Brine Elemental + Vesuvan Shapeshifter
Produces: Opponents skip their untap steps, Lock
- Color identity
- U
- Mana
- {1}{U}
Prerequisites
Brine Elemental is face up. Vesuvan Shapeshifter is face down.
Steps
- Turn Vesuvan Shapeshifter face-up for {1}{U}.
- As it turns face up, have it copy Brine Elemental, triggering Brine Elemental's face-up ability.
- Resolve the ability; each opponent skips their next untap step.
- Pass the turn; on your upkeep, turn Vesuvan Shapeshifter face down.
- Repeat infinitely.
How to execute this combo
The "Brine Elemental + Vesuvan Shapeshifter" combo takes 5 steps in order. Make sure you have the mana open and permanents listed in the prerequisites before you start — opponents can respond between steps.
The end result: Opponents skip their untap steps, Lock.
Practice the line offline: lay out the cards, walk through each step, and note where you can lose the combo (summoning sickness, lack of priority, removal on a key permanent). In game, announce each step clearly; in casual play you can offer to shortcut after demonstrating the loop.
The best window is a turn when opponents are tapped out or after they commit a spell — hold protection (a counter, Vexing Shusher) if the combo wins on the spot.