The One Ring + Temporal Adept

2-card combo · U

Verdict

Yes — this loop grants permanent protection from everything by bouncing and recasting The One Ring every turn.

Cards required: 2
Cheapest stack total: $0.39
Color identity: U
Popularity: 76 decks
Format: Commander

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Temporal Adept returns The One Ring to hand for three blue mana; recasting it for four triggers the protection clause fresh each upkeep, resetting the clock before it ever expires. Blue control shells running Temporal Adept as a general bounce tool get this lock for free the moment The One Ring hits the table.

Recipe

How it works

Prerequisites

Temporal Adept does not have summoning sickness.

Steps

Activate Temporal Adept by paying and tapping it, returning The One Ring from the battlefield to your hand.
Cast The One Ring by paying .
The One Ring triggers, giving you protection from everything until your next turn.
Repeat each turn.

Result

Lock; Prevent all damage that would be dealt to you; You have protection from everything

Variations

Cheaper, tighter, alternate lines

Erratic Portal does the same bounce job for one colorless if three blue mana is taxing the mana base, though it requires an additional colorless activation each turn. The lock prevents damage but does not win the game — pair it with a slow mill plan, Thassa's Oracle, or a Approach of the Second Sun line to close; the combo stalls, it does not end.