Quantum Quandrix (C21).

The Commanders

Quantum Quandrix is a Simic deck built around the most straightforward power multiplication in Magic: doubling tokens. Adrix and Nev put a Parallel Lives effect in the command zone with ward protection, then pair it with Strixhaven's Fractal tokens (0/0s that enter with +1/+1 counters) to build threats that scale fast. The math gets out of hand quickly.

Adrix and Nev, Twincasters cost {2}{G}{U} and are a 2/2 pair of merfolk that double token creation just like Parallel Lives: whenever one or more tokens would be created, you create twice that many instead. They also have ward {2}, so opponents pay an extra {2} to target them. Getting a Parallel Lives effect in the command zone at four mana is extremely efficient. The real interaction is that Adrix and Nev stacks multiplicatively with other doublers. Add Doubling Season and every token trigger makes four copies instead of one.

Esix, Fractal Bloom is the more explosive alternative. The first time each turn that one or more tokens are created under your control, you may have each token instead become a copy of any creature you choose. Esix converts every Fractal you make into a copy of your most powerful creature, an instant army of 7/7s or bigger.

Key Cards

Fractal Harness

Token generation that scales with investment. Fractal Harness is an equipment that costs {2}{G}{U} and creates an X/X Fractal token when equipping, where X is the mana spent. Whenever the equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, you put half that many +1/+1 counters on Fractal Harness, so the next Fractal you create is bigger. With Adrix and Nev doubling the Fractal, each equip creates two tokens. In later turns each combat creates progressively larger Fractals, and every chip hit gets more threatening than the last.

Curiosity Crafter

The deck's primary draw engine. Whenever a nontoken creature you control attacks, Curiosity Crafter draws you a card. With Esix copying tokens into powerful creatures, you're attacking with multiple copies of creatures every turn. The Crafter solves Simic's usual problem of running out of cards in a go-wide strategy, since each attacking creature refuels your hand by one. It's a passive trigger that costs no extra mana, which makes it one of the most efficient value engines in the 75.

Reflections of Littjara

Another token doubler stacked on top of Adrix and Nev. Reflections of Littjara is an enchantment that creates a copy of any creature token when that token enters the battlefield. With Adrix and Nev already doubling tokens, Reflections creates a third copy, so every token trigger now makes three tokens instead of one. Add Doubling Season and you're at four copies per trigger. Stacking token doublers this way is how the deck builds boards that take multiple consecutive board wipes to answer.

Perplexing Test

The deck's asymmetric board wipe. Perplexing Test returns all nontoken creatures to their owners' hands and leaves your token army completely intact. When you control 10 or 20 tokens and opponents have built their boards around nontoken creatures, Perplexing Test clears their threats while your creatures continue attacking. It costs three mana and can end games by removing every blocker opponents have the turn before you swing with your token horde.

How to Play

The early game is about ramping into Adrix and Nev by turn four and protecting them with ward tax. Any token-creating spell with Adrix and Nev on board doubles immediately. Stack additional doublers in the mid game, like Reflections of Littjara or Parallel Lives if you have it, before going wide. Then spend one or two turns creating as many Fractals as possible, doubling and tripling each trigger. Use Esix to convert Fractal tokens into copies of your biggest creatures when you need power on the board immediately. Close out with Perplexing Test to clear blockers the turn you swing for lethal.