I only play 3 other ways to tap him outside of combat. Cultivator's Caravan came out for Entish Restoration recently, but having Crop Rotation + Survivors' Encampment helps a lot. High density of instant (obviously) draw spells, and a splash of modal spells for flexibility. I did not go hard on modal spells because you cannot change modes for the copy, so flexibility is somewhat lessened, and I like the efficiency of primary draw. The flashback draw spells do fabulous at keeping my card velocity up without over-drawing into discarding to hand size.
Creatures are mainly early value generators with top end threats to pull some aggro away from Kalamax. Doesn't always work, but drop a Consecrated Sphinx and everyone forgets Kalamax exists. Same with Etali, Primal Storm most of the time.
Super efficient removal in Pongify and Rapid Hybridization, coupled with a Kalamax copy and some Snapcaster Mage help keep the big creatures at bay while Delayed Blast Fireball wipes the little guys.
Counter spell count is low. I don't want to get the attention of countering 4 spells a game. Usually 1-2 well timed counters is enough to keep my game progressing. Though I have to be wary as my late game is usually weaker than stronger aggro or control decks. I want to keep the pressure on, attack life totals, draw cards, and answer threats as they arise. My low creature count, accompanied by the lack of on-board draw engines keeps my threat profile low while Kalamax gets in for chip damage until Kessig Wolf Run or a flashback Fists of Flame seals the deal.
Main Focus: Card Velocity
- Combat tricks that cantrip
- Draw spells with Flashback/Jumpstart that draw 2+ cards each cast.
- Modal spells that draw cards
- High efficiency instant draw at 4mv or less
Kalamax Tempo
Approximate Total Cost:
Favorite Cards
Wilderness Reclamation 4 mana doubler. Cast my blockers main phase, untap for instants on my opponent's turn.
Backdraft Hellkite I just like this Dragon. It is not powerful, or impressive, but it has done very well for me so far. Just like this card.
Fists of Flame best cantrip combat trick in the deck. +5/+0, Trample, Draw 2 for
Delayed Blast Fireball supper efficient mini-wipe in Kalamax that keeps all the go-wide decks off my back
Mystic Confluence all modes super relevant, and copying it makes the 5 mana look like a bargain. Note do NOT choose the Counter mode once and draw mode twice. The second copy will fizzle due to lack of legal targets. You must choose Counter, Bounce, and Draw so that even when the spell is countered the second copy has a legal bounce target so you still get 2 cards. Minor gripe since you cannot counter and draw 4, but Counter, Draw 2, Bounce 2 is a bargain for .
). Sakura doesn't actually do anything as a creature for me besides have the card type "creature", and doesn't even block early game because I need the ramp. What might be a better card here?
Not sure where it's going since I do really like having the two flashback draw spells in the deck. They are very helpful in preventing late game stalls, so I will have to look for an under performer. 
