Sab-Sunen can't attack or block unless it has an even number of counters on it. (Zero is even.)
At the beginning of your first main phase, put a +1/+1 counter on Sab-Sunen. Then if it has an odd number of counters on it, draw two cards.
Cast Sab-Sunen as a resilient 5-mana commander that grows itself every turn, alternating between drawing two cards (odd counters) and being able to swing as an indestructible trample threat (even counters). You leverage the free card advantage to build a counters/value engine in Simic, ramping into proliferate, doublers, and big payoffs while the commander keeps refueling your hand. Close games by turning the steadily-growing Luxa into a beater or by going wide/tall with +1/+1 counter synergies.
Indestructible plus built-in card draw makes it extremely hard to remove and a constant source of advantage.
Free +1/+1 counter every turn fuels a wide range of counters-matters payoffs.
Simic gives access to the best ramp, card draw, and proliferate in the format.
Self-sufficient commander that demands answers via exile, bounce, or sacrifice rather than burn/destroy.
Can only attack or block on even-counter turns, so it's awkward defensively and on offense without manipulation.
Reliant on the commander itself for much of its engine, making bounce/exile/-X-X effects painful.
Slow to develop a board on its own; needs supporting pieces to convert card draw into a win.
Vulnerable to counter-removal and 'can't-have-counters' or stat-zeroing effects despite indestructibility.
Counters you accumulate become an alternate win condition once you hit twenty growth counters.
Add fast mana and efficient ramp (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, Cultivate) plus counter doublers and proliferate sources to control parity and explode Sab-Sunen's size. Lean into protection like Heroic Intervention, Lightning Greaves, and The Ozolith to insulate against bounce/exile, and include payoffs such as overrun effects or Simic Ascendancy. For the highest power, incorporate proliferate-driven combos and tutors to assemble counter-based wins faster and more consistently.
Legendary Creature — God
