Secrets of Strixhaven is fast approaching, and having looked at the Commander decklists, Quandrix Unlimited seems to be the most attractive to me, and it’ll be the first time I’ll be playing Simic. One card, in particular, has piqued my attention – Expansion Algorithm.
Mastering Proliferate with Expansion Algorithm
Expansion Algorithm costs two blue mana plus X, triggering proliferate X times on any counters on permanents or players. This scalable effect amplifies loyalty, +1/+1, poison, or just about any counter exponentially. Then I realized, with each opponent holding at least one poison counter, casting it for X=9 secures victory by pushing poison to lethal levels across the table. Fun times, right?
So which card would allow me to jumpstart the strategy? Prologue to Phyresis, ideal for the upgrade list if it evades counters. The deck thrives on synergy, doubling down with creatures like Tekuthal, Inquiry Dominus, which proliferates twice per activation; Flux Channeler, triggering on noncreature spells; and Thrummingbird, activating on combat damage.
Synergistic Spells and Counters
Enhancing card advantage via Tezzeret’s Gambit, Contentious Plan, and Steady Progress, each blends draw with proliferate. Protection comes affordably in Simic: Fuel for the Cause counters threats at four mana while proliferating; Serum Snare bounces nonlands for two mana total, adding a counter step.
Inexorable Tide enchants for five mana, proliferating on every spell cast, while Experimental Augury surges draw engines.
Then of course, there’s Zimone, Infinite Analyst, the Quandrix commander, who discounts the first X-spell each turn based on her +1/+1 counters, which fuels massive proliferates effortlessly.
Just One of the Many Strategies
Beyond poison wins, Hydras in the precon can also grow massive via counters to enable more straightforward brawls. This flexibility suits various playstyles, from combo finishes to value grinds.
So, are you getting the Quandrix Unlimited Commander deck? what’s your strategy to win?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Expansion Algorithm’s ability?
A: It costs two blue mana and X to proliferate X times on counters.
Q: How does Expansion Algorithm win games?
A: Proliferate poison counters nine times if opponents each have one.
Q: Which creatures boost proliferate?
A: Tekuthal, Inquiry Dominus; Flux Channeler; Thrummingbird.
Q: What spells combine draw and proliferate?
A: Tezzeret’s Gambit, Contentious Plan, Steady Progress.
Q: How does Zimone support this strategy?
A: Discounts first X-spell per turn based on her +1/+1 counters.
