Golgari Thug + Thermopod + Bolas's Citadel + Vein Ripper

Golgari Thug

Thermopod

Bolas's Citadel

Vein Ripper

How it works

1. Activate Thermopod by sacrificing Golgari Thug.
2. When Golgari Thug dies, it and Vein Ripper trigger.
3. Resolve the Golgari Thug trigger, putting it from your graveyard onto the top of your library.
4. Resolve the Vein Ripper trigger, causing you to gain 2 life and target opponent to lose 2 life.
5. Cast Golgari Thug from the top of your library by paying 2 life.
6. Repeat.

This cunning loop uses Bolas's Citadel to bypass traditional mana costs, allowing you to cast Golgari Thug directly from the top of your library simply by paying life. Once cast, Thermopod steps in to sacrifice the Thug for red mana, which conveniently fuels the loop while triggering Golgari Thug's own ability to place itself right back on top of your library. Meanwhile, Vein Ripper watches the carnage unfold, turning every single sacrifice into a life-draining siphon that comfortably offsets the life you pay to Bolas's Citadel.