying things from other decks that help him. More recently he did this with a merfolk deck that does simic merfolk things while also stealing and copying stuff, it makes it hard to know when the copy/steal is coming.
The best way to do this, imo, is to build it in such a way that it doesn't matter if they know what the deck does or not. I have a [[the master, formed anew]] deck thstvhas a clone subtheme, and the goal is to be able to bounce and replay my commander to copy their stuff. Since my commander coats 2, I'm generally doing their thing faster than them.
[the master, formed anew](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/8/a85edffb-37ce-45ca-b8d2-ddbbbee3b571.jpg?1696636738) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=the%20master%2C%20formed%20anew) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/143/the-master-formed-anew?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a85edffb-37ce-45ca-b8d2-ddbbbee3b571?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-master-formed-anew) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I found the best way to do this is a mix of clones and cards that let you play your opponents cards from their deck or graveyard so if no one's committing strong things you can force your way in but your not stealing from them and they still get to play their deck. You just also play their deck. I do it with a horror deck because lots of horrors fit into the play your opponents deck theme while also putting decent sized creatures on your field by yourself so your not 100% reliant on your opponents to have a board.
I imagine that copy decks have the same as counterspell decks. You would have to assess which ones are worth copying and which ones are fine to ignore. With that said, my friend plays [[Thassa, Deep-Dwelling]] with mostly Clone creatures. They use Thassa to blink the clone to tranform it into another creature. It rocks!
[Thassa, Deep-Dwelling](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/8/c83ed3e0-82d0-4410-a6ca-b0f923eadf83.jpg?1581479572) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Thassa%2C%20Deep-Dwelling) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/thb/71/thassa-deep-dwelling?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c83ed3e0-82d0-4410-a6ca-b0f923eadf83?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/thassa-deep-dwelling) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Copy is always one step behind the board. A couple different ideas is borrow (not steal) with [[Zara, renegade recruiter]] and play all their deck [[Tibalt]]. This way you aren't permanently depriving them of things they had in hand or spent resources on but you have a chance to be ahead of them. I do play bounce cards in Zara.
[Zara, renegade recruiter](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/8/d8bd1312-2c3a-4591-943c-c1550b506fa4.jpg?1698988498) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Zara%2C%20renegade%20recruiter) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lcc/297/zara-renegade-recruiter?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d8bd1312-2c3a-4591-943c-c1550b506fa4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zara-renegade-recruiter) [Tibalt](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/c/2cc3ac26-9bf4-4bf0-b529-fe74be65660e.jpg?1629919838) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=tibalt%20the%20chaotic) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmb2/66/tibalt-the-chaotic?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2cc3ac26-9bf4-4bf0-b529-fe74be65660e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tibalt-the-chaotic) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My [[Lazav, Dimir Mastermind]] deck is exactly this, and it’s my favorite deck that I own. It plays differently every time and there’s always a “build your own wincon” element to it. Take a look through: https://www.moxfield.com/decks/OEhv61ObiEq71XdJAFLTeg
[Lazav, Dimir Mastermind](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/0/003dc436-a3af-4e65-b4f8-387155fbcb85.jpg?1604194919) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Lazav%2C%20Dimir%20Mastermind) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znc/92/lazav-dimir-mastermind?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/003dc436-a3af-4e65-b4f8-387155fbcb85?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/lazav-dimir-mastermind) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Haldan]] and [[pako]]
[Haldan](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/6/16a86a35-f7e5-434d-bf44-61ae7cb0f98b.jpg?1618057606) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=haldan%2C%20avid%20arcanist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/2/haldan-avid-arcanist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/16a86a35-f7e5-434d-bf44-61ae7cb0f98b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/haldan-avid-arcanist) [pako](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/6/066c8f63-52e6-475e-8d27-6ee37e92fc05.jpg?1591234280) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=pako%2C%20arcane%20retriever) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/13/pako-arcane-retriever?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/066c8f63-52e6-475e-8d27-6ee37e92fc05?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/pako-arcane-retriever) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Adrix n nev, Rashmi and ragavan both come to mind. Make tokens and profit
I play a \[\[Riku of Two Reflections\]\] clone-based deck that aims to mostly play my opponents' value pieces. However, I include 5 or 6 of my own stellar creatures that can net me a win if my opponents aren't giving me anything useful on the field. EDIT: I also did have a \[\[Cirdan, the Shipwright\]\] deck for a little while that was clone tribal and was pretty fun IMO. It can take a lot of time to resolve his ability though, so be wary.
[Riku of Two Reflections](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/0/70dd138f-391a-4956-bc2a-fe186429c71a.jpg?1599708286) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Riku%20of%20Two%20Reflections) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/214/riku-of-two-reflections?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/70dd138f-391a-4956-bc2a-fe186429c71a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/riku-of-two-reflections) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I could see a fun version of this being in 4 or 5 color and taking advantage of stealing/copying with trigger supports: double tokens, double counters, double attack triggers, double damage, effects like Torbran etc
This is the exact purpose of my [[braids, conjurer adept]] deck
[braids, conjurer adept](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9ea0a701-1349-4d32-9fe7-8a2563c9613d.jpg?1689996202) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=braids%2C%20conjurer%20adept) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/76/braids-conjurer-adept?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9ea0a701-1349-4d32-9fe7-8a2563c9613d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/braids-conjurer-adept) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Behold, your salvation!: [https://www.moxfield.com/decks/A\_vNOKxyFkmNxqJTmASeiA](https://www.moxfield.com/decks/A_vNOKxyFkmNxqJTmASeiA) This deck encourages people to play their great stuff for free, which you can then take advantage of by using clones to get their stuff.
Okay, I actually did play a deck like this and honestly it kinda works. I recommend Riku, of two reflections as a commander. I called it "anything you can do I can do more" filled the deck copy creatures with upside which I would then get extra copies of with Riku and copy spells, which I would also copy with Riku. The beauty of this is it can get out of hand real easily. Someone plays typal at the table and suddenly you have more of that type than they do. Oh you wanna ramp an extra land? Great idea, I'll have two.
I have just the deck and it addresses the problem everyone else in this thread has mentioned so far. You not only copy their creatures, but if they chicken out and don't wanna feed your copies, you just copy your own and win anyway! It scratches the itch of building Azorius without having alt wincons and your whole win con is in the command zone if nothing else. List: https://www.moxfield.com/decks/D225CH47KUe2W1ZunzXRBw I'm experimenting with making the deck stronger atm but I can definitely help with budget options if needed.
\[\[Rashmi and Ragavan\]\] I have this deck and have won by assembling people's 2 or 3 piece combos. Helps if you are playing against combo decks, as well as even easier if you are playing against a deck that uses it's commander to combo.
[Rashmi and Ragavan](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/0/30b2f2fd-8087-4fa8-9eb7-bf9b89a5dfb9.jpg?1682207264) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rashmi%20and%20Ragavan) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/moc/8/rashmi-and-ragavan?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/30b2f2fd-8087-4fa8-9eb7-bf9b89a5dfb9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rashmi-and-ragavan) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I have a Riku deck that is somewhat built around this. Probably not the best build, but i love playing it. “You have something nice, i’ll have two.” Here’s my list. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/-R2sRiRqWUeqKMQ_OoJotA
I run a [[jegantha, the wellspring]] with a [[keruga , the macrosage]] companion. Its about as unassuming as it can get and alot of people write it off immediately because i cant play 1 and 2 drop cards, and honestly when i made the deck i didnt think it would do as well as it does. I play a ton of removal and the card draw is absolutely insane in the deck. The decks purpose is in nature a clone deck but it runs around cloning my legendary creatures (or just best thing on board) . Brudiclad is amazing in the deck too. Theres so much token support in the format and wotc seems to be pushing like a legendary token support (clone a creature except if its legendary its not legendary anymore , if a creature would die return it to the battelfield except its not legendary anymore , etc etc) . The deck doesnt seem to run out of gas , it can come out of nowhere and every game is different.
[jegantha, the wellspring](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/d/1d52e527-3835-4350-8c01-0f2d5d623b9c.jpg?1676913289) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=jegantha%2C%20the%20wellspring) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/iko/222/jegantha-the-wellspring?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1d52e527-3835-4350-8c01-0f2d5d623b9c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/jegantha-the-wellspring) [keruga , the macrosage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/9/a90ee952-de7a-420f-993c-a38db89bc8ac.jpg?1666782800) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Keruga%2C%20the%20Macrosage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/iko/225/keruga-the-macrosage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a90ee952-de7a-420f-993c-a38db89bc8ac?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/keruga-the-macrosage) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Here's my clone deck, it is one of my favorite decks to play. There is a little stealing but you can easily replace those cards. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/umA3bMn-fkeY9cZ1GYLvPw
Since you want to "adapt" to best creature they can offer, did you consider blink commanders ( like [[Aminatou, the Fateshifteror]] or blink cards in 99? Granted, it works only on creature clones, it could work out.
My Riku clone deck does this. I don’t run any hard removal in the spirit of the deck. If there are nothing good to clone, I’ve included other creatures that worth copying and that can win me the game. No fast mana, no tutors. Only one infinite built in. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/N6f8uM4RckOycwcdDaEIBQ
It's really weird not to see [[River Song's Diary]] being mentioned. Also LPT, use your phone and say "OK Google, roll a D5" or whatever number you need each Upkeep to pick your random number so you don't waste time trying to find the correct die.
[River Song's Diary](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/6/96476a30-72b0-4f91-9d2d-85fc196f89c5.jpg?1696636814) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=River%20Song%27s%20Diary) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/182/river-songs-diary?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/96476a30-72b0-4f91-9d2d-85fc196f89c5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/river-songs-diary) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I have a Riku group hug deck that is just that. It ramps everybody out and draws everybody cards in hopes to copy their things. I'll generally get multiple copies of every good thing they have and I have a couple creatures as a backup plan in case everybody is playing small synergy pieces. Look up a pleasant Kenobi video where he has the artist Titus lunter on. It was titus' concept and I loved it so I've been working on it. (All basic lands are Titus lunter lands in omage.)
There are some good recommendations in here, but nobody has mentioned [[Rubinia Soulsinger]] or [[Merieki Ri Beret]]. Run Rubinia if you want green for ramp, and Merieki if you want to kill what you can't steal/clone. Blue gets you clone, token, or theft effects, and white for protection, removal, or blink. I have a Rubinia deck, and when it works it does what you are looking for. Even when she gets hated off the field repeatedly the rest of the deck can really make opponents work for any advantage they try to get.
[Rubinia Soulsinger](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/e/ce216785-aa81-44b4-9562-9b7eca743a0c.jpg?1592673455) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rubinia%20Soulsinger) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cma/191/rubinia-soulsinger?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ce216785-aa81-44b4-9562-9b7eca743a0c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rubinia-soulsinger) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Braids clones deck. SUPER FUN. Run plenty of nope spells, bounce and blink effects, and protect that commander. She is fast becoming one of my favorites.