IntroductionIn today's article, we'll explore a Commander list that combines Spellslinger elements, copies of creatures, and a combat condition we are not used to seeing in these colors. Instead of just another red/blue list that wants to set up Storm or copy the biggest spell possible, Muddle, the Ever-Changing is an energetic fella that will create quite unusual game states in your Commander pod.This is one of those legendary creatures that get more interesting each time someone tries to come up with a different way to play it. You can even build the entire deck around it, like a toolbox. Let's see how you can use it!Muddle, the CommanderMuddle, the Ever-Changing's ability triggers whenever you cast an instant or sorcery. If so, you may transform it into a copy of up to one legendary creature that you control until the end of the turn, and it also gets Myriad. This means that, when Muddle attacks, it'll create copies, tapped and attacking, which essentially changes how you should see each creature in your deck considerably.The most interesting detail is that Muddle is not tied to a single role. In one turn it can copy something that creates value, and in the other something more aggressive, or even an engine that creates Treasures. As this ability triggers when you play instants and sorceries, this deck performs well with cantrips, protection, cheap interactions, and other spells that allow you to keep it going.With this commander, you can build a pretty unique deck with creatures that are more interesting when they're copied and that work when several copies of them are attacking. Cheap spells that activate Muddle at the right time are also a must.Muddle in CommanderThe list we'll see today is in Izzet colors and centers around small spells and temporary copies that create value. The main game plan is to develop mana early on, put your support pieces on the board, and then use Muddle to turn each spell into a different type of advantage.This deck doesn't rely on a single strategy. Instead, it's more like a puzzle. In some matches, you'll win through the creatures you multiplied with Myriad, as they deal damage. In others, the best way to win is to set up a sequence of spells with Storm-Kiln Artist, draw lots of cards with Archmage Emeritus, or transform creatures like Terror of the Peaks into much bigger threats.Here it is:Cantrips and Small SpellsThe cantrip base is what makes this deck work without bricking. Brainstorm, Ponder, Preordain, Consider, Opt, and Gitaxian Probe are small, but in this list they do more than just draw or let you select cards. Each of them also activates Muddle and lets you transform it before combat or during a value-focused turn.They make this list more consistent, helping you find lands early on and adjust your hand without costing a lot of resources. In Commander, cantrips sometimes seem too small, but, considering they each trigger this commander's effect, they are quite essential for this entire structure.Artful Dodge, Shadow Rift, and Slip Through Space give you evasion, which is particularly important when you copy a creature that needs to attack constantly. Expedite gives you Haste and draws a card, which will turn Muddle into a threat in the same turn it enters play.Leap and Enter the Enigma are similar and also seem simple but are actually more valuable. They activate the commander, are great in combat, and also create card advantage, as they allow you to refill your hand quite easily.Card AdvantageArchmage Emeritus is one of the best cards in this list, as it draws a card whenever you cast or copy an instant or sorcery. In this deck, which plays lots of cheap spells, this card often acts as an extender. It allows you to create very long sequences. When you add that to Muddle, a single cantrip can mean transforming it, attacking with it, and drawing a card, all in one.Curiosity Crafter and Enduring Curiosity attack through the other side of this strategy, as they reward you for dealing combat damage with creatures. Because Myriad creates copies that attack multiple opponents, these effects often draw a lot of cards in well-thought-out attacks.Dour Port-Mage supports lists that want to put creatures in play, make or see them leave, or reuse them. It doesn't need to be the main star to work. It just keeps your hand full when value-based creatures are part of the plan.Expressive Iteration is efficient, particularly to organize resources and progress your main game plan. Frantic Search is also excellent. It filters cards, fills the graveyard, and also untaps lands. It works nearly as a free spell in some turns, too.Prismari Charm is one of the coolest cards in this deck. It filters your hand, removes a small creature, or creates Treasures. Mulldrifter and Aether Channeler interact really well with Myriad copies. Copying a Mulldrifter might not win the game on the spot, but it puts you and your deck in a very comfortable situation.Copies and Creatures to CopyThis is the most emblematic part of this list. Cackling Counterpart, Quasiduplicate, Rite of Replication, and Twinflame put more relevant creatures in play as well as create more targets for Muddle and ways to double important effects.Rionya, Fire Dancer fits this type of strategy really well, as it rewards you for playing lots of spells by creating many copies of creatures. Vesuvan Duplimancy is similar, as it creates copies when your creatures are targeted by spells. Because this list uses several small spells that often target your creatures, this card becomes a pretty natural value-based engine and fits the main game plan nicely.The creatures above shape this deck's identity. They're the targets that justify playing Muddle to do more than just create value. Silent Hallcreeper is an evasive body as well as great in combat, and Inspired Skypainter interacts with the idea of small spells creating a huge advantage for the player.Redoubled Stormsinger, Goldlust Triad, and Starwinder also reward you for doing what you were already planning to do anyway. You don't need to review them in a vacuum, as if they were each a win condition. The point is that, when Muddle copies such a piece and also creates multiple versions of it, attacking, the stacked effects are often too powerful.Win ConditionsPort Razer is one of the most important cards to understand how powerful this deck is. When Muddle becomes a copy of it and attacks with Myriad, the match often turns very favorable to you and quite fast. Extra attacks in Commander matches often multiply any advantage you already had, so this is a pretty powerful move.Terror of the Peaks also turns copies and creatures entering play into direct damage. With Muddle, Twinflame, Rionya, Fire Dancer, or Rite of Replication, this type of effect often starts stacking damage, and all without relying solely on combat. Twinflame Tyrant doubles how much damage you deal to opponents and their permanents from all sources, so any well-thought-out attack will easily add up when you play this card.Goldspan Dragon turns attacks into mana, and Trumpeting Carnosaur has a big body and creates a lot of value. It is both a threat and a way to keep finding resources.The Masamune is a pretty interesting piece for this deck, as you want to attack with specific creatures. It makes combat even more relevant and often creates chaos on the board. Anticausal Vestige offers you value when it leaves play, which interacts really well with Myriad's temporary copies.Frostcliff Siege and Pinnacle Monk support this list's foundation, either by creating value or filling the board. Not every card needs to end the game by themselves, and this deck benefits a lot from pieces that keep the game going until you find a line with Muddle at the right time.Final WordsIt's always funny when the alternative commander in a precon is more fun than the main one. That's Muddle, the Ever-Changing for you, which is included in Secrets of Strixhaven's Prismari Commander precon.Unfortunately, we can't play black with this card, and, consequently, we can't play The Master, Multiplied. It would be a lot of help with Myriad. Otherwise? This is a pretty fun, enticing Izzet list, and I highly recommend it.What do you think? Tell us your thoughts in our comment section below.Thank you for reading, and see you next time!
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