Psychic Lockdown!

corcovado 88

aka Portals to the Poorhouse

The arrival of Lockdown suggests a second look at an Encrypted Portals-based deck. Jinteki, known for nasty Sentries, has quietly developed an unrivaled set of taxing portals.

Win condition #1: Lockdown into Psychic Field, followed by Neural EMP.

Win condition #2: Punitive Counterstrike(s) with Neural EMP(s) as needed. Easy If the runner can't draw up after stealing Fetal AI.

Win condition #3: Will-o'-the-Wisp, recycled by Jackson Howard or reinstalled by Crick-on-steroids, eventually enables Install-Advance-Advance. Caprice Nisei can assist with the castration.

Win condition #4: Merlin. Especially at increased strength and following Chum or Inazuma. Although it may be difficult to hold Merlin in HQ while setting up the other kills.

The surprisingly high level of taxation tips the odds in your favor. The cheap ICE suite leaves plenty for funding counterstrikes and ghost lights. PAD Campaign adds a potential tax and gives Crick a secondary target.

PE has a reputation. The runner may waste time pre-installing a Sentry breaker. The runner may also be initially reluctant to Maker's Eye.

There are countless ways to build the 4-influence, 15 piece Code Gate suite. The Merlin trio could be exchanged for Viktor 1.0, Rainbow, and a third Eli 1.0, balancing the early game weakness of Chum, Crick, Inazuma, Minelayer, and Sensei.

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