Lazav, Dimir Mastermind is one of the latest "Magic: The Gathering" cards spoiled today from Wizards of the Coast's upcoming expert expansion set "Gatecrash."
Lazav, Dimir Mastermind - UUBB
Legendary Creature - Shapeshifter (Mythic Rare)
Hexproof
Whenever a creature card is put into an opponent's graveyard from anywhere, you may have Lazav, Dimir Mastermind become a copy of that card except its name is still Lazav, Dimir Mastermind, it's legendary in addition to its other types, and it gains hexproof and this ability.
3/3
Revealed today in an article by Adam Styborski on MagicTheGathering.com, Lazav, Dimir Mastermind is as powerful as your opponent's best creature. We've seen lots of Clone creatures recently, from Sakashima's Stundent from "Planechase (2012 Edition)" and Phyrexian Metamoph in "New Phyrexia" to Phantasmal Image from "M12," however Lazav, Dimir Mastermind is unique in that it looks at your opponent's graveyard instead of the creatures on the battlefield.
Thought Scour from "Dark Ascension," Curse of the Bloody Tome and Nephalia Drownyard from "Innistrad," and Jace, Memory Adept from "M13" will all provide nice targets for Lazav, Dimir Mastermind to copy. If you plan on going the milling route, consider including Jace's Phantasm in your deck.
Another way to fill your opponent's graveyard with creatures for Lazav, Dimir Mastermind to copy is by using a Counterspell or removal spell. Essence Scatter is a no-brainer option, however Frightful Delusion looks like it'd be a particularly effective card in the early turns of the game. Rewind is a fantastic spell that'll let you continue your devious Dimir tricks during another player's turn.
One thing to be wary about when looking to abuse Lazav, Dimir Mastermind is if your opponent is playing a reanimator deck. Copying creatures with "enters the battlefield" abilities like Angel of Glory's Rise from "Avacyn Restored" or Angel of Serenity from "Return to Ravnica" doesn't do anything for you, and you don't want to give them an Unburial Rites. You'll also have to worry about white players who'll be sideboarding Rest in Peace.
Lazav, Dimir Mastermind shines in Commander where players utilize some of the game's most broken creatures. There's absolutely no doubt that players will use Lazav, Dimir Mastermind in their decks, and because it has Hexproof it makes an amazing general. Your opponents will need a board sweeper such as Mutilate, Terminus, Supreme Verdict, Bonfire of the Damned, or the overload from a Cyclonic Rift or to deal with him.
How will you use Lazav, Dimir Mastermind?
Related: "Gatecrash" spoiler card list and "Gatecrash" card reviews
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