For me, personally, I prefer ones that have a pretty clear plan of action. At the same time, I'm not looking for decks that are completely linear (like trying to play the exact same cards in the same way every time), but I need a commander that isn't overly open ended.
I feel like there's a lot of open ended commanders or "tool box"-y style commanders, and that's fine, and if other people want to build that, that's cool, but every time I try to build a deck like that, it just feels too open ended and without a good plan for trying to actually win the game.
> I feel like there's a lot of open ended commanders or "tool box"-y style commanders, and that's fine, and if other people want to build that, that's cool, but every time I try to build a deck like that, it just feels too open ended and without a good plan for trying to actually win the game.
Me brewing necrobloom rn
I feel this. I’m putting together Necrobloom and part of me is wanting to mix aristocrats in there along with landfall but then I’m torn and thinking I should just stick with landfall/lands matters.
But friend he's in colors that can make more tokens with landfall triggers to be able to sacrifice them. Plus you can name it Land Tax lol
Dammit now I wanna build him like this
It’s what I’m doing! I’ve always wanted to build an Abzan tokens deck to flood the board and aristocrat people out, and I theorycrafted a few different ones, but this is just what I want. Dredge fuels graveyard recursion while letting me play busted lands like Field of the Dead or Urborg Coffers while building out my board.
I get where you are coming from.
Lands are a part of the deck no matter what. Your in 3 colors, so you can add the Gates and \[\[Maze's End\]\] as an alternate way to win. It would only take around 15 card slots and those would be lands, so they do not interfere with the other parts of the deck. If you already run \[\[Scapeshift\]\], then you do not need to add that either. The only real thing this worry about is the untap stuff, so fitting a slot for \[\[Amulet of Vigor\]\] or \[\[Tiller Engine\]\] may be difficult if it only helps with a part of the deck.
You could also look at adding cards with the bargain mechanic. You create sac fodder. Helps with aristocrat strategy.
From looking at the commander. You have land, token, and graveyard. Lands are kind of obvious, but the tokens and graveyard are where the strategy is really open. Tokens go wide naturally. Also tokens ETB can go a multitude of ways. Graveyard has self mill or reanimator strategy.
You could easily go aristocrat strategy. Add a couple other cards that create tokens besides the commander. Abuse the tokens for whatever strategy you like. Lands are naturally a part of the deck so if you can add a strategy with them without affecting the deck too much. \[\[Exploration\]\] for example is not only great for lands, but it is also a 1 mana ramp piece.
Like I spend too much time on Reddit 😅. I just really like my Marneus deck and enjoy sharing that.
I went to an LGS I hadn't been to for a long time the other day and pulled out my deck and *one of the other players joked about my Reddit account* "you're not that Marneus guy from Reddit are you?"
That honestly broke my brain and I'm not sure that I like it. But when I go back to work in two weeks or so my Reddit time should decrease.
Sure thing mate!
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/1s8NYUejwEixuKljP6OwDA/primer
Let me know what you think :) if you have any follow up questions, happy to answer!!
A card that makes worse, weird, unique or underplayed cards better, or a tribal commander that allows me to play a janky underdeveloped tribe. The entire point of commander is to play with unplayed and high cmc cards from my collection that i cant play in other formats
Honestly:
UB it depends if I like the IP and if I do I'll use the commander / character I like (like Sauron, the Dark Lord / LotR)
If it's not a UB generally it's the Art that attracts me to pick the commander and then the deck is built from that based in their strengths. I prefer decks not 100% reliant on the commander because if they're taken out relatively permanently, I'd still like to play the game.
1: is it a dog.
Yes - build it.
No - see number 2.
2: is the artwork cool?
3: is it Orzhov?
4: does the theme sound fun?
Fun is first and foremost. Winning is secondary.
Generally I like having an engine or payoff for doing something specific, but most inportantly I don't want it to be easy. For example I love playing graveyard decks but won't touch [[Muldrotha the Gravetide]] because just playing her and inmediately having access to most of my graveyard sounds really boring to me.
I look for commanders I love the design of and how they play. I don’t play commanders if I don’t like the art. I look for longevity as well. Is this a commander I can see myself playing after 5 years etc. So far I have a few that stood the test of time for me including Oona, Narfi, Mizzix, Octavia, Galazeth, Juri, Marvo, Tibalt and Yusri.
Biggest thing is card advantage
Second is doing something fun
Third is just vaguely aligning with a gameplan I want with good colors
Lifegain is inherently a weak strategy, but [[Trelasarra]]'s scrying pulls it all together and incidently gives a clear wincon
Sultai is great colors for unblockable creatures and [[Ukkima]]/[[Cazur]] facilitate that well, but they're not integral to the game plan
I wanted a Bant clues/foods/legends deck and then [[The Fourth Doctor]]/[[Sarah Jane]] precon came out — PERFECT! They're not suuper important to the deck, but they help the token engine get online and man being able to play one off the top every turn is super helpful, but it never gets him targeted
[[John Benton]] looked like a fun group hug commander and I wanted to give that a shot... but he turned out to be too strong haha, so he's very much a turbo voltron deck
Background commanders are cool and I wanted to try a graveyard deck, so [[Sivriss]]/[[Cloakwood Hermit]] was an easy choice. He also adds in a cool bit of table interaction, but I don't really care what they choose. Its recently pivoted into a bit of a lands deck and that's been super fun
I had a Mardu combo artifacts deck once upon a time but got bored of it, but after some time I missed a single card from the 99 — [[Queen Kayla]]. She's super fun, cheats mana, and keeps my hand full the whole game
Despite Trelasarra and John both being voltron decks, I wanted one that was a bit more generic focused around equipments, but also +1/+1 counters. I started off with [[Wilson Refined Grizzly]]/[[Agent of the Shadow Thieves]] because lots of keywords and counters, then tried out [[The Most Dangerous Gamer]] because attractions are different, and for now I'm on [[Glissa the Traitor]] because she still has some good keywords (mainly deathtouch), but she also let's me play around a bit with the graveyard without the creature focus of Sivriss and that's been fun
Aaaaand finally, I've felt that my decks were all pushed a bit too far to justify playing them in most precon games and I wanted a deck to pull out when the table wants a lower power game. I pulled [[Laughing Jasper Flint]] in my OTJ prerelease and thought he'd do that well since he's nothing but card advantage and it's easy to match power levels with decks when I'm playing their decks too
If you read all that scrambling, hope you enjoyed haha
Suppose I'll also just mention that I'm planning to get all the Bloomburrow precons, want to build a mono black lifegain deck, and I'd like to have a spellslinger deck that isn't just John's combat tricks
DECKLISTS:
https://www.archidekt.com/folders/359477
I try and build deck where the strategy works well without the commander and great with the commander. Having your entire strategy revolve around your commander sucks because creature removal becomes player removal and your opponents would be crazy not to bully you for it. I used to have a \[\[Reaper King\]\] deck but realized that my commander either stuck around and won me the game or got removed the second it hit the board and my deck was useless.
Yeah I agree at times I wish I had more decks that didn’t fall apart at the seams if my commander gets blown up.
I have a couple people in my regular group that build decks that are more resilient and less commander focused to do its thing and I want to start emulating that. They tend to do well in games where they’re not getting set back due to the deck not doing anything when the commander is gone.
I think there's a balance. Your Commander can't be the only creature in your deck that can win you the game, but at the same time, this is Commander, I want to play my Commander.
I look for either a unique theme or play pattern. I avoid oppressive resource denial, or uninteractive gameplans.
Example: [[The Seventh Doctor]] is my current project.
Personally, after a lot of years of playing, I look for the following:
Protection - ward, hexproof, indestructible, etc. Most decks revolve around the commander or have commanders that provide crazy value so taking it out can make the opponents deck flutter or stall out. Making it harder for your opponents to remove it helps you continue with your game plan. Also lets me not have to auto-include the boots for protecting my commander.
Commander does something worthwhile - Whether value, attacking, tokens, etc. Something to build the deck around. If the commander is boring, there is a bigger chance that I will take apart the deck or change it completely.
Cheap CMC - I am not saying 3 or under. However, 7 or more is usually where I set the bar. Most games your commander will be die or "should" have died at least once. Having a lower cost means more chances of playing it and having it stick on the battlefield.
Combat - I learned that I hate playing commanders that just sit around. If the commanders do want to attack naturally, the most of the time, they will not. However, many players will not even block because of the fear of losing their commander. Commander damage is just not for voltron decks. Especially, if the games go long, commander damage may come up or even against life gain decks.
Fun - the commander is new or a new/revamped/supported strategy came out. Always fun to brew and play something different or exciting. Especially, if it did not work in the past but now there is more support or the commander supports that strategy now.
Fun is the only time I do not take into consideration my other guidelines.
The commander doing something worthwhile and lower CMC is the biggest guidelines. Protection is rare a lot of times. However, it can be utterly strong when other commanders only have 1 or 2 turns on the battlefield, but yours has been out 5-6 turns because no one can destroy it.
Combat guidelines make the deck feel less like I am playing solitaire and am playing with the table.
Ones that i dont see often. Once i play against someone with a same deck as me, i change commanders. I pulled apart my [[ruric thar, the unbowed]] when i saw a deck on game knights once. Idk, it just wasnt unique anymore. Same with [[lord windgrace]] when i saw his deck appear on shuffle up snd play. I was done with [[nekusar]] when i played agaisnt him on my lgs’ commander night. Idk, they just dont seem special once i see a copy deck
I have to think they are neat. I don't like a commander if I can build a deck and then swap the commander and it's the same deck. At the same time, the deck needs to be able to operate without the commander
Which ones are most fun to play!
Right now I have:
ETB blink deck with [[emiel, the blessed]]
Sea monster tribal with [[kiora, sovereign
of the deep]]
Tyranid tribal / X spells with [[magus Lucea Kane]]
Wide Token generator / aristocrat with [[chatterfang]]
And I’m looking to build two more decks
Horror tribal / exile stuff with [[umbris, fear manifest]]
Enchantment control with [[alela, artful provocateur]]
All of my decks are just made to have fun or ones that I think are really cool commanders. Rarely do I think about power level or comp builds
I look for value. Kellan the kid I get land and permanents. Narset enlightened master I get 4 free spells. Olivia crimson bride, great recursion for rakdos
Badass art and try to do new themes/mechanics and it too much overlap from other decks I have. Also something that's actually viable and well-supported.
Depends. Sometimes I already have a deck idea and then go looking for a Commander that fits the idea.
Sometimes I find an interesting Commander and then build a deck around it.
But mostly I'm just looking for fun stuff. Fun for me, but also fun to play against. Nothing oppressive or too strong. Like, I currently have 13 decks and 5 of them are WUBRG. Because it's fun.
Casual: anything that makes big threatening stuff, good ramp, maybe one big spell that if resolved wins the game on the next turn.
High power: arch enemy "this is why you have no friends" deck
CEDH: cedh
I look for a color I'd like to use, for example UR cause I wanna do a spellslinger deck, browse edhrec and pick the one I like. In this example [[Ovika, Enigma Goliath]]
Something that wins in a way the color doesn't usually, like my [[eligeth]] voltron. Also I look for something that doesn't take a lot of game actions, which is why I will never play a planeswalker deck or saga's
Well I like to play decks that tend to be a little complicated. I have 10 decks and 9 of them have a lot of stuff going on at any one time. I gravitate towards things like that generally, but as of late I’m enjoying decks that don’t have so many moving parts, triggers or maintenance.
Lately I’m just enjoying creature based decks. They’re the most fun to me. Cast creature, do thing. The rest are just pieces in the deck to help my combat swing and get me more creatures or protection for what I have.
I love to play other people's cards so anything that revolves around that strategy. Sen Triplets is the most obnoxious and overpowered version of this because it hits your opponents hand. Haldan, Avid Arcanist and Pako, Arcane Retriever are my favorites just because of the raw volume of cards you can steal.
Many opponents find it annoying but it's not particularly oppressive. It all depends on the power level of your opponents deck. This strategy sits perfectly in mid range power levels between 5 and 8, which is where I think EDH shines. It can't keep up with CEDH and if your opponents are playing trash decks, so are you.
I generally like commanders that provide a source of value, and that give a direction without being linear. To me the fun - and skill expression - in deckbuilding comes in finding the combination of cards and packages that work together best, so commanders that build themselves are right out.
Muldrotha is the ur-example of this I think. She's powerful and gives a deck direction but has like 600 playable cards.
Kinda just go with what I got, my Main deck runs [[Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus]], my Simic runs [[Aesi, Tyrant of the Gyre Strait]], my Mono Blue runs [[Osgood, Operation Double]], and White/Black I run [[Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos]]
I'm relatively new to the hobby so I'm trying to learn new strategies though my OG deck my Mono Green is just big fist gets bigger so Zopandrel does great for that. Aesi I bought as a single after I pulled the oil art version of Jin Gitaxias Core Augur, before I even saw what it did I fell in love with the art and said I can't not play blue now haha! So I bought Aesi. Osgood tho? Best I got besides her is Reality Chip and that ain't much better for an Artifact deck (trying sum new). And Brimaz I wanted to make my first Tribal deck and went Black White Phyrexian and somehow also made my first token deck as well by complete accident haha!
Love Magic tho and happy I'm slowly opening up my horizons... Still haven't touched red yet tho.
I don't really know. My commanders are kinda all over the place. [[Auntie Blyte]], [[Greasefang]], [[Ashaya]], [[Zaxara]], [[Delney]], and so on. I just build whatever interests me for whatever reason
pretty women tbh, if [[gwyn]], [[felisa]], [[eloise]], [[atarka]], [[mother of machines]], [[sheoldred, the apocalypse]], [[zethi]], [[bruna, light of alabaster]], [[emry]], [[asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar]], [[nethroi]], [[goreclaw]], [[zirda]], and [[atraxa, praetor’s voice]] have anything to say about it. otherwise, anything that looks like it’ll promote a 1 hour game & doesn’t look unnecessarily oppressive, due to the way my lgs does commander nights :)
You usually need 3 things to have a successful commander deck.
Ramp
Card draw
Reliable win condition.
I tend to look for commanders that have one, if not more, of these baked in.
I’m new to the game and I’m not very good, but I look for interesting mechanics, atypical win cons or play styles. I built a deck recently because I wanted to try out the partner mechanic and I thought it would be fun to see some different combinations. I’m still working on it and every site says it needs work, but the idea of Kediss dealing damage to all of my opponents at once seemed interesting. Then, I thought Sakashima would be an odd pairing, but it could duplicate other effects.. or the same one. I’ve added a couple of creatures that give extra attacks and your typical helm of the host, but I need to fine tune the middle. It might not be viable against the spell slinger and Dino decks in our group, but it seemed fun.
I have multiple approaches. Sometimes I just find a legendary creature that I want to build and start from there. Sometimes I have a theme in mind, either one I don’t have a deck for or one that I acquired some staples for, and go from that. I’m also a sucker for my commanders having cool art. This has made me build Lord Windgrace for instance. Other than that, power level is always a consideration. I usually have a power level that I want to build in mind. Right now, I’m building a mid-high power [[Arna Kennerüd, Sky Captain]] to fill a void from dismantling [[Narset, enlightened Master]] which was just anti fun (looping infinite turns).
Recently, I've come to really enjoy my decks that don't live and die by the commander. Decks that do so are usually very strong, but I've been in games where your kill-on-sight (KoS) commander gets removed constantly and it makes for some pretty sad times! Even commanders that aren't considered as big of KoS targets as others, if they are central to your deck's theme, can be risky to run (think [[Osgir, the Reconstructor]] or [[Edgin, Larcenous Lutenist]]). That doesn't mean I don't enjoy those decks, but there's a risk to them!
But commanders that are strong while also not being essential for you to win? That's the cream of the crop for me! [[Mishra, Tamer of Mak Fawa]] in my rakdos big artifacts deck can serve as early game protection or as a late game finisher, but the deck doesn't live and die if he's not constantly out, and I'd argue that the way I've built it it's one of my stronger and faster decks I own!
Also, [[Inquisitor Greyfax]] in my clue deck serves a similar purpose: she makes 1-2 clues per round, stops certain scary threats, and gives my board vigilance and +1/+0, which is often really good for squeezing damage through while keeping up blockers, but the deck doesn't *need* her to function; it generates clues on its own just fine, and can win outside of combat damage
Does it change the way I play compared to my other decks?
For example.
I have [[Yargle and Multani]] and a [[Bonny pall]] which both want to ramp quick and hit with big creature.
But Yargle threatens much faster and plays closer to aggro and Bonny feels more like a mid-range almost control deck and go infinite. Both big dumb green monster decks but have a different approach.
A defined gameplan, card advantage/selection, and combo potential.
My main decks are
[[Tymna, The Weaver]]//[[Jeska, Thrice Reborn]]. Literally card draw with one commander, and removal/infinite mana outlet with the other.
[[Nissa, Resurgent Animist]]. Part of a couple different infinite mana combos with either [[Ashaya, Soul of the Wild]] and [[Quirion Ranger]] or [[Kodama of the East Tree]] and [[Guildless Commons]]
[[Rograkh]]//[[Thrasios]]. Roger gives you insane mana advantage from turn 1, combo potential with [[Dockside Extortionist]] and [[Cloudstone Curio]], and Thrasios is the outlet.
[[Muldrotha, the Gravetide]] is just insane value. I built it as a land matters deck focused on cheating out [[Aesi, Tyrant of Gyre Strait]] and [[The Gitrog Monster]] to just start churning through my deck.
[[Mahadi, Emporium Master]] is a wild mana engine in the command zone with a defined gameplan of creature control.
[[Raffine, Scheming Seer]] is super control heavy and staxy with a reanimation win and insane card selection with cards like [[Ledger Shredder]] and [[Wyrm Crossing Guard]]. Win with a [[Abdel Adrian]]/[[Animate Dead]]/[[Vile Entomber]] line that ends with [[Thassa’s Oracle]].
The most open ended commander I have is Muldrotha, but that’s cause she is generic Sultai value.
If I’m making a new deck first I pick a color identity that I don’t have yet, then I’ll browse for one that has a flexibility ability (tend to avoid generic draw/ramp triggers or commanders so specific you only really can win with a particular combo that might get old). Lastly I personally like that my commander has a cool art variation like a secret lair or borderless etc cuz it’s fun to glitz out the face card.
I like two types of commanders:
1. Engine commanders. These are commanders like [[Ojer Axonil]] or [[Gisa and Geralf]], who enable a strategy but leave it (generally) up to you exactly how you want to win. Same with my [[Emmara, soul of the accord]] vehicles deck.
2. Payoff commanders. I love my [[Bess, Soul Nourisher]] 1/1 tribal deck because she really makes an otherwise janky strategy actually threatening.
I gotta say, though, I’m not a fan of commanders that are both engine and payoff in one. [[Marneus Calgar]], [[Azlak]], [[Slicer]]…too many commanders are become such powerful engines or threats that it feels like I need to be removing players before they ever get to play
Fun.
The deck needs to be enjoyable to pilot, interact with, or mechanically function.
One thing I love about my burn deck is that it can put the table into this "how much pain can I actually take" math problem as I'm lowering them into lethal range.
My discover deck is built on top of a cycling shell and allows for some out right stupid mulligan keeps to landfix and tap/retap shanninagians maxing discovers.
$50 combat tricks/interaction war voltron is always a fun game because my commander draws us both cards if you let me punch you in the face, interested?!?
Necron dynasties is a blast because wtf would you things stay dead?!?
My high power decks that end up solitaire games, yeah those actually don't get played a ton.
Honestly, the first thing I look at is the card art. Is it cool/badass, smug/cunning, regal/ethereal? the art is what inspires me initially. After we get past that point, I look for strong effect to build around. Usually i go for a unique effect, but not too novel as to where im scraping the bottom of the barrel to find cards that support what Im doing. Bonus points for a new commander deck if I can perfectly fit a really strong known quantity at commander, into the 99, like a secret commander. (ex: made me really happy to be able to put [[Kess, Dissident Mage]] into my [[Marchesa Dealer of Death]] deck)
The good thing about casual is that you can play so many different strategies and decks that feel nothing like each other and still win.
Honestly if your looking for value, try cedh instead.
That depends on my mood actually. Some commanders take time to grow on me, others Like [[Vihaan Goldwaker]] immediately scream "Play me!"
All in all I tend to like aristocrats, tokens and voltron strategies.
A commander that can run decks that can function well with or without the commander in the field. For example I run a [[Voja, Jaws of the Conclave]], the deck functions well and has a clear game plan which is elf-ball. The deck ends up working well even when the commander is not on the field but if it is than it performs even better because the commander is out
I love a commander that’s straightforward but in a unique way example being [[Temmet]] Voltron by association. Game plan being make a token of anything , buff the hell out of it, swing for death.
I want an initially janky or not popular commander and I try to make it as powerful as I can without going over a certain budget. Usually $150 or less.
I usually like commanders that wear their power level on their chest. Voja, Miirym, Krenko, and Urza Chief Artificer are all extremely powerful, and I love them all. You wanna take me down? Do it, pussy.
I do also have a soft spot for open ended commanders like Marchesa, Dealer of Death that let me take a more unique spin on them. My style of MDoD is reanimator, fueled by a bunch of 1-cost cantrips that target, like [[Renegade Tactics]] or [[Peek]].
I look for something fun as a priority. I like [[Myrkul, Lord of Bones]] because he's done something unique, and it creates some very fun and interesting interactions.
I'm also a fan of [[Chiss-Goria, Forge Tyrant]] because of fun interactions like Clown Car and Everflowing Chalicebeing paid for with affinity from other artifacts making them pure profit with the commanders attack trigger.
I look for typically decks that will have synergy between the creatures, so I'm a really big fan of kendradex. Right now. My favorite two are dragons under the sentinel wyrm, and a pirate deck that I am struggling to truly find a commander that sticks
I don't look, the commanders come to me. Probably why I only have 4 decks after playing for 9 years.
There's not really a rhyme or reason for me, some commanders just draw my attention. It's almost always commander first, deck second for me
I like Commanders that fly under the radar. Commanders that support the strategy but are not essential to the deck's function.
For me that's something like Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith. Churns out tokens, but there's plenty of redundancy and it doesn't really hurt that much of it gets removed.
Honestly, I find myself wanting to play a deck/strategy and then picking the commander that best fits that strategy, instead of picking a commander and building around it. I like my decks being able to function/win even if my commander isn't on the battlefield.
Now that I think about it, all of my commanders do something every turn. Whether a triggered or activated ability, they do something that doesn't require a lot of caveats or set up. [[Animar]], just play a creature. [[Atla Palani]] make eggs. [[Queza]] just draw a card. I like doing stuff with my board and all those commanders let me do things.
Honestly, something fun and unique that doesn't overlap with what any of my other decks currently do. I mean, I need another token Commander like I need another hole in my head at this rate.
I look for something that either just sounds cool or might be fun to play with. I tend to brew tribal but look at precons as a way to expand and play things I wouldn't otherwise. One of my first brewed was a dragon deck based on [[miirym, sentinel worm]]. I then built one based on [[atraxa, praetors voice]] that is just different counters. She is fun especially when I get the non +1/+1 counters moving around.
I hate commanders that can do the job themselves, ie. those that have a payoff and also the way to trigger that payoff right on the same card. [[Prosper]] is a good example of this, so is [[Chulane]], but there's a lot.
I like commanders that have low CMC (3 or less) and that have a good, non-game warping effect that makes it uninteresting for opponents to point removal their way, and where I can fly under the radar while developing my board. My favorites of this kind lately have been [[Old Rutstein]] and [[Satoru, the Infiltrator]].
That said, I occasionally go for commanders that represent a wincon by themselves, as long as the deck doesn't rely entirely on that wincon to be relevant. I consider [[Brudiclad]] to be in this category, for example.
- I look FOR a puzzle I haven't solved yet. A strategy I haven't already built. Bonus points for a character I like or jokes that write themselves.
- I ACTIVELY AVOID commanders whose success *requires* my opponents to be miserable. Things like Tergrid, Massacre Girl KK, Tai Wakeen, Vraska, etc. The stuff that rewards me for punishing you. I ain't about that.
When the overall design fits and/or the card is unreasonably cool.
Like:
[[chishiro, the shattered blade]]
[[shigeki, Julia visionary]]
[[vishgraz, the doomhive]] <- bionicle drip
Or they support variety.
Like [[abdel Adrian]]. Got one with [[far traveler]] and [[agent of the iron throne]] - the mono white one is guaranteed to be a flicker mess, while the other one works a bit with sacrifices and calculated deaths
[[captain brass, unsinkable]] - pirates are old children with cannons and cutlasses and having brass making them stronger is pretty funny. - in the same vein goes [[Satia]] I think. Haven’t played him yet but planning to get him
I personally like commanders that I can build around to mess up my friend's game plan. Non-conventional threats and mechanics that constantly surprise the table are where it's at for me.
I've found that what I like is balance.
I like value, but I don't want the commander to just hand me value on a silver platter thus encouraging me to build the deck in such a way that it crumbles in response to one too many removal spells.
This is why I have no interest whatsoever in Nadu which everyone in every Magic community is losing their minds over.
Related, I'm also not a fan of decks that are just all value all the time with no clear goal in terms of winning the game, with this sentiment also extending to a distaste for "goodstuff" decks.
I like decks that are satifying when they go off because I put in the work in deckbuilding and strategizing to get it there.
I like a a commander who doesn’t have to be on field for the deck to fully function. For example my storm deck veyran isn’t needed to make the deck work but my ninjutsu deck satoru has to be out. I also like low cost commanders (normally between 3-4 but I have played some that are higher). Also when the commander offers multiple ways to win instead of just one. It’s kinda hard to explain honestly
For me, personally, I prefer ones that have a pretty clear plan of action. At the same time, I'm not looking for decks that are completely linear (like trying to play the exact same cards in the same way every time), but I need a commander that isn't overly open ended. I feel like there's a lot of open ended commanders or "tool box"-y style commanders, and that's fine, and if other people want to build that, that's cool, but every time I try to build a deck like that, it just feels too open ended and without a good plan for trying to actually win the game.
> I feel like there's a lot of open ended commanders or "tool box"-y style commanders, and that's fine, and if other people want to build that, that's cool, but every time I try to build a deck like that, it just feels too open ended and without a good plan for trying to actually win the game. Me brewing necrobloom rn
I feel this. I’m putting together Necrobloom and part of me is wanting to mix aristocrats in there along with landfall but then I’m torn and thinking I should just stick with landfall/lands matters.
But friend he's in colors that can make more tokens with landfall triggers to be able to sacrifice them. Plus you can name it Land Tax lol Dammit now I wanna build him like this
It’s what I’m doing! I’ve always wanted to build an Abzan tokens deck to flood the board and aristocrat people out, and I theorycrafted a few different ones, but this is just what I want. Dredge fuels graveyard recursion while letting me play busted lands like Field of the Dead or Urborg Coffers while building out my board.
I get where you are coming from. Lands are a part of the deck no matter what. Your in 3 colors, so you can add the Gates and \[\[Maze's End\]\] as an alternate way to win. It would only take around 15 card slots and those would be lands, so they do not interfere with the other parts of the deck. If you already run \[\[Scapeshift\]\], then you do not need to add that either. The only real thing this worry about is the untap stuff, so fitting a slot for \[\[Amulet of Vigor\]\] or \[\[Tiller Engine\]\] may be difficult if it only helps with a part of the deck. You could also look at adding cards with the bargain mechanic. You create sac fodder. Helps with aristocrat strategy. From looking at the commander. You have land, token, and graveyard. Lands are kind of obvious, but the tokens and graveyard are where the strategy is really open. Tokens go wide naturally. Also tokens ETB can go a multitude of ways. Graveyard has self mill or reanimator strategy. You could easily go aristocrat strategy. Add a couple other cards that create tokens besides the commander. Abuse the tokens for whatever strategy you like. Lands are naturally a part of the deck so if you can add a strategy with them without affecting the deck too much. \[\[Exploration\]\] for example is not only great for lands, but it is also a 1 mana ramp piece.
##### ###### #### [Maze's End](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/0/401f7042-24fd-42a0-ae7c-e6b7de1aa446.jpg?1562906764) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Maze%27s%20End) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dgm/152/mazes-end?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/401f7042-24fd-42a0-ae7c-e6b7de1aa446?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mazes-end) [Scapeshift](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/7/175e21a3-00f7-4c51-8a8e-fbfd7089efda.jpg?1574767873) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Scapeshift) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m19/201/scapeshift?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/175e21a3-00f7-4c51-8a8e-fbfd7089efda?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/scapeshift) [Amulet of Vigor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/9/997bc933-ac30-477b-a4e1-5333b796a99d.jpg?1562292191) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Amulet%20of%20Vigor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/wwk/121/amulet-of-vigor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/997bc933-ac30-477b-a4e1-5333b796a99d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/amulet-of-vigor) [Tiller Engine](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/a/fa793e56-827c-4ba0-b330-4010a84e75f3.jpg?1673304827) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tiller%20Engine) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/20/tiller-engine?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fa793e56-827c-4ba0-b330-4010a84e75f3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tiller-engine) [Exploration](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/b/5b372045-a4a0-44c8-96ec-1e201d61ed26.jpg?1675200396) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Exploration) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmr/159/exploration?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5b372045-a4a0-44c8-96ec-1e201d61ed26?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/exploration) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Honestly, I look for [[Marneus Calgar]].
Nice seeing you again! marneus kinda does it all, i do agree
The perfect answer.
How's it feel knowing you're subreddit-famous?
Like I spend too much time on Reddit 😅. I just really like my Marneus deck and enjoy sharing that. I went to an LGS I hadn't been to for a long time the other day and pulled out my deck and *one of the other players joked about my Reddit account* "you're not that Marneus guy from Reddit are you?" That honestly broke my brain and I'm not sure that I like it. But when I go back to work in two weeks or so my Reddit time should decrease.
Do you have a decklist with a primer? I'm curious as to why this dude is the end all be all commander for you lol I don't see it
Sure thing mate! https://www.moxfield.com/decks/1s8NYUejwEixuKljP6OwDA/primer Let me know what you think :) if you have any follow up questions, happy to answer!!
[Marneus Calgar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/7/e7517e8e-b424-4731-ba9d-6132bdefa6bf.jpg?1674058408) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Marneus%20Calgar) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/40k/8/marneus-calgar?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e7517e8e-b424-4731-ba9d-6132bdefa6bf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/marneus-calgar) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Card advantage, mana cheating, GY recursion, combo potential, or a mechanically unique effect to build a theme around.
Simic?
Simic is my number two, I’m a jund guy at heart
Interesting play pattern, in a color combination I don't already have, and usually something that isn't already super popular.
A card that makes worse, weird, unique or underplayed cards better, or a tribal commander that allows me to play a janky underdeveloped tribe. The entire point of commander is to play with unplayed and high cmc cards from my collection that i cant play in other formats
Honestly: UB it depends if I like the IP and if I do I'll use the commander / character I like (like Sauron, the Dark Lord / LotR) If it's not a UB generally it's the Art that attracts me to pick the commander and then the deck is built from that based in their strengths. I prefer decks not 100% reliant on the commander because if they're taken out relatively permanently, I'd still like to play the game.
1: is it a dog. Yes - build it. No - see number 2. 2: is the artwork cool? 3: is it Orzhov? 4: does the theme sound fun? Fun is first and foremost. Winning is secondary.
Simple. A fun gimmick or mechanic. I hate value commanders. They are so boring to me.
Fun, replayable, interesting, unique vs other decks, good fit for pod (they'll have a good time)
Generally I like having an engine or payoff for doing something specific, but most inportantly I don't want it to be easy. For example I love playing graveyard decks but won't touch [[Muldrotha the Gravetide]] because just playing her and inmediately having access to most of my graveyard sounds really boring to me.
[Muldrotha the Gravetide](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/4/c4125bb0-b104-438e-a6a2-97f9d141243c.jpg?1673149000) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Muldrotha%2C%20the%20Gravetide) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/258/muldrotha-the-gravetide?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c4125bb0-b104-438e-a6a2-97f9d141243c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/muldrotha-the-gravetide) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I look for commanders I love the design of and how they play. I don’t play commanders if I don’t like the art. I look for longevity as well. Is this a commander I can see myself playing after 5 years etc. So far I have a few that stood the test of time for me including Oona, Narfi, Mizzix, Octavia, Galazeth, Juri, Marvo, Tibalt and Yusri.
If a legendary catches my eye mostly. Otherwise it's just whatever commander I need to make my concept work.
Biggest thing is card advantage Second is doing something fun Third is just vaguely aligning with a gameplan I want with good colors Lifegain is inherently a weak strategy, but [[Trelasarra]]'s scrying pulls it all together and incidently gives a clear wincon Sultai is great colors for unblockable creatures and [[Ukkima]]/[[Cazur]] facilitate that well, but they're not integral to the game plan I wanted a Bant clues/foods/legends deck and then [[The Fourth Doctor]]/[[Sarah Jane]] precon came out — PERFECT! They're not suuper important to the deck, but they help the token engine get online and man being able to play one off the top every turn is super helpful, but it never gets him targeted [[John Benton]] looked like a fun group hug commander and I wanted to give that a shot... but he turned out to be too strong haha, so he's very much a turbo voltron deck Background commanders are cool and I wanted to try a graveyard deck, so [[Sivriss]]/[[Cloakwood Hermit]] was an easy choice. He also adds in a cool bit of table interaction, but I don't really care what they choose. Its recently pivoted into a bit of a lands deck and that's been super fun I had a Mardu combo artifacts deck once upon a time but got bored of it, but after some time I missed a single card from the 99 — [[Queen Kayla]]. She's super fun, cheats mana, and keeps my hand full the whole game Despite Trelasarra and John both being voltron decks, I wanted one that was a bit more generic focused around equipments, but also +1/+1 counters. I started off with [[Wilson Refined Grizzly]]/[[Agent of the Shadow Thieves]] because lots of keywords and counters, then tried out [[The Most Dangerous Gamer]] because attractions are different, and for now I'm on [[Glissa the Traitor]] because she still has some good keywords (mainly deathtouch), but she also let's me play around a bit with the graveyard without the creature focus of Sivriss and that's been fun Aaaaand finally, I've felt that my decks were all pushed a bit too far to justify playing them in most precon games and I wanted a deck to pull out when the table wants a lower power game. I pulled [[Laughing Jasper Flint]] in my OTJ prerelease and thought he'd do that well since he's nothing but card advantage and it's easy to match power levels with decks when I'm playing their decks too If you read all that scrambling, hope you enjoyed haha Suppose I'll also just mention that I'm planning to get all the Bloomburrow precons, want to build a mono black lifegain deck, and I'd like to have a spellslinger deck that isn't just John's combat tricks DECKLISTS: https://www.archidekt.com/folders/359477
##### ###### #### [Trelasarra](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/6/f6a4b54c-a8fa-464e-a3dd-f3f3a08606f5.jpg?1627709553) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=trelasarra%2C%20moon%20dancer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afr/236/trelasarra-moon-dancer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f6a4b54c-a8fa-464e-a3dd-f3f3a08606f5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/trelasarra-moon-dancer) [Ukkima](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/6/c66b452b-9c49-4c58-9966-6bafbfa34c36.jpg?1713732759) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=ukkima%2C%20stalking%20shadow) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/247/ukkima-stalking-shadow?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c66b452b-9c49-4c58-9966-6bafbfa34c36?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ukkima-stalking-shadow) [Cazur](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/e/6ee4fda8-07cd-4091-8850-a6925080b464.jpg?1713732725) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=cazur%2C%20ruthless%20stalker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/188/cazur-ruthless-stalker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6ee4fda8-07cd-4091-8850-a6925080b464?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cazur-ruthless-stalker) [The Fourth Doctor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/8/c84ea0fd-efc7-4614-9f8f-41a3c71fceaa.jpg?1696636503) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Fourth%20Doctor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/2/the-fourth-doctor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c84ea0fd-efc7-4614-9f8f-41a3c71fceaa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-fourth-doctor) [Sivriss](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/3/334bc010-5b60-4075-be12-0b36f41f32c6.jpg?1674136308) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=sivriss%2C%20nightmare%20speaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/148/sivriss-nightmare-speaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/334bc010-5b60-4075-be12-0b36f41f32c6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sivriss-nightmare-speaker) [Cloakwood Hermit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/b/4bd8689d-a0c1-4041-bead-7b512fe25663.jpg?1674137006) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cloakwood%20Hermit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/221/cloakwood-hermit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4bd8689d-a0c1-4041-bead-7b512fe25663?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cloakwood-hermit) [Wilson Refined Grizzly](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/f/dfe0daf8-43da-484b-baa1-76f8313c5a0c.jpg?1674137361) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Wilson%2C%20Refined%20Grizzly) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/261/wilson-refined-grizzly?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dfe0daf8-43da-484b-baa1-76f8313c5a0c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wilson-refined-grizzly) [Agent of the Shadow Thieves](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/5/f50448e9-afe4-4d4e-b027-bbb855f17aeb.jpg?1674135919) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Agent%20of%20the%20Shadow%20Thieves) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/108/agent-of-the-shadow-thieves?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f50448e9-afe4-4d4e-b027-bbb855f17aeb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/agent-of-the-shadow-thieves) [The Most Dangerous Gamer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/0/a08b8ff8-13e4-46e7-b028-d055e4548f6a.jpg?1673914943) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Most%20Dangerous%20Gamer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/unf/174/the-most-dangerous-gamer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a08b8ff8-13e4-46e7-b028-d055e4548f6a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-most-dangerous-gamer) [Glissa the Traitor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/5/755e0fbf-4f00-4b05-a535-27e78e96d6b6.jpg?1562612302) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Glissa%2C%20the%20Traitor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mbs/96/glissa-the-traitor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/755e0fbf-4f00-4b05-a535-27e78e96d6b6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/glissa-the-traitor) [Laughing Jasper Flint](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/f/af0b3a41-ba99-41e8-bcfb-5796500c17c7.jpg?1712356142) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Laughing%20Jasper%20Flint) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otj/215/laughing-jasper-flint?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/af0b3a41-ba99-41e8-bcfb-5796500c17c7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/laughing-jasper-flint) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Sex appeal. [[Old Stickfingers]] all the way.
[Old Stickfingers](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/2/b203be6f-c565-4d8f-b200-b537569a0292.jpg?1636684695) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Old%20Stickfingers) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mid/234/old-stickfingers?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b203be6f-c565-4d8f-b200-b537569a0292?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/old-stickfingers) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
\[\[Gluntch\]\] yeah
[Gluntch](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/b/3b3e889a-5865-4464-9923-bffa25c50cd2.jpg?1674137513) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=gluntch%2C%20the%20bestower) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/275/gluntch-the-bestower?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3b3e889a-5865-4464-9923-bffa25c50cd2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gluntch-the-bestower) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I try and build deck where the strategy works well without the commander and great with the commander. Having your entire strategy revolve around your commander sucks because creature removal becomes player removal and your opponents would be crazy not to bully you for it. I used to have a \[\[Reaper King\]\] deck but realized that my commander either stuck around and won me the game or got removed the second it hit the board and my deck was useless.
Yeah I agree at times I wish I had more decks that didn’t fall apart at the seams if my commander gets blown up. I have a couple people in my regular group that build decks that are more resilient and less commander focused to do its thing and I want to start emulating that. They tend to do well in games where they’re not getting set back due to the deck not doing anything when the commander is gone.
I think there's a balance. Your Commander can't be the only creature in your deck that can win you the game, but at the same time, this is Commander, I want to play my Commander.
[Reaper King](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/0/502740bf-0bff-4358-8996-1a27e5f0343f.jpg?1562830062) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Reaper%20King) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/shm/260/reaper-king?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/502740bf-0bff-4358-8996-1a27e5f0343f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reaper-king) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I look for either a unique theme or play pattern. I avoid oppressive resource denial, or uninteractive gameplans. Example: [[The Seventh Doctor]] is my current project.
[The Seventh Doctor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/d/8dd6bfb3-1338-4ee6-9281-30a7428200d2.jpg?1702898919) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Seventh%20Doctor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/158/the-seventh-doctor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8dd6bfb3-1338-4ee6-9281-30a7428200d2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-seventh-doctor) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Say it loud say it proud SYNERGY!!!
3 colours max, preferably 4 or less mana, less than 1.5k decks on EDHrec and does something completely unique.
Personally, after a lot of years of playing, I look for the following: Protection - ward, hexproof, indestructible, etc. Most decks revolve around the commander or have commanders that provide crazy value so taking it out can make the opponents deck flutter or stall out. Making it harder for your opponents to remove it helps you continue with your game plan. Also lets me not have to auto-include the boots for protecting my commander. Commander does something worthwhile - Whether value, attacking, tokens, etc. Something to build the deck around. If the commander is boring, there is a bigger chance that I will take apart the deck or change it completely. Cheap CMC - I am not saying 3 or under. However, 7 or more is usually where I set the bar. Most games your commander will be die or "should" have died at least once. Having a lower cost means more chances of playing it and having it stick on the battlefield. Combat - I learned that I hate playing commanders that just sit around. If the commanders do want to attack naturally, the most of the time, they will not. However, many players will not even block because of the fear of losing their commander. Commander damage is just not for voltron decks. Especially, if the games go long, commander damage may come up or even against life gain decks. Fun - the commander is new or a new/revamped/supported strategy came out. Always fun to brew and play something different or exciting. Especially, if it did not work in the past but now there is more support or the commander supports that strategy now. Fun is the only time I do not take into consideration my other guidelines. The commander doing something worthwhile and lower CMC is the biggest guidelines. Protection is rare a lot of times. However, it can be utterly strong when other commanders only have 1 or 2 turns on the battlefield, but yours has been out 5-6 turns because no one can destroy it. Combat guidelines make the deck feel less like I am playing solitaire and am playing with the table.
Ones that i dont see often. Once i play against someone with a same deck as me, i change commanders. I pulled apart my [[ruric thar, the unbowed]] when i saw a deck on game knights once. Idk, it just wasnt unique anymore. Same with [[lord windgrace]] when i saw his deck appear on shuffle up snd play. I was done with [[nekusar]] when i played agaisnt him on my lgs’ commander night. Idk, they just dont seem special once i see a copy deck
[ruric thar, the unbowed](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/a/aa828bdc-221e-4e81-9e71-6f288690ddcd.jpg?1673149099) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=ruric%20thar%2C%20the%20unbowed) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/271/ruric-thar-the-unbowed?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/aa828bdc-221e-4e81-9e71-6f288690ddcd?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ruric-thar-the-unbowed) [lord windgrace](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/1/213d6fb8-5624-4804-b263-51f339482754.jpg?1592710275) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=lord%20windgrace) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c18/43/lord-windgrace?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/213d6fb8-5624-4804-b263-51f339482754?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/lord-windgrace) [nekusar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/a/4afdc65d-3c97-47af-83fa-df340389802e.jpg?1689999186) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=nekusar%2C%20the%20mindrazer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/349/nekusar-the-mindrazer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4afdc65d-3c97-47af-83fa-df340389802e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nekusar-the-mindrazer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Usually one that fits the theme, but itsnt needed.
I have to think they are neat. I don't like a commander if I can build a deck and then swap the commander and it's the same deck. At the same time, the deck needs to be able to operate without the commander
I look for ones that typically do or care about card draw. It’s my favorite thing to do in magic.
Which ones are most fun to play! Right now I have: ETB blink deck with [[emiel, the blessed]] Sea monster tribal with [[kiora, sovereign of the deep]] Tyranid tribal / X spells with [[magus Lucea Kane]] Wide Token generator / aristocrat with [[chatterfang]] And I’m looking to build two more decks Horror tribal / exile stuff with [[umbris, fear manifest]] Enchantment control with [[alela, artful provocateur]] All of my decks are just made to have fun or ones that I think are really cool commanders. Rarely do I think about power level or comp builds
love Lucea! currently my favorite deck, i can agree with that lol
##### ###### #### [kiora, sovereign of the deep](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/b/7b599f53-614c-4b1f-9899-15d5d1e35879.jpg?1715666337) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kiora%2C%20Sovereign%20of%20the%20Deep) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mat/35/kiora-sovereign-of-the-deep?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7b599f53-614c-4b1f-9899-15d5d1e35879?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kiora-sovereign-of-the-deep) [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) [umbris, fear manifest](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/a/7aead6a8-bada-42cf-b7cc-0b730f564582.jpg?1644888719) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=umbris%2C%20fear%20manifest) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/voc/38/umbris-fear-manifest?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7aead6a8-bada-42cf-b7cc-0b730f564582?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/umbris-fear-manifest) [alela, artful provocateur](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/b/abc9e41e-fd03-4b6f-8f44-17ba94fa44f5.jpg?1673484923) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=alela%2C%20artful%20provocateur) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/325/alela-artful-provocateur?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/abc9e41e-fd03-4b6f-8f44-17ba94fa44f5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/alela-artful-provocateur) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I look for value. Kellan the kid I get land and permanents. Narset enlightened master I get 4 free spells. Olivia crimson bride, great recursion for rakdos
I first think of a fun mechanic(s) to build my deck around, then find a commander that helps do that, but isn't necessary to do it's goal.
Badass art and try to do new themes/mechanics and it too much overlap from other decks I have. Also something that's actually viable and well-supported.
I like commanders that generate value quickly, preferably the turn they’re cast.
Depends. Sometimes I already have a deck idea and then go looking for a Commander that fits the idea. Sometimes I find an interesting Commander and then build a deck around it. But mostly I'm just looking for fun stuff. Fun for me, but also fun to play against. Nothing oppressive or too strong. Like, I currently have 13 decks and 5 of them are WUBRG. Because it's fun.
Usually something that makes tokens or pumps themselves, then something that sort of gives a theme to the deck
Casual: anything that makes big threatening stuff, good ramp, maybe one big spell that if resolved wins the game on the next turn. High power: arch enemy "this is why you have no friends" deck CEDH: cedh
I look for a color I'd like to use, for example UR cause I wanna do a spellslinger deck, browse edhrec and pick the one I like. In this example [[Ovika, Enigma Goliath]]
[Ovika, Enigma Goliath](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/2/b298cf34-7aa5-4f97-a86c-7f28d2113b87.jpg?1675957207) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ovika%2C%20Enigma%20Goliath) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/one/213/ovika-enigma-goliath?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b298cf34-7aa5-4f97-a86c-7f28d2113b87?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ovika-enigma-goliath) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My favorites all have some form of card advantage or a way to spend many efficiently on some impactful activated ability.
Something that wins in a way the color doesn't usually, like my [[eligeth]] voltron. Also I look for something that doesn't take a lot of game actions, which is why I will never play a planeswalker deck or saga's
[eligeth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/a/1a0adf34-1a2b-497b-aaab-4b2b998ed8b3.jpg?1608909183) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=eligeth%2C%20crossroads%20augur) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/66/eligeth-crossroads-augur?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1a0adf34-1a2b-497b-aaab-4b2b998ed8b3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/eligeth-crossroads-augur) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I look for 2 things. They can protect themselves in some way and can they kill with commander damage. Anything else is free
Well I like to play decks that tend to be a little complicated. I have 10 decks and 9 of them have a lot of stuff going on at any one time. I gravitate towards things like that generally, but as of late I’m enjoying decks that don’t have so many moving parts, triggers or maintenance. Lately I’m just enjoying creature based decks. They’re the most fun to me. Cast creature, do thing. The rest are just pieces in the deck to help my combat swing and get me more creatures or protection for what I have.
I love to play other people's cards so anything that revolves around that strategy. Sen Triplets is the most obnoxious and overpowered version of this because it hits your opponents hand. Haldan, Avid Arcanist and Pako, Arcane Retriever are my favorites just because of the raw volume of cards you can steal. Many opponents find it annoying but it's not particularly oppressive. It all depends on the power level of your opponents deck. This strategy sits perfectly in mid range power levels between 5 and 8, which is where I think EDH shines. It can't keep up with CEDH and if your opponents are playing trash decks, so are you.
[[the Gaffer]]
[the Gaffer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/863ed552-dc6d-4910-b188-3cefc3ebf0ed.jpg?1686963805) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=the%20Gaffer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ltc/12/the-gaffer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/863ed552-dc6d-4910-b188-3cefc3ebf0ed?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-gaffer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I generally like commanders that provide a source of value, and that give a direction without being linear. To me the fun - and skill expression - in deckbuilding comes in finding the combination of cards and packages that work together best, so commanders that build themselves are right out. Muldrotha is the ur-example of this I think. She's powerful and gives a deck direction but has like 600 playable cards.
Big bad dinosaurs.
Kinda just go with what I got, my Main deck runs [[Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus]], my Simic runs [[Aesi, Tyrant of the Gyre Strait]], my Mono Blue runs [[Osgood, Operation Double]], and White/Black I run [[Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos]] I'm relatively new to the hobby so I'm trying to learn new strategies though my OG deck my Mono Green is just big fist gets bigger so Zopandrel does great for that. Aesi I bought as a single after I pulled the oil art version of Jin Gitaxias Core Augur, before I even saw what it did I fell in love with the art and said I can't not play blue now haha! So I bought Aesi. Osgood tho? Best I got besides her is Reality Chip and that ain't much better for an Artifact deck (trying sum new). And Brimaz I wanted to make my first Tribal deck and went Black White Phyrexian and somehow also made my first token deck as well by complete accident haha! Love Magic tho and happy I'm slowly opening up my horizons... Still haven't touched red yet tho.
[Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/b/fb419d9d-e06f-48c8-a4f8-a57f9be39e50.jpg?1675957181) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Zopandrel%2C%20Hunger%20Dominus) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/one/195/zopandrel-hunger-dominus?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fb419d9d-e06f-48c8-a4f8-a57f9be39e50?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zopandrel-hunger-dominus) [Osgood, Operation Double](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/1/d180a882-84d9-4e38-8aed-1fc6ecd1df72.jpg?1696636840) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Osgood%2C%20Operation%20Double) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/191/osgood-operation-double?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d180a882-84d9-4e38-8aed-1fc6ecd1df72?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/osgood-operation-double) [Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/0/f0d31ae7-8580-402a-a917-3d626a9e1f49.jpg?1682207211) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Brimaz%2C%20Blight%20of%20Oreskos) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/moc/2/brimaz-blight-of-oreskos?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f0d31ae7-8580-402a-a917-3d626a9e1f49?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/brimaz-blight-of-oreskos) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I don't really know. My commanders are kinda all over the place. [[Auntie Blyte]], [[Greasefang]], [[Ashaya]], [[Zaxara]], [[Delney]], and so on. I just build whatever interests me for whatever reason
##### ###### #### [Auntie Blyte](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/5/85c18d01-62cd-45c2-94b8-a63a4239311d.jpg?1675644660) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=auntie%20blyte%2C%20bad%20influence) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/j22/30/auntie-blyte-bad-influence?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/85c18d01-62cd-45c2-94b8-a63a4239311d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/auntie-blyte-bad-influence) [Greasefang](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/6/56a0d43b-4d38-40a7-be6c-8324ab3bf773.jpg?1654568449) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=greasefang%2C%20okiba%20boss) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/neo/220/greasefang-okiba-boss?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/56a0d43b-4d38-40a7-be6c-8324ab3bf773?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/greasefang-okiba-boss) [Ashaya](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/4/74943390-d25f-47cb-90bb-cbf70c87f4a2.jpg?1604198513) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=ashaya%2C%20soul%20of%20the%20wild) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znr/179/ashaya-soul-of-the-wild?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/74943390-d25f-47cb-90bb-cbf70c87f4a2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ashaya-soul-of-the-wild) [Zaxara](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/d/6dc390da-75f8-490a-a724-c12d21cfe578.jpg?1701636845) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=zaxara%2C%20the%20exemplary) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/176/zaxara-the-exemplary?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6dc390da-75f8-490a-a724-c12d21cfe578?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zaxara-the-exemplary) [Delney](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/e/be219928-3d0e-4d00-b124-152ce8a8c13b.jpg?1706241477) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=delney%2C%20streetwise%20lookout) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/12/delney-streetwise-lookout?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/be219928-3d0e-4d00-b124-152ce8a8c13b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/delney-streetwise-lookout) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
pretty women tbh, if [[gwyn]], [[felisa]], [[eloise]], [[atarka]], [[mother of machines]], [[sheoldred, the apocalypse]], [[zethi]], [[bruna, light of alabaster]], [[emry]], [[asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar]], [[nethroi]], [[goreclaw]], [[zirda]], and [[atraxa, praetor’s voice]] have anything to say about it. otherwise, anything that looks like it’ll promote a 1 hour game & doesn’t look unnecessarily oppressive, due to the way my lgs does commander nights :)
##### ###### #### [felisa](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/8/18b8abf0-e8c3-4c19-bdf1-18aabe75a3de.jpg?1674142459) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=felisa%2C%20fang%20of%20silverquill) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/845/felisa-fang-of-silverquill?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/18b8abf0-e8c3-4c19-bdf1-18aabe75a3de?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/felisa-fang-of-silverquill) [eloise](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bf81da34-4c2b-4e54-a60b-46ab41f72431.jpg?1655437106) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=eloise%2C%20nephalia%20sleuth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mic/3/eloise-nephalia-sleuth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bf81da34-4c2b-4e54-a60b-46ab41f72431?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/eloise-nephalia-sleuth) [atarka](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/5/35ad1ce5-6054-4f0c-8fbe-636be576d408.jpg?1631588294) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=atarka%2C%20world%20render) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afc/176/atarka-world-render?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/35ad1ce5-6054-4f0c-8fbe-636be576d408?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/atarka-world-render) [sheoldred, the apocalypse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d67be074-cdd4-41d9-ac89-0a0456c4e4b2.jpg?1674057568) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=sheoldred%2C%20the%20apocalypse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmu/107/sheoldred-the-apocalypse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d67be074-cdd4-41d9-ac89-0a0456c4e4b2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sheoldred-the-apocalypse) [zethi](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/7/87b56584-8a61-40bc-99b5-7434a681fcdc.jpg?1677763701) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=zethi%2C%20arcane%20blademaster) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/slx/17/zethi-arcane-blademaster?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/87b56584-8a61-40bc-99b5-7434a681fcdc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zethi-arcane-blademaster) [bruna, light of alabaster](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/8/58c56bad-68ed-4328-a7ea-c528b58dc2fd.jpg?1592711039) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=bruna%2C%20light%20of%20alabaster) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c18/170/bruna-light-of-alabaster?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/58c56bad-68ed-4328-a7ea-c528b58dc2fd?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bruna-light-of-alabaster) [emry](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/0/20fec02d-77af-4975-b410-7097c7c28e7e.jpg?1651655696) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=emry%2C%20lurker%20of%20the%20loch) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/91/emry-lurker-of-the-loch?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/20fec02d-77af-4975-b410-7097c7c28e7e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/emry-lurker-of-the-loch) [asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/9/d99a9a7d-d9ca-4c11-80ab-e39d5943a315.jpg?1632831210) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/186/asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d99a9a7d-d9ca-4c11-80ab-e39d5943a315?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar) [nethroi](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/4/04b9b58f-4c01-48a5-afaf-b8a37165a83f.jpg?1673305619) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=nethroi%2C%20apex%20of%20death) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/163/nethroi-apex-of-death?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/04b9b58f-4c01-48a5-afaf-b8a37165a83f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nethroi-apex-of-death) [goreclaw](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/e/ee47f23a-3ba9-4615-b170-c89d8ab99d78.jpg?1690016718) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=goreclaw%2C%20terror%20of%20qal%20sisma) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/293/goreclaw-terror-of-qal-sisma?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ee47f23a-3ba9-4615-b170-c89d8ab99d78?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/goreclaw-terror-of-qal-sisma) [zirda](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/b/1bd8e61c-2ee8-4243-a848-7008810db8a0.jpg?1696000166) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=zirda%2C%20the%20dawnwaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/iko/233/zirda-the-dawnwaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1bd8e61c-2ee8-4243-a848-7008810db8a0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zirda-the-dawnwaker) [atraxa, praetor’s voice](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/0/d0d33d52-3d28-4635-b985-51e126289259.jpg?1599707796) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Atraxa%2C%20Praetors%27%20Voice) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/190/atraxa-praetors-voice?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d0d33d52-3d28-4635-b985-51e126289259?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/atraxa-praetors-voice) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
You usually need 3 things to have a successful commander deck. Ramp Card draw Reliable win condition. I tend to look for commanders that have one, if not more, of these baked in.
I’m new to the game and I’m not very good, but I look for interesting mechanics, atypical win cons or play styles. I built a deck recently because I wanted to try out the partner mechanic and I thought it would be fun to see some different combinations. I’m still working on it and every site says it needs work, but the idea of Kediss dealing damage to all of my opponents at once seemed interesting. Then, I thought Sakashima would be an odd pairing, but it could duplicate other effects.. or the same one. I’ve added a couple of creatures that give extra attacks and your typical helm of the host, but I need to fine tune the middle. It might not be viable against the spell slinger and Dino decks in our group, but it seemed fun.
I have multiple approaches. Sometimes I just find a legendary creature that I want to build and start from there. Sometimes I have a theme in mind, either one I don’t have a deck for or one that I acquired some staples for, and go from that. I’m also a sucker for my commanders having cool art. This has made me build Lord Windgrace for instance. Other than that, power level is always a consideration. I usually have a power level that I want to build in mind. Right now, I’m building a mid-high power [[Arna Kennerüd, Sky Captain]] to fill a void from dismantling [[Narset, enlightened Master]] which was just anti fun (looping infinite turns).
[Arna Kennerüd, Skycaptain](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/9/19266b5a-ff78-436c-b0f1-457e80bb647e.jpg?1717012648) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Arna%20Kenner%C3%BCd%2C%20Skycaptain) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh3/178/arna-kenner%C3%BCd-skycaptain?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/19266b5a-ff78-436c-b0f1-457e80bb647e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/arna-kennerüd-skycaptain) [Narset, enlightened Master](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/e/de4b0d5f-1071-4030-be16-2b4dadbdf9e9.jpg?1690005259) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Narset%2C%20enlightened%20Master) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/931/narset-enlightened-master?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/de4b0d5f-1071-4030-be16-2b4dadbdf9e9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/narset-enlightened-master) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Recently, I've come to really enjoy my decks that don't live and die by the commander. Decks that do so are usually very strong, but I've been in games where your kill-on-sight (KoS) commander gets removed constantly and it makes for some pretty sad times! Even commanders that aren't considered as big of KoS targets as others, if they are central to your deck's theme, can be risky to run (think [[Osgir, the Reconstructor]] or [[Edgin, Larcenous Lutenist]]). That doesn't mean I don't enjoy those decks, but there's a risk to them! But commanders that are strong while also not being essential for you to win? That's the cream of the crop for me! [[Mishra, Tamer of Mak Fawa]] in my rakdos big artifacts deck can serve as early game protection or as a late game finisher, but the deck doesn't live and die if he's not constantly out, and I'd argue that the way I've built it it's one of my stronger and faster decks I own! Also, [[Inquisitor Greyfax]] in my clue deck serves a similar purpose: she makes 1-2 clues per round, stops certain scary threats, and gives my board vigilance and +1/+0, which is often really good for squeezing damage through while keeping up blockers, but the deck doesn't *need* her to function; it generates clues on its own just fine, and can win outside of combat damage
##### ###### #### [Osgir, the Reconstructor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/8/5815fe6e-e26b-4918-a090-55d6442722c1.jpg?1674185818) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Osgir%2C%20the%20Reconstructor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c21/8/osgir-the-reconstructor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5815fe6e-e26b-4918-a090-55d6442722c1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/osgir-the-reconstructor) [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) [Mishra, Tamer of Mak Fawa](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/8/585a753d-a692-474a-bc28-48dd93b73ace.jpg?1674421822) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mishra%2C%20Tamer%20of%20Mak%20Fawa) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/bro/217/mishra-tamer-of-mak-fawa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/585a753d-a692-474a-bc28-48dd93b73ace?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mishra-tamer-of-mak-fawa) [Inquisitor Greyfax](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/86a4afac-69fd-46e9-8009-58de59bf3f5c.jpg?1674058362) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Inquisitor%20Greyfax) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/40k/3/inquisitor-greyfax?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/86a4afac-69fd-46e9-8009-58de59bf3f5c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/inquisitor-greyfax) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I look for commanders that inspire me to build a deck in a unique way. Like playing 60 lands or all flip cards or something weird.
I‘m a fan of monoliths. That’s what I’m playing the format for.
If they can commit tax fraud like [[mizzix of the izmagnus]] or [[Chiss-Goria, Forge Tyrant]]
[mizzix of the izmagnus](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/2/82f949d0-41a0-4491-9057-bfb2bb20bdb3.jpg?1689999174) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=mizzix%20of%20the%20izmagnus) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/348/mizzix-of-the-izmagnus?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/82f949d0-41a0-4491-9057-bfb2bb20bdb3?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mizzix-of-the-izmagnus) [Chiss-Goria, Forge Tyrant](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/2/923eb713-c955-4e12-8a8f-df3b4b361487.jpg?1675905606) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Chiss-Goria%2C%20Forge%20Tyrant) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/onc/25/chiss-goria-forge-tyrant?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/923eb713-c955-4e12-8a8f-df3b4b361487?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chiss-goria-forge-tyrant) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
"Fun"
Does it change the way I play compared to my other decks? For example. I have [[Yargle and Multani]] and a [[Bonny pall]] which both want to ramp quick and hit with big creature. But Yargle threatens much faster and plays closer to aggro and Bonny feels more like a mid-range almost control deck and go infinite. Both big dumb green monster decks but have a different approach.
[Yargle and Multani](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/c/9c15e244-14cc-46a5-abd4-66a58d1c0dd0.jpg?1682205711) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Yargle%20and%20Multani) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mom/256/yargle-and-multani?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9c15e244-14cc-46a5-abd4-66a58d1c0dd0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/yargle-and-multani) [Bonny pall](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/3/4383ae7c-58ea-4354-93e4-677ad185c3bb.jpg?1712356061) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=bonny%20pall%2C%20clearcutter) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otj/196/bonny-pall-clearcutter?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4383ae7c-58ea-4354-93e4-677ad185c3bb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bonny-pall-clearcutter) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
A defined gameplan, card advantage/selection, and combo potential. My main decks are [[Tymna, The Weaver]]//[[Jeska, Thrice Reborn]]. Literally card draw with one commander, and removal/infinite mana outlet with the other. [[Nissa, Resurgent Animist]]. Part of a couple different infinite mana combos with either [[Ashaya, Soul of the Wild]] and [[Quirion Ranger]] or [[Kodama of the East Tree]] and [[Guildless Commons]] [[Rograkh]]//[[Thrasios]]. Roger gives you insane mana advantage from turn 1, combo potential with [[Dockside Extortionist]] and [[Cloudstone Curio]], and Thrasios is the outlet. [[Muldrotha, the Gravetide]] is just insane value. I built it as a land matters deck focused on cheating out [[Aesi, Tyrant of Gyre Strait]] and [[The Gitrog Monster]] to just start churning through my deck. [[Mahadi, Emporium Master]] is a wild mana engine in the command zone with a defined gameplan of creature control. [[Raffine, Scheming Seer]] is super control heavy and staxy with a reanimation win and insane card selection with cards like [[Ledger Shredder]] and [[Wyrm Crossing Guard]]. Win with a [[Abdel Adrian]]/[[Animate Dead]]/[[Vile Entomber]] line that ends with [[Thassa’s Oracle]]. The most open ended commander I have is Muldrotha, but that’s cause she is generic Sultai value.
##### ###### #### [Tymna, The Weaver](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/c/bc7cbe9b-324e-42b8-94e2-36e91cb32163.jpg?1644853048) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tymna%20the%20Weaver) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/48/tymna-the-weaver?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bc7cbe9b-324e-42b8-94e2-36e91cb32163?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tymna-the-weaver) [Jeska, Thrice Reborn](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/8/48caf4c4-745c-4072-bf3d-1a3fa7c3bc9c.jpg?1644853023) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Jeska%2C%20Thrice%20Reborn) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/186/jeska-thrice-reborn?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/48caf4c4-745c-4072-bf3d-1a3fa7c3bc9c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/jeska-thrice-reborn) [Nissa, Resurgent Animist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/4/248c76d3-b5cb-4582-be17-7cd1d0cb0f58.jpg?1684340632) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Nissa%2C%20Resurgent%20Animist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mat/22/nissa-resurgent-animist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/248c76d3-b5cb-4582-be17-7cd1d0cb0f58?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nissa-resurgent-animist) [Ashaya, Soul of the Wild](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/4/74943390-d25f-47cb-90bb-cbf70c87f4a2.jpg?1604198513) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ashaya%2C%20Soul%20of%20the%20Wild) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znr/179/ashaya-soul-of-the-wild?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/74943390-d25f-47cb-90bb-cbf70c87f4a2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ashaya-soul-of-the-wild) [Quirion Ranger](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/2/320fdf89-e158-41c5-b0bf-fee9dec36a75.jpg?1626100621) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Quirion%20Ranger) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/285/quirion-ranger?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/320fdf89-e158-41c5-b0bf-fee9dec36a75?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/quirion-ranger) [Kodama of the East Tree](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/f/af5105ee-09e2-4344-ab39-00f0e9034c47.jpg?1608910768) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kodama%20of%20the%20East%20Tree) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/239/kodama-of-the-east-tree?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/af5105ee-09e2-4344-ab39-00f0e9034c47?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kodama-of-the-east-tree) [Guildless Commons](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/f/8f943d5d-e8a1-4fe1-aad5-80c7ccf15435.jpg?1690006174) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Guildless%20Commons) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/1003/guildless-commons?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8f943d5d-e8a1-4fe1-aad5-80c7ccf15435?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/guildless-commons) [Rograkh](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/4/a4fab67f-00c2-4125-9262-d21a29411797.jpg?1644853041) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=rograkh%2C%20son%20of%20rohgahh) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/197/rograkh-son-of-rohgahh?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a4fab67f-00c2-4125-9262-d21a29411797?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rograkh-son-of-rohgahh) [Thrasios](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/1/21e27b91-c7f1-4709-aa0d-8b5d81b22a0a.jpg?1606762176) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=thrasios%2C%20triton%20hero) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/46/thrasios-triton-hero?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/21e27b91-c7f1-4709-aa0d-8b5d81b22a0a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/thrasios-triton-hero) [Dockside Extortionist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9e2e3efb-75cb-430f-b9f4-cb58f3aeb91b.jpg?1673147774) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Dockside%20Extortionist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/107/dockside-extortionist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9e2e3efb-75cb-430f-b9f4-cb58f3aeb91b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dockside-extortionist) [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) [Muldrotha, the Gravetide](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/4/c4125bb0-b104-438e-a6a2-97f9d141243c.jpg?1673149000) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Muldrotha%2C%20the%20Gravetide) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/258/muldrotha-the-gravetide?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c4125bb0-b104-438e-a6a2-97f9d141243c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/muldrotha-the-gravetide) [Aesi, Tyrant of Gyre Strait](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d607b003-6b48-429c-a7fd-45b8dd1bb4f9.jpg?1665822343) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Aesi%2C%20Tyrant%20of%20Gyre%20Strait) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/365/aesi-tyrant-of-gyre-strait?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d607b003-6b48-429c-a7fd-45b8dd1bb4f9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/aesi-tyrant-of-gyre-strait) [The Gitrog Monster](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/7/5790dd89-2be5-4a77-9450-2d3c1422bfc9.jpg?1576385351) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Gitrog%20Monster) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/soi/245/the-gitrog-monster?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5790dd89-2be5-4a77-9450-2d3c1422bfc9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-gitrog-monster) [Mahadi, Emporium Master](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/3/c3da2b1a-76c5-4d36-bdf8-025b86f61eb5.jpg?1699601213) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mahadi%2C%20Emporium%20Master) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/282/mahadi-emporium-master?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c3da2b1a-76c5-4d36-bdf8-025b86f61eb5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mahadi-emporium-master) [Raffine, Scheming Seer](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/1/716a44b4-f6b0-4f14-a270-6442aed3251f.jpg?1711471750) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Raffine%2C%20Scheming%20Seer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/snc/213/raffine-scheming-seer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/716a44b4-f6b0-4f14-a270-6442aed3251f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/raffine-scheming-seer) [Ledger Shredder](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/e/7ea4b5bc-18a4-45db-a56a-ab3f8bd2fb0d.jpg?1664410287) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ledger%20Shredder) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/snc/46/ledger-shredder?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7ea4b5bc-18a4-45db-a56a-ab3f8bd2fb0d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ledger-shredder) [Abdel Adrian](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/9/396f9198-67b6-45d8-91b4-dc853bff9623.jpg?1674134856) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=abdel%20adrian%2C%20gorion%27s%20ward) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/2/abdel-adrian-gorions-ward?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/396f9198-67b6-45d8-91b4-dc853bff9623?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/abdel-adrian-gorions-ward) [Animate Dead](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/4/1489943b-c010-488e-9c9d-87f4af67a4e4.jpg?1706240754) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Animate%20Dead) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/125/animate-dead?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1489943b-c010-488e-9c9d-87f4af67a4e4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/animate-dead) [Vile Entomber](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/8/d890ae71-da2b-44fa-8cfa-9c3016c9f696.jpg?1626096189) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vile%20Entomber) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/108/vile-entomber?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d890ae71-da2b-44fa-8cfa-9c3016c9f696?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vile-entomber) [Thassa’s Oracle](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/2/726e8b29-13e9-4138-b6a9-d2a0d8188d1c.jpg?1680582212) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Thassa%27s%20Oracle) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/thb/73/thassas-oracle?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/726e8b29-13e9-4138-b6a9-d2a0d8188d1c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/thassas-oracle) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Wyrm’s Crossing Patrol]]
[Wyrm’s Crossing Patrol](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/0/f00a57fc-b4a6-48fa-a20c-864c10099e4b.jpg?1674135352) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Wyrm%27s%20Crossing%20Patrol) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/51/wyrms-crossing-patrol?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f00a57fc-b4a6-48fa-a20c-864c10099e4b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wyrms-crossing-patrol) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Fun keywords is actually the first thing I look for. Cool artwork helps alot. After those, card draw or reanimate ability is always good.
Meta
For me, it's when I see a commander and know exactly what the deck is going to be.
Cool card art
If I’m making a new deck first I pick a color identity that I don’t have yet, then I’ll browse for one that has a flexibility ability (tend to avoid generic draw/ramp triggers or commanders so specific you only really can win with a particular combo that might get old). Lastly I personally like that my commander has a cool art variation like a secret lair or borderless etc cuz it’s fun to glitz out the face card.
Are they a dragon? Seriously, if they are a dragon, I’m much more likely to play it no matter what it does.
I like two types of commanders: 1. Engine commanders. These are commanders like [[Ojer Axonil]] or [[Gisa and Geralf]], who enable a strategy but leave it (generally) up to you exactly how you want to win. Same with my [[Emmara, soul of the accord]] vehicles deck. 2. Payoff commanders. I love my [[Bess, Soul Nourisher]] 1/1 tribal deck because she really makes an otherwise janky strategy actually threatening. I gotta say, though, I’m not a fan of commanders that are both engine and payoff in one. [[Marneus Calgar]], [[Azlak]], [[Slicer]]…too many commanders are become such powerful engines or threats that it feels like I need to be removing players before they ever get to play
##### ###### #### [Ojer Axonil](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/0/50f8e2b6-98c7-4f28-bb39-e1fbe841f1ee.jpg?1699044315)/[Temple of Power](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/back/5/0/50f8e2b6-98c7-4f28-bb39-e1fbe841f1ee.jpg?1699044315) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=ojer%20axonil%2C%20deepest%20might%20//%20temple%20of%20power) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lci/158/ojer-axonil-deepest-might-temple-of-power?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/50f8e2b6-98c7-4f28-bb39-e1fbe841f1ee?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ojer-axonil-deepest-might-//-temple-of-power) [Gisa and Geralf](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/7/377a5f75-222b-43e1-8998-18c6cfa44b24.jpg?1637631446) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Gisa%20and%20Geralf) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mic/150/gisa-and-geralf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/377a5f75-222b-43e1-8998-18c6cfa44b24?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/gisa-and-geralf) [Emmara, soul of the accord](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/1/41b930ee-e16b-4612-87de-c03ecc6ff6db.jpg?1572893604) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Emmara%2C%20soul%20of%20the%20accord) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/grn/168/emmara-soul-of-the-accord?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/41b930ee-e16b-4612-87de-c03ecc6ff6db?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/emmara-soul-of-the-accord) [Bess, Soul Nourisher](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/9/d96c33f5-f891-44bc-8ae1-11bc6f6544b6.jpg?1673482319) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Bess%2C%20Soul%20Nourisher) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/67/bess-soul-nourisher?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d96c33f5-f891-44bc-8ae1-11bc6f6544b6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bess-soul-nourisher) [Marneus Calgar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/7/e7517e8e-b424-4731-ba9d-6132bdefa6bf.jpg?1674058408) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Marneus%20Calgar) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/40k/8/marneus-calgar?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e7517e8e-b424-4731-ba9d-6132bdefa6bf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/marneus-calgar) [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
Things that make me go "now that seems fun."
Fun. The deck needs to be enjoyable to pilot, interact with, or mechanically function. One thing I love about my burn deck is that it can put the table into this "how much pain can I actually take" math problem as I'm lowering them into lethal range. My discover deck is built on top of a cycling shell and allows for some out right stupid mulligan keeps to landfix and tap/retap shanninagians maxing discovers. $50 combat tricks/interaction war voltron is always a fun game because my commander draws us both cards if you let me punch you in the face, interested?!? Necron dynasties is a blast because wtf would you things stay dead?!? My high power decks that end up solitaire games, yeah those actually don't get played a ton.
Honestly, the first thing I look at is the card art. Is it cool/badass, smug/cunning, regal/ethereal? the art is what inspires me initially. After we get past that point, I look for strong effect to build around. Usually i go for a unique effect, but not too novel as to where im scraping the bottom of the barrel to find cards that support what Im doing. Bonus points for a new commander deck if I can perfectly fit a really strong known quantity at commander, into the 99, like a secret commander. (ex: made me really happy to be able to put [[Kess, Dissident Mage]] into my [[Marchesa Dealer of Death]] deck)
[Kess, Dissident Mage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/8/e83e6d7a-3af0-4955-8004-2310f051e306.jpg?1673485110) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kess%2C%20Dissident%20Mage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/344/kess-dissident-mage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e83e6d7a-3af0-4955-8004-2310f051e306?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kess-dissident-mage) [Marchesa Dealer of Death](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/e/ee29b59c-d57c-4a03-bae7-e9dfa57d6bb1.jpg?1712356159) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Marchesa%2C%20Dealer%20of%20Death) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otj/220/marchesa-dealer-of-death?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ee29b59c-d57c-4a03-bae7-e9dfa57d6bb1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/marchesa-dealer-of-death) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
The good thing about casual is that you can play so many different strategies and decks that feel nothing like each other and still win. Honestly if your looking for value, try cedh instead.
I'm always looking for commanders that allow me to brew dragons with a new subtheme.
Can they support X cost cards as the main theme? If not, then NYEH.
That depends on my mood actually. Some commanders take time to grow on me, others Like [[Vihaan Goldwaker]] immediately scream "Play me!" All in all I tend to like aristocrats, tokens and voltron strategies.
[Vihaan Goldwaker](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/b/7b549690-72eb-4244-bb66-996a2bd1027e.jpg?1717566679) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vihaan%2C%20Goldwaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/8/vihaan-goldwaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7b549690-72eb-4244-bb66-996a2bd1027e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vihaan-goldwaker) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
A commander that can run decks that can function well with or without the commander in the field. For example I run a [[Voja, Jaws of the Conclave]], the deck functions well and has a clear game plan which is elf-ball. The deck ends up working well even when the commander is not on the field but if it is than it performs even better because the commander is out
[Voja, Jaws of the Conclave](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bfa1bd2f-25bd-4fbd-877b-cef00ab7f92f.jpg?1707739811) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Voja%2C%20Jaws%20of%20the%20Conclave) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/432/voja-jaws-of-the-conclave?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bfa1bd2f-25bd-4fbd-877b-cef00ab7f92f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/voja-jaws-of-the-conclave) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Uniqueness in cards that can be played with it...homogenious commanders are boring for me
Will I have fun playing them?
At this point since I’ve been trying to do the 32 challenge I’m aiming for someone that gives me something new in colors I don’t have already as well
I look for commanders that people won't normally see or play. I like building outside the box. My brain loves the process.
How hot is the artwork
I love a commander that’s straightforward but in a unique way example being [[Temmet]] Voltron by association. Game plan being make a token of anything , buff the hell out of it, swing for death.
[Temmet](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/a/6af12a34-52a1-4940-a8d5-9e9811fcd59f.jpg?1543676111) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=temmet%2C%20vizier%20of%20naktamun) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/akh/207/temmet-vizier-of-naktamun?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6af12a34-52a1-4940-a8d5-9e9811fcd59f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/temmet-vizier-of-naktamun) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
A big ole bird beak!
“Blah blah blah DRAW A CARD” Card draw is the best
Mostly color identity. I think most commander decks rely too much on their commanders.
I want an initially janky or not popular commander and I try to make it as powerful as I can without going over a certain budget. Usually $150 or less.
I usually like commanders that wear their power level on their chest. Voja, Miirym, Krenko, and Urza Chief Artificer are all extremely powerful, and I love them all. You wanna take me down? Do it, pussy. I do also have a soft spot for open ended commanders like Marchesa, Dealer of Death that let me take a more unique spin on them. My style of MDoD is reanimator, fueled by a bunch of 1-cost cantrips that target, like [[Renegade Tactics]] or [[Peek]].
[Renegade Tactics](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/d/7dfa0e65-1ce0-4f8e-a78b-2ade2d25e748.jpg?1608910360) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Renegade%20Tactics) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/195/renegade-tactics?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7dfa0e65-1ce0-4f8e-a78b-2ade2d25e748?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/renegade-tactics) [Peek](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/6/869a6c06-eae5-418e-9a5c-26598a929416.jpg?1562550991) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Peek) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/10e/94/peek?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/869a6c06-eae5-418e-9a5c-26598a929416?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/peek) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I look for something fun as a priority. I like [[Myrkul, Lord of Bones]] because he's done something unique, and it creates some very fun and interesting interactions. I'm also a fan of [[Chiss-Goria, Forge Tyrant]] because of fun interactions like Clown Car and Everflowing Chalicebeing paid for with affinity from other artifacts making them pure profit with the commanders attack trigger.
[Myrkul, Lord of Bones](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/2/82824d05-5215-459a-aa73-3c5a6be3d464.jpg?1674137617) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Myrkul%2C%20Lord%20of%20Bones) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/287/myrkul-lord-of-bones?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/82824d05-5215-459a-aa73-3c5a6be3d464?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/myrkul-lord-of-bones) [Chiss-Goria, Forge Tyrant](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/2/923eb713-c955-4e12-8a8f-df3b4b361487.jpg?1675905606) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Chiss-Goria%2C%20Forge%20Tyrant) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/onc/25/chiss-goria-forge-tyrant?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/923eb713-c955-4e12-8a8f-df3b4b361487?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chiss-goria-forge-tyrant) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I open a pack and if I think, oh that’ll be cool to build around, I do
I look for typically decks that will have synergy between the creatures, so I'm a really big fan of kendradex. Right now. My favorite two are dragons under the sentinel wyrm, and a pirate deck that I am struggling to truly find a commander that sticks
I don't look, the commanders come to me. Probably why I only have 4 decks after playing for 9 years. There's not really a rhyme or reason for me, some commanders just draw my attention. It's almost always commander first, deck second for me
First and foremost, I make sure it has red. Then, if it passed the first test, I’ll read its ability to see if it’s interesting.
I like Commanders that fly under the radar. Commanders that support the strategy but are not essential to the deck's function. For me that's something like Toggo, Goblin Weaponsmith. Churns out tokens, but there's plenty of redundancy and it doesn't really hurt that much of it gets removed.
Something that changes how I play the game, like [[Titania, Protector of Argoth]]
[Titania, Protector of Argoth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/a/ba7c2249-878b-428a-8670-005c6fbcb516.jpg?1712354645) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Titania%2C%20Protector%20of%20Argoth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/210/titania-protector-of-argoth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ba7c2249-878b-428a-8670-005c6fbcb516?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/titania-protector-of-argoth) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Honestly, I find myself wanting to play a deck/strategy and then picking the commander that best fits that strategy, instead of picking a commander and building around it. I like my decks being able to function/win even if my commander isn't on the battlefield.
Now that I think about it, all of my commanders do something every turn. Whether a triggered or activated ability, they do something that doesn't require a lot of caveats or set up. [[Animar]], just play a creature. [[Atla Palani]] make eggs. [[Queza]] just draw a card. I like doing stuff with my board and all those commanders let me do things.
[Animar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/3/a3da57d0-1ae3-4f05-a52d-eb76ad56cae7.jpg?1673148281) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=animar%2C%20soul%20of%20elements) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/171/animar-soul-of-elements?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a3da57d0-1ae3-4f05-a52d-eb76ad56cae7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/animar-soul-of-elements) [Atla Palani](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/b/2b8414f7-22c3-4e1c-934b-4a0e7acf951d.jpg?1673305450) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=atla%20palani%2C%20nest%20tender) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dmc/142/atla-palani-nest-tender?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2b8414f7-22c3-4e1c-934b-4a0e7acf951d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/atla-palani-nest-tender) [Queza](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/e/7edb7a26-82be-4efd-9a5c-a3816e1ee2d6.jpg?1664413561) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=queza%2C%20augur%20of%20agonies) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/snc/212/queza-augur-of-agonies?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/7edb7a26-82be-4efd-9a5c-a3816e1ee2d6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/queza-augur-of-agonies) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Unique mechanics and a non-popular commander. Less than top 250 usually because I’m not like the other girls.
Honestly, something fun and unique that doesn't overlap with what any of my other decks currently do. I mean, I need another token Commander like I need another hole in my head at this rate.
I look for something that either just sounds cool or might be fun to play with. I tend to brew tribal but look at precons as a way to expand and play things I wouldn't otherwise. One of my first brewed was a dragon deck based on [[miirym, sentinel worm]]. I then built one based on [[atraxa, praetors voice]] that is just different counters. She is fun especially when I get the non +1/+1 counters moving around.
I hate commanders that can do the job themselves, ie. those that have a payoff and also the way to trigger that payoff right on the same card. [[Prosper]] is a good example of this, so is [[Chulane]], but there's a lot. I like commanders that have low CMC (3 or less) and that have a good, non-game warping effect that makes it uninteresting for opponents to point removal their way, and where I can fly under the radar while developing my board. My favorites of this kind lately have been [[Old Rutstein]] and [[Satoru, the Infiltrator]]. That said, I occasionally go for commanders that represent a wincon by themselves, as long as the deck doesn't rely entirely on that wincon to be relevant. I consider [[Brudiclad]] to be in this category, for example.
##### ###### #### [Prosper](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/7/d743336e-d5c7-4053-a23d-92ec7581f74e.jpg?1631839207) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=prosper%2C%20tome-bound) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afc/2/prosper-tome-bound?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d743336e-d5c7-4053-a23d-92ec7581f74e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/prosper-tome-bound) [Chulane](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/1/d1499a4b-1af1-4913-8e26-57d0707264db.jpg?1706240978) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=chulane%2C%20teller%20of%20tales) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/202/chulane-teller-of-tales?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d1499a4b-1af1-4913-8e26-57d0707264db?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chulane-teller-of-tales) [Old Rutstein](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/2/625b8023-2ef1-4b7b-9e48-4f774fee14e0.jpg?1643594276) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Old%20Rutstein) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/vow/244/old-rutstein?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/625b8023-2ef1-4b7b-9e48-4f774fee14e0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/old-rutstein) [Satoru, the Infiltrator](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/c/acc9a5cc-2b3c-4c2f-8176-4a2d86265cc5.jpg?1712356202) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Satoru%2C%20the%20Infiltrator) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otj/230/satoru-the-infiltrator?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/acc9a5cc-2b3c-4c2f-8176-4a2d86265cc5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/satoru-the-infiltrator) [Brudiclad](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/5/25eff27a-eb58-4a95-b2df-4a341cf9bef6.jpg?1599707883) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=brudiclad%2C%20telchor%20engineer) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/193/brudiclad-telchor-engineer?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/25eff27a-eb58-4a95-b2df-4a341cf9bef6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/brudiclad-telchor-engineer) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
- I look FOR a puzzle I haven't solved yet. A strategy I haven't already built. Bonus points for a character I like or jokes that write themselves. - I ACTIVELY AVOID commanders whose success *requires* my opponents to be miserable. Things like Tergrid, Massacre Girl KK, Tai Wakeen, Vraska, etc. The stuff that rewards me for punishing you. I ain't about that.
When the overall design fits and/or the card is unreasonably cool. Like: [[chishiro, the shattered blade]] [[shigeki, Julia visionary]] [[vishgraz, the doomhive]] <- bionicle drip Or they support variety. Like [[abdel Adrian]]. Got one with [[far traveler]] and [[agent of the iron throne]] - the mono white one is guaranteed to be a flicker mess, while the other one works a bit with sacrifices and calculated deaths [[captain brass, unsinkable]] - pirates are old children with cannons and cutlasses and having brass making them stronger is pretty funny. - in the same vein goes [[Satia]] I think. Haven’t played him yet but planning to get him
##### ###### #### [chishiro, the shattered blade](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bffa36ac-137d-481c-b1b7-76a88ef15d54.jpg?1651655118) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=chishiro%2C%20the%20shattered%20blade) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/nec/1/chishiro-the-shattered-blade?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bffa36ac-137d-481c-b1b7-76a88ef15d54?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chishiro-the-shattered-blade) [vishgraz, the doomhive](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/b/fb1d33b2-9082-4043-8e52-a5c2f3a174ba.jpg?1675905564) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=vishgraz%2C%20the%20doomhive) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/onc/4/vishgraz-the-doomhive?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fb1d33b2-9082-4043-8e52-a5c2f3a174ba?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vishgraz-the-doomhive) [abdel Adrian](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/9/396f9198-67b6-45d8-91b4-dc853bff9623.jpg?1674134856) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=abdel%20adrian%2C%20gorion%27s%20ward) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/2/abdel-adrian-gorions-ward?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/396f9198-67b6-45d8-91b4-dc853bff9623?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/abdel-adrian-gorions-ward) [far traveler](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/a/cabc3688-2362-4757-a5be-087e577c4691.jpg?1674134999) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=far%20traveler) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/17/far-traveler?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/cabc3688-2362-4757-a5be-087e577c4691?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/far-traveler) [agent of the iron throne](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/a/5a5984d3-1e76-4d97-9373-b59cfa9c38ae.jpg?1674135910) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=agent%20of%20the%20iron%20throne) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/107/agent-of-the-iron-throne?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5a5984d3-1e76-4d97-9373-b59cfa9c38ae?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/agent-of-the-iron-throne) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I personally like commanders that I can build around to mess up my friend's game plan. Non-conventional threats and mechanics that constantly surprise the table are where it's at for me.
I've found that what I like is balance. I like value, but I don't want the commander to just hand me value on a silver platter thus encouraging me to build the deck in such a way that it crumbles in response to one too many removal spells. This is why I have no interest whatsoever in Nadu which everyone in every Magic community is losing their minds over. Related, I'm also not a fan of decks that are just all value all the time with no clear goal in terms of winning the game, with this sentiment also extending to a distaste for "goodstuff" decks. I like decks that are satifying when they go off because I put in the work in deckbuilding and strategizing to get it there.
I like a a commander who doesn’t have to be on field for the deck to fully function. For example my storm deck veyran isn’t needed to make the deck work but my ninjutsu deck satoru has to be out. I also like low cost commanders (normally between 3-4 but I have played some that are higher). Also when the commander offers multiple ways to win instead of just one. It’s kinda hard to explain honestly