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I like it. Automatic D2 now instead of just twice per game or something. I'm just wondering about having just Laver active most the game.

(the main use of Ahimelek in Sam decks).

What Sam decks have you been playing?

I have used Ahimelek and banding in almost every game I have ever played with a sam deck (and that is a lot of games).

Seriously though, his return ability is (largely) useless just being banded in unless you return an evil Saul to your hand.  But, if you band him in, he can turn your banding enhancements (Deborah's Directive and Battle Cry both interrupt and are best, but there are even more besides) into CBN battle-winners.  That's rather important, and if you aren't playing those cards, IMO you're missing some key pieces to that offense.

The point is that many Sam users (including myself) use him mostly for the CBN protection from Capture, along with a way to round out Sam bands in the late game if one isn't using FBTN. I use Deb's Directive because I have a heavy emphasis on gold, and didn't use it at all until the latest iteration of my Sam deck, and I don't use Battle Cry at all. I assure you that my offense isn't/wasn't missing key pieces, especially since Battle Cry itself is fully negatable.

The point is that many Sam users (including myself) use him mostly for the CBN protection from Capture

He only protects your WC heroes, so the key cog (Sam) can still be captured.  Which is bad news if they want to just capture you, die, and surrender him.  The protection doesn't mean as much when the main piece isn't protected.

especially since Battle Cry itself is fully negatable.

I won't care if it can be negated if it is Ahimelek causing the losing condition, especially if he is CBN

I discovered this by accident in my turtle deck. Here it is.

1. Use Samuel to search for Saul (evil)
2. Band in Ahimelek and return Saul to your hand
3. Next turn, activate the Bronze Laver and place Saul beneath your deck
4. Repeat

You can win an internet if you do Samuel-Armorbearer-Maharai-Jacob-Seraph-Nathan and shuffle in your evil King Saul.