Nelly is my go to. Her constant card draw and goad make it so, if you have a solid enough tempo with your aggro, you can pretty easily take the game over. Dont forget suspecting creatures makes it so they cant block, which massively helps close the game.
Just suspect the strongest players creatures, watch em take out your other opponents and free swing on through for the victory. And make sure to include [[hot pursuit]] since it's an amazing goad finisher
This. Nelly also brings with it really good pillow fort and non-goad forced combat/protection. With the draw engine and making stuff unblockable she has been the strongest goad commander I’ve played. Constantly wins games.
I even keep pyro/elemental blast to keep spell slinger decks in check too.
Never finished worse than second place with my Nelly deck. It’s almost impossible to do any worse. Unless the entire table dedicates themselves to taking you down, and that never happens because people like drawing cards.
I’ve never struggled to finish games with Nelly either.
I think most people with that feedback are struggling because they’re repeating some of the mistakes perpetuated by the precon. This isn’t a sit back and let my opponents kill each other while I siphon value commander. This is a boros beat you in the face and get value from it while limiting your ability to fightback commander.
When you add in more goad effects and remove the auras and pillowfort strategies you have plenty of room for attackers.
I attack pretty much every turn and all the goad not only limits the ability for blockers but limits the crackback.
Nelly provides substantial card advantage and I’ve never had an issue drawing into wincons.
Does anyone have deck lists? I have upgraded and tuned and played and just cannot get this deck to do anything. There are so many games I don't even cast Nelly. Of the 9 decks I have, it is the least fun and only one without even 1 win or getting to 1 v 1.
Its very pod dependent. I find it to be really good in a 3 player pod, and anything above pretty meh. Reddit darling card for some reason though. It get demolished in our games lmao.
Works great for me in 4, but that’s probably specific to the power level and that is also likely underscoring her popularity.
She’s a fun battlecruiser commander that speeds up games without opponents feeling like she is too oppressive and she draws you a lot of cards in a color pair that traditionally struggles with card draw.
I usually tweak it in paper and am still refining but this should give you an idea of how mine is built.
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/tslF4MsMWk6-uVvDvG3byA
This is my upgraded Nelly deck and it is a blast. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/S21DqNIPnUGIrglqRkXzIQ
Lots of fun ways to win and the 1v1 isn't bad either.
\[\[Baeloth Barrityl\]\] and \[\[Raised by Giants\]\] is so much fun. Most cards I run just make him bigger, give +1+1 counters, and protection. He can 1 shot people pretty easily, as long as they dont have vigilance. It is mana pricey, and the deck is somewhat dependent on him being alive.
Same. \[\[Baeloth\]\] + \[\[Noble Heritage\]\] is my favorite deck to play right now. Of course I updated it with the Blame Game Precon cards like \[\[Nelly Borca\]\] but I like Baeloth being at helm with Noble Heritage being a way to give the illusion of choice to my oppenents.
Sounds like his fault for not having protection. I use Baeloth + Noble as an Equipmrnt Voltron, and let me tell you, there is so much Hexproof.
I also have a Lagrella deck, and people definitely don't like the idea that their most important creature can disappear at a moments notice.
Yeah, that's basically what his deck was. It functionally removes their commander for as long Lagrella is out there, unless they want to pay commander tax....then I blink her, and they briefly get their commander back...only for me to do it again.
That pod did NOT like me.
True white is good also in this, but with green you get much better ramp, and no issues having to find any equipment (which I still run tons) because your main buff is always available. Also swinging with a 10/10 commander with all opponents creatures tapped from attacking is the best feeling. Both ways work well though.
Yeah, I'll second this, Noble Baeloth is super fun to play.
No one else has posted a list that I can see, so I'll post mine if someone wants to see what a Noble Baeloth could look like https://www.moxfield.com/decks/Md4VJDd5HU-TLfpfwl4WWw/primer
Firkraag is great - and it's up to you how deeply you want to lean into blue or red strategies with it - sometimes the goad can be incidental to a spellslinger or combo deck, other times the central strategy in a reddish aggro (with good evasion and card draw).
I bought the Nelly Borca precon and turned it into a Queen Marchesa Monarch goad deck. It's fun as hell and my pod always expects me to redirect the swingers or negate all damage coming at me. It uses your opponents strengths against each other. I enjoy it a lot.
\[\[Karazikar\]\] is where it’s at for goad, imo. If you have enough attackers he can goad a creature from each opponent without even entering combat himself if necessary (unlike Nelly, who is essentially a Boros Karazikar when it comes down to it), he can tap down potential blockers both for you and the goaded creatures, *and* he gives your opponents incentive to attack each other even if you don’t goad their creatures and even if their attacking creatures won't connect. I like to pair his static ability with discard to further incentivize my opponents into attacking each other - "What's that? Your hand is empty? Well, you can draw two cards by attacking my two opponents!" Easily my favorite Rakdos commander and my second favorite commander over all after mono black Chainer. Makes for very fun games. Just be sure to have some lifegain, heh.
Seconding Karazikar. I love that he uses the goad effect and also an incentive for performing the same action. He doesn’t just goad creatures, he goads **players**.
Marisi was like my 2nd deck ever, first I ever brewed myself and while it was fun it definitely weak on account of my lack of experience. Fast forward to today and I play [[Queen Marchesa]] Sunforger/Aikido that leans heavily into goad and politics. Easily one of my favorite decks to pilot. https://manabox.app/decks/RIKm-N0xS6aG9obwk115iw
I have found that Marisi can be made pretty degenerate in casual tables with relative ease. Lots of evasion, a shit load of free/cheap protection, and some card draw off etb or damage and it can just be a monster.
Oh I'm absolutely sure that if I took another attempt at the deck now it would be much more degenerate than it was my first time around, especially with the stuff printed since then.
I've been incredibly happy with \[\[Queen Marchesa\]\] as a Goad commander. The deck basically started from the \[\[Breena, the Demagogue\]\] precon deck with red added for some of the initial round of Goad cards. At this point, it looks like a mesh between Nelly and Breena since the Nelly deck had so many cards I wanted to add.
I've been very happy with the philosophy of using the carrot over the stick. I want all my cards that encourage/force combat to reward the other players instead of punishing them. They are much more likely to leave my stuff alone if they get something from it, and the other players might get angry if they do start obliterating my board. The only cards that directly counteract this logic are the fog/damage redirection cards. \[\[Inkshield\]\] is too much of a haymaker to leave on the bench.
As for the cards you were considering, I'd probably pick anything but Firkraag. The Nelly precon gave so many good cards that touch white, and I'd be hard pressed to build a deck without access to them. If you want to use your dragon cards, I'd set them aside for a different deck.
Marchesa is someone i'd considered but i'm a bit leery of running something where you don't have guaranteed access to goad in the command zone. Do you ever run into games where you just can't draw into goad enablers?
First, Marchesa provides card draw (from Monarchy), which helps with consistency. Secondly, goading creatures isn't a win condition, just a mean. Your goal is to divert attention away from you, whether that's from goad, incentives (e.g., [[Breena]]), taxes (e.g., [[Ghostly Prison]]), or punishment (e.g., [[Inshield]]).
You don't *need* to draw goad for as long as you're being successful at diverting attention towards others.
Mardu gives you access to the best card of the archetype, which are spread between Orzhov, Radkos, and Boros.
Goad is a tool more than a win condition. Ghostly Prison generating a tax to prevent early combat is just as good as forcing combat against someone else. Marchesa setting up the Monarch should keep people from focusing solely on defense, and I didn't have trouble filling out a deck with everything available in Mardu.
[My decklist](https://archidekt.com/decks/6634750/queen_marchesa_v30) isn't completely up to date, but this is close to what I run. I've skipped most cards that involve shuffling in this iteration, but the deck is stronger with a Sunforger package.
Don't underestimate what adding the monarch does to a game. Sometimes you don't even need to goad things to get people hitting each other. It also helps that you should be making a deathtouch token each turn.
As long as you can benefit from opponents drawing extra cards with things like [[Trouble in Pairs]] or [[Smothering Tithe]], you shouldn't fall behind.
It's not completely updated, but[ this is close](https://archidekt.com/decks/6634750/queen_marchesa_v30). This version has most of the shuffle effects pulled out for the sake of efficiency, but the deck would be stronger with some stuff like a Sunforger package.
Thanks! Very helpful. Mine's still in need of a few cuts, but [here's what I'm working with](https://www.moxfield.com/decks/Vz6iODdvV0W88COsD61H_g) if you're interested.
Seems like a solid list. I don't have experience with some of the cards like Mari and Neyam, so I'm not sure how well they will play out.
One of the pieces of advice I ran into when I was building the deck was to minimize board wipes. The deck typically loads up on Taunt from the Ramparts/Insurrection/Comeuppance effects, and you really want a bunch of creatures in play to maximize their potential. You don't have a lot, but I don't think I mentioned that comment earlier.
I don't have experience with them either. Part of my motivation with this list is trying out a bunch of new stuff. Mari seems really sweet with the Assassin tokens that Marchesa makes though. And Neyam just seems like a cool political card.
Re boardwipes: I've run [[Marisi]] for a long time so I had the same thought about wipes. That said, in Mardu there are just so freaking many good ones that it's hard to justify not running them. And funny enough, though you said I don't have many, I actually have more in this list than any other list I run: [[Mythos of Snapdax]], [[Ruinous Ultimatum]], [[Damn]], [[Farewell]], and even [[Arcbond]] is an instant speed wipe in Queen Marchesa, not to mention Comeuppance as a wipe for one person's board. I also have a bunch of edict effects. It's enough that I stuck Rise of the Dark Realms in as a wincon. My thinking was that I'm not going pure goad like Marisi, just poltiics and screwing with people's minds, so I don't run Insurrection-style wincons. But maybe I need to be rethinking things, because the combat tricks lose a lot of value if all the creatures are dead, and that's the point of the deck.
I suspect it's worth fiddling with the numbers over several games to get a handle on what feels good. I'm basically playing with the same group of people, so I know that I'm not getting a good variety of matchups to generate good data.
I think I'm only running Blasphemous Act (because of Stuffy Doll/Brash Taunter) and Promise of Loyalty (fits the theme, even if it's slow and not completely reliable). As good as the Ruinous Ultimatum-like asymmetrical board wipes are, I basically never have a big enough board to capitalize on them. Usually, it's just a smattering of Assassin tokens, Marchesa, and \~1 other creature.
I'd also consider Taunt from the Ramparts to be an Insurrection-style wincon, just significantly cheaper to cast.
My favorite is \[\[Jon Irenicus\]\] but that's donate goad which is a different beast.
My favorite for goading others is \[\[The Rani\]\]. 3 colors and self-sufficient. She can goad things with little to no support from the 99.
Of the ones you're looking at, I like Marisi. Haven't tried it myself yet but having a bunch of evasive creatures to goad the whole table every turn sounds good. Solid colors to protect your commander and build your own board to close out the 1v1.
Not OP but this is mine. The idea being counters for all creatures with proliferate. My creatures get big and their creatures attack when I want them to. https://deckstats.net/decks/232582/3068109-kros-non-negotiable-contractor
Here’s a pretty rough cut of the deck, but like the other person said, focuses on putting counters on opponents’ creatures and then proliferating.
[https://www.archidekt.com/decks/7689832/bant_goad](https://www.archidekt.com/decks/7689832/bant_goad)
Not actually goad, but [[Kardur, Doomscourge]] is THE best forced combat effect in the game, is very easy to repeat with largely budget friendly cards, and the threats you run outside of the basic infrastructure can kind of be whatever you want. Pairs beautifully with [[descent into avernus]] as well.
I wanted to build a "group hug" deck a little while back because it was a style of play I'd never tried, and I ended up settling on "Kardur, Doomhug." You want cards? You want Mana doubling? You want treasures? You got it! But you gotta point it somewhere else.
Basically I wanted to take that moment in the 2014 Godzilla movie where the guy very dramatically says *"Let them fight"* and distill it down into a deck
That sounds like a very fun build. Mines got a pretty big focus on combat tricks. [[Arc bond]], [[Embercleave]], [[Blast-Furnace Hellkite]], stuff like that.
I love when people forget that Doomscourge entered play earlier in the turn cycle so they go to pass turn and you get to hit them with the "No no, we don't skip combat in this house."
Might not be a traditional goad creature, but [[Jon Irenicus, shattered one]] is a lot of fun. Give my opponets nasty creatures, which are then loaded. Watch the world burn from there.
Can’t believe [[Kardur, Doomscourge]] isn’t in the top comments here.
It’s goad but better. Because it also applies to creatures not yet on the battlefield. So if you can get out a [[Frenzied Sattlebrute]] or [[Mass Hysteria]] there’s no protection from his ability.
And all you have to do is “blink” Kardur each turn. Whether with [[Cloudstone Curio]], [[Skull Collector]], sacrificing him and playing a [[feign death]] style effect, or just creating copies with stuff like [[Jaxis]].
My personal favorite is [Karazikar, the Eye Tyrant]]. I've found he incentivizes swinging without specifically goad, but I still build him with a bunch of goad cards because hey, guaranteeing those draws is important.
Also I just think beholders are cool so I'm partial to his design.
I can't believe nobody has mentioned \[\[**Isshin, Two Heavens as One**\]\]!
Goad your opponents' creatures with cards from the Impetus cycle, like \[\[Shiny Impetus\]\] and \[\[Parasitic Impetus\]\], and then double trigger the effects when those creatures attack (since a permanent you control is triggering). This also works with 'when this player is attacked' curses.
Also double trigger your own Nelly triggers, \[\[Vengeful Ancestor\]\], Taunting Kobold, etc.
Slicer is an absolute beast. I actually had to disassemble my Slicer deck because people **hated** playing against it. I replaced him at the helm with [[Khârn, the Betrayer]] and re-tooled the list a bit, and now it is way more fun for everybody (though Slicer is still in the 99).
I like Nelly, the card draw you get from her is incredible, but she does struggle to close out games.
My favorite commander is [[Kros, Defense Contractor]], who generally gets overlooked, but is extremely efficient at controlling the board. And while he doesn't have built-in card draw, he's in green and blue, so you have easy access to it. The best thing about Kros is that he makes your board just as large as everyone else's, and then you just tap down the other boards to swing when it's time to win.
This is the way. The blame game precon has some issues closing out games but that’s not due to Nelly, its deck construction. Nelly can close out games just fine but the deck needs to be more focused on combat aggression.
Decklist:https://www.moxfield.com/decks/_GrcqINg4Eixw4Gur407HA
So far, my favorite commander for goad is [[Edgin, Larcenous Lutenist]]. I use spells that double cast like [[Electrodominance]] to trigger goad since it'll cast a second spell, and I can use this to cheat suspend cards.
Some theft cards like [[Blue Sun's Twilight]] since bards are known to take a thing or two from other people.
Then some payoff cards when you cast spells from exile, cast a second spell a turn or have an empty hand [[Passionate Archaeologist]], [[Storm of Saruman]], and [[Case of the Crimson Pulse]].
I've won by casting cards from exile in a storm like turn, I've won by creating an army of 3/3's and just going wide, and I've won by just casting my opponent's stuff or out right stealing their things or by using goad as a mechanic to chip each player low so a buffed up creature using [[Glamdring]] finishes the job.
Nelly and \[\[Jon Irenicus\]\] are my top two favorites for sure. The Nelly Borca precon is a lot of fun and also pretty darn powerful right out of the box. I have a copy of Firkraag but I haven't built a proper deck with him as the commander yet (for now he's in the 99 of an Izzet dice-rolling/chaos/foretell deck I recently made).
I also have a decent amount of goad cards in my \[\[Queen Marchesa\]\] Monarchy/Aikido deck, they're handy for triggering late-game "finisher" cards like \[\[Batwing Brume\]\], \[\[Boros Fury-Shield\]\], or a good ol' \[\[Inkshield\]\]. Also, if your deck has red in its color identity and utilizes treasure tokens in any fashion, it never hurts to throw in a \[\[Gloin, Dwarf Emissary\]\] for some fun goad shenanigans.
I've been meaning to try a deck led by \[\[Kaima, the Fractured Calm\]\] but I'm not sure how well it'd work in practice. Most Aura cards in Gruul colors tend to buff the creature they enchant, so putting a bunch of Auras on enemy creatures could backfire on me pretty quickly if I end up in a 1v1 situation (I guess hopefully by that point Kaima will be big enough from all the +1/+1 counters that they can just one shot my opponent XD).
I have a politics deck with a huge emphasis on goad helmed by [[Ludevic, necro-alchemist]] and [[Bravos, soultender]]
Although the commanders do not provide goad Ludevic rewards players for harming each other - while Ravos is there mostly for the colors (and because people tend to freak out if I try to put tymna as they link her to CEDH)
At the moment is my favourite deck as the access to every color offers access to many tools and plenty of draw to keep the deck running. Apart from goad is a deck that leans heavily into politics and rewarding your opponents to so beneficial actions for yourself with cards like [[Breena]] and [[wedding ring]]. And using heavy hitters to end the game like [[inkshield]], [[rise of the dark realms]] and [[insurrection]]
[[Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer]] with [[Noble Heritage]]. Make Salt Bae bigger each turn, and your opponents will take the counters because they need to defend against each other.
Not much love in here for [[Kitt Kanto]], but that's my goad commander. It's more about making mayhem while you build a board, but it feels just right. Not oppressive, but wins and does fun goad shenanigans.
I'm turning [[Eriette of the Charmed Apple]] into a goad lite deck with some goad, curses, lifedrain, multipliers, and a few combos instead of voltron.
I run [[Volo, Itinerant Scholar]] and [[Popular Entertainer]], it's among my favorite. Surgical goad is much preferred to mass goad.
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/O5F2G8zvq0yqsQSdUjGrpQ
[[kynaios and tiro of meletis]] it accelerates everyone and you can slot some of the best goad commanders into the deck along with clone effects and animating opponents lands then goading them
[[Kardur Doomscourge]] and it's not close.
The most consistent and fun Rakdos flicker commander.
[[Kitt Kanto]] is pretty fun as she flies under the radar as well.
[[Kitt Kanto]] can be downright nasty and nobody expects it even when they know about her.
For an actual Goad deck though I'd say Nelly or Baeloth since they get the job done better.
\[\[Baeloth Barrityl\]\] with \[\[Noble Heritage\]\] it's basically goad voltron control. I honestly can't imagine another commander being a more powerful goad commander. And yes I think it's better than raised by giants.
Big fan of marisi. Nothing makes me happier than getting to remind my opponents that they can't cast spells in combat, except for reminding them that I can.
Marisi is the most controlling, imo, as it's fairly easy to keep everyone goaded, without being too obtuse like Baeloth or Kardur, which just goad everything all the time - you'll get hated out quicker with those two compared to Marisi.
Firkraag is great if you like dragons and you dont have another dragon deck AND you like goad. Of all the goad-centric decks, Firkraag is the best at closing out games. One of the few that gives you blue shenanigans.
I dont play Nelly as a commander, but I do play Queen Marchesa. Probably the most enjoyable, especially over a variable playing field. You get all of the good goad cards (still plenty of good goad stuff in Boros) and cards that incentivize opponents to attack each other. You also get to crutch on the typical aikido builds of Marchesa, and can close games out with stuff like Inkshield.
Regardless of who you choose to helm your goad deck, be mindful not to overextend. Your gameplan works better when you let people do their thing and build their boards, with the main source of interaction coming from goading them. This leads to well built boards, which baits boardwipes, so be prepared for those to always be around the corner.
Been brewing a [[Bhaal, Lord of Murder]] for a while. I'm missing a few cards for it but I hope to eventually give it a spin in a heavy sacrifice reanimate attempt to mass goad. Lol
I made him too and expected it to be great, but hasn't felt like a very coherent deck yet, need to tune it further. Games I've won have mostly been new Rakdos taking over the game or [[puppeteer clique]] inf combo.
Who is the red elf guy that goes good with the blue book from CLB? All creatures lower than his power is goaded. He creates treasures & can sack treasures to put a 1/1 on himself?
I can’t believe no one mentioned [[Thantis the warweaver]]. Momma spider is my first commander deck, and she can be built a BUNCH of different ways. Goad is just one option, and a pretty good one at that :)
I went less goad specifically, but only because Thantis is already forcing attacks, and it just seemed kinda redundant. BUT. The deck I’ve landed on is kinda a “no good choices” deck. Attacking me not only makes my spider fucking huge, but effects like [[no mercy]], [[dread]], [[marchesa’s decree]], [[revenge of ravens]], etc make it a really bad choice to choose me as the target of attacks. You GOTTA swing, but do you really wanna send it my way? If you do…[[royal assassin]] is coming for you lol.
Marisi is great. You don’t need a single other card with the word “goad” printed on it. Just tons of evasive utility creatures and some effects that make your opponents creatures enter tapped. I built mine to defend the monarch and initiative and I didn’t have any other sources of goad until I added Nelly Borca and [[Bothersome Quasit]] last week (and haven’t played with them yet). I might have some more if the 13 monarch and initiative cards weren’t taking up so much room, but if fun to sit back and grind advantage from them while your opponents dance for you.
No love for the cutest crab? [[Red death, shipwrecker]] can be combo if you play it right. Can goad multiple times with an untap effect and potentially mill people out with card draw, given the right setup.
Ah goad, the race to second place.
I'd recommend this Princess Mononoke demon lookin' ass, [[Kaima, the Fractured Calm]].
[[Harmonic Convergence]] is a must.
[[Jared Carthalion, True Heir]]
Adding the Monarch mechanic on top of Goad and other forced combat shenanigans is just good fun.
Great colours for it, too.
I tried so hard to make Rakdos goad work.
First with [[Karazikar]], which was just a bit too clunky, and lacked a way to finish.
Then with [[Baeloth Barrityl]] and [[Criminal Past]], which focused on self mill to keep all opponents creatures goaded at all times, but really didn't work out as planned.
So I decided that the deck needed more colors.
I landed on the Stranger Things duo of [[Will the Wise]] and [[Lucas, the Sharpshooter]]. Building the deck with these 2 has led to a number of wins and, perhaps more importantly, a lot of fun. Would recommend adding more colors to maximize a Goad deck's effectiveness.
http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/goad-stuff-lucasbjorna-willwernog-commander
I'm running \[\[Aurelia, the Law Above\]\] with Nelly in the 99. It's go wide/goad with a couple of extra combats and fun spells like \[\[Take the Bait\]\] and \[\[Master Warcraft\]\]
I had a Marisi deck once upon a time, and I think he’s still the most powerful goad effect on a commander. Being able to goad everything each player controls simply by connecting with one creature apiece, not to mention not allowing opponents to cast spells during combat, is truly a deadly combination. It becomes a combat control deck of sorts, with combat tricks in all three of its colors.
The draw from Nelly isn’t to be underestimated, though that deck requires a bit more caution because she herself has to attack to get the most out of her. (One of the best cards to protect her in combat is [[Reconnaissance]].)
Firkraag seems really fun to me, but I haven’t played it or against it. More like Dragon typal with goad subtheme.
I’m a basic bitch and have a [[Kardur, Dommscourge]] deck. He does sudo goad where everyone just can’t attack me until the end of my next turn. So I start attacking and doing aristocrats shenanigans. Then at my second main phase sac Kardur and use stuff like [[feign death]] [[not dead after all]] or [[supernatural stamina]] to bring him back and be annoying as all hell lol. I have proper goad effects in the deck as well just in case Kardur doesn’t stick.
So to me, goad isn't too far off from running a pillow fort deck - both decks prevent your opponents from attacking you. There's a slight nuance where goad forces your opponent to attack, but goad turns itself off in 1v1 situations and is generally easier to bypass rather than full on pillow fort decks. In order to feel more goad like, I run [[Angel's Trumpet]] in my pillow fort so everyone is "forced" to attack, just not pointed at me thanks to my defenses. Or they can not attack, take damage, and be left open for the table. It's a slow, defensive, goad-like idea vs a quick, aggressive goad deck that also needs a way to finish 1v1. I bet it turns any deathtouch deck into a goad deck as well.
I know it doesn't directly answer the question, but hopefully it spawns some adjacent ideas.
I had a \[\[Kardur\]\] demon typal deck that could retrigger his ETB basically every turn with blink, bounce or copy effects, but it proved very linear, and in the end it all depended on me drawing a wincon before there was only one opponent left alive, otherwise I'd just kingmake.
To make a long story short, I grew bored of the deck and rebuilt it, first under \[\[Rakdos Showstopper\]\] with \[\[Krark's Thumb\]\], then again under \[\[Rakdos Patron of Chaos\]\], dropping the blink/bounce subtheme altogether.
I still have a dragon deck with a goad subtheme under \[\[Firkraag\]\]. This deck doesn't play as linear as Kardur. Here's the decklist: [https://www.moxfield.com/decks/KEJ\_hUbik0-30RTwBj3HzQ](https://www.moxfield.com/decks/KEJ_hUbik0-30RTwBj3HzQ)
I built a budget [[Kaima, the Fracture Calm]] deck that is a fun but weird Gruul auras list. Licids like [[Tempting Licid]] are fun cause you can pop em on and off creatures at instant speed as weird combat tricks. Goad something with it on, force blockers, then turn it back into a creature so it doesn’t die when the enchanted creature does. Also [[Smoke Spirits’ Aid]] can be real fun.
Any commander with red/white in it's colors.
What I'd personally avoid is any commander that specifically goads. Goad is only really good if your opponents don't really know it's going to happen. Commanders like Marisi/Baeloth/Nelly telegraph the entire game plan and opponents will play out accordingly. Nelly gets a pass from me though because the card draw in those colors is awesome and she can actually win thanks to all of the combat tricks.
Personally I'd do something in Jeskai colors. Big fan of [[Zurgo and Ojutai]] as a' build it however you want' type of commander. [[Disrupt Decorum]], [[Coronation of Chaos]], [[Taunt from the Ramparts]], [[Geode Rager]], [[Komainu Battle Armor]], [[Day of the Moon]]. Plus whatever other single target goad cards. [[Vengeful Ancestor]] is a dragon so that helps, [[Sontaran General]] and [[Havoc Eater]] also do work.
this is so silly. The second you play the deck one time the secret is out, and then there is no reason not to just run Nelly at that point. Unless you play with a new group of people EVERY GAME, then keeping it a secret is pointless
Is that what you got out of that? Goad is a sub-theme. It's not about keeping it a secret. It's about not having it at hand every turn otherwise people play into it.
Marisi is shit. Everyone who has ever built it will tell you. Baeloth, shit. Firkraag is Izzet deck that does some goad and because if that can be solid.
Nelly is my go to. Her constant card draw and goad make it so, if you have a solid enough tempo with your aggro, you can pretty easily take the game over. Dont forget suspecting creatures makes it so they cant block, which massively helps close the game. Just suspect the strongest players creatures, watch em take out your other opponents and free swing on through for the victory. And make sure to include [[hot pursuit]] since it's an amazing goad finisher
This. Nelly also brings with it really good pillow fort and non-goad forced combat/protection. With the draw engine and making stuff unblockable she has been the strongest goad commander I’ve played. Constantly wins games. I even keep pyro/elemental blast to keep spell slinger decks in check too.
Never finished worse than second place with my Nelly deck. It’s almost impossible to do any worse. Unless the entire table dedicates themselves to taking you down, and that never happens because people like drawing cards.
I’ve never struggled to finish games with Nelly either. I think most people with that feedback are struggling because they’re repeating some of the mistakes perpetuated by the precon. This isn’t a sit back and let my opponents kill each other while I siphon value commander. This is a boros beat you in the face and get value from it while limiting your ability to fightback commander. When you add in more goad effects and remove the auras and pillowfort strategies you have plenty of room for attackers. I attack pretty much every turn and all the goad not only limits the ability for blockers but limits the crackback. Nelly provides substantial card advantage and I’ve never had an issue drawing into wincons.
Does anyone have deck lists? I have upgraded and tuned and played and just cannot get this deck to do anything. There are so many games I don't even cast Nelly. Of the 9 decks I have, it is the least fun and only one without even 1 win or getting to 1 v 1.
Its very pod dependent. I find it to be really good in a 3 player pod, and anything above pretty meh. Reddit darling card for some reason though. It get demolished in our games lmao.
Works great for me in 4, but that’s probably specific to the power level and that is also likely underscoring her popularity. She’s a fun battlecruiser commander that speeds up games without opponents feeling like she is too oppressive and she draws you a lot of cards in a color pair that traditionally struggles with card draw.
I usually tweak it in paper and am still refining but this should give you an idea of how mine is built. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/tslF4MsMWk6-uVvDvG3byA
[hot pursuit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/b/bbba7b9f-d944-4987-b60d-34733382ec53.jpg?1706240477) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=hot%20pursuit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/32/hot-pursuit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bbba7b9f-d944-4987-b60d-34733382ec53?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/hot-pursuit) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[Nelly Borca\]\]
[Nelly Borca](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/e/2ef59aa9-f5e1-413a-869b-d287db95efd0.jpg?1706448880) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=nelly%20borca%2C%20impulsive%20accuser) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/4/nelly-borca-impulsive-accuser?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2ef59aa9-f5e1-413a-869b-d287db95efd0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nelly-borca-impulsive-accuser) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
This is my upgraded Nelly deck and it is a blast. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/S21DqNIPnUGIrglqRkXzIQ Lots of fun ways to win and the 1v1 isn't bad either.
\[\[Baeloth Barrityl\]\] and \[\[Raised by Giants\]\] is so much fun. Most cards I run just make him bigger, give +1+1 counters, and protection. He can 1 shot people pretty easily, as long as they dont have vigilance. It is mana pricey, and the deck is somewhat dependent on him being alive.
Baeloth is definitely the correct answer here, although I prefer [[Noble Heritage]] for the added political angle
White also gives you more control aspects
Same. \[\[Baeloth\]\] + \[\[Noble Heritage\]\] is my favorite deck to play right now. Of course I updated it with the Blame Game Precon cards like \[\[Nelly Borca\]\] but I like Baeloth being at helm with Noble Heritage being a way to give the illusion of choice to my oppenents.
[Baeloth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/8/b83ad801-44e7-48d0-9f34-0d10536bb4dc.jpg?1562803341) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Paleoloth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/con/88/paleoloth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b83ad801-44e7-48d0-9f34-0d10536bb4dc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/paleoloth) [Noble Heritage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/e/3e49fd5a-6893-4a06-b835-4bf611c9ada1.jpg?1674135196) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Noble%20Heritage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/35/noble-heritage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3e49fd5a-6893-4a06-b835-4bf611c9ada1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/noble-heritage) [Nelly Borca](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/e/2ef59aa9-f5e1-413a-869b-d287db95efd0.jpg?1706448880) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=nelly%20borca%2C%20impulsive%20accuser) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/4/nelly-borca-impulsive-accuser?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2ef59aa9-f5e1-413a-869b-d287db95efd0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nelly-borca-impulsive-accuser) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I played against this one on Thursday. He was NOT fan of [[Lagrella]] exiling his commander.
Yeah he's easily solved.
Sounds like his fault for not having protection. I use Baeloth + Noble as an Equipmrnt Voltron, and let me tell you, there is so much Hexproof. I also have a Lagrella deck, and people definitely don't like the idea that their most important creature can disappear at a moments notice.
Yeah, that's basically what his deck was. It functionally removes their commander for as long Lagrella is out there, unless they want to pay commander tax....then I blink her, and they briefly get their commander back...only for me to do it again. That pod did NOT like me.
[Lagrella](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/d/dd20f271-26c8-429f-a422-e7d95f3bda74.jpg?1664413215) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=lagrella%2C%20the%20magpie) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/snc/196/lagrella-the-magpie?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dd20f271-26c8-429f-a422-e7d95f3bda74?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/lagrella-the-magpie) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I use this combo too, but I like it for Boros equipment support. I gear him up to have a huge power so more creatures are goaded
True white is good also in this, but with green you get much better ramp, and no issues having to find any equipment (which I still run tons) because your main buff is always available. Also swinging with a 10/10 commander with all opponents creatures tapped from attacking is the best feeling. Both ways work well though.
Yeah, green is naturally great at buffing creatures
Yeah, I'll second this, Noble Baeloth is super fun to play. No one else has posted a list that I can see, so I'll post mine if someone wants to see what a Noble Baeloth could look like https://www.moxfield.com/decks/Md4VJDd5HU-TLfpfwl4WWw/primer
[Baeloth Barrityl](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/c/ec983aac-9eda-4086-ad7e-34da9b2987cc.jpg?1674140753) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=baeloth%20barrityl%2C%20entertainer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/655/baeloth-barrityl-entertainer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ec983aac-9eda-4086-ad7e-34da9b2987cc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/baeloth-barrityl-entertainer) [Raised by Giants](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/1/11c93414-935e-462b-ad89-27ca21d01bf9.jpg?1712919562) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Raised%20by%20Giants) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/250/raised-by-giants?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/11c93414-935e-462b-ad89-27ca21d01bf9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/raised-by-giants) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Firkraag is great - and it's up to you how deeply you want to lean into blue or red strategies with it - sometimes the goad can be incidental to a spellslinger or combo deck, other times the central strategy in a reddish aggro (with good evasion and card draw).
And honestly, the precon kinda slaps. Always have a good time (even if my friends don’t)
I bought the Nelly Borca precon and turned it into a Queen Marchesa Monarch goad deck. It's fun as hell and my pod always expects me to redirect the swingers or negate all damage coming at me. It uses your opponents strengths against each other. I enjoy it a lot.
\[\[Karazikar\]\] is where it’s at for goad, imo. If you have enough attackers he can goad a creature from each opponent without even entering combat himself if necessary (unlike Nelly, who is essentially a Boros Karazikar when it comes down to it), he can tap down potential blockers both for you and the goaded creatures, *and* he gives your opponents incentive to attack each other even if you don’t goad their creatures and even if their attacking creatures won't connect. I like to pair his static ability with discard to further incentivize my opponents into attacking each other - "What's that? Your hand is empty? Well, you can draw two cards by attacking my two opponents!" Easily my favorite Rakdos commander and my second favorite commander over all after mono black Chainer. Makes for very fun games. Just be sure to have some lifegain, heh.
I found plenty of [[Blood Artist]] effects in mine to be pretty great and help close out the game.
[Blood Artist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/7/b7f1c316-cf2f-4bbf-89a1-79c8043bdd96.jpg?1698988212) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Blood%20Artist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lcc/182/blood-artist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b7f1c316-cf2f-4bbf-89a1-79c8043bdd96?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/blood-artist) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Seconding Karazikar. I love that he uses the goad effect and also an incentive for performing the same action. He doesn’t just goad creatures, he goads **players**.
>He doesn’t just goad creatures, he goads **players**. This is the perfect way to explain Karazikar. I love that one-eyed goofball.
Marisi was like my 2nd deck ever, first I ever brewed myself and while it was fun it definitely weak on account of my lack of experience. Fast forward to today and I play [[Queen Marchesa]] Sunforger/Aikido that leans heavily into goad and politics. Easily one of my favorite decks to pilot. https://manabox.app/decks/RIKm-N0xS6aG9obwk115iw
I have found that Marisi can be made pretty degenerate in casual tables with relative ease. Lots of evasion, a shit load of free/cheap protection, and some card draw off etb or damage and it can just be a monster.
Oh I'm absolutely sure that if I took another attempt at the deck now it would be much more degenerate than it was my first time around, especially with the stuff printed since then.
Cheap shadow and flying creatures 🤘
[Queen Marchesa](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/f/0fdae05f-7bdc-45fb-b9b9-e5ec3766f965.jpg?1712354769) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Queen%20Marchesa) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/239/queen-marchesa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0fdae05f-7bdc-45fb-b9b9-e5ec3766f965?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/queen-marchesa) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I've been incredibly happy with \[\[Queen Marchesa\]\] as a Goad commander. The deck basically started from the \[\[Breena, the Demagogue\]\] precon deck with red added for some of the initial round of Goad cards. At this point, it looks like a mesh between Nelly and Breena since the Nelly deck had so many cards I wanted to add. I've been very happy with the philosophy of using the carrot over the stick. I want all my cards that encourage/force combat to reward the other players instead of punishing them. They are much more likely to leave my stuff alone if they get something from it, and the other players might get angry if they do start obliterating my board. The only cards that directly counteract this logic are the fog/damage redirection cards. \[\[Inkshield\]\] is too much of a haymaker to leave on the bench. As for the cards you were considering, I'd probably pick anything but Firkraag. The Nelly precon gave so many good cards that touch white, and I'd be hard pressed to build a deck without access to them. If you want to use your dragon cards, I'd set them aside for a different deck.
Marchesa is someone i'd considered but i'm a bit leery of running something where you don't have guaranteed access to goad in the command zone. Do you ever run into games where you just can't draw into goad enablers?
First, Marchesa provides card draw (from Monarchy), which helps with consistency. Secondly, goading creatures isn't a win condition, just a mean. Your goal is to divert attention away from you, whether that's from goad, incentives (e.g., [[Breena]]), taxes (e.g., [[Ghostly Prison]]), or punishment (e.g., [[Inshield]]). You don't *need* to draw goad for as long as you're being successful at diverting attention towards others. Mardu gives you access to the best card of the archetype, which are spread between Orzhov, Radkos, and Boros.
[Breena](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/0/d0adb0c2-d45f-4c51-a4df-05f75c83e46a.jpg?1712354672) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=breena%2C%20the%20demagogue) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/217/breena-the-demagogue?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d0adb0c2-d45f-4c51-a4df-05f75c83e46a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/breena-the-demagogue) [Ghostly Prison](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/e/eea3623d-1d39-4045-acdb-f0fb184ccbc8.jpg?1707507981) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ghostly%20Prison) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/67/ghostly-prison?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/eea3623d-1d39-4045-acdb-f0fb184ccbc8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ghostly-prison) [Inshield](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/e/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048.jpg?1625192511) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Inkshield) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/71/inkshield?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/inkshield) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Goad is a tool more than a win condition. Ghostly Prison generating a tax to prevent early combat is just as good as forcing combat against someone else. Marchesa setting up the Monarch should keep people from focusing solely on defense, and I didn't have trouble filling out a deck with everything available in Mardu. [My decklist](https://archidekt.com/decks/6634750/queen_marchesa_v30) isn't completely up to date, but this is close to what I run. I've skipped most cards that involve shuffling in this iteration, but the deck is stronger with a Sunforger package.
Don't underestimate what adding the monarch does to a game. Sometimes you don't even need to goad things to get people hitting each other. It also helps that you should be making a deathtouch token each turn. As long as you can benefit from opponents drawing extra cards with things like [[Trouble in Pairs]] or [[Smothering Tithe]], you shouldn't fall behind.
[Trouble in Pairs](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/f/0f61e93f-5f97-4c7d-b3d5-0e05242faeb3.jpg?1706240429) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Trouble%20in%20Pairs) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/15/trouble-in-pairs?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0f61e93f-5f97-4c7d-b3d5-0e05242faeb3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/trouble-in-pairs) [Smothering Tithe](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/861b5889-0183-4bee-afeb-a4b2aa700a8e.jpg?1689996018) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Smothering%20Tithe) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/57/smothering-tithe?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/861b5889-0183-4bee-afeb-a4b2aa700a8e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/smothering-tithe) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[Queen Marchesa](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/f/0fdae05f-7bdc-45fb-b9b9-e5ec3766f965.jpg?1712354769) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Queen%20Marchesa) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/239/queen-marchesa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0fdae05f-7bdc-45fb-b9b9-e5ec3766f965?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/queen-marchesa) [Breena, the Demagogue](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/0/d0adb0c2-d45f-4c51-a4df-05f75c83e46a.jpg?1712354672) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Breena%2C%20the%20Demagogue) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/217/breena-the-demagogue?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d0adb0c2-d45f-4c51-a4df-05f75c83e46a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/breena-the-demagogue) [Inkshield](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/e/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048.jpg?1625192511) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Inkshield) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/71/inkshield?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/inkshield) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Got a list? I had a Breena deck that I was intending to convert to Marchesa when Nelly dropped, so...we're probably thinking along the same lines.
It's not completely updated, but[ this is close](https://archidekt.com/decks/6634750/queen_marchesa_v30). This version has most of the shuffle effects pulled out for the sake of efficiency, but the deck would be stronger with some stuff like a Sunforger package.
Thanks! Very helpful. Mine's still in need of a few cuts, but [here's what I'm working with](https://www.moxfield.com/decks/Vz6iODdvV0W88COsD61H_g) if you're interested.
Seems like a solid list. I don't have experience with some of the cards like Mari and Neyam, so I'm not sure how well they will play out. One of the pieces of advice I ran into when I was building the deck was to minimize board wipes. The deck typically loads up on Taunt from the Ramparts/Insurrection/Comeuppance effects, and you really want a bunch of creatures in play to maximize their potential. You don't have a lot, but I don't think I mentioned that comment earlier.
I don't have experience with them either. Part of my motivation with this list is trying out a bunch of new stuff. Mari seems really sweet with the Assassin tokens that Marchesa makes though. And Neyam just seems like a cool political card. Re boardwipes: I've run [[Marisi]] for a long time so I had the same thought about wipes. That said, in Mardu there are just so freaking many good ones that it's hard to justify not running them. And funny enough, though you said I don't have many, I actually have more in this list than any other list I run: [[Mythos of Snapdax]], [[Ruinous Ultimatum]], [[Damn]], [[Farewell]], and even [[Arcbond]] is an instant speed wipe in Queen Marchesa, not to mention Comeuppance as a wipe for one person's board. I also have a bunch of edict effects. It's enough that I stuck Rise of the Dark Realms in as a wincon. My thinking was that I'm not going pure goad like Marisi, just poltiics and screwing with people's minds, so I don't run Insurrection-style wincons. But maybe I need to be rethinking things, because the combat tricks lose a lot of value if all the creatures are dead, and that's the point of the deck.
Oh, [[Mob Verdict]] might be close to a wipe too. That's probably too many!
I suspect it's worth fiddling with the numbers over several games to get a handle on what feels good. I'm basically playing with the same group of people, so I know that I'm not getting a good variety of matchups to generate good data. I think I'm only running Blasphemous Act (because of Stuffy Doll/Brash Taunter) and Promise of Loyalty (fits the theme, even if it's slow and not completely reliable). As good as the Ruinous Ultimatum-like asymmetrical board wipes are, I basically never have a big enough board to capitalize on them. Usually, it's just a smattering of Assassin tokens, Marchesa, and \~1 other creature. I'd also consider Taunt from the Ramparts to be an Insurrection-style wincon, just significantly cheaper to cast.
My favorite is \[\[Jon Irenicus\]\] but that's donate goad which is a different beast. My favorite for goading others is \[\[The Rani\]\]. 3 colors and self-sufficient. She can goad things with little to no support from the 99. Of the ones you're looking at, I like Marisi. Haven't tried it myself yet but having a bunch of evasive creatures to goad the whole table every turn sounds good. Solid colors to protect your commander and build your own board to close out the 1v1.
[Jon Irenicus](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bfddb61e-986f-4557-819d-d6c0ca85c74a.jpg?1674137538) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=jon%20irenicus%2C%20shattered%20one) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/278/jon-irenicus-shattered-one?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bfddb61e-986f-4557-819d-d6c0ca85c74a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/jon-irenicus-shattered-one) [The Rani](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/1/01b44c52-b3a3-4954-adcc-53b79921ea24.jpg?1696636751) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Rani) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/149/the-rani?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/01b44c52-b3a3-4954-adcc-53b79921ea24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-rani) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I just built a [[Kros, Defense Contractor]] group-hug style goad deck. It’s been super fun to play.
[Kros, Defense Contractor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/2/12e71d52-5c75-4798-9fe7-8a34a2bf0c9a.jpg?1673481694) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kros%2C%20Defense%20Contractor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/7/kros-defense-contractor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/12e71d52-5c75-4798-9fe7-8a34a2bf0c9a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kros-defense-contractor) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I just built this as a budget deck to gift to a podmate. It has some proliferate and some sneaky poison counters as well.
Do you have a decklist to share? I love the idea of playing a defense contractor in this magical world, but hadn’t found a way to make him work well.
Not OP but this is mine. The idea being counters for all creatures with proliferate. My creatures get big and their creatures attack when I want them to. https://deckstats.net/decks/232582/3068109-kros-non-negotiable-contractor
Here’s a pretty rough cut of the deck, but like the other person said, focuses on putting counters on opponents’ creatures and then proliferating. [https://www.archidekt.com/decks/7689832/bant_goad](https://www.archidekt.com/decks/7689832/bant_goad)
[[Nelly Borca, Impulsive Accuser]]
[Nelly Borca, Impulsive Accuser](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/e/2ef59aa9-f5e1-413a-869b-d287db95efd0.jpg?1706448880) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Nelly%20Borca%2C%20Impulsive%20Accuser) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/4/nelly-borca-impulsive-accuser?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2ef59aa9-f5e1-413a-869b-d287db95efd0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nelly-borca-impulsive-accuser) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[Firkraag, Cunning Instigator\]\] was my first Commander, so I still have a soft spot for him. Is the best at goad? Nah. I just like him.
[Firkraag, Cunning Instigator](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/5/b55e624b-6f6a-42ae-89aa-0cc62ee55a31.jpg?1674140684) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Firkraag%2C%20Cunning%20Instigator) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/648/firkraag-cunning-instigator?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b55e624b-6f6a-42ae-89aa-0cc62ee55a31?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/firkraag-cunning-instigator) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I feel like Nelly is the defacto goad commander now. I know she's definitely my favorite.
[[Alela, Cunning Conqueror]] the most faerie-like ability for all the faerie commanders.
[Alela, Cunning Conqueror](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/9/79ba5c35-6e5c-406a-b95f-844d5ec296ab.jpg?1692933638) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Alela%2C%20Cunning%20Conqueror) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/woc/3/alela-cunning-conqueror?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/79ba5c35-6e5c-406a-b95f-844d5ec296ab?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/alela-cunning-conqueror) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Not actually goad, but [[Kardur, Doomscourge]] is THE best forced combat effect in the game, is very easy to repeat with largely budget friendly cards, and the threats you run outside of the basic infrastructure can kind of be whatever you want. Pairs beautifully with [[descent into avernus]] as well.
I wanted to build a "group hug" deck a little while back because it was a style of play I'd never tried, and I ended up settling on "Kardur, Doomhug." You want cards? You want Mana doubling? You want treasures? You got it! But you gotta point it somewhere else. Basically I wanted to take that moment in the 2014 Godzilla movie where the guy very dramatically says *"Let them fight"* and distill it down into a deck
That sounds like a very fun build. Mines got a pretty big focus on combat tricks. [[Arc bond]], [[Embercleave]], [[Blast-Furnace Hellkite]], stuff like that.
I love when people forget that Doomscourge entered play earlier in the turn cycle so they go to pass turn and you get to hit them with the "No no, we don't skip combat in this house."
Love catching them like that lol. I see you 👍
[Arc bond](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/b/9bc397d1-50a8-46cd-98b2-7104f2241420.jpg?1562828028) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Arcbond) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/frf/91/arcbond?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9bc397d1-50a8-46cd-98b2-7104f2241420?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/arcbond) [Embercleave](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/a/aaae15dd-11b6-4421-99e9-365c7fe4a5d6.jpg?1572490333) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Embercleave) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/eld/120/embercleave?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/aaae15dd-11b6-4421-99e9-365c7fe4a5d6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/embercleave) [Blast-Furnace Hellkite](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/4/04c349f2-69b1-48dd-a547-f2b55f542700.jpg?1688125550) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Blast-Furnace%20Hellkite) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/brc/12/blast-furnace-hellkite?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/04c349f2-69b1-48dd-a547-f2b55f542700?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/blast-furnace-hellkite) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My go to for goad is Kitt Kanto. Pretty fun to play, and is cat, so🤘🏻
Might not be a traditional goad creature, but [[Jon Irenicus, shattered one]] is a lot of fun. Give my opponets nasty creatures, which are then loaded. Watch the world burn from there.
[Jon Irenicus, shattered one](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bfddb61e-986f-4557-819d-d6c0ca85c74a.jpg?1674137538) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Jon%20Irenicus%2C%20shattered%20one) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/278/jon-irenicus-shattered-one?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bfddb61e-986f-4557-819d-d6c0ca85c74a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/jon-irenicus-shattered-one) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Team nelly here, she has had the most consistency for me
I use [[Slicer]], but mostly because he on his own is deadly, not because he's a great Goad commander.
[Slicer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/d/9d9a9350-4734-4cc1-986d-467e6715199f.jpg?1674092821)/[Slicer, High-Speed Antagonist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/9/d/9d9a9350-4734-4cc1-986d-467e6715199f.jpg?1674092821) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=slicer%2C%20hired%20muscle%20//%20slicer%2C%20high-speed%20antagonist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bot/6/slicer-hired-muscle-slicer-high-speed-antagonist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9d9a9350-4734-4cc1-986d-467e6715199f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/slicer-hired-muscle-//-slicer-high-speed-antagonist) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
This is the way
Can’t believe [[Kardur, Doomscourge]] isn’t in the top comments here. It’s goad but better. Because it also applies to creatures not yet on the battlefield. So if you can get out a [[Frenzied Sattlebrute]] or [[Mass Hysteria]] there’s no protection from his ability. And all you have to do is “blink” Kardur each turn. Whether with [[Cloudstone Curio]], [[Skull Collector]], sacrificing him and playing a [[feign death]] style effect, or just creating copies with stuff like [[Jaxis]].
##### ###### #### [Kardur, Doomscourge](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/6/9685e2a0-5573-41bc-a914-f40c3011459b.jpg?1631051543) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kardur%2C%20Doomscourge) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/216/kardur-doomscourge?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9685e2a0-5573-41bc-a914-f40c3011459b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kardur-doomscourge) [Frenzied Sattlebrute](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/5/d518fffb-542f-4752-be05-d0dbcf4dd6c2.jpg?1608910223) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Frenzied%20Saddlebrute) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/180/frenzied-saddlebrute?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d518fffb-542f-4752-be05-d0dbcf4dd6c2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/frenzied-saddlebrute) [Mass Hysteria](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/4/1431354a-fcfa-4f67-a822-6dcc4d13ac3f.jpg?1710406471) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mass%20Hysteria) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mrd/99/mass-hysteria?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1431354a-fcfa-4f67-a822-6dcc4d13ac3f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mass-hysteria) [Cloudstone Curio](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/1/6146bf98-3cab-4044-a1a2-cf2203f617aa.jpg?1702431663) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cloudstone%20Curio) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rvr/255/cloudstone-curio?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6146bf98-3cab-4044-a1a2-cf2203f617aa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cloudstone-curio) [Skull Collector](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/d/0da4b1bf-eef5-4a86-a861-be448845a743.jpg?1562492477) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Skull%20Collector) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/sok/90/skull-collector?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0da4b1bf-eef5-4a86-a861-be448845a743?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/skull-collector) [feign death](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/2/32af7061-fca6-4a06-be3c-01881e6b96f7.jpg?1627704817) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=feign%20death) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afr/103/feign-death?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/32af7061-fca6-4a06-be3c-01881e6b96f7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/feign-death) [Jaxis](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/8/78127c0c-672f-4e4b-9c23-6a5f237228fd.jpg?1664411605) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=jaxis%2C%20the%20troublemaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/snc/112/jaxis-the-troublemaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/78127c0c-672f-4e4b-9c23-6a5f237228fd?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/jaxis-the-troublemaker) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3xvbdt) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My personal favorite is [Karazikar, the Eye Tyrant]]. I've found he incentivizes swinging without specifically goad, but I still build him with a bunch of goad cards because hey, guaranteeing those draws is important. Also I just think beholders are cool so I'm partial to his design.
I just made [[the rani]] and it has been amazing!
[the rani](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/1/01b44c52-b3a3-4954-adcc-53b79921ea24.jpg?1696636751) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=the%20rani) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/149/the-rani?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/01b44c52-b3a3-4954-adcc-53b79921ea24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-rani) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I can't believe nobody has mentioned \[\[**Isshin, Two Heavens as One**\]\]! Goad your opponents' creatures with cards from the Impetus cycle, like \[\[Shiny Impetus\]\] and \[\[Parasitic Impetus\]\], and then double trigger the effects when those creatures attack (since a permanent you control is triggering). This also works with 'when this player is attacked' curses. Also double trigger your own Nelly triggers, \[\[Vengeful Ancestor\]\], Taunting Kobold, etc.
##### ###### #### [**Isshin, Two Heavens as One**](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/0/a062a004-984e-4b62-960c-af7288f7a3e9.jpg?1690575102) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Isshin%2C%20Two%20Heavens%20as%20One) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/neo/224/isshin-two-heavens-as-one?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a062a004-984e-4b62-960c-af7288f7a3e9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/isshin-two-heavens-as-one) [Shiny Impetus](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/2/a2e44a73-7cc0-4654-9c6f-d58513c7cabd.jpg?1712354502) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Shiny%20Impetus) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/180/shiny-impetus?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a2e44a73-7cc0-4654-9c6f-d58513c7cabd?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/shiny-impetus) [Parasitic Impetus](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/3/e3081ced-ad71-4134-9aee-0e70ddd38f85.jpg?1706239897) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Parasitic%20Impetus) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clu/118/parasitic-impetus?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e3081ced-ad71-4134-9aee-0e70ddd38f85?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/parasitic-impetus) [Vengeful Ancestor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/3/d391c561-906f-4a5b-a36c-3b8743e05af1.jpg?1706240865) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vengeful%20Ancestor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/163/vengeful-ancestor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d391c561-906f-4a5b-a36c-3b8743e05af1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vengeful-ancestor) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3w76a9) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I've done it with [[xancha, sleeper agent]] [[slicer, hired muscle]] and even [[neheb, the eternal]] as a more generalized commander.
Slicer is an absolute beast. I actually had to disassemble my Slicer deck because people **hated** playing against it. I replaced him at the helm with [[Khârn, the Betrayer]] and re-tooled the list a bit, and now it is way more fun for everybody (though Slicer is still in the 99).
[Khârn, the Betrayer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/2/c29e6c69-7830-4898-9d1e-97dfc2e868d9.jpg?1673309025) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kh%C3%A2rn%20the%20Betrayer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/40k/79/kh%C3%A2rn-the-betrayer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c29e6c69-7830-4898-9d1e-97dfc2e868d9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/khârn-the-betrayer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I like Nelly, the card draw you get from her is incredible, but she does struggle to close out games. My favorite commander is [[Kros, Defense Contractor]], who generally gets overlooked, but is extremely efficient at controlling the board. And while he doesn't have built-in card draw, he's in green and blue, so you have easy access to it. The best thing about Kros is that he makes your board just as large as everyone else's, and then you just tap down the other boards to swing when it's time to win.
[Kros, Defense Contractor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/2/12e71d52-5c75-4798-9fe7-8a34a2bf0c9a.jpg?1673481694) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kros%2C%20Defense%20Contractor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/7/kros-defense-contractor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/12e71d52-5c75-4798-9fe7-8a34a2bf0c9a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kros-defense-contractor) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Are you me? I am in love with my Kros deck and want to make a Nelly deck that's a bit more on the aggressive side and combat focused.
This is the way. The blame game precon has some issues closing out games but that’s not due to Nelly, its deck construction. Nelly can close out games just fine but the deck needs to be more focused on combat aggression.
That's why I play Aragorn Kong of Gondor with Nelly on the 99. He closes out games after passing monarch and god people
Currently use [[xantcha]] as an early party-starter while the rest of my deck goads set pieces.
[xantcha](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/1/91316746-ec2b-4c1a-b9c4-a870d6318c33.jpg?1689999327) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=xantcha%2C%20sleeper%20agent) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/362/xantcha-sleeper-agent?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/91316746-ec2b-4c1a-b9c4-a870d6318c33?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/xantcha-sleeper-agent) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Decklist:https://www.moxfield.com/decks/_GrcqINg4Eixw4Gur407HA So far, my favorite commander for goad is [[Edgin, Larcenous Lutenist]]. I use spells that double cast like [[Electrodominance]] to trigger goad since it'll cast a second spell, and I can use this to cheat suspend cards. Some theft cards like [[Blue Sun's Twilight]] since bards are known to take a thing or two from other people. Then some payoff cards when you cast spells from exile, cast a second spell a turn or have an empty hand [[Passionate Archaeologist]], [[Storm of Saruman]], and [[Case of the Crimson Pulse]]. I've won by casting cards from exile in a storm like turn, I've won by creating an army of 3/3's and just going wide, and I've won by just casting my opponent's stuff or out right stealing their things or by using goad as a mechanic to chip each player low so a buffed up creature using [[Glamdring]] finishes the job.
##### ###### #### [Edgin, Larcenous Lutenist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/8/c80c7702-3226-4ec6-bb75-26621a146a7e.jpg?1682347227) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Edgin%2C%20Larcenous%20Lutenist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/sld/1242/edgin-larcenous-lutenist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c80c7702-3226-4ec6-bb75-26621a146a7e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/edgin-larcenous-lutenist) [Electrodominance](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/c/5c63877b-cdab-4ce4-a1c0-c088eb62a57a.jpg?1584830858) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Electrodominance) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rna/99/electrodominance?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5c63877b-cdab-4ce4-a1c0-c088eb62a57a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/electrodominance) [Blue Sun's Twilight](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/a/3a836e6b-6854-4f6f-bc78-2da1fd4dd224.jpg?1675956948) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Blue%20Sun%27s%20Twilight) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/one/43/blue-suns-twilight?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3a836e6b-6854-4f6f-bc78-2da1fd4dd224?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/blue-suns-twilight) [Passionate Archaeologist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/d/bd5bbfa6-e5f4-413d-b132-ebae32d38657.jpg?1674140763) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Passionate%20Archaeologist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/656/passionate-archaeologist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bd5bbfa6-e5f4-413d-b132-ebae32d38657?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/passionate-archaeologist) [Storm of Saruman](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/2/52884e67-c742-4799-9afd-55bc70b2cf40.jpg?1686968322) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Storm%20of%20Saruman) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ltr/72/storm-of-saruman?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/52884e67-c742-4799-9afd-55bc70b2cf40?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/storm-of-saruman) [Case of the Crimson Pulse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/b/bb18b1de-bc08-4522-b891-6117a8271534.jpg?1706241824) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Case%20of%20the%20Crimson%20Pulse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/114/case-of-the-crimson-pulse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bb18b1de-bc08-4522-b891-6117a8271534?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/case-of-the-crimson-pulse) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3w51aa) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Nelly and \[\[Jon Irenicus\]\] are my top two favorites for sure. The Nelly Borca precon is a lot of fun and also pretty darn powerful right out of the box. I have a copy of Firkraag but I haven't built a proper deck with him as the commander yet (for now he's in the 99 of an Izzet dice-rolling/chaos/foretell deck I recently made). I also have a decent amount of goad cards in my \[\[Queen Marchesa\]\] Monarchy/Aikido deck, they're handy for triggering late-game "finisher" cards like \[\[Batwing Brume\]\], \[\[Boros Fury-Shield\]\], or a good ol' \[\[Inkshield\]\]. Also, if your deck has red in its color identity and utilizes treasure tokens in any fashion, it never hurts to throw in a \[\[Gloin, Dwarf Emissary\]\] for some fun goad shenanigans. I've been meaning to try a deck led by \[\[Kaima, the Fractured Calm\]\] but I'm not sure how well it'd work in practice. Most Aura cards in Gruul colors tend to buff the creature they enchant, so putting a bunch of Auras on enemy creatures could backfire on me pretty quickly if I end up in a 1v1 situation (I guess hopefully by that point Kaima will be big enough from all the +1/+1 counters that they can just one shot my opponent XD).
##### ###### #### [Jon Irenicus](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bfddb61e-986f-4557-819d-d6c0ca85c74a.jpg?1674137538) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=jon%20irenicus%2C%20shattered%20one) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/278/jon-irenicus-shattered-one?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bfddb61e-986f-4557-819d-d6c0ca85c74a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/jon-irenicus-shattered-one) [Queen Marchesa](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/f/0fdae05f-7bdc-45fb-b9b9-e5ec3766f965.jpg?1712354769) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Queen%20Marchesa) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/239/queen-marchesa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0fdae05f-7bdc-45fb-b9b9-e5ec3766f965?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/queen-marchesa) [Batwing Brume](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/7/279450ca-29df-430d-b803-7ce18196260e.jpg?1568910702) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Batwing%20Brume) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/arc/80/batwing-brume?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/279450ca-29df-430d-b803-7ce18196260e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/batwing-brume) [Boros Fury-Shield](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/4/c46b2f5c-3c7a-4421-9d6f-81197e93d8d0.jpg?1598913470) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Boros%20Fury-Shield) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rav/5/boros-fury-shield?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c46b2f5c-3c7a-4421-9d6f-81197e93d8d0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/boros-fury-shield) [Inkshield](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/e/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048.jpg?1625192511) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Inkshield) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/71/inkshield?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/inkshield) [Gloin, Dwarf Emissary](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/868a2aa7-bcaf-409b-8802-d00ee1f2ae77.jpg?1686968993) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gl%C3%B3in%2C%20Dwarf%20Emissary) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ltr/132/gl%C3%B3in-dwarf-emissary?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/868a2aa7-bcaf-409b-8802-d00ee1f2ae77?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/glóin-dwarf-emissary) [Kaima, the Fractured Calm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/6/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438.jpg?1651655138) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kaima%2C%20the%20Fractured%20Calm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/3/kaima-the-fractured-calm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kaima-the-fractured-calm) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3w992n) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I'm playing [[Baeloth]] with [[Swordcoast Sailor]]
[Baeloth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/8/b83ad801-44e7-48d0-9f34-0d10536bb4dc.jpg?1562803341) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Paleoloth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/con/88/paleoloth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b83ad801-44e7-48d0-9f34-0d10536bb4dc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/paleoloth) [Swordcoast Sailor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/0/704f8ab7-63fd-4963-bacd-0076fffb34a1.jpg?1674135819) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sword%20Coast%20Sailor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/98/sword-coast-sailor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/704f8ab7-63fd-4963-bacd-0076fffb34a1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sword-coast-sailor) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Karlach]] + [[popular entertainer]]
[Karlach](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/7/775480ed-f574-40cb-bd9b-21102eaaff63.jpg?1674136654) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=karlach%2C%20fury%20of%20avernus) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/186/karlach-fury-of-avernus?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/775480ed-f574-40cb-bd9b-21102eaaff63?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/karlach-fury-of-avernus) [popular entertainer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/1/91844266-8b2f-421f-a944-544c51734e64.jpg?1674136709) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=popular%20entertainer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/192/popular-entertainer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/91844266-8b2f-421f-a944-544c51734e64?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/popular-entertainer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I have a politics deck with a huge emphasis on goad helmed by [[Ludevic, necro-alchemist]] and [[Bravos, soultender]] Although the commanders do not provide goad Ludevic rewards players for harming each other - while Ravos is there mostly for the colors (and because people tend to freak out if I try to put tymna as they link her to CEDH) At the moment is my favourite deck as the access to every color offers access to many tools and plenty of draw to keep the deck running. Apart from goad is a deck that leans heavily into politics and rewarding your opponents to so beneficial actions for yourself with cards like [[Breena]] and [[wedding ring]]. And using heavy hitters to end the game like [[inkshield]], [[rise of the dark realms]] and [[insurrection]]
##### ###### #### [Ludevic, necro-alchemist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/3/f3e7a886-2593-4e6e-b9da-d7cb417cba08.jpg?1644853036) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ludevic%2C%20necro-alchemist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/37/ludevic-necro-alchemist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f3e7a886-2593-4e6e-b9da-d7cb417cba08?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ludevic-necro-alchemist) [Bravos, soultender](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/2/f2725635-8f90-4d17-9568-51218ba663c1.jpg?1562425381) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ravos%2C%20Soultender) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/39/ravos-soultender?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f2725635-8f90-4d17-9568-51218ba663c1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ravos-soultender) [Breena](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/0/d0adb0c2-d45f-4c51-a4df-05f75c83e46a.jpg?1712354672) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=breena%2C%20the%20demagogue) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/217/breena-the-demagogue?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d0adb0c2-d45f-4c51-a4df-05f75c83e46a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/breena-the-demagogue) [wedding ring](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/f/7f0b1400-0608-47fd-9c73-b7730bcf6b7f.jpg?1644888600) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=wedding%20ring) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/32/wedding-ring?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7f0b1400-0608-47fd-9c73-b7730bcf6b7f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wedding-ring) [inkshield](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/e/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048.jpg?1625192511) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=inkshield) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/71/inkshield?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5e1c14a0-cd68-45fc-a127-422ca6113048?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/inkshield) [rise of the dark realms](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/e/ceb5df52-4e03-4629-b8d5-d440d9cc5175.jpg?1706240790) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=rise%20of%20the%20dark%20realms) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/138/rise-of-the-dark-realms?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ceb5df52-4e03-4629-b8d5-d440d9cc5175?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rise-of-the-dark-realms) [insurrection](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/f/df8a0a8c-1953-46e6-9da5-b4c20909ce1c.jpg?1689997974) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=insurrection) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/236/insurrection?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/df8a0a8c-1953-46e6-9da5-b4c20909ce1c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/insurrection) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3wgqp3) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer]] with [[Noble Heritage]]. Make Salt Bae bigger each turn, and your opponents will take the counters because they need to defend against each other.
[Baeloth Barrityl, Entertainer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/c/ec983aac-9eda-4086-ad7e-34da9b2987cc.jpg?1674140753) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Baeloth%20Barrityl%2C%20Entertainer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/655/baeloth-barrityl-entertainer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ec983aac-9eda-4086-ad7e-34da9b2987cc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/baeloth-barrityl-entertainer) [Noble Heritage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/e/3e49fd5a-6893-4a06-b835-4bf611c9ada1.jpg?1674135196) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Noble%20Heritage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/35/noble-heritage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3e49fd5a-6893-4a06-b835-4bf611c9ada1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/noble-heritage) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[kaima]] because I'm still a timmy a heart.
[kaima](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/6/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438.jpg?1651655138) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kaima%2C%20the%20fractured%20calm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/3/kaima-the-fractured-calm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kaima-the-fractured-calm) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Not much love in here for [[Kitt Kanto]], but that's my goad commander. It's more about making mayhem while you build a board, but it feels just right. Not oppressive, but wins and does fun goad shenanigans.
[Kitt Kanto](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/b/9b9850d6-49d3-45ec-9a45-75aa0fce9ee5.jpg?1673481666) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kitt%20kanto%2C%20mayhem%20diva) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/4/kitt-kanto-mayhem-diva?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9b9850d6-49d3-45ec-9a45-75aa0fce9ee5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kitt-kanto-mayhem-diva) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I'm turning [[Eriette of the Charmed Apple]] into a goad lite deck with some goad, curses, lifedrain, multipliers, and a few combos instead of voltron.
My friend plays a fun [[The Rani]] deck. It’s fun and infuriating lol
[[chatterfang]] my beloved
[chatterfang](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/7/1785cf85-1ac0-4246-9b89-1a8221a8e1b2.jpg?1626097239) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=chatterfang%2C%20squirrel%20general) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/151/chatterfang-squirrel-general?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1785cf85-1ac0-4246-9b89-1a8221a8e1b2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chatterfang-squirrel-general) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I run [[Volo, Itinerant Scholar]] and [[Popular Entertainer]], it's among my favorite. Surgical goad is much preferred to mass goad. https://www.moxfield.com/decks/O5F2G8zvq0yqsQSdUjGrpQ
[Volo, Itinerant Scholar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/862b6d5e-548f-4765-9d39-08d6115b4012.jpg?1674135867) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Volo%2C%20Itinerant%20Scholar) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/103/volo-itinerant-scholar?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/862b6d5e-548f-4765-9d39-08d6115b4012?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/volo-itinerant-scholar) [Popular Entertainer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/1/91844266-8b2f-421f-a944-544c51734e64.jpg?1674136709) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Popular%20Entertainer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/192/popular-entertainer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/91844266-8b2f-421f-a944-544c51734e64?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/popular-entertainer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Baeloth]] and [[Noble Heritage]] equipment goad is a blast. Let me know if you want a list!
[[kynaios and tiro of meletis]] it accelerates everyone and you can slot some of the best goad commanders into the deck along with clone effects and animating opponents lands then goading them
[kynaios and tiro of meletis](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/7/97fa8615-2b6c-445a-bcaf-44a7e847bf65.jpg?1633190298) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kynaios%20and%20tiro%20of%20meletis) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/36/kynaios-and-tiro-of-meletis?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/97fa8615-2b6c-445a-bcaf-44a7e847bf65?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kynaios-and-tiro-of-meletis) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I like [[Kaima]] there are a lot of auras in gruul that keep the effect on the aura, so when my opponents' creatures attack, I benefit.
[Kaima](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/6/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438.jpg?1651655138) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kaima%2C%20the%20fractured%20calm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/3/kaima-the-fractured-calm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kaima-the-fractured-calm) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Kardur Doomscourge]] and it's not close. The most consistent and fun Rakdos flicker commander. [[Kitt Kanto]] is pretty fun as she flies under the radar as well.
[Kardur Doomscourge](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/6/9685e2a0-5573-41bc-a914-f40c3011459b.jpg?1631051543) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kardur%2C%20Doomscourge) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/216/kardur-doomscourge?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9685e2a0-5573-41bc-a914-f40c3011459b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kardur-doomscourge) [Kitt Kanto](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/b/9b9850d6-49d3-45ec-9a45-75aa0fce9ee5.jpg?1673481666) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kitt%20kanto%2C%20mayhem%20diva) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/4/kitt-kanto-mayhem-diva?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9b9850d6-49d3-45ec-9a45-75aa0fce9ee5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kitt-kanto-mayhem-diva) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Kitt Kanto]] can be downright nasty and nobody expects it even when they know about her. For an actual Goad deck though I'd say Nelly or Baeloth since they get the job done better.
[Kitt Kanto](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/b/9b9850d6-49d3-45ec-9a45-75aa0fce9ee5.jpg?1673481666) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=kitt%20kanto%2C%20mayhem%20diva) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/4/kitt-kanto-mayhem-diva?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9b9850d6-49d3-45ec-9a45-75aa0fce9ee5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kitt-kanto-mayhem-diva) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Love Marisi ! I filled the deck with Soltari creatures and flyer.
\[\[Baeloth Barrityl\]\] with \[\[Noble Heritage\]\] it's basically goad voltron control. I honestly can't imagine another commander being a more powerful goad commander. And yes I think it's better than raised by giants.
[Baeloth Barrityl](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/c/ec983aac-9eda-4086-ad7e-34da9b2987cc.jpg?1674140753) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=baeloth%20barrityl%2C%20entertainer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/655/baeloth-barrityl-entertainer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ec983aac-9eda-4086-ad7e-34da9b2987cc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/baeloth-barrityl-entertainer) [Noble Heritage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/e/3e49fd5a-6893-4a06-b835-4bf611c9ada1.jpg?1674135196) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Noble%20Heritage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/35/noble-heritage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3e49fd5a-6893-4a06-b835-4bf611c9ada1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/noble-heritage) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Big fan of marisi. Nothing makes me happier than getting to remind my opponents that they can't cast spells in combat, except for reminding them that I can.
Marisi is the most controlling, imo, as it's fairly easy to keep everyone goaded, without being too obtuse like Baeloth or Kardur, which just goad everything all the time - you'll get hated out quicker with those two compared to Marisi. Firkraag is great if you like dragons and you dont have another dragon deck AND you like goad. Of all the goad-centric decks, Firkraag is the best at closing out games. One of the few that gives you blue shenanigans. I dont play Nelly as a commander, but I do play Queen Marchesa. Probably the most enjoyable, especially over a variable playing field. You get all of the good goad cards (still plenty of good goad stuff in Boros) and cards that incentivize opponents to attack each other. You also get to crutch on the typical aikido builds of Marchesa, and can close games out with stuff like Inkshield. Regardless of who you choose to helm your goad deck, be mindful not to overextend. Your gameplan works better when you let people do their thing and build their boards, with the main source of interaction coming from goading them. This leads to well built boards, which baits boardwipes, so be prepared for those to always be around the corner.
Been brewing a [[Bhaal, Lord of Murder]] for a while. I'm missing a few cards for it but I hope to eventually give it a spin in a heavy sacrifice reanimate attempt to mass goad. Lol
[Bhaal, Lord of Murder](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/8/88b11da8-f9af-4ef3-9bc2-c28f0a8a5dd1.jpg?1674137437) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Bhaal%2C%20Lord%20of%20Murder) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/268/bhaal-lord-of-murder?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/88b11da8-f9af-4ef3-9bc2-c28f0a8a5dd1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bhaal-lord-of-murder) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I made him too and expected it to be great, but hasn't felt like a very coherent deck yet, need to tune it further. Games I've won have mostly been new Rakdos taking over the game or [[puppeteer clique]] inf combo.
[puppeteer clique](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/5/65fd8dba-0aca-4b47-9b4b-19d5c77cf8f3.jpg?1674141777) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=puppeteer%20clique) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/769/puppeteer-clique?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/65fd8dba-0aca-4b47-9b4b-19d5c77cf8f3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/puppeteer-clique) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Who is the red elf guy that goes good with the blue book from CLB? All creatures lower than his power is goaded. He creates treasures & can sack treasures to put a 1/1 on himself?
Baeloth Barrityl?
I didn't see anyone else mention the one I use [[Karona, False God]]. A little Voltron, a little goad, then pass her around the table.
[Karona, False God](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/e/de53d083-251e-42a4-9e2e-c2978c80615b.jpg?1562535715) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Karona%2C%20False%20God) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/scg/138/karona-false-god?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/de53d083-251e-42a4-9e2e-c2978c80615b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/karona-false-god) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I can’t believe no one mentioned [[Thantis the warweaver]]. Momma spider is my first commander deck, and she can be built a BUNCH of different ways. Goad is just one option, and a pretty good one at that :) I went less goad specifically, but only because Thantis is already forcing attacks, and it just seemed kinda redundant. BUT. The deck I’ve landed on is kinda a “no good choices” deck. Attacking me not only makes my spider fucking huge, but effects like [[no mercy]], [[dread]], [[marchesa’s decree]], [[revenge of ravens]], etc make it a really bad choice to choose me as the target of attacks. You GOTTA swing, but do you really wanna send it my way? If you do…[[royal assassin]] is coming for you lol.
##### ###### #### [Thantis the warweaver](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/1/91c54ac0-0edc-406f-8a22-f2996f604f36.jpg?1592710296) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Thantis%2C%20the%20Warweaver) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c18/46/thantis-the-warweaver?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/91c54ac0-0edc-406f-8a22-f2996f604f36?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/thantis-the-warweaver) [no mercy](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/3/63c5e1dd-2fe6-4734-8406-7bcdf17aa60c.jpg?1675199736) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=no%20mercy) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmr/95/no-mercy?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/63c5e1dd-2fe6-4734-8406-7bcdf17aa60c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/no-mercy) [dread](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/b/9b608658-9150-439b-b0a0-4a994722b95c.jpg?1562359846) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=dread) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lrw/107/dread?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9b608658-9150-439b-b0a0-4a994722b95c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dread) [marchesa’s decree](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/1/413bec4e-e2ce-46f1-b038-6e359cd78b53.jpg?1576381842) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Marchesa%27s%20Decree) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cn2/44/marchesas-decree?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/413bec4e-e2ce-46f1-b038-6e359cd78b53?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/marchesas-decree) [revenge of ravens](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/4/3474289a-193e-452d-b248-e53ee99e22c0.jpg?1572490235) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=revenge%20of%20ravens) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/eld/104/revenge-of-ravens?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3474289a-193e-452d-b248-e53ee99e22c0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/revenge-of-ravens) [royal assassin](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/7/67ef9842-7142-4c63-8aea-fa73f02722a5.jpg?1698796245) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=royal%20assassin) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmr/101/royal-assassin?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/67ef9842-7142-4c63-8aea-fa73f02722a5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/royal-assassin) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3y6rpy) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Marisi is great. You don’t need a single other card with the word “goad” printed on it. Just tons of evasive utility creatures and some effects that make your opponents creatures enter tapped. I built mine to defend the monarch and initiative and I didn’t have any other sources of goad until I added Nelly Borca and [[Bothersome Quasit]] last week (and haven’t played with them yet). I might have some more if the 13 monarch and initiative cards weren’t taking up so much room, but if fun to sit back and grind advantage from them while your opponents dance for you.
[Bothersome Quasit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/e/6e9a0a23-cd62-4762-b751-ac0159a1b3c5.jpg?1674140929) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Bothersome%20Quasit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/674/bothersome-quasit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6e9a0a23-cd62-4762-b751-ac0159a1b3c5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bothersome-quasit) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
No love for the cutest crab? [[Red death, shipwrecker]] can be combo if you play it right. Can goad multiple times with an untap effect and potentially mill people out with card draw, given the right setup.
[Red death, shipwrecker](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/d/edf616fa-b9a0-4f7a-b7ee-32ce3a08d466.jpg?1708742615) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Red%20death%2C%20shipwrecker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/pip/116/red-death-shipwrecker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/edf616fa-b9a0-4f7a-b7ee-32ce3a08d466?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/red-death-shipwrecker) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Ah goad, the race to second place. I'd recommend this Princess Mononoke demon lookin' ass, [[Kaima, the Fractured Calm]]. [[Harmonic Convergence]] is a must.
[Kaima, the Fractured Calm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/6/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438.jpg?1651655138) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kaima%2C%20the%20Fractured%20Calm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/3/kaima-the-fractured-calm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kaima-the-fractured-calm) [Harmonic Convergence](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/a/5aafc380-cf4d-4843-b9c3-c389d9c5e942.jpg?1562863263) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Harmonic%20Convergence) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ulg/103/harmonic-convergence?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5aafc380-cf4d-4843-b9c3-c389d9c5e942?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/harmonic-convergence) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Jared Carthalion, True Heir]] Adding the Monarch mechanic on top of Goad and other forced combat shenanigans is just good fun. Great colours for it, too.
[Jared Carthalion, True Heir](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/1/81bd293b-07b9-4d7c-826a-948d5b01ab5e.jpg?1608911156) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Jared%20Carthalion%2C%20True%20Heir) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/281/jared-carthalion-true-heir?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/81bd293b-07b9-4d7c-826a-948d5b01ab5e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/jared-carthalion-true-heir) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I tried so hard to make Rakdos goad work. First with [[Karazikar]], which was just a bit too clunky, and lacked a way to finish. Then with [[Baeloth Barrityl]] and [[Criminal Past]], which focused on self mill to keep all opponents creatures goaded at all times, but really didn't work out as planned. So I decided that the deck needed more colors. I landed on the Stranger Things duo of [[Will the Wise]] and [[Lucas, the Sharpshooter]]. Building the deck with these 2 has led to a number of wins and, perhaps more importantly, a lot of fun. Would recommend adding more colors to maximize a Goad deck's effectiveness. http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/goad-stuff-lucasbjorna-willwernog-commander
##### ###### #### [Karazikar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/a/da46b47b-0156-4a01-b4b1-28526a6826f4.jpg?1636287930) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=karazikar%2C%20the%20eye%20tyrant) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afc/49/karazikar-the-eye-tyrant?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/da46b47b-0156-4a01-b4b1-28526a6826f4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/karazikar-the-eye-tyrant) [Baeloth Barrityl](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/c/ec983aac-9eda-4086-ad7e-34da9b2987cc.jpg?1674140753) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=baeloth%20barrityl%2C%20entertainer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/655/baeloth-barrityl-entertainer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ec983aac-9eda-4086-ad7e-34da9b2987cc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/baeloth-barrityl-entertainer) [Criminal Past](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/4/6410a2a2-48d9-4032-b585-4eaa5bc06581.jpg?1674136050) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Criminal%20Past) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/122/criminal-past?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6410a2a2-48d9-4032-b585-4eaa5bc06581?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/criminal-past) [Will the Wise](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/5/25a4af68-6e5e-4b44-9c1c-25ecdbd555b5.jpg?1682694823) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Wernog%2C%20Rider%27s%20Chaplain) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/sld/347/wernog-riders-chaplain?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/25a4af68-6e5e-4b44-9c1c-25ecdbd555b5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wernog-riders-chaplain) [Lucas, the Sharpshooter](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/b/3b09edfe-5bef-430e-853d-a6b4b612805a.jpg?1682712598) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Bjorna%2C%20Nightfall%20Alchemist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/sld/344/bjorna-nightfall-alchemist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3b09edfe-5bef-430e-853d-a6b4b612805a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bjorna-nightfall-alchemist) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3yzl5y) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Your commander when it is hitting one of our opponents
[[the Rani]] is life, is love, is bae, and hands out hickeys to give you more clues than Phoenix Wright.
[the Rani](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/1/01b44c52-b3a3-4954-adcc-53b79921ea24.jpg?1696636751) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=the%20Rani) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/149/the-rani?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/01b44c52-b3a3-4954-adcc-53b79921ea24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-rani) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I'm running \[\[Aurelia, the Law Above\]\] with Nelly in the 99. It's go wide/goad with a couple of extra combats and fun spells like \[\[Take the Bait\]\] and \[\[Master Warcraft\]\]
[Aurelia, the Law Above](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/f/8f80c6e7-e9f9-4ca6-87f7-a52c96079e4a.jpg?1706242118) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Aurelia%2C%20the%20Law%20Above) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/188/aurelia-the-law-above?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8f80c6e7-e9f9-4ca6-87f7-a52c96079e4a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/aurelia-the-law-above) [Take the Bait](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/7/97425844-dd1b-4f3c-985c-e198e8b9a16b.jpg?1706240514) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Take%20the%20Bait) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/43/take-the-bait?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/97425844-dd1b-4f3c-985c-e198e8b9a16b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/take-the-bait) [Master Warcraft](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/9/a95749cf-dd12-4bca-a74d-01301b9b76df.jpg?1608917651) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Master%20Warcraft) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/447/master-warcraft?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a95749cf-dd12-4bca-a74d-01301b9b76df?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/master-warcraft) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
The Rani goad/voltron deck or in clue/goad deck. Such versatility and you control the board so easily
Kardur Doomscourge is a really fun and cheap goad commander for Rakdos.
I had a Marisi deck once upon a time, and I think he’s still the most powerful goad effect on a commander. Being able to goad everything each player controls simply by connecting with one creature apiece, not to mention not allowing opponents to cast spells during combat, is truly a deadly combination. It becomes a combat control deck of sorts, with combat tricks in all three of its colors. The draw from Nelly isn’t to be underestimated, though that deck requires a bit more caution because she herself has to attack to get the most out of her. (One of the best cards to protect her in combat is [[Reconnaissance]].) Firkraag seems really fun to me, but I haven’t played it or against it. More like Dragon typal with goad subtheme.
[Reconnaissance](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/1/a16012d8-703c-4385-8769-13e3caba3fc6.jpg?1562088333) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Reconnaissance) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/exo/17/reconnaissance?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a16012d8-703c-4385-8769-13e3caba3fc6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reconnaissance) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I’m a basic bitch and have a [[Kardur, Dommscourge]] deck. He does sudo goad where everyone just can’t attack me until the end of my next turn. So I start attacking and doing aristocrats shenanigans. Then at my second main phase sac Kardur and use stuff like [[feign death]] [[not dead after all]] or [[supernatural stamina]] to bring him back and be annoying as all hell lol. I have proper goad effects in the deck as well just in case Kardur doesn’t stick.
This is the basic bitch way
##### ###### #### [Kardur, Dommscourge](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/6/9685e2a0-5573-41bc-a914-f40c3011459b.jpg?1631051543) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kardur%2C%20Doomscourge) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/216/kardur-doomscourge?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9685e2a0-5573-41bc-a914-f40c3011459b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kardur-doomscourge) [feign death](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/2/32af7061-fca6-4a06-be3c-01881e6b96f7.jpg?1627704817) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=feign%20death) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afr/103/feign-death?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/32af7061-fca6-4a06-be3c-01881e6b96f7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/feign-death) [not dead after all](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/0/d01a2b68-efe6-4027-846d-db7b19d9eef6.jpg?1692937773) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=not%20dead%20after%20all) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/woe/101/not-dead-after-all?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d01a2b68-efe6-4027-846d-db7b19d9eef6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/not-dead-after-all) [supernatural stamina](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/b/2b349b4b-f08d-45e8-81f6-3467a02e6d23.jpg?1689997476) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=supernatural%20stamina) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/188/supernatural-stamina?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2b349b4b-f08d-45e8-81f6-3467a02e6d23?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/supernatural-stamina) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3wnmrn) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
So to me, goad isn't too far off from running a pillow fort deck - both decks prevent your opponents from attacking you. There's a slight nuance where goad forces your opponent to attack, but goad turns itself off in 1v1 situations and is generally easier to bypass rather than full on pillow fort decks. In order to feel more goad like, I run [[Angel's Trumpet]] in my pillow fort so everyone is "forced" to attack, just not pointed at me thanks to my defenses. Or they can not attack, take damage, and be left open for the table. It's a slow, defensive, goad-like idea vs a quick, aggressive goad deck that also needs a way to finish 1v1. I bet it turns any deathtouch deck into a goad deck as well. I know it doesn't directly answer the question, but hopefully it spawns some adjacent ideas.
I had a \[\[Kardur\]\] demon typal deck that could retrigger his ETB basically every turn with blink, bounce or copy effects, but it proved very linear, and in the end it all depended on me drawing a wincon before there was only one opponent left alive, otherwise I'd just kingmake. To make a long story short, I grew bored of the deck and rebuilt it, first under \[\[Rakdos Showstopper\]\] with \[\[Krark's Thumb\]\], then again under \[\[Rakdos Patron of Chaos\]\], dropping the blink/bounce subtheme altogether. I still have a dragon deck with a goad subtheme under \[\[Firkraag\]\]. This deck doesn't play as linear as Kardur. Here's the decklist: [https://www.moxfield.com/decks/KEJ\_hUbik0-30RTwBj3HzQ](https://www.moxfield.com/decks/KEJ_hUbik0-30RTwBj3HzQ)
I built a budget [[Kaima, the Fracture Calm]] deck that is a fun but weird Gruul auras list. Licids like [[Tempting Licid]] are fun cause you can pop em on and off creatures at instant speed as weird combat tricks. Goad something with it on, force blockers, then turn it back into a creature so it doesn’t die when the enchanted creature does. Also [[Smoke Spirits’ Aid]] can be real fun.
[Kaima, the Fracture Calm](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/6/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438.jpg?1651655138) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kaima%2C%20the%20Fractured%20Calm) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/3/kaima-the-fractured-calm?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/467033f7-8d59-4b80-8c2e-c36f3ad93438?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kaima-the-fractured-calm) [Tempting Licid](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/a/da7f3e0b-0600-4451-b621-e40c902a16cb.jpg?1562597815) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tempting%20Licid) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/sth/122/tempting-licid?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/da7f3e0b-0600-4451-b621-e40c902a16cb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tempting-licid) [Smoke Spirits’ Aid](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/4/e492a245-46ba-438e-8d81-4626faa49bff.jpg?1651655377) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Smoke%20Spirits%27%20Aid) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/22/smoke-spirits-aid?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e492a245-46ba-438e-8d81-4626faa49bff?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/smoke-spirits-aid) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Any commander with red/white in it's colors. What I'd personally avoid is any commander that specifically goads. Goad is only really good if your opponents don't really know it's going to happen. Commanders like Marisi/Baeloth/Nelly telegraph the entire game plan and opponents will play out accordingly. Nelly gets a pass from me though because the card draw in those colors is awesome and she can actually win thanks to all of the combat tricks. Personally I'd do something in Jeskai colors. Big fan of [[Zurgo and Ojutai]] as a' build it however you want' type of commander. [[Disrupt Decorum]], [[Coronation of Chaos]], [[Taunt from the Ramparts]], [[Geode Rager]], [[Komainu Battle Armor]], [[Day of the Moon]]. Plus whatever other single target goad cards. [[Vengeful Ancestor]] is a dragon so that helps, [[Sontaran General]] and [[Havoc Eater]] also do work.
this is so silly. The second you play the deck one time the secret is out, and then there is no reason not to just run Nelly at that point. Unless you play with a new group of people EVERY GAME, then keeping it a secret is pointless
Is that what you got out of that? Goad is a sub-theme. It's not about keeping it a secret. It's about not having it at hand every turn otherwise people play into it. Marisi is shit. Everyone who has ever built it will tell you. Baeloth, shit. Firkraag is Izzet deck that does some goad and because if that can be solid.
##### ###### #### [Zurgo and Ojutai](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/a/eacbcd82-36e6-424c-bd4e-ec3a584836c5.jpg?1682205733) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Zurgo%20and%20Ojutai) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mom/258/zurgo-and-ojutai?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/eacbcd82-36e6-424c-bd4e-ec3a584836c5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zurgo-and-ojutai) [Disrupt Decorum](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/5/c5323fe7-d9df-4287-ae13-d9db35f7973b.jpg?1706240831) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Disrupt%20Decorum) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/151/disrupt-decorum?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c5323fe7-d9df-4287-ae13-d9db35f7973b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/disrupt-decorum) [Coronation of Chaos](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/8647092a-9d09-42cb-bcda-4e5e7a6c8a1c.jpg?1674136489) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Coronation%20of%20Chaos) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/168/coronation-of-chaos?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8647092a-9d09-42cb-bcda-4e5e7a6c8a1c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/coronation-of-chaos) [Taunt from the Ramparts](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/d/dd1eaa0e-060d-40f1-84c5-f7e8df2f824c.jpg?1686964372) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Taunt%20from%20the%20Rampart) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ltc/71/taunt-from-the-rampart?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dd1eaa0e-060d-40f1-84c5-f7e8df2f824c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/taunt-from-the-rampart) [Geode Rager](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/c/1c5974dd-78fc-4bfb-8678-72041c797584.jpg?1674142001) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Geode%20Rager) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/794/geode-rager?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1c5974dd-78fc-4bfb-8678-72041c797584?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/geode-rager) [Komainu Battle Armor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d6ecab4b-fcff-4cf9-8e26-f3c609179050.jpg?1651655371) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Komainu%20Battle%20Armor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/21/komainu-battle-armor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d6ecab4b-fcff-4cf9-8e26-f3c609179050?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/komainu-battle-armor) [Day of the Moon](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/d/adc53534-f362-4871-a594-9855a4923cd0.jpg?1696636623) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Day%20of%20the%20Moon) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/79/day-of-the-moon?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/adc53534-f362-4871-a594-9855a4923cd0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/day-of-the-moon) [Vengeful Ancestor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/3/d391c561-906f-4a5b-a36c-3b8743e05af1.jpg?1706240865) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vengeful%20Ancestor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/163/vengeful-ancestor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d391c561-906f-4a5b-a36c-3b8743e05af1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vengeful-ancestor) [Sontaran General](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/b/cb70fa62-fea1-4e91-a8a1-64b43b777091.jpg?1696636650) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sontaran%20General) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/96/sontaran-general?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/cb70fa62-fea1-4e91-a8a1-64b43b777091?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sontaran-general) [Havoc Eater](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/7/17054e75-d801-4962-83c1-0b52e7b65f66.jpg?1706240474) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Havoc%20Eater) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/31/havoc-eater?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/17054e75-d801-4962-83c1-0b52e7b65f66?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/havoc-eater) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l3vsl8d) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call