Master of Keys
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[[Master of Keys]] is an Esper[[symbol:w]][[symbol:u]][[symbol:b]] adaptive control deck designed to utilize a combination of powerful artifact and enchantment synergies. Its ability to control the game, generate card advantage, and combo off efficiently makes it a formidable choice in competitive play. Leveraging its graveyard as an extension of its hand, [[Master of Keys]] can execute intricate and resilient win conditions with precision.
The deck features a toolbox of combos centered around enchantment recursion, efficient mana engines, and impactful interaction. With strong tempo and control elements, it thrives in pods where it can dictate the pace of the game while assembling its win conditions.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Resilient Combo Pieces: The use of recursion spells like [[Animate Dead]] and [[Necromancy]] allows for redundancy and recovery from disruption.
Infinite Mana Sink in the Command Zone: [[Master of Keys]] can leverage infinite mana to close games efficiently.
Flexible Gameplan: Adaptable to both grindy matchups and fast-paced games.
Graveyard Utility: The ability to escape key enchantments provides a unique resource advantage.
Weaknesses
Graveyard Reliance: Vulnerable to graveyard hate such as [[Rest in Peace]] or [[Dauthi Voidwalker]].
Mana-Intensive: Setting up combos or recurring key pieces often requires significant mana investment.
Linear Strategy: Heavy reliance on enchantment synergies can make the deck predictable in some metas.
Interaction Dependency: Requires a well-timed combination of protection and disruption to execute its gameplan effectively.
Gameplan
Mulligan
The mulligan is crucial for setting up the deck’s control and combo strategy. A strong opening hand should include:
Mana Acceleration: [[Sol Ring]], [[Talisman of Dominance]], or other early ramp.
Card Advantage: [[Rhystic Study]], [[Mystic Remora]], or [[Esper Sentinel]].
Interaction: [[Force of Will]], [[Fierce Guardianship]], or [[Chain of Vapor]].
Against Turbo Decks
Prioritize interaction to counter early win attempts while developing your board.
Against Stax Decks
Look for removal or hands with consistent mana sources to play around stax effects.
Against Midrange Decks
Focus on assembling card draw engines to outvalue opponents in the mid-to-late game.
Win Conditions
1. [[Thassa’s Oracle]] + [[Demonic Consultation]] or [[Tainted Pact]]
Requirements: [[symbol:u]][[symbol:u]] for [[Thassa’s Oracle]], plus [[symbol:1]][[symbol:b]] for either tutor.
Execution:
Cast [[Thassa’s Oracle]].
With its ETB trigger on the stack, cast [[Demonic Consultation]] or [[Tainted Pact]], exiling your library.
Allow the Oracle’s trigger to resolve, winning the game.
2. Infinite Mana Combos
These combos leverage recursion, artifact synergies, and [[Master of Keys]]' graveyard recursion ability:
[[Hullbreaker Horror]] + Mana Positive Rocks
Cast [[Hullbreaker Horror]].
Use its ability to bounce and replay mana-positive rocks like [[Arcane Signet]] or [[Lotus Petal]] to generate infinite mana.
Sink infinite mana into [[Master of Keys]] to mill yourself and escape [[Animate Dead]] to reanimate [[Thassa’s Oracle]].
[[Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward]] + [[Animate Dead]]/[[Necromancy]]
Reanimate [[Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward]] with [[Animate Dead]] or [[Necromancy]].
Exile [[Animate Dead]] or [[Necromancy]] and mana rocks with Abdel’s ETB, creating infinite loops.
Use infinite mana to cast [[Master of Keys]] and mill yourself, escaping [[Animate Dead]]/[[Necromancy]] to reanimate [[Thassa’s Oracle]].
[[Auriok Salvagers]] + [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]
Sacrifice [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]] for [[symbol:w]][[symbol:w]][[symbol:w]]
Activate [[Auriok Salvagers]] [[symbol:1]][[symbol:w]] targeting Lion’s Eye Diamond
Cast [[Lion’s Eye Diamond]]
Repeat previous steps for infinite [[symbol:w]] mana and then infinite mana of other colors.
Sink infinite mana into [[Master of Keys]] to mill yourself and escape [[Animate Dead]] to reanimate [[Thassa’s Oracle]].
[[The One Ring]] + [[Mind Over Matter]]
Discard a card with [[Mind Over Matter]] untapping [[The One Ring]].
Tap [[The One Ring]] to draw cards.
Repeat previous steps to draw your deck.
Discard cards with [[Mind Over Matter]] to untap lands or mana rocks.
Conclusion
[[Master of Keys]] is a powerful and versatile commander that combines enchantment synergies, graveyard recursion, and impactful interaction to dominate the game. It requires precise sequencing and careful threat assessment, making it rewarding for players who value strategic gameplay. By leveraging its unique ability to recur enchantments, it can adapt to various pod dynamics and consistently execute its win conditions.
References:
Karen and the HOA
The key to my kokoro is to reanimate it
Enchanbreach
