Shorikai
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[[Shorikai, Genesis Engine]] is a competitive, Azorius midrange control deck that leverages Shorikai's unique ability to draw cards, generate tokens, and synergize with infinite mana combos. Unlike typical stax-heavy builds, this version focuses on a proactive strategy, maximizing card draw engines and efficient interaction to disrupt opponents while positioning for powerful wins. This primer focuses on the Creature Version of Shorikai, though notable differences for the Polymorph Version are included.
Why Play Shorikai?
Strengths
Consistent Card Draw: Shorikai generates incredible card advantage while filtering your hand.
Resilient Commander: As a vehicle, Shorikai is immune to creature removal like [[Swords to Plowshares]] or [[Path to Exile]].
Infinite Combo Synergy: Easily enables and supports infinite mana, draw, and damage loops.
Interaction Powerhouse: Access to Azorius staples for counterspells, removal, and utility.
Adaptable Game Plan: Combines control, value generation, and combo potential.
Weaknesses
Limited Tutors: Azorius lacks access to general tutors, making reliance on draw engines critical.
Azorius Colors: While there are many strong cards in [[symbol:u]][[symbol:w]], we lack access to powerful black tutors, efficient win conditions like [[Thassa’s Oracle]] + [[Demonic Consultation]] and [[Underworld Breach]], and interactive pieces like [[Deflecting Swat]].
Artifact Dependency: Vulnerable to cards like [[Null Rod]], [[Collector Ouphe]], or [[Stony Silence]].
Slow Starts: Without fast mana in opening hands, Shorikai can lag in early-game development.
Game Plan
Early Game
The primary goal is to establish a draw engine (e.g., [[Mystic Remora]], [[Rhystic Study]], [[Esper Sentinel]]) or ramp into an early Shorikai activation. Interaction should be reserved for critical win attempts or board-dominating threats.
Mid Game
Once Shorikai is online, aim to draw into combos, more mana, and additional interaction. Cards like [[Unwinding Clock]], [[The One Ring]], or [[Tezzeret the Seeker]] allow Shorikai to take over games through repeated activations.
Late Game
Transition from drawing cards into executing a win condition. Assemble infinite mana or infinite draw combos with Shorikai, and use pieces like [[Blind Obedience]] or [[Emrakul, the Promised End]] to close the game.
Win Conditions and Combos
Primary Combos
1. Isochron Scepter + Dramatic Reversal
Requirements:
[[Isochron Scepter]] with [[Dramatic Reversal]] imprinted.
Mana rocks that generate at least [[symbol:3]].
Shorikai or other card draw outlets.
Execution:
Activate Isochron Scepter to cast [[Dramatic Reversal]] and untap all artifacts.
Tap rocks to float mana.
Activate Shorikai to draw two cards and discard one.
Repeat to draw your deck and generate infinite mana.
Win Condition: Use infinite mana to cast [[Blind Obedience]] or generate infinite tokens with Shorikai and attack for lethal.
2. Hullbreaker Horror Loop
Requirements:
[[Hullbreaker Horror]] in play.
Two mana-positive artifacts (e.g., [[Sol Ring]] and [[Mox Opal]]).
A cheap spell (e.g., [[Swords to Plowshares]]).
Execution:
Cast a cheap spell, bouncing one artifact to your hand.
Recast the artifact, bouncing the other artifact.
Repeat to generate infinite mana.
Use mana to draw your deck with Shorikai.
Win Condition: Use infinite mana for [[Blind Obedience]] or infinite tokens.
3. Displacer Kitten + Teferi, Time Raveler
Requirements:
[[Displacer Kitten]] in play.
[[Teferi, Time Raveler]] in play.
A mana-positive artifact (e.g., [[Mox Opal]]).
Execution:
Activate Teferi to bounce an artifact.
Recast the artifact to untap Teferi with Kitten's ability.
Repeat for draw tons of cards and generate tons of mana.
Win Condition: Transition into [[Blind Obedience]] or combat damage.
4. The One Ring + Mind Over Matter
Requirements:
[[The One Ring]] and [[Mind Over Matter]] in play.
At least one card in hand.
Execution:
Discard a card to untap [[The One Ring]] with [[Mind Over Matter]].
Activate [[The One Ring]] to draw cards.
Repeat to draw your deck.
Win Condition: Assemble infinite mana or use [[Blind Obedience]].
Backup Win Conditions
Combat Damage: Shorikai's tokens become overwhelming with infinite activations.
[[Emrakul, the Promised End]]: Steal a critical turn from an opponent and engineer a win using their resources.
[[Bribery]]: Steal an opponent’s [[Thassa’s Oracle]] or other win condition.
[[Faerie Mastermind]]: force opponents to draw their deck while refilling your library with [[Subtlety]]
Key Card Choices
Draw Engines
Top Tier: [[Rhystic Study]], [[Mystic Remora]], [[Esper Sentinel]], [[The One Ring]].
Synergistic Pieces: [[Skullclamp]] (synergizes with Shorikai tokens), [[Unwinding Clock]] (untaps Shorikai).
Untappers
[[Unwinding Clock]]: servers as a pseudo [[Seedborn Muse]], allowing you to activate [[Shorikai, Genesis Engine]] or [[The One Ring]] every turn.
Key Synergies: [[Voltaic Key]] and [[Manifold Key]] (untap Shorikai or artifacts).
Polymorph Variant: Key Differences
The Polymorph Version sacrifices the creature base to focus on a single creature win condition—[[Hullbreaker Horror]] (or [[Tidespout Tyrant]]). This approach maximizes control elements like [[Rest in Peace]] or [[Humility]], which synergize with the deck while hindering opponents.
Mulligan Guide
Avoid hands with:
Low land count and no ramp.
High interaction without a game plan.
Redundant pieces with no support (e.g., [[Voltaic Key]] without artifacts to untap).
Keep hands with:
Draw engines like [[Rhystic Study]], [[Mystic Remora]], or [[Esper Sentinel]].
Enough mana to cast [[Shorikai, Genesis Engine]] quickly.
An early [[The One Ring]] or [[Unwinding Clock]].
Conclusion
[[Shorikai, Genesis Engine]] offers a dynamic, adaptive playstyle for cEDH players who enjoy combining proactive control with infinite combo potential. Whether you’re piloting the creature version or the polymorph variant, Shorikai ensures that you’ll draw cards, disrupt opponents, and finish games in style.
