Etali
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Metashare
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[[Etali, Primal Conqueror]] is an explosive Gruul commander that brings chaos and unpredictability to cEDH games. This 7/7 Elder Dinosaur leverages an absurdly powerful enter-the-battlefield (ETB) ability to exile and cast free spells from all players' libraries, making it both a value engine and a win condition. With a game plan centered around ramping into Etali early, cloning its ETB effect, and looping combos, this deck offers high-impact plays and unique paths to victory.
The 9/23/2024 bans of [[Dockside Extortionist]], [[Jeweled Lotus]], and [[Mana Crypt]] significantly affected Etali's power level. These cards were key to the deck’s early ramp and infinite combo potential. However, Etali remains an option due to its inherent synergy with Gruul's rituals, infinite combos, and high variance power level.
Why Play Etali?
Strengths
Commander-Centric Powerhouse: Etali is both the primary game plan and a resilient win condition.
Explosive Gameplay: With access to Gruul's best ramp, rituals, and acceleration, Etali consistently threatens early-game dominance.
Infinite Mana Payoff in the Command Zone: Etali provides a clear win condition with combos like [[Food Chain]] and [[Squee, the Immortal]].
Combat Win Potential: The backside, [[Etali, Primal Sickness]], delivers a lethal poison clock for alternative wins.
Weaknesses
Highly Commander-Dependent: Without Etali, the deck struggles to execute its game plan.
Vulnerable to Stax: Cards like [[Drannith Magistrate]], [[Torpor Orb]], and [[Rule of Law]] heavily hinder Etali’s strategy.
Limited Interaction: Gruul lacks powerful counterspells or versatile removal, relying on proactive disruption like [[Pyroblast]] and [[Force of Vigor]].
Game Plan
Plan A: Turbo Etali
The primary goal is to generate 7 mana as quickly as possible to cast Etali. Once on the battlefield, Etali’s ETB effect can generate value or directly set up a win condition by exiling and casting spells. To maximize its effectiveness, the deck leverages copy effects like [[Twinflame]], [[Molten Echoes]], and [[Jaxis, the Troublemaker]] for multiple ETB triggers.
Plan B: Infinite Mana Loops
Etali acts as both the enabler and payoff for infinite mana combos. The primary infinite loops include:
[[Food Chain]] + [[Squee, the Immortal]]:
Use Food Chain to exile Squee and generate infinite creature mana.
Recast Etali repeatedly, exiling opponents’ libraries and winning with their cards.
[[Cloudstone Curio]]:
Loop [[Etali, Primal Conqueror]] and another creature like [[Ornithopter]] or [[Treasonous Ogre]].
Generate infinite ETB triggers to exile libraries or find a win.
[[Dualcaster Mage]] + [[Twinflame]] / [[Heat Shimmer]]:
Copy Dualcaster Mage with Twinflame to create infinite hasty Dualcasters.
Attack to win.
Plan C: Beatdown and Poison
When the combo plan stalls, Etali can pivot to a combat-based win. After transforming into [[Etali, Primal Sickness]] for [[symbol:9]][[symbol:gp]], it becomes an 11/11 trample, indestructible threat. A single swing delivers 11 poison counters, killing a player outright.
Combos and Win Conditions
[[Food Chain]] + [[Squee, the Immortal]]
Requirements:
[[Food Chain]].
[[Squee, the Immortal]] or a similar infinite mana enabler.
Execution:
Cast and exile Squee repeatedly to generate infinite mana.
Use the infinite mana to cast and loop Etali, exiling opponents’ decks.
Win with opponents decking out or their own win conditions.
[[Dualcaster Mage]] + Copy Effects
Requirements:
[[Dualcaster Mage]].
[[Twinflame]], [[Heat Shimmer]], or [[Molten Echoes]].
Execution:
Cast Twinflame targeting any creature.
Flash in Dualcaster Mage to copy Twinflame, targeting Dualcaster Mage.
Repeat to create infinite hasty Dualcasters.
Attack to win.
Etali Loops
Requirements:
[[Cloudstone Curio]].
Two creatures or a way to bounce/recast Etali.
Access to [[symbol:infinity-r]] or [[_____ Goblin]].
Execution:
Loop [[_____ Goblin]] and another creature using Cloudstone Curio to create [[symbol:infinity-r]].
Loop [[_____ Goblin]] and Etali creature using Cloudstone Curio to create infinite ETB triggers.
Exile and cast all spells from libraries, then pass the turn or force opponents to draw or win with an opponent’s win condition like [[Thassa’s Oracle]].
Mulligans
The deck thrives on speed, so opening hands must prioritize mana generation for a fast Etali. Look for combinations of lands, rituals, and ramp pieces.
Mulligan:
Hands without 7 mana by turn 3.
No ramp, rituals, or draw engines.
Overloaded on situational cards like [[Pyroblast]] or [[Deflecting Swat]].
Game Play
Early Game
Focus on ramping to 7 mana for Etali.
Avoid overcommitting unless it guarantees an Etali cast.
Mid Game
Use Etali’s ETB to gain value or chain into clones.
Look for infinite mana or combat-based win lines.
Late Game
If stalled, transform Etali into Primal Sickness to pivot to a combat strategy.
Leverage recursion tools like [[Lurrus of the Dream-Den]] to sustain pressure.
Conclusion
Despite the loss of [[Dockside Extortionist]], [[Jeweled Lotus]], and [[Mana Crypt]], Etali remains a playable choice in cEDH. Its unique blend of explosive ramp, chaotic ETB value, and infinite mana loops makes it a top-tier Gruul commander. If you enjoy big, splashy plays and leveraging your opponents' decks against them, Etali is a powerful and unpredictable option for your next cEDH tournament or casual pod.
