Elsha
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[[Elsha of the Infinite]] is a versatile Jeskai commander that excels in combining infinite combos with library manipulation to create a storm-like gameplay. Leveraging her ability to cast noncreature, nonland spells from the top of your library at instant speed, Elsha opens up pathways for value, resilience, and inevitability. This primer explores her unique ability to maintain momentum through stax, chain spells, and convert infinite loops into game-ending plays.
Elsha represents one of the most flexible cEDH commanders, capable of adapting to a variety of metas with an expansive card pool and modular combo lines. Whether you’re exploiting the top of your library for sheer card advantage or assembling intricate lines of play, Elsha provides the tools needed to succeed in competitive environments.
Why Play Elsha?
Strengths
Library Access: Elsha’s ability to cast spells from the top of your library is unparalleled, creating a pseudo-hand that circumvents discard effects and maximizes value.
Combo Synergies: With a variety of overlapping infinite combos, Elsha consolidates her win conditions into a compact and efficient deck.
Adaptability: By casting at instant speed, Elsha can maneuver around stax pieces and adapt to various board states with precision.
Resilience: Cards like [[Underworld Breach]] and [[Sevinne's Reclamation]] provide recursion for key pieces, allowing the deck to rebuild after disruption.
Weaknesses
High Mana Costs: At five mana, Elsha requires a solid ramp package to ensure a timely debut on the battlefield.
Stax Vulnerability: Heavy reliance on noncreature spells makes Elsha susceptible to cards like [[Rule of Law]] or [[Collector Ouphe]].
Setup Dependency: Without Elsha or a key combo piece, the deck can struggle to pivot quickly.
Game Plan
Plan a: Value Engine
When combo opportunities are stifled, Elsha can play the value game. By casting spells off the top of your library, you effectively draw multiple cards per turn, often burying opponents under card advantage.
Plan b: Infinite Combos
Elsha thrives on combos that grant access to your entire library, usually involving infinite loops with mana, draw, or recursion. These combos often use pieces like [[Sensei’s Divining Top]], [[Helm of Awakening]], and [[Underworld Breach]] to create deterministic wins.
Plan C: Combat Damage
With [[Elsha of the Infinite]]'s prowess ability, even modest spellcasting can turn her into a massive threat. In rare situations, Elsha can leverage her growing power to win through commander damage.
Key Combos
Elsha + Sensei’s Divining Top + Reducer
Requirements: [[Elsha of the Infinite]], [[Sensei’s Divining Top]], [[Helm of Awakening]], [[Birgi, God of Storytelling]], or [[Displacer Kitten]] and a mana rock.
Execution:
Tap [[Sensei’s Divining Top]] to draw a card, placing it on top of your library.
Cast [[Sensei’s Divining Top]] from the top of your library for free using the reducer.
Repeat this loop to draw your library.
Result: Infinite draw; use this to assemble a win condition such as [[Blind Obedience]] or [[Rolling Earthquake]].
Underworld Breach Loops
Requirements: [[Underworld Breach]], [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], [[Brain Freeze]].
Execution:
Cast [[Underworld Breach]].
Escape [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]], generating mana.
Cast [[Brain Freeze]] targeting yourself to mill cards, fueling [[Underworld Breach]].
Repeat steps 2-3 to mill your library.
Result: Infinite mill and access to all cards in your graveyard.
Displacer Kitten Combos
Teferi Kitten Combo:
Requirements: [[Displacer Kitten]], [[Teferi, Time Raveler]], any 0-mana artifact or mana-positive rock.
Execution:
Activate [[Teferi, Time Raveler]]'s -3 ability to bounce the artifact and draw a card.
Recast the artifact, triggering [[Displacer Kitten]] to blink [[Teferi, Time Raveler]].
Repeat to draw your deck.
Kitten + Elsha + Top:
Requirements: [[Displacer Kitten]], [[Elsha of the Infinite]], [[Sensei’s Divining Top]], any mana-producing permanent.
Execution:
Cast [[Sensei’s Divining Top]] from the top of your library.
Use [[Displacer Kitten]]'s trigger to flicker the mana producer.
Repeat to generate mana and draw your deck.
Early Game
Focus on establishing a strong mana base.
Mulligan aggressively for ramp, interaction, or a card draw engine.
Prioritize casting early draw engines like [[Mystic Remora]] or [[Esper Sentinel]].
Midgame
Aim to cast Elsha by turn 3-4, using her ability to maximize value.
Chain low-cost spells to outpace opponents and disrupt their plays.
Assemble combo pieces while maintaining interaction for protection.
Endgame
Execute a combo to gain access to your library or graveyard.
Present a deterministic win using loops or recursion.
Always assess opponents' positions and available interaction before committing.
Conclusion
Elsha’s adaptability and potent library access make her a standout Jeskai commander in cEDH. Whether storming through combos, grinding value, or winning with combat damage, Elsha offers versatility and power for players who enjoy intricate gameplay and flexible strategies. With careful planning and a proactive approach, you can leverage Elsha’s infinite potential to dominate the battlefield.
References:
To Infinity & Beyond
elsha monk tribal
