Master MTG’s new Dimir shapeshifter with card advantage, strategic copying, and optimal clue utilization
Lazav’s Return: Dimir’s Master Strategist Reemerges
Master card advantage, graveyard control, and strategic creature duplication with MTG’s newest Murders at Karlov Manor Commander powerhouse.
Lazav, Wearer of Faces marks the dramatic reappearance of Magic’s most elusive mastermind. This shapeshifting virtuoso consistently surprises in-game characters while delivering exceptional gameplay value that veteran players eagerly anticipate with each new iteration.
As Ravnica’s legendary clandestine operative and supreme head of House Dimir, Lazav embodies the plane’s shadowy underworld. His notorious history includes orchestrating countless covert operations and demonstrating remarkable resilience by repeatedly returning from apparent destruction, much to his enemies’ frustration.
This latest incarnation brilliantly advances the traditional MTG Shapeshifter archetype while seamlessly integrating with Murders at Karlov Manor’s central investigation theme through its innovative clue-generating capabilities.
Core Mechanics: Investigate and Shapeshift Synergy
The Investigate mechanic produces valuable Clue tokens that significantly boost your card selection capabilities. This card advantage engine becomes particularly potent in blue mana strategies where drawing additional cards forms the foundation of competitive play. Lazav enhances the classic Dimir color combination’s controlling approach by generating incremental value while efficiently removing threats and disrupting opponent graveyard recursion tactics.
Whenever you sacrifice a Clue token with Lazav commanding your forces, you gain the transformative ability to have Lazav mimic any target creature on the battlefield. This shapeshifting capacity unlocks tremendous strategic flexibility. You can duplicate your most powerful creatures for overwhelming board presence or strategically appropriate your opponents’ finest assets to counter their game plans and secure victory through tactical superiority.
Pro Tip: Time your clue sacrifices during opponents’ end steps to maintain flexibility. This allows you to copy the most relevant creature after all players have committed to their plays while keeping mana open for interaction during their turns.
Advanced Technique: Combine Lazav with creatures that have enter-the-battlefield effects. When you copy them, those abilities trigger again, effectively doubling your value from single creatures.
Advanced Strategies: Beyond Basic Copying
Exceptional Lazav pilots understand that creature selection determines game outcomes more than copying frequency. Prioritize targets with potent activated abilities, game-changing static effects, or powerful combat capabilities that align with your current strategic needs. Avoid copying mediocre creatures simply because they’re available—patience often yields superior targets.
Build your deck with both dedicated clue generators and high-value copy targets. Include cards like Thought Monitor and Academy Manufacturer to accelerate your clue production while ensuring your creature base contains versatile options that excel in various game states. Remember that Lazav copies all characteristics except name, so legendary rule considerations become crucial when copying legendary creatures.
Combo Potential: Pair Lazav with sacrifice outlets and creatures with death triggers. You can sacrifice the original creature, then copy it with Lazav to trigger the death ability again while maintaining the creature presence.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Many players mismanage their mana when piloting Lazav decks. Remember that sacrificing clues costs two generic mana in addition to any costs for the copy ability timing. Always maintain sufficient mana reserves to activate clues at optimal moments rather than spending all available mana during your own turn.
Another frequent mistake involves poor board state assessment. Avoid copying creatures that your opponents can easily remove or that provide minimal immediate impact. Instead, wait for game-changing creatures that advance your position or answer critical threats. Sometimes holding clues for multiple turns yields greater value than immediate copying.
Protection Strategy: Since Lazav becomes a copy of other creatures, he loses his own abilities including any built-in protection. Include equipment like Lightning Greaves or protection spells like Slip Out the Back to safeguard your transformed commander from removal.
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No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » MTG’s shadiest shapeshifter is back in action Master MTG's new Dimir shapeshifter with card advantage, strategic copying, and optimal clue utilization