Orzhov Lifegain Combo

A Standard Orzhov lifegain combo deck that wins with an infinite life-loss loop using Starscape Cleric or Enduring Tenacity and Bloodthirsty Conqueror, backed by efficient lifegain creatures and removal.

Any life gain triggers Starscape Cleric or Enduring Tenacity, causing an opponent to lose life. Bloodthirsty Conqueror then gains you that much life, which re-triggers the drain effect, creating an infinite loop until the opponent loses. Hinterland Sanctifier, Amalia Benavides Aguirre, Beza, the Bounding Spring, Elenda, Saint of Dusk, and Essence Channeler provide reliable lifegain triggers and serve as early threats or stabilizers.

Keep hands with 3-4 lands, at least one lifegain enabler or combo piece, and preferably a removal spell. Mulligan hands with no early plays or too many 4+ mana cards.

Early turns: deploy Hinterland Sanctifier, Amalia, or Essence Channeler, and use Bitter Triumph, Get Lost, or Murder to answer threats. Mid game: stabilize with Beza or Elenda while assembling combo pieces. Late game: resolve Bloodthirsty Conqueror with any lifegain trigger on the battlefield to end the game immediately, or win through growing threats.

The combo is vulnerable to instant-speed removal on Bloodthirsty Conqueror. Board wipes and aggressive decks that outrace the combo can be problematic. Counterspells and hand disruption also disrupt the combo plan.