And then beside discarding you can use stuff like Crucible of Worlds
Some hydras can help with utility, too
Rhystic Study aside, this is probably blues most infamous Game Changer for Commander
This creates a small space to explore what I call gimmick decks in the Alpha League, a design space generally that does not exist anywhere else in constructed Magic (although, on occasions, can occur in Limited contexts, which obey the original rules of Magic: 40 card minimums, and no unique card caps)
I know 21 commander damage got decided on due to the original cycle of Elder Dragons having 7 power and you getting hit three times equaled 21 but the book quote is just so fitting for our format
For one, spells and abilities cant be countered, but the other means damage cant be prevented