Jund Protean Hulk combos are a powerful and popular strategy in the Magic The Gathering community, especially for players who enjoy combo-centric decks in formats like Modern and Legacy. This deck archetype revolves around using Protean Hulk, a creature card that can generate massive value upon death, to assemble game-winning combinations. By leveraging the colors of Jund-black, red, and green-players gain access to a wide array of removal spells, tutors, and creatures that interact synergistically with Protean Hulk. Understanding the key combos, the optimal sequencing, and the deck’s strategic nuances is essential for anyone looking to master Jund Protean Hulk and maximize its effectiveness in competitive play.
Overview of Jund Protean Hulk
Protean Hulk is a 6/6 green creature with the ability that, when it dies, allows a player to search their library for any number of creature cards with total converted mana cost 6 or less and put them onto the battlefield. This effect enables the deck to generate infinite or near-infinite value, as well as assemble specific combos that can win the game immediately. The Jund color combination supports this strategy with access to effective removal spells, discard effects, and tutors like Green Sun’s Zenith and Chord of Calling, which help find key combo pieces. The deck’s overall plan involves protecting Protean Hulk, sacrificing it under the right conditions, and resolving a sequence that achieves a game-winning state.
Core Combo Pieces
Jund Protean Hulk relies on specific creatures and spells to assemble combos. Some of the most essential pieces include
- Protean HulkThe centerpiece of the deck, whose death triggers the search for combo creatures.
- Kiki-Jiki, Mirror BreakerOften paired with creatures like Zealous Conscripts for infinite untap combos.
- Zealous ConscriptsEnables untap loops or combo chains when paired with Kiki-Jiki.
- Devoted DruidCan generate infinite mana when combined with creatures that untap it repeatedly.
- Vizier of RemediesWorks with Devoted Druid to create infinite green mana.
- Reveillark and Karmic GuideCan form loops that repeatedly return creatures from the graveyard to the battlefield.
- Green Sun’s ZenithAllows the player to find any necessary creature from the library to assemble combos.
Popular Combo Lines
Protean Hulk enables several game-winning combo lines, depending on the available cards in the deck and what is fetched from the library. Some of the most popular lines include
Infinite Mana Combos
One of the primary goals of Jund Protean Hulk decks is to generate infinite mana. A common approach involves fetching Devoted Druid and Vizier of Remedies after Protean Hulk dies. With these two creatures on the battlefield, players can repeatedly untap Devoted Druid while generating infinite green mana. This mana can then be used to cast a game-ending spell like Finale of Devastation, Walking Ballista, or Comet Storm.
Infinite Creature Loops
Another popular line involves using Reveillark and Karmic Guide. When Protean Hulk dies, it can fetch these creatures along with small utility creatures such as Sanctuary Cat or Netherborn Phalanx. By targeting the right creatures with Reveillark’s death trigger and Karmic Guide’s return effect, players can create infinite loops that either generate infinite damage or infinite creature tokens, depending on the combination of creatures chosen.
Instant Win Threats
Certain combos can result in an immediate win once Protean Hulk dies. A classic example is fetching Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker along with Zealous Conscripts. By tapping Kiki-Jiki to copy Zealous Conscripts, the player gains control of all creatures and can generate infinite combat damage in a single turn. Other similar lines leverage creature token loops or mana-generating combos to quickly establish an insurmountable advantage.
Supporting Cards
To make the combos effective, Jund Protean Hulk decks include supporting cards that protect the combo, ensure consistency, and disrupt opponents. Key supporting cards include
- TarmogoyfA powerful threat that can apply pressure while fitting into the creature curve.
- Dark ConfidantProvides card advantage, helping the deck find combo pieces faster.
- Lightning BoltEfficient removal to clear blockers and protect the combo line.
- Abrupt DecayHelps deal with opposing threats that could disrupt the combo.
- Collective BrutalityVersatile discard and removal tool to disrupt opponents while advancing the deck’s plan.
Sequencing and Strategy
Executing Jund Protean Hulk combos requires careful sequencing and timing. Players must manage resources, protect key creatures, and ensure that Protean Hulk dies under the right conditions. Typically, this involves using removal or sacrifice outlets to trigger Hulk’s death while keeping the deck’s combo pieces ready to hit the battlefield. Understanding the interaction between fetched creatures, untap loops, and damage-dealing spells is essential for consistent success. Additionally, anticipating opponents’ disruption and sequencing plays around counterspells, removal, and graveyard hate is a critical aspect of piloting this deck effectively.
Strengths of Jund Protean Hulk
Jund Protean Hulk decks have several notable strengths that make them popular in competitive Magic The Gathering environments
- High Combo PotentialThe ability to generate infinite mana or creatures allows for explosive turns.
- Color FlexibilityAccess to black, red, and green provides versatile removal, tutors, and creatures.
- AdaptabilityDecks can adjust to different meta environments by changing supporting creatures and spells.
- ResiliencyMultiple combo lines ensure that the deck can recover if one line is disrupted.
- ConsistencyTutors like Green Sun’s Zenith improve the reliability of fetching necessary combo pieces.
Weaknesses and Challenges
Despite its power, Jund Protean Hulk is not without weaknesses. The deck is highly susceptible to graveyard hate such as Leyline of the Void or Rest in Peace, which can prevent key combos from functioning. Counterspells and instant-speed disruption can also stop the Protean Hulk combo before it resolves. Additionally, the deck requires precise sequencing and careful resource management, meaning mistakes in execution can be costly. Understanding these challenges and building a sideboard plan to mitigate threats is critical for competitive play.
Tips for Playing Jund Protean Hulk
To maximize success with Jund Protean Hulk combos, players should consider the following tips
- Familiarize yourself with all possible Hulk fetch combinations and their outcomes.
- Use tutors like Green Sun’s Zenith efficiently to assemble combo pieces in the correct order.
- Protect Protean Hulk with removal or sacrifice outlets to ensure a clean death trigger.
- Practice sequencing creature loops to avoid mistakes that could cost the game.
- Include disruption in the sideboard to handle graveyard hate and counterspells.
Jund Protean Hulk combos represent a powerful, versatile, and strategically deep archetype in Magic The Gathering. By leveraging the explosive potential of Protean Hulk and combining it with creatures like Kiki-Jiki, Zealous Conscripts, Devoted Druid, and Reveillark, players can generate infinite mana, creature loops, or immediate win conditions. Supporting cards like Tarmogoyf, Dark Confidant, and removal spells provide consistency and resilience against opponents’ disruption. While the deck faces challenges from graveyard hate and counterspells, proper sequencing, knowledge of combo lines, and careful strategic planning allow players to achieve devastating results. For those who enjoy intricate combo decks and explosive gameplay, Jund Protean Hulk offers both depth and excitement, making it a compelling choice in Modern and Legacy formats.