Aether Duelist

This deck revolves around the synergy between Duelist of the Mind and Proft's Eidetic Memory, but beyond that, it's just a fun deck filled with interactions that chain off each other. This version has been running the smoothest so far, and what makes it particularly exciting is how it can swing out of nowhere, catching opponents off guard. While I've seen similar decks in the past, I haven’t come across one quite like this—so I figured I'd share it!

The Creatures:

Ingenious Prodigy – A versatile card with great flexibility. It can be played at any point in the game, serving as an early chump blocker or a late-game powerhouse. Its draw ability synergizes extremely well with Proft’s Eidetic Memory, and it tends to fly under the radar early on, avoiding removal. Third Path Iconoclast could also be a fit here, but Prodigy’s less strict mana cost and lower perceived threat level make it my preferred choice.

Duelist of the Mind – The core of the deck. If it sticks around, it becomes an incredible threat, synergizing with virtually every card in the list. The vigilance is a huge bonus, letting it stay aggressive while maintaining a defensive presence.

Aether Channeler – A true Swiss army knife. It can return a permanent to stall the opponent, draw a card to trigger our synergies, or create a 1/1 token for extra board presence. There’s no bad time to play this card.

Geological Appraiser – A fantastic value engine. The Discover ability helps us get more creatures or free spells, keeping up tempo. While it’s not the absurd combo piece it is in other decks, it works beautifully here, allowing us to dig for options and maintain pressure.

The Spells:

Opt – A simple and efficient way to smooth out draws and trigger synergies.

Three Steps Ahead – This card is a powerhouse in the deck. It primarily serves as a counterspell, but it can also provide additional draw triggers or copy key creatures like Duelist of the Mind or Aether Channeler. In the best-case scenario, you might even get to do all three!

Unsummon – A fantastic tempo tool. It forces the opponent to waste a turn while also doubling as a way to save our own creatures from removal. Particularly useful against black decks trying to target key threats.

Bitter Reunion – A great way to filter through the deck while also granting haste, enabling surprise bursts of damage.

Galvanize – Our primary removal spell. The damage can often be increased to 5, making it effective against larger threats as well.

Proft's Eidetic Memory – One of the defining cards of the deck. At worst, it’s a two-mana draw spell, but at best, it pumps creatures and enables massive swings that can end the game. Running two mainboard with a third in the sideboard feels like the right balance.

Slick Sequence – A perfect fit here. The two damage is often clutch, and the draw trigger is easy to activate. It’s especially effective when combined with Geological Appraiser.

Brass's Tunnel-Grinder // Tecutlan, the Searing Rift – A game-ending card in the right setup. Paired with Proft's Eidetic Memory and Duelist of the Mind, you can sometimes dump your entire hand and immediately close out the game. Its transformed side can also be incredibly useful, though it takes time to activate.

The Other Stuff:

Teferi, Temporal Pilgrim – A strong win condition that forces opponents to answer it. If left unchecked, it starts generating Spirit tokens that quickly become massive. Its ultimate ability is game-ending.

The Gameplan:

This deck shifts between roles depending on the matchup. It starts as a control/tempo deck and later transitions into an explosive finisher once the right pieces are in place. Use Ingenious Prodigy and Aether Channeler to draw cards and set up tempo plays. Keep opponents stalled with Unsummon and Galvanize while preparing your board.

Play Duelist of the Mind only when it’s safe—most of the other creatures are there to draw removal first. Use Three Steps Ahead and Slick Sequence to keep the engine running and maintain board control.

Proft's Eidetic Memory + Duelist of the Mind can lead to huge, game-winning swings.

Brass's Tunnel-Grinder // Tecutlan, the Searing Rift lets you dump your hand for a massive power boost.

Teferi, Temporal Pilgrim provides a slow but unstoppable win-con if the game drags on. 

This deck is fast, interactive, and rewarding to play. It isn’t all-in aggro, but rather a tempo deck that shifts gears mid-game and can suddenly explode for lethal damage. While it takes a little practice to know when to hold back vs. when to go all-in, once you get the feel for it, it’s a blast to play.

Let me know if you test it out—I’d love to hear how it does!