The release of Murders at Karlov Manor is rapidly approaching. And as with most new sets, MKN is bringing four new commander decks with it. Today’s article is about the Deep Clue Sea precon, and I’ll cover everything you need to know about the deck. Let’s start with some basic info.
Murders at Karlov Manor is set to come out on February 9, 2024, and has four preconstructed commander decks. Deep Clue Sea is a blue/green/white (Bant) deck themed around clue tokens and card advantage.
With that out of the way, let’s jump into the commanders, the deck theme, the best reprints, and the complete Deep Clue Sea deck list. So, without further ado, let’s get to business.
Updated: 1/26/23
Deck Strategy
As mentioned, the theme for Deep Clue Sea is making clue tokens and generating card advantage. Creating clue tokens is tied into the “investigate” mechanic, which is undoubtedly on theme in a murder mystery set.
When something tells you to investigate, you’ll create a Clue token, which is an artifact you can pay two mana into and sacrifice to draw a card. It’s also possible for a card (such as Fae Offering) to directly prompt you to make a clue token without investigating.
Clues are significant for several reasons. First, they can draw you cards. In fact, “card advantage” is mentioned by name on the box for a reason. This deck draws an insane amount of cards, almost coincidently! Next, there are a plethora of ways (both directly and indirectly) that you can abuse clues.
Overall, the deck has a relatively simple game plan:
- Investigating/making clues
- Drawing cards from them
- Putting +1/+1 counters on creatures
Primary And Secondary Commander
The commanders for Deep Clue Sea confirm these general themes for the deck.
First things first, Vedalken Fish Detective is a fantastic creature type. Next, Morska is pretty loaded with abilities that lend themselves to this strategy. It’s a payoff, an enabler, and a supporter of a clue theme. No maximum hand size means you can keep all those extra cards you draw, which is a big help.
Of course, it also directly contributes to your clue production by investigating at the beginning of your upkeep. A guaranteed clue per turn with your commander will ensure you get the ball rolling consistently. And once you’re going, you’ll stand to make a ton of clues.
Lastly is the built-in payoff for the cards you draw from your clue tokens. Whenever you draw your second card each turn (which can happen in many different ways), you’ll put two +1/+1counters on Morska. I love how this is worded, too – “Each turn” is powerful.
For example, you can crack clue tokens or use instant speed cards like Opt to draw during opposing turns and rack up on your counters. Some of the deck may be directly devoted to working with these counters. Something spicy like Chasm Skulker will likely be a solid fit here.
Beyond that, breaking this down in more detail, here’s what each step may look like.
Making Clues
It’s not hard for Bant to make clue tokens. What’s more, many cards offer you a steady flow of tokens. For example, Tireless Tracker investigates every time you drop a piece of land. And Erdwal Illuminator doubles up your triggers. So, something as simple as a Krosan Verge can make four clues.
Clue Payoffs
Clue tokens are valuable all by themselves. However, you’re mistaken if you think there aren’t cards that reward you for them. Once these strategies get their feet beneath them, the value simply landslides. With cards like the ones pictured above, you can get multiple upsides from sacing one token.
And that’s just the first stop on the way to value town!
Artifact/Token Payoffs
Let’s not forget that clue tokens are artifacts and tokens, two beneficial things in Magic: The Gathering. Anything that cares about the number of artifacts or tokens you have goes crazy in this deck. Aside from the things pictured above, you have nasty stuff like Adrix and Nev, Twincaster, Whirler Rogue, and Shimmer Dragon.
Anything with affinity for tokens, artifacts, improvise, or metalcraft will be your best friend in this deck.
Related: Revenant Recon Precon – Deck List, Card Predictions & Possible Reprints
Best Reprints
With the general theme and support for it out of the way, let’s look at some of the high-dollar reprints. The average commander precon has a reprint value of somewhere around $95. That said, the Deep Clue Sea deck is loaded.
- Adrix and Nev, Twincasters – $18
- Bennie Bracks, Zoologist – $19
- Koma, Cosmos Serpent – $12
- Chulane, Teller of Tales -$10
- Farewell – $9
- Academy Manufactor – $7
Deep Clue Sea Deck List
Let’s have a look at the complete Deep Clue Sea deck list.
Deep Clue Sea
End Step
I must say, this deck looks insane. The built-in card advantage, the artifact synergies, and the overall amount of powerful cards like Adrix and Nev, Twincasters, Chulane, Teller of Tales, and Koma, Cosmos Serpent put Deep Clue Sea at the top of the pack for this release.
